Chapter 11

Jasmine didn't remember getting on the Blackbird to come home. She didn't remember Erik hoisting her into his arms to carry her. She didn't remember anything after swaying toward Erik. She only knew what the others told her. She had fallen into Erik's arms, alarming them all. She had told them that she could withstand the impact of an ionic blast, but when she had fainted, they had all had their doubts. Will ordered the generals to take care of everything, saying that he had a friend to see to. With that, the President of the United States had taken his wife's hand and motioned for Erik to follow him out.

She was told that the trip home was quiet. That might have been due to the fact that at the super speed they were traveling, they arrived at the mansion in ten minutes. But from what everyone told her, Jasmine surmised it was from worry that no one vocalized. Erik had held her in his arms the entire way, she was told more than one time. That was followed with 'you've got a good man, Jas'. Jasmine would just smile and nod.

What she did remember was waking up in her room, sleeping on her red satin sheets, the sun light shining through the window, the birds chirping outside. For a moment, she thought that it had all been a bad dream. None of it had happened. The world was still safe, and Mark Howell was still alive. Then she moved. And her body protested. She moaned and dropped back down onto the bed, closing her eyes and pulling the sheet over her head.It had all happened.

A noise in her bathroom made her come from beneath the covers again. She saw Erik coming from the shower, with just a towel wrapped around his hips and a white bandage on his shoulder. His hair was still wet and clinging to his scalp. He felt her eyes on him and looked up. He broke into a smile, quickening his step, until he was sitting on his side of the bed, staring down at her.

"Hello, love. How do you feel?" His eyes showed concern. Erik watched her as she stared at him.

"I'm ok, I think. A little sore, that blast hit me hard, but still ok." Jasmine raised her hand to his face, stroking his cheek. She smiled when he leaned into it, his eyes closing. "How are you? Did Hank take care of your wound?" She ran her fingers over the bandage, wondering how much she had missed.

"Actually, Cameron took care of it. Did you know that he's a doctor?" Erik nibbled on Jasmine's ear as he spoke. Jasmine moan loudly before answering the question.

"I never knew he was alive, let alone that he was a doctor. Why did Charles never mention him?" Erik sighed softly.

"Charles and Cameron's mother didn't part on the best of terms. Moira wasn't happy here at the Institute. She wanted more, and Charles, with all his money, couldn't give it to her." He looked down at Jasmine thoughtfully.

"What more could she possibly want? She had the most powerful man on the planet and a son, not to mention all that wealth. Why did she leave?" Jasmine was confused.

"She wanted his heart. Charles couldn't give her everything he had in him. There was always the team, and humans to save. There was just never enough left of Charles to give to Moira. She finally got tired of waiting and left him. Charles didn't fight it, but gave her what she wanted and settled a good amount of money on her for the upkeep of a house and Cameron's schooling. He visited them whenever he could."

"Has he regretted not holding on to them?" Jasmine felt sad at the story.

"No. He made the right decision. Everyone one the team told him so. He didn't love her, and it was making her miserable. He knew that he had to let her go. Cameron never held any hard feelings against Charles that I know of. Though he might now that Charles is with Kitty. We'll have to wait and see what happens there." Erik sighed again, leaning down to kiss Jasmine, his hands holding her face. "Enough about everyone else. You had us all worried when you fainted. We none of us knew what to think." He kissed her mouth softly again. "Don't ever do that again, Jasmine Riona Englham, soon to be Lensherr. If you do, I'll personally see to your punishment." He smiled widely. Jasmine returned it full force.

"Is that a promise?" She licked her lips thinking of all the things he could do to her. She snaked her hands around his neck, her fingers dancing on his skin, before going into his hair at his nape.

"As long as you're not pregnant, it is a promise." He leaned down, pinning her body with his, his hands stroking her sides.

"Thank you." Jasmine lifted her mouth, offering it to Erik. As always, he couldn't refuse. He took her mouth with a fury, leaving her panting for more, as his lips wandered down her throat. A hand drifted to her breasts, covered in silk, stroking them, pinching the nipples. The other hand was moving down her body, gathering the gown and pulling it up to her hips, when there was a knock on the door. They both moaned as they came apart.

"Yes?" Jasmine called as Erik rested his head in the hollow between her neck and shoulder, his tongue flicking out to taste and make Jasmine moan again.

"Jasmine? Erik? Hank wants to see you in the Med Lab." She recognized Marie's voice on the other side of the door. Erik stopped licking, just resting against her as he listened.

"Did he say what he wanted? And when he wanted us?" Jasmine was trying to think clearly with Erik still pressed against her body. Erik finally slid off her as Marie started to answer.

"He wouldn't tell anyone why he wanted you, and he said to come as soon as possible. That's what he said, but from the tone of voice, he meant now." Jasmine groaned.

"Ok, we'll be out as soon as we get dressed."

"Alright, Jas, I'll see you later." Jasmine listened to the footsteps until they faded, then turned to Erik.

"I'm sorry, love. It would seem that Hank has bad timing." Erik smiled at that, he's hand coming up to stroke her cheek.

"It's ok, sweet. He ran some tests on you before sending you up here. I imagine that's why he wants us." Saying that, Erik leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, pulling away when she would have pulled him closer. "Up, Jasmine. You have a doctor's appointment."

Erik got up, forgetting that he had just a towel on and stood. The little white towel fell from his body, leaving Jasmine with a fine view of his butt. She whistled, making his wiggle it at her just a bit, before walking to the closet to get his clothes.

"I'll get out of bed, but I'd like to lodge a formal compliant." Erik pulled on his boxers and jeans, then walked over to her smiling, holding out a pair of jeans and shirt for her. Next he got her bra and a pair of panties. Then he turned his back and went to get his shirt. Jasmine mumbled as she yanked her clothes on, sitting down on the edge of the bed to put her feet into the pants. When she looked up again, Erik was in front of her, fulling clothed, and smiling again.

"I'm glad you're upset. You have no idea how it makes me feel that you would rather stay in bed with me than go down stairs with all the friends that are so worried about you." He watched as Jasmine stood, pulling her pants up and buttoning them, sliding the zipper up. Her eyes connected with his and held, as she slide her arms around his neck, pulling his head down to meet hers.

"I would rather be here with you than anywhere in the world," she said, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. "Even when I could be down stairs with friends that are worried about me." Jasmine placed her lips firmly against Erik's, kissing him passionately, before pulling away. "But right now, the doctor trumps the fiancé." She turned and walked to the closet, slipping her feet into a pair of sandals, then motioned for him to come with her.

0000000

Down in the Med Lab, Hank peppered Jasmine with questions. Asking about how she felt when she woke up. What was the last thing she remembered doing? Had she realized that she had been moved several times since she fainted? Had she had any weird dreams? Jasmine and Erik both raised an eyebrow at that one.

The rest of the visit was normal, she was checked over, her temperature, pulse, and blood pressure taken. She was given a clean bill of health, but told not to do anything too strenuous. Of course Erik chose not to hear that part. He didn't think of sex as being too strenuous for anyone. Jasmine just smiled at Hank when he said that, not committing to anything. She knew Erik too well.

"Well that's it then." Hank smiled at them and stood. "Ororo wanted me to tell you about a dinner she's planning for tonight. Just the adults, all the kids will be feed and sent to their rooms. Sort of an informal engagement party for the two of you." His smile got bigger, showing off his sharp canines.

"We'll be there, Hank." Jasmine reached up to hug him, watched as Erik shook his hand, then the two of them walked away. Jasmine could feel Hank's gaze on them, staying on them until they were in the lift. She knew something was up with Hank, his smile had proved it. Perhaps he had decided to make an honest woman out 'Ro. Finally. Erik voice startled her out of her own thoughts.

"I do believe that Hank intends to propose to Ororo tonight." He looked down at her from where he leaned against the wall of the elevator. He reached out and drew his lover to him with one hand, the other reaching over to press the emergency stop button. Jasmine raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing, Erik?" Even as she asked the question, her eyes sparkled.

"I would think that would be obvious, my dear. I was interrupted earlier when Marie knocked, and I mean to rectify that problem." His evil smirk sent chills down Jasmine's spine. She pressed up against him, her eyes dilating.

"Have you evil way with me, then, Erik Lensherr." Erik's smirk disappeared as he leaned down, taking her lips with his own, his hands quickly divesting her of her clothes. Jasmine's smaller hands took care of his clothes just as quickly. The articles ended up in a pile of fabric, starting with shoes and ending with underwear.

Jasmine pressed her naked body up to Erik's naked body. She felt his arousal throb against her stomach, as his tongue entered her mouth, touching her everywhere. Erik's hands moved down to her ass, pressing her lower half to his, grinding them together. Jasmine finally decided she couldn't take anymore. She gripped his shoulder and jumped, her legs encircling his waist, her core just above his cock.

"I do think you're impatient, my love." Erik said on a gasp as she moved her heated core to his pulsing member. "I love you, Jasmine. You do know it's not about the sex right?" Erik said breathlessly. Jasmine stopped kissing his neck to look at him, her eyes filled with lust and love. She smiled as she leaned forward and kissed Erik tenderly.

"I know, Erik. It was never about the sex. Not even 15 years ago. There was always something more," she leaned back and smiled at him wickedly. "But the good sex doesn't hurt any, now does it?" She took hold of Erik to make her point.

"No it doesn't." Erik gasped out, struggling to taking a deep breath. Jasmine didn't allow the luxury, before she positioned him and dropped her hips, encasing Erik in her hot body. Jasmine lost her breath at the movement, her legs tightening around Erik. She moved slowly, bringing her mouth to his, her tongue mimicking the movement of her body. Her fingers moved to Erik's nipples, pinching them, then soothing them. She shallowed the sounds that Erik made, giving him some of her own.

Erik suddenly turned, thrusting Jasmine against the wall, his lips moved over hers, almost bruising in their intensity. Erik held her hips and pulled his body from hers, then thrust forward again. Jasmine drug her mouth from his to scream loudly. Erik moved down to her neck to nibble on the fair skin there, his hips rocketing into Jasmine. Finally all thought was gone except release, Erik and Jasmine stared into each others eyes, their screams and yells mixing just like their body fluids mixed. Jasmine felt her body start to convulse and shake, her walls tightening on Erik as he pistoned into her. Her last scream was joined by a roar from Erik as his released his seed into her willing body. Erik's lips fell on hers, kissing her harshly as he came down from the sexual high that she had given him.

Erik turned around, his back to the wall and slowly slid down until he was sitting. Jasmine sat on his lap, resting her head against his chest, not willing to move as they were still joined together. She could still feel Erik pulsing in her, and it felt wonderful. Maybe they would conceive this time. The thought made her smile. Erik must have felt the smile against his chest.

"What?" Erik asked, his hands on her back, stroking the way she liked.

"I was just thinking that it would good to conceive a child from this. This isn't just sex, or even love making. This was a celebration of life. How better to celebrate than to create a life?" Jasmine looked up at Erik. His brow was furrowed. She reached up and soothed it before speaking again. "You were afraid that you would lose me. When I saw that you had been shot I was afraid too. If we hadn't been interrupted earlier, this would have happened then." She looked thoughtful for a moment.

"We've always had lust between us. That first night was all about that I think with an under current of something more. But after that night, it changed. We felt that there was something more between us. I don't know what would have happened if we hadn't been discovered. I don't think about it. But I felt that connection with you every day that we were apart. Even when I was sleeping with other men, I knew that they weren't you."

"It was the same with me, Jasmine. I slept with more women than I care to think about, all in an attempt to rid myself of you. But it never worked, I still saw your face when I released. I still dreamed of your body beneath me. There were a number of times that I thought I would go crazy if I couldn't have you right then." Erik pulled her close, closing his eyes as he rested his forehead against hers. "I can't imagine life without you now. I don't even want to try." He opened his eyes, staring into hers. "So you better be prepared to deal with me everyday for the rest of your life. I'm not letting you go now that I've got you where I want you. Literally and figuratively." He chuckled softly, as Jasmine's eyes took on an impish look.

"Maybe I've got YOU where I want you. You're the one inside my body. And I happen to like it that way." She leaned down to kiss him. "But right now, I think we need to give the Institute it's elevator back." She scooted off Erik, and crawled over to her clothes, throwing Erik's at him, earning another chuckle from him. She jerked her clothes on for the second time that day, grumbling again about not wanting to leave the room.

Once they were both decent, Erik pressed the emergency button again, and the elevator started moving again. When it stopped and the doors opened, they were faced with the other couples of the mansion. Logan and Marie looked as if they were about to laugh out loud. Cindy looked at Will as if she was considering trying it next. The look on Charles's face said that he didn't know whether to scold them or congratulate them. Kitty and 'Ro were staring at something behind Jasmine and Erik.

"Jas, you may want to turn around and get what you left behind." Kitty's voice was strange, and when she looked up, Jasmine saw that she was barely holding in her laughter. 'Ro was the same. Jasmine heard a chuckle beside her, and looked up at Erik. He had turned around and was facing the elevator like everyone else. So Jasmine turned too.

There on the floor of the elevator laid a pair of pink bikini underwear.

Jasmine felt her face flush as she shot a hand out, bringing the offending object to herself. She quickly stuffed them into her pockets as she heard the sniggers behind her. Turning she dared them to make any sound. Calypso did nothing to intimidate them this time though. A raised brow only made everyone burst out laughing.

Jasmine watched as they laughed like hyenas. Logan fell to the floor, bringing Marie down with him. Cindy and Will were holding on to each other. 'Ro and Kitty had collapsed against the far wall. Erik and Charles were doubled over, holding each other up. Jasmine huffed a breath out and just watched. A few students passed, their eyes wide from the sight of their teachers acting like kids. Finally some of them stopped. 'Ro was the first to speak, her voice still wobbling from restrained laughter.

"Jas, was it good in the elevator?" She came over to put her arm around Jasmine's shoulders. Her smirk said it all. They all knew how good it was. But instead of being angry or embarrassed, Jasmine walked over to Erik and pulled his head down in a fierce kiss. When she pulled her head back up, they were both breathless.

"Oh yes, 'Ro, it was wonderful. Although there hasn't ever been a time when it wasn't." The men chuckled and the women grinned as Erik pulled her to him again. His smile was as wide as the Mississippi. Jasmine turned back to 'Ro. "So what's this I hear about a dinner tonight?" Erik let her go when she pulled away, watching as she and other women walked down the hall, their heads together. There was a ding, and Hank stepped out of the elevator just in time to hear the five women laugh.

"I told you no strenuous activities, Erik." Hank was smiling as he said it. Erik walked over and squeezed his shoulder. Still watching the women. All the other men were doing the same, their eyes following their woman's form, watching her hips sway from side to side.

"When it comes to sex with the woman you love, Hank, it's not strenuous. It's making love. There's a vast difference." They returned to watching the women, who had stopped, and were talking animatedly. "You know, Charles, watching her reminds of an old song that you used to like. You remember 'Poetry in Motion' by Johnny Tillotson?" Erik smiled widely, feeling his old friend come up beside him, watching Kitty as she walked on with the rest of the woman.

"I do, and you're right. Do you remember how it goes?" Erik and Charles looked at each other and started to sing as they looked back to their lovers.

When I see my baby I'll tell you what do I see
Poetry, poetry in motion

Poetry in motion walking by my side
Her lovely locomotion keeps my eyes open wide
Poetry in motion see her gentle sway
All waves out in the ocean could never move that way

I love every movement there's nothing I would change
She doesn't need improvement she's much too nice to rearrange
Poetry in motion dancing close to me
A flower of devotion for all the world to see Poetry in motion see her gentle sway
All waves out in the ocean could never move that way

I love every movement there's nothing I would change
She doesn't need improvement she's much too nice to rearrange
Poetry in motion all that I adore
No number nine love potion could make me love her more

The three younger men just stared at the older two as they finished singing. The smiles on the old faces were of memories from a another time. Logan smirk, The time of the dinosaurs probably. His smile widened until he heard a voice in his head.

I heard that, Logan, and if I told Erik, he wouldn't be too happy with it.

Ah, c'mon, Chuck, you know that was funny. And you have to admit, that compared to your young lovers, you two are ancient. Logan smirked again, only to have Charles turn to him with a raised eyebrow.

And you're not?? Charles saw that he had made his point when Logan flushed. Erik turned and raised an eyebrow also, as if he knew what Logan and Charles had been discussing. Will and Hank had turned to watch their women again, and Logan decided that that was a good idea. Just as that moment, Marie jumped up and down, and wiggled around a bit in excitement.

"They'd all like to know that's how we think of them, gentlemen. Jasmine for one would love it." Erik glanced at the others, smiling. Logan just raised an eyebrow at the older man.

"You'd be willing to sing that song in public just let Jas know you like how she moves?" Erik and Charles shared a smile before turning back to the women.

"Yes, Logan, I'd be willing to do that and more. I just made love to her in an elevator, for heaven's sake. That proved how much I want her, now didn't it?" Erik's voice was soft. Jasmine turned just then and caught Erik watching her. She pursed her lips and blew him a kiss.

"Women like that kind of thing, Logan." Charles stated. He watched Kitty move around the other four women.

"And it gets you brownie points, that you can cash in at a later date." Will stated. The four men turned to Logan with raised eyebrows, all daring him to say that THAT wasn't true.

"Ok, you guys are right, but I can't go sprouting that kind of crap. I have an image to protect, you know. Marie would be shocked to hear me say something like that, especially in public." The other four men just looked at him. Hank and Will were cheesing. Charles and Erik still had raised eyebrows.

"For someone who is as ancient as you are, Logan, you sure have a lot to learn about women." Erik's smirk said it all. Charles stood beside him barely holding in his laughter. "You see, Logan, you don't have to make a fool of yourself to show Marie that you care. You could say something like that in private. I only say it publically because I don't care who knows how I feel about Jasmine. I have no pride when it comes to her. I love her too much." Erik turned back to watch Jasmine as she stood with the others, smiling and laughing.

"I feel the same about Cindy. I'm the President of the United States. And I would give it all up if she asked. She's the best thing that ever happened to me. And I tell her every change I get." Will smiled softly as he watched his wife. Hank nodded from his place beside Will.

"'Ro's the center of my universe, Logan. And she knows it, but it doesn't go to her head. In fact she does whatever she can to please me. That how we show our love to each other." Hank's gaze went to Ororo as she too stood at the end of the hall. At that moment she turned to look at them and Logan saw her eyes catch Hank's and hold. Logan watched as their eyes soften.

Logan felt like his was intruding on a private moment. He turned to Charles and found the older man watching Hank also. The look on his face was a wistful, making Logan wonder about the man and Kitty. They had just started dating, if that was what you could call it. Though in all truthfulness, none of them were dating. They were all having affairs.

"You don't have an advice for me, Chuck?" Logan watched as the older man moved his eyes to Kitty as she waved her hands, talking with animate features. The smile that formed on his lips was mysterious. Logan looked up to see Kitty watching Charles, her face blushing. Logan had a feeling they were talking telepathically. Finally Charles chuckled and turned to look at the others, before looking Logan in the eyes.

"The only thing I can add, Logan, is that when you have a special girl, you'll do anything to keep her, including embarrassing yourself. Multiple times if need be. If she asked you to harness the stars and give them to her one at a time, you'd do it, just to make her happy." He paused, glancing down the hall as the women burst out laughing. "And gentlemen, we've all got special women. We'd all be lost without them. So I suggest that we do everything in our powers to keep them."

Each man was left to his own thoughts for a bit, watching their mates, as they all talked. About what, none of the men knew, nor did they care. They were content to watch. The feeling surprised Logan. He was an animal by nature, never staying in one plave too long. And yet, he was content to stay inside and watch his mate from a distance. For once in his life he didn't feel the need to roam, to sow his oats far and wide. Everyone knew that Marie was his girl, and all the other guys made a wide path around her. His territory was marked. He was happy. Because of Marie.

It suddenly made sense to Logan, why these strong Alpha males were willing to make fools of themselves. The women they were mated with made them happy. And because the men were happy they wanted to make their women happy. They'd do anything to let the women know what they meant to them. He finally got why Hank and Erik could walk around with smiles all day. He understood why Will looked softer when he gazed at Cindy. And he understood the wistful look on Charles face. He and Charles were in the same boat. They both wanted to tell the women they loved how they felt, but neither was certain how to do it.

Logan got a sudden idea. He knew how to let Marie know what she meant to him. He would be embarrassed, but he would do it. His very life and future happiness depended on it.

0000000000000

"Kitty, come here a moment." Charles watched as the girl crossed his room from where she had been standing in his bathroom, getting ready for the dinner. They had moved some of her clothes into his much larger room earlier that day. Already the room looked and felt different. There was a jewelry box on his dresser, along with a brush, and a few little trinkets. He eyes settled on his lover as she sailed across the room to where he was sitting on the bed. He reached out a hand for her, grasping her smaller hand tightly, bringing her to his lap.

"Is something wrong? You've seemed distracted all afternoon since your talk with the other men." Kitty snaked her arms around Charles' neck, pulling herself close to him. Her eyes were uncertain though.

"Nothing's wrong, my love. I just want to tell you something." Charles glanced to the side, taking a big breath. "I love you, Kitty. This last week, I've myself thinking of nothing but you, when I should have been concentration on work. You've given me hope that i can have everything that I've wanted in life." Charles waited breathlessly for Kitty's reaction. It the best he could come up with on such short notice. He hoped that it worked to say what he wanted. He watched as Kitty blinked her eyes, a few tears squeezing out.

"Kitty, are you ok? Was it that big of a shock?" Charles tried to make light of the situation. Kitty smiled, her eyes leaking big time now.

"You love me?" Kitty's big brown eyes glistened. She had heard those three words that she wanted to hear most, and all the rest hadn't mattered in the least.

"Of course I do, little girl. How could I not?" There wasn't an answer to that question. Charles was suddenly launched backwards onto the bed, with an armful of Kitty on top of him, raining kisses all over his face. Her small hands came up to frame his face, holding him still for her lips to attach to his. She sat up, and stared down at him. Her smile sent shivers running down Charles spine.

"I love you too, Charles." She reached down and pulled the hem of her dress up, throwing it over her shoulders. She was left in a bra and panties that didn't leave a lot to the imagination. She leaned down and placed her lips on his again. Charles thought it was lucky that he hadn't started getting ready just yet. If he had been wearing his suit, it would have been harder to get him undressed.

He watched Kitty as she pulled his t-shirt up and over his head. Her hands fell to his chest, her fingers spreading running through the light dusting of gray hair that was there. She traced the out line of his muscles, now more defined thanks to his new body. She touched down to his navel, before leaning down to dip her talented tongue into it. For a virgin, she sure knew how to drive a man crazy. Charles moaned low in his throat.

"Do you like that, baby?" She sat up and slid down his legs, her hands at the waist band of his pants, unzipping them and pulling them down, along with his boxers. Her eyes widened lustfully as his erect arousal sprang out. She discarded the pants and her underwear and crawled back up her lover, taking his lips as she teased him slightly with her heated core. "We don't have time for much foreplay, baby, but we can make love." With that said she gripped Charles and slowly sank down onto his rigid member.

They both gasped at the penetration. They had never gotten this deep before. Kitty had been curious about what it would feel like being on top. Always before, Charles had started kissing, and she had forgotten her desire to ride him, until it was already over. Now all she thought about was relieving the pressure that was coiling in her stomach. She started to move, smiling when Charles moaned under her.

"KITTY!!!" Charles pulled her down and attacked her lips with his, thrusting his hips up to meet hers as they came crashing down. Kitty came almost immediately, her clinching body bringing Charles over the edge with her. She screamed loudly into her lovers mouth, not thinking about what anyone would think. She was past the point of caring. And from the noises that Charles was making he didn't care either.

Kitty slumped against Charles, both drenched in sweat, but neither caring at that moment in time. They had enough time to take a quick shower as long as they didn't have round two while they were in there. She laid there listening to his heart beat settle into his normal rhythm. Her own was still racing a mile a minute.

"Wow," Kitty said after she could breath normally. "That was...wow."

"I quite agree, my love." Charles chuckled. "But now we need to get up and shower, if we're to make it to Ororo's dinner on time."

"I don't guess we can just send our regrets down, can we?" Charles laughed loudly, his arms tightening around Kitty, pulling her down for another kiss, before pushing her off him. He got up and pulled her up with him, leading her to the shower.

0000000000

Logan shifted nervously. Marie was watching him with suspicious eyes. This was NOT the normal behavior for the overly confident Wolverine. Scott was watching from the corner where he sat. Scott was watching everyone. Not just Logan. But he watched Jasmine and Erik the most. Logan could tell that the man was not comfortable with the two being open with each other. He would have to get used to it.

Logan looked up and saw Chuck and Kitty coming out onto the patio. His nose caught a whiff of something that even a quick shower couldn't get rid of. They had mated before they came down. Logan's mouth stretched into a smile. He caught Charles' eyes and nodded at him, giving him a thumbs up. Charles' raised eyebrow. Even that momentary distraction did nothing to quail Logan's butterflies.

Everyone sat down. The food was served, the wine poured. Everyone was laughing and eating. There was a lot of ribbing. A lot of teasing, especially about that afternoon. Neither Jasmine nor Erik made any excuses. Logan waited patiently through the courses. He knew that Hank had planned something too, and Logan wanted the fur ball to go first. After dessert was taken away, everyone was relaxing, the wine still there, just enjoying each other's company. Finally Hank stood up and held his glass up. Everyone quieted.

"The reason for this dinner is to celebrate the engagement of a dear friend to an equally dear mentor. I can't say that I ever saw it happening. I didn't see it fifteen years ago, so I was completely blown over when I found out that they were involved. But I can honestly say that I can't think of two who deserve it more. Jasmine, Erik, I'm happy for you, and I'm proud to call you my friends. Salut!" He raised his glass to his lips and took a drink, waiting until everyone had followed suit.

"Although I said I can't think of two people who deserve it more, I can think of one." Everyone watched as he moved down to the head of the table where Ororo sat. Erik slipped his hand over to grab Jasmine's as they watched Hank go down on bended knee. 'Ro cried out in surprise. "Ororo Monroe, I love you with all my heart. You are my world, and I want to make it official and forever. Will you marry me?"

'Ro didn't even answer just jumped up and into Hank's arms, kissing him, causing this both to fall over, with Hank landing on the patio. There were chuckles and catcalls, until finally 'Ro got up and pulled Hank up, holding her hand out for the ring he held. Once it was placed on her fingers, she threw her arms around him again. She pulled away, pushed into her chair and then sat in his lap.

"Well I guess that's my queue." Everyone fell quiet as Logan stood up and moved his chair out of the way. He and Marie were sitting next to each other. He dropped to one knee, tears starting to stand in Marie's eyes already and he hadn't even started yet. "I've thought about this since this afternoon. I didn't know what I could do to let you know what I feel when I'm with you. I finally thought of something. I don't know how it will turn out, but I'm going to try." He cleared his throat. And started to sing.

Imagine me and you, I do
I think about you day and night
It's only right
To think about the girl you love
And hold her tight
So happy together

If I should call you up
Invest a dime And you say you belong to me
And ease my mind
Imagine how the world could be
So very fine
So happy together

I can't see me loving nobody but you
For all my life
When you're with me
Baby the skies will be blue
For all my life

Me and you
And you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice
It had to be
The only one for me is you
And you for me
So happy together

Me and you
And you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice
It had to be
The only one for me is you
And you for me
So happy together

Me and you
And you and me
No matter how they tossed the dice
It had to be
The only one for me is you
And you for me
So happy together
So happy together
How is the weather
So happy together
We're happy together
So happy together

The Turtles

There was silence as the last note died. Who would have thought that a man like the Wolverine could sing in such a clear baritone voice (think of Daughtry). Everyone was shocked, not that he had sung to Marie, but that he had sung at all. And in public. Everyone except Marie. She had concentrated on two phrases. 1. The girl you love and 2. So happy together. The second phrase was repeated over and over again. That's what really caught her attention.

Logan was happy with her.

"I don't know if that song said it all, but I love you, Marie. And I'm happy with you. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy with me. Will you let me do that? Will you marry me?" Marie just stared for a moment, looking into Logan's eyes. What she saw brought more tears. She nodded her head, and held out her left hand, watching as Logan slid the ring on her fourth finger. She looked back up into his eyes, her hands drawing his face toward hers. The kiss they shared was tender, loving. Logan pulled his chair back to the table and sat, pulling Marie over into his lap.

"Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one planning a wedding!!" Jasmine smiled as everyone else laughed. She stood, raising her glass, looking around the table at her friends, her family. Her eyes misted over as she gazed at Scott alone in the corner. "We've lost a lot of loved ones, we've gained a few back. The world is in turmoil because they don't know what to do with us. Our own kind are fighting amongst themselves, losing ground everyday. But at the end of the day, we here at the Xavier Institute know that we've stood for something that's good and right. At the end of the day, no matter how hard , how bad, no matter what we've lost, we still stood for what we believed in."

Jasmine turned and walked to the railing. She looked out over the lawn, her eyes seeing farther than the others. She saw what could happen, if things didn't change. What would happen, if people stopped caring. She saw famine, and fire. Destruction, and death. She saw her friends and family, closing her eyes to the sight. She turned back to her loved ones.

"At the end of the day, we can chose how we go forward. We can learn from the mistakes we've made, and do better. We can stand for equality, justice, and truth. And at the end of the day, we can lay our heads down on our pillows and rest easy, knowing that we've done all we can to shape the world so that it will be better for our children. I, for one, will be proud to stand up and fight for my future. And there will be a fight. There's no question about that. The question is, will you stand with me?"

Jasmine watched as Erik stood slowly, coming to stand with her, his arm going around her waist. They looked at the others together. Marie stood, with Logan just behind her, his hands on her shoulders. Will stood, holding his hand out for Cindy to take it. She stood on her own, then reached for her husband's hand. 'Ro stood from Hank's lap, her shoulders squared. Hanks stood beside her, his large blue hand engulfing hers. Kitty and Charles stood as one, hands locked together. And last, Scott came into the light, his arms folded over his chest, his face impassive. He nodded to Jasmine.

"There will be more like Mark Howell. Many more. But what matters is how we handle them together, as a team, as a family. Life won't get any easier, but we can help each other. That's what families do. But we're more than that. We're the X-Men." Jasmine raised her glass, the other following suit. "To the X-Men. May we always remember where we came from and where we're going. Let each of us remember that we're never in this alone." She stopped and looked to Scott. "Let each know that no matter what we go through the others are there to help. May we have wisdom to handle each situation, patience to deal with the children and their questions," there were a few chuckles there. "And the love for each other that will keep us going, after all."

"To the X-Men!!" They each raised their glasses, saluting each other, and then draining the contents. Jasmine looked around at everyone, her family. She felt the need to cry suddenly. There was so much at stake here tonight. And they didn't know. But she knew, and she had to do everything possible, to make sure that what she saw didn't come true. Her eyes drifted to Scott, who was laughing at something Logan had said. She watched as the other closed ranks around him, surrounding him with support. Just what he needed.

She turned and went back to the railing, leaning against it. The breeze floated across her, tickling her senses. A calm she couldn't understand came over her, and she saw the future again. This time it was vastly different from before. There was plenty of food, the forests were lush with green plants. There was life everywhere. It was by no means a perfect future, she saw problems, but it still a future. She didn't know what she had said, who had made the difference, but somehow she had tipped the scale in their favor.

She felt a presence beside her, not a person. A being. One that she knew. She turned her head, the image of a bird floated beside her. It was pure energy, glowing red, though she knew she was the only one to feel it or see it. But that was the way the Phoenix wanted it. This was the same presence she had felt while she was under the effects of the serum and the inhibitor. Jean had helped her.

I'm not Jean. Jean is dead. I am the Phoenix force. The entity that dwelled within Jean. I am not what she made me to be. Jean corrupted herself. I merely let her use me the way she wanted. She knew nothing of me other than my power.

How could she not know anything about you. You lived in her body for years.

Your Professor is to thank for that. If he hadn't had you help him construct the walls around me, Jean would have learned of me, and would have learned to use me. But instead, she learned to hate me, to use me to get what she wanted, which was in the end, revenge.

Why are you here with me now? Why were you with me while I was captive.

I was there and am here because you are the only being to have naturally what I give to my hosts. You have powers beyond the understanding of mortal men, and they are yours to do with as you see fit, whether for good, or for bad. And you are a good person. I was the protector of this world. I've had many hosts, Jean was the last. But you can do my job now.

What do you mean?

You turned the tide of the fabric of time with your speech. With Scott's coming back into the group, the future will be good. And you did that. Not even Jean was strong enough to turn him from the path he was on.

Did she know?

No, as I said, Jean was not aware of me, or anything that I could teach her. It is best that she's dead. Now it's your responsibility to take care of this world. I can leave for other worlds, and do more good there, than here. I leave you with one last word. Never forget where you came from, Jasmine Englham. Stay humble and you will succeed.

The presence faded from her awareness, leaving her baffled, and slightly dizzy. The sounds behind her were normal, the happy voices of her family. She felt a hand on her waist and leaned into Erik's warm embrace. She didn't want to puzzle it out right now. The night had barely begun and she had memories to make. There was always tomorrow, and then she could talk to some of the others about it, and get their takes. There were a family, and that's what families were for, after all.

She turned in Erik's embrace, smiling up at him. He returned her smiled, leaning down to kiss her offered lips. The kiss was slow and gentle, searching almost. Jasmine opened her mind to Erik, allowing him to feel her emotions, her love and trust. When she pulled back, they stared into each other's eyes. No words were needed. The love was evident. Erik took her hand, pulling her back into the light spilling from the french doors. Back to her family.