X's and O's - The Nina and Logan Years

2001, Pt. 1

The thrum of a motorcycle announced his arrival - or rather  his return. 

Rogue was the first to greet him - of course - followed closely by others. 

"Look who's come back," Storm quipped, coming down the stairs. "And  just in time."

"Just in time for what?"

"We need a babysitter."

"A babysitter?"

"Yes."

"Will I get paid?"

She chuckled.  "Nice to see you again Logan."

"Hi Logan."

"Jean, Scott."

"Ah, look who comes striding in here like he owns the place." She came  down the stairs last, wearing a smile.  "Hi Logan."

"Hi Nina."

"How are you?"

 Now his focus was solely on her. "I'm great now."

"Logan's going to watch the kids with you," Storm said.

"Oh great, thanks Logan."

"Well I was voluntold. But if you're doing it too, that's fine."

Storm grinned. "I thought so."

"Storm and I are heading to Boston, won't be gone long," Jean explained. "The Professor wants us to track down a mutant who attacked the President."

"So it was  a mutant."

"Yeah."

"And how about you, Scott?"

"Errands with the Professor."

"You'll be here when we get back," Jean told him.

"Unless he plans on running off again," Nina put in.

"Oh I can probably think of a few reasons to stick around," Logan responded, looking at her. 

Now Jean grinned. "That's what I thought."

He held up the keys to the motorcycle - Scott's motorcycle to be exact - and jingled them. "Oh and Scott, before you go, your bike needs gas." He tossed the man his keys.

Scott swiftly returned them.  "Then fill her up."

"We'll see you later." And with that, everyone scattered, off to see to their various duties, their various missions. 

That left Nina and Logan alone in the entry hall - only after Bobby dragged Rogue away.

"Bye Logan, I'll see you later!"

"Yeah, see ya, kid."

"You've returned at a busy time," Nina said, feeling a little awkward now that they were alone. 

"Yeah, it seems that way. Well-" Logan jingled the keys once more.  "You wanna go for a little adventure and take Scott's bike for a spin before we're on the clock?"

She was going to say no, make an excuse about how much she had to prepare for (which was true but...) Then she realized, what would be the harm in it? 

And so she agreed and hopped onto the back of Scott's motorcycle behind Logan, tucking her small body against his larger one.

"Hang on, Sweetheart," he said before speeding off. 

He took the long route to the gas station, drawing out their time together. Once the bike was once again full of gas they continued their ride, dipping into the trees and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.