Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men or anyone or thing that appears in the comic strips/cartoons/movies. I DO own Genie. That's all. Please believe me.

I hope you all forgive me! Three chapters at once! Is it enough for you all to forgive me for having momentarily forgotten about this fic? Huh? Huh? Huh? Please say "YA!" when you review and then go onto the Epilogue!

SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't gone and seen X-Men III The Last Stand, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Great movie, except, as one of my reviewers pointed out, what they did to Rogue and Scott. Well, Rogue in the end not so much, but Scott yes. Other than that, most references to Jean in this chapter are altered spoilers for the third movie. Those who have seen the third movie will know which ones they are, and which ones I'm just making up to make things more interesting.

HETERO SEXUAL CONTENT: Rating: Soft Lime

I'm not really good at Hentai, or sexual scenes. I'm going out on a limb writing the hopefully brief yet good sex scene, hahaha. nervous laughter. I really don't want this story (or any I write for that matter) to be centered on sex. I want it to be centered on the feelings and emotions and love that the characters have for each other. Because, if you really just concentrate on the sex, it'll end up being just sex, or at least that is how I feel about the matter.

All that said and done, I hope that you like this chapter!

Scott sat nervously on his bed. It was late and she hadn't arrived. Maybe her friends were still awake, or maybe she'd just fallen asleep waiting for them to do so. He'd heard about Jubilee's ability of speech, and when she was curious she was insatiable.

Quickly getting up from his bed he rubbed his hands together. Scott had a surprise for Rogue, and he hoped that she came before he got cold feet.

On her way to her destination, Genie froze, feeling the electricity that ran up and down her spine. Narrowing her eyes she turned in the darkness, eyes scanning each shadow. Tilting her head to the side she changed route and walked out towards the balcony. Eyes growing accustomed to the change in light, she noticed that the door to the balcony was left open, and someone was sitting on the edge of the balcony.

Images of a scream and a body hitting the cement below crossed before her eyes and she rushed towards the body. Since he hadn't heard her she used surprise on her behalf and grabbed armfuls of his jacket, pulling him hard backwards and getting out of the way so that he didn't fall back on top of her.

When he fell onto the balcony safe and sound, if not slightly bruised, Genie turned to look at who would have jumped off of the balcony if she hadn't had to come in this direction to get to where she needed to go. In the light of the moon she distinguished blonde hair and blue eyes. It was the boy Bobby Drake, the one she'd seen speaking to Rogue during dinner.

He looked up at her, tears in his eyes. And all she could do was go on her knees and hug him. She had listened to people's conversations when Scott and Rogue entered the room together, and she knew that Bobby loved Rogue. She knew what it was to lose someone she loved, she'd never gotten over her mother's death, and so she could sympathize with Bobby's loss, even if it was much lesser.

His pain radiated from his body as he wrapped his arms around her and cried. Images of Rogue and Bobby passed through Genie's eyes as all that was hurting him jumped at her. She saw how he loved Rogue, how he'd always been insecure with John because of the slight attraction he'd believed existed between his girlfriend and best friend. She saw his worry for his girlfriend, their first kiss, and then the next one that had robbed him momentarily of his powers…zapping him. She saw his pain as he began realizing that Rogue's attention was being centered on Scott…pain growing as he noticed that the leader of the X-Men reciprocated that attention, if not more. His fear of losing the woman he loved as he realized that she was beginning to change towards him; filled Genie's body and caused a tear to appear in the corner of her eye.

Suddenly another image popped up. He was breaking up with Rogue, not because he didn't love her, but because he loved her so very much, and couldn't stand it any longer. His pain was growing, not even the arrival of his mother could dampen the pain that cracked at his heart. And the little of his heart that was left broke the moment Rogue and Scott returned, hand in hand. The love they radiated, the happiness, the loving kiss…he'd witnessed their lovingness while they kissed out by the basketball court. It had been the hardest thing for him to do, he'd even had to freeze his feet against the ground to make sure that he wouldn't turn away from what he was seeing.

I love him, Bobby.

Those four words seemed to ring hauntingly throughout his head, torturing him.

Deciding that her mission would have to wait for a couple of minutes more, Genie closed her eyes and concentrated. She had to relax him. She'd learnt that technique while kidnapped. If she relaxed her captors they wouldn't have much of desire to hurt her with the electricity that was attached to her cage. They'd feel content with life and very lazy, and that's what she needed Bobby to feel now. The young girl needed him to feel happy and sleepy.

When he relaxed, she pulled away and got to her feet, helping him to his. Holding his hand, she brought him inside, making a face. She'd made him too relaxed. He was about to collapse right there. They wouldn't make it to wherever his room was. So she led him to the sofa and helped him lay down. Turning on the heat, she watched him sleeping, a smile playing on her lips.

Now that that crisis had been avoided, she squared her shoulders. Her mission awaited.

Reaching Scott's room, Rogue narrowed her eyes as she saw the closed boxes that stood outside. Millions of questions flooded through her mind. Was Scott planning on moving? Had he ordered something and they'd arrived? If that was so, why hadn't he taken them inside? Maybe they'd arrived after he went to his room and no one wanted to bother him to tell him they had arrived.

Turning the doorknob, she was surprised to find the light off. Had Scott gone to sleep? Closing the door behind her she couldn't see anything. Scott had probably fallen asleep waiting on her. So much for the itsy bitsy pajama set Jubilee had leant her.

Suddenly the lights came on, blinding her momentarily. Hands to her eyes, she rubbed them until the soreness disappeared. When she opened them her mouth fell open. Scott standing in boxers and a sleeveless T-Shirt wasn't what surprised her. Nor was his timid smile what made her feel close to tears.

All of Jean's things had suddenly disappeared, leaving the room looking bare.

"I loved Jean." Scott announced hurriedly after clearing his throat nervously. "But she's gone, and I think that it's time to move on. I think its time to stop mourning, and to get along with my life. And ever since that night that we slept together for the first time my feelings for you have changed as well."

She wanted to smile, wanted to squeal, wanted to throw herself on top of him and continue with those kisses that he'd bathed her in that evening. But she knew that this was something very important for him, so she kept quiet, kept still, nodding for him to continue.

"At first I thought it was just a deep friendship, and then, when I realized that it was more than that, I denied it, feeling guilty as hell that I was able to feel something for a woman that wasn't Jean." Running his fingers through ruffled hair, Scott continued. "But now I'm ready to accept my feelings."

Heart in hand, Rogue gulped, hoping that it wasn't audible.

"I—I love you, Rogue."

Too happy to speak, Rogue just blinked, mouth forming an O and eyes widening.

Obviously misinterpreting her reaction, Scott took a step towards her. "I know that for you this might be quick and maybe you think that I'm in rebound, but I swear that it isn't that. What I feel for you is true love and I--."

"I love you too, Scott."

Stopping his rambling, Scott smiled genuinely for the first time since she'd entered the room. Leaving words behind they met each in mid step and Rogue fell into his open arms, enjoying his warm embrace before his lips met hers. The kiss was passionate yet loving at the same time, and when Scott reluctantly ended it minutes later, he kept her in his arms, placing his chin on her head. "Rogue, I know that you're going to definitely think that I'm rushing things, but, well, you're eighteen and you'll soon be graduating. I was talking to the professor and he says that you have never mentioned a family you wish to return home to, and I've never heard you speak about what you are going to do when you graduate."

She frowned against his chest. "I've never really thought about what I'd do once I graduated."

"Well, I have." Making her look at him, Scott cleared his throat. "Rogue, what I'm really trying to say is that I want you to move in here with me, and to sub in my class. Each year more students arrive and I'll need help…and I couldn't think of a better helper than you, the woman I love." Seeing her eyes widen, he cleared his throat, slightly nervous. "I understand that this is a serious decision and that you will want time to think about it before giving me an--."

"Yes! Yes! Yes! I'd love to move in with you! I love you Scott Summers!" Flinging her arms around his neck, Rogue pressed her lips to his, seeking him hungrily.

Still moving on towards her destination, Genie gave a little sigh, looking around her in annoyance. Once again she wasn't alone. What was it now? Didn't anyone sleep in this mansion? How many more obstacles would she have to pass? She'd already had to pass the boy who changed channels with a blink of his eye. He'd been in the TV room and hadn't noticed her. But who was out here now?

Sensing movement in the kitchen she cracked open the door, looking in at the lit kitchen. The blue mutant Kurt, and the weather-controller Storm, were sitting by the table, laughing happily together, eating some ice cream and drinking milk. They looked so happy together, so content with life, enriched with the other's company.

A sigh escaped her as she remembered what she'd seen when she'd taken Kurt's hand before he teleported her to the jet. Storm and Kurt's happiness wouldn't last long. The storm of death would reign on school and Kurt would not survive it. He would die saving the woman he loved yet never had the courage to tell her so.

No greater love is there than the one who is willing to die for another.

Saving the image of their smiles and laughter in her head, Genie closed the door behind her and leaned against the wall. This was the time of peace, the time to be used in loving and being loved. In a little while it would be too late.

Shaking her head she remembered that things would get out of control if she continued getting distracted by the people who lived in this mansion. She needed to go get there before someone found her and discovered what she was about to do.

Rolling in bed, Xavier slept restless. Dreams and nightmares filled his head as terrifying images of both Jean and Genie rushed before him. He saw their similarities and differences, he compared their powers, compared their personalities. Hellish fire seemed to rain down around him, separating both females. Jean was surrounded by a red glow and Genie by a green one. Both facing the other, both keeping they're backs at him.

Something bad was going to happen. He could feel it, his nightmares were telling him that the mutant world hadn't found the peace that it had been searching for; the peace they had thought that they'd finally found. This was only a moment's respite in a time of war. Something had started with Genie's liberation, the clock had begun, counting down until doom.

Jean called out to him, called out his name, telling him to be careful, to help, to help her niece. He hadn't been able to help her, but he had to help Genie. Magneto laughed in the background, causing shivers to run up and down Charles Xavier's spine. Genie was screaming, Jean was screaming. Blood spurted. Blackness fell.

Something was about to happen, something horrible was about to happen.

He had to wake up. He had to get up and warn everyone in the mansion. But he couldn't. Something was interfering, something, or someone, was keeping him asleep, trapped in his own dreams and hellish nightmares.

Growling, Wolverine laid rock still in the bed. Horrifying dreams of a past he couldn't remember were mixed with equally horrifying ones of Jean. She was screaming, calling out to him, clawing like an animal at the water that surrounded her.

Turning to lay on his side, his claws appeared and disappeared into his knuckles. In his dreams there was destruction on every corner. Fire fell from the sky, and a nearly hellish red ball seemed to float in the air, the heat and chaos emanating from that ball.

People fell on ever side. Screams echoed throughout his head, giving him a headache, the heat in his dream causing him to sweat and kick off his blankets.

Come to me, Logan. Come. Follow my voice, find me. Don't leave me alone.

He was in a dark room, unable to see or smell anything. But he could hear her voice, and flashes of images screamed at him, echoing off the wall of his head.

Logan…Logan…are you there? Can you hear me? Logan, I'm here, touch my hand.

He looked around, trying to find her, trying to find where she was; yet he was surrounded by different images. All were screaming at him, all of them were her. All of them were reaching out their hands. A wall of water rushed towards her.

Logan! Help me! Logan!

Sheets soaked in sweat, he groaned, claws retracting permanently as he shot up in bed, still asleep.

"Jean."

Rolling on the bed, they fought with each other, tearing at the other's clothes, desperate for skin. Rogue didn't care that Jubilee's pajama was completely destroyed, torn brutally by Scott, she couldn't even digest the fact that she was as naked as the day she was born.

Giving a cry when his head disappeared between her legs, Rogue felt a moment of slight panic. What in the world was he doing with his head there? Yet when she felt his tongue trail across her slit she gave a jump and tried to wriggle away.

Pulling away, Scott turned to look at her. "Trust me."

Nodding, Rogue gulped loudly and tried relaxing, yet when his tongue once more connected with her slit she gave a squeal. Little electric shocks ran throughout her body, causing her to whimper, to grab handfuls of the sheet. When his tongue slipped through her folds she gave a little squeal at the sensations of pleasure that raced throughout her body. She couldn't believe that someone could cause so much pleasure with only his tongue. If he was this good with a tongue imagine how he was going to be with his…well…

The pain rent her body and Genie fell to her knees, clenching her fists at the nearly scorching heat that exploded around her, trying to melt her, trying to keep her from what she was going to do. Yet she bit hard into her lip, drawing blood, as she forced herself up from her feet, closing her eyes since the heat was nearly blinding. Taking a step proved painful yet she continued.

She was almost there.

You're not going to stop me.

She was frightened. She knew that Scott wouldn't hurt her, yet while she hadn't ever had sex before she'd heard Kitty and Jubilee talking about their 'first time', and the pain they'd experienced had terrified her. Plus images of when she was younger, when he tried hurting her, kept reappearing. For a couple of seconds she hadn't seen Scott above her, but him. Her uncle.

Closing her eyes tightly, Rogue kept repeating in her head that it was Scott, the man she loved. She didn't have a reason to fear, Scott loved her, really loved her. He would never do anything to hurt her, on the contrary, he'd proven to her enough times that he would give his life for her if it was necessary. Things this time would be different, things this time would be magical.

Clearing her throat nervously, she began breathing in and out evenly, which was hard considering that Scott was licking her neck…and she was as frightened as hell. Fear that her body would go back into 'protect' mode kept her efforts to calm herself strong, yet she felt as if she was beginning to lose the battle.

Positioning himself, Scott's lips pressed themselves against hers lovingly. "I love you Rogue."

"I love you too." She said rushed, breathing in and out, eyes closed so tight they were beginning to hurt her.

There was a moment of silence as Scott stilled above her. "Rogue…if you're not ready for this, if you don't feel like you can do this now, we can stop."

Eyes opening in shock, Rogue's eyebrows touched in a surprised frown. "Really? We can stop what we're about to do? You won't get angry?"

A genuine smile appeared on his face as perfect milky whites appeared. "Of course I won't get angry." Rolling off of her, Scott pulled Rogue's body against his and he kissed the top of her head. "I love you Rogue. I don't love you for sex, and I don't love you for just right now. I want to love you forever, and I'll wait until you feel ready to take this step."

"What if I never feel ready? What if--."

"Shh." Placing a finger over her lips, Scott shushed her fears. "Everything will work out. I want you to know that I'm never going to force you to do anything that you don't want to do or don't feel ready to do. I love you and I'll wait for how long you need." A mischievous smile appeared on his face, and she suspected that he might be blushing, but it might be a reflection from his visor. "I'm not saying that it's going to be easy sleeping next to you each night without having you, but I'm more than willing to wait for you because I know that you love me and that one day you will be ready to be completely mine."

"No." Pushing Scott away she straddled him. "Not one day." A slow smile grew on her face as she ran her fingers lovingly through his hair and then caressed his face. "I want to be yours now. I love you and trust you. I know that you won't hurt me." And before he could speak, she positioned them and pushed down.

Getting comfortable, Genie stretched. The cool was now warring with the heat and winning, and she smiled smugly. She'd done it, and now she could sleep. Turning around, trying to find a comfortable position, she closed her eyes. If what she'd seen was true—something that she didn't have a doubt wasn't true—things were going to get a lot worse.

Feeling the intense happiness that suddenly entered the air, the young girl smirked.

At least one of the couples have joined.

Wetting his face, Logan looked at his wretched reflection in the bathroom mirror. Face pale as the moon contrasted against the dark backs under tortured eyes. Jean's voice hadn't allowed him to sleep. And since spending the night looking at himself in the mirror wasn't very exciting he'd decided to start his journey a couple of hours earlier. That way he would be able to borrow Scott's newest toy without the other man knowing. A clean getaway. No strings attached. A past to discover. He was a new man.

Wiping his face he threw the towel on the ground and turned off the light. That lovely red Porsche convertible awaited.

Sweaty and sticky, two bodies lay side by side. Rogue lay with her head against Scott's body, an awed smile on her face. Looking up at him she blushed at the smugly content expression on his face. He looked very much like a cat that had managed to eat the canary and successfully frame the dog. He chuckled and shook his head, kissing the top of her head.

"Wow."

A giggle escaped and Rogue nodded, sliding higher up his body until she was face to face with him. Giving his cheek a peck she pulled up the blanket them and cuddled, getting closer, feeling as if they were melting into one being.

"I love you Scott."

"And I love you, Rogue."

Contented, she closed her eyes and fell asleep with his arm around her protectively, and her head resting in the crook of his arm.

Hearing her breathing growing swallow, Scott watched as she slept against him. She was the most beautiful sight, sleeping there peacefully, trustingly. He knew that it hadn't been easy for her to give him her body, and he'd been ready to wait for her as long as she needed; yet she'd surprised him by taking the initiatives and giving him her virginity. What had followed was the most beautiful, spiritual and carnal experience he'd ever felt. With Jean he'd felt passion, yet with Rogue…with Rogue it was a completely different feeling.

At the thought of Jean he looked around his room. His room. It wasn't theirs anyone. And soon, it was going to be Rogue's and his room. All of Jean's things were going to be shipped to her family, as they should have been a very long time ago.

Scott…Scott.

Blinking, Scott saw her image, saw Jean right before the large wave hit her.

Scott!

Then the image changed and she was wearing one of her sunny yellow dresses. She was smiling, her perfume strong. That citrus smell invading his senses as she blew him a little kiss, and then winking playfully.

Come to me, Scott. Come to the Lake. Come and bring me back home, Scott. I'm waiting for you.

Feeling Rogue moving against him brought Scott out of his trance. The power that had taken control of him was being repelled, and with her little whimper it was broken completely. Narrowing his eyes, Scott held the woman he loved closer. Genie had mentioned something about the Lake; that he must never go back there. So why was Jean's ghost calling him back?

I'm sorry Jean. He said in a prayer. But I love Rogue, and I'm going to let your memory rest in peace. Turning off his light, he cuddled next to Rogue. Scott fell asleep, a smile on his face. A new phase in his life was about to begin, and he couldn't wait.

The sound of an engine revving before disappearing into the distance was what awoke Charles Xavier from his marathon of nightmares. As he looked around his darkened room he felt slightly dizzy. Whatever it was that had been forcing him to be a prisoner to his nightmares had lifted its power, yet it was so strong that the residue of the power left him drowsy.

A class 3 mutant had done this.

Sleep be damned. He needed to return to Cerebro and try see what was happening beneath his very nose.

He'd been driving for hours on end, and the sun now lit the pink sky. With some money that the professor had given him he would have to go to a bar and get a beer, maybe even breakfast, if he was feeling up to a change in his routine. It was odd, once he'd entered Scott's car Jean's voice had died, and her haunting had ceased.

The highway was abandoned at that time of morning but that was how he enjoyed it. Music played as he smoked a cigar, window open. Logan's head was filled with questions that he couldn't answer. He didn't have a clue to take him to someone who knew about his past. Where was he going to go?

"How about breakfast before deciding what direction to go first? I'm hungry."

Cursing and stepping on the brakes, the car swerved dangerously until it came to an abrupt stop. Turning in his seat, claws out, Logan's eyes widened when he saw Genie looking at him slightly amused. "It talks." Getting over his shock, Logan narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"It's called sitting. What are you doing?"

"It talks too much." Growling, Logan retracted his claws with a sigh. "Why didn't you talk when the professor wanted you to talk while back at the mansion?"

Climbing over to the front passenger's seat, Genie turned her large eyes on him. "If I spoke then I would have to answer a lot of questions that I didn't want to answer. So I realized that the only way to keep from being bombarded by a lot of curious questions that would invade my privacy I decided to play mute. Because, from what I was able to read of your memories, you realize that there are some things that a person wouldn't want to speak about."

"Cheeky." Smirking with approval, Logan raised an eyebrow. "You do realize that everyone in the mansion are going to believe that I kidnapped you."

"No. I left my godfather Charles a little note. He'll understand in time." Leaning against her seat, she took in a deep breath. For a moment darkness covered her eyes, then when she blinked they returned to normal. "I'm hungry. Let's stop at the next place that sells food."

Now it was his time to look amused. "And who says that I'm taking you with me?"

"You need me." Not meeting his eyes, a cold entered the car for a moment before the heat returned.

Against his better judgment Logan shook his head and started the car once again. Even though he wouldn't usually allow a stowaway to stay onboard, his instincts warned him that she was speaking seriously. How he could need a midget, he didn't know, but he decided not to take chances. "You stay with me on five conditions. One: You do everything I tell you to, no ifs, ands, or buts. Two: No more reading my mind…at least without my consent. Three: I'm not going to financially support you, you're going to have to do something to earn your stay. Four: You get into contact with the professor right away and explain that you were the one who ran away and that I am in no way a kidnapper. And Five…Five…" He'd lost his train of thought.

"Five: keep yourself out of trouble."

He narrowed his eyes. "What did condition number two say again smart ass?"

"So-rry." She grumbled, folding her arms over her chest, pouting childishly. "But I have a condition as well."

Honestly, the kid was amusing him more and more. "Oh, and what's that, midget?"

"I don't want you calling me Genie." She responded seriously. "Genie was who I used to be before my biological mother was killed and I escaped. I'm not that girl anymore. My adoptive parents renamed me, and while it's an odd name, I prefer that one."

Logan frowned as he watched the young girl lost in memories. So she hadn't been in that hellhole since her disappearance. "If you managed to escape why didn't you get into contact with the Professor?"

"I was five." Genie gave him a glare. "I didn't know his name or where he lived. I only knew my aunt as 'Aunt Jean' and I was sure my mother's name was 'mommy'. I also didn't have a hold on my telepathy at the time and would have needed a prior connection with my godfather anyway, which I didn't have.

Wolverine blinked. That sounded complicated. They made telepathy seem so easy in the movies.

"When the police and social services couldn't find anyone who knew me I was put in an orphanage, but I was a lucky one, I got adopted quickly after by dentists." She continued, a smile on her face as she remembered her adoptive parents.

Dentists? Go figure. "So how did you end up in that cage?"

She winced. "I was discovered and taken, my parents didn't make it."

The male mutant sighed. She'd had a tough life, and she was still so young. "So, midget, what's this name you prefer?"

She smiled softly. "Hermione, Hermione Granger."

"Hermione. Too long. Just'll call ya 'Mione." Getting back onto the road, he kept his eyes on the horizon. "I saw a sign back there that said that there was a bar up ahead."

"Great."

Pressing the accelerator he looked in the review mirror. "I don't know if the money the professor gave me is going to last long now that you decided to runaway with me against my will."

"There's a couple of hundreds in the ashtray."

This surprised him. "You looked?"

"No."

Sending her a sideways glance after opening the ashtray to find that indeed there was a waddle of money hidden inside, he smirked, closing it once more and returning his attention to driving. "We might make a good team after all, Hermione Granger."

I'm sorry godfather. I had to do it, and you would have stopped me if I would have told you. Believe me, he needs me. I'll be okay, I promise. If things works out everything will be okay.

That message echoed off of Cerebro the moment he entered. Xavier watched as for the first time, Genie appeared on Cerebro, arms folded, sitting in a car driven by a reluctant Logan.

"What are you up to, my little girl?" Charles Xavier wondered, looking up at his goddaughter.

Hello everyone! This is the end of this chapter! Did you like it? I only have to right the epilogue for this story, and then it will be the end! Cries. I sorta got attached to the story while I was writing it, I fell in love with Scogue! Oh well, I still haven't finished it, I still need to write the epilogue! Oh, and I'm thinking about making this into a series. I got inspired by X3! If you're interested in reading the next book in the series you can put me on your author alert or you can keep on looking at my page. They'll be more information after the epilogue.

shadowglove