**Reconciliation**
Ten generations separated them, but Jesse felt very close to Dani now that he knew. She'd been released from the infirmary this afternoon and she and Logan hadn't left their room since. Ugh! Jesse smiled at the noises from both sides of his room. Logan and Dani had some catching up to do, and maybe a little make-up sex after she turned him down on his proposal. What's up with that? Jesse decided he was going to tell her tomorrow. He sighed and put his pillow over his head.
Damn! Scott and Jean were louder than he'd have thought. It was after midnight and he'd given up on sleep. It didn't sound like things were going to quiet down around here for a while so Jesse decided to go for a walk. He dressed in Jeans and a t-shirt and found a jacket in the closet. He tried to be as quiet as possible when he left. He knew Logan would hear no matter what he did, he just didn't want to disturb the reunion.
Jesse found the mansion quiet except for a kid who didn't sleep. Creepy. He grabbed a bottle of pop out of the fridge and headed out the side door.
"No one's supposed to leave after curfew," the boy said.
"I'm not a student," Jesse said quietly. "Lock the door behind me." He kept going. He was getting very restless here. It was over, and now he had more answers than he had bargained for. If Odium had suppressed his powers, had he done the same to his mother? She was definitely related to a long line of mutants. Jesse walked over to the baseball field and stood in the center of the scorch mark he'd made only a few days ago. He sat on his haunches and touched the ground. How do I go home?
"Do you want talk about it?" a friendly baritone voice said behind him.
"Hi, Hank," Jesse said quietly.
Hank could tell he needed to talk and sat beside him. "You know, you could stay here," he said.
"I know, Hank, but I don't think I should. I don't belong here. It could mess things up if I stay," Jesse said sadly. "I like it here, and I like…"
"Kitty," Hank filled in for him.
"Yes," Jesse said blushing. "But I'm not supposed to be with her."
"It's hard to be a genius from the future, isn't it?" Hank asked.
"I know too much to take this lightly," Jesse said. "I don't know what to do."
"Have you talked to Logan?" Hank asked.
"NO!" Jesse said firmly.
"He'll understand," Hank reassured him. "I'll bet he'll even be proud of you being his great –times what, ten? – grandson."
"He knew, didn't he? In the future, I mean," Jesse asked.
"Probably," Hank said.
"I don't know what to say to him," Jesse said quietly.
"And Dani, are you going to tell her?"
"I don't know," Jesse said. "I think I'm going to go in now."
"I'll walk you back," Hank said. They walked in silence. Hank went to his room and Jesse went down to the gym. He pulverized the punching bag for a good hour before he finally turned in. Tomorrow might be rough day.
*****
Logan and Dani spent the whole night making up for lost time. Dani didn't bring up his proposal, and Logan wasn't going to spoil things by trying again. He was just grateful she was alive and in his arms. They had finally settled down and snuggled up to go to sleep.
"Oh, Logan! I'm not going to be able to walk tomorrow," Dani said breathlessly.
"Then I'll just have to keep you in bed then," he growled playfully as he turned and kissed the top of her head. He didn't plan on letting her out of his sight for a very long time.
"Insatiable," she said.
"Guilty," he laughed softly.
"Logan?"
"Hmmm?"
"Jesse called me Supernova, do you like that name?" she asked.
"It does fit," he said. A star that shines brighter than the sun, hell yeah, it fits!
"I think I'll run it by the professor," she decided.
"Okay," he said.
"Logan," she began, "I've been thinking about what I said, before all of this."
Uh-oh, he thought. "And?" Logan prompted. He was afraid to hear what she had to say. He didn't know if it would be good or bad.
"I decided you deserve to know why," she sighed. Long pause.
"Come on, baby," Logan said. "I can take it."
"If you marry me, you won't have a family. I can't give you children," she said in a sad voice.
"What?" he asked. That was why she said no? Kids were important, but not that important. They lived at a school; he had kids around all the time. Besides, that was not possible; Jesse wouldn't be here if it was true.
"We've been together six months. Haven't you noticed that I never had a …you know, a monthly…" she said almost embarrassed.
"You're a mutant, and a very unique one. That doesn't mean squat. You are going to get a check up tomorrow," he said firmly.
"Only if Jean doesn't do it," she said quietly.
"Be nice," Logan said with a chuckle. As sweet as Dani was, she would never really like Jean. Logan never cared to find out why. He was afraid it was somehow his fault, the whole flirting thing.
"I am nice," she said in a very provocative voice.
Logan groaned. "No, you're better than nice…" he said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Dani giggled and teased his sideburns with her fingertips. She was definitely going to have a limp tomorrow.
*****
Jesse and Kitty had become almost inseparable in the short time he'd been there. Jubilee, Gambit and Rogue had been discreetly giving them their space. Rogue watched the pair sit at a table by themselves and commented.
"When he goes home it's going to break her heart," Rogue said quietly.
"How is he going to get home?" Jubilee asked. "He just followed that Odium guy here."
"Dat boy might just stay," Remy mused as he watched the pair together.
"No," Rogue said. "Look closer. That is definitely 'goodbye' in those eyes."
Jubilee and Remy looked. Rogue had a point. He looked happy, but preoccupied. He was going to be leaving soon.
"Poor Kitty," Jubilee said.
Sitting at breakfast, Dani realized that everyone was trying not to stare, but the students were giggling. She blushed slightly, but didn't really care. She was nervous about going to see Hank for her check up. Strictly speaking, she didn't like the infirmary. It reminded her of the lab, and that was not a good memory. Jean made her feel uncomfortable with her stuffy professionalism and starched lab coat.
But Hank always managed to put her at ease. She didn't know if it was his personality or just the blue fur. She just knew that she trusted him, and that was what she needed. She had a horrible feeling that her suspicions would be right and she would never be able to have children. She really wanted children. She wanted Logan's children. She quietly ate her eggs and shut out the snickers.
"They're kids, Dani," Logan said. "Don't let it get to you."
"It's not them, it's the…my appointment," she said quietly.
"I'll stay with you if you want," he offered.
There is no way in hell I want my boyfriend sitting in on my first Gyn-exam, thank you very much! She nearly screamed at him in telepathy.
"Ouch, baby," he said. "Don't yell."
"Sorry."
Jesse was talking with Kitty, but he knew he had to make a decision about leaving. He could go to Australia and find Gateway. The old Aborigine could open a portal for him, if he could find him. He didn't have a lot of options here in 2003. If he were in his own time, 2253, Jesse could find just about anything. He knew of several time travelers, though he hadn't actually met them, who could open a portal without any problem. But here he was stranded. Granted, it wasn't a bad place. He practically grew up in this house! But he was a man out of time. A monkey wrench just waiting to stop up the works. Sooner or later he would do something that would alter the future. He had to find a way home.
"Kitty, I think we should talk," Jesse said seriously.
"You don't have to say it, I already know you have to go home soon," Kitty said.
"I wish I could stay, or take you with me," Jesse said.
"Me too," Kitty said. "How will you get home?"
"I don't know yet," he said. "I just know I have to."
*****
Dani was getting dressed while Hank was logging blood and tissue samples. Hank didn't say much during the exam. He was very professional, and kept his comments to a minimum. He did all the standard tests, and a few extras.
"How soon will you get the results?" Dani asked.
"Some tests will take twenty-four hours, but I should have a few answers for you by tonight," Hank said. "I'll get back to you as soon as I know."
"Thanks," Dani said as she left.
Logan was waiting outside. Dani blushed, but didn't say anything. Logan just gave her a big hug and then headed to the elevator with her.
"Why don't we go for a ride?" Logan said with a smile.
"I'd love to," she said.
Good, Logan thought.
When the elevator door opened, Jesse was walking by. He saw them and stopped.
"Hi, Jesse," Dani said.
"Um, I think we need to talk," Jesse said to both of them.
It's about time, Logan thought, but not yet. Not until after their ride.
"Later, Jesse," Logan said quickly. "We have plans."
Jesse looked at Logan and just smiled knowingly, "Later then." Still catching up.
*****
The open road was what she needed. Logan knew just the place to go. It was close, only about twenty miles down the road, and it was private. Dani leaned close and squeezed his waist a little harder. The wind was blowing her hair back and she loved the speed.
"Faster," she said in his ear.
Logan smiled and hit the little button buy his thumb that sent the bike into turbo. Dani squealed, and he grinned. She loved a lot of the same things he did, like speed. He hoped the rest of the afternoon went as well as this ride did. He saw what he was looking for and slowed down to make the turn. It was a small driveway, half hidden by the thick forest. Logan turned and drove into the forest about a mile. When they finally pulled into the clearing, Dani gasped. It was a traditional Japanese garden, meticulously manicured. Dani had never seen anything like it.
"Logan, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed. "I didn't even know this place was here," Dani said as she climbed off the bike.
"There's a Buddhist Monastery farther in," Logan said. "They don't mind visitors to the garden. I thought you might like it."
Logan parked the bike and took her hand. They walked through the garden in silence just enjoying each other's company. Logan was going crazy waiting for the right moment to speak. He saw the place, and steered them to it. It was a small open area with a bench right next to a pond full of Koi. They sat down and Logan got a knot in his stomach.
"Dani," he said.
"Yes, Logan?"
"I want you to believe me when I say that whatever Beast finds out, it just won't make a difference in how I feel about us," Logan said.
Dani's expression was unreadable, but the quiver in her voice gave away her feelings, "I know."
"I want to know if you feel the same," Logan said. "I need to know that I'll be enough for you."
"Oh, Logan, how could you doubt that?" she asked him as she turned to face him.
He looked into her beautiful violet eyes and got down on one knee in front of her. She sat there unmoving, and waited. Logan reached into the pocket of his leather coat and pulled out a small lavender velvet box. Dani held her breath.
"Dani, I know I'm no prince charming, in fact, sometimes I'm hell to live with. I have no past, not even a name to give you. I really have nothing to offer you but my heart. I ask nothing from you but your heart. Dani please say yes, and I promise that not a day will pass that you won't know you're the center of my world," Logan said and opened the box. It was a beautiful solitaire diamond surrounded by amethysts. Logan had good taste. He must have fought half of Canada to pay for that diamond, it was huge.
Dani looked into his eyes as tears ran down her face. Logan closed his eyes, fearing the worst at the sight of her tears. She's going to say no again…
"Oh, yes, Logan!" she said as she threw her arms around him. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Logan growled deeply with pleasure and hugged her tight. He released her just long enough to take her left hand and place the ring on her finger.
"Logan, it's beautiful," she said and kissed him.
"Doesn't come close to you, Darlin," he said and kissed her back. Yes, yes, yes, yes…!
*****
Logan and Dani strolled into the dining room at dinnertime and everyone knew something was up. Logan, the big bad Wolverine was grinning like an idiot and Dani was glowing, literally. It was faint, but her aura was definitely there.
Rogue marched right up to the pair and demanded an explanation. "All right, what's going on?"
Dani just smiled and held out her hand.
"Holy cow!" Rogue, Jubilee and just about every other girl in the room screamed at once and ran to check out the ice on her finger. Dani blushed, but Logan just smiled proudly.
"Logan, you have very good taste," Rogue said approvingly.
"I know," he said putting his arm around Dani's shoulder and giving her a squeeze.
Rogue chuckled. The girls were ooh-ing and ah-ing when Scott and Jean walked in. Scott smiled and Jean went over to congratulate Danielle.
"Finally talked her into it, eh?" Scott said quietly into his ear.
"Shut up, Scooter," Logan said smiling.
"You got a good one there, don't screw up," Scott said seriously.
Logan turned to look at Scott. The man was acting like her father, and he was dead serious. Logan studied him for a moment. "Same to you, One-eye," Logan said glancing at Jean.
"Good," Scott said and turned to Dani. "If it were anyone else but Logan, I'd say congratulations. But since it's him, I'll say good luck," Scott said to her with a playful smile.
"Thanks, Scott," Dani said.
Logan growled a little, but knew he was joking. He turned his attention away from the well wishers and looked around. "Where's Jesse and Kitty?" he asked.
"Try the library," Jean said with a knowing smile.
Logan sighed, "Let me guess, hiding in the reference section."
"Something like that," Scott said with a chuckle. "They'll be along shortly I'm sure."
The professor and Beast came in and offered all the polite congratulations before mentioning the need to talk in private. Dani suddenly felt sick. They didn't give anything away with their expressions, and she couldn't tell if the news was good or bad.
"It's okay, Dani," Logan said quietly. "For better or worse, I mean it."
"I know," she said smiling and followed them to Xavier's office.
*****
The library was deserted, and Jesse and Kitty were back in the stacks between the History section and the psychology section. Jesse was sitting on the floor with his back against the book shelf and Kitty was straddling his lap. He buried his hands in her hair and gently tilted her head back, kissing her neck. Her breath caught in hr throat as his tongue traced a soft line up to her earlobe.
"Oh, Jesse," she said breathlessly. She couldn't stand it. She pushed his head away from her neck and bent down to capture his lips in a passionate kiss. They were both swept away in a torrent of emotion and passion. Even as Jesse explored the sweetness of her mouth, he was fighting the thought that this was goodbye. Her future was already written as far as he was concerned. She had an obligation to another, eventually, and he knew that this was temporary. He shouldn't allow this to go any farther. He would be heartbroken over this he knew it. But he was powerless to stop it. He had to have this moment, to carry this memory of her, even if it was wrong.
"Kitty, I want you to know…" he started to say but she interrupted.
"Don't talk," she said and kissed him. "Tomorrow doesn't matter, we have today."
Well, thanks a lot, Kit-Kat, there goes the last of my chivalrous willpower! Jesse thought as she pulled him close. He placed the control in her hands, letting her guide him. He kissed her and nearly died when he heard her soft moan.
"Jesse, lets go to your room," she said provocatively.
Alarms went off in his head. That would be too far. It didn't matter how much he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself for taking advantage of her and then disappearing forever. No way. He had to let her down easy though. He had a feeling she would be hurt by his refusal.
"A-HEM!" came the loud warning from two shelves away. Scott had given them just enough time to get up off the floor and try to look like they had been looking for a book.
"Oh, hi, Mr. Summers," Kitty said innocently as she looked up from an open copy of 'The Jung Philosophy' that just happened to be upside down.
Jesse was looking at a book on Marxism and smiled innocently as well, trying not to laugh.
Scott eyed Kitty's very disheveled appearance and just said, "Get to dinner."
They filed past him and started laughing quietly as soon as they were out of his sight. Scott sighed. Kids. He was worried about the pair. Jesse was a good guy, but how long would he be here? Maybe he would stay for her.
*****
Logan was sitting on the couch, but Dani paced behind him. "Baby, sit down," he said.
"No, I'll hear it right here," she looked at Beast and just said, "Let me have it."
"You are completely normal, for you," he said.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Logan asked.
"When she goes through the 28 day process, she doesn't…" Hank started to explain but Dani interrupted.
"Why?"
"The high amounts of bio-electrical energy. You just don't bleed," Hank said bluntly so there would be no mistake.
"But can I have children?" she asked and held her breath.
"Well, that's the other bit of news I have for you," Hank said with a funny smile. "You're already going to have one. I'm guessing you're only about a week or two along."
Dani stopped right behind Logan and put her hands on his shoulders. She was in shock. "But Odium," she began. "He …his claws. I thought …"
"The injury never affected the womb, and your healing factor cared for the baby first, that's why you were taking so long to heal. I never thought to run a test at the time, we were just so worried about you."
Logan leaned over, reached up and pulled Dani over the back of the couch into his lap and kissed her. He was the happiest man on the entire planet. She had said yes before she knew. That meant a lot to him. They were going to have a baby. He couldn't believe it.
"Congratulations," Xavier said with a grin. "Nice ring."
Logan glanced t him but didn't break the kiss.
"Well… I should get back to work," Beast said as he rolled his eyes and left the room.
Logan looked at Xavier briefly as if to hint that he might have somewhere else to be.
Dani, would you kindly orb yourselves back to your room before Logan gets carried away? Xavier asked her in telepathy.
A brief flash of light and they were gone. Xavier smiled.
*****
The happy couple had decided to elope to Las Vegas that night. Dani and Logan said their vows before a very classy Elvis impersonator. "Logan, do you take Danielle to be your 'Hunka-Hunka Burnin Love,' to 'Love her Tender and True' until death do you part?"
"Oh yeah," Logan said.
"Place the ring on her finger, and repeat after me," Elvis said.
"That's okay, Bub, I got this," Logan said as he put the matching band on her finger. "Dani, you shined your light into my soul and captured my heart. I'm giving you this ring as a reminder of our commitment, but if you want to know how much I love you, don't look at the ring, look into my eyes. Nothing, not even death will take my heart from you."
"Nice," Elvis whispered to Logan before he continued. "And Danielle, do you take Logan to be your 'Hunka-Hunka Burnin Love,' to 'Love him Tender and True' until death do you part?"
"I do," Dani said.
"Then place the ring on his finger, and recite the vows you have prepared for him," Elvis said.
"Logan," Dani began as she placed the gold band on his finger, "you are my best friend and the keeper of my heart. You have all my love and devotion, in happiness and in sorrow, now and forever."
"With the swearing of these vows and the giving and receiving of rings as a symbol of their commitment, by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada and the Elvis Ministry of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you Husband and wife."
Logan didn't wait for the guy to say it, he just kissed her. It was a silly ceremony, but he didn't care. It was official, and they could have a reception back at the school later. He wasn't going to let Dani carry his child another minute without being official. As the impersonator broke into a cheesy rendition of "Love me Tender," he whispered to her.
"You want to get a room?" Logan asked.
"No, Logan, let's just go home," Dani smiled.
"Anything you want," Logan said.
"I'm going to hold you to that when we get back…" Dani said suggestively.
"I promise to be a dutiful husband," Logan said with a growl and a wink.
*****
Breakfast was quiet. Everyone was tired from the lack of sleep. Logan and Dani had been celebrating their engagement last night, loudly and continuously. When they finally walked in, Xavier made an announcement.
"Allow me to present the sneaky couple that eloped to Las Vegas last night," Xavier said. "I've made arrangements for a reception Saturday night, and of course you're all invited." As he rolled past the stunned pair he didn't say a word, but Dani knew he was disappointed.
Scott walked up and said to Logan, "Could have waited a couple of days, couldn't you?"
"No," Logan said possessively. "Why don't you tell him," Logan said to Dani.
"Scott, I'm pregnant," she said quietly. "About two weeks along."
"Even after…" he said bewildered. He looked at Logan and understood why he'd snuck off to get married. "Damn, Logan. Congratulations."
Logan just smiled and led Dani to the table for breakfast.
"Xavier's mad," Dani said.
"No he isn't, he just wanted to be there," Logan said. "He knows me well enough to understand why."
Dani smiled at her husband and his possessiveness. She looked around the room for Jesse. She remembered he had wanted to talk to them, and she wanted to give him their news. She saw Kitty sitting with Rogue and Jubilee and it was obvious she was upset. "Where's Jesse?"
*****
I'm a dick, Jesse thought. I can't believe I didn't meet her this morning. She probably thinks I left without saying goodbye. He picked up a rock and skipped it across the lake. He made the water swell and catch the rock, and then let it sink back down. He was getting better at controlling it. He smiled to himself as he made the water ripple in a design across the surface. He needed something to do to occupy his thoughts so he wouldn't think about Kitty. He decided to test an idea. He stepped off the bank and onto the water to see if he could keep himself from sinking. It worked. He made the water swell beneath him and carry him across the water. He laughed. He turned back towards the shore and stepped back on to the bank. Dani and Logan were standing there waiting to talk to him.
"Oh, hi," Jesse said.
"Nice move," Logan said. "You're getting better at that water thing."
Jesse noticed the ring on Dani's finger and grabbed her hand. "You guys got married?" he exclaimed.
"Last night, before a certified Elvis," Dani said with a smile.
"Classy," Jesse said dryly, looking at Logan.
"So you wanted to talk to us?" Logan prompted, ignoring Jesse's comment.
"Um, yeah," he said and sat down on the bank. Dani sat down beside him and Logan just tossed a rock in the water.
"I was looking into my mother's family tree," Jesse began. "Logan, I'm sure you can probably guess what I found."
"Yeah, but tell Dani," Logan said.
"I believe, that you are my mother's ancestor," Jesse said delicately.
"You mean…" Dani paused. "What year are you from?"
"2253."
"You're our distant grandkid?" Dani asked.
"That's what the professor says," Jesse said and then glanced at her with a half smile. He wondered what she would think of that.
Dani hugged him. "Family," she said happily. "Glad to know it!"
Logan smiled. "So we're having a girl, then?" Logan asked Jesse.
"You're expecting?" Jesse asked smiling.
"Two weeks along," Dani said.
"Congratulations. Pick a girl's name," Jesse said firmly.
