MAL86 - I'm truly glad you've enjoy the battle and overall story. And I enjoyed allowing Logan and Kitty to finally put Ogun behind them for good and move on with their lives. And now it's indeed Logan gets to spend time with Rose, as this tale finally comes to a close. I can't thank you enough for all your reviews for this, it really has encouraged me allot to write and finish it. I've always wanted to see story with Logan and Rose getting together, and finally got the chance to write it. So thank you very much for your reading and reviewing, I really appreciated it allot :) . And I hope you enjoy how I brought this story to close :) .

(And this is it, the end of this story. There's a few notes, the picture John shows to Logan comes from Wolverine: the End where John does show this to Logan (though of course there, things go south between the two brothers). The reference to a sorcerer greater then Ogun is Kulan Gath who appears in Savage Avengers involving a little character called Conan the Cimmerian. I still kind of enjoy it, though more earlier than the later issues, I'm still not convinced Conan really works entirely well ripped away from his Hyperborean setting. Finally I refer the outfall of the Krokoan incident, but I'm intentionally vague about it. I know apparently Hickman is bringing his vision to a close. No idea what that's going to look like, and as I reflected at the beginning of this story, I'm far from happy about many of the changes he's seems to have made to the X-Men. But maybe there is some cunning plan to it all, that at least explains why so many people are acting so OOC, who knows. I'm assuming for this story something drastic would happen that gets the X-Men back to being X-Men again, and our characters back to who they really are. Well, we can only hope anyway :) ). Anyway that's is what that is vaguely gesturing to.

Well with that all said, I truly hope you enjoy this ending. If you've read this tale to the end, thank you very much for indulging me and taking the time to read this little story of mine :) , and I hope you found it enjoyable :) .)

Chapter 24

'It's been a long time since I was last here,' John said. 'For so long my heart felt nothing but hatred for this place, for those people there,' he gestured to the worn gravestones before Logan, 'for their rejection, and what they did to me. They and the doctors, scientists and government people that came after. I was driven to madness for so long, and when I came back to myself during the experiments, and escaped, I came back, I found them all dead, I was denied some closure with them, whether confrontation, revenge or even attempted reconciliation. I don't know what I wanted from them then.'

'It's complicated I guess,' Logan replied, looking down at the gravestones. 'I remember Pa's death, and how our mother rejected me, along with crusty ol' devil that was grandfather. Somehow it all got mixed up. Her rejection, father's murder, when I was growin' up with Rose my emergin' healin' factor sealed it all off, leavin' only shadows in my mind. Ended up thinkin' I was responsible, a monster, part of what kept a distance between Rose an' me as we finished growin' up together. Then everythin' went to hell after Tom came, I realized what had happened, but the rage consumed Tom an' me. The I saw Rose die, an' I just couldn't take it. I lost myself an' went wild into the woods, all rationality gone. When I eventually left I couldn't really remember much of anything that had happened. The first memory loss comin' from myself, all I did remember was bein' rejected. I guess that stays with you, probably affected me even without consciously rememberin' it did you. Rejection lay behind all the tragedies that came to you, Rose, Tom an' me. All of us lost an' were rejected by family an' loved ones.'

'Somehow though,' Logan continued, looking at his older brother, 'ever since comin' back from the dead, with gettin' my memories back, I feel more at peace with our parents an' grandfather. I don't agree with what they did to us, but then there's allot of mutants now who get just what that rejection feels like. It was all just allot of anger, fear, pride an' misunderstandin'. We were just among the first. An' somehow, while I don't really remember anythin' from when I was dead, I do have a vague sense I met our mother an' father again, maybe even grandfather, an' reconciled with 'em. Somehow all the hurt, pain an' anger just didn't seem so important anymore. They were fallible an' broken people, our mother wasn't well, an' grandfather was caught up in his own pride. Doesn't make what they did to either of us right, but both of us have done some pretty terrible stuff ourselves, an' all of them died in pain or regret. Just doesn't seem any point in holdin' anger an' resentment over it all now, even though there was a time I would have been not that different from you. I know all about holding grudges, an' I can't say there ain't a few I still have. But with our family, I guess I'm just past it, past lettin' it an' revenge hold me down, an' preventin' me rememberin' anythin' else about our family an' my childhood then just the bad times. Now I can look beyond that, remember that there was more than just pain, even feel love for 'em despite everythin'. An' it means I can let all that hurt go an' look to the future, somethin' I've been strive to do for so long.'

His silver-haired brother looked back at Logan for a moment, with a look of surprise and even a kind of wonder in his eyes. 'I have to admit, James, I'm surprised to hear you say that, you're not exactly renowned for letting people that crossed you go.'

Logan chuckled a little in return. 'Well, dyin' can change a man's perspective on allot of things. Doesn't mean I've gone all soft, there's gonna be situations where I'm gonna have to put people down, to hunt an' take 'em out, fights where I can't afford to hold back. Killin' is second nature to me, just like you I think. I've tried to restrain that side of me some with the X-Men an' Avengers. An' also for myself, to be the man I want to be. That's even more true now then before, but there are times when I need to let loose, to put some creep down, to save others. I did that with Soteria like so many others. An' I'll be honest, with allot of them I won't be sorry, a part of me will even enjoy finishin' the worst ones. The X-Men know it too, I'll be one of those they an' others call on when you need those who both know when not to hold back, an' can do it. But it won't be all the time, an' with these new abilities Rose an' I share, I might have to kill less then I've had to in the past, an' that's no bad thing. Beyond that, I think I'm finally ready to listen to somethin' people tryin' to tell me for while, lettin' go of my thirst for revenge an' obsessin' over all the wrongs people have done to me. That's what gave hell an' the demons the hold they had on me the first time around, but then I didn't listen an' went on a rampage. Didn't end up achievin' much with that, just allot more hurt an' nothin' corrected. But facin' my death, dyin', meeting our parents an' Rose, I came back a bit different. Can't say I'm perfect, an' that I'm entirely over the desire an' drive to wanna get even, or ever will be. But I'm finally ready to work towards it, to stop lettin' my need for revenge screw my life further than the original wrong did. An' it starts with them,' Logan nodded to their family buried before them. 'Even Ogun now, a part of me hates him, but mostly he just needed to be stopped an' put down. He became a rabid sick dog long ago, but I can still remember him as the father he was to me, despite everythin' else. But if he even crawls back out of hell again, an' tries to hurt anyone I'll put him back down just the same, without hesitation. Can't say it won't be personal, but it also won't be fuelled by rage just to get even.'

John looked at Logan and then back at their parent's graves, 'I don't know I'll ever be able to be where you are James about them. But,' he looked back towards the Howlett estate, 'I guess coming back here, meeting you, I no longer feel just hatred and resentment for this place. Despite my rage against them and everything here, it's held me captive all these years. Building my own empire wasn't just about protecting myself, it was to get back in some way at our parents, what would become Weapon X and everyone else that has hurt me. Maybe it is time to change some things, something to think about. At least I don't have a reason to avoid this place as much anymore.'

John turned to Logan, opening a small metal security case one of his men had handed to him, arriving by helicopter, not long after Illyana had brought them all back to the Howlett estate. Lifting out a small framed photograph from the cushioned lining within, John handed it to Logan, 'this is for you James. I've kept hold of it for you, ever since I recovered it many decades ago, intending to give it to you when we finally were able to meet.'

Logan took the framed photograph and looked down to see an old faded black and white 19th century photograph of familiar woman with dark hair holding a baby in her arms as, unusually for the time, she smiled broadly at the camera, face seemingly carefree and full of joy. It was so different from Logan's own memories of her, where she was always distant, emotionless and apathetic, apart from a deep sense of wounded sadness and moments of anger when he stumbled upon her unawares. His last memory was of her raging at him, full of madness, rejecting and striking him, casting him out when his mutation awoke, before Logan finally heard the gunshot ring out as she took her own life. Yet Logan felt he had another memory of her, or more a memory of a memory that he couldn't quite catch fully. Meeting her in a place full of glorious light, face though retaining some sadness when it looked at him, was clear of the madness, fear and depression that had imprisoned and burdened it, and was instead full of beaming love and joy towards him. He had a vague sense of embracing her, a reconciliation that had healed a deep gaping wound within Logan that he hadn't even known he had, until it had healed in the life he had been beyond this one.

For a moment, Logan could do nothing as he stared back at the smiling woman, choked with powerful emotions, before finally grinding out a reply in a horse whisper, 'is this… '.

'Our mother,' John replied, with the merest hint of smile before turning to look back at the gravestone marking Elizabeth Howlett's resting place. 'You had just been born, and father had just brought the camera, having become quite the enthusiastic amateur photographer. Things had seemed strained for a while before you arrived James, when father had been so busy with the estate business that mother and he had barely seen each other, and she and she had seemed so lonely. But it had all changed, father had made more time for us, and everything seemed perfect. He took that photograph down by the lake, it was a perfect day. We were all so happy then, before everything began to go wrong, the melancholy and depression struck our mother again and father became caught up in the business and conflicts with grandfather, before the groundskeeper Thomas became involved in everything. At least he is back where he belongs,' the platinum-haired John said, looking back towards Logan with a feral grin. 'But I'll always remember that day with crystal clarity, the last day we all happy as a family.' John looked silently lost in his own thoughts as he looked at the resting place of their family for a moment before finishing, 'perhaps you are right James. Perhaps it is time to try and let go of the old resentments and hatred towards them, it has consumed my life even more than it has yours. I've let it, what happened with Weapon X continue to have a hold on me, still ruling too much of my life. Perhaps now, it's time to try and change that.'

Logan felt a tear unbidden fall down his face as he looked at his mother holding him, happy and joyful, 'I wish I could remember it,' he replied.

They stayed together for a moment of silence with their family, before the brothers turned and started walking back towards the helicopter waiting to whisk John Howlett back towards one of his strongholds, as Logan put the picture safely back in the case John handed to him. 'Why did you never approach me?' Logan asked as they continued to walk back.

'I would say you didn't remember anything, and it never seemed the right time. You were either too involved in events or persons I would rather not have left myself exposed or vulnerable to, or under the influence of those I was actively opposed to or preferred not to entangle myself with, such as various forms of the Weapon X program, then Department H and even the X-Men. Then there were the times I lost track of you altogether. I would have said you didn't seem ready, and we probably wouldn't be meeting now if the events with Ogun hadn't forced my hands. But after seeing our family, perhaps the truth is, I was simply afraid as stupid as that is. I was afraid you would reject me just as they had, the only family I had left, the one who was just like me. So I tried to control the situation from afar, as though it were the same thing as having you in my life.'

Offering a brief smile at Logan, John continued as they reached the helicopter, 'perhaps I'm not so different from our parents after all little brother.'

'Well we got the chance to change all that,' Logan replied. 'Look, I know you're involved in some shady crap, I used to be way back, an' I know people who still are. Just don't do anythin' like Persephone, Hydra or the Hand or somethin'. Somethin' I'd have to step in an' try an' stop. I don't wanna have to be in a situation where, just havin' found each other, we'd be at each others' throats, with one of us havin' to kill the other.'

John grinned back at Logan for a moment, before responding, 'I'll try not to. I don't particularly wish want to have to try and kill you either, not after going to such trouble bringing you back to the land of the living and helping rescue you from the sorcerer Ogun. I will say all this, being back here, teaming up with your X-friends, seeing where Ogun's own obsessions and vengeance led him, everything we just said with our family, I think I will need to change some of the priorities and focuses of both myself and my organization. It won't be overnight, and I will always have enemies, but perhaps I'll table any more destructive long-term plans I had, and seek other ways towards my aims. That at least I can promise you James.'

'Fair enough,' Logan said. The two Howletts both looked at each other awkwardly before finally embracing each other.

'See you soon, little brother,' John whispered.

'Same to you, John' Logan chuckled as pulled back.

'Oh,' John smiled, pulling something from his pocket, putting it in Logan's hand. 'Something else I have a feeling you'll be needing soon.'

Looking down, Logan saw an older Victorian gold triple cluster ring, featuring three Royal Blue sapphires in a yellow gold collect setting set against a bed of bright little cushion cut diamonds, placed upon a silver mount.

'It was our mother's engagement ring,' John explained. 'Took allot to track it down, but I think you should have it. You'll need to get it adjusted but it should go to the future lady of the Howlett estate. Having finally met her, I'm sure you and Rose will have happier marriage than our own parents. In fact, I'd hate to be the person who tries to hurt you from now on, you being threatened seems to be her berserk button,' John finished grinning at him.

'She's a pistol an' a firecracker when she's riled, that's for sure,' Logan laughed in return.

With a final wave, John Howlett boarded his helicopter, closing the door as its rotors began to spin, its downdraft blowing Logan's hair as he moved back, watching as it rose into the air and flew off towards the horizon, wondering when he'd next see his one brother.

Looking down, Logan looked at the ring in his hand and grinned, as he slipped the ring into his pocket, knowing it wouldn't be there long. Making his way back towards the sounds of laughter and conversation drifting over the gentle murmuring of the river, Logan marveled again at how quickly Krakoan telefloronic tech and the right use of mutant abilities all brought to task had cleared the plane wreckage and other debris and remains of the battle Rose and he had fought in no time. It looked just as it had, and Logan grinned briefly as he thought of how Magneto, Emma and co. might object to those 'misused resources'. He almost wished he could be there to see it, being almost as much fun as when he'd got Mags drunk, stole his helmet to use its telepathic protection to face the Russian's Pale Lady, and returned it after using it as a piss-bucket to relieve himself in.

After they'd had all left the auditorium following the battle with Ogun, all signs of infernal corruption had left the former Soteria town. The long, twisted tendrils that had been growing through everything had vanished, and the active advanced corruption of the abandoned town ceased. Once out in the fresh air, Logan had noticed with alarm that Kitty possessed the Blade Blade of Muramasa that Shingen had been wielding. He had remembered all too well the time it had possessed Jessica Drew and then himself. It had taken all his willpower to break free of the Blade's possession just as he'd been about to sacrifice Jessica, despite the attempts of Keniuchio Harada and Lidsey McCabe to stop him. Particularly worrying was seeing Kitty dressed in the same get-up as Jessica was in back them, though she still seemed herself rather than the Blade's spirit channeled through her.

There he'd learned how Kitty, fighting off it's possessive madness, had allowed Jean, Rose and Rachel to temporarily seal off its spirit back into the sword, allowing Kitty to use the Blade's power without being possessed, at least until the spirit broke free of their psychic bonds. With that explained, the three psionics had focused their telepathic might, containing the raging madness of Muramusa, as Illyana opened a portal into her realm of Limbo. It taken all of Kitty's will, even with the Blade's spirit contained, to break the hold the Black Blade had, flinging the sword from her into Illyana's open portal. Logan had been ready to leap in and take possession of the Blade himself if it seemed like she wouldn't succeed rather than let Kitty be subjected to that fate. Thankfully with the aid of three power psychics it had proven unnecessary as the Blade flew, sailing into the portal and the safe protection of Limbo's hold, where Illyana could keep it from possessing anyone ever again. With a burst of power, the outfit faded, changing back Kitty's original outfit, and she had sagged as the Blade's power left her, Logan catching the young woman in his arms. After a few moments of anxious waiting, Kitty had come back around, smiled tiredly, up at him, then at everyone else before looking down and remarking, 'at least I'm not dressed like a cheap stripper anymore.'

Laughing in relief, washing away the tension of the last day, they had all headed back to the Howlett Estate through one of Illyana's portal discs. Getting everyone a drink, they had spent a while just resting and recovering, catching up on events with each other, Rose pretty much never leaving Logan's side throughout, as though afraid he might disappear on her at any moment. Logan spent much of the time comforting her, letting Rose finally let loose the fear and anxiety she'd been holding in throughout Ogun's attack and kidnapping. Rose eventually settled into his embrace, resting in the union between their minds and spirits, as a number of his friends heading back through the Krakoan portal, to arrange the repair of his grounds, after Rose invited them all back to an outdoor barbeque party later that evening. After setting up for the event with Kurt, Kitty and Rachel, Kitty mostly still resting after the toll the Blade's possession had taken now that the durability and strength it gave had also been removed. Rose and he had then spent some time with Tom for a while, visiting some of their old childhood haunts, remembering the better memories between the three of them, before the obsessions, anger and wounds amongst their parents and adults had torn them apart and sent them hurtling down the path that lead to the tragedies that had left them all scared. Then, when the clean-up began, Rose and Tom had re-joined everyone else, while Logan finally got to know his older brother, as the white-haired man came back from one of his helicopters that had just arrived, walking off together to visit their parent's graves.

Now, making his way back towards the gathering outside his cabin, Logan crossed the bridge and saw his other brother and childhood friend waiting for him at the other side, shifted back into his human form and clothed in more modern garb they brought for him from Krakoa.

'Hey, Jimmy,' Tom said as Logan joined him.

'Tom,' Logan nodded, 'what's up?'

'Think I'm heading off, runt,' Tom replied. 'I'm getting' kinda itchy just hangin' around, not really part of your mutant back there yet, an' I wanna see what the world's like now. Thanks to all this supernatural crap, I kinda understand this age even though I'm new to it, an' I need to get out an' explore this place. Visit where I've been, go places new. For the first time I'm out of my Pa's shadow an' want to find out who Tom, rather than Dog, is.' Staying silent for a moment, a slight haunted look coming across his face, Tom continued, looking down at his hands, 'also, I got blood on these hands, Jimmy. I'm not talkin' about what happened united with with ol' bastard, I mean before that. There's people I killed tryin' to get to you an' Rose, tryin' prove I was good enough to my Pa, somehow as stupid as that sounds now. An' there's what I did to the both you, I can't take it back, an' I know we've all long ways to go before the three of us can really be okay again.'

Logan reached up and grasped Tom's shoulder, and when the tall, dark-haired, bearded man, apart from his clean-shaven chin, looked back at him, said, 'I know all about regrets about what you've done, an' feelin' you can never take back or undone some of the terrible shit you've done. All you can do is resolve to do better. Be better for those that are around you an' need you now, an' try to make a positive difference in this world. I know the need to get away by yourself an' clear your head, an' I understand you needin' to get out an' see the world now an' find out who you are. Though I'll be honest, I saw who you are now when you faced Thomas, an' fought him an' Ogun by our sides. That's the guy that jumped into the river to save my life when you were a kid, so Rose an' I know who you really are Tom. But take whatever time you need, just don't be a stranger, an' make sure your not just tryin' to run away from your problems, cause in the end that never helps. Their still there an' they often just get worse an' creep up on you in different an' often worse ways. An' facin' that shit alone ain't often the best policy, take it from a stubborn bastard who almost always tried it that way, it often made things worse.' Looking towards everyone gathered at the outdoor party, 'took a long time for me to accept both bein' needed an' lettin' other help me, bein' part of a family. It's still work in progress, but without all those people there,' Logan nodded in the direction of Rose and all the gathered X-Men, 'an' those like 'em, I have been dead or worse long ago. I'm only where I am because of my loved ones, friends and family.'

Turning back to look Tom in the eyes again, Logan continued, 'an' that includes you, Tom. You're my brother just as much as John is, we share the same father, evil bastard though he is. More than that, we were family, Rose, you an' I as kids, an' we three are still now. You'll always have a place here, an' at the mansion, not some shake outside in the cold. Or a cabin of your own if wanna build one, this place belongs to you as much as to us. So I know we've got a lot of work ahead of us, to get, not back where we where, but rather find where where we're gonna be as friends an' family, so don't be a stranger.'

For a moment, Tom looked back at Logan surprised, with strong emotions playing behind his eyes, before he laughed, clapping Logan on the back. 'All that tough front, an' your still soft Jimmy behind it all, but I somehow I like you anyway runt.'

Logan chuckled in return, 'hey. I only get into emotional heart-to-hearts after a good attempted demon possession, bub, so you'd better savour it. Besides, with you're werewolf like constitution an' my healin' factor you might just be able to keep up with me at some of my favourite bars an' dives. Be interestin' to show you the sights an' sounds of Madripoor, your abilities will probably come in handy there.'

'Sounds interestin',' Tom replied grinning.

Logan motioned Tom to follow him as he lead him towards the cabin's garage, before pointing to his Jeep before Logan threw Tom the keys, 'here, you can borrow this. Assumin' that fancy supernatural familiarization of yours gave you the knowledge of how to drive?'

'Yeah, but are you sure?' Tom said.

'Yep,' Logan replied. 'Now I mean borrow, not have. So I'm expected the Jeep back at some point, so take care of her,' Logan finished patting his beloved Jeep. 'An' take this,' pulling a few blank cards and phone from his jacket, 'kinda figured you might be waitin' to go off, so had these prepared when everyone went to Krokoa.'

Tom looked quizzically at the blank cards, until, touching the skin on his hand, they began to shift and reform, until they changed into the appearance of a driver's license, passport, citizen and health cards, and looked back at Logan, eyes wide.

Logan laughed and replied, 'a little help courtesy of Krakoan X-Force intelligence technology, at least to help you a bit getting' round. At least till you get your license for real anyway.' Logan also reached out and gave Tom a Visa debit card, 'it's tied to one of the accounts of this place, givin' you some money at first for getting' around, assumin' you ain't goin' into the wilds. The phone's got numbers to got hold of us, and few others, put Dr Strange's number in there. Owes me a few favours, if for nothin' else, then lossin' big to me at our poker nights. Not to mention helpin' him take care of certain warrior who often has an allergy to shirts from the far past an' fightin' an ancient sorcerer that makes Ogun look like a cheap hustler doin' bad card tricks on street corners.'

Tom just looked at Logan for a moment, before he said, 'I don't what to say, but thanks Jimmy.'

'Like I said, you're family, Tom, an' family takes care of it's own,' Logan replied. 'Take care of yourself out there, an' make sure you're back in time for the weddin'.'

'Weddin' huh,' Tom grinned, and said, 'assumin' Rose is willin' put up with a lifetime with a Canucklehead like you.'

Logan chuckled, before returning, 'can't argue with that, she's one classy act, way out my league. But I got a good feelin' she just might be insane enough to commit to a lifetime with with me, for some mad reason.'

'Yeah,' Tom replied, 'I reckon she just might,' as he chucked the phone and cards into the Jeep's glove compartment before getting into the driver's seat. As Tom brought the engine roaring to life, he turned to Logan, 'let me know the date, runt. I'll try an' make sure I get back for both in time. Good luck.'

'You too, brother. Watch yourself out there, an' call if you ever need a hand,' Logan responded.

Nodding, Tom waved and turned the ignition on and slipped the Jeep into gear, the engine roaring to life, before it tore from the garage and shot across the bridge, heading towards the main gate and the roads beyond. Logan winced a little, and just hoped he'd get his Jeep back in one piece.

Maybe I should have seen if Krakoan telefloronics could have made a car for him, Logan mused worriedly. He put the case with his mother's photograph into a cabinet, locking it safely before heading back to the party. He'd come back for it later after the party was over, and decide with Rose where to put it in their cabin, most likely with all his other 'family' pictures in their bedroom.

With evening settling in, lights had been set up and lit across the wide ground in front of his cabin, the weather was clear and numerous barbeques had been set up. The tables were full, a wide area had been set up for dancing and music was playing. Almost all the X-Men crowd had found time to make it, he made out Betts with her brother Brian chatting with Alison, Theresa and Sean. Anna and Remy were already dancing together, Piotr was at a table with Kurt, Illyana his sister was off to the side with Kitty, Sam, Dani, Rhane and Roberto, all the old new mutants class while he saw Jubliee talking with Jono and Everett. And further back he could make out Laura, Gabby and even Daken had turned up, enjoying themselves, while Scott was talking around one of the barbeques with his brothers, son Nathan, Warren, Bobby and Hank. Sage and Neena were laughing together, while just further from them Logan saw Hisako was talking with Julian, Robert and Nezhno.

They were almost all here, all the wild and crazy X-Men family, even with all the weirdness that was current Krakoa, the bonds that united them still endured, despite everything that happened. Despite all the things had tried those bonds, even seemed to break them at times, yet they were still all here, still together, still this crazy family, Logan thought.

He had disagreements over Krakoa, and Logan wondered how it all going to turn out, and still had deep misgivings and worries about what was going on. And Logan figured when that other shoe dropped things could get real ugly, real quick. But looking before him, he didn't despair. The X-Men and their wider family would survive like they always would, they would pull through and be there for each other, and would find there way to being what they were supposed to be again, nothing could change that for long. And Logan knew just as they would never give up on or bail on him, he'd never bail on them.

Looking up to cabin Logan's eyes found Rose chatting with Jean, Rachel and Ororo on the platform by the railings. As soon as he looked at her Rose turned, looking back and Logan felt his breath catch for a moment. Caught beneath the evening illumination, she was breathtakingly stunning, long, silky red hair cascading down her shoulders shimmering in the soft light, framing her exquisitely beautiful face, her deep emerald eyes sparkling, vibrant and alive as they looked at him full of love and affection. A warm and inviting smile breaking across her face a she looked back at him, her love blazing towards him across their psi-link. She had changed back into the white sweater, jeans and shoes she'd worn during the shopping trip with the X-Women just before they arrived here.

She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, Logan thought stunned for a moment.

Thank you James, Rose communicated through their psi-link, her smile deepening, as she ducked her head a little, a blush rising up her face, you look quite striking and handsome yourself.

Only in your eyes, love, Logan replied.

I don't think so, but doesn't really matter, because that's all that counts, Rose returned laughing gently. She turned , quickly saying something to Jean, Rachel and Ororo, at which they locked towards Logan, laughed and nodded, and Rose quickly made her way towards him. She almost seemed to glide down the stairs, threading her way between tables and party guests, until she was beside him.

With her arms intertwining around his neck, for the moment not caring about public proprieties, she pulled him down into a brief, loving but passionate and intense kiss. Rose brought her body flush with his, Logan's arms instinctively encircling her, embracing her tightly. Her warm, soft body fitting perfectly against his, the floodgates opened as her mind sought his, their hearts blazing towards each other, uniting as one for a moment in a melding of mind, thought and emotions, in a whirlwind of love, joy and passion. After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few moments Rose drew back a little, still united with him in their link and looked at him, smiling warmly, lost in each other gaze.

For a moment there was just silence, as they communicated with each other beyond words, before Rose finally said, 'I've missed you, my love. Have you finished talking with your brother and Tom?'

'Yeah,' Logan replied, cocooning her in his arms, revealing in the feel of her in his arms, and the warm, loving union of their minds, 'not sure exactly where I stand with John. But I'm glad I finally met him, we talked about allot of things, an' I think it somethin' we both needed. We'll see more of him I'm sure, an' I think just maybe things might end up good between us. At least I'm cautiously optimistic,' Logan chuckled.

'And Tom chose to leave?' Rose asked, a little sad.

'Only for a bit, darlin',' Logan replied. 'Think he just needs to see a bit of the new world he's found himself in. Find out who he is in it, with his new powers, in a new time, free from the shadow of Thomas. We'll get our friend back, just need to give him time, I have good feelin' about him as well.'

'Well then,' Rose returned, winking at him, her eyes twinkling, 'I have nothing to worry about, do I?'

Stepping out his embrace, Rose wrapped her hands around his right arm, and began leading Logan towards the party. 'You've been away from me enough for tonight,' Rose said, grinning at him. 'And now that you've seen your brothers off, you're not leaving my side again tonight. Who knows what else might happen to you when I'm not looking. I'm afraid you're my prisoner for the rest of the night, James.'

Logan grinned back at her, 'best prison I've ever been in darlin'. If any of the others had been like this I never would have left.'

As they laughed gently together, the made their way to get something to eat, when Kitty made her way towards them. 'Good to see you both looking happy again, and seeing the rare genuine smile on Logan's face makes it all worth it. Though it makes it tough to recognize the old man without the perpetual scowl and snarl.'

'You'll just have to get used to it pum'kin,' Logan returned.

Kitty rolled her eyes, before she said, 'you haven't called me that in ages, I don't mind Kitty but I'm a bit old for that or Kitten.'

'Old man prerogatives Kitty, we tend to get a little forgetful in our old age,' Logan laughed in return. 'But it looks like you wanted to say something, what's on your mind Pryde.'

'I was just looking for a moment to return the Yashida Honour Sword to you, Logan,' Kitty replied a little more seriously.

Logan just smiled at the young woman he'd come to think of as a daughter. In truth he was proud of the woman she'd become, despite everything she'd been through. 'Why don't you keep hold of it for me for while,' Logan said. 'I don't really wield it much, an' I know Mi'ko would be happy to have someone with honour like you carrying the honour of Clan Yashida into battle with you. If I ever do need it, I'll come askin', otherwise I can't think of anyone better to be carryin' it.'

Kitty's eyes went wide, she was one of few who truly understood what that meant, asking, 'are you sure Logan?'

'I'm sure, darlin',' Logan replied.

A bright smile broke over Kitty's face, and for while Logan, Rose and Kitty talked and reminisced together. Eventually Kitty drifted back to her friends. As the night drew on, the sounds of more classical music played out as the tones of The Blue Danube began to sound out into the night. Rose turned to him her eyes bright and expectant, smiling softly, waiting for him.

Logan chuckled and held out his hand and bowed, 'my I have this dance, darlin'?'

'Of course, dear sir,' Rose replied, her joyful musical laughter washing over him as Logan drew her to the dancing area and pulled her towards him, and soon they were waltzing and twirling beneath the stars. Logan was aware they had gathered a bit of an audience, grinning a little at the surprise on quite a few faces at seeing the ol' Canuclkehead dancing so well as Rose and he moved in perfect synchronization. Only Remy had a knowing smile on his face, remembering the tango he'd seen years back in Madripoor at the Princess Bar.

Rose smiled up at him as they moved gracefully along the dance floor giggling, I think everyone knows just how good a dancer you are now, James. I can feel some of them are having a little trouble reconciling that with their image of you as the rough, warrior mountain man.

Yeah, guess the cat's out the bag now, Logan smiled back, just hope they don't want me to start teachin' dance lessons, don't know how that would go down for my reputation. Don't think Creed would ever go for a dance off to settle our differences somehow, Logan chuckled.

After a moment, Rose looked at him curiously, a shrewd look in her eyes, you're hiding something from me James. I wonder what it is?

Thinking to the engagement ring in his pocket, Logan's grin just widened, nothin' you need worry about Rose, darlin'. It's a surprise, a good one, an' trust me, you won't have to wait long.

Rose looked back at him, her emerald eyes sparkling, breaking into a knowing smile as the music changed and became more intimate, and she looped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer to him, her curves melting into his body as she laid her head upon his shoulder sighing in contentment, as Logan's arms wrapped protectively around her.

I'll look forward to it James, Rose messaged him, joyful anticipation in her thoughts. And the answer will be yes, whenever you decide to pop your surprise.

Logan just rested his head next to hers as they danced, a broad smile lighting his face, as for a moment again everything else seemed to fade and it just became the two of them once more.

Epilogue

Logan kissed Rose in front of the Howlett estate, dressed in an exquisite white wedding dress, contemporary but with a turn of the century period touch, while he was dressed in a classic dark gray three-piece suit, before all their gathered friends and families, just as Kurt had pronounced them man and wife. Logan could never have believed he could ever be this happy, and found himself thankful beyond words despite everything that had that happened to him over the many decades of his life, that somehow through it all he'd managed to find his way back to Rose, and that even more unbelievably she loved back in return. And now they would be together forever, in this life and the next.

It had been a few months on since their battle with Ogun and his demonic hordes, and Logan had proposed not long afterward. Since then, various X-Women had basically been commandeering his cabin, mansion and grounds as they planned the upcoming wedding with Rose. Logan had learned very quickly not to get in their way, with Scott even patting him sympathetically on the back at one point. To be honest, it had driven him crazy at times, leaving him more than ready for any mission, or call, no matter how small, to escape the torment. As far he was concerned, Rose an' he could have got hitched in Las Vegas an' would have been perfectly fine. And as events wore on Logan began to think of schemes to escape and make it happen, elope with Rose, using all his stealth and ex-agent skills to slip the X-Women's net before they were any the wiser. But when Jean caught the merest hint of what he'd been thinking, well let's just say that Dark Phoenix had nothing on angry wedding crazed Jean thinking he was going to get her twin hitched in Las Vegas. And the look Kitty, Ororo, Rogue and Jubliee had thrown him, well it had given Logan whole new ideas for interrogation techniques in the future.

Whoever thought he was one of the most scariest X-Men had obviously never met the X-Women planning a wedding. Hell had nothing on that nightmare, Logan thought, and he'd been there, more than once. He stopped trying to interfere or even think of get out of their plans after that, finding it best to just nod along and find the best chance to get out of there and leave them to it.

The rest of the time when his life wasn't being commandeered by the X-Women, everything had personally been getting better and better. His life with Rose had as close to perfect as he could have imagine it. They fit, mind, body and soul, in an unbreakable bond of love, passion, and friendship that linked them even more strongly then the power that flowed with incredible strength between he two of them, their love being the very heart of it's strength.

They had been on quite a few missions and adventures in that time, and the partnership and union between them both on and off the battlefield had only become stronger, more effective, their union ever closer. Their nights filled with passion and love, and their days outside wedding planning and adventures filled with the simple joys of life, that took on new significance when it was the two of them together.

Hank had also discovered when he had been more closely analyzing Rose's genetic sample from when she'd been found, alongside one drawn from him, that the power now existing between them was harmonizing her body cells with his own. Meaning that she would live as long as he would, both the blessing and curse of his longevity would be hers in this life as well. While it had made Logan happy to know that she would remain with him through the possibly very long years ahead, he'd worried that it would also mean her seeing friends and family grow old and die, as he had. Rose had just smiled and kissed him tenderly, saying that while the thought of outliving most of their friends and family was frightening, she'd hate far more to not be able to be with him again, to once again only be able to watch him as a spirit as she waited for him to finally join her. Now, thanks to the Phoenix raising her, they would both stay together and face that ultimate end together. For them, she had said, there would be no death do they part, what was between them would go on forever, into eternity. Hearing that Logan relaxed a little a gave himself over to the joy Hank's news had given him.

Walking towards the wedding reception set up in the courtyard, complete with marquees, with the main reception taking place within the restored ballroom within the Howlett mansion, Logan began to appreciate what the X-Women had done. Though it wasn't something that Logan would go for, and a part of him couldn't for it to be over so Rose and he could get on with their married lives, seeing the place alive with all his friends, his family, laughing, joking and enjoying themselves seemed to have a healing effect on this old mansion full of so much tragedy. It was as though the final parts of the old hurts and pains were healing over, the ghosts finally finding rest, the old darkness chased away by the warmth of love and friendship that had now arrived and claimed the place as it's own. Logan, listening and laughing to Kurt's best man speech, doubling as he did both the roles of minister and best man, smiled within thinking that his father's wish had finally come true. The Howlett estate had finally become a home for the laughter, joy and love of a family, despite everything, it hadn't been in vain.

Feeling Rose's finger stroke his hand, Logan turned to see her smiling lovingly at him, her emerald eyes shinning with love, joy and understanding, Logan knew she'd caught his thoughts, and could feel she felt just as he did. Lifting their intertwined hands to his mouth, Logan planted a quick kiss to her hand, just on her ring finger, once again wearing his mother's engagement ring right below the gold wedding band he'd just placed on her finger. For a moment they were lost in each others eyes and thoughts as his blue cobalt found her deep emerald, and thoughts and emotions flowed back and forth between them far to fast and too deep for simple speech. After a long moment, where everything had faded but the two of them, Logan turned his attention back to Kurt and their friends and family that was gathered there. He locking eyes in turn with both of his brothers, John Howlett and Tom Logan, he could see similar looks on their faces as well. Both had visited a few times in the last few months, and Logan and Rose's relationship with both had been getting better and better. Logan reflected that all their lives had changed, and for the better. All had been lifted from darker paths and were now walking a new one. Though still full of challenges, difficulties, with no doubt it's share of sorrow, heartache and suffering, it was nevertheless also one that promised it's share of joy and happiness, with a much brighter future than any of the three of them had any right to hope for.

Looking out at the rest of his family, the X-family Logan had found that day Charlie had invited him to leave Department H all those years ago, Logan knew he had found more love than he had any right to, and knew no matter what the X-Men would survive, supporting each other. They would always strive for a better world for all people, normal humans and mutants alike, and had shown it over these last mouths despite all the chaos with the fallout from the Krakoan incident. They had and would make it through, as they always did, the bonds between them all as strong as the one between him and Rose. The X-Men would endure and remain, defending a world that often hated and feared them, hitting their heads against that hard wall until at last it gave.

With the speeches given, and the meal finished, Logan lead Rose out to the dance floor as the Johann Strasus's Blue Danube played once more. Logan bowed to Rose, her eyes sparkling with joy as she looked at him, and taking her hand, he looked up at her and winked, saying for the first time, 'may I have this dance, Mrs James Howlett?'

Smiling happily back at him him, tears glittering in her eyes, shinning with barely contained joy, as Rose's love and passion for him burned white-hot across their psi-link, she just nodded speechless for a moment, before she finally whispered in reply, 'yes, Mr Howlett. You have it now and for ever. You're stuck with me for good.'

Laughing Logan drew Rose onto the dance floor and into the rhythm of their waltz, moving in perfect synchronization, mirroring each other perfectly. The link between them fully open, the warm glow ever present between them flared forth into a blazing whirlwind of love and passion unleashed, thoughts, emotions and feelings flowing and dancing between them as their minds united as one.

Lost in each others eyes, love and devotion sparking between them, mirroring the feelings flying backwards and forwards between their hearts, their were no more words to be said. Without even realizing it, Rose's glowing wings once more sprang forth, and they were both soon rising to waltz in the air, lost to everyone but each other.

Somewhere along the way, Rose's arms had found their way looping around his neck, her warm, soft body pressed into his, almost merged with his own as his arms encircled her beneath her glowing psionic wings, cocooning her within his embrace as they continued to dance now to a tune all their own.

Eyes locked together, minds united as one, their faces drew closer and closer. Rose's hands threaded their way through his hair, less than an inch now between them as Logan felt her moist breath on his mouth. Until at last they were caught in a soul-searing kiss that was both loving and tender, and full of passion, and barely restrained need. The inferno of their link blazed like a super-nova, and all they were aware was each other in their entirety, their love, passion, devotion and joy singing between them as they delighted in each other, and the unbreakable bond they shared.

Logan knew, no matter what happened, whatever difficulties, challenges, disasters and battles came their way, nothing would ever separate them again. Rose and he were one now and forever, and nothing, no force in the universe, not even all the forces of heaven or hell, not even death itself would ever take them away from each other again. They would face all life had to throw at them, and give better than they got, and through everything Rose and he would always be together, now and into eternity.

Logan smiled within, they were both finally home.

The End