Fervent Feelings

X2 Chapter 11 - Always The Fool

I approach Bobby as he finishes setting up the last of our tents, my right hand tucked behind my back, gripping my left arm nervously. "Hey... Bobby," I call out, my voice soft. He looks up from where he's locking the inflater to his tent, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Can we talk?" I ask, my tone edged with uncertainty.

Bobby nods, standing up and dusting off his hands. "Sure," he says, his gaze warm as he falls into step beside me. We start walking, the cool night air wrapping around us as we leave the campsite behind.

I glance over my shoulder, checking to see how far we've wandered from Logan's tent. I need to be out of earshot. "You said you see me like a sister, right?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Bobby's brows knit together in confusion. "Yeah, why do you ask?"

The ground beneath us crackles with the sound of twigs and fallen leaves as we continue our slow pace. "I just... wish I could talk to Scott about something," I admit, my words trailing off as I wrestle with my thoughts.

"I'm all ears," Bobby grins, stuffing his hands into his pockets. The look on his face is one of genuine happiness, glad that I trust him like a brother.

"You and Rogue..." I begin, my mind wandering. "You guys can't really touch because of her powers... but you still seem happy together." I hesitate, my thoughts tumbling over themselves. "I'm in a similar situation right now. I want to be closer to someone, but I'm scared of my mutation."

Bobby suddenly tugs on my forearm, halting our walk. His expression is more serious now. "Is this about Logan?" he asks, amusement creeping into his voice.

"Keep your voice down!" I hiss, glancing around nervously, my teeth gritted in warning.

Bobby chuckles, shaking his head. "Look, you're 24 years old. That's a whole-ass adult. You shouldn't be scared of who you are... you should embrace it, like we all do." He smiles, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and understanding. He brings his hands together, and I watch as a swirl of ice forms between his palms, slowly taking shape. When he opens them, a dog tag—familiar and unmistakable—rests in the middle of his palm.

The cold substance touches my skin as he places it in my hand, the ice beginning to melt immediately, water dripping down my wrist. "Just... think about what I said," Bobby says with a nod, his voice softer now, before turning and heading back toward camp.

I stand there for a moment, my gaze fixed on the miniature ice sculpture slowly dissolving in my hand. The water trickles down, cooling my skin as the dog tag—Wolverine's dog tag—catches the faint light of the stars above.

*** Logan's POV ***

I lay in my tent, idly fiddling with my dog tag, running my thumb over the cold metal like I've done countless times before. The weight of it feels heavier tonight, a reminder of the past I can't seem to remember. The night is still, the only sound is the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. But then, the soft crunch of grass underfoot catches my attention. A familiar silhouette approaches, the dim light revealing her figure as she draws closer.

The zipper of the tent is slowly pulled open, and Y/n steps inside, her movements deliberate and silent. She doesn't say a word, just moves toward me with quiet determination. She lowers herself to her knees, her eyes never leaving mine. I sit up, my body tense, already sensing something's off.

"Look..." I begin, trying to find the right words, but she silences me with the gentle press of her fingers against my lips. Her touch is warm, and comforting in a way that makes my chest tighten. Her e/c eyes flicker between mine and my mouth, and then, without warning, she leans in, her hand cupping my cheek as she presses a soft, tender kiss to my lips.