Xavier Institute

3 months after Madripoor

Soft pink an white petals floated on the breeze, filling the air with the fragrance of orchids and lilies. The trees rustled gently in the wind, the light chatter of branches filling the silent air. From where he stood atop a grassy knoll, staring across the short breadth of silk aisle, that felt more like miles, Logan felt his chest tighten and his vision blur at the sight walking towards him. So caught up in her, he had to remind himself to breathe.

Ororo smiled with undiluted love as she approached slowly, the soft sound of music beginning to play in the background. Several eyes turned towards her as she approached, her hand clasped tightly to the man rolling beside her in his wheelchair. Her long hair hung in loose waves down her back, crowned with a wreathe of flowers, primarily orchids and pink lilies, matching the bouquet clutched in her free hand. He long white dress flowed behind her in ripples of soft silk, the gown hand picked by her and Jean over two years ago, but modified by Ororo for this day. Slender straps fell loosely about her shoulders, caressing her upper arms with each step she took. It was a gown fit for a goddess of Earth, simple and breathtaking. The only elaboration was done on the bodice of the gown, which was embroidered with delicate silver vines and leaves, the stitches done by Ororo herself.

Now, walking towards the man who held her heart, Ororo's normally steady hands trembled and her full bottom lip quivered with emotion. They had fought so hard, so long to get here and finally--finally, here they were. Logan looked unbearably handsome in his tailored black tux, a solitary lily pinned to his lapel, his dark hair, always unruly, seemed slightly tamer than usual, but still had a definite 'wild' look about it, and she's have it no other way. He turned towards her as she drew nearer to him and she delighted in the rippling of muscle beneath his jacket. Logan was the embodiment of all that was virile and primal in nature. If she was the nurturer, then he was the protector.

Ororo's eyes wandered to Jean, her Matron of Honor, slightly swollen now with child and she gave her a tremulous smile. Jean of course was already crying, but the grin that lit her face was beautiful and the support and love in her eyes made Ororo thankful for her in her life. Shifting her blue eyes her smile broadened at the sight of Logan's best man. Gambit gave her a wicked grin. Over the past several months Gambit and Logan had bonded, their mutual grieving for Ororo tying them together in a strong bond of friendship.

The flower covered arch was near, now. Kurt donned in his finest robes, presiding over the ceremony. Ororo turned her warm gaze to Logan, who was staring at her with a mixture of intense love, and animal lust. Ororo would never tire of that look, loving the way his dark eyes glittered at her, their steel gray heating to smoldering black. They had reached the altar, and Charles kissed her hand.

You are beautiful…Daughter.

Thank you, Father.

Logan felt his heartbeat accelerate as Charles handed Ororo's hand over into his. He gave her slender fingers a gentle squeeze, and she returned it. Looking at her now, her beauty beyond compare, only outshone by the purity of her soul, Logan knew happiness like he had never dreamed possible. No one had touched him the way Ororo had, so completely consuming his senses and filling his heart and soul. She was his everything.

Ororo turned, handing Jean her bouquet, receiving a tender smile from her friend. She turned back to Logan and her breath caught at the powerful love she saw reflected in his eyes. She mouthed the words: I love you, causing him to rumble gently in his chest.

"Dearly beloved…" Kurt began, his slightly accented voice carrying over the group of X-men, family and friends that were there to witness the union of the mighty Wolverine and the Storm that had claimed his heart.

Kurt was speaking, but the only sound either Logan or Ororo heard was the pounding of each other's heart. Their gazes locked, hands clasped fast, their souls bared for the other to see. Looking at them was like looking at love personified, so enraptured with each other, so oblivious to everything but their love.

"Ororo and Logan have written their own vows, and I would ask that they share them now." Kurt looked at Logan expectantly.

Logan took a ragged breath, staring deep into Ororo's cerulean on sapphire eyes, his voice husky as he spoke. "The first thing I ever noticed about ya, was yer eyes. They captivated me, and held me. Yer eyes are such beautiful blue sometimes I can't look away, and when ya look at me like ya are right now, I tell ya, it's hard ta breathe." He took another breath, his chin dimpled with emotion. "Ye've done the impossible, darlin'. Ya've washed all my wounds for me, cleaning the darkness from my veins, freeing my heart. We've been through so much, 'Ro, ta get where we are today, and I need ya ta know that never again will we be apart. No bonds can hold me from yer side, I will spend forever with you." his voice cracked. " I couldn't love you, anymore than I do, it'd be impossible. You are my heart, my soul, the very reason I breathe. Ya know you're all that I live for and I'd die just to hold you, take care of you, call you mine. I love you now, I will love you forever. Always."

Ororo blinked, her voice heavy and tight with love as she began. "These softly spoken words that you have given me will remain locked in my heart. There are so many sweet words that I want to give you, to tell you how much you mean to me, to tell you how proud I am to be standing here beside you today." Ororo paused, her lip quivering and Logan gave her a tender smile, his gray eyes misty. "When we are together, I feel perfect, and when I was forced away from you, I nearly fell apart. It was you and our love that gave me strength, that pulled me through, that lead me home." He squeezed her trembling fingers and she smiled with infinite love. "You are such a proud and honorable man, Logan, and I pray that I am worthy of such a gift that is your love. You are my night sky, full of infinite potential, and mysterious depths. I have always been right behind you, Logan, and now I will always be right beside you, as your wife." A single tear slid down her supple cheek. "I will honor our vows, and protect your heart all the days of my life and beyond."

"The rings, please." Kurt waited for the Gambit to hand Logan the rings. "The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows James Howlett and Ororo Munroe have made to one another. Bless O God these rings, that Ororo and Logan who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives."

Logan slid the intricate gold band along Ororo's finger, resting just outside her engagement ring, which she refused to remove. "Ororo, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, your Bright Lady and Beloved Goddess, with this ring, I thee wed."

Ororo took Logan's hand, sliding the matching band along his finger. "Logan, my love, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of your Father, and his Son, and of the Holy Spirit, by my Bright Lady and Beloved Goddess, with this ring, I thee wed."

Kurt cleared his throat, his own eyes clouding up with emotion. "In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. Logan, you may kiss your bride!"

Several cheers went up as Logan swept Ororo into his arms, his lips descending on hers with slow tenderness. Thunder boomed in the clear sky and several guests jumped, but Ororo and Logan simply held each other, their mouths grazing and kissing lovingly.

"I meriwet ek djet, hi. Djet." Ororo murmured against Logan's mouth.

"I meritwet ek, ib-i." He replied, hungrily devouring her lips.

A round of applause separated them, both flushed and breathing heavy. Jubilee released a stream of plasma fireworks into the air and Kitty tossed flower petals into the air as Logan and Ororo made their way towards the mansion.

Once inside the reception began without preamble, the need to celebrate felt by all who basked in the warm glow of Ororo and Logan's love.

Logan took Ororo into his strong arms as the first dance of the rest of their lives began. They moved together around the room, lost in each other's eyes, his hand sliding up the open expanse of her back, caressing the velvet smoothness of her skin. Ororo leaned into him, whispering in his ear.

Logan jerked back, gave her a puzzled look, then with a grin the devil would envy, interlaced their fingers, tugging her from the room, racing across the open field towards the lake.

"Where're they going? They're missing their own dang reception." Jubilee grumbled.

"Non, chere. Dey not missin' a t'ing." Gambit chuckled as he slung one arm around her shoulders, leading her back into the dining hall.

The grass felt cool against her bare skin, Ororo noted as Logan lowered her slowly to the ground, beneath the large willow tree beside the lake. They had undressed frantically, but once naked they had slowed, savoring each other. Caressing softly, whispering words of love, kissing slowly, lingering over each others lips, tongues teasing and tasting.

The breeze ruffled his ebony hair, and she reached out to touch him. He was propped on one arm, leaning over her, trailing his firm fingers lightly over her bare stomach, eliciting sounds from her that varied between laugh and moan.

"Love ya, 'Ro," he whispered, lowering his mouth to the valley of her breasts. Ororo arched against him, fingers clutching his dark locks. He trailed sweet kisses along the line of her stomach, moving down her body until she felt his hot breath on her center. Logan stroked her thighs until she trembled. Then he probed higher, seeking the moist heat he knew he would find waiting for him.

Only for him.

He found it. His tongue lapping gently.

"Logan!" Ororo shuddered.

He smiled against her sensitive skin, clasping his hands underneath her firm rump, holding her to him as he drank deeply, loving her with his lips and teeth and tongue. His groan turned into a growl as she convulsed against his mouth, her own lips parted in a silent cry of release. The clouds swirled overhead, the wind picking up, as she bucked against his relentless onslaught. He eased himself away from her watching her face as she came, loving how captivating she was in her splendor. She opened heavy lidded sapphire eyes, her lips parted as her breath panted out of her in short spurts.

Logan crawled up over her body, staring deep into her eyes, nudging her legs farther apart with his knee, sinking into her wetness with a guttural groan. He claimed her mouth again, thrusting his tongue in and out, in sync with the movement of his hips.

Ororo raised her legs, wrapping them around his rigid back, locking her ankles. His kisses were hungry and demanding, suckling her lower lip, his tongue teasing the seam as he leaned away from her, then thrust to the hilt. He tasted of champagne and cigars and the spicy remnants of her own sex.

She captured his face with her palms, holding him steady as she stared into his soul. "I love you, husband."

Logan's throat tightened and he kissed her with all the gentle love his heart possessed, bringing her to tears. "I love you, wife." He whispered into her ear, his hot breath giving her Goosebumps. He tickled the sworls with his tongue, capturing the lobe between his canines, tugging lightly.

Ororo moaned, lifting her hips and turning her head to give him better access. Logan breathed in her earthy scent, burying his face against the shallow groove between her neck and shoulder. She bore a faint crescent scar from his claim, and surprisingly it hadn't faded to oblivion as her other scars did. She had told him it was because she was meant for him and no other. He agreed wholeheartedly.

"Ohhh, Logan…" Ororo breathed as her rotated his hips in the way he knew she liked so well. A deep rumbled echoed in his chest and throat, loving the way she responded to him, the way she was so unashamed to give herself completely to him.

"Mine," he growled huskily.

"Yes," she said.

"Mine." He drove forward harder now, his strokes deep and demanding, but still exquisitely slow. Logan kissed her nose, her eyelids, her lips, mouthing meaningless words and sounds against her damp skin.

Ororo opened her eyes, flashing white as a gust of wind flipped them over, still joined, but with her straddling him. She leaned against him, her nipples teasing the crisp hair of his chest, making him groan. "Mine," she said, moving on him. She lifted herself, palms on his chest, then slid slowly back down. She repeated the process several times, then taking a note from his book she rotated her hips, while grinding down. Logan threw his head back, eyes closed and roared.

"Mine." She rotated again, this time reaching behind her to cup and fondle him as she did.

"Fuck, yes!" He growled, his hands reflexively gripping her hips as she moved.

Ororo increased her pace, adjusting the rhythm by the sounds he made. She leaned up, her silver and snow hair falling around them like a curtain, kissing him, teasing his lips then pulling away, smiling at his grumbles.

Logan grinned up at her, sinking his hands into the thick silk of her hair, pulling her down to claim her mouth in a savage kiss, rolling so once again he was on top, moving within her.

"'Ro, come with me," he said. He surged forward, linking their hands on either side of her head. Ororo whimpered as he surged with deep, powerful strokes, taking his time, filling her. Completely.

"Logan, oh, oh, Ahhhhh!" Ororo came apart in his arms, lightening slamming into the ground scant inches from them, but he wasn't worried, his beautiful wife would keep them safe.

Within seconds Logan followed suit, his body convulsing as he spilled his seed deep into her womb with a roar.

Logan cradled Ororo's head on his shoulder, kissing her hair softly. He was leaning against the bark of one of the willow tree's upturned roots and she was seated in front of him, her head lulled back, asleep.

"I think that's when I knew I loved you," he whispered into her ear. He'd been speaking to her quietly even though he knew she was fast asleep. Ororo shifted in his arms, snuggling closer, sniffing him. He smiled.

She was his wife now, he thought amazed. Not his first, but he knew she would be the last. The only love of his life. His friend, his lover, his mate. The missing piece of his soul lay in his arms in naked splendor, her heavenly features softened in a look of love, even in sleep. Logan felt full to bursting, and he pressed his cheek to the top of her head, nuzzling her soft hair. "I love ya, Mrs. Howlett. Forever."

Two Months Later

"Wolverine, calm down."

Logan snapped his head around, glaring at Jean. "Calm down?" He asked incredulous. "I just found my fucking wife passed out on the floor, and you want me ta calm down?"

Jean sighed, looking at her watch. Ororo had been in with Hank an awful long time, she thought, but refrained from saying anything, not wanting to rile Logan up any more than he was.

Logan growled, his claws extending and retracting reflexively in his frustration. "What's takin' so long?" he snarled.

The double doors of the med lab slid open and Beast stepped out, wearing his white lab coat. He gave Logan a very serious look and Logan's heart sank.

"What's wrong with her?"

"I think she should be the one you hear it from," Hank said.

Without another word Logan stormed passed the blue furry man, missing the grin he shot Jean. "'Ro?" He approached her slowly. She had her back to him, her head bent forward, and for a moment he was held motionless by fear. "'Ro?"

Ororo turned, her eyes damp with unshed tears. Fuck. Oh, fuck, no. Wolverine nearly fell to his knees. It was bad, whatever it was, it was bad.

"Logan," she began, voice trembling.

"I'm here, darlin'." He pulled her close, holding her tight. "Tell me."

Ororo kissed his neck softly, whispering low, but knowing he could hear her. "How do you feel about being a father?"

Logan jerked back, his steel eyes searching her blue ones. "Father?"

Ororo nodded, a huge smile spreading across her face. Logan placed a hand to his heart. A father? He was gonna be a father!

"Whoohoo!"

"He took that well," Hank said dryly to Jean, watching through the window as Logan spun Ororo around in a circle, kissing her passionately. It soon became clear Logan had no intention of stopping with a mere kiss and Jean and Hank quickly made themselves scarce.

"When? How?" Logan asked dazedly, running his fingers along her bare shulder as she lay across his chest.

Ororo leaned up, raising one eyebrow and he realized how utterly ridiculous both of those questions were. "I believe we just participated in the how," she drawled.

"Witch." He kissed her.

"Hank and I suspect that I am roughly eight weeks, give or take."

"A baby." Logan stroked her bare stomach in awe.

"Our baby," she sighed, laying her head back on his chest, content in the protective circle of his arms.

Logan bought baby book after baby book. Reading and reviewing material over and over, until Ororo was certain that he could probably birth the child himself. Everyone was inordinately pleased with their news, especially Jean who thought it was wonderful that baby Nathan would have a playmate. Gambit became a bit overprotective, hovering about almost as bad as Wolverine, but Ororo bore their nagging in good humor.

She and Logan moved from the loft into a newly built house on the opposite side of the lake, complete with skylight.

The months passed quickly and Ororo swelled with child, then as it turned out, children. Twins.

"Nervous?" Logan asked one night as their due date approached.

"A bit," Ororo confessed against his chest.

He ran his hands along her spine soothingly, flexing his fingers, adding pressure here and there, soothing her tired muscles. Big as a house she was, but Logan had never seen a more radiant woman than Ororo. Her skin glowed with an inner light and her eyes fairly danced with happiness every day.

"Don't be darlin'. Ye'll do fine."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Ten days later

Ororo grit her teeth, another spasm wracking her body. Blood gushed from between her thighs and she tried not to cry out. Thunder boomed and lightening split the sky. The storm that raged outside was fierce and dangerous, but not nearly Logan's biggest concern.

"Jesus!" Wolverine was panicked. He had woken to the smell of blood. Far, far too much blood. He had rolled to see his beloved wife curled in the fetal position, unconscious, her lower half soaked scarlet. It had taken him three tries to wake her. He had buzzed Hank's office and room around the same time, several minutes ago, but he had yet to arrive.

"Logan." Ororo panted.

"Here, baby. I'm here."

She stared at him with tortured eyes. "Save them."

Logan gripped her hand tightly. Ororo demanded again, "Save them, Logan. No matter what."

Logan shook his head. He couldn't. If it meant her life or theirs, as much as it would kill him, he could not lose her.

"Damn you, Wolverine," she growled. "You will save our babies!"

"Shush, love," he said, wiping her brow. "Hank'll be here any minute and you can scream at him, okay?"

Another spasm claimed her, robbing her of breath and momentarily blinding her to anything but the white hot flashes of pain.

"Hold on, baby." The phone rang.

"Logan?" Jean, frantic and worried.

"Yeah."

" I can feel Ororo. God, Logan, what happened? The babies?" she asked.

"Yeah. Where the fuck is Hank?"

"Jesus, Logan. Hank's gone, he went to Maryland with Cecilia last night for a medical seminar."

"What!" Logan was practically feral now, his fear escalating.

"Okay, talk to me. What's happening?"

Thunder boomed, and static filled the line. "Jean!"

"H..re, Lo..n. Can you..me?"

"Jeannie?"

I'm here. Tell me what's happening.

Logan hung up the phone. This. He stood in front of Ororo and sent jean the images he was seeing.

Ok. You need to calm down, Logan. As much as you can, you're clouding the channel.

Help her, Jean.

Jean felt his desperation and her heart went out to him. God, he loved Ororo, she could feel it all the way to her bones.

"L-logan?" Ororo was getting weaker, struggling to hold on.

"Hey, baby." He held her hand.

"It doesn't hurt anymore," she whispered.

Logan felt his gut clench. He moved to her legs, lifting the hem of her nightdress. "Oh, God." She was hemorrhaging, the blood soaking through the bed, dripping onto the floor. "Baby, stay with me…Don't leave me, 'Ro. God, please."

"I love you." She said softly, her cold fingers touching his jaw. "Save them."

"'Ro." His voice was raw.

Wolverine. Jean was crying in his mind.

Jean.

I need you to feel inside her, see if you can feel the babies.

Logan rose, making his way to their sink, washing his hands, then returning to Ororo. Her eyes were glassy now, staring past him. "No!" He growled baring his fangs at her. "You don't run, Ororo! You fight! You fight! So fight, damn you!"

Logan, the babies.

Turning away from Ororo's pale face Logan inserted two fingers, pushing against what felt like a body. Ya getting this Jean?

Yes. A long pause. They're stuck, Logan, and they are dying.

His heart shuddered.

"Cut them out," Ororo whispered. Logan realized that Jean was projecting to her as well.

He shook his head. "We don't have any medical equipment here, darlin.'"

Ororo shifted and more blood poured from her, covering his arm. "You…cut them…out." She gestured to his hands and Logan felt his blood turn to ice.

"No."

Logan. It's the only way to save them.

What about her, Jean? What about my 'Ro?

Silence.

Fuck you!

"Husband. Love. My heart." Ororo was whispering to him. "I beg of you, save them. If you hold any love for me at all save them."

Her body jerked in spasm and she bit her lips so hard she drew blood. "Please."

"I will not lose you," he swore.

Ororo dug deep, pulling on her reserves, and shoved herself into a sitting position, grabbing the letter opener from the nightstand. She pressed it to her throat. "I will leave you no choice," she warned, her voice hoarse.

"Fuck you, 'Ro." Logan growled, trembling. "Fuck you."

"Please…"

Logan hung his head. Jean.

I am here.

Help me.

Jean walked Logan through sterilization of his claws, not having time to boil water, instead rubbing alcohol on them. He retracted all but one, pressing it to the soft flesh of Ororo's stomach, hesitating.

I'll try to dull the pain. Jean said.

Can you? Connected as they were Logan felt her doubt and he cursed.

Ready?

No. He said sincerely.

"Do it," Ororo hissed as another spasm stole her breath.

Wolverine grit his teeth, his face crumpling in pain and sorrow as he sliced open his much-loved wife. Ororo screamed despite her best efforts not to and Logan roared with her, his pain excruciating as well.

There. Jean guided him in the extraction of the first baby. A little girl with a tuft of white hair. Logan lowered the squirming bundle onto the bed beside Ororo, who was sobbing openly now, staring at her daughter.

"Hello, Kendall," she said on a whisper.

The other is trapped. The cord is around its neck.

Logan returned to work, extracting the other baby, carefully untangling the cord from around his neck. He turned to Ororo to show her their son but she was no longer aware, her eyes closed, breathing faint. "No. Ahh, God, no. I can't…I can't…" Logan pressed his forehead to hers. "Baby, ya can't leave me alone, please…please…" He sobbed, clutching her head to his chest, broken hiccups wracking his frame. "'Ro. Stay with me…I'm begging…I love you…"

Logan…I'm so sorry… Jean was in his head, her voice distorted with pain.

Logan howled, a painful, mournful sound that split the night and traveled all the way to the mansion, where several people felt the urge to cross themselves.

A vociferous wail split the air along with his father's howl, and their son cradled in his arms thrashed. Logan glanced down at the little body with a mixture of resentment and joy. The infant opened his black eyes and Logan felt a stirring in his heart. His son.

The baby cried again, and suddenly Ororo's body jerked, convulsed, her mouth opening on a raw scream that tore at her throat and Logan's already wounded heart. The baby wailed and moaned and Ororo's stomach began to heal. Watching in absolute fascination Logan realized that their son was still connected to her, via the umbilical and was somehow healing her, his powers helping his mother heal.

"That's my boy," he said. "C'mon, Mommy's almost better, come on, little guy."

As Ororo's body healed, she screamed and screamed, the pain near unbearable. Would it never stop? Then all went black.

Voices. Several of them. Ororo blinked her eyes. "My babies?" She cried, sitting up. She was still in her bed, but the bedding was clean and she was changed into a fresh nightgown.

Logan stepped forward, away from Jean and Gambit, cradling two bundles in his arms. "Hey Mommy," he said, voice broken and tender.

Two sets of eyes blinked down at her, one pair as brilliant blue as her own, and the other set, deep and dark like his father's.

"How?" Ororo asked, her eyes luminous. She stroked Kendall's soft cheek. Kissing both babies atop their soft heads.

"Our boy." Logan sat beside her, laying the babies in her arms. "The best Jeannie and Hank can figure is that li'l Jack has a touch of my healing factor, only maybe able ta share it. It's hard ta say until it develops when he's older."

"I think he was able to manifest it because he was still attached to you," Hank said, coming alongside the bed, he was carrying a glass of water for her. "Your mutant genes already active, allowed his recessive genes momentary activity."

Ororo smiled down at her son. "Thank you, Jacky."

"Jacky?" Logan grimaced.

"One of you is bad enough," Ororo said with a smile. "Jacky is a fine little boy's name. He can become a carbon copy Logan jr. when he is older. Much older."

"Actually, chere, his name is Jack Remy Howlett." Gambit said, strolling over to her, bending and kissing her softly on the lips. "Glad t' still 'ave you back, padnat."

Ororo kissed him back, ignoring her husbands playful growl. "Good to be back."

She glanced at Logan, mouthing :Remy?

He shrugged. "It was the only way ta get Gumbo ta go back ta his own house."

Ororo laughed, the sound delighting Logan. He kissed her softly, lingering over her full bottom lip. "I love you, Logan."

"Same." He pressed another kiss to her lips, before grumbling. "Okay, okay, everybody out! Me and the missus need ta spend some time alone! Bye now!" he slammed the door. Leaning against it he scowled at her, looking around the room at all the gift baskets and get well cards and congratulatory mementos.

"It will only get worse," she assured him. "Birthday parties, Christmas, sleep overs," she glanced at Kendall, "Dating."

Logan growled his best Wolverine growl and shook his head. "Uhn-uh, not my daughter. I'll be laying down the law."

"Right. We shall see." Ororo smiled up at him with tender adoration.

Five years later

"Please, Daddy? Pretty please?" Long eyelashes batted against caramel skin and big blue orbs gazed up at him.

"All right, sweet pea." Logan bent, picking his daughter up and tossing her into the air, catching her and swinging her back up again.

Ororo stepped onto their porch watching the play of activity with a soft smile. "I thought you said they were to be in bed, darling?" she called.

Logan glanced guiltily over his shoulder. "On our way. Where's Jacky?"

"Already tucked in, like a good little boy."

Logan made his way towards her, tossing Kendall as he walked. "Oh."

"Come on, mister law layer, as soon as they are to bed we can go look at the stars by the lake." Ororo gave him a sultry smile and Logan's blood thickened.

"Ok, kiddo, off ta bed." Logan nudged Kendall through the screen door, his eyes on Ororo.

"Are you guys gonna be all kissy again?" Kendall asked, tilting her head. Crowned with a head of hair that rivaled her father's for disarray but was the same pure snow color of her mother's Kendall was a nice blend of both parents, although she did get her looks from her mother.

"Yeah, we are." Logan warned, making big pucker lips at Ororo, making loud smacking sounds for Kendall's benefit. The little girl squealed and laughed, racing for her room.

"Jacky! Jacky! Mommy and Daddy are gonna be all kissy."

"Ewww." Logan jerked his head up to see his five year old son sitting directly above them in the tree beside their porch.

"In bed, huh? Good little boy, huh?" He raised one black eyebrow at Ororo.

Ororo laughed. "I can not help it if he is his father's son, through and through."

"Sure, blame me." Logan swung up into the tree, and young Jacky yelped, laughingly climbing his way farther up the branches.

"Easy, Jacky, you are awfully high." Ororo warned.

"Aww, Mom, ya worry too much." SNAP. "Ahh!" Jacky tumbled, but was immediately buoyed by his mother's gentle winds.

"Thanks, Mommy."

Ororo settled him on the porch in front of her. "Off to bed, young man, or no zoo tomorrow."

"Goodnight!" Jacky ran to the room he shared with his sister.

Logan dropped from the tree, swinging Ororo up in his arms. "The lake?"

"Mmmhm." Ororo kissed him, running her tongue along the seam of his mouth. "I say we try for number three," she whispered huskily.

Logan grunted in agreement as his mouth moved over hers, lost in each other as they always were. Overhead a shower of shooting stars rained across the sky and from their room the children watched their parents make there way towards the lake in the distance, Logan carrying Ororo the whole way.

"Daddy sure loves Mommy," Jacky said.

"You bet he does. He said Mommy was a Goddess," Kendall said with worldly knowledge.

"Wow."

"Uncle Remy?" Kendall called down to the kitchen, knowing he was there.

"Oui, chere."

"Come tell us the story of how you met Mommy again."

"Wit' pleasure, ma petite padnat. Wit' pleasure."

Lake

"I love you, Mrs. Howlett."

"I love you Mr. Howlett."

"Wanna start on baby number three now?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

Warm laughter and tender touches filled the night and when thunder boomed and lightening flashed, turning night to day, no one jumped, knowing that they were expressions of love from an Earthly Diety towards her feral beast.