Unwilling Weapon

A Word With Scott And Logan

After Jubilee had rushed off to go take a shower — and probably pop some popcorn for scary movies — Noh put a hand on Logan's arm, as well as a hand on Scott's shoulder. "I wonder, my friends, if I could have a quick word. Before anything else happens — as it so often seems to," he said softly, his expression entirely serious.

The two X-Men shared a look and quickly agreed. "Anywhere special you want this word?" Logan asked. "Or can we just ... "

"I... am not entirely sure," Noh admitted, looking sheepish.

"Why don't we head down to the War Room," Scott suggested. "No one can overhear us there."

"That ... may be appropriate," Noh said, though he looked somehow more nervous than he had when he thought he was turning himself over to their custody for what he'd done under Hill.

Logan and Scott frowned at each other, but with a nod, Logan led the way and held the door open as the other two stepped inside. Once they were there, the two older men just leaned against the table with their arms crossed and nearly identical frowns on their faces as they waited.

"I admit, I'm not sure of the procedure here," Noh said with a sigh as he ran one hand through his hair. "And perhaps my timing needs work. But I do not want to risk anything else happening to deter me — and so... it is my understanding that if I am to become engaged to be married on your world, I must ask permission first of those whose respect I would earn." He looked between the two of them. "And so I ask it, and will do whatever is required in this custom to show my intent and sincerty."

Scott just grinned from ear to ear and looked down at Logan — who had just... stopped. "Your call," Scott said with a little chuckle. "But I have to ask you, Noh — Do you love her?"

"Of course I do," Noh said, sounding surprised. "I thought that was the point of marriage in this region of your world."

Scott was trying to keep from smiling so hard as he nodded, but he simply couldn't help himself. But when there was no response from Logan and Noh was still standing there looking so hopeful, Scott elbowed his old teammate.

"Right," Logan said to himself as he shifted and bit the inside of his cheek. "You're not gonna pull any more of this stupid stuff that's going to make me have to kill you, right?"

"I assure you, with Jubilee as my life partner, to whom I have pledged my every loyalty and every secret — I feel I could hardly 'pull' any such thing," Noh said earnestly. "Not after what it has done to her this time."

"That's a fair answer, Logan," Scott said out of the side of his mouth.

Logan glared up at him for a moment and let out a deep breath all at once. "She loves you and I just want her happy," Logan said slowly. "So — make her happy. Go ahead."

Noh beamed at both of them for a moment before, hesitantly, he asked, "Is there any — do I need to declare anything formally, or...?"

"The only other thing you need to know at this point is that if you break her heart, I'll do things to you that will give your ancestors pains."

"I understand." Noh looked between the two of them. "Thank you both. Truly." He looked both relieved and exuberant before he made for the door in a flurry of movement, clearly ready to go.

When Logan got out of the War Room, Kurt and Kate were standing outside with smiles on their faces, chatting quietly as Noh rushed past them both.

"Someone missed his Spaceman Spiff," Kate said, and Kurt had to chuckle at her, his arms wrapped around her before he looked up at Logan.