So, to get my head free a bit and continue with Changes, I came up with the idea to write a small story in between. Maybe 4 or 5 parts only. If you like it I'll go on with it. ; ) So review and let me know!

Stages

Part 1 : Love and Pain

Slowly and paying attention not to wake her, Logan got up. Stretching his muscled, he yawned before he ran a hand through his tousled hair. Blinking against the sun, he looked down on her still sleeping form. Immediately Logan's eyes softened, while a warm feeling spread in his chest. He definitely was the happiest man on this earth. Smiling, he walked over to the bathroom; he really needed a shower. He closed his eyed while hot water was running down his body. Cracking his neck, his thoughts drifted off to the sleeping beauty in the next room. Smiling happily again, Logan took the shampoo into his hand and began to take care of his thick dark hair.

They were in Canada for the fourth day by now. Charles had wanted them to contact two mutants and bring them to the institute. Since they couldn't find them they had gotten the order to return home today. Of course he was glad to get out of the hotel room and return to what he called a home now. Still, he didn't dare to imagine how Scott would react if he got to now the truth. Well, in fact he didn't care… From the moment Jean and he had entered the Blackbird, he had flirted with her shamelessly; knowing that she was as attracted to him as he was to her. It was long no secret anymore that they shared a deep affection. After kissing once, she's made clear that she belonged to Scott and wouldn't leave him. Logan had accepted this. She meant far too much to him than he would risk losing her forever. Even if it was very hard for him to watch her and Scott, he'd accepted her decision. For eight months now they shared a very deep friendship. Being there for the other of someone to talk to was needed or just joking around with each other, he'd respected and enjoyed their growing friendship; knowing that they were very close. Still, he longed for her. It had become harder and harder for him to tame the beast within him, to control the desire she set free… Until Logan had smelled it…

Three months ago, they'd sat at the table for breakfast together with others and his nose had caught the scent. Scott had smelled different. His scent was mixed with something else, which was definitely not Jean's loving scent which drove him crazy. Looking piercingly at the man in front of him, it had hit Logan hard as the mansions newbie Emma Frost entered the kitchen. His nose had immediately recognized her scent, even if Logan hadn't met her before. He'd caused confusion among the others, since he'd accidentally began to growl threatening. Jean had looked at him with a cocked eyebrow; bewilderment clearly mirrored on her face. Finally, he'd known why one-eye's scent was wearing off on her. Logan hadn't said anything, not even as she told him one night that their relationship was more than bad lately.

Logan stepped out of the shower and took a towel from the pile. After his hip was covered, he used a second one to dry his hair. Besides him flirting with her and hinting to his desire with some dirty jokes, Logan hadn't pushed her. He'd wanted her to come to him voluntarily; by her own free will. While searching for the two mutants, Jean had done her best to reject him, but Logan knew better. His nose and senses were never wrong about it…, he had known immediately by catching her scent that there was nothing going on between her and her fiancée for probably quiet some time. He was more than willing to give her what she wanted,; even more than that if she just let him. After sharing the hotel room together for three days, he'd pretended to be no longer interested in her. They'd walked over to a small bar, looking for the mutants, but he also wanted to test her. Logan had started to flirt with some girls who'd shown interest in him and after a while, Jean had stormed out of the bar; nearly shattering the door to pieces. It was obviously her reaction to the blonde woman kissing him. Politely, he'd excused himself and went after her, just to notice that all hell broke lose when he'd reached their room. After yelling at each other for about half an hour, she'd suddenly began to push him against the door and kiss him all over. And this again had resulted into a night of the best and hottest love making he'd ever experienced. Not only their bodies had fit perfectly to each other, they'd also been able to share their thoughts and emotions mentally. Everything had just been perfect. It had felt right; as if it was just meant to be…they just belonged together.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Logan put the towel away an left the bathroom. Taking the telephone into his hand he leant against the wall and looked out of the window.

XXX

Heaving a deep sigh, Jean turned around and opened her eyes blinking. Her nose caught the smell of coffee and bread rolls and she smiled before she sat up. "For me?" she asked softly and pulled her hair out of her face.

"Only for you," Logan smiled softly and kissed her affectionately. "I thought you might be hungry."

"Damn right!" Jean smirked and crossed her legs, while covering her body with the sheets. While they ate in silence, they exchanged tender and loving looks. Jean's eyes caught the two roses on her bedside table. "They, too?" she asked and blushed slightly. She couldn't even remember the last time Scott had given her any presents; not even flowers. She sighed as she inhaled the scent of them and closed her eyes briefly. She could still feel the heat of the night within her. Never before had she experienced such strong emotions during a love making. Especially not with Scott. She opened her eyes as she thought about it; being aware of Logan watching her. She couldn't even remember the last time Scott and her had gotten that far… Jean looked at Logan closely. Even if she'd always imagined that he was passionate and wild, he's also surprised her a lot with his soft and gentle side.

"What's wrong?" Logan asked worriedly since she was staring at him.

She waved off. "Nothing… Thanks for the roses," she said smiling happily. "I'll go and shower."

"'Kay. I'll get our bags in the meanwhile." Logan got of the bed and took his bad in his hand as she suddenly wrapped her arms around him from behind. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the caressing of his sensitive sport right under his ear. "You smell good," she murmured and he smirked.

"I always do, darlin'." He turned around and pulled her close for another passionate kiss.

"True!" Jean smiled before she became serious again. "We still have to discuss how to behave."

Cocking an eyebrow, he let go of her. "Behave!"

She broke eye contact and crossed her arms in front of her chest; obviously feeling uncomfortable and keeping distance. "I mean when we get back to the mansion."

Logan stepped back and kept his eyes on her. "And how do you plan to…behave?"

"I don't want Scott do notice anything, Logan…" Jean looked at him in despair. "The best thing would be if we act as if nothing happened and…"

"Are you nuts?" he said aloud and made her wince. "You want me to forget it and just act as usual!" He couldn't believe what he just heard.

"Yes," Jean said more self assured. "Logan, it was just…"

"Oh, stop it, Jean!" Logan nearly yelled and narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me this shit! You know perfectly well that this wasn't just sex!"

She swallowed and avoided his gaze. Her heart was racing. "I'm not leaving Scott for you, Logan. If that's what you want."

He snorted and bit his lip. Shaking his head he looked away, while she just shattered his heart to pieces. "Did ya get what I said to ya at night?" he suddenly asked and put his hands to his hips while looking at her angrily. "I said I love you, Jean! So, do you really believe that I can just forget about this?" He shook his head again. "Sorry, but I can't!"

Getting angry because of his stubbornness she returned the angry look he gave her. "Not my problem. But you're not gonna tell anyone about it. You heard me, Logan!"

Slowly, he stepped forward. Smirking, while his muscled tensed in anger, he eyed her like a wolf did with his prey. "Did you just give an order or was it more a threat, eh?" he asked her through gritted teeth; his voice being alarming low.

"Whatever…"

He chuckled. "I bet Cyke was glad that ya were gone for a few days…"

Narrowing her eyes, she looked at him questioning. "What do you mean?"

Logan smirked; ready to hurt her as much as she just did ti him. "Come on, Red! Are you really so naïve that you haven't noticed he beds the blonde icy bitch?"

"How dare you!" Jean hissed furiously and wanted to hit him in the face, but he caught her arms. "You're a damn asshole, Logan! How dare you talking about Scott like that!"

"Because it's the truth, darlin'", Logan hissed back, anger clearly written on his face. "What do you think why he didn't touch you for quiet some time, eh?"

Outraged she fought against him physically until he let go of her. "You would say anything to get me into your bed, wouldn't you?" she asked him coldly, her face only a mask of anger. "This was the biggest mistake in my life…"

Logan's eyes darkened and he pushed her roughly out of his way. Jean landed on the bed and looked up; her pain still behind her mask. "If you're itching again and are badly in need don't even dare to come to me or look at me ever again!" he hissed coldly and took his bag into his hand, before he turned around towards the door. "I'll leave in 30 minutes. Be ready or walk back home!" Jean winced as he slammed the door shut behind him.