Well, we've arrived at the end of this story. What was originally a one shot morphed into this. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have received this story well and all who've favorited, reviewed and followed. Your reviews, believe it or not, have helped me tremendously. I tried to wrap this up the only way I saw it panning out. For all the damage Jean has done, I saw her decision as the only way to begin the healing process. I hope you all feel good about the ending as I do. Until the next story, I hope everyone stay safe and enjoy your lives and families.
A/N: The words in italics represent a sort of flashback.
They were already well into the second month of the New Year and things were indeed looking up for. The Friends of Humanity and its anti-mutant rhetoric had tentatively tapered off for the moment, leading him to lift the ban he had in place for the safety of everyone under his care. The school was receiving more donations and grants than ever before and the applications for new students were increasing and the number of students set to graduate in another three months were at a record high. However, as Charles was pleased with all of this, he, at that moment, couldn't help his contemplative mood.
He had awakened this morning pensive and it had only increased as the day progressed. And his brooding was threatening to get the best of him. He rarely second guessed himself and unfortunately this was one of those rare instances he did. He couldn't help but think that he was betraying Jean by moving so quickly to fill the vacancy her abrupt departure a few days before Christmas had left. After all, she had been with him since she was a young girl and he saw her as a daughter. He was still reeling from her decision to sever all ties to the X-Men.
He gently laid The Rebel by Albert Camus that he was attempting to read on his desk then wheeled himself across to the cathedral windows of his office. There was no use in trying to concentrate on reading the book, as his thoughts were centered on Jean and the rest of his children.
Jean had left like a thief in the night and only he and Hank were the only two members of the team privy to her plans. Being who he was, he of course knew that everyone in the mansion tentatively viewed her departure as the tide turning from the gloom and doom that had covered the mansion over the past few months. It was a refreshing change and signaled a new beginning for many who greeted her exit with a huge sigh of relief.
Charles' feelings towards losing the powerful telepath and telekinetic were ambiguous. On one hand, he was happy to see the genuine smiles and good-natured feelings that were absent for so long once again flared to life in the mansion. He was relieved to see that the weight of all the angst created seemed to have been lifted and everyone was once again on a path to maintaining as much normalcy in their lives as possible. Scott seemed prime and eager to move on with his life, although Charles still sensed the sadness of losing the love of his life in him. But he had no doubts that Scott was strong and would be able to bounce back. Ororo and Logan were both happy with each other and it was apparent that they had decided not to dwell on the unpleasantness of Jean's actions. They were focused and dedicated to each other and Charles took great pleasure in seeing their relationship evolve.
Conversely, he was saddened to see Jean leave. Despite everything, she was a powerful and gifted woman and she was a great asset to the team and the school. But she was also a misguided woman who allowed herself to be consumed by pettiness and the negative aspects of life. He blamed himself for not nipping it in the bud a long time ago. He knew of Jean's insecurities where Ororo was concerned, but always believed that she was above them and would not allow those insecurities to cloud her judgment and actions.
Charles hovered between thinking that his inaction was the cause of the inevitable disaster and wondering if there was anything he could have done to stop the train wreck. He had refused to act because of his promise to not interfere in their personal lives, instead believing that they were more than capable of solving their own problems. The conclusion he reluctantly came to was that not even he could have stop the disaster from happening because the escalation of Jean's instability was unavoidable.
Charles rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. He knew that it was going to be a challenge for both him and her to repair the damage caused. However, he admitted that her method of fixing the rift in the family had thrown him for a loop, because, unlike almost everyone, she was skilled in hiding her thoughts from him, so he had no clue as to what her final decision was. Her position within the walls of the school and team was safe, which he had reiterated to her, even after placing her on probation. He'd had no plans to toss her out. But all that changed after she had approached him with her decision to more or less go into a self-imposed exile.
As his mind drifted to that day, he grudgingly admitted that her decision was quite possibly the only solution to the problem. She had graced him with a tentative yet pleasing smile when he had bade her to enter his domain. She had appeared confident and resolute and it was nice seeing her that way.
She had taken a seat in one of the two brown leather chairs and placed a folder she had with her on the empty chair besides her. She then got straight to the point. "Good evening, Professor. I won't take up much of your time."
He smiled at her. "How can I help you, my dear?"
"I just wanted to inform you that I've decided to leave," she said softly.
Xavier's face didn't reveal any reaction to the news. "Leave?"
"Yes. It's for the best that I do. I won't be coming back."
He reacted then. His eyebrows shot up and he was sure his eyes had widened too. "I see. Have you thought this out?"
"Yes," she replied. "It's not about me anymore, Professor. My being here is not going to provide the healing that's needed to move on."
"I see," Charles said, for lack of anything better to say. He didn't show it, but he was spinning on the inside from her announcement.
"I'm sorry to spring this on you Charles, but I think that the sooner I leave, the better."
"Where are you going, if you do not mind me asking?"
She had smiled at him. "I don't mind. As a matter of fact, I need for you to know." She had taken a deep breath. "I'm moving away to Muir Island. I've contact Dr. MacTaggert and she has agreed to take me on as her apprentice."
Charles smiled at the mention of his long time friend's name. "You believe that this is the ultimate solution to finally putting to rest the strife?"
Jean nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Yes I do. I want to channel my energy into something worthwhile. I believe that studying at Muir Island will do that."
Charles had heaved a sigh. By all appearances, her mind was made up and she would not be swayed. "Well, I did challenge you to find a way to mend the rift. If this is your solution, then I have no choice but to support you and aid you in implementing it."
Her shoulders had relaxed in obvious relief, an action that wasn't missed by Charles. "Thank you Professor. I have one favor to ask of you." At Charles' nod, she continued, "Please do not mention where I will be going to anyone. I have confided in Hank and I'm assured of his secrecy."
Xavier's brows furrowed. "You can be assured of my secrecy as well. But may I ask why you do not want anyone to know of your plans?"
"I don't want them thinking that it's all about me. I'm doing this so that they won't feel disgusted by me whenever they see me." Tears welled up in her eyes. "I've hurt them so much and I don't want them to hurt anymore."
"I see. What about Scott?"
"I'm sure you know that he's filed for divorce. I'm not going to fight him on it. I've already signed it."
"Will you be speaking with him before you leave?" Charles asked.
She swiped at the tears, now running unchecked down her porcelain cheeks. "No. As a matter of fact, I need you to do something for me." She reached over and grabbed the folder she had brought in with her and extricated two items. A notarized original copy of the divorce action's Affidavit of Defendant and a plain white envelope with Scott's name carefully scribbled on it. Handing them to Charles, she said, "Please give these to him for me."
The Professor had nodded, taking the items from her. "One more question, my dear. Since my ban is still in effect, how do you plan on leaving the mansion without anyone's notice?"
She had smiled tentatively. "My friend Misty Knight has made all the arrangements. I'll be in touch with you once I get to Muir Island."
Charles had nodded, fully aware of who Ms. Knight was. "Well, there is nothing else left for me to say, other than I wish you nothing but the best." Charles gazed at her, taking a quick second to admire her beautiful emerald eyes. "Shall you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. And please remember, you will always have a home here."
Jean had stood and walked over to where he was behind the desk. She had bent down, enfolding him into her arms, holding onto him as if her life depended on it. Pressing a kiss to his bald head, she said, "Thank you, Charles. I'm sorry that I did not turn out to be the woman that you envisioned. I regret having you disappointed in me."
Charles patted her hands where they rested around him. "My dear, I was never disappointed in you. I was disappointed in your actions and the consequences that resulted. You are a special and gifted woman Jean. You should focus on that and use your talents to change the world for the better. I know that you will do very well under Moira's tutelage."
She sniffled, his words hitting home. "Thank you." She broke the embrace and stepped away from him. "I know that I didn't say it often enough, but I love you Charles. You've done so much for me and I will treasure it always."
"My darling, Jean," Charles' voice hitched with emotion. "You were a godsend to me, like a daughter I never had. I will always love you too."
With that, Jean had smiled at him one last time, turned on her heels then left as quietly as she came in.
With a heavy sigh he pulled away from the windows and his musings and wheeled himself back to behind his desk. Right now, he couldn't afford for his emotions to get the best of him and remembering his final exchange with Jean was threatening to do just that.
As Jean had done her part to heal the team, he realized that he needed to do his part and provide the team with a replacement telepath. Even though everything appeared peaceful now, he wasn't naïve to think that the peace was going to last. The continuous rise of enemies targeting one or all of his X-Men, the FOH, which he was positive was going to restart their activity soon enough and not to mention Magneto and his Brotherhood and their continued quest for world dominance. While Betsy was a skilled telepath, she was nowhere near the level of proficiency Jean possessed. He needed someone on Jean's level or as close to it as possible. Thus, enter Emma Frost.
Charles knew that the general consensus around the mansion was one of surprise when they became aware that he had moved to fill the vacancy left by Jean Grey. They had all thought that Betsy, with Charles' guidance would have been the one to elevate to Jean's position. They did not believe that he would have completely replace Jean. He'd had to address their concerns about his choice. Emma Frost didn't have the best track record when it came to loyalty, but Charles saw the good in her and had decided to give her a chance. His children were vocal with their misgivings, but still, he implored them to give Emma Frost a chance. He knew that they weren't too thrilled with his decision, but like always, they rallied around him and supported him. Hence, the meeting scheduled for this afternoon to officially meet and greet the new teacher and member of the X-Men. Charles could only hope that he wasn't risking splintering his X-Men by making a monumental decision in bringing the White Queen on board.
Jean sat carelessly swinging her legs on the bluff opposite the Muir Island facility, overlooking the river that at some point in distance and time emptied into the North Sea. She tucked a few tendrils of her flaming red hair that had escaped her ponytail behind her ear and pulled her parker closer to her to ward off the chill in the air. Although it was the beginning of summer, the weather was still unseasonably cool by normal Scottish weather standards. Nighttime had arrived, but due to the region's extensive daylight hours, it was still daylight out. She took a moment to observe and appreciate her surroundings. Although she had been living here for the past seven months, the beauty that surrounded her never got old. The luscious and healthy flora, the purity of the air, the pristine waters and the stunning natural formations, like the bluff she was currently sitting on. It was peaceful and that was what she had needed.
Thanks to her good friend Misty Knight and the kindness of Dr. Moira MacTaggert, she was a changed woman. Misty had made all the arrangements to get her to where she was now, no questions asked. Misty was the friend every girl wanted in her corner and she was very grateful that that was one bridge she hadn't burned. Dr. MacTaggert had welcomed her with open arms. Jean had openly wept at the doctor's ability to forgive her once she had poured out her experiences and misdeeds at the X-mansion. Dr. MacTaggert had a profound influence on her recovery. Moira was there every day encouraging her, even on the days she felt as if she couldn't go on. Moira was a tough but fair person and had taught her so much, not just about genetics, but about herself. Jean would always be appreciative for Moira's non-judgmental attitude and for taking her under her wing, training her to become a geneticist.
Upon relocating to Muir Island, she had many reservations about her decision, frequently second guessing herself, because never in her life had she been at such loose ends. But she had soon come to realize that leaving the mansion behind permanently had been her only choice in order to pick up the pieces of her life and rebuild them. Sure, she could have stuck around the mansion and tough it out, but the looks of disgust and mumbled words behind her back were enough reasons for her to leave. Not to mention her friends and ex-husband wanted nothing to do with her. Her self-imposed exile was imperative to healing the great divide that she and she alone had caused in her family. Her presence would no longer be a reminder to them and they would finally be able to move on and live happy productive lives. She was hoping that the saying out of sight, out of mind would ring true in this case. Charles had challenged her to find a solution and fix the mess she had created and she sincerely hoped that she had done well and done what was right for everyone involved.
Her divorce from Scott was finalized over a month ago. Charles had been kind enough to email a copy of it to her. She hated that years of being together with Scott had come to that, but she had no one to blame but herself. She still loved Scott and knew that she always will. But the hurt she had inflicted on him was irreparable and she knew she was going to live the rest of her life lamenting and regretting that.
She didn't have the courage to face him, opting to take what could be seen as the coward's way out and writing him a letter and additionally severing their mental link. Also, she knew in a face to face meeting, he was more than likely to have questions about her future plans and she felt it best not to reveal what her plans were to him. She wanted to keep knowledge of her plans to a selective few. Only Misty, Moira, Charles and Hank were privy to where she was and what she was doing. She knew Scott had gotten her letter and the signed divorce papers, as she had charged Charles to deliver them to him. After Hank had accompanied her to the notary public, she had written the letter, more emotional than she had ever been throughout the entire ordeal. In the letter she had reiterated her love for him and her apologies and regrets for hurting him. She had also asked for his forgiveness, letting him know she was willing to wait until he was ready to meet her halfway. She had also requested that once the divorce was final, he give Charles a copy to send to her. That letter was the most difficult thing she'd had to write and she truly felt that her words were poignant and incredibly purging.
She looked up at the bright blue of the sky and smiled. It was difficult for her to sever most ties with her family and start over, but she can now look at herself in the mirror and honestly say that her mind felt cleansed and was at peace. However, she knew that she still had a long way to go in her recovery and it felt good to be where she was now. She no longer felt jealousy and antipathy for Ororo and she had finally accepted the fact that Logan had never truly wanted her. She got it now and now that she did, she truly saw why and how Ororo and Logan were perfect for each other. Too bad it had taken the disintegration of her friendship with Ororo and the loss of her marriage for her to realize that.
It had taken a long time for her to come to grips with the damage her actions had caused and once she had come to grips with it she was able to begin purging herself of the negative emotions that had clouded her mind and soul. She can now attest to the fact that lust and jealously being noxious emotions. Saying goodbye to her old life was a challenge, but one that she hoped she had risen too. She was more focused on being a better person and using her gifts for good and she had Moira and Charles to thank for that.
Despite leaving the team abruptly, Charles was still there for her when she needed him, cheering her on. They had maintained contact with each other and she knew she couldn't have gotten through the past few months without him in her corner. He was still helping her in her recovery and providing her with counsel. She smiled. She wasn't surprised because that was the kind of person he was and their final face to face conversation was testament to that. She also knew that he had found a teacher and telepath to replace her. He didn't have to tell her, but she knew that he felt as if he was betraying her by replacing her. She, on the other hand, had made it known to him that she understood that he had too for the good of the team. He, in turn, had assured her that she would never be truly replaced where it mattered…in his heart and she had broken down during their Skype call when he had mentioned that. Though she had mixed feelings about her replacement Emma Frost she was willing to grant her a second chance to prove herself, just as she was granted one.
Lately during her conversations with Charles, he had been dropping subtle hints for her to come back home, even if it was for a short visit. She had steadfastly refused, letting him know that she was happy and it was for the best that she stayed away. But deep down, she constantly wondered at the reception she would receive if and when she chooses to go back. Would they want her back? Would they still hold her in contempt? Was she ready for that reinstatement into society?
Those questions continuously plagued her and she knew that they most likely will until she decided if it was worthwhile to go back. She stood up, stretched and dusted any evidence of debris off herself. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it," she said aloud and listened to her voice echo in the stillness. Whatever the future held, she now felt and knew she was ready to face it.
Logan leaned against the doorjamb dressed in a pair of his worn out jeans and white sleeveless shirt, one ankle crossed over the other and his massive arms folded over his equally massive chest, leisurely admiring the woman who held his heart as she scampered around the loft they now shared. He would never tire of simply looking at her. She was everything and more than he had ever dreamed of. He still couldn't believe that he had been deemed worthy to have her to call his own. She was wearing only her underclothes, which barely covered her assets that he loved.
He entered the room and closed the door softly. On bare feet, he slowly approached her and wrapped her in his arms, effectively stilling her movements. His callused palms slid down and cradled her naked tummy. Ororo heard the rumble of his appreciative growl before he lodged his face into her shoulder, nuzzling her mark and taking a deep whiff of her drugging scent. He grinned widely when the sweet scent of the child she had informed him that she was carrying just this morning hit him. It was one hell of an anniversary gift.
Ororo covered his hands with her own. "Happy Anniversary, my love."
Standing there, relishing the closeness of each other, they both took a few moments to remember all that they had gone through the past year, just to be where they were now. They both valued the fact that they had never had to work so hard in their lives for something that they both knew was worth it in the end.
He kissed her shoulder before grunting out his reply. "Happy Anniversary ta ya, darlin'."
Ororo reached up one hand to run it through his thick raven locks, before turning in his arms. She reached up and snaked her arms around his neck, while his held on tight around her waist. She began humming a tune only she knew and as if on cue, they began swaying together.
"I have somethin' fer ya, 'Ro," he rasped, stepping out of her arms a few minutes later. He turned around and went over to the dresser that was designated his and pulled out a large manila envelope from the top drawer. He walked back to where she stood and handed her the envelope.
Her brows furrowed as she took the envelope and lifted the flap. She looked up at him in confusion as she pulled an official looking document out. "What is this, my love?"
"Go ahead and read it."
Her eyes scanned the document as she read it. She gasped with pleasure when she finally realized exactly what she was reading. She lifted shimmering eyes to him. "A deed?"
The look of pleasure on her face caused his lungs to constrict. "Yep," he said huskily. "I wanted ta get ya somethin' special and different. Somethin' definitive ta show ya I'm in this fer the long haul."
She continued to carefully read the piece of paper. "A deed?" She repeated.
He stepped closer to her, carefully taking the piece of paper out of her hands and held onto it as he took her by her hand and tugged her down to join him on the bed. He turned her hand he still held face up and rubbed his thumb over her palm.
"I purchase the boathouse and surroundin' land from Chuck. I want ta put down roots wid ya 'Ro. I want ta build ya a home ta call yer own and where ya'll feel secure knowin' how much I feel fer ya." He brought her palm up to his lips and kissed it, his tongue coming out to dampen it. "'Ro, ya're mines ta take care of and I want ta do right by ya." He then pressed their hands together onto her abdomen. "And all of it includes this 'lil one right here."
Ororo shivered at his words and caress. He wasn't one for flowery speeches, but when he did, he went all the way deep and emotional. She was ready to melt into him. His words left her wanting so much more. She tilted her head slightly, her hair cascading down the side of her face like a glistening waterfall. "You want… " she murmured, unable to finish her words.
His eyes riveted to hers and she held the compelling force of his eyes. "I want everything wid ya, darlin'. Ya've given me more than enough incentive ta stick around. And I don't want ta give ya reason to regret that ya did."
"Oh Logan, my dearest, Logan," she whispered.
"So what do ya say, darlin'? Do ya want it all with me?"
She caressed his whiskered cheek, as she replied, "Do you even have to ask?"
He stood and went to put the deed on top of his dresser. He peeled off his clothes before rejoining her on the bed where she was now lying down.
Pulling her to him so that their chests touch, he said, "So, I figure after we get the boathouse remodeled, ya can drag me ta the altar kickin' and screamin' before the rugrat gets here."
"Well, if I must," she said coyly.
Logan chuckled good-naturedly before sobering a bit. "Thank ya, darlin'. I never thought that this was possible fer me, but ya made it possible. Ya gave me hope, even through all the bullshit that went on."
They both grew silent, each thinking about the upheaval of the past year that resulted from Jean's actions. Once Jean had left the premises, things around the mansion seemed to fall into place for many, if not all of them. It was as if Jean was the harbinger of misery who had put a pall over the mansion and once she was gone, the cloud had dissipated. They would both be lying if they said that they didn't see it as a good sign and felt immense relief once they had learned of her departure.
Ororo exhaled loudly before pressing a kiss to Logan's nose. "Honestly, my love, I did not have any doubts at all. You and I were united against Jean and her shenanigans, which I do believe was what kept us going. We came away stronger and for the most part unscathed." She smiled slightly. "I cannot say the same for Scott."
"Scooter's a big boy and a lot tougher than we give him credit fer. Besides, I'll say he's moved on quite well," Logan voiced.
Ororo's nose wrinkled and she rolled her eyes. She had her reservations about Scott and Emma's newfound relationship, but supporting her brother at this period of transition in his life was more important to her than her fears of him getting hurt again. Besides, Scott was a big boy and had proven capable of handling the often brash telepath on many occasions. And if he was happy, then she was happy for him.
She sighed. "He is certainly content. But to tell you the truth, I seriously believed that he would have never recovered from Jean's betrayal."
"Red leavin' was the best thing that could've happen ta him…ta all of us."
'Ro nodded. "I just hope where ever she is she has gotten the help she needs."
"I think everybody 'round here hope fer that," he growled. "Red was bad news. I'm sorry it took me so long ta set her straight," he muttered with a measure of self-disgust.
Ororo reached over and traced his lips with delicate fingers. "Well better late than never, dearest. We were all blinded to what she was capable of. However, I do think that we should follow your wise advice and not dwell on it. We are all flourishing now as a result of her departure and let us keep it at that. Besides, I don't think that we are going to have time to worry about her, seeing that we are going to be busy enough in the foreseeable future."
She saw the sparkle in his beautiful eyes before he suddenly maneuvered their bodies and rolled her under him. "Enough 'bout Jean. I want you."
Ororo's heartbeat quickened with immense joy. She was sure that with his keen hearing, he could hear it. She looked up into the eyes she loved, into the face that conveyed such strength and courage. "Thank you for giving me the motivation to keep on fighting for what we want and for what we have been blessed with. And thank you for keeping my heart safe."
He gazed down at her and smoothed back a few tendrils of her hair that hung over her face. Although he claimed no allegiance to any specific holy being, he was smart enough to give an offering of gratitude to whichever one was looking out for him when she had courageously challenged him to leave Scott and Jean alone. Once she had thrown down the gauntlet to him, he was able to take his head out of his ass and did what he had wanted to do from the very beginning…claim and possess her as his very own.
"No, darlin'. Ya are my motivation and my heart. I know it wasn't easy in the beginning fer us, but ya stuck wid this old Canuck and laid inta me when I was being difficult ta deal with. Ya kept my ass in line and then some. Thanks fer puttin' up wid me, 'Ro."
Her mind, as it always did, went back to the confrontation in the garage which was the turning point in their relationship. She sure got more than what she bargained for once she had made the decision to confront him about his fascination with Jean. Their confrontation had been the wakeup call for her to go after him and make him hers. She was happy that the one time she had decided to be selfish and make the biggest gamble in her life, had paid extraordinary dividends.
Her face was warmed with love when she replied, "You can always count on that, dear heart. I love you."
He divested her of her underclothes before lowering his head to hers to claim her lips in a sweet kiss. "Love ya," he rasped in those few seconds it took for him to raise up and look at her, before he began to kiss her again. Lips and tongues sparred playfully before a fusion of their mouths left no room for concentration on anything except their love and dedication to each other.
