The atmosphere after the successful mission was lighthearted and relieved. They exited the jet into the hanger where Jean stood, having been waiting for Scott. The X-men's 'power couple' left the area with purpose, ready for some premium relaxation time together. Storm was not far behind them, though, and Logan figured she was primed for a little downtime of her own. Probably fix herself some classy hot beverage and curl up in her room for some peace and quiet. As for himself, he needed to get the blueprints to Charles so they could be returned to the company that owned them, with the warning of keeping them far safer in the future. Logan was aiming to do just that when he saw Ororo's pace change, a little surprised when her steps slowed and then stopped before she turned back to smile at him, waiting for him to reach her position a few yards away. Once he was right by her side, she put out a hand and lightly touched his arm.

"You did really well today, Logan," she told him, true sincerity and affection in her voice. "Even if you were a little reckless…" she added in a more chiding manner, although there was laughter evident in her dark, sparkling eyes. He couldn't help grinning.

"What can I say, darlin'. Just can't help myself." She chuckled and shook her head, just glad that everything was okay. Judging by what she'd heard from Scott, things could have gone worse if Magneto had been able to spend much more time with their Wolverine. The weather manipulator didn't like to think about that too much, because it brought to mind the real horrors that had been experienced by the brave feral who fought at their side, although she couldn't say why she felt so strongly. Storm only knew that she felt a definite kinship with Logan since they'd rescued him from the once-abandoned Alkali Base some months ago.

"How about you don't make a habit of it, hm?" came her teasing reply before her hand dropped from him and she moved away once more. He watched her until she'd disappeared through the exit, mesmerized by the grace and ease that came to her so naturally. Logan couldn't say what was happening, or the exact moment it began, but somehow being around Storm made him feel… different. Oh, they were still friends, and teammates like always, but he was just so much more aware of her presence in a way he couldn't explain. Even now, even through the leather of his uniform, the feral could swear he felt the warmth of her touch. And whenever he chanced across the residual scent she left behind in the school, he would invariably pause for a second to just take it in, feeling it seep into his soul like a calming salve. And it all started with that one sweet, chaste kiss to his cheek months ago. Logan shook his head, trying to clear it. He wasn't some foolish kid to go mooning over a girl because she was gorgeous or showed him the slightest bit of attention. But damn if that one act hadn't thrown his world for a loop. A half-grin tilted his lips as he pulled an unlit cigar from a pocket in his uniform and clenched it in his teeth, striding from the hanger. Well, it couldn't hurt for a guy to dream, right?

Storm exhaled a breath as she passed through the hanger exit, heading for her room in eager anticipation of a relaxing shower. She couldn't believe she'd done that, just touched Logan so casually. She wasn't one to do that sort of thing normally, but it had felt natural and instinctive, right up until she started actually thinking about what she was doing. Was she… coming on to him? To the Wolverine? Her white head shook slightly. No, not really. But she felt a strong connection to him somehow. Not love, of course. That notion was dismissed readily. They were good friends, but that line had never even been drawn, much less in danger of being crossed. Still, she knew there was something between them now. And it all stemmed from being allowed to see him at his most vulnerable, his lowest emotional depth since joining the X-men: first when he'd woken up in the med-lab after being recaptured by Stryker, and then later on in his room, when he'd as much admitted he had no sense of self-worth when it came to the people in his life. She'd been startled both times by his lack of self-regard, seeing the true shame the feral carried around with him at the belief that he was just an animal and that there was no reason for anyone to care about him. Granted, his recent captivity and torture had probably just brought those feelings more into the forefront of his mind, but in all likelihood, they were always simmering just below his subconscious thought. Logan kept them buried under a gruff exterior and that 'stay away' demeanor he projected so well, but some part of him had been damaged deeply. Storm wished Logan could drop his defenses and let her in once more. No matter her motivation, friendship or… something beyond that, Ororo would give much to see that sweet, hidden soul show himself again.

x_X_x

Logan stood outside the mansion surveying the quiet grounds, enjoying the peacefulness of a school in session as he smoked a cigar. The feel of the wrapped leaf beneath his fingers, the smoky heat of it being pulled into his lungs, and the lazy smoke curling upward into the air were a trifecta of Wolverine Zen, one which he felt was quite warranted after actually getting the best of old Magneto earlier. The successful mission deserved a celebration, so after talking with Charles he'd headed out to the back, standing on the patio area outside where his nicotine vice was allowed. The cigar was burning slowly, evenly, and he prolonged the pleasure by drawing on it only occasionally, forearms resting on the railing where he stood a good twenty feet from the entrance. The pleasantness of autumn was beginning to give way to winter, and a noticeable chill was obvious in the late afternoon air. His favorite kind of weather, really, all the better to enjoy flannel and layers. Ah, the little comforts… A small, private grin formed on Wolverine's lips just before he heard quickly approaching footsteps. Thanks to his early-warning detection system, AKA his senses, and the metal giving his already sturdy frame an extra boost, the feral was well braced by the time a Marie-shaped projectile launched itself against his side and about squeezed the life out of him. If he hadn't been in the middle of happily contemplating the vastness of silence, he probably would have laughed out loud right then, but he did bestow a rare welcoming grin on his best girl. Classes must have let out while he was standing there soaking in the tranquility.

"Hey kid, what was that for? Not that I mind, but I'd like to know what to do more of in the future to get that kind of reception." He smirked a little at her, pleased to see his teasing bring a laugh. She let go of his waist and propped herself on the railing next to him, mirroring his leaning, relaxed posture.

"Nothing special, just glad to see you back in one piece, is all." The admission was soft and honest as she tucked a strand of white behind one ear. God love her, she always worried about him when he went out in the Blackbird. Logan could never get enough of just being liked by this sweet teenager. It was addictive, and all the scarier for it. Good things just didn't last long for him. That thought was determinedly pushed aside. No sense in ruining a perfectly nice afternoon with such morbidity. He grinned more openly, expression brightening in a way that made Rogue's heart warm. As far as she was concerned, Logan deserved all the good stuff that came his way, since he'd had precious little in the years he could remember. So anytime she could put that kind of look on his face, she did so without hesitation and without reserve.

"Good to be appreciated," he quipped, taking another draw on his cigar and exhaling the smoke out and away from them so that it was whisked away by air currents. Marie shivered slightly, almost comfortable in her long-sleeved tee, sheer scarf, and thin gloves, but caught off guard by the whisper of air across an exposed bit of neck as the breeze caressed her skin. Logan noticed the slight reaction and draped a warm and heavy flannel-covered arm around her, letting his body heat help keep the slight coolness at bay. The ease they shared with each other was a personal treasure to him, one he was thankful for every day. She was one reason he was beginning to feel more comfortable again at the school after his recent brush with his past. Another was the fact that he was being accepted by others, both students and staff, which was honestly a damn good feeling. The third reason… well, that little tidbit was something he wasn't going to think about too much. After all, how did you go about telling a goddess that she made you feel almost human?