Author's note: This is it. The end. Apology in advance for Jean Grey fans: Raven does chew her out in this, but it's only because after reading Essential Wolverine 3 and how Jean nags him all the time, it's something I'd want to say to her. The two actually will end up being good friends, if I ever write that far. Anyway, enjoy and please review! It's the only way I know anyone reads these things!

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Epilogue: All I Want for Christmas is You


The storm that had started Christmas Eve continued into Christmas morning; the roads were mushy with slush, which the falling temperature was beginning to change into ice. It was sleeting now, and it looked like it wasn't going to let up anytime soon. Raven sighed and shut the door. I guess we're staying put today, she thought, her heart sinking. Shivering, she climbed back into bed and snuggled close to Logan's still slumbering form. Maybe that's not such a bad thing, she reconsidered. He looked better than he had last night, more at peace. A good night's sleep will do wonders. Despite the revelations of the day before, he hadn't been troubled by any nightmares, the specters held at bay by what? Truth? Perhaps she had done some good after all.

Raven watched Logan sleep and thought about how a year ago she never would have dared to hope for this. Even now it seemed like a dream. Suddenly things didn't seem so bad at all. After all here she was, alone in bed with the man she loved, and he loved her. She wasn't lonely. So what that they weren't back at the mansion? Wasn't this better anyway? Stuck in a snowstorm but safe, together and in love, than back at the mansion and lonely, eyeing happy couples viciously and staring with pain and longing at one who was so close, and yet untouchable. Raven sighed happily. Wasn't this a moment of peace, like the one a few days back, that she had wished for?

Logan looked younger somehow, incredibly handsome. Even in the deepest sleep his arm was around her, holding her close. Raven absently traced patterns in his chest hair. "Mmpf..tickles..." he slurred sleepily.

"Sorry," she whispered, covering his face with kisses. "Can't help it. You're like a big furry teddy bear." Logan snored softly. "Wake up, sweetheart. Merry Christmas!"

Logan yawned, his mouth gaping open as though his jaw would unhinge. "Merry Christmas, darlin'. You seem happier this morning." He blinked and rubbed his eyes.

"I am," she admitted. "I guess I just realized how lucky I've been lately." Raven gave him a meaningful look.

Logan smiled and kissed her, letting his actions speak for themselves. "I'm glad you're feelin' better. You hungry?"

"Yeah. Too bad there's no room service, huh?"

"I'll go see what I can do," Logan replied, rolling over to get out of bed. "Well look what we have here," he exclaimed in mock surprise, reaching towards the floor. "Looks like ol' Saint Nick came through fer us after all." He turned back around holding a box of Dunkin' Donuts and wearing his most devilish grin. "And he knows your favorite too."

"Logan, you sweetheart!" Raven cried, showering him with kisses. "When did you do this?"

"Early this mornin', while you were fast asleep. I think we'll be stayin' here today; the truck was slidin' all over the road. But it was worth it for my Christmas angel." He nuzzled her ear.

"I'm surprised I didn't wake up when you left or came in," Raven mumbled through a mouthful of donut. "You know what a light sleeper I am."

"And ya know how stealthy I can be," Logan reminded her as she finished her treat. "Whoops. You dropped powdered sugar all over yourself."

"Well then," Raven purred seductively, "why don't you help clean me off?"

Logan grinned and bent to lick the sugar slowly off her skin. "Just when I thought ya couldn't get any sweeter," he said in a low growl. "So, how should we celebrate our first Christmas together, darlin'?" he asked, caressing her soft skin.

"Oh," Raven responded, winking, "I have a few ideas." She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down on top of her.

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"I just realized I never went Christmas shopping for anyone," Raven murmured. They lay together blissfully, listening to the howling of the wind outside. Apparently the weather wasn't getting any better, but they didn't much care either.

"You're my Christmas present," Logan replied.

Raven giggled, "Well that works. I wonder what everyone's doing right now."

"Well," Logan considered, "Besides Storm rustlin' up a Christmas blizzard, I bet anything that Jeannie's having multiple heart attacks over the dinner." Raven swallowed hard. Jeannie, he calls her. She had to admit she didn't like it.

"Raven? What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Oh, don't tell me you're jealous of Jean. Do we hafta go through this again?" Logan asked, glancing warningly at where he had cut himself the other day.

"No. I'm sorry, it's just... I have nothing against Jean, but you were pretty taken with her and I guess it still makes me tense," Raven admitted. "I mean she's beautiful, powerful, intelligent--"

"So are you. Raven, ya know that she's just a friend to me. If I flirt with her once in a while, it's only to annoy Scott. And I won't do that anymore; ol' Cyke will catch on t' that soon anyway, since I can't be madly in love with Jean if I'm madly in love with you. And," he reminded her, "I am madly in love with you."

she replied. It's just, well she and I have had our differences.

You mean when you told her off for getting after me?


I just want you to know I don't approve of this. He's changing, Raven, and I don't like it. Professor X and I tried to help him before and it only made things worse.

I know that, Jean, remember? So what you're saying is that we should keep Logan from finding out the truth, is that it?

It's for his own good.

Who are you to say what's good for him, Jean? He's a big boy, and you're not his mother.

I don't like your tone, Raven. And you're not his mother either.

Who says I'm trying to be? I just want to help him.

How do you know that this is helping him? What if he goes mad? What if he goes feral?

So that' s it; you're afraid, Jean? Well I'm not. They haven't driven me mad yet.

They're not your memories.

They may as well be. You see, your problem is you don't understand him. You're too busy holding him back in fear of what might happen.

I don't understand him? I've known him for years—

If you really knew him you wouldn't keep after him like you do, trying to make him feel ashamed of himself for feeling something he can't help—

He has to learn how to control himself.

I think he's doing a pretty good job of controlling himself, considering. What would you rather have, him asking you to set up danger room scenarios so he can take it out safely on imaginary foes, or going crazy and taking out innocents?

Well, Jean? I'm waiting.

I still think you're making a mistake.

You want him to go through life as a cripple? Incomplete, not knowing where he came from?

What are you poking around in there for, Jean? Hoping to find something you missed? I don't like being mind-read any more than Logan does. No, I'm not afraid of him. I can take care of myself.

Yes I trust him. More than I trust you. You know what that's supposed to mean, Jean. You're a married woman, you'd better keep your distance. Is that what this is about? You used to be his conscience and his confidant, and now you think I've stolen your gig, huh?Maybe he decided I was a better choice.
You know why that is, don't you Jean?
Because I accept him for what he is. I don't scold or nag him every time he doesn't fit into my definition of how a civilized' man should act.
You and the Professor, all you intellectuals sweating and fearing as you think of what horrible monster Logan's going to turn into. But I know who he really is.
Sans memory blocks, implants and erasures. I know, and I'm not afraid. I think you're the ones with trust issues.

fine. Do whatever you feel you have to.

I will, thank you. Glad to have your blessing.

I just hope you know what you're doing.

I'm aiding the man I love, Jean.

Raven sighed. I had to, Logan. I was sick of her acting like you're a tantrum-throwing child. But hey, that's all in the past, right?

Mm. The past, Logan echoed softly. He glanced over at Raven. She was laying on her stomach, hugging a pillow beneath her head. Nice tattoos, by the way.

She chuckled, Don't tell me you didn't notice them until now.

No. A long time ago. Remember that time we went to that bar with the karaoke? (*read With or Without You for the whole story!!*)

And I wore that slutty shirt? She smiled slyly. I remember. That was fun.

He traced the symbols with his finger. Blood. Raven. Cute. But what about this one? he asked, stroking the small of her back.

Wolf? Guess, babe.

Logan raised an eyebrow. Wrong animal.

It's not that simple, silly. Did you think I'd be so obvious to get a tattoo of wolverine' in Japanese when you know the language?

So what does it mean, oh mysterious one? He smirked.

It's one of your good memories, of running wild and hunting with wolves, the only time you could really let yourself go without fear, in the early days, Raven explained. But here I go, getting nostalgic about something I've never done. She rolled over onto her side. Did you know I was singing to you that night?

I knew. I just didn't believe it, I guess. Logan smiled. You have a beautiful voice.

Thank you, she replied, blushing. That was so much fun, even though we had to drag Remy out cause he was so drunk. She sighed. Sometimes I wonder how things could have changed so much. Not that I'm complaining, she clarified, hugging him, but we're so scattered now. Do you ever wish things could be the way they were before?

Personally I'm looking forward to the future, Logan told Raven, holding her close. And as for right now, let's just enjoy it.