Chapter 2: Sleep and Dreams

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em. Wish I did. Again, though, a few borrowed panels from Ultimate X-Men #45.

Logan shut the door softly behind him. The room was dark, but the moon shone on her slender figure, reflecting off of her white hair.

God, she's beautiful. He watched her sleep, her back to him in the bed. Even on her side, he could see her rhythmic breathing. She seemed calm, at peace. Finally.

He slid out of his jeans and through them on the floor, stripping down to his boxers. He pulled back the sheets and climbed into bed behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist. He wanted to protect her, even in her sleep.

She moved slightly to form to his embrace, willing him to press his body closer to hers. He nestled his head into the crook of her neck and inhaled slowly. Closing his eyes, he whispered, "I love ya darlin'"

Before he drifted to sleep, he barely heard her reply, "I love you."

The sun shines on the group behind the mansion. Everyone's there. They would never miss this.

She bows her head, her hair hiding her face. She can't let them see her weakness. She cannot be weak.

It happened so fast. Too fast.

She stares at the grass, watches a leave land softly in front of her. She lets out a small laugh.

He rests his hand on her back. "I'm here," he whispers.

No you're not.

She remains motionless, even as they lower him into the ground.

He's gone. There's nothing left. Nothing.

Her eyes squint, pushing the tears out. He pulls her closer to him, kissing her forehead. She takes his blue hand in her own, pressing them both to her heart.

"I never left you," he whispers.

Her eyes fluttered open. She turned in his arms to look at him, pulling the sheets to cover them both.

After some time, she spoke softly, "Logan?"

His eyes still closed, he immediately responded, "Yeah?"

"You were awake?"

"All night."

"I had another one…another dream."

He opened his eyes, startled. He stared at her for sometime before sitting up and leaning against the head board. "And?"

She sat up next to him, eyes focused on her lap. "It was the funeral. He was there."

"Ororo…"

"No, I mean there. Next to me. His arms were around me, his hand holding mine."

Logan shifted uncomfortably. "Got it."

"You don't get it."

"'Course I do. Look, I know ya loved him. I know ya missed him. I ain't gonna force ya to move on."

"I have moved, Logan. Yes, I loved him. He'll always be a part of me. But so will you."

"I can't compete with that. If he were alive, you two'd still be together."

"I don't know. Maybe. He left, remember? Obviously things weren't going as well as I'd thought…"

"So, what?" He paused, looking over at her. "You think we'd be together now if he were still here?"

Again, a pause. "Logan." She met his gaze. "I love you. I'm with you now because I don't want to be with anyone else. These dreams are just something I have to go through. I want you there with me."

"Heh." He wrapped his arm around her, letting her rest against him. "I'll always be with ya darlin'. Always."