X-Men Fan Fiction ❯ The Camping Trip ❯ Ch 12 ( Chapter 12 )

See disclaimers in ch 1

Words between ~ ~ are thoughts or mental speak

CH 12

Storm stared out of the window of her loft at the raging torrent outside.  Being one with nature, she could feel the raw power behind the storm, knowing that it was going to last through the night at a minimum.  The lines of worry on her face were evident as she chewed her lower lip and rubbed her folded arms.  A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come"

Scott entered her room respectfully, noting her tense posture as she stood by the window.  At any other time, he would have taken a few moments to appreciate the décor of her room, the simple yet elegant furnishings and all the plants adorning various shelves and alcoves.  But, not tonight.  He was here for a purpose, one he suspected she shared if her mood was any indication.

"Ororo, I'm concerned about Wolverine and Gambit.   They went camping a few days ago, but I haven't heard from them."

Storm turned her head slightly to glance at him out of the corner of her eye.  "Surely you were not expecting them to check in with you periodically on their vacation?"  It was more a statement of fact, than a question.

"No.  I wouldn't expect that at all…..usually.  But, Logan told me that if a storm rolled in, they would be back.  He was anticipating the possibility when reviewing the extended forecast prior to leaving."  Scott shifted and moved closer to the weather goddess.  "I think this classifies as a storm, a major one in fact.  Wouldn't you agree?"

"Hn."  She turned back to face the view outside her bedroom.

Shuffling his feet uncharacteristically, Scott continued.  "I've been trying to raise them on their comm. links.  I don't really expect them to be wearing them, you know, because that would be too much like protocol."  Storm smiled at this statement, knowing full well that her brother was not one to follow the rules.  "But, I also haven't been able to raise them on the jeep's radio.  Frankly, Storm, I'm worried about them."

Storm made no attempt to reply or even acknowledge his concerns.  Scott had hoped to find an ally in his fears.  Several of the other X-Men, his wife included, told him he was being paranoid and to stop with the needless worry.  But, Scott always believed that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.  And this particular character flaw had saved the team more times than not.  He couldn't shake the feeling that the two most colorful of their clan were in trouble. 

Scott sighed, rubbing a hand along his cheek and jaw.  "Well, maybe everyone's right.  I'm just being too protective.  They'll be fine in this monsoon."  The exasperation was easy to detect even without the visual display of slumping shoulders and exaggerated frown. 

His hand fell back to his side and he turned to study Ororo's profile.  She continued her quiet observation of nature's show outside.  A flash of lightening illuminated her regal features, though no outward sign of emotion played on her face.  Feeling defeated at the lack of response from the one person he felt sure would support him in his suspicions, Scott sniffed and turned back towards the doorway as he made his way to leave.

"Scott" 

He hesitated at the sound of her voice, low and soft yet commanding all at once.  Turning around, he faced her back as her body remained in place.  He didn't answer her call, merely waited for her to continue.

"I can feel the fury of this beast.  It will not rest anytime soon.  I do not relish the idea of my brother and Logan attempting to ride it out."  She paused, pursing her lips to chew on the inside of her cheek in careful contemplation.  With arms crossed loosely over her chest, she turned towards the recognized leader and met his eyes levelly.  "Will you consider my request to seek them out at first light and insure their safety?"

Scott smiled.  At last someone was on his side.  "I think that is a fine idea.  But, I don't think you should go alone.  You may have your hands full holding back the elements.  Perhaps Beast and I will join you." 

Ororo returned his smile.  "Yes, that would be most acceptable." 

Scott turned and left her loft, closing the door behind him.  The smile faded from her face and she returned her vigilance towards the window.  There would be no sleep for her tonight.

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