A/N: Longest chapter yet, but considering what's coming I had no choice! Enjoy!

-Ororo's Room-

As the sunlight peaks in through the window, Logan is instantly aware of two things:

One being that this is the first time in as long as he can remember that he's slept through the entire night. A remarkable thing in itself considering the nightmares that are the usual for him.

The second being that he is not in his room.

The warm lump draped across his chest brings him into reality. He watches her breathe, looking so beautifully peaceful and he remembers that he almost lost this chance.

He'd been talking to Jean, flirting with her if he were to be honest and there was a moment when he was sure that Jean was offering herself to him. Only a few months ago, if he'd been presented with that opportunity he would've taken it; no hesitation, no questions asked. That was a few months ago though.

That was before Ororo.

She'd worked her way into his heart with her warmth, her strength and her acceptance of him. Most tried to change him, get him to be a different man than he was. Ororo not only accepted the man he was, but wanted him. So when Jean was freely offering her bed to him, all he could think of was where he'd rather be.

Which is exactly where he was now.

"How long to you plan on staring at me...?"

Ororo's eyes flutter open with a warm smile and Logan returns it; kissing her forehead sweetly. He can't believe how sentimental this woman has made him.

"As long as you let me, I 'spose... How'd you sleep?" Logan pulls her body closer to him and she snuggles up against him sighing.

"Better than I have in years..." Ororo responds wistfully, she seems content until her body gets tense and her scent changes.

"Something wrong, darlin'?" Logan asks warily. There was fear in her scent now, fear and nervousness.

"I- I have something to confess, Logan," Ororo sits up allowing the covers fall off of her exposing her bare chest to him. He was quickly realizing that she didn't need to do much to get him aroused.

This could end up being a big problem…

"Uh... ok..." Logan responds, distracted. Ororo catches his gaze and simply shrugs, making no effort to cover herself.

"Forge and I- we were once-"

"Yeah, I figured as much," Logan sighs, sitting up. He hoped just once his instincts had been incorrect, but they never steered him wrong before.

"Yes, well- that's over." Ororo states, shaking her head. She notes Logan's expression and continues. "Seeing him again for the first time... it did bring back... some unresolved feelings." Logan nods, understanding what she meant. Being with Jean last night had done the same thing to him.

She explains the events that occurred after dinner, holds nothing back as she details their interactions. Logan can't help but be impressed, she's afraid of how he'll react, yet she pushes forward regardless.

Ororo ends her confession with a hesitant smile. "Have I completely ruined things..?"

"You can't get rid of me that easily..." Logan reaches out to her and they share another kiss. He's addicted to her lips and it doesn't take long before his senses are overwhelmed by her.

"Logan..." Ororo moans as Logan's lips finds her throat. "You have to at least let me have breakfast first..." She giggles as Logan tickles her neck with his nose, inhaling her scent.

"You just have that affect on me..." Logan chuckles, but then a thought occurs to him. "How close- I mean did you and Forge ever..." Logan had assumed before last night that Ororo was not a virgin, now he was hoping against all hope that Forge had not been her first.

"He was my first love, Logan..." Ororo answers his question. "But what I felt for him is nothing more than a school girl crush compared to what I feel for you..."

Logan warms at her words, because he feels the same way. He may have lusted after Jean, but it was more than sexual with Ororo.

Which meant he needs to make a confession of his own.

He explains to her that Aaron is his biological son and that he and the mother were involved. Ororo winces when he informs her that had it not been for Weapon X, the two would likely still be together. He can tell that this admission is one she wasn't prepared for, but she simply nods, silence filling the room.

He wished there was another way, but if they were going to be in each others lives beyond last night, all the cards had to be on the table. Her words to him not long ago.

"I gotta wonder now if I haven't ruined things..." Logan snorts bitterly. He knew this would be hard, the two of them being together, considering the lives they lead. But adding Aaron to the mix, Forge being here, maybe it was too much for her to deal with.

He would hate to lose her, but he would understand.

Ororo straddles his lap and captures his eyes with hers. "You haven't, I- I just wonder how Aaron will take the two of us. Being together."

Truthfully Logan hadn't given it much thought, but he supposed that it was possible that it could be an issue. In fact, if that was the only issue with the two of them being together, he wouldn't feel so uneasy.

Despite his feelings for Ororo, he has serious doubts about their ability to survive. And he knows the longer he allows those doubts to linger, the worse it will be when they resurface.

"Why me Ororo? I mean, ya gotta admit the baggage I come with is pretty extensive..." On top of everything else, he still had lapses. Times where the animal clawed at the cages, begging to be set free. He managed to control it last night, but he knew there would be times when she would be at the mercy of the full fledged Wolverine. "There's a part of me 'Ro… a part I can't always be expected to stop…"

"I know." Ororo interrupts him smiling. "I know because it dwells within me as well."

Logan simply looks at Ororo in disbelief as she continues.

"I'm a child of nature, like you are Logan. That doesn't just mean that I like pretty flowers and sing to birds; it means that there is a part of me every bit as primal, as visceral as what exists in you. Professor taught me to control it, Forge wanted me to deny it, but you, with you I feel I can embrace it. I want us both to explore those sides of ourselves Logan. Together." As if to emphasize her conviction she scratches his chest lightly, leaving quickly disappearing red marks. Logan groans, feeling his arousal rise.

"Ya don't know what cha asking of me 'Ro." Logan sighs warily. "I can't guarantee I'll be gentle every time or be able to stop myself-"

"Hush." Ororo chastises, placing a finger to his lips. "I've seen you at your worst, I've seen you at your best and the one thing that remains the same is your heart." Ororo places her hand on his chest tenderly. "It never changes. When you love you love with everything you have. For a chance at that? No baggage would be to heavy for me to carry..."

-The Kitchen-

Forge burned through the night in order to complete the harnesses, now he was in desperate need of food. As he headed from the lower levels to the kitchen, he realized how deathly silent the mansion still was.

Leaving him alone with his thoughts and all he could think about was Ororo rejecting him.

Things had been going well enough; in fact it felt like old times to him, only better. Ororo had matured, become more sophisticated, less wild and it was attractive on her. He was sure that after some kind words and a few admissions of wrong that the two of them would be celebrating his return in style.

In her bedroom.

He expected some hesitance. That she would struggle with her emotions; she always has. So her anger was always a possibility, but her refusal to even consider reconciliation had never crossed his mind.

It doesn't matter, sooner or later I'll wear her down, I just need to be patient.

He smiles, thinking of how close he'd been yesterday to accomplishing his goal. Her body was responding to him, but something had changed. She mentioned him ruining her "chance at happiness" but how could she be happy without him? It's obvious she was simply confused and needed time to process him being back in her life.

"Morning Forge..."

Forge turns to see a shirtless Logan standing at the counter, using his claws to slice some fruit onto a tray.

Obviously well-schooled in using them…

"Logan... I'm gonna make some coffee. Do you want some?" Forge offers as he makes himself a cup. He saw no reason to waste his energy in confrontation with the man. Obviously Logan had some kind of crush on Ororo and felt threatened by him, but he could care less. Sooner or later Logan would just have to realize that Ororo could never belong to him.

"Sure. Thanks." Logan answers, washing his claws off before re-sheathing them.

Maybe he's come to his senses and realizes who the better man is… good.

Forge takes note of the large tray Logan has arranged; apples, strawberries, peaches, grapes and cheese along with some pita bread. Logan didn't strike him as someone who's pallet extended beyond beer and beef jerky. He's about to make a comment about his choice of breakfast when he feels Logan's eyes on him.

"Something on your mind, Logan?" Forge asks slightly irritated.

"Yeah," Logan returns closing the space between them. "Once we get Marie back, what are your plans?"

Forge could tell by his tone that Logan was expecting a certain answer and that it would be the only one acceptable.

Sorry to disappoint you fella...

"Not that it's any of your concern," Forge states angrily, staring Logan down. "But I plan on teaching here again... I've missed cultivating young minds."

"I bet..." Logan snorts. "Still I imagine there's plenty of places a guy like you can... take advantage of young minds. No need to limit yourself to our humble school."

"I don't appreciate the implication, Logan. It's in poor taste, yet I suppose I should suspect as much from someone like you..." Forge found himself getting angry, something that didn't happen too often, but he imagines Logan had a way of bringing out the worst in people.

"I wasn't implying anything, but I think I catch your point. Allow me to make mine-" Logan unsheathes six claws in Forge's face. To his shame, Forge takes a step back. "Once you are done here; you're done here. Either on two legs or two wheels, your choice."

"I don't respond very well to threats Logan…" Forge answers steeling himself.

"That's okay, I don't threaten; I promise and I keep my word." Logan smiles nastily.

Before either man can make their next move, Ororo walks in.

"Logan, I am starving what is taking- oh hello Forge. I trust you slept well last night?"

Forge cannot hide his surprise and disappointment at finding out Logan was preparing breakfast for Ororo. Making matters worse, he is sure that the over-sized sweatshirt she is clad in belongs to the feral mutant who just threatened his life. He realizes there may be more to their relationship than he had previously believed.

"Actually I worked through the night. You know how I am when my mind is set on something..." Forge answers, smiling at Ororo. He can see Logan bristle a bit at his comment, but Ororo continues to smile.

"Yes and sometimes that stubbornness serves you well, Maker." Ororo leans up to kiss Logan passionately on the lips, moaning when Logan gives her butt a small squeeze. "Logan, I'm taking this back to my room before I pass out from hunger. Are you coming or what?"

"Give me a moment to finish my coffee, gorgeous." Logan answers licking his lips.

Ororo pouts playfully holding up a finger. "One moment, only. Forge, since you worked through the night I imagine you've finished the work on the harnesses?"

Forge, dumbfounded manages to nod sadly. Overwhelmed by the recent turn of events.

"Good, then we can work on getting Marie back once everyone else is up." Ororo nods happily. She looks from Logan to Forge, holding Logan's eyes longer before exiting. "I meant it, Logan; hurry back." Forge has seen the look Ororo gives Logan before, it has to do with a whole different kind of hunger.

Well, one point to you then Logan…

Once both men are sure Ororo has made her way back upstairs, they regard each other once more. Forge can feel the smugness coming off Logan.

"Nicely done, Logan." Forge admits. "Just realize that this victory is but a temporary one; a lapse in judgment on Ororo's part. Once she comes to her senses, she'll recognize you for what you truly are..."

"And what would that be, bub?" Logan asks menacingly baring his fangs.

Forge chuckles as if feeling his point is proven. "An animal, pure and simple. You're just after a good time, you have no idea how to be committed."

"That's funny coming from you," Logan responds still smiling. "And someone as smart as you're supposed to be, should realize that most "animals" are monogamous and mate for life... Guess you know as much about wildlife as you do about women... probably best if you stick to circuits and wires tin man." Logan snarls tapping Forge's bionic arm playfully.

Forge glares at Logan as he nonchalantly finishes his coffee, placing the empty mug in the sink. "Thanks for the coffee... and think about what I said. Think about it hard..."

Forge watches Logan stride from the kitchen, on his way back to the bedroom of the woman he loves.

-War Room-

Aaron listens as Forge explains the function of the Tele-Harness and has to admit it's pretty ingenious.

Each X-man wears a harness and they can "piggyback" NightCrawler's teleportation ability making it easy not only to infiltrate the facility Marie's being held, but also to extract her and anyone else who is being held there. It was a masterpiece of technology, something that S.H.I.E.L.D. would kill for.

Aaron was able to get the information they needed on the facility without having to trade on Forge's harness technology or Vanessa. Although Fury apparently still wanted some face time with her. Aaron couldn't say that he liked that, given that Vanessa seemed to be truly unaware of the damage she'd caused.

He tried to keep her out of it, explaining the situation to him but Fury made sure Aaron knew there were no other favors he could call in. As far as Fury was concerned his account was at zero. Aaron imagined that was just as well, since he had no intention of ever contact him again.

"Betsy will monitor the situation remotely and can activate the evacuation protocol if one of you becomes too injured to continue." Forge explains pointing out the various functions of the harness. "Otherwise it's pretty simple to operate; green button on the shoulder is for evacuating yourself, the black is for one additional passenger. Given the limitations to Kurt, it would be best if you could make your way out on foot and save the harness for extreme cases only. It will take time for Kurt to recover from sending your team in so try not to get hurt for at least ten minutes or so. The way we should approach it-"

"Thank you Forge," Wolverine interrupts, stepping to the front of the room, waiting for Forge to hand him the controls for the projection device. Obviously there was some sort of power play going on between the two men, but as long as it didn't interfere with Aaron's plans he didn't care.

On the front display board, Logan switches the display to a schematic of the facility.

After Forge sits down amidst the other X-men, Wolverine continues. "This is going to be a three pronged attack: Me, Dazzler and Colossus will head to the front door and keep the main force occupied. Me and Petey are the most durable and Blaire's got the most... spunk..."

"Gee thanks, Wolvie..." Alison grumbles. Aaron knows that Alison is fairly powerful in her own right, even if his father wouldn't admit it.

"Beast and Shadowcat will locate their database and download any and all data they have. I want us to know everything they know and then I want you to destroy all their records." Wolverine continues.

Beast and Shadowcat both nod. Aaron feels his pulse quicken, wondering what Logan will have him do on this mission. He had to find a way to get to Welling by himself.

"Iceman and Banshee will handle the rescue, getting any imprisoned mutants free. according to the information we got they should be held here." Wolverine points to a specific point. "We should expect at least three or four others outside of Rogue… Okay. We're wheels up at 7pm so time's yours until then..." As the mutants file out of the room Wolverine stays behind and Aaron makes his way over to him.

Aaron eyes his father attempting to read something from his posture but Logan gives away nothing. "I deserve to be on this mission." Aaron states simply.

"Why?" Logan asks. "So you can kill Welling, like you planned on killing the copycat?" Aaron is speechless. "Yeah, once I learned about how Sarah died, I talked to our prisoner. She told me about all her other missions of replacement. Including a certain eye-patch wearing asshole who favors cheap Havana's..." Logan stands in front of Aaron looking him in the eye. "That's why you really came here right? Ta get a line on the General..."

"No," Aaron answers, "I mean of course that was part of it…You need me on this one!" Aaron shouts desperately. If Logan didn't allow him on this mission, there would be no way he could get to Welling. He'd either be in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, in the wind or worse; dead by someone else's hands. He could not allow any of those things to take place.

"We could use ya, no question about it; but this mission ain't about your personal vendetta. This is a rescue mission and we can't have anyone out there with their own agenda." Logan argues.

"Tell me you didn't have your own agenda when you cut those scientists to ribbons springing Jean. Go ahead and tell me it wasn't personal then!" Aaron snarls, feeling his anger rising. To think that Logan of all people would deny him this chance; if anything Logan should be there with him. Father and son avenging the loss of wife and mother.

"That wasn't premeditated, that was a reaction. And it was a bad one. You've already planned out all the different ways you wanna kill this guy. You're going into this with your head in the wrong place." Logan continues calmly. "I been there, son, his death won't make you feel better, you'll just feel worse."

"Now you're dolling out the fatherly advice?" Aaron mutters angrily. "He deserves to die, not live it up in some minimum security country club for five months until his new facility is off the ground-"

"Just like Vanessa deserved to die?" Logan asks calmly. Aaron stops cold. He'd been wrong about her and if he hadn't caught her here; he'd never have known. He would've watched her bleed out never knowing about the others who were suffering.

"That was different!" Aaron argues. "She was a pawn, Welling is the King!"

"So you think," Logan nods. "But you were wrong before, who's to say you won't be wrong again? Still let's say you're right; will killing Welling stop anyone else from suffering the way Sarah did? Or will some other idiot take his place?"

Aaron remains undaunted. "I get it…" Aaron murmurs sadly. "Now that you've taken the wind-rider, you could care less about anyone else. Especially not some girl that was stupid enough to get knocked up and the bastard she produced…"

With a fierce snarl Logan is in Aaron's face claws bared, his hand wrapped around his throat. Aaron has responded in kind; grabbing Logan's shirt with his own claws poised at his ears. The two face each other eyes locked ready to strike.

"Don't ever talk like that about Sarah…" Logan breathes harshly as Aaron attempts to twist from his grip. "You have no idea how much I loved that woman. Stop being a spoiled brat and be the man you pretend to be!"

"I am a man!" Aaron shouts defiantly, but it feels weak even to his ears.

"No, kid," Logan adds releasing Aaron from his grip. "Killing without remorse, doesn't make you a man. Taking lives just because it suits ya, makes ya worse than an animal. An animal kills for food, ta live, maybe even to defend itself, never for fun…"

Aaron stands there looking at Logan feeling defeated.

"I know yer angry, you have a right ta be…" Logan lifts Aaron's chin so that the two men are eye to eye again. "But the more lives ya take… the further ya go down a path of no return. I know ya did some things you before you came here, but I hope being here has shown ya that taking a life is last resort. And it isn't done with joy, it's done wit da understandin' that you had no other choice…"

Aaron is silent considering Logan's words. He knew he was right of course, but Aaron had already killed so many people, so many deaths that gave him no satisfaction. He was sure that this one, this would be the one to soothe the ache in his heart over the wrong done to his mother.

Yet everyone kept telling him that it wouldn't. Rachel, Logan even his own mother assured him that Welling's death would just be another dead body on his resume. Nothing more.

-Ororo's room-

Ororo felt lighter than air right now despite the mission ahead of them.

She had Logan in her life now, truly and without boundaries; she felt like singing.

The sweetest thing I've ever known

Was like the kiss on the collarbone

Soft caress of happiness

The way you walk, your style of dress

I wish I didn't get so weak

Ooo, baby, just to hear you speak

Makes me argue just to see

How much you're in love with me

See, like a queen, a queen upon her throne

It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know-

"Beautiful,"

Ororo turns to see Forge standing in her doorway, and her mood instantly darkens.

"Can I help you, Forge?" Ororo snaps bitterly. She felt like he was bound and determined to make her life miserable.

"I just came by to see if you wanted lunch and I had to stop and listen to you sing," Forge answers taking a step into her room. "You sound as wonderful as ever…"

Ororo sighed heavily. She'd sung for him many times during their courtship, but that was before he broke her heart. "Forge, stay where you are and come no closer."

"Why?" Forge chuckles cockily. "Surely as a friend I can visit you in your room in broad daylight…"

"If your scent is in the air, in my room and Logan takes note of it; you'll have your answer." Ororo answers smirking, busying herself with making the bed. She and Logan had made quite a mess of the room after breakfast. Healing factor or no, her body could used to the way he treated it.

Is he turning me into some kind of nympho?

"Logan is not stupid enough to put his hands on you, Ororo." Forge replies darkly.

Ororo looks back at Forge sadly. "No, but apparently you are just dumb enough to think I am concerned about that. He would never harm me. You however, well he's just looking for a reason to slice off an appendage you can't replace with bionics…"

Forge sighs dejectedly. "Why him Ororo? He's beneath you, for you to settle for someone like-"

"Complete that sentence Maker and you will find out how well insulated that arm and leg are." Ororo warms as her eyes begin losing their blue color.

"Better listen to the lady, Forge," Alison states from the doorway. "I know you were hoping that we'd be so full of gratitude that we'd open our hearts to you again…" Alison takes a look at Storm "And that Ororo would open her legs, but neither of those things are gonna happen." Ororo shakes her head at Alison's crassness, but essentially that was what it came down to wasn't it?

Forge, looking from Alison to Ororo decides to say nothing further and turns to leave. Ororo can't help but feel a bit sorry for him; when he first came here he was very well liked, now because of a bad break up, he's public enemy number one.

Once he's gone Ororo sighs and turns to Alison. "It's my own fault…" Remembering the first night he was here, she feels like she led him on. Even if he was manipulating her, she should have never responded. Never given him hope.

"How you figure that?" Alison asks. "He's the dumbest genius I've ever met. First he breaks up with you then he tries to pretend like he can just walk back into your life. And has the nerve to be upset when he finds out he can't. That's not your fault that's his. Now," Alison grabs Ororo's arms leading her from the room. "Betsy is cooking lunch so let's go into to town and get something to eat before she sees us and forces us to try her latest attempt at cooking."

-Blackbird-

Aaron spent the afternoon arguing with Rachel, as she tried her best to talk him out of going on this mission. Considering how hard it had been to convince Logan to swap him out for Banshee, there was no way he wasn't going to go. Rachel however was concerned about him going worried about what he might do if given the opportunity.

They were inexorably linked now; what he thought she knew, unless he purposely tried to hide it, and vice-versa. So she'd "overheard" his promise to Logan and wondered if he'd really be able to keep it.

Aaron could appreciate her point, despite his assurances to the contrary, a large part of him still wanted to Welling dead. So if he could somehow pass of killing him as necessary; he would do it. But he would not take his life wantonly, as he had originally planned.

Sitting in the Blackbird in one of Cyclops' spare uniforms, he was focused. After Wolverine debriefed them again on their objective and all were in agreement, they took off.

The plan was to catch them in the middle of a shift change which as long as there were no delays and the intel they'd gotten was correct they would arrive in time for.

Nearly everyone in the cabin was quiet, likely locked in their own thoughts, with the exception of Shadowcat and Iceman, who were chatting quietly.

"If Aaron's gonna be one of us... doesn't he need a code name?" Kitty whispered to Bobby.

"If Wolverine's not making a big deal about it…" Bobby shrugged.

"Still I mean," Kitty continued trying to explain. "We can't just call him by his real name when we're out like this…"

"Why not?" Bobby asked amused. "It's not like we wear masks or anything. If somebody wanted to know who he was they could just look at his face…"

"Yeah but having a name to go with the face… that's even more dangerous… I think we should come up with a code name for him…"

"No." Aaron replies holding his hands up. "No way am I going by some dorky code name..." Aaron answers joining the conversation. Dazzler laughs and Aaron looks at her. "See, Alison is with me! The whole code name thing is lame."

"I'm afraid Aaron, Kitty has a point. We cannot go around calling you by your real name in a crisis situation..." Storm offers with a smile. Aaron can tell she is enjoying this. After all the grief he'd caused her he wasn't surprised she'd be the first one to co-sign.

"How about 'lil Wolvie'?" Iceman offers with a laugh. Aaron gives Bobby a look that shows he's not the least bit amused by his joke. To his dismay, Bobby doesn't back down from the glare.

These guys are making me soft…

"Most of the time code-names describe powers… how about Siphon…? You know since you absorb abilities…?" Shadowcat suggests

Aaron is silent.

"Yeah but he's also Wolverine's son… so it should be something animalistic…Cougar?" Bobby quips

"Badger?"

"Yeah badger's are cool…"

"Wildcat?"

"Like the basketball team? Come on Kitty…"

"What was wrong with lil Wolvie?" Storm offers, causing the whole cabin to errupt in laughter. Aaron stands facing everyone in the plane.

"No. Damn. Code. Names." He punctuates each word by unsheathing a claw for each.

"Shut up and strap in," Wolverine announces gruffly, but wearing a slight smile. "We're coming up on the landing zone." Wolverine waits until everyone straps back in and leans in close to Aaron. "Remember what we talked about…"

Aaron nods still irritated. "I will… quit badgering me about it…" Aaron realizes the irony of his choice of words and frowns instantly.

Wolverine smirks. "Keep it up kid and that name just may stick wit cha…"

-Outside the main doors of the facility-

"How can you stand here with a straight face and tell me you actually believe that Eli is the better Manning?"

"Bro, two beats one every day of the week and twice on Sunday."

The two guards talk, counting the seconds until their relief came. They both did tours in Afghanistan and Kuwait and were happy to find a job where they weren't getting shot at.

"Those two rings of his are only because of the Giants defense! You give Peyton that defense and he's got three or four rings!"

"Man, whatever! You're-"

Bamf- Bamf- Bamf-

"Bub, watch a real sport; like hockey! Football is for little girls named 'Icebox'…"

-Snickt-

A/N Faithful readers! I need help! I cannot for the life of me think of a code name for Aaron! I'd love some help with this. Any suggestion would be appreciated! Oh and only one chapter update this time! The penetration into the facility is becoming a bear to write…

Lauren Hill's "The Sweetest thing" is used as Storm's song… thought it fit the situation and no I don't own it. But Lauren Hill probably doesn't either…