Harmless Flirtation? (August 2011)

McCoys was a favorite bar among some of the Avengers team. It was a nice place to relax, watch some games, and have a few beers. They were well known there by the bar owner and staff and always received great service. That night it was Steve, Kate, Logan, and Natalya. Logan and Natalya had met after Logan had been sent by SHIELD to kill her. Natalya had been created by Tatiana, the Director of the SSB. She had the Super Soldier Serum coursing through her veins that was supposed to have made her into the ultimate SSB killing machine. For years she had been. She had killed countless numbers of people and tortured others to get information. She had been the jewel in the SSB’s crown...then a crack had formed in the wall the SSB had built in her mind. Logan had found her and had decided not to kill her. Instead, he had brought her back to the Tower and convinced the rest of the team to give her a chance. Their gamble had paid off. Natalya had proved to be a vital part of the team. Unfortunately, she was still greatly plagued by what the SSB has done to her but Logan had been there to help her.

Logan and Natalya had slept together, but they had quickly realized that they were better off as friends. She owed a lot to Logan and they were very close. They trained together and their rooms were right next to each other’s so if she had a nightmare he would come in and comfort her. Natalya hadn’t really dated before. She had occasional one night stands but most men wouldn’t be able to understand her or what she had been through. Most men were intimidated by her and stayed away.

That night Natalya sat next to Logan in the booth and the waiter immediately brought over the beers they liked. They were all relaxed. They had gotten back from a mission that had gone very well and they were all in a good mood. Natalya took a sip of her beer and her eyes casually scanned around her.

29 and already retired from baseball Malcolm Cross was living the life. Money, fame, women and he ran, in-part his own sport, clothing line called ‘Inertia’. He had other endorsements as well and his face was on billboards, busses and even park benches in Central Park. He had several charities that he was quite passionate about. But beyond that. Beyond the facade of Malcolm Cross, there was someone else underneath. An agent and a mutant, a superhero called Velocity.

Malcolm wasn’t one for entourages but he definitely had to keep up appearances or he feared people might become suspicious of him. What did retired sports personalities do with their time? Well Malcolm had people who took care of his company and his charities because Malcolm spent his time working for SHIELD and protecting those who could not protect themselves. Tonight he was out in the public eye with his bodyguard Iris who was an expert in martial arts and most types of weapons. Iris was 5’7” tall, blue eyes with dark blonde hair. She had an athletic build but her face when done up was slightly above average and she was someone that could melt into the background. In truth Malcolm didn’t really need a bodyguard but Iris, like everything else helped keep the facade real.

Malcolm was playing darts with 2 other men and one woman who he just met but who knew him. The two men were fans but he suspected the woman, a small, blonde-haired beauty with pale skin and long, blonde hair and blue eyes, knew very little about baseball. Naturally Malcolm was winning though he suspected that those he played with weren’t as into darts as he was.

Malcolm had noticed the dark-haired woman as soon as she sat down at the booth across from the bar. The 2 dart boards were a little further in situated just to the right of the bar and 3 pool tables were beyond them in the back. Other booths and tables were peppered around the large space and the three waitresses weaved their way between them to deliver drinks or to pick up empty glasses and plates. He also knew who she was with. He recalled seeing photos of Steve Rogers...Captain America in several magazines and news reports on television. Anyone who didn’t know who Steve Rogers was most likely lived under a rock. Steve tossed his darts and scored a 5, then a 5 again which was a double and an 11. Another good toss and everyone who watched cheered as he smiled and stepped up to collect his darts. “I’m hot tonight,” Malcolm said. “You certainly are,” the woman said a Malcolm moved and took his stool. “Jesus Christine, keep it in your pants,” One of the men said and the lookers on laughed. Christine, the blonde just stuck her tongue out at the man and everyone laughed at that as well. The beer had been flowing most of the evening and Malcolm helped by buying several of the rounds. All of them in fact and everyone was nicely juiced. As one of the men threw his darts Malcolm turned and looked once more at the dark-haired woman that sat across from Steve. Her dark eyes passed in his direction and he could have sworn their eyes met. When they did his heart actually skipped a beat or even maybe two. Dark eyes, and he could swear she had taken in the entire room in a glance. ‘Is she just a friend of Steve’s or another of those Avenger’s? He couldn’t be certain and he glanced at Iris who sipped on a ginger ale. She sat on a stool against the wall near the pinball machine that was between the darts and the pool tables. Iris glanced over to Steve’s table then nodded and got off of her stool.

Natalya, though relaxed, remained ever on guard. That meant knowing what was happening in the room and where the exits were. This all came from her SSB training. She had made quite a few enemies in her time there and she knew the SSB wanted to take her back and reprogram her. That would involve ‘the helmet’ and just thinking about it made her shiver. The helmet was one of the few things she was actually scared of...no terrified. Logan seemed to sense she was thinking about something and he gently nudged her and smiled at her. She smiled back at him. She didn’t know what her life would be like right now if she hadn’t met him. He was her best friend.

Suddenly, Kate looked at Steve. “Hey, isn’t that Malcolm Cross over there playing darts?”

Steve twisted around in his seat to get a look. He loved baseball and he followed it and the players and prided himself at knowing many of the stats of the various players. “Wow, it is. One of the best pitchers...or used to be one of the best that ever played,” Steve said in awe. “Well he’s taken an interest in our girl here,” Logan said with a smirk just as one of the waitresses's showed up with a tray of beer...the good stuff. “Compliments of Mr. Cross” She said as she laid them down onto their table then stepped away. Iris leaned back against the bar as she looked at them from the left side of the bar. Malcolm lifted his beer to them but he seemed to only have eyes for Natalya.

“It’s your turn Mal,” One of the men said and Malcolm got up and into position to throw his darts. He needed just 17 and on his first throw he hit a 17 and they all looked on in amazement. “Damn,” The man said and the woman stepped up to Malcolm. “Excuse me Christine,” Malcolm said and stepped away from her. The bar was pretty filled and Logan saw Iris shift to stand up. She looked...on guard to him and put two and two together but he didn’t say anything as Malcolm stepped up to their table. He saluted them with his beer.

“I’d normally say something like, ‘THank you for your service’ but I think that would be somewhat of an understatement,” He said and extended his hand to Steve. “Steve...Rogers, I’ve always wanted to meet you,” Malcolm said. “I’m Malcolm Cross,” He said then waited to be introduced to everyone else.

Natalya eyed the man Steve and Kate identified as Malcolm Cross as he approached their booth. She did not watch sports herself and so she had no idea who he was. He was extremely attractive though and clearly confident in himself. She saw him eye her as he introduced himself to Steve. The others introduced themselves leaving her last. She looked at him and her eyes met his.

“Natalya Sokolova.”

Malcolm shook the others hands but when he finally shook Natalya’s hand, he felt the electricity between them, it was as if it were just that. He had heard of their names. All of them, they were only missing the Starks and they’d be the entire bulk of the Avengers. A superhero group that ironically, Nick Fury had put together. Malcolm wasn't a mutant but like Steve, his body and mind were affected by the radiation he had been bathed in as a teenager. He had read the files on the others though he knew full well even SHIELDs files were incomplete. However, they would not allow him access to Natalya’s file.

Kate smiled at the looks Malcolm and Natalya gave to one another. She knew he was into her right from the start. “Do you play darts or pool Natalya?” I mean, would any of you like to play?” He asked the table but only to be polite. His initial intention to get Natalya to himself was apparent.

Natalya hadn’t had sex in a while and had a feeling that this Malcolm might be able to keep up with her. Only Logan had been able to thus far. She was feeling playful, which Logan would know could be dangerous for the person opposite her. Natalya wasn’t a playful kitten, but a wild tiger...a black widow, hence her nickname.

“I do like to play pool,” she told him with a little smile. Logan had taught her how to play and she was very good.

Malcolm smiled. “Excellent, then lets have a game,” He said and Logan chuckled then got out of the booth so that Natalya could. Steve and Kate got up as well and as a group they all moved to the back. 2 of the pool tables were being used but the third one was empty. Everyone had brought their drinks and there were stools and wooden ledges against the wall. Steve placed his beer on the ledge and sat on one of the metal stools to watch. Logan and Kate did the same but Logan caught sight of that some room (Iris) as she moved from the bar to across from them. Now he was certain she was Malcolm’s bodyguard. He picked up his beer and moved around the pool table and sat next to her. He smelled the ginger ale immediately and grinned knowing he was right about her being Malcolm’s bodyguard.

“My money’s on Natalya, care to make a wager?” He asked her.

Malcolm put his coins in and then the balls released. He bent down and put them up into the racking triangle. “You can break if you like,” He said. “How about just standard 8 ball?” he asked as he racked the balls for her and removed the triangle. Steve couldn’t believe this was happening. He grinned ear to ear being this close to one of the best pitchers that ever played the game of baseball. He truly wished he had brought his cards with him tonight. But how would he know to bring Malcolm’s card.

Natalya got up and followed Malcolm over to the empty pool table. As a group they were all pretty recognizable and so a group of onlookers began to form. Natalya and Logan not as much as Kate and Steve, but Kate, Steve, and Malcolm were all pretty well known. Natalya and Logan kept more of a low profile. For Natalya that was due to the SSB still looking for her. Logan just didn't really like the kind of events that Tony, Isabella, Steve, and Kate all attended. Natalya though tended to get attention wherever she went though. She was far more beautiful than the average woman and had a body that made most men start to sweat almost immediately. She had a mysterious and slightly dangerous air to her that also seemed to draw men's attentions. She picked up a pool stick and let Malcolm rack. Christine, the blonde who had been trying to get Malcolm's attention earlier, frowned when she saw the woman he was now with. She stood close by to watch and hoped she might still be able to get him to take her home with him. Natalya tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder and bent down over the table to break.

Iris saw the shorter, stockier man among the group of Avengers approach her. She had moved to where she could more easily see Malcolm. She could see he was attracted to this dark haired girl and she could see why. She was incredibly beautiful, dark, and mysterious. She found it almost funny that this woman didn't seem to know who Malcolm was. She didn't seem interested in him for his fame or money, that was for sure.

Iris glanced over at the man when he suggested they make a wager regarding who would win the game. Normally, she didn't mix business and pleasure but she decided to make an exception tonight. "I don't know. Malcolm is pretty good. Ten bucks?"

Kate sat next to Steve on one of the stools and she could tell he was pretty excited about being this close to Malcolm Cross. She and Steve both watched baseball and she knew he was a fan of his. "This is pretty exciting, hun?" she asked him with a little grin.

Steve nodded and he leaned over and gave Kate a peck on the cheek. Something he almost never did...in public. It meant that he was happy. Moments like these were few and far between for them. It was nice to be able to enjoy a surprise for once. Most of the surprises they dealt with were unpleasant ones.

“Alright, sounds fair,” Logan said as he crossed his thick arms over his broad chest as Natalya broke. It was like a whip crack it was so loud. Balls went flying across the table and several of them sank. Natalya counted them up and looked at how they laid on the table. There were more striped balls but the solids were situated better for more linked shots. Because it had been a while since she last played she decided on the side of caution and chose the solids.

“I’ve seen Stark Tower but I’ve never been inside. Perhaps I could get a tour?” Malcolm asked and Steve spoke up quick. “A tour can certainly be arranged,” Steve said just at Natalya shot. The cue ball struck a green solid ball and it fell into a corner pocket. Natalya came around the table, Malcolm had to move out of her way, as she lined up her next shot.

“So serious,” Malcolm said musingly to Natalya as she bent over to line up her cue to the cue ball again. Malcolm glanced at her butt but didn’t look there for very long. Long enough for Kate’s lips to curl up into a smile though. Malcolm was all smiles. He was enjoying the crossplay though he would have minded a bit fewer people. Half of the bar was watching. He was normally a confident guy but he saw how focused Natalya became when she shot. She sunk the red ball but her cue moved a bit too far for her next shot to be as easy as the first 2. He wanted to win a date with Natalya. To do that he might need to lose this game even though he had a feeling he might lose regardless. He was a good pool player but no expert by any means. Natalya didn’t have an exotic look exactly, but she did appear foreign. He imagined pulling her hair back with his hands as he kissed her full lips. She was extremely beautiful though she didn’t appear to talk much.

Kate was surprised when Steve kissed her cheek. That was something rather rare for him. Steve didn’t normally do displays of public affection. However, when they were in private that was a different matter entirely. Kate had no doubts in her mind if Steve’s love for her.

Natalya was figuring Malcolm out. She could see he wanted to talk to her, but he seemed rather unsure with half the bar watching. Natalya won the first game, though she wasn’t sure if Malcolm had let her win or not. Iris paid Logan with a smile and she stepped away, but kept Malcolm in her sights. She could sense he wanted to be alone with Natalya. The rest of the group slowly dispersed as well and Kate and Steve decided to head back to the Tower.

“So, you’re a retired pitcher huh? I don’t watch sports myself,” she said as she took aim and hit another ball into the corner pocket.

Malcolm smiled. “Lets just say that baseball no longer held a challenge for me. I probably could have hung on for another 4 years but I don’t do something just to make a buck. I mean...not any more,” He said as he stood near the table and watched her. He held his pool cue vertically and was just amazed to her level of concentration. He knew he had that too, any good pitcher did. Natalya being extremely well versed in conversations and body language would know he wasn’t being entirely truthful about that but not to any degree or if it was just an innocent omission.

“Hardly as exciting as being an Avenger I think,” He said but again she felt he wasn’t as awed by what she did or that he understood it in some way. But how could he...if he was just a retired ball player? She sunk another ball but her next one was going to involve a difficult bank shot and he surveyed the table. He had more balls on the table than she did and they were all difficult shots from here on both sides. He looked around to make certain no one was close enough to hear. “You up for a friendly wager on this game? The problem is I doubt you really need money, I know what I’d like if I won but what would you like?” he asked suggestively. He had moved right from sounding uncertain to sounding ‘very’ certain as soon as he had an opportunity to talk to her without prying ears.

Logan would not leave Natalya here alone and so he followed Iris. “So is this gig a 24/7 kinda thing or do you get...ya know, time off?” Logan asked. He couldn’t tell if she was into him at all or not but he thought she was attractive and likely available. He certainly was.

Natalya watched Malcolm out of the corner of her eye as she listened to him. She could tell that he wasn't being entirely truthful about why he had left baseball. That, paired with his less than amazed reaction to her being an Avenger, made her think that there was more to him than he was letting on. She was curious about him and he had her attention, even if he didn't think he did. She didn't like to let men think they ever had the upper hand when it came to her, because truthfully they never really did. However, Natalya was feeling rather turned on and interested in him sexually. Natalya very rarely did things like this, but it had been some time since she had slept with anyone.

A very slight grin tugged at the corner of her lips at Malcolm's suggestion for a 'friendly wager.' She lined up her shot and kept her eyes on the ball. "You."

Iris could tell things were heating up between Malcolm and Natalya and that made her nervous. She didn't know a lot about The Black Widow, but what she did know concerned her a great deal. This woman was dangerous.

"I work when Malcolm needs me to," she responded to Logan, while keeping her eyes on Malcolm and Natalya. She glanced at Logan slightly. "You're very nice Logan, but I don't play for your team...if you get my meaning. That's why Malcolm and I have never slept together."

Logan grunted at what Iris said. ‘Well, you can’t win them all!’ He thought and nearly cringed inside. He hadn’t seen that at all. Now that she had revealed it though, he could see it. “Well Natalya and I are just friends. Good friends and we got each other’s backs. She’s no threat to Malcolm if that’s what your so worried about. In fact I’d say quite the opposite,” He said and rubbed under his nose. Normally his keen sense of smell was an advantage but today...not so much. He could sense that Natalya really wanted to sleep with Malcolm and by how Malcolm reacted to her, he wanted the same. However when this happened Natalya never kept anyone around for a second time. She usually got what she needed and moved on. In that sense she was very much like a man he supposed. Well, one that was only interested in one night stands anyway. He was pretty much the same in that regard. Their lives didn’t allow for entanglements and it suited them just fine.

Malcolm’s eyebrows drew up at what she said and he pursed his lips in thought for a moment. He let Natalya take her shot and she sunk her orange ball. Malcolm casually stepped toward the table and like a cat edging something off of a bookshelf he nudged the 8-ball until it fell into the side pocket closest to him. “I guess tonight, you will get what you want Natalya,” Malcolm said as he smiled and looked at her. His eyes were a dark amber in the dim light and they nearly glowed when he looked into hers. “Iris can drive us...I’m not very far from here,” Malcolm said as he stepped up to her then extended a hand to take her pool cue. He set them on the table then glanced at Iris. Logan smiled and grunted. “I guess it’s a cab for me,” He said and downed the rest of his beer then stood.

Natalya smiled as she watched Malcolm throw the game. It didn't matter who won. They both knew what each other wanted...and they wanted the same thing. She handed him her pool cue and then looked over at Logan. "I'll be right back," she told Malcolm before approaching Logan. She smiled at Logan. "I know you and I had plans to watch a movie tonight, but my plans have changed. Are you alright with this?"

Meanwhile, Iris saw Natalya step away from Malcolm and she approached her boss. "Malcolm, I'm really not sure it is a good idea that you get involved with this woman," she told him as she kept her voice low. "I've heard a little about her and she's quite dangerous."

“Do you really think so?” Malcolm asked. Even more intrigued than before. He could already see the unspoken words on Iris’s face. It was her job to protect him, even from himself but this was not one of those times. “Logan trusts her I think and so do the rest of the Avengers. I think I’ll be alright Iris,” He said as he touched her face and smiled down at her. She brushed his hand away and shook her head as if to say. ‘It’s your funeral’.

“Is that a rhetorical question?” Logan said with a grin. “If anyone needs this its you Natalya. Just don’t break him alright?” When she gave him a completely innocent look he nearly glowered. “He’s well known so if you break him, ya buy it, you understand me? The man’s a household name around here,” He said as he looked at her. That had happened before though neither of them had ever said anything to the others about that. She had had a nightmare and nearly killed the man when he tried to shake her awake. Over time her nightmares had become more or less manageable so he wasn’t too worried about it. “I do expect a full report though...and hope you have fun,” He said then nodded to her and stepped away toward the exit.

Natalya watched Logan step away towards the exit and she walked back over towards Malcolm. Iris seemed to be watching her rather closely and she suspected that the woman didn't entirely trust her. She didn't blame her. She was not well known, and if any information did get out it would likely be about her past, which was some pretty hardcore stuff. However, Malcolm seemed relaxed and so she walked out of the bar with him. Iris went to get the car and after she pulled it up Malcolm opened up the door for her and she slid in and over so he could get in after her. She sat close to him and it didn't take him long to kiss her. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. She slowly pulled back after a moment and smiled a little as she looked at him.

"This is just for tonight, ok?"

Malcolm tried not to melt but Natalya’s kisses made him feel like butter on the sidewalk in 100 degree heat. How she kissed, what her hands did, how she positioned her body. It was an experience more than just ‘necking in the back seat’. He smiled at what she said and he shifted up to talk into her ear. “Lets not put a label on what this is ok?” He whispered then nibbled on her earlobe.

His apartment was across the bridge into Manhattan. The Hudson yards was one of the tallest Residential towers on the island. Natalya would guess this place was around $40 million. Malcolm sent Iris away for the evening and she gave Natalya one last look before she got back into the elevator. Once the doors closed and the light disappeared they were well and truly alone. Normally Malcolm would have asked her if she wanted a drink but not this time. He wanted nothing that might dull his senses and he led her right to the bedroom by the hand.

The penthouse was huge and everywhere was luxurious excess though very classy. The colors were fairly cold like a man’s place might be with grays, earth tones and dark features and art. He did have some very nice art pieces she noticed as he led her right to the bed. It was a very large bed with a thick, black comforter. It took everything for Malcolm not to rip her clothes off. His curiosity was beyond the pale, he could see her strong musculature and wanted to know what that felt like. What ‘she’ felt like but he also wanted to pleasure her too. If this turned out to be their only night together, he wanted to make an impression and so the kissing began again.

Natalya was quite impressed by Malcolm's penthouse apartment. Again, she knew nothing about baseball, but clearly the man had made a lot of money doing it. There weren't any feminine touches to be seen, but that didn't bother her. Natalya wasn't overly feminine herself. The only time she ever wore dresses was for missions. Otherwise, she didn't touch them. She glanced at the pieces of art. They were very modern and abstract in their style, much like the rest of the apartment. She grinned a little as Malcolm led her straight to the bedroom. Right down to business...she liked that.

There were no words spoken between them. They just picked up from where they left off in the car. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the kisses became deeper and more passionate. She felt Malcolm's hands as they roamed her body over her clothes. Her hands did the same to him and she began to unbuckle his belt as he lifted her shirt up and off over her head. That involved them separating for a moment and she saw him pause as his eyes took in what had been revealed. Even still partially dressed as she was, Malcolm would be able to see how firm her body was. There was almost no fat on her, but she wasn't overly muscular either. Part of the reason her body looked as it did was because of the Super Soldier Serum and the other part was because she worked out everyday. She kept her body in the best shape it could be.

It wasn’t just how she looked. Natalya actually ‘felt’ different. She was hard and soft at the same time. Strong, lean muscles and almost no body fat. Malcolm worked out all the time but he didn’t have what she had goin on. He undid her bra just as she pushed his pants and underwear off of his hips. She shifted her arms so fast to get her bra off he pulled his hands away. She liked to touch just as much as he did and he saw her nupples harden when she took hold of him. He knew his were as well as she massaged him with her hand. Malcolm backed up out of his pants and sat on the bed. As he did he took her right nipple into his mouth and began to slide her pants down. She had hips and a nice butt but nothing was too big or too small. It was like she was sculpted by a master artisan. He didn’t even get to repeat himself on the other side before she shoved him back onto the bed then went down on him.

Malcolm had women do this to him before but Natalya knew what she was doing. He moaned and jerked and he could feel her lips form into a smile when he shifted toward her. Malcolm returned the favor and he was happy to feel her squirm as his tongue worked on the most sensitive places in her center. Normally he could get women to orgasm that way but Natalya didn’t. She was being a tough customer and so he wiped his face and climbed up onto her. He teased her a bit and smiled when she shifted to trick him into entering her. Malcolm was no slouch in the bedroom and he was going to see if he could make her melt tonight for a change.

They made love for most of the night. She was on top, then he was again, then she was on her stomach. He was behind her and then on top of her again. There were no words just the noises they each made and the rhythm their bodies made on the sheets as they made love to one another.

Natalya had had to explain to Malcolm that he didn't need to use a condom with her. He seemed rather surprised and unsure at first about that until she told him that she did not have a uterus. She saw he wanted to question her about that, but she hadn't given him the opportunity...nor did she want to talk about it. Natalya had been with countless numbers of men over the years, but she could think of no one that compared to Malcolm. Logan came close, but Malcolm was in a league of his own.

It took a long time for Natalya to finally orgasm, but Malcolm was able to do it. It was only the one time, but Natalya was fine with that. They finally collapsed onto his bed as their bodies could take no more. Again, no words were spoken, but they just lay there together before slowly drifting off to sleep. Natalya only slept for a short time. She woke before Malcolm and slid carefully out of bed. She got dressed and looked at him one last time before leaving the apartment. She headed back to the Tower to get a shower and get changed.

When Malcolm woke up he reached out with his arm but in his heart he knew what he’d find. Nothing. Natalya had left during the night. He had never met anyone like her and he just laid there, on his back and looked up at the ceiling as he thought about her. Her long, dark hair in his hands Her lips on his and the feel of being inside of her. He smiled as he thought about her and leaned over to where she slept and took in her scent. He did know where she lived but he wondered if she felt the same about him as he felt about her. This was not just some, chance meeting. He wasn’t willing to just let her go like this. Not when he had gotten a taste of her.

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Logan heard her leave her bathroom and he decided to see how her ‘date’ went. He’d call it something different but he knew Natalya needed a break and badly and this Malcolm seemed to have what she was after. He never knocked as he opened her door and stepped in. He wore his standard black t-shirt and blue jeans. He saw her in a large, white bath towel tucked over her breasts and another one over her hair. He shut the door behind him as she moved to her bedside table. She took out her nail file and began running it along her nails.

“So...how was he? I don’t think I heard you get back until really early this morning. So I guess you snuck out?” He asked with a grin.

Natalya had never met anyone quite like Malcolm before. She strangely found herself thinking about him, which was odd for her. Usually one night stands were just that and she didn't think about the guy again. This was different, although she couldn't put her finger on what made it different. She sighed and tried to push Malcolm out of her mind. She wasn't built for relationships. She was dangerous and she believed if he knew about her past that he would turn and run in the opposite direction. He was a man in the spotlight and and she was a woman with a dark history.

She took a long, hot shower and washed her hair and the rest of her body. She wasn't surprised to find Logan waiting in her room when she got out of the bathroom. He shut the door behind him and she walked over to her bedside table and got out her nail file. She sat down on the edge of her bed and glanced at Logan.

"He was...incredible. It was a wonderful night, but I think he was starting to get attached to me so I decided to slip out while he was asleep."

Logan crossed his arms over his chest as he listened to Natalya’s bullshit. He had heard it before. “Coward,” He said. He didn’t know Malcolm but knew the guy had been around the block. He’s seen some shit and obviously really liked Natalya. He was disappointed that she cut and ran and he felt he knew why. He had seen her face down bullets, mutants, energy blasts and wild beasts. But when it came to her past she was like a ground hog afraid of its own shadow. “You could have at least made a morning of it,” He said. “Iris, his bodyguard is not interested in ‘men’ or I might have...you know,” Logan said as he looked at her and shook his head. “What am I going to do with you,” He said.

Natalya looked at Logan and then away as she shook her head. "Have you forgotten that I have the SSB hunting me? They want me back and will hurt or kill anyone I care about to make that happen. I'm worried enough about you and the rest of the team to have to worry about Malcolm too. So please stop making me feel like shit," she said as she walked over and pulled out clothes to start getting dressed.