It was 2:30 in the morning and she still hadn’t fallen asleep. She tossed and turned for hours on end. She looked over at the man who shared her bed and an instant smile appeared on her face. She was mesmerized by him while she studied him carefully as he slept.


Goddess, she thought to herself, I haven’t been this happy in a long time. Who would have thought Logan would be the person to help me live again?


While pondering that thought, she quietly and gracefully slid out of bed and headed down to the kitchen, careful not to disturb her love. As she worked her way through the mansion she couldn’t help but feel giddy. Even though it had been a month, she still couldn’t believe it—she was engaged. Ororo knew she had something special with him. Even though they only dated for 6 months before he popped the question, she knew they were meant to be. Ororo and Logan were polar opposites, but that’s what made them perfect.

She was lost in her thoughts of love and her relationship with Logan when she heard a knock at the door. She quickly changed her course and went to answer the door with precaution.


Who could that possibly be at this hour? She thought to herself.

She reached the door and slowly opened it and could not believe her eyes. Scott. They stood there for a short moment just staring; she had to let it sink in. He was dirty and his clothing was falling apart. He looked as if he had just crawled out from underneath a rock. Before she could think anymore he collapsed and she reacted instantly by catching him.

“LOGAAANNNNNNN!!!� she screamed bloody murder. “LOGANNNNN!!! HELP!!! SOMEONE!!!�

She was trying her best to hold her beloved friend without dropping him, struggling under the weight. The few seconds it took Logan to get there seemed like a life time not because of her own discomfort but because she knew her friend need medical attention.

“STORMMM?! What?! What is….� Logan trailed off when he saw who she was holding. He was baffled.

By now, a crowd of students had formed due to all the screaming.

“It’s Scott. He’s Alive. We need to get him to the infirmary immediately. “ Ororo calmly stated with a hint of worry in her voice.

“Bobby, wake Hank-“

“No need ,� Hank relied pushing through the group of on lookers, ‘Oh my stars and garters!’

“From what I can tell, Scott should make a full recovery. No physical harm done, he’s a little on the undernourished side, but that’s nothing we can’t fix.� Beast said to Ororo and Logan.

“I can’t believe it. Scooter is alive after all. Where’d he get the shades? I found the ones he was wearin’ that day when we found Jean.’

“Logan, you know Scott. He probably had an extra pair with him.� Ororo assured him.

“Yeah, he is quite the worry wart if ya ask me.� Logan grunted.

“Logan!� Storm scowled him. “Must you? Now please, go make sure all the children are back in their rooms.�

Without much hesitation Logan did as he was told leaving Ororo and Hank alone with Scott. The two were so caught up in their discussion about how the possibilities of what had happened to Scott that they almost didn’t notice him slowly wake up.
…………

Scott slowly lifted his head and took in his surroundings. Home. He made it. After all this time he was back where he belonged. Well, in the infirmary, but still, it was home. It didn’t take him long to spot his long time friend, more like sister, and his big blue pal on the other side of the room. Before he could flinch his eyes met her ocean eyes.

She and Hank immediately rushed over to his side. Hank instantly started to check his vitals before he even dare let Ororo take a peak. After he gave the clear, she took over. Ororo sat on the side of his bed, still in shock, and pondered. She wasn’t sure what to think of this.


What do I tell him? About the professor? Jean? How do I fill him in on that he has missed? What has he gone through? Is he still the Scott I know and love? Is he---


“I’ll leave you two alone.� Hank interrupted her train of thought.

Ororo acknowledged what he has said with a smile and a small nod of her head. She watched him leave the room.

Once Hank had left the lab, Ororo turned her gaze back to Scott. She smiled warmly before she spoke, a favor that he returned.

“You really gave us quite the scare.� She stated.

“So I’ve figured.�

“How?� Was the only thing she could think to say.

“Honestly, I don’t really know. As for what happened, I am also unsure. I took my bike to Alkali and then she appeared.� He had to clear the lump in his throat before he continued. “She came back to me. Except, it wasn’t really Jean.�

He wanted to say more, but that was all he managed to choke out. Feeling the desperate need to change the subject Ororo decided to try a different matter.

“Well, during your, um, leave of absence,� she decided on her choice words rather carefully, “A lot has changed around here.�

She placed her hand on top his in a comforting way. Scott glanced down and noticed the beautiful ring on her finger. It was white gold and had a princess cut diamond the size of Massachusetts set between two tiny, yet breathe taking sapphires that matched her eyes.

“Whoa, I can see that. Now, about that rock on your hand. Either you have decided to treat yourself to a gift or someone popped the question?� Scott said, a little uncertain of what to think.

She smiled even wider, her eyes lighting up at the thought. Scott took that as an answer.

“I see. Now, who is the lucky guy and whose ass do I have to kick?�

Before Ororo could answer Logan cam strolling in.

“Where’s the furball? Logan grunted.

Ororo rolled her eyes at Logan and looked back at Scott.

“My prince charming.� She gestured towards Logan.

Scott’s mouth dropped that instant. Never had he expected the goddess and the feral to get together, let alone get married. They were polar opposites. While Scott sat in utter shock, Logan strode across the room to stand by his fiancée’s side.

“What’s tha matter One-eye? Cat got yer tongue?� He chuckled.

“Logan!� Ororo, playfully punched him.

“Ro, look at the man. He looks like he’s seen a ghost or somethin’. How can I not?�

Once again before Ororo could answer she was cut off.

“You and him. Him and you. Ororo and Logan?� Scott motioned between the two,�You have GOT to be kidding me. Is this some kind of joke?�

After a few moments of silence and some glances back and forth Scott relaxed as he let the realization set it.

“Wow. You two are serious about this. I never would have placed that one.� He said.

After spending a night in the infirmary, Hank cleared Scott. The young man easily found his way to the kitchen to join everyone for breakfast. It was a Saturday and still way early for any of the students to be awake.

In kitchen, he came upon Ororo sitting at the table with a steaming cup of coffee. Deciding to join her, he poured himself a cup and settled across from her. She smiled wide acknowledging his presence. They sat that way, in comfortable silence, for a good ten minutes before Scott’s curiosity got the best of him.

Ever since finding out about Ororo and Logan’s engagement, he couldn’t really think of anything else. He supposed apart of that had to do with his over protective big brother role, another part of him kind of knew it was to keep his mind off of Jean.

“So. You’re engaged. To Logan.� Scott said.

“So I am aware.� The windrider chuckled.

“Now, I have been thinking. There can only be one reason you two are together.� Scott let his statement hang there before getting on with it. “You’re pregnant.� He teased.

“Scott!� She chided. “I am not pregnant!�

“Okay, okay. Well, how did you two end up together?�

“Well,� Ororo started, “It happened rather quickly…�

FLASHBACK
Flaming cars were being thrown through the dark night sky. The team was finally able to get together. She was right next to Logan. After going through hell and back, they finally understood and respected one another.

“We work as a team.� Logan stated.

“Best defense is a good offense.� Storm replied.

At that, Logan smirked and stared into her deep blue eyes. He knew right there at that moment, he cared for the beauty in front of him more than he had been aware of. She was intelligent, witty, and had a great heart. With all of those remarkable traits, she still held a sense of mystery to her. Logan couldn’t help but want to get to know more about her. He could tell by looking in her eyes that he truly loved her.

She held the stare he was giving her. She was one of few people able to not shy away from it. His gaze gave her sense of comfort. His eyes said everything she needed to know. He was giving her reassurance and strength. Strength and reassurance; something one would not expect from the Wolverine. Now, she was finally able to pin point how she felt about Logan. She loved him.

END FLASHBACK

Ororo told Scott of how she and Logan realized how they felt for one another. She soon told him of the wonderful late night conversations, lunch together in her classroom, and walks in the gardens. She told him stories of humor and anger.

Ororo even shocked Scott by telling him about the little romantic things Logan has done for her. She would occasionally find sweet little notes written in her lesson book, sometimes she would receive a beautiful arrangement of flowers, and of course there were the times when he would just surprise her with a night of her favorite movies.

“Wow. I never would have pegged Logan as the romantic type. Which makes me wonder, how did he propose?� Scott asked.


FLASHBACK
“So you see class, there was no such thing as an average fighter pilot in the second world war. You were either an ace or a target.� Ororo stated.

Just as she was finishing up her history lecture for the day, there was a knock at the door. Ororo turned her head to the open door to find Logan propped up against the door frame with a handsome grin.

“Afternoon, darlin’.�

He straightened up and proceeded in her direction
.
“Hello Logan.� She said quite confused. “Is there something you need,I’m –“

He cut her off with a kiss. She tried to protest but melted in his arms at his touch. This really annoyed her. She hated that he had that affect on her, but she hated it even more because she secretly liked it. When they broke from their short, innocent kiss, Ororo was ready to kick him out of her classroom, but before she could take action he started talking.

“Ro, you mean the world ta me. I can never get enough of you. What I feel for you, isn’t something I can even put in ta words. There are none that can describe it. You complete me. You fill that space that was missing.� Logan declared.

He motioned for her to look to her left with his head. There she saw some of the younger students each holding a letter that spelled out “Marry Me?� She quickly turned in search of Logan’s face. By the time she turned he was down on one knee with a little velvet box in his hand. Ororo was in shock and held her hands at her heart.

“What do ya say?� He said with that sly grin.

“Oh my god. Yes, Logan!� She gasped.

He quickly slid the ring on her finger and embraced her. The whole classroom roared in applause. Logan couldn’t wipe the smile from his face, one that Ororo mirrored. When they broke apart, Logan noticed her tears of joy. Ororo playfully punched his arm.

“I go all out and plan this shindig and you go and punch me?�He teased. “What was that for?�

“That my dear, was for making me cry in front of my students.�

He leaned in for another kiss. As their lips met they both ended up in smiles.

END FLASHBACK


She told him of that day exactly how it played out. After telling it, Scott noticed how she couldn’t stop smiling her beautiful smile.

“He really makes you happy, doesn’t he?� Scott implied.

“Yes, Scott. He truly does.�

After his conversation with Ororo, Scott decided to seek out Logan. Of course, it wasn’t hard to find him at this hour. He went to the wolverine’s favorite place; the danger room. Scott waited outside the doors for Logan to finish up a simulation. It wasn’t long before the doors opened and out came a rather sweaty Logan.

“Scooter.� Logan grunted.

“Logan, just the man I was looking for.�

“What can I do for ya?� Logan asked.

“Well, I really just need to talk to you since you plan on marrying the woman whom I consider to be my sister.� Scott started off. “At first, I was pissed off. God knows how well you and I get along. Now I am not quite as angered, after I spoke with her. Frankly, you make her happy. Logan, I have known her for most of my life and I have never seen her this happy. And, well, I guess what I’m really trying to say is that, well, I am happy for you. I also want to thank you.�

“Thank me? Fer what?�

“Yes, thank you. For being there for Ororo when I wasn't. Helping her with everything. Anyways, back to my point. Now before we end this little conversation, do you really love her?�

At this Logan was pissed. How dare someone question his love for Ororo. It took all the strength and self control he had to keep the beast tamed. Scott seemed to notice the instant mood swing and quickly added on to his question.

“I mean, Logan, you claimed to be so in love with Jean.� He paused after saying his beloved’s name. “I just want to make sure your feelings are genuine.�

“There’s a difference between love and lust, boy scout. Now, don’t get me wrong, I cared for Jeannie. I always will. I cared and lusted for her. I was so wrong to mistake that fer love. I never loved her the way you do or the way I love Ororo. Now, Ro.� Logan smiled at her name. “Ro, is a whole different story. She completes me. She gives me a reason ta live. If someone were ta tell me I could have all the answers ta my past if I were to give her up, I’d tell ‘em to shove it up their ass. Nothin’ else matters to me, expect her.�

Scott was really taken back. He could tell that Logan meant every word he just said. He knew exactly how Logan felt. With that, Scott had a new respect for Logan.

“Well then, all I have to say is congratulations.�

“Thanks. Now, I’m gonna hit the showers. How about after that you and me take the day to get reacquainted?� Logan offered.

“Sounds great.�
…………

Twenty minutes later Scott and Logan could be found walking through the halls of the school. At the start Logan did most of the talking. He told Scott about everything that has changed since he was last here. When he finished Scott was just quiet. He had shown no emotion or anything.

“So, how ya feeling?� Logan asked, surprising himself. Since when did he give a rats ass?

“As best as can be expected. It’s hard you know? Knowing she’s gone. I know that now, after Alkali. I have to accept that. I really am starting to. And I hate that.� Scott felt a lump form in his throat. He waited a few minutes before starting again. “I feel like I’m betraying her. I feel so empty and lost without her.�

Logan could not even begin to imagine what his companion was feeling. He could see the pain etched all over Scott's face and smell the agony he felt.

“If anyone would want ya ta move on with yer life it would be Jeannie. She knows, as well as everyone else, that ya wouldn’t be betraying her. She’d want ya ta be happy. She will live on through her family and friends.�

Scott knew Logan was right. It still wasn’t going to be easy, but he had to move on. Deep down, he knew he owed that to Jean.
……………
Elsewhere

“So once I give the orders, we will attack. They will all suffer. No one will be left standing. Then the X-Men will be no more, my brotherhood.�

Yes, that was his plan; to make them suffer. They ruined his life. He had lost his powers, his cause. Once again, something was taken from him. Although they came back, he was going to make sure that everyone involved in his temporary handicap would pay. Yes, Magneto was going to have his revenge.

Late the next evening, Logan found Ororo sitting behind a stack of paper work in her office. He couldn’t fight the feeling of warmth he got every time he saw her. She was his and he was hers.

“Evenin’ darlin’,� Logan greeted her from under his Stetson.

She looked up and smiled at him. She always melted when she that that handsome smile grace his face.

“Well hello there, cowboy.�

“I was thinking that you and me need some time to ourselves. With everything that has been going around here lately, you of all people could use a break.�

“That sounds lovely Logan, but really, I am so behind in paperwork there is no time for me to—“

“No buts,� Logan interrupted, “I expect you to go up to the room and change in ta something nice. I’m takin’ ya out.�

Ororo sighed; she couldn’t resist him sometimes. So she got up and made her way to her adoring love and wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands found their place on her hips. Propping herself up on her tiptoes, Ororo gave him a sweet kiss on the lips.

“ I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes,� she assured him before letting go of him and gliding up the stairs to their room.

…………………………

“So have ya decided on any colors,� Logan asked Ororo as he drove to their destination.

“Wait, what,� Ororo responded looking quite confused.

“Ya know, fer the wedding.�

Ororo was utterly shocked. She didn’t even think that Logan cared about the details of the wedding. For all she knew, they could get married in cardboard boxes and Logan wouldn’t think twice.

“I really haven’t given it much thought yet.�

“Well, what about pink. It is yer favorite color.�

Ororo laughed at this. She was actually laughing uncontrollably. Logan tried his best to glare at her, but he couldn’t keep it together. Ro was just so cute when she laughed. He loved this side of her. Sometimes he wished she would let others see her this way, but he did love that he was one of the few people she trusts enough to share this with.

“You, the Wolverine wearing pink!?�

“What? It brings out my eyes,� Logan joked.

This response just made her laugh even more. As her laughter ceased, Logan caught her eye and winked at her.

“You really are something, my love,� Ororo breathed. “Where are we headed anyways? We have been driving for quite some time.�

“It’s a surprise so don’t worry about it. ‘Sides, we’re almost there,� Logan said.

Before Ororo could question him any further, Logan had pulled the car over. He got out of the car and opened her door for her and helped her out. When Ororo saw what was before eyes she could barely breathe.

“Logan,� she gasped, “it’s perfect.�

Ororo took in the sight before her eyes. Logan had taken her to a beautiful garden that seemed to have every variety of rose and lily known to man. On top of the natural beauty of the flowers and greenery, twinkling lights were strung from the trees across the entire space. There were lanterns placed strategically around the garden that helped create the perfect romantic lighting. In the back of the garden, there was a table next to the most incredible lilac bush Ororo had ever seen. The bush was so large that it looked more like a tree with gorgeous light purple flowers cascading over the table. A white lace tablecloth was draped over the table that was already perfectly set for two. The sight was so whimsical that it took Ororo’s breath away. She could hardly believe that the Wolverine had put this together.

It wasn’t until Logan came up behind and wrapped his arms around her waist that Ororo was brought out of her trance.

“Only tha best for you, darlin’,� Logan whispered in her ear.

Ororo leaned back into his protective arms.

“What did I do to deserve someone as beautiful and perfect as you,� she said before turning to face him.

Logan looked deep into her eyes as he rested his forehead on hers.

“I love you, Ro,� he said as he pulled her in for a long, passionate kiss.

Logan led Ororo through the garden to the table that awaited them.

For hours, the two sat there and enjoyed each other’s company over a bottle of wine. They spent the night laughing until their sides hurt.

Once the wine was finished, Ororo grabbed Logan by the hands and led him to a quilt that had been spread out in clearing not far from the lilac bush. As they settled down, Logan wrapped his love in arms.

They laid there in silence and gazed up at the stars. With her head on his chest, Ororo nestled her body closer to him. Logan was gently tracing circles on the small of her back.

It wasn’t long before Ororo couldn’t handle it anymore. She moved herself on top of him and went in for a kiss. Logan sat up and tangled his hands into her long white hair. As the kiss grew more intense, Ororo danced her fingers down to the bottom his shirt and began to take it off. Logan eased Ororo onto her back and began unbuttoning her shear black top. He moved his lips to her neck as she started to undo his belt. Logan slowly trailed his kisses down to her hips. Ororo drew him up for one more kiss before they made love under the stars.

……………….

“Alright, darlin’. It’s about time we head back,� he said.

“How about we just stay here forever. I don’t think anyone would notice,� Ororo said with smile.

“Ro, as much as I’d like that, we both have class in a few hours.�

“Believe me I know,� she said as he helped her up.

Once they got back to the car, Ro turned to her love right before he opened her door. She wrapped her arms around his neck and went up on toes. She brought her lips close to his, but stopped just short of a kiss.

“I love you,� she whispered. “Forever and always.�