A/N: This story just won't leave me alone. I do apologize to my HP readers. Yes, I will get back to them as soon as this story will let me. Maybe after I finish the setup for the rest of the book I can get back on track. Yes, Ever Love is still the next up on that. The Poll on my profile is still open until Flames is done. For my redshippers, Enjoy! As always, thanks for the R/Rs.
Chapter 4: Endings and Beginnings
Two days after getting some of his memories back, Logan followed Jean down a corridor in the upper-level of the mansion. Professor Xavier had thought he was well enough mentally to move from the basement into a real bedroom. Logan sighed quietly as his mind dwelled on that long-ago night when his world collapsed. He tried to hide it from Jean, but she always seemed to pick up on his mood or the changes to it no matter how hard he tried to block her out. She rarely mentioned them, but she seemed to know when his mood shifted. Jean paused as she turned, giving him a soft smile. She wrapped her arm around his as she led him to the end of the hallway.
Jean opened the door, finally letting go of his arm as he walked further into the room. Jean watched him closely as Logan looked around. It was a simple room with a bed, nightstand, dresser, and closet. The other door in the room led to a bathroom. Logan noticed a few pictures of mountains and snow, forests and a river hanging on the walls. They reminded Logan of Canada, and he had a feeling they were Jean's doing. He heard a soft chuckle behind him and turned to see Jean closing the door. She smiled giving him a nod.
"Yes, the paintings were my idea," Jean confirmed.
"Thank ya, darlin'," Logan smiled. "It means a lot."
"You're welcome," Jean smiled. "And I'm just three doors down from you if you need something. And the Professor is across the hall, five doors down."
"Where're the others?" Logan asked.
"At the other end of the hall," Jean answered then blushed a little. "I moved rooms to be closer to you if you needed me."
"What about Boy Scout?" Logan asked as his eyes narrowed slightly. He knew they were a couple, but also that they were having problems. Most of which centered around him.
"What about him?" she asked in return. "I don't care if he doesn't like it. He's at the far end on the other side. Well away from you and me."
"Good!"
"Now, come sit down," Jean patted the bed next to her after she sat. She waited for him to get settled before looking at him seriously. "Tell me why you've been feeling depressed so much lately."
"Red," Logan sighed closing his eyes briefly.
"Don't try to hide it from me," Jean warned him. "I'm a telepath, remember?"
"Fine," Logan sighed again. "It's the things my mom said, a'right?"
"You are not a monster or an animal," Jean told him honestly, placing her hand on his cheek. "Far from it."
"Not like any th' others would understand dat," Logan huffed as he stared at his hands.
"You might be surprised," Jean replied.
"Did any of their parents call them monsters?" scoffed Logan as he turned toward the window.
"Yes, actually," Jean answered. "Warren's father called him an 'unholy abomination' right before kicking him out. After Bobby accidentally froze a bully's arm off, his parents called him a 'thing'. Alex's foster parents disowned him, told him 'never to show his retched face' at their house again. Our friend Hank, who you'll be meeting soon, got manipulated into being a thief because he was afraid to tell his parents. Even Scott, who grew up in an orphanage, was called names and treated like dirt."
"What about you and Lorna?" Logan asked, his eyes downcast.
"Lorna," Jean sighed, "well, she has her own troubles. Her mother died when she was young. The man she thought was her father isn't. We found that out by accident when she got hurt on a mission, and now wants nothing to do with her. The Professor has a suspicion who her real father is, but he won't tell us."
"What about you?" Logan asked softly, finally looking at her again.
"I…my case is…unique," Jean answered as she stood. She walked over to the window to stare out at nothing. "I was eight when my telepathy manifested."
"That's pretty young from what I know," Logan commented.
"Yeah," Jean replied sadly. Logan walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I was playing ball with my best friend Anne in the front yard of my parents' house. They live on a blind corner on top of a hill."
Jean paused to take a deep breath. "The ball went into the street. Anne chased after it. She didn't see the car coming. It happened so fast."
Logan smelled the salty tears before they even appeared on Jean's cheeks. He wrapped his arms around her, without thinking about it. Jean leaned into his chest taking another deep breath.
"My telepathy activated as I touched her," Jean sobbed. "I was in her mind as she died in my arms. It left me catatonic for a year. Professor Xavier finally came to their house and helped me back." She paused again as Logan wiped the tears from her eyes.
"My dad is very accepting of the fact that I'm a mutant," she continued. "My mom is more in denial, still. She thinks this is just a school for smart kids. My older brother doesn't care one way or the other. I'm still his little sister. My younger sister, Sarah, she thinks it's great. She even started a student group for people at the college she attends."
"I'm sorry, Jeannie," Logan told her as he placed his left hand on her cheek. "I didn't mean ta make ya relive that."
Jean smiled at him as something caught her eye. On his forearm was a strange-looking mark. It was faint with blurred edges, vaguely shaped like a triangle. It looked familiar, but she couldn't think of where she had seen it before. Shrugging it off, she looked back into Logan's eyes.
"I'm alright, now," Jean gave him a small nod.
"You sure?" he asked.
"Yeah," Jean nodded. "No matter what you might think, you are not alone anymore. I'm here for you. And so are the others." Jean paused. "Well, except Scott."
"Yeah, Scooter needs ta pull his head outta his ass," Logan growled softly.
"Logan," Jean rolled her eyes. "Well, I have homework to finish, and I have an early class with the Professor tomorrow morning. Lorna will be by with breakfast and lunch. She only has an afternoon class. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, okay?"
"'Kay," Logan nodded as he watched her leave the room.
"And stop staring at my behind," Jean called without turning around to hide her smile and blush as she felt his eyes on her. Logan just smiled.
XMXMXM
Jean stepped into her shower. It was late. Her homework project had taken longer than she had thought, now she was running late on her nightly routine. She knew she should have been in bed an hour ago, but her project was due the next morning for the Professor. She sighed as she knew the reason why it had taken her this long to finish it. Between spending time with Logan, she had tried to figure out her feelings for Scott. In the end, they just weren't the same as they once were.
Reaching for her shampoo with her left arm, Jean stopped. She stared at her forearm with wide eyes. The birthmark there that used to be just an undefined blotch was now sharper in shape. It was in the same place, in the same shape, in the same definition as the one she had seen on Logan's arm just a few hours ago. Jean realized it had been itching lately. That must have been why it was a crisper shape now. She looked at it closely, it was faintly glowing. Jean considered it for a minute. She thought of Scott, but nothing happened to it. She turned her thoughts to Logan, and it began to itch slightly. She rubbed it and pulled her hand away again. It was even sharper in shape. Jean's mind raced. She needed to talk to the Professor about this in the morning.
Quickly finishing her shower, Jean stepped out drying her body. As she was wrapping a towel around her hair, Jean thought she heard a noise coming from her room. She looked at her door strangely, since she couldn't read any thoughts or feelings. She was sure she had heard something. Cautiously, Jean opened her bathroom door. Her lights were off. She knew she had left them on. A slight sense of fear spiked in her as she groped for the light switch by her bathroom door. Jean had just found it when a hand grabbed her arm.
XMXMXM
Logan had just started to doze off when a sense of fear made him bolt straight up. It was followed by confusion, but Logan's instincts told him something wasn't right. He jumped out of bed, crossing the room in three quick strides. As he cracked the door open, a spike of fear shot through his heart and mind. He ripped the door open and ran down the hall, a rage building inside him.
"Logan?" Xavier asked as he stopped his wheelchair in front of him in the hall.
Logan didn't even break stride. He jumped over the bald man's head in a front flip. Logan aimed for the door his senses were leading him to, not even pausing to knock as he threw his shoulder at it. The door smashed open. With a furious growl, he leaped into the room, landing heavily on the object of his rage. Recognizing the scent, Logan forced the head of the man to the side holding him by the jaw. He growled as he extended two claws in front of the man's eyes, while the third stopped at his temple.
"Get off me!"
"Logan!" Xavier hollered from the door. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Scott pinned under a growling Logan, while Jean was panting by her bathroom door, looking very frightened. "Jean? What is going on?"
"Scott snuck in here while I was in the shower," Jean answered. By now the rest of the team were gathered at her door.
"Explain yourself, Scott! Now!" Xavier demanded.
"I wanted to surprise Jean with some alone time," Scott grunted.
"At this time of night?" Xavier asked angrily. "I think not! Logan, please let him up, so we can all return, and stay in, our bedrooms."
Logan only growled louder as he leaned closer to Scott, baring his short fangs.
"Logan," Jean said gently, as she placed a hand on his shoulder. Logan turned to look at her, his rage fading. "Let him up."
Logan stood, extending the rest of his claws, but kept Jean behind him as Scott slowly stood. He glared at Logan through his glasses. Logan returned the glare, adding a low growl for emphasis for the other man to leave.
"Scott!" Xavier snapped. "Report to my office first thing in the morning."
Scott slowly backed up, holding the glare from Logan until he was at the door. He finally turned, pushing his way out, storming back to his own room. Alex glared at his brother's back as he retreated down the corridor. "I will deal with him in the morning."
"Come on, guys," Alex told the others, leading them back down to their rooms.
"Goodnight, Jean. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Logan," Xavier nodded before he turned and wheeled out of the room. It was only then that Logan retracted his claws.
"You okay, darlin'?" Logan asked as he turned, hugging her.
"Yes, I'm fine. He just scared me," Jean told him as she hugged him back, not wanting to think about what could have happened if Logan hadn't burst in when he did.
"Want me ta stay here?" he asked.
"Would you?" Jean asked, her voice betraying her fear. He nodded. "Go get your pillow, while I get dressed."
Logan nodded again. He quickly headed for the door, looking down the hall away from his room with a watchful eye. Jean slipped into the bathroom again, quickly dressing for bed. By the time she came out, Logan was sitting on her bed, staring at her now closed door. As they lay down, Logan opened his arms to hold her. Jean didn't think twice, she just snuggled into his arms where she felt safe.
"Night, darlin'," Logan said as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Night, Logan," Jean smiled, hiding her blushing cheeks in his chest, but she was soon fast asleep.
XMXMXM
Logan awoke the next morning to a gentle tapping on the door. Still groggy, he looked from the door to the redhead that was still snuggled in his arms, fast asleep. He heard the door open quietly and growled, raising his right arm, turning slightly toward the door.
"Jean?" Lorna called quietly. "Have you seen…" she stopped as the sight registered in her brain.
"Huh?" Jean looked up, still half asleep.
"Uh…Hi," Lorna swallowed.
"Lorna!" Jean sat up becoming fully awake.
"Mornin'," Logan grinned as he relaxed
"Did I oversleep?" Jean breathed. She looked up as Lorna giggled. "It's not what it looks like."
"First, no, you didn't," Lorna giggled more. "And second, umm, yes, I think it is. Logan in your bed. You, Jean, fast asleep on Logan's chest and in his arms, looking all safe, warm, and comfy."
"Shit," Jean cursed, covering her red face.
"I had no complaints," Logan grinned.
Lorna chuckled.
"Not helping," Jean frowned at Logan. "What do you need, Lorna?"
"I was actually looking for Logan to see what he wanted to eat, but he wasn't in his room and his door was wide open. So, I figured you'd know where he was, or at least how to find him," she snickered as Jean groaned. "And look I found him."
"Lorna," Jean sighed.
"So, what would you like, Logan?" she asked. "Eggs, bacon, sausage, a side of Jean?"
"Lorna!" Jean groaned again.
"Anythin', green," Logan grinned. "What time ya need up, darlin'?"
Jean looked at her clock with a sigh. "In ten minutes. Might as well get up."
"I'll head back ta my room, then," Logan told her as he stood. He turned back giving her a smile. "Have a good mornin'. I'll see ya later."
"Thanks," Jean smiled, blushing. "See you this afternoon."
They both turned when they heard Lorna giggling. Logan turned once more to Jean, giving her another grin and a wink before he left. Lorna looked out the door before closing it. She turned giving Jean a knowing smirk.
"Someone has a crush," Lorna giggled.
"Maybe," Jean feigned innocence. "And he can hear you, ya know?"
Lorna shrugged. "I have my mate," she laughed as she dodged a pillow.
XMXMXM
"Good morning, Jean," Charles smiled as Jean entered.
"Good morning, Professor," Jean smiled brightly. She laid her homework on his desk before she sat down in her chair for her class, then remembered she had something to ask him about as she reached into her bag for her notebook. "Sir, before we get started, I have a question."
"Yes, Jean," he nodded looking up. Jean stood, stepping forward.
"Is it possible for a birthmark to be reactive to someone else?" Jean asked.
"In what way?" Charles asked slightly confused.
"This has been getting sharper," Jean began as she pulled her left sleeve up. "I noticed yesterday that Logan has the same mark, on the same arm, in the same place, in the same shape. I always thought it was just a birthmark, but it's changed."
"I see," Xavier nodded, examining the mark. "I'll do some research and have some answers later."
"Thank you, sir," Jean smiled as she pulled down her sleeve, returning to her seat.
"Before we start," Xavier began. "I would like to observe your afternoon session with Logan today."
"Of course."
XMXMXM
Charles Xavier sat staring out the window, deep in thought in his office. He had observed Jean's session with Logan that afternoon. His mind kept replaying the events he had witnessed, both in Logan's mind and outside of it. Charles was still at a loss for all of this. It was still odd to him how Logan was more willing to let Jean into his mind than he was to let Charles in. Logan had at least let him join Jean in his mind for their session, which was progress. But that was the least of what was on the Professor's mind.
During the session, Charles had been amazed to witness a very strange thing. Both of the marks on Jean and Logan's arms had glowed a soft fiery orange. This prompted him to start the research immediately that he had promised Jean to do that morning. Charles' research had ended with a strange result from an otherwise unlikely source and had been far faster than he had imagined. If his source was correct, which he had no doubt that it was, it was a sign of things to come and things that needed to change. Charles just hoped the changes would not be taken badly, especially by the young man he considered to be his son.
"Come in, Jean," Charles called as he sensed her at the door.
"Evening, Professor," Jean smiled as she came in. "You wanted to see me?"
"Please," Charles motioned to a chair. "My research into your marks was short, and I have the answers for you."
"Already?" asked Jean in surprise.
"Yes."
"I sense a but coming," Jean spoke as Charles paused.
"But some of the things I have to tell you, you may not like," Charles stated. "I remembered seeing the same mark on your great-grandmother's arm in the picture you shared with me. So, I thought maybe your father would have some more information on them."
"Did he?" Jean asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, he did," Charles turned to look out the window once more. "How much do you know of her?"
"Not much. Most of that comes from Logan's memories," Jean answered. "I only met her once when I was six. She passed away a year later."
"Your father had much more information," Charles nodded as he turned back. "Your family has a legend that was started with her."
"Legend?" Jean asked confused and intrigued.
"Yes," Charles nodded slightly. "It says: Soon will come a child of immense power and strength with the power of will to handle the Force. She will be the first daughter in three generations. Her mate will share our family mark. Their connection will be too strong for any others to ever break. Her happiness will only be found in her mate. She will help restore what was taken from him, and he will be forever loyal to her."
"Share the fami…" Jean paused her eyes bulging. Her breathing came in quick pants. "Logan."
"It would appear so, yes," Charles confirmed. He sighed before continuing. "As hard as it might be, Jean, I believe it would be best if you end things with Scott."
"What?" Jean looked up confused. "Sorry, I was lost in thought, sir. Did you say, I need to end my relationship with Scott?"
"Yes, I did," Charles nodded. He stared at Jean's reactions. He was a little confused by her slight smile.
"I understand," Jean replied. Charles sensed she was not unhappy with this development, which explained the level of tension he had sensed between his first two students.
"Take a few days to consider how much or how little you wish to tell him," Charles advised. "I know you two have had some problems of late."
"Of course," she replied distractedly.
"After that, I believe you should share these things with Logan," Charles folded his hands in front of his mouth. "But slowly. Allow his mind to adjust to this information."
"Of course, I will," Jean nodded.
"Good," Charles nodded. "You may go. Goodnight, Jean."
"Goodnight, Professor," Jean answered as she stood.
XMXMXM
It had been a stressful two days for Jean as she considered the right words to say to Scott. She had finally taken some time and had a long conversation with Lorna on the best words to use. It didn't help that Logan had a nightmare the night before about the tank in Weapon X's lab. She was tired now after soothing him for three hours. She had fallen asleep holding Logan, unintentionally. Lorna had again found them in bed together that morning. She loved Lorna like a sister, she really did, but the teasing Jean could do without. On top of that, Jean had tried to avoid Scott while she thought and Logan had picked up on her nervous mood. He had tried to soothe her, but she knew it was one thing he couldn't help her with. Now, as she walked down to the recreation room, it was Scott who she was trying to find for a conversation that was probably not going to go well. Jean sighed as she turned the corner.
"Scott? Can we talk?" Jean asked from the door when she spotted him. "Privately?"
"Uh…Sure," Scott stated with a grin as he followed her out the back door. Jean stopped well away from the backdoor. Scott came close, trying to hug her, but she pushed him away with a sigh. "What is it, Jean?"
"You've changed lately," Jean stated. "I'm sorry, but we are just not working out. I…"
"What?" Scott asked confused. "Not working…Wait. You're…you're breaking up with me, aren't you? Why?"
"We have changed," Jean sighed. "Your focus is leading the team. Mine is on helping the Professor."
"With Logan," Scott glared darkly.
"Mostly, but I do other things for the Professor," she stated trying to remain calm. "We've drifted apart."
"Is he the real reason?" Scott crossed his arms.
"Whether he is or not, is not your concern, Scott," Jean looked at him getting frustrated. She was absolutely sure this was the right choice now. Scott had that shadow cross his face again for a split second, and Jean knew there was no reasoning with him or any way to avoid getting angry. Scott was about to start being the jerk he had become over the last few months.
"You've been infatuated with him since you first dreamed about him," Scott accused her. "Go ahead, deny it."
"You don't understand anything," Jean stated coldly. "And I really don't give a shit what you think."
"Been around him so much, you're starting to talk like him," Scott sneered. Jean gave a soft growl, trying and failing to remain calm.
"You're being an arrogant ass," Jean crossed her arms as she glared at him. "And so what if I have? It's my job!"
"Job? Since when?" Scott scoffed. "You're a student, like the rest of us."
"If you must know," Jean huffed, "since we got back with him. Not that it concerns you!"
"You'll never be able to help that animal," hatred lining Scott's voice. "It can't be helped! It will always be a filthy animal!"
Jean reached out, slapping Scott's face, hard. "How dare you! You're just too blinded by your own ego to actually see Logan for the man he is! I suggest you stay the hell away from him and me, because the next time you try a stunt like you did a few nights ago, I won't call him off! And that isn't a threat! It's a fucking promise!"
Jean started walking away. She was done talking to the arrogant jackass. She made three steps when she heard him chuckle.
"Wow," Scott scoffed in mock surprise as he held his cheek. "A month around him, and he's really turned you into a foul-mouthed little bitch!"
Jean turned glowing, fiery eyes to Scott. She used her power to send him into the pool fifty feet away from her. She levitated herself to the edge, looking down as Scott sputtered. The rest of the team was watching from the windows with shocked faces.
"Be glad you said that to me and not Logan," Jean seethed. "But I'll warn you now, say that to me again, and you'll wish you stayed in that orphanage!"
Jean stomped back into the mansion, leaving Scott hanging onto the edge of the pool. Alex came out of the backdoor, offering his hand to his soaked brother. "I think you need a good workout in the Danger Room to get your anger out."
"Leave me alone, Alex!" Scott snapped.
"Not this time, big brother," Alex shook his head.
"Why?" Scott grunted as he levered himself out of the pool.
"Because right now, Scott, I'm the only one on the team that's gonna talk to you," Alex glared at him.
XMXMXM
Jean heaved a deep breath as she entered her room. She shook her head at Scott's remarks, refusing to believe them. She retrieved the albums from her dresser before heading to the door again. She glanced down the hall at the others' rooms, hoping they were still downstairs as she turned toward Logan's room. Jean paused at the door to adjust her hair before knocking lightly.
"Hi, Logan," Jean smiled and blushed as he opened the door with no shirt on.
"Jeannie," he smiled as he stepped back. "Come on in. Did I forget we had a session today?"
"No. I have some things to share with you," Jean told him as she entered.
"Somethin' ta do wit' those, or…" Logan trailed off sniffing the air slightly. Jean could hear the unasked question in his voice.
"Both, actually," Jean commented lightly as she smiled over her shoulder, setting the albums on his bed before turning to face him. Logan raised an eyebrow but didn't reply. "First, I can spend more time helping you now."
"I'd like that," Logan smiled. "And?"
"Secondly, you won't be smelling Scott anywhere near me anymore," Jean answered as she placed a hand on his cheek. "I broke up with the jackass."
"Music ta my ears," Logan grinned as he placed a hand on Jean's cheek. Jean noticed that their marks started to glow. Logan looked at them with a confused look.
"That's the other thing I have to tell you about," Jean looked back into his blue eyes. "But it's going to take a while. It's a long story."
"A'right," Logan nodded as they sat down on his bed.
"When I was six, I met my great-grandmother for the first and only time before she passed away," Jean began. "She had the same mark, so did my grandfather, and my dad. During our talk, she told me something that made no sense to me at the time. She looked me in the eyes and said, 'Jean, when your older, you'll find someone that needs your help. Be good to him, he really is a gentle soul'. Then she pulled down her shirt a little to show me three scars on her shoulder. She told me I'd know him by those."
"Yer right, that don't make sense," Logan looked at her confused.
"Trust me, it will," Jean grinned. "These are my family history. When we did your first session, I thought I recognized a couple of things and people, so I called my dad and had him send these to me."
Jean opened the first album turning to the page she wanted. She looked up at his still confused expression and knew it was about to change. "This might be a shock," she warned Logan before turning the book around.
Logan looked at her with more confusion until he looked down, seeing the picture of his family. He froze, eyes widening as his mouth hung open. "How? What?" he stammered out as he looked back up at her.
"Rose was my great-grandmother," Jean spoke quietly, taking his hand in hers.
"How? She died! I ki…"
"No," Jean placed a hand on his cheek. "She survived somehow. She left the mining colony just after you ran off. She married my great-grandfather shortly after. Here, let me show you."
Jean turned the page showing Logan a picture of Rose in a wedding gown.
"Smitty," Logan breathed.
"Norman Smithson Grey," Jean told him. "But, yes, most people called him Smitty."
"How?" Logan asked looking up in complete shock.
"Rose was a telepath, like me," Jean answered. Logan swallowed hard as the shock washed over him. "But she had some kind of extra power that I noticed when we viewed your memories. After you were gone, she froze time as she healed herself, got up, and left. When she showed me her scars, she told me she could have healed them completely but kept them as a memento of you. She also said the man who gave them to her was so very special to her. She loved you very much, even when she was old and gray, but she knew you were meant for someone else."
"Whatda mean?" Logan asked confused again. Jean could sense his emotions were all but overwhelmed by this point.
"I think that should be a story for another day," Jean told him, rubbing his cheek. "Right now, I think you need some time to recover from this shock."
"Yeah…" Logan heaved a heavy sigh with a nod, not looking at her. Jean placed the albums on his nightstand as she lay back on his bed.
"Come here," Jean opened her arms to him. When he settled in her arms, she placed a soft kiss on his head. "Let go of that guilt. She lived and was more or less happy. And because of her, I'm here for you now."
Logan fought his emotions for a few minutes, but it was a losing battle. "I won't think any less of you. Stop holding it in. I'm right here," Jean soothed him, stroking his hair. Logan let his emotions out of the stranglehold he had them in and cried on her shoulder.