Last chapter? Phew! That mingled sense of relief and sadness when you finish a story! Thank you to everyone that took the time to read! I'm being very honest when I say that if my story didn't have readers letting me know they enjoyed it with a follow/favourite/review then it would probably never get finished! (At least on this site. I have a billion other stories, both complete and in progress written on my laptop as I'm constantly attacked by plot bunnies)

Final disclaimer: I own nothing. All mistakes are my own.

You've been on my mind
I grow fonder every day,
Lose myself in time
Just thinking of your face
God only knows
Why it's taken me so long
To let my doubts go
You're the only one that I want

Logan had no idea what he was doing. Jean was out of the house for maybe an hour or two. She would return before he did, and how would he explain what he had been doing? Not that it was any of her business, not anymore. Still the guilt gnawed at him, even as his nerves were pulled taut at the thought of seeing Marie again after their last encounter. Would she tell him to leave? Would the smell of Gumbo be all over her? Would she still hate him? He called ahead so to speak, to let Chuck know he was coming. He requested a moment alone with Marie, away from prying eyes. The Professor was amendable to the idea and promised that they would have their moment.

Chuck directed him to the secluded and rundown cabin on the outskirts of the property. He would be sending Rogue there shortly on the pretext of an errand to retrieve something. He'd agreed to keep Remy busy for a small amount of time at least. Their final communication before he pulled away from Logan's mind was a warning. Hurt her again, and his welcome would be rescinded permanently.

He was nervous, hiding his motorcycle behind the cabin and away from view from anyone approaching from the mansion. He could hear her approach, catch her scent on the breeze before he could see her. She was singing, her voice slightly off-key, and the sound wormed it's way under his skin. He'd completely forgotten in two years, so short of a time, that she'd loved to sing to herself. In the shower, in their room when the mansion was mostly empty, anywhere she was certain to be alone. She would never be a sensation but the warm, southern tones in her voice, still so prevalent were pleasing to his sensitive hearing. The memory drew tears to his eyes for so much lost time.

Logan wanted to give her a chance to leave if she wanted. He knew that her senses were better than the average human or mutant. He didn't hide his presence beyond putting his bike away and settling himself on the only chair in the cabin. He looked out the window, and saw the moment she realized he was there. Her singing stopped, her footsteps faltering as she caught his scent. She seemed poised to run, before she squared her shoulders and walked towards him. Their eyes made contact, and a thrill of familiar anticipation ran through him. He couldn't help drinking her in. It had been months since the last moment they'd been together and he was starved for the sight of her.

She was thinner, the roundness of her features giving way to a more sculpted and mature appearance. He wondered if he'd ever have noticed her maturation if he'd been with Marie the two years they'd been apart. There were dark shadows under her eyes that hadn't been there two years ago. She looked tired, her brown-green eyes clouded with exhaustion. She bore a few more scars, scattered across her bared arms, her legs, her neck and collar bone. Scars he hadn't been there to save her from. But now wasn't the time to lose himself to self-loathing.

Marie stepped into the cabin, looking around and seating herself on the only bed in the room. She studied her hands for a moment, before lifting her eyes to his, and offering him a small smile.

"Hey."

"Hey." He was lost for words, unsure what he'd come here to say. She seemed to understand, Marie always understanding when he had nothing to say, or no way to speak the words he was unsure of.

"I missed you." She admitted. His heart rate picked up as he waited for her words. "I missed you so damn much, Logan. You and Wolverine. I wanted to be able to say I'd moved on. I wanted to love Remy, and maybe I did, or I could have. It's so mixed up in my head sometimes. I was messed up for over a year, becoming two people in a pathetic attempt to fix myself. I wanted to die sometimes, though I could never admit it to anyone. Remy helped me past that, stuck with me when any other man would have run far and fast in the other direction. I think...I think that in another life we were made for each other. I hated you Logan, I still hate you, sometimes." She stared intently at him. "You understand?"

His mouth was dry, but he forced the words out. "Yeah, I understand. But I could never hate you, not in my darkest moments could I ever hate you. I know it was my fault, what happened. But I regretted it the moment you fell out of that closet. I regretted it the first time Jean kissed me. I regretted every moment of it. I'm not using it as an excuse, but I knew you were too good for me, M'rie. I always knew you were too good for the likes of me."

Marie laughed, a high-pitched noise of despair. "Too good for you? Why the hell did it matter? We were happy. And you sabotaged that because you were feeling some twisted form of nobility?"

She made it sound so unreasonable, what he'd felt. And maybe it was. Jean had hinted at manipulation on her own part. Had she truly been capable of what he'd been thinking? Whatever the truth of the matter, telling Marie his suspicions wouldn't heal this rift between them.

"I never claimed to be a smart man, M'rie."

"You are not a dumb one, though you choose to act it sometimes. But why start a relationship with me at all then?"

Finally a question he could answer easily. "Because I loved you. Because I still love you." Had he ever said the words to her? Not in his memory, but he realized that they were important.

"Is that the truth?" She watched him, and he could see the hope she tried to hide.

"The only truth I know. I have no idea if I'll ever remember my past. I have no idea if I could ever redeem myself in your eyes. I have no idea if you'll ever be able to look at me like you used to. The look that made me feel ten feet tall. The look that made me believe that I was worth something, before all my doubts made me forget. But I do know that I love you, never really stopped." He waited impatiently for her response, fear and anticipation running through his blood in equal measure.

I don't know why I'm scared, I've been here before
Every feeling, every word, I've imagined it all,
You never know If you never try
To forgive your past and simply be mine

Marie had no idea how she was supposed to respond to his declaration. It was something she'd never really expected to hear from him, that he loved her. Maybe it was a trivial thing, but she'd waited for the words for so long and so patiently that it was almost a relief to hear them now. A confirmation of his feelings, despite his many mistakes. But could she believe him? She had him in her mind, but the man she'd touched and stolen these thoughts from was when she was seventeen. When his thoughts for her were conflicted. They'd touched each other since, him to heal her or provide comfort. They'd touched in their room, kissing until he was breathless, with the hint of dark veins under his skin. Quick, fleeting caresses to her skin that had always left her aching and wanting more. But it was never as prolonged as those first couple times, when she'd stolen his ability to save her own life, or when he'd pressed his hand to her face, and held her close in an attempt to revive her. She'd known all of him then. But the thoughts she'd picked up since those desperate moments had been simply surface thoughts. Thoughts of how beautiful she looked in the warm lighting of their room, of concern when he focused on healing her, thoughts of desire and warm affection. He'd never once thought "I love you" and it had seemed a conscious decision on his part, avoiding thoughts of deeper emotion when he was open to her. So she'd waited for him to speak the words.

She didn't know why she was so afraid. They'd both seen the worst of each other, faced endless doubts on whether this could work. There were still doubts whispering at the back of her mind. Doubts of his sincerity and her own ability to survive another betrayal. But time had not proven to be the great healer that so many proclaimed. There were times she still felt raw and exposed, her heart aching when she thought of never seeing Logan again, or what could happen if she did. And now she was faced with one final decision. Instinctively she knew this was it. So many of their other confrontations had come at times when either of them were unwilling to hear the other, or after so many poor decisions, like his marriage to Jean. And the thought of Jean was like a bucket of cold ice poured over her. Marie had heard of their divorce. The professor had mentioned it gently, gauging her reaction and ready to offer support if she needed it. She'd felt simply numb at the news, unwilling to feel any joy or satisfaction at the failure of another of his attempts to maintain a relationship.

But she'd always wondered if his failed marriage was because of her. She'd seen the anguish in his eyes when he'd come to see her when she was hurt. She'd heard his thoughts when he'd kissed her, felt his desperation and yearning. Let her see. Miss her so much. But it hadn't been enough for her, not then.

"I need to know for sure." she decided. If it was a simple world, where fairy tales existed, she could believe simply his words. But the world wasn't simple, and she couldn't believe him without proof. Now would be the moment that most women walked away, unable to move past their own doubts and trust that he was sincere. Luckily, or not, she had the ability to see past his lies with a simple touch.

Logan understood as she stood up. She held out her hand, but he ignored it, trapping it between them as he pulled her face to his. Marie wasn't ready for the feel of his mouth against hers and wondered if he felt the brief hesitation between the moment their lips met to the reaction of her powers. After that thought she was lost to everything but him.

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
Promise I'm worthy, to hold in your arms
So come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts

Logan had made so many mistakes with Marie, obviously the biggest being his decision to cheat. He'd never let himself consciously think it before. The truth that he was a cheater. He'd slept around, but what he could remember sharing with other women before Marie could never be construed as anything close to a relationship. He figured that with Marie his possessive feral nature would keep him honest in the moments that his weakness as a man failed him. Clearly he figured wrong. It was bitter knowledge to have, that he was capable of something so low, even if it was a different spectrum than murder, surely one of his other crimes. He hoped that even if he lost Marie, please please let her forgive him, that he'd learned his lesson.

When she held her hand out to him, he couldn't resist. This was the deciding moment, so much more final than any other confrontation. They were both clearheaded, acknowledging that this was finally it. So what choice did he have then to take this last chance to show her how he felt, just as he'd let himself tell her.

She tasted sweet like the raspberries she'd had with her breakfast. He could taste the coffee she'd had to drink, and the toothpaste she'd brushed her teeth with faintly underneath. She tasted familiar, desire, warmth, home and so many other things he couldn't put into words. The one thing she didn't taste of was Remy LeBeau, and it filled him with a primal satisfaction. It was a fleeting thought as he focused on showing her what she needed.

I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart
I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart

Nobody's perfect, trust me I've learned it
I know it ain't easy, giving up your heart
(Nobody's perfect, trust me I've learned it)
I know it ain't easy, giving up your heart

Marie was overwhelmed. It was almost too much, how much emotion he was feeling. His thoughts were disjointed, fragments that raced through his mind, only to be replaced by the next urgent thought.

Love her so much. Need to show her. Love her. So sweet. Mine. Please let her stay. I need her so much. Thank you. Tastes so good. Love her.

She could feel his brief bewilderment that the pull of her skin didn't hurt as it should, but the feeling was soon lost in his gratitude that she clung to him, replicating his passion with her own. And above all she could feel his love for her, overwhelming her. She'd thought Remy had loved her, had felt grief at breaking his heart. But what he'd felt for her was a shadow compared to Logan. If Remy's feelings were a trickling creek, Logan's were the ocean, deep and vast, the end out of sight. With one kiss he conveyed the two years of emotion he'd hidden away. The joy that brought tears to her eyes. She could feel his heartache like her own, a searing pain that ebbed away the longer she held him, soothing her. In so few moments he shared so much with rushed thoughts and images of her he held in his head. He imagined her pregnant, swollen with their child. He imagined her on their wedding day, wearing white lace. He imagined her old, white hair and lined face but still so beautiful to him. The images were so clear to Marie that it felt like he was showing her their future. And it was something she wanted more than anything.

Marie could feel Logan growing weaker and she reluctantly tried to pull away. He wrapped both arms around her, until they were pressed together from groin to chest. She could feel the proof of his desire straining against his jeans and the ache that had teased between her legs flooded her entire body with want. But it wasn't the time. Not when she had words that needed to be spoken.

"Logan." she tried, but his mouth had moved from her lips to her neck, nips and licks that were quick but calculated. She wondered if he'd noticed yet, the pull of her skin gone with the confirmation of his thoughts.

He was pulling her down onto the chair he'd vacated, seating her in his lap with her legs on either side of him. It was torture, the thrust of his hips against her. She cried out, already so close to falling over the edge.

"Logan!" He stilled at the urgency in her tone.

"M'rie?"

She didn't try to stand, certain that her legs were too weak to hold her. But she pulled away slightly, balancing herself on his knees until the lustful haze shrouding her mind faded enough for her to think clearly.

"We need to talk."

Marie didn't have to read his thoughts to see the sudden dread in his eyes. He was already shutting himself away, certain of her rejection. She wasn't having it, not when they were finally being honest with each other.

"We should have done this years ago." she cupped his cheek with one hand, the other holding his shoulder for balance. "I think the last two years might have been different. A lot less heartbreak and a lot more love, don't you think?"

Logan regarded her with wary hesitation. "Darlin', we've kissed before."

The old endearment brought new tears to her eyes. But she shook her head in exasperation. "Never like that. That wasn't simply a kiss and you know it. That was...I don't even have words for it."

"So..."

"So." Marie mused. "So, I love you." His smile could have lit the world. "I love you Logan. And that never changed, despite everything. Even in the moments I hated you."

Logan hid his face against her shoulder, but she could feel the tears that soaked through her shirt to her skin. "When did you gain control?"

Marie stroked her fingers through his hair in comfort. "So you noticed." She kissed the top of his head, resting her chin on it as his face pressed against the skin of her chest. "A couple months ago. But I haven't told anyone."

"How?" She could feel him concentrating on being happy for her, even as she knew he was regretting that he hadn't been there.

Marie sighed. "Not really sure. I was deciding what to do about Remy, about you and my life. I looked inside my own head, trying to find an answer. Instead, I seemed to come to terms with...umm...myself? Rogue and Marie, I just realized I was both of them, and I was okay with it. It was like a bucket of cold water was dropped over my head, a cold shiver running from my head to my toes. There was pain, a sort of static shock, and I just knew."

"So I was holding you back." She wrapped her arms around him at the misery in his voice.

"No, Logan. I was holding myself back. It was coming to terms with loving you that helped me. I figured out who I was, and I knew that I wasn't simply the girl with the poison skin. I felt pretty stupid honestly." Logan growled in protest. "But then I remembered that the professor couldn't figure it out either." She could feel the scratch of Logan's stubble as he smiled.

"So what now?"

Marie had no doubt as to what he hoped was next. She shivered at the kisses he trailed from her neck to her cleavage. But she didn't want their reunion to be like this, hasty, awkward, on a rickety chair in a dust covered cabin. And she wanted everything settled, with everyone aware of what she'd chosen. She was in no way looking forward to the stares, or perhaps the censure from Scott especially. But she wanted to do this right.

So she unwound herself from Logan, managing to stand without falling over. Logan looked disgruntled, the gold flashing in his eyes signaling he was less than in control.

"He's back!" Perhaps there would always be a degree of separation between Logan and Wolverine. But Marie could see that whatever had happened, they seemed at peace with each other.

Logan nodded with a relieved smile. "And you have no idea how pissed he is that you seem determined to leave."

Marie smirked but held out her hand to Logan, patiently waiting for him to grasp her hand. He pulled himself to his feet, adjusting himself in his pants with a grimace.

"M'rie, I think that we need to take the long way back. To give me time to...calm myself." Not that walking into the mansion with a hard-on would bother or embarrass him but he was trying to make a good second impression.

They walked to the mansion, Logan inordinately pleased when Marie's hand slipped into his. He squeezed her hand, wondering why they'd never done this before. He'd always been hesitant to show his softer emotions to anyone, including Marie. Now his previous hesitance seemed ridiculous. He enjoyed the feel of her skin against his, the gesture simple yet showing how much she truly trusted him.

There was no one waiting for him, the thin thread of tension running through his body deflating at the realization that their momentous decision had gone unnoticed in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps it was a good thing that no one was waiting for them, whether ready to tear them apart or stand behind their decision. They didn't need a fight, simply acceptance of how it would be from here on in. And who better to start with then the Professor, a man that they both respected even if he had so much on his mind that he often seemed oblivious to the interpersonal relationships around him. Where had he been when Jean and Logan were cheating? Or when Emma and Scott were forming an attachment that had caused almost as much outrage as Logan's betrayal?

Yet the man had never failed to offer his counsel to those who wished it, an open ear to anyone who needed to unburden themselves, or simply encouragement when it was most needed. Maybe that was his point. He wasn't there to interfere with their lives, merely to offer guidance and support when they needed it. Or maybe Logan was full of shit. Whatever the case, it seemed important to see the man and gain his blessing if only to earn the grudging consent of Scott and anyone else wishing to keep them apart. Xavier's word was final.

They didn't need to knock, both hearing his consent to enter his office. He was seated behind his desk, his hands folded on the polished wood surface. He nodded at the two seats in front of him and they sat, Marie fidgeting briefly before settling. Logan could still feel the tension in her hands as she gripped him tight. Not once did they let go of each other's hands. It seemed important to display a united front.

Xavier cleared his throat, for a moment his expression solemn as he watched them. Then a smile broke the solemnity, his approval ringing through their minds.

He smiled gently at both of them and spoke. "I truly believed that you two would remain together for the remainder of your lives. I could see the bond, even when others seemed to misinterpret it. At first no one wanted to see the young runaway end up with the feral, your age difference simply one factor. Perhaps you rushed into the relationship too quickly, and for that I regret the pain endured by both of you." He turned his attention to Marie. "Rogue, you were so young, still so idealistic. I'd hoped that your idealism would rub off on Logan, temper his need to roam free and escape from the home I was trying to create for both of you. I was foolish to think that as young as you were, you were wise enough to see past Jean's manipulations." At Logan's growl he nodded gravely. "It's true I was too late to interfere, and it lies heavy on me that I did not see what she was capable of so much sooner. Jean is like a daughter and much like a doting father I was blind to her faults. Please forgive me my lapse."

Marie could only nod, tears threatening to fall as he continued.

"Logan, I could see that you yearned for a place to belong. I thought that this was it, this mansion, with Rogue by your side. I admit to hoping that if you had a reason to stay you would join our fight willingly. Another lapse in judgment that has cost us all dearly. I cannot apologize enough." He cleared his throat, his voice catching. "I'm sorry. But what I see when I look into your minds, what I've always seen is simple. Through all the pain, the separate personalities, the memories that hold you both back, and the fear and need that bind you together. Love. Enduring, incomparable, and obsessive in the best way. I'd hoped that with time, you two would find equal footing in your relationship. Rogue, growing into the woman I see standing in front of me, and Logan, the man that has managed to let go of everything that isn't important. Not to the here and now. Can you forgive me?"

Logan wanted to say no. He could feel the rage he kept tightly leashed tearing through him. The Professor, a good man but a manipulative one. Yet he'd hoped for what they both had in the end. Logan and Marie together. And he approved of their relationship which meant a lot to Marie. He could see the happiness she radiated, the brightness in her eyes as she smiled. He could let go of his anger for her, only for her. He nodded curtly, stroking Marie's hand idly.

"So what's next, Chuck?"

Charles Xavier shook his head, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders. He'd had so many hopes for the pair of them, so many dreams to free mutants, to end the tyranny and the campaign of fear that Magneto raged against the human population. With two of the strongest mutants he'd ever encountered by his side. But he could already see the open road in their heads, taste the snowflakes that fell from white skies, and hear the silent bliss only the middle of nowhere could provide. He'd lost them both, for the moment at least. But he'd only ever wished for their happiness, through their entire struggle, he'd prayed to whatever deity had given them all life. Give at least this pair, who'd suffered so much heartache, happiness. He wasn't a religious man, but he'd hoped that there was someone to hear this thought at least.

"I've given you what you've come here for, my wholehearted blessing, though you never needed it. The rest is up to you. You will always have a place at the mansion, if and when you choose to return." He was surprised and grateful when Marie came around the desk and hugged him tight. He knew of her control, reading Logan's tumultuous surface thoughts on their walk over. He didn't flinch as she kissed his cheek, squeezing his hand briefly before returning to Logan's side.

"Thank you Professor." Marie swallowed a sob, at the thought of leaving. But it was what they both needed at this moment. "Please tell Jubes goodbye, and Kitty, and Bobby! Tell them I'll write and call. And tell Scott not to worry. Logan and I will be fine."

The Professor watched as they walked out of his office, his hands clenched under the desk. For the briefest moment he understood the temptation of manipulation. If only to get them to remain. But one conversation, one decision did not fix a relationship. They would make it, of that he had no doubt. But time alone together could only benefit them. In time, he knew he would see them again.

Scott entered the office from the side door wearing a disapproving scowl.

"So you'll let them walk out the door just like that? After everything he's done to her?"

"Yes, Scott. Just like that." Xavier parroted with a sigh. "Why can't you see what everyone else has? They will be together, whatever hardships they face."

Scott sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I guess I'll have to concede that she sounded happier then she has since...since the last time they were together. And she's mature enough to know when to kick his ass into shape if he ever screws up again."

Emma came up behind Scott, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. She wore a smirk that stated she was amused with the entire situation, but even the Professor could see the warmth and concern in her eyes as she watched Scott.

"I believe we have an uninvited guest." Emma stated flatly, her eyes becoming cold.

The Professor had been listening to the retreating thoughts of Logan and Rogue, and focusing on Scott so he was as surprised as Scott when Jean walked into the room.

Jean's heart almost stopped when she saw Scott, with Emma's hand on his shoulder. For a moment, the voice that whispered at the back of her mind became a roar. A need to gain vengeance threatened to overwhelm her but she stamped it down firmly before facing the Professor. She could see Scott's momentary distress, quickly masked. She wanted to comfort him, but she'd lost that privilege. Emma was the one to stroke his neck, gently massaging the tension away, an ever-present smirk on her face as her eyes dared Jean to make a move. But that time was long past. She'd come to terms with losing Scott, to Emma of all people. She shoved the regret and heartache away, trying to pretend that Scott and Emma weren't there, destroying the fragile leash she held on her emotions with their easy reliance on each other. She could see Scott relax under Emma's careful ministrations, Emma's own cold anger melting as he turned his head slightly and gave her a gentle kiss in gratitude.

The world may have fallen out from under Jean's feet with that simple confirmation of their love but she stood strong against the pain.

"I want to return to the mansion."

She shut out Emma's angry protestations and Scott's quiet censure and focused her attention on Xavier. She was waiting for either his approval or dismissal. It was a bit like waiting for your father to announce your punishment. He'd always been a father figure, to Scott and Storm and her. Only his condemnation would truly drive her away from the only home she could remember.

"Of course, Jean. This will always be your home no matter what." The smile he gave her was warm and inviting but she could sense the thread of calculation behind it. He'd lost Logan and Rogue but he could regain her at the least. Jean didn't mind, knowing that despite his agenda he truly cared for her. Perhaps the only person who could still love her despite her faults.

"Not right away," Jean clarified. She still need time to herself, time to prepare for the gossip, the hostility she would surely face on her return. "I wanted to do some traveling first, see the sights, figure some things out in my head."

Xavier nodded sagely, his arms opening in invitation. Jean fell into his embrace with teary eyes. It was nice to be home.

Charles was truly happy to have his surrogate daughter home, however far in the future she chose to return permanently. He hugged her with a sense of relief. He'd probed her mind, so open, when she'd entered the room. All he'd found was regret, heartache, and a brief glimpse into the monster he'd hidden away so many years before. The Phoenix. She was learning to deal with it, and he would watch her progress closely. He felt the worst danger The Phoenix presented had passed.

I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart
I know it ain't easy
Giving up your heart

So I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
I promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms
So come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts

Come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts.

Scott watched the reunion with a shielded expression. He felt both so much more and so much less than he expected to feel seeing Jean again after their confrontation so many months before. There was sadness, tinged with regret when he realized that she was still, in so many ways, the woman he'd fallen in love with. A woman with clear issues, as the Professor had explained to him. But there was also relief, that she'd seemed to move on, barely sparing him a cursory glance. He wanted to hate her, but he could only feel resignation at her request. He had Emma, who was currently gripping his arm. His thoughts were locked to her at the moment, and he could read the concern in her eyes, the fear she tried to hide away. He opened his thoughts, pushing anything of Jean from his head and filling himself with Emma. I love you. He projected with all the emotion he could evoke.

And instead of the usual 'I know' Emma replied with a heartfelt I love you too. You'll never understand how much, Scott.

They left the room, leaving the Professor to make his plans for Jean's eventual return. The thought of her returning didn't sour his mood as it once had. He could still appreciate the goodness in her, the drive to do right and help people. Maybe they could become friends, sometime in the future. Right now, making love to the woman who'd finally admitted her feelings to him was so much more important. He could care less what had prompted the words, only that she'd meant every one.

It was exhilarating, riding on the back of Logan's bike after so long. Her face was pressed to the back of his leather jacket, that still smelled so distinctly of him. Her thighs gripped his body and she clung to him, her front plastered to his back, not out of fear but out of a need to reassert her claim. She would smell of him, and he of her when they stepped off the bike. They were headed north, as they had been so many years before. She wondered briefly what that might have been like, if the two of them had never met the X-men and continued on to a separate future. She figured wherever they'd ended up, it would have still been like this. A runaway and a feral, riding off into the sunset on his bike. The thought made her smile.

Logan looked over his shoulder at Marie, trying to memorize every feature on her face. She was smiling, watching him with adoring eyes, and it was so much more than he remembered. Forget ten feet tall. He felt as tall as a mountain under her gaze Whatever was ahead, and he suspected an eventual return to the X-men was a strong possibility, he was never letting her go again. At 19 Marie had been soft, warm, loving. At 21 she was the same, but her eyes showed the wisdom even two years had bestowed. She was steel, unbending and strong. And she was a woman, soft and giving. He could sense the calm within her, a calm that soothed him down to his soul. He smiled in return before turning back to the road ahead of them. Redemption had never meant so much.

Soooo...yeah that's done! Woo Hoo! Now this story will be marked as complete, because I'm done with the drama! However, look for an extra chapter some time in the future. A little epilogue of sorts from Wolverine's POV. I hope you found the end satisfactory. I never meant for Jean to have a happy ending. And I ship Scott/Emma so that was bound to happen. Thanks so much for reading! I am truly grateful for the support and nudges to continue.