In the beginning, as expected, Fury refused to get involved in what he called a "lovers' spat". That was until Logan informed his former boss how he wouldn't think twice about leaving Wakanda without a King and Fury one less Avenger, the next time T'Challa came around issuing threats. Fury listened then, knowing that the most dangerous man on the planet wasn't bluffing and not relishing the thought of an international incident he would no doubt have to clean up. Logan ended the call having extracted Fury's reluctant promise to tell T'Challa to back off the X-Men. Logan doubted that Fury's intervention would do any good, but it would buy him a little time to come up with another plan.
He had dug in his heels, refusing to even entertain the thought of them going back to Westchester. But T'Challa had become too much of a desperate nuisance in his quest for power and from experience, Logan knew that desperate men do desperate things. Now, he knew that T'Challa was a fool, but he was no idiot. He was as shrewd as they come, so he had to have something up his vibranium sleeve. His instincts were screaming this at him. So this meant that they had to outsmart the prick. He couldn't let his anger get the best of him, but damn it all, Ororo's wellbeing was at stake, and he was not going to take any reckless chances that could get her hurt. He knew he wouldn't be able to go on if she got hurt because of his rashness.
Logan stood outside on the deck adjoining his suite. He wanted to toss the cell phone he held in his hand into the woods. He sunk his hands in his hair and growled in frustration. Though he was loathe to admit it, it was becoming increasingly likely that he would have no choice but to return to New York with Ororo to confront T'Challa. His stubbornness in keeping her in Canada and away from her ex was born out of fear. Fear that she would re-aggravate the injuries they had worked so hard on healing, but mostly fear that she would realize her mistake and go back to Wakanda. Fear that he would lose what was his last chance to make things right for both of them. Fear that he would have to live the rest of his life without her by his side. But no more. Their cathartic conversation yesterday had laid all fears to rest. Now it was time to fight, fight for his woman and their future.
He started when slim brown arms encircled his waist from behind. Ororo laughed softly. "You are losing your touch old man, if I can sneak up on you like this."
Logan growled softly. "Not a chance, darlin'. Just thinkin' 'bout our Wakandan problem."
Ororo sighed and moved to stand beside him, one arm still wrapped around his waist. "I take it that Fury was not receptive to your idea?"
His right arm went around her shoulders. "Not at first. But ya know I can be persuasive when I'm ready."
"Logan…"
"Nick said he'll tell the prick ta back off," he paused and heaved a heavy sigh. "But I doubt it'll do any good." He turned her to face him. "I've been thinkin'. I don't like it, but…"
"We have to return home."
Logan's brows lifted in surprise. Then he laughed. Why was he surprised? They were always good at reading each other and knowing what the other was thinking. "Yep."
She laid her head on his chest. "It seems as if we do not have any choice."
His arms tightened around her reflexively. "We'll get through this babe."
"I know we will. I just wish that T'Challa had not taken it this far."
The only sounds heard for a few minutes were that of chirping birds, leaves rustling in the gentle breeze and other animals scuttling about.
"When do we leave?"
Logan looked at her before leaning down and pecking her lips softly. "As soon as we talk ta Chuck and I can get some things together."
She sighed. "I shall do the packing for both of us."
Logan shook his head. "Nothin' heavy, darlin'. Just the basics. We're comin' right back after it's done." He pulled her into his arms, "Ya know I don't want ya nowhere near him, but…" he paused to inhale her sweet fragrance, "this maybe the only way ta put it ta rest."
He felt her nod. "Thank you for being there for me."
"I'll always be there fer ya. I protect what's mine."
She extricated herself from his embrace and kissed him hard. "All the same, my love, knowing you are going to be with me when I confront T'Challa lets me know that I am more than ready to put this sordid chapter of my life behind me."
"Good." He turned her around and steered her into the room before closing the door. "I say let's go call Chuck and head inta town ta get the ball rollin'. The sooner that prick is outta our lives, the better fer us."
Charles voiced his reservations to them over their Skype call. He was not very receptive to the idea of Ororo returning to Westchester not completely healed and especially to confront her ex. But he trusted their judgment and felt a bit at ease with the knowledge that the Wolverine would die before allowing any harm to come to Ororo. Charles ended the call with the promise to brief the team and the order for them to return with Remy and Rogue on one of the smaller jets he'll be sending to collect them in two days' time. Logan wasn't too keen on flying back to New York, but he silently admitted that for security reasons, it was probably for the best that they did.
They used the two days to prep themselves for their mission. Logan made sure that the cabin was secured and would be able to withstand any weather, should the climate in the Rockies prove unpredictable while they were away. Ororo for her part, ensured the cabin was cleaned and they were ready for their departure.
They laid in bed the night before Remy and Rouge were slated to pick them up, wrapped in each other's arms. Periodically, one of his hands would lazily run through her tresses, while hers caress his naked torso.
"So tomorrow we head back," he grumbled.
She echoed his sigh. "Yes. On one hand, I am looking forward to seeing our friends and family after six months away, but on the other, I do not care for why we are going back."
Logan pressed a kiss to her temple. "Don't worry, darlin'. We'll be back before ya know it."
"And back to your brand of therapy."
He laughed out loud. "Ya got that right babe. Got ta make sure yer back ta kickin' my old ass."
They lapsed into comfortable silence for a few minutes, until Ororo whispered, "Logan? Once we resolve this mess, what is next for us?" Besides the debacle with T'Challa and its ramifications for her people, what's next for her and Logan had been weighing heavy on her mind. She knew what she wanted with Logan and where she wanted their relationship to go. She wasn't so sure about him wanting the same thing as she did. Their track records with long term relationships and marriages were disastrous. Nonetheless, she was more than willing to take another shot with Logan. It was now or never.
"Well, darlin'…" he began cautiously, "that depends on you."
'Ro lifted her head from his chest to look at him. "What do you mean?"
He shifted slightly, so he can give her his undivided attention. "I mean, whatever ya want, as long as I'm part 'o the deal, is ok with me."
'Ro's eyes brightened. She leaned down and kissed him softly. "You are definitely part of the deal, believe me. First off, I would like to travel…with you of course…to my village to ensure T'Challa and the rebels do not try anything."
"I figured ya would want ta do that, darlin'," he grinned. "After that?"
She worried her lower lip between her teeth before slowly moving to drape herself over him. She folded her hands on his chest and rested her chin on them. She peered at him through loving eyes. "I say we take an indefinite leave of absence from hero work and concentrate on living a normal life."
His answering grin was all the reassurance she needed. "Sounds like a plan."
"OMG! You are positively glowing!" Jean exclaimed as she rushed to hug Ororo as she stepped off the jet in the hangar. "I guess the mountain man really did his job and then some," she whispered to Ororo as she returned the hug.
Ororo smiled slyly, murmuring, "I do not kiss and tell, dear sister."
Jean leaned back, her arms still around her best friend, a teasing smile on her porcelain face. "Like that's ever stopped us before." They giggled girlishly.
The Wolverine shook his head as he went past the giggling duo to shake Scott's hands.
"Glad to see you, Logan." Scott, ever the humble leader, stated.
All eyes in the hangar swung to the once dueling pair, disbelieving that they were now civil to each other. "Can't say I'm glad ta be back, Scooter. Not under these circumstances."
Scott nodded understandingly. He too didn't care for the Wakandan King and what he wanted. "The Professor said he'll see you both once you get settled." With that, he walked away to welcome back his sister. "It's definitely good to see you, sis."
Ororo returned the hug. "You too, Scott."
"Remy be hurt. He didn't get a hug like that." Gambit made a show of giving Ororo the saddest face he could muster. He was ignored.
Rogue rolled her eyes, grabbing her Cajun lover's hand to haul him away. "Come on swamp rat, y'all did promise to make jambalaya." She turned around at the exit and waved carelessly, "See y'all later."
Logan turned to 'Ro, giving her a peck on the cheek. "Go get settled, darlin'. I'll put these things away."
Ororo didn't let their audience stopped her from kissing him on the lips. "I shall see you in the loft in a few then," she whispered for his ears only.
Logan nodded before turning to head back into the jet. Scott, without thinking twice, followed him, intent on helping.
Jean had a goofy grin on her face as she watched the interaction between the African and Canadian. She bent to pick up one of the two duffel bags Logan had dumped at 'Ro's feet. "Come on, 'Ro, let's go relax a bit."
Ororo turned to see if she can catch Logan's eye, but he was deep in conversation with Scott, while they worked. She sighed and followed her grinning best friend.
Once in her loft, she opened the windows and used her powers to dissipate the stale air and replace it with fresh air. She began unpacking her and Logan's duffels, stuffing items into the dresser.
Jean sat on her bed, the stupid grin still on her face. "You and Logan are so good together. Something I've always known."
"You mean, even when he was stalking you, professing his undying love?" Ororo asked lightly. She gave Jean a smile, conveying to her that her comment held not malice.
"Even then, 'Ro," Jean replied. "I'm happy you're finally happy." After a few seconds, she added somberly, "I was worried for a while."
Hearing the tinge of anxiety in her voice, Ororo stopped on her way to the bathroom and turned to her. "Worried? Why?"
"You have to admit the past year hasn't been the best for you. I mean, resigning from the X-Men, then coming back from Wakanda the way you did and then getting injured in that fight against that stupid hate group." Jean paused, her eyes watering, just thinking about all that happened to the one other person she shared with other than Scott.
Ororo placed the items in her hands on the dresser top before going to join Jean on the bed. She placed her arms around the fire-haired one. "I know, Jean. I was worried too. But as you can see, I am better than ever. I am right here."
Jean wrapped her arms around her. "I thought that we will lose you. I don't know what we'll do…what I'll do if you aren't here." She turned to 'Ro. "I love you, 'Ro. I just need you to know that."
Ororo smiled lovingly at her. "Of course I know that, Jean. And I love you too. What we have all been through, either individually or as a team, has brought us all to this point now, where we appreciate each other and life more."
Jean swiped at the tears that had leaked out. "All, the same, I'm happy that you are now in a place, where you aren't hurting."
Pure happiness gurgled inside Ororo. "Logan is an amazing man. I am very fortunate to have him. I think he and I had to travel the paths we did in order to come full circle to each other. I love him beyond what words can describe."
Her happiness fueled Jean's. "Damn, he must've done something and done it really good."
Ororo burst out laughing. It was so joyous for Jean to hear it. "I am still not kissing and telling."
"Oh come on, 'Ro. Just a little," Jean whined. "Did you two rocked that mountain?"
Ororo almost choked on her laughter. "No, we did not," she stated when she was able to bring herself under control. "I guess it was not the right time for us to do so."
Jean patted her friend's knee. "I'm absolutely positive it will happen. But in the meantime…"
Ororo looked at her expectantly. "Yes?"
"In the meantime, we deal with that arrogant King who thinks we, the X-Men, owe him something."
"We do not owe him a damn thing," Ororo flared, then, "Except maybe a good ass kicking all the way back to Wakanda."
Jean stared at Ororo in open-mouthed shock. She had never heard the windrider speak like that before. "I see Logan taught you a thing or two."
Ororo simply smiled and stood. "More than you would ever know, my dear."
"Well, like I said before, I'm happy you're happy. I'm…"
Their gabfest was interrupted by Logan and Scott barging into the room. Their eyes lit up as their loves came in. Jean, with a sudden urge to con her husband into spending the rest of the day in their suite, rushed to him and loop her arms around his neck. "Come on honey, I think we should give these two some privacy." She quickly extricated herself from Scott, and went to kiss Ororo and Logan on their cheeks. "I'm so glad you two are back."
Scott barely had enough time to say bye before Jean pulled him out the room and closed the door.
Logan shook his head as the golden couple closed the door behind them. He turned to face 'Ro and in a heartbeat they were in each other's arms. Logan sighed. "Ya ready."
Ororo shook her head, wrapping her arms tighter around him. "Not yet. Just hold me for a bit longer."