Logan stood in front of Charles' desk; hands behind his back like the old soldier in him would always stand. Charles watched Logan carefully, weighing the request to send Jean away as soon as possible.

"She has been making progress," Charles reasoned.

"Not enough," Logan replied firmly.

"She is still on the mend from that injury, Logan. We don't heal as you do."

"I didn't come to this decision lightly, Charles."

"There isn't a problem between you two, is there?"

"I want her to-it's for her to be at her best," he corrected.

"Why Emma and Elizabeth," Charles tried not to smile, he knew what Logan thought of the fringe teams.

"Because they are the kinds of telepaths we'll need her to be. She hasn't been here since her powers manifested, and that on top of her being the most important addition to Magneto's collection indicates she needs an accelerated course."

"I agree."

"I'll tell her."

"Are you sure, Logan?"

"Yes," he responded with strain in his voice.

"I will inform Emma and Elizabeth to be ready," Charles was just picking up the hpone as Logan went immediately to Jean's bedroom.

Logan knocked on Jean's door, trying to maintain his soldier attitude.

"Hey you," she smiled, and he was done for.

"Darlin'," he sighed.

"What is it," she asked, her smile faltering.

"I got some bad news."

"Okay, tell me."

"You're going to stay with Betsy and Emma."

"I don't understand, why do this when I just got started? I chose the X-Men."

"You are X-Men, you just need more intense training than Charles and I can give."

"Then I'll go to Charles and tell him I won't go," she brushed past Logan.

He grabbed her arm gently. "It was my idea. It's a done deal."

"I'm tired of running," she whispered.

"It's only for a little while. They can make you as good as me in just a few months' time."

"Months," she repeated with a tone of disbelief.

"You have a lot of catchin' up to do, darlin'."

"I have friends here!"

"They'll be here when you get back," Logan sighed with exasperation.

"What about you?"

"I live here," he answered.

"You know what I mean," she eyed him closely.

"We haven't even had a date yet," he felt out of place saying something like that, let alone without it being 'his way' of saying so.

"Yeah, whose fault is that?"

"Hey, don't you-"

"Too concerned with how it looks to everyone else," she continued on.

"I'm not the only one who keeps their distance, Jean."

"I don't cling like other women my age, Logan. I'm not goin' to do that to you," she opened her closet pulled out an armful of clothes along with her black duffle bag.

"Darlin', I want you to be confident in your abilities and trained to take care of yourself so that you never have to run away again."

"When do I leave?"

"Whenever you're ready," he answered as pointedly as she asked her question.

Jean said her goodbyes after she was packed, refusing to look Logan in the eye as they walked to the car where Scott and Ororo were waiting."

"Is this to make sure I go quietly?"

"Your very own motorcade," Scott smiled.


"Jean dear, come in," Emma smiled.

Betsy took her bag with a smile, Ororo and Scott gave her a hug and stood back, watching Logan stand there still.

"Let's go check the car, Ro," Scott suggested.

Emma and Betsy made their excuses, leaving Logan and Jean alone.

"Here," he held out a piece of folded paper.

"Thanks."

"Aren't you gonna ask what it is?"

"I figured you'd tell me anyway."

"It's the phone number to the mansion. Anytime you want to talk."

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Logan leaned in to kiss her, unable to help pulling back when he sensed they had an audience.

"I'm just not big on bein' showy," he muttered, giving her a lingering kiss.

He broke away after she responded with a sigh, and looked to Emma and Betsy.

"I'm trusting you with her."

"We'll give her back in better shape than you left her," Emma assured him.

"Good."

Logan closed the door behind himself.

"Let's get to work," Betsy spoke up, taking Jean's bag to her new room.