Storm of Contention

By Trynia Merin

Notes: A sequel to Loose Ends, regarding the rift between Storm and Kitty, and her reaction to hearing Logan and Jubilee's impromptu 'rescue' of Excalibur in Loose Ends. Possible Ro/Lo relationship.

Disclaimer: I don't own the X men, Marvel does. This story is written out of enjoyment and is not for profit... etc. It is Fanction.

Several patrons sat quietly talking or watching the small television mounted high on a shelf overhead. The barkeep polished a freshly washed glass with the towel slung in the front of his pants. He set it down in the rack before rushing over to grab the teakettle and refresh the cup of a young lady sitting with her book for company. The smell of bangers and mash drifted into their nostrils as Pete pulled out a stool for Kitty. In his shirtsleeves, Wisdom waved to Anne Crossan, who took her time wandering over with a tray. Kitty watched him tap his smoke on the varnished bar top, then fumble for his lighter.

"You remember, mutant friendly?" Pryde whispered.

"That's what ya get f'r draggin my arse outta bed so soddin early," he grumbled. Like a parched plant soaking up water he inhaled his first nicotine-laden breath, instantly straightening up. Dishes clanked before them while Anne Crossan served their respective breakfasts. Kitty tore open her mini box of cereal and pretended to ignore Pete's rubbing his hands together with his expectant chuckle.

"Another cholesterol clogger fr sure, an' another nail in me coffin' accordin' to the Scottish Harridan. Wish I could see the look on her face when I get this down the hatch," he smirked. Unfurling the Daily Mirror, Kitty munched herHealth-E-Flakes with slices of banana. Next to her, Pete Wisdom scooped up a bit of runny egg with a piece of fried toast. Then he popped the soggy bread into his mouth.

Out of the corner of her eye Kitty watched him, feigning disgust. Yet her hazel brown eyes twinkled with that celebratory joy that she had found a man who intrigued her. What others found repulsive, she found downright endearing regarding her English ex agent.

"Ere, what's black n' red with a million legs?" Pete grunted. With his knife and finger he then piled baked beans on the remainder of the toast before shoveling it into his mouth.

"Dunno."

"Got no idea either, but it's runnin' up yer thigh..."

"Eww, don't EVEN..." Kitty got out, phasing automatically. She slid down the barstool and landed backside first on the hardwood floor the instant she realized it was a trick.

"Don't damage yer lovely bum, Pryde, since it's the best one this side of the Atlantic," Pete snickered, reaching down his hand to help her up. Kitty stuck her tongue out at him while he hauled her up to her feet effortlessly.

"I'm going to think of a suitable punishment for that latter, you smarmy git," she pouted.

"Was getting too quiet, an ya know I hate it when things go quiet like..." Pete explained. "Wot's the silent treatment for? You getting tired of me already?"

"I thought you said I talked way too much," Kitty retorted.

"Don't be stupid, love, when did I ever bleedin' say a naff thing like THAT? An' if I did I was joking like!"

"Just making sure... can you blame me? I'm walking on eggshells with everyone lately..."

"Since when did ya have to play soddin games with me? Guess I didn't pick up the bloody memo..." Wisdom complained. "You still havin' second thoughts?"

"No, you stupid git," she snorted, rolling her eyes. "I just... you know..."

"Now I'm psychic, like?" he lifted an eyebrow. "No changin' yerself for the likes of me, cause I like your pedigree to be 100 percent you... not grade A diff fake..."

"I've just got a feeling something ELSE is going to happen, and I'm missing it. Logan coming to visit unannounced is ONE thing... but when you're an X man, you always expect the unexpected," Kitty said. "No scratch that... you obviously do..."

"Makes life all the more excitin' like, an' worth the shite in the end, don't it?" Pete asked, closing his hand that held the stump of his lit cigarette over hers. Long bony fingers squeezed hers, and Kitty was thankful she had won the long fought battle to remain solid despite her nerves.

"Yeah, I'm just imagining things..." Kitty said, exhaling from her diaphragm. In and out, focus and concentrate on your navel Pryde... put some of that martial arts training to use now.

"How about a kiss, love?" Pete asked, puckering his lips. His arm snaked around her waist, still holding the lit smoke to pull her toward him. Kitty tasted the bite of nicotine mingled with coffee, greasy toast, and egg present. She backed away, coughing at the residual mouthful of smoke curling out of her nostrils.

"Eww, you jerk," she winced, waving her hand.

"Who's smokin' a fag now, Pryde?" he grinned.

"Ummm... that glass of whisky over there looks like it needs some more coffee..."

"Just the way I likes it," he chuckled, watching her tip half the glass into his cup. Noisily he slurped it down to wash the mouthful of beans with toast he had just tossed down the hatch.

"Your funeral, pal," she said, and dug her elbow into his ribs. Pete coughed spasmodically, till Kitty slugged him on the back.

"Hard Cheese, I wanna be able to stick with you as long as I can, Pryde," he answered. Smoke curled from the tip of his lit Marlborough cigarette sitting in the ashtray. He took a long drag from the 'fag', followed by another chug of alcohol laced coffee. Reaching out again he tugged Kitty over so she sat on his knee, settling her in place with a grunt of satisfaction. Kitty blushed momentarily at the attention, but then relaxed when Pete's lips closed over hers again tasting of java and Beefeaters instead of the ashtray to their left.

"Stop biting your tongue, fuzzy," Amanda scolded him. His tail slipped around her leg, constricting tightly.

"I know, Schatzi, but this is nerve wracking," Kurt mumbled. The craft swiveled its VTOL engines, then hovered over the platform with a blast of cold air.

Kurt Wagner blinked hard when Ororo emerged from the Yukon Princess. She extended her arms to him, long platinum hair fluttering like a banner in the misty morning breeze. Her long linen coat fluttered briefly. More for fashion it was than warmth, for she could control the climate immediately surrounding herself at will. Blue eyes sparkled with exuberance for life, while her full lips were upturned in a happy smile. Beside him, Amanda Sefton grinned, then broke into a run to greet her.

"Liebchen, it HAS been far too long," Kurt said warmly, and politely. He leaned down in a bow, taking her hand to raise it to his lips.

"Always the silver tongued gentleman, Kurt," Ororo smiled warmly. They folded one another in a long embrace, rocking back and forth. Standing right near her, Kurt felt the tropical warmth exuding from her body. Like brother and sister they were, Amanda realized. Yet she saw the pathos twisting Kurt's features momentarily before he let go of Storm.

"Amanda? It has been a long time!" Ororo beamed. Chocolate dark complexion glowed with health, and Kurt and Amanda exchanged quizzical looks. While they were accustomed to seeing this expression of contentment on Meggan, Kitty or Amanda's faces, seeing it on Ororo's was a huge surprise. Not a look of simple bliss, but a full-blown case of morning afterglow. She had the face of a woman who had blossomed under the attention of a new lover.

"I was starting to forget what you looked like... c'mere," Amanda grinned. The two old acquaintances embraced warmly.

"This is a surprise... liebchen... you MUST pardon me for asking such a silly question, but where is Logan? I understand you were both coming for a visit?" Kurt asked.

"He went on ahead to meet with Kitten naturally," Ororo said. "It was his idea that you and I could get caught up a bit, while we got settled in..."

"GOOD idea," said Amanda quickly. "You know what they say about great minds... I was just thinking how NICE it would be for us to take you on a tour of this lovely island..."

"It's been ages since I've been here," Ororo nodded. "Kurt, that would be wonderful..."

"Ach, well I was thinking," Kurt scratched his head. He shifted his weight uncomfortably from one foot to another. Amanda sighed, realizing she would have to all but light a fire under his blue tailed behind.

"I'll show you to your room, and help you unpack... while Kurt takes the Midnight Runner to the mainland to pick everyone up..." said Amanda, taking Storm's arm. "And you can fill me in on the whole goings on back at the ol' homestead..."

"I had hoped to speak to Kurt a bit," Ororo said. "But if he doesn't mind... I think he and Logan would enjoy some male bonding time together..."

"Not at all..." Kurt said, exhaling. Ororo's eyebrow arched, and she glanced at Amanda quizzically

He seemed suddenly relieved , the Wind Rider reflected. In her mind pieces of the puzzle were dropping together. Why the island was deserted except for the two who came to greet her. It had been her idea to have Logan meet with Kitten first, then make her feel as much at ease as possible, then suddenly unceremoniously bump into her when bringing them back to the island. Logan would then be her 'ally' and Kitty would not suspect they had come together, hopefully till much later.

Kurt noticed the cogitating look, and relaxed for a moment. Yet he felt nonplussed that Ororo was not immediately seeking Kitty out and demanding to know where she was. Perhaps she had ascertained that something had gone down. Also, she had not asked where Piotr was. Another odd twist.

"Come along... let's go... Kurt you'd better get on over there soon, or else they'll start the fun without you..." said Amanda, urging Ororo with her.

"I'll just... bring in the luggage first," said Kurt as he walked up the gangplank.

"No, don't be silly I can help," Ororo threw her hand up. She walked beside him, and together they stepped onto the Yukon Princess. Amanda followed at a distance.

Kurt picked up a small suitcase, while Ororo picked up her makeup case and Logan's duffel bag. "I meant to ask... is Piotr here?"

"Um well... er..."

"It seems that he was here, but I see he has come and gone..." Ororo said neutrally. She saw the tension cross his face, and he turned his back momentarily to exit the plane.

"Well... it's a long and complicated story... but don't fear... Piotr... is receiving treatment for his depression... under the care of Dr. Rory Campbell... the other members of Excalibur thought it would be good for him to take a tour of Paris and see the Louvre..." Kurt coughed.

"How marvelous that he's enjoying painting again..." Ororo said. "He used to enjoy it so much... I supposed that he might be here..."

"Well... he didn't know you were coming," said Kurt, half-lying.

"Of course not. I'm sure if he HAD he might have naturally stayed," Ororo chuckled. Kurt sighed inaudibly, almost tripping down the gangplank. If not for his agility, he could have tumbled head over heels and landed with his furry blue skull cracked open on the tarmac.

"Whoops," he gasped, whipping his tail around the railing.

"Careful, Kurt... are you all right?" Ororo asked. Amanda groaned.

"I um... well... we've been under a lot of pressure lately... surely Logan has told you about..."

"He did tell me about his and Jubilee's impromptu space jaunt," Ororo chuckled. "And that he had seen Piotr then... as well as Kitten... it's been far too long since we've all been TOGETHER..."

"Yes... er well... Piotr... well he's been under a lot of stress..."

"Losing his sister and entire family would do that," said Ororo reflectively. "I cannot blame him for being bitter. I only wish I understood why he left... except that he is perhaps angry with Xavier for failing to save his sister... naturally he would run and hide... but thank Goddess he is with family..."

"Yes... he's gotten on quite well with Meggan especially, she LOVES to watch him paint," said Amanda brightly. "The room is this way..."

"Thank you Amanda... I'll take that, Kurt... you can catch me up on Piotr and Kitten later... when you go to pick up Logan from the mainland... it will be good to see everyone again," said Ororo as she kissed Kurt's cheek. He sighed deeply, letting Amanda grab the suitcase and whisk Ororo away. Her blue gaze fixed with a question and filled him with more unease then he had initially.

"Lieber Gott, bitte helfen Sie mich!" he groaned, touching fingers to forehead, heart, right shoulder, followed by left shoulder then heart again. "Und bitte geben Sie mir viele Kraft!"

"Bingo," he grinned, knocking back his hat a bit. He unbuttoned his alpaca jacket and wandered into the main part of the pub. People cast him a momentary glance before going back to minding their own business, mainly eating and reading the paper. Good, Logan thought. Everyone here knew when to keep their flamin' mouths shut, which was a point in its favor already.

Wouldn't Kurt be surprised when Ororo landed by herself at the Island? He had a suspicion Kitty would make herself scarce upon hearing about his arrival. It was a game they played, to see if her ninja skills could outwit his tracking skills. He surmised that she was hoping he would track her down so he could spend some quality time alone with his 'Pun'kin', away from the general insanity of everyone else.

Ororo was probably resting supposedly in the room that Moira had assigned to them. Since guest space was at a premium, Logan figured it was only natural they could bunk together. Just how Kitty was going to react to the notion of him and Storm as a couple was anyone's guess. Ororo would most likely keep it discrete at first, then announce it when she felt good and ready.

He approached the young couple sitting at the bar. Kitty Pryde's chestnut hair curled down over her shoulders, almost touching her backside that was planted on Pete Wisdom's slender leg. He had it propped on the brass rail of the bar, while his face was eclipsed by the back of Kitty's head. Pheromones wafted toward Logan, who shoved his hands into his pockets. An amused smile tugged the corners of his mouth upwards. Judging by the way they were moving their heads in little half circles, they were redefining the notion of sharing breakfast.

"Did I miss chow?" Logan asked, standing directly to Pete Wisdom's left.

"Soddin... bloody HELL!" Wisdom exploded, and jolted out of the kiss. Sliding through the stool they landed with a thud on the hardwood floor. Both tried to awkwardly untangle themselves under the stern gaze of the Canadian tapping his foot only inches from where they were sprawled.

"Logan? What TOOK you so long?" Kitty squealed in a manner uncharacteristic of a seasoned veteran X man who had taken down villains like Fenris and Dr. Doom. Logan grabbed her outstretched hand and hauled her to her feet. He tucked her into his arm, then reached down to Wisdom.

"You mean you EXPECTED him to show up outta soddin' thin air an' scare the shite outta us?" Pete complained batting Logan's hand aside. He muttered a few choice curses while hauling himself up to stand.

"Well, what do you think?" Kitty giggled.

"You tryin' to give me a heart attack, mate?" Pete glared at Logan.

"This clown behaving himself, Pun'kin?" Logan joked, hugging Kitty tightly. He extended a hand to Wisdom, who shook it firmly.

"Not bad work, mate..."

"You're losing your touch, pal," Logan scolded Pete, then slugged his back. "Unless you're expectin' Kitty here to be the one on sentry duty..."

"Naturally, mate. I'm worshippin' the Goddess of Computin' an' Cat o' the Shadows, like... for me mornin' entertainment. Paper's two short planks an' a load of rubbish anyway..." Pete chuckled.

"While you two MEN are busting each other's chops, why don't you sit down and join us, Logan?" Kitty asked.

"Why don't we get a table then," said Logan.

"Someplace far from the nosy parkers, eh?" Pete nodded. "Anne, get us a table, will you luv?"

"Right this way, sir... can I get ye anything t' warm yer bones, tis a cold morn t' be comin' in fr a visit," Anne said as she regarded Wolverine.

"That's the trouble wi' this bloody town, mate, they're all related up here, like," Wisdom whispered overdramatically.

"Guess you've heard all about the Canucklehead, huh, darlin'?" Logan asked as he glanced up at Anne with a charming but rugged smile.

"Only the fun parts," Anne said without missing a beat. She winked and motioned them to follow her.

"You two are HOPEPLESS," Kitty groaned, threading her arms through Pete and Logan's. Walking between the two most important men in her life, she followed Anne to a secluded table in the front of the pub.

"Right this way... I think you'll like this one..." Amanda said, tossing her head in the direction of the door at the end of the room. "It has the most windows... and a small balcony overlooking the bay..."

"Thank you, Amanda," Storm said.

"Is it me, or do you look incredibly perky today?" Amanda asked. She opened the door to one of the small neat guestrooms on the upper floor.

"Well, it isn't every day that you get to visit old friends and relatives," Ororo smiled, and glanced bravely around the small room with its stone walls. They were whitewashed and covered with pictuers. A four poster bed dominated the scene, flanked by a small love seat and table on the left, while a vanity and chest of drawers sat up against the wall to the right. Amanda set Storm's suitcase on the bed, then turned to see Storm dropping Logan's duffel bag just inside the door.

"I guess you're not going to bother with asking where Logan's staying, huh?" Amanda asked, sitting down on the bed. Her knowing wink caused Ororo's toffee complexion to flush mahogany.

"Goddess," Storm whispered, realizing Nightcrawler's sweetheart had put the story together. "I..."

"Way to go. I was WONDERING when you two would get together," Amanda giggled. Storm slammed the door shut, before rushing over to her.

"Amanda... how in the Goddess Name... it's NOT what you... keep your voice down!" Ororo shushed her, trembling in anticipation and fear as she glanced wildly around.

"C'mon, 'Roro, we're both girls, you can confide in me," Amanda said dismissively. "Honestly, you know me well enough that nothing gets past this witch and her deductive powers..."

"It's not YOU that I'm worried about, it's KURT," Ororo whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. She closed her eyes, then smiled slightly with a knowing grin that showed her initiation into the club of couples and the understanding that most women shared about comparing experiences.

"Big brother from heck, huh?" Amanda grinned, digging her ribs with an elbow. "Well, what did you expect?"

"Does he suspect?" Storm asked, her blue eyes wide with shyness.

"I dunno, but I think he's got OTHER things on his mind right now... I guess you heard about Kitty? Why ELSE would you be here except for Piotr..."

"Kurt mentioned Piotr was on a trip..."

"Oh yeah... he needed to get away and think, you know..." Amanda said quickly, struggling to keep their cover story straight. "Um... considering what he's been through... and um Kitty... well... she has a new boyfriend..."

"And I'm sure Piotr was jealous, was he not, and is THAT why he went on this trip perhaps?" asked Storm.

Amanda seized on this hypothesis, though not QUITE the real reason; it would suffice till Kurt was ready to fill Storm in on Piotr's mistake. "Yeah... he wasn't too happy to find out about Pete Wisdom... and um... I think Kitty's gonna be really nervous when she knows you're here..."

"I had thought as much. Though I think I'm beginning to understand WHY she would be reluctant to tell me of her new relationship... in light of the awkwardness I felt in revealing the nature of my relationship with Logan... as of late," Storm confessed. Amanda's eyes widened, and she blinked.

"Yeah... that IS it pretty much," said Amanda. "She's scared to death that you're gonna be the mother in law from HELL..."

"Tell me about this Wisdom..." said Storm. She rose from the bed, and opened her case.

"They're happy, Storm," said Amanda quickly, not knowing where to begin. Slowly she got up and paced the room, hugging herself. Quietly Storm pulled open a drawer, emptying the contents of her suitcase into it. All of the items were folded into neat piles. Strange for a woman who had started her time in the X men never thinking clothes that important.

"He's a good man. He had some lousy luck with the British secret service... and he went on a mission to pull one of his buddies out of a bad situation... Kitty tagged along... and then next thing we know they're saying they're in a relationship... and well Kurt wasn't too happy, and neither was Brian..." said Amanda quickly.

"I see," said Ororo, her blue gaze penetrating, wanting to probe for the pieces that Amanda's vague description had skirted around. "I suppose I was wise in dropping Logan off to meet with her first... if I know Kitten she is most likely with this Mr. Wisdom elsewhere..."

"Um yeah, that's it... they often eat breakfast at this little pub called the Chalk n' Cheese... Logan's gonna love it..." Amanda said, wheeling on her.

"Amanda, relax... I am not going to make you be a mediator in this," Storm reassured her. She gracefully crossed over to pick up Logan's duffel bag. Amanda watched her set it next to the suitcase on the bed, removing neatly folded flannel shirts and T-shirts.

"Well..." Amanda bit her lip.

Pulling out another drawer, Ororo then turned to start loading the contents of Logan's bag inside. She said, "I only want to catch up with Kitty, not grill her. I came to try and understand why she resents me, and to meet this man that Logan says she's in love with..."

"Well if you're worried about him mistreating her, you'll have to stand in line with Kurt and Brian. They weren't too happy about it... but you can talk to Kurt about that..." said Amanda, flopping down on the bed. She sta4rted bumping the side of the high bed with the back of her heels.

"I look forwards to it. But you mentioned a tour of the island... it's been a while since I was last here, and I am anxious to see how it has changed..." said Storm, sliding the drawer shut. Neatly she nested Logan's empty duffel into her suitcase, then closed it with a click. Taking the case she set it on the trunk at the foot of the bed.