Logan couldn't resist borrowing Scott's motorcycle yet again. It was becoming a regular occurence and it amused Logan that he could so easily get under Summers skin. The ride was exhilarating as usual, but his mind was preoccupied. Leaving Hannah wasn't easy, but it was for the best. He kept telling himself this as he reached the busy streets of downtown Manhattan, and quickly made his way to Hell's Kitchen where his favorite boarding house still stood. And sure enough the sound of his bike brought more than his share of the ladies who inhabited the place, out to the front step to greet him.

A particular redhead dressed scantily underneath her open silken kimono flung her arms around his neck as he stepped off the bike, "Why Logan, you have been away far to long."

"Miss me, then Mimi?"

She responded the best way she knew how by kissing him lustily. Logan responded with little excitement and as she came up for air, she ran her fingers through his wild unkept hair, "I see, the game we're playing, Logan. I guess there is only one way to satisfy you tonight and that is in my bed." She grabbed him by the lapels of his leather jacket, "I am not so easily forgotten, Logan."

"No, that you aren't, Mimi, but not tonight. Could use some shut eye. Have some important business I need to take care of in the morning."

He removed her hands from his jacket and entered the building, as a large burly woman smiled at him handing him a key, "Your old room is waiting, Logan. It's good to have you back. The ladies have missed you."

Normally he would be in the mood for a drink or two, possibly a lady for the evening, some chit chat with Sophia, the landlady, but not tonight. He nodded to Sophia, "Wish I could say it was good to be back. But I'm here to deal with a little problem, with Drake, and I just need to get a good nights sleep to keep me sharp with my meeting tomorrow."

"Ah, shit, Logan, Drake is fine really. I don't know what you've heard." Another scummy low life drug dealing John if you could ever call that fine. But Drake was one step under that ladder, he was dealing with underage girls, word had it. And that was something Logan couldn't turn a blind eye to.

"Stop protecting him, Sophia, you know how I feel about that filthy piece of scum. And don't even think about warning him I'm here, cause you know I'll find him. I always do." He smiled and then turned to the other ladies, "Goodnight, ladies, see you in the morning." And headed up to his room.

The room was basic, a bed, a dresser...nothing like the room he had started to consider home at Xaviers. He tossed his bag over into the corner and plopped down on the bed. Laying back on the pillow, he could hear the sounds of some of the ladies and their clients in the room next door and above his. It was going to be a long night.

Hannah had been watching out of the front window as Logan sped off on Scott's bike. And soon after Scott and Jean were heard coming down the hall, Scott furious.

"How many times does it make it now, Jean? That guy needs to get his own wheels and leave me mine."

Jean couldn't help but smile, "It means he'll be back. You know what he's like and he just wants to get under your skin."

"And it works. So what was the rush this evening?"

"You know, Logan, he doesn't deal well with emotions. It's much easier for him to kick the shit out of some lowlife then face up to what he's feeling."

"This isn't about you? Ah, come on Jean, he's still not all bent out of shape over you?"

"No, Hannah has striked something inside him. Not sure what it is. But he can't deal with it. It's too bad. She's quite taken with him, I hope that him leaving doesn't effect her progress."

Scott seemed surprise, "Logan and Hannah? You are kidding right? He is attracted to Hannah? What does that tell you about the guy, Jean? He is as fickle as they come."

Hannah quickly hid in a corner as they started to walk by.

"I didn't say that. All I said was she sparked something. So instead of dealing with it he's gone into the city."

"She's a nice kid."

"Not a kid, Scott, a woman. And a very confused woman. And the professor isn't helping matters. I still don't understand what's going on with him. He sure has the strangest way of showing her he cares about her."

"So what do you think it is? You read the guy like a book."

"I know not to even try to get into his head, Scott. I am not that advanced or stupid. He would kill me, but I do think it's something to do with Hannah's mother. Not sure why, just a feeling."

Hannah didn't like this conversation or where it was going, she began to feel a headache coming on. And had nowhere to run except straight into them. She felt her breathing becoming heavy and she had no choice, she came out of her corner running past them, nearly knocking Jean over.

Hannah mumbled, "Sorry, really...I just need to go lie down." She continued down the hall quickly turning to them but not looking at them, "I'm okay really. I know...deep breaths, be in control."

Jean started to head after her and Scott grabbed her arm, "Leave her be.."

"Scott, she heard us. She's upset. What if she runs again? Maybe I should go straight to the professor. I feel responsible for her right now."

"Why? Because Logan bailed? You are doing the best you can. But she wants to be alone, so give her that." He put his arm around her, "Let it go for tonight. Concentrate on me for a change."

Jean was silent. Scott was right, she wasn't her responsibility and Hannah was a grown women who could look after herself. But there was that niggling feeling under her skin, that her concern for her was more because of Logan than anything else. Which was stupid.

Scott saw the deep concentration in her eyes. "Jean?"

She snapped to, "Yeah, you're right. I think concentrating on you might be a good idea right about now."

He wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled, "Well, what are we waiting for Ms. Grey?"

Hannah went to her room, fighting the head ache. Remembering the horrible experience earlier. She had to concentrate, be in control. She paced her room back and forth trying to figure out what she was going to do. Her breathing began to slow down, the headaches began to subside. She then lay on the bed and began to cry into her pillow. Why did Logan leave? Was it really because of her? Everyone she cared about seemed to leave her. So it seemed things hadn't really changed. Soon the crying began to subside as well and she drifted off to sleep, still in her clothes.

Logan had drifted off to sleep fully clothed. His last thought had been of Hannah sitting at the piano. When he awoke the following morning the music was still with him and he wondered how she was. He toyed with the idea of calling the school, making sure she was okay, but he had things to do. He could call later.

Not even bothering with clean clothes he grabbed his leather jacket off the chair and headed out of the building.

He knew where to find Drake, a trendy vintage clothing shop in the village where young girls were his major clientèle. He promised them modeling and acting careers. Making them stars. He knew how to pick them, the ones who were new to the city, mostly from the Midwest, ready to get their big break. They were naïve and Drake was a charmer. As he entered the shop, he wasn't prepared to find another familiar face at the counter. The English guy from the bar.

As the shop bell rung, he turned to face the scowl on Logan's face. "Well, isn't this a small world...Logan, isn't it?"

Drake smiled, "Logan, what brings you here? Possibly a new look? Not a bad idea, the Canadian mountain man, really is out. Or haven't you heard?"

Logan ignored him and faced the other man, "What are you doing here?"

"Shopping." he knew he was getting to him, "Isn't that what you're doing here as well? Mr. Clairmont has great stock,. Fresh, youthful..."

"Depends on what stock you're talking about..And somehow, I doubt it's the bell bottom trousers and tie dye t-shirt."

He smiled, "Loved the 70's. Great era. And this place..well, the girl I"m looking for, could show up here. I hear all the young girls like this kind of thing nowadays."

"Somehow I doubt the girl you're looking for would ever come near a joint like this. So I suggest you move on and go looking somewhere else."

"And how do you know what she would or wouldn't like?"

"Speculation."

"Know a lot about young girls do you, Logan?"

Drake was laughing and Logan turned to him, this comment didn't sit well. "Great company you keep, Drake. Now why don't you tell him to fuck off, since we have business to deal with."

"Business? Is that what you're calling beating the hell out of me, Logan? And in broad daylight as well. You really have no shame at all, do you?"

"Not when it comes to filth like you, Drake. No shame at all."

The Englishmen moved closer to Logan cautiously, smiling maliciously, "I'll be on my way, I definitely wouldn't want to get in the way of any business you have here, Logan. But just so you know. I will find the girl, Logan. She's mine and I don't want you to forget it. I am sure you recall what happened to her father in London. I am capable of so much more when people get in my way."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

He laughed, "Of course you do. You were there. You saved Hannah, or think you did. There you are wrong. She knows where she belongs. And it's not with a slew of gangly teenage mutants and their mentors. You have no idea what you're dealing with."

"And you, bub, have no idea what you're dealing with."

The Englishmen just smiled and walked out of the shop, Logan now distracted by this confrontation. He watched him stroll down the street, when he then heard Drake clear his throat.

"This girl he's looking for..."

Logan immediately turned to him scowling, He immediately stepped towards him and leaned over the counter, grabbing him by the collar, "Is none of your business."

"Right none of my business. So right." Logan let go of him and he stumbled backwards.

Logan was so preoccupied he had forgotten what he was doing there. His only thoughts were on Hannah and that guy, who struck a nerve that was for sure. "I'll deal with you later, Drake."

"Won't have to Logan, I'm staying away from the young ones. You've got my word."

"Somehow your word doesn't really mean much, but I'm keeping an eye on you so I'll know."

Hannah practiced in the morning, but she was so distracted that it was horrible. When Rogue popped her head in, she was grateful for the distraction. "I didn't mean to interrupt your practicing."

"No, you're not. It really is quite awful. I can't seem to concentrate."

"It's Logan."

Hannah wasn't sure what she meant, "Pardon?"

"Logan. He's run again. That's what I heard some of the others saying. They say it's cause of you. He does that when he gets to close. He's not good at dealing with relationships."

"I have no idea what you mean. I am hardly having a relationship with Logan."

"I didn't mean it like that. Geez, don't get so defensive. He cares about you. Like a sister, or something. He ran on me once too. So I get it and I know how it feels. But he'll be back. He always comes back. And he's just gone into the city so he's not even far."

"When you say city, what do you mean?"

"As in New York City. He keeps a room at some rooming house in Hells Kitchen."

"Really?"

"From what I've heard it's not a very nice place. But it gives him some space away from the Xmen. Not sure what he does there, but knowing Logan he's watching out for someone. That's just who he is. He will never admit it but he's got a really good heart. But then I guess I don't have to tell you that."

"I've never been to New York."

"Well, it's just a trainride away. And easy as pie to get around once you're there. We often go to the museums on field trips, and in the summer the professor always takes us to Central Park for a picnic. It's beautiful. You'll have to come."

Hannah's mind was racing with thoughts. She could go to the city. Find Logan. She wanted to find Logan.

Bobby walked in, "Hey, Rogue. We're going to be late for class and you know Storm hates tardiness."

Rogue darted off shouting to Hannah as she left, "I'll see you later."

Hannah had no time to lose, she headed towards the professor's office. She was surprised to be confronted by Jean as she was about to enter, "You're in a hurry."

Hannah was so distracted, but she smiled at Jean, "Just wanted to have a talk. I know he's busy, but I have some questions."

"He's out of his office, Hannah. There's been some trouble in the city and he's trying to hone in on it."

"Does it involve, Logan? Is he in trouble?"

Jean was quite surprised by her reaction, "Logan? Why do you think it's Logan?"

"I don't know. I was just wondering. I know he was going into the city."

"I'm sure Logan's fine. He is very capable of looking after himself. Hannah, I know it's none of my business... but I just thought you shouldn't get to attached to Logan."

"I'm not attached to him. How could you say that?"

"There's a lot going on with him. He can be a wonderful guy but...."

"I don't' need a lecture from you Jean. I know you mean well. Everyone is out for my best interests like always. But you don't have to worry, I'm hardly attached to Logan. But he's become my friend, is that all right with you? It does seem you have a hold on him of some kind. Do I have to get your approval?"

The cynicism in her voice was obvious. And Jean had no idea where it was coming from. "No, of course not. Of course he's your friend and you're concerned. I'm sure the professor won't be long, you should have a seat in his office. I know he'd love to see you." The last thing Jean wanted was to have a confrontation.

Hannah did just that and realized she should never have come across so angry to Jean. The headaches were trying to force their way back to the surface. She paced the floor of the office, taking deep breaths, when she noticed a photograph almost hidden on a lower shelf. She recognized the woman in the photograph as her mother, and when she picked it up she realized that it was not just a photo of her mother but of herself as toddler. She examined the photo for awhile. Wondering why it was hidden as it was, and why her father wasn't in the photo. Supposedly, he and the professor had been good friends. Or was that just a lie too? She looked towards the door making sure there was no one around and got down on her knees to have a further investigation of the lower shelf where she had found the photo. Hidden behind a beautiful leather bound set of Shakespeare plays Hannah felt a carved wooden box. She slowly pulled it out from behind its hiding place.

She stood up holding the box. Lifting it slowly, she was surprised by the contents.

Letters bundled up in ribbon. Postmarked from England. A stack of her recital programs, photographs. Just running her hand through the contents, her mind filled with images of her childhood, images of her mother. Her hand brushed over one of the letters and the words sprung into her head. Her mothers words, "I will always love you Charles"." This time she couldn't control the headache and she quickly snapped the box shut and pushed it back behind on the books. Her hand immediately went to her forehead, rubbing her temples praying the images would go away. She stood up, grasping onto the desk. She caught the edge of a file and the papers from within fell to the floor.

She just wanted to get out of here now before the professor came back, but now she had made a mess. But as she picked up the papers new images entered her mind. Logan, Weapon X, Wolverine, James Howlett. She was able to refocus and skimmed through the papers. The sound of the professors wheel chair becoming closer. She refiled them into their folder and put it back on the desk, quickly backing up and sitting on the couch, just as the professor entered the room.

"Hannah, this is lovely surprise."

"Well, I just thought.." she began to fidget, "I've been so busy practicing and dealing with my mutancy. I know you're busy too. Jean said there was a problem in the city."

He smiled at her, "Ah, that. It's nothing." Hannah watched him as he wheeled around to the opposite side of the desk. She felt he was holding something back. Maybe it did involve Logan. "You don't need to be worrying about that. I want you to be comfortable here, Hannah and feel at home."

"Well, that may take some time. I have a lot of questions. I want to find out about what happened to my father."

"In due time." He wouldn't look at her as he began fiddling with papers on his desk. He opened Logan's file. The papers were out of order in an incredible disarray. He was sure he hadn't left them in this state. He looked up straight into her eyes. Hannah wondered if he could possibly read her mind. Then his hand went to his head.

"Are you alright, Professor?"

"Just a migraine. I often experience them after a session on Cerebro." This was definitely something he wasn't used to. A block. He had forgotten that it was a possibility under the circumstances. He watched Hannah's confused expression. And realized she didn't know anything about the runnings of the school. Let alone what Cerebro was. "I really need to give you a tour of this place. Maybe tomorrow?"

"That would be nice." She stood up, "I really should let you rest. You don't need me bombarding you with questions right now. I can wait."

"We have a lot to talk about Hannah. Soon. I promise."

"I know. I can be patient." She started to walk out. When he called her name.

"Hannah."

She turned to him. He just smiled at her, "You are so like your mother."

The way he said it, Hannah knew. They had been lovers of some kind. And she was confused. What other lies had her parents kept from her? She couldn't look at him. She turned and briskly walked down the corridor.

Logan found himself scouring the streets the rest of the afternoon. Incredibly restless, he began to toy with the idea of going back to the school. He didn't like that guy out there looking for Hannah. He didn't really like Hannah being alone at the school. He ditched her. That was all there was to it. As the sun began to set in the city, he finally made his way back to the rooming house.

Before he even opened the door he sniffed the air, he could hear the bed from inside creak. His eyebrows raised, the blades on his right hand extended as he prepared himself to open the door. Someone was inside and this didn't set kindly with him at all.

He wasn't good at quiet entrances especially in the mood he was in. The door burst open and he sprung on his victim before they even knew what had hit them. The blades skimmed her neck, "Found what you're looking for?" he said cynically.

"I guess you could say that." Her voice quivered, afraid to move, but Logan immediately knew who it was, the blades retracted and he fell back onto the bed.

"You are full of surprises aren't you? This is the second time you've broken into my room. I could have killed you, you know that?"

She nodded, as she leaned over him.

"You don't seem too bothered."

"Maybe death is better than being trapped at that school."

"you're exaggerating." He acted unconcerned and closed his eyes, placing his hands behind his head.

"I thought you would insist I go back."

"Well, I'm thinking about it. Chuck is going to have a fit. And I don't need you tagging along after me, that's for sure."

"Why do you do that? Talk about me like I'm a child?"

"I still have little evidence that you're an adult. And I'm used to tagalongs. Kitty, Rogue, Jubilee. Nice kids, I'd do anything for them. But they get on my nerves."

"Like me?"

"You said it, not me."

She was quiet for awhile, not wanting to hear anymore she decided she better switch the subject. Her mind began to see the images from his file. He opened his eyes when she didn't respond and noticed the way she was staring at him. "What are you looking at?"

"Adamantium. Your skeleton is laced with Adamantium. They experimented on you."

"Okay, so the team has decided to tell all as soon as I leave the compound. Typical."

"Your body heals. You can't die."

"Tell me something I don't know, Hannah. This is old news. I've been living with it all my life. So you traveled all this way to tell me this information? Wasted trip I'm afraid."

"You could possibly be over 100 years old. That's amazing."

He sat up abruptly. "Where the fuck did you hear that?"

She realized she was just rattling facts from her head, and he was glaring at her. "It's something I do."

"You mind read?"

"No, I saw your file."

"That's fucking impossible. I don't have a fucking file."

She got off the bed and headed for the window. "I'm afraid you do. So now what do you think of the man you think is so wonderful? He keeps files on his supposed 'friends'" She quickly switched gears, knowing that sounded really infantile, "Look, I didn't mean to. It just happened and I didn't see it all, or comprehend most of it, but it's how I found you here. I just wanted to see you. Weird things are going on at the school."

He was trying to understand that she had access to his file, then realized that she was telling the truth. His curiosity was up wondering what Chuck had in there. The 100 year old thing was pretty interesting. Although, he did know that he had been around a long time, but what the hell? What was Chuck keeping from him. As he looked into her eyes, he could tell she didn't really comprehend what she had seen, but instead something had upset her. Maybe it was best to leave the file for now. "Well, things are always weird there. It's full of mutants."

She turned to him and he was kind of smiling. She half laughed. "I know you don't need me or my problems right now. I just feel comfortable talking to you. The others...well, I just don't seem to fit in."

"Join the club."

"Are you going to make me go back?"

"Not right away. But you should call Chuck, let him know you're okay."

She let out a sigh.

"Hey, I could do it, but..."

"I'm an adult, it's something I need to do. You got a phone?"

He pulled a cellphone out of his pocket. "The Professor's private line is on speed dial..number 1."

She dialed the number and then turned her back on him, as her godfather picked up, "Professor Xavier, it's Hannah. I'm in New York City. I just needed to get away for awhile."

"You're with Logan."

"You disapprove?"

"I don't think you care one way or the other, Hannah."

"I called didn't I?"

"Because Logan told you too."

"Do you blame me? I'm a grown woman, who is thrown into an environment I am not accustomed to and expected to behave like everything is so jolly wonderful? No, I don't think so. Things aren't jolly wonderful."

"And you being in the city isn't going to make them so, Hannah."

It irritated her so that he was so calm. "I know that. But maybe it's where I want to be...now."

"And you have no idea of the danger you could be in."

"Well, tell me then." Logan shook his head. This wasn't going as he was hoping. He grabbed the phone away from her.

"Chuck, I'm going to show her around the city. I'll have her back in the morning."

"Morning?" she piped in, not happy with this answer. Logan covered her mouth with his hand and continued to talk.

"Logan..."

He cut him off before he went on. Logan knew what he was going to say. This wasn't a good idea. She should be back at the school. "Chuck, trust me. Let her get this angst out of her system. I'm use to the abuse."

"You make light of a very dangerous situation, Logan."

"I know the danger. I ran into it earlier this morning." Logan didn't have to say anything else, Charles knew exactly who he was talking about.

"Logan, I don't like this at all. If Portman gets his hands on her..well, I don't even want to think about it. At least here she's safe."

"She's safe with me."

"Logan, you're hardly running under the radar. Trouble follows you wherever you go."

"I can be as careful as the next guy. Sure it takes a little more willpower, but I can do it. I'll take care of her and see you in the morning."

"I suppose the more I oppose, the more she is going to rebel against me. She seems determined to do exactly what i don't want her to do. So I guess I have to let her have her way. And trust you, but Logan, you must inform me if anything out of the ordinary occurs. Right away."

"You got it, Chuck. Hey, and Chuck..." He was about to add something about the file, but realized that would only make Hannah look worse. So let it go

"Yes?"

"Ah, it's nothing. Just that I'm looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces in the morning. Later, Chuck."

Logan got off the phone and he removed his hand from Hannah's mouth, "I can't believe you. I don't' want to go back there in the morning. Why tomorrow? And what kind of danger are you talking about?"

"You ask too many questions. I don't' know about you, but I'm hungry. If we're in the big city we might as well do it up on Chuck's expense. Not too classy, hope you weren't expecting some 5 class joint, I don't have the attire. So you hungry?

She nodded.

"Then go freshen up, or whatever you ladies do to get presentable, and let's get out of here." He held his hand out towards the bathroom.

She picked up her bag and stopped at the door, "Logan, thanks."

"Don't thank me yet. Charm isn't my strong point and you might get rather sick of a whole day and night in my presence."

To Hannah, he was incredibly charming. Underneath the gruff exterior, lay a kind hearted man. She felt it that first day in London. She had to admit she was attracted to him. He was different than any other man she had come in contact with and it was exciting. She knew he was just looking after her, but the thought of spending the whole evening with him in New York City of all places just seemed to good to be true.

They spent a few hours enjoying dinner at a small sidewalk cafe in the village. Logan wasn't much of a talker and came across as not giving a shit about what anyone had to say, but Hannah found that he was a good listener and enjoyed her stories of being on the road. They hit a couple of Logan's favorite spots. More or less dive bars but Hannah had no problem knocking the drinks back and loosening up very quickly. She dragged him into a piano bar called Joe's place where she even ended up doing a duet with the resident piano player. Logan just sat back and watched her enjoying herself. Even drunk she could knock out a boogie woogie that had the crowd up on their feet wanting more. But after a few tequila shots she was beginning to fade and Logan knew he needed to get her back to his place.

They headed down 9th from Joe's place, Hannah leaning on Logan. He realized she had had way too much to drink. It was hard to judge for him since he was unaffected by the alcohol due to his healing factor, but she seemed happy. He on the otherhand began sensing something as soon as they left Joe's place. He tried to rush her, pulling her along but also didn't want to frighten her.

"We should get back."

"I thought New York was the city that never sleeps? The night is young, Logan."

She did a little twirl in front of him and all of a sudden his senses picked up a familiar voice. That posh English accent, "She can't be far from here, the doorman said they just left."

He quickly grabbed Hannah's arm, "We need to get out of here now." He began to drag her, but she playfully fought him.

"I don't want to go." She saw a bar across the street, "Let's go there. It looks fun. I want another drink."

"You've had plenty to drink as it is, darlin." He now heard the voices approaching closer. There was no time. As the 2 men turned the corner Logan quickly pulled her into the alley nearly bumping over a homeless man.

"Logan, what is going on?"

"I don't have time to explain. Just play along okay. Don't ask questions." They moved further down the alley and she noticed a number of hookers making out with their johns. Knowing they had been followed he pushed her into an alcove. She gasped.

"You're scaring me. Are you in trouble?"

"No more questions."

Logan heard the voice, "I know it was her."

He put his hand over her mouth. "I'll explain later, just play along. Can you do that?" His voice sounded irritated. And it surprised her after the enjoyable evening they had just had. She nodded. "Good. Because the game begins now, so make it look convincing." She had no idea what he was talking about but had no time to even try and figure it out. Logan tilted his cowboy hat down covering his eyes, hoping to look as inconspicuous as possible then just as if it was an every day occurence pushed her against the wall and began passionately kissing her. One hand in her hair the other caressing her thigh.

She felt weak, not knowing if it was from the drink or his kisses, as her legs felt they were giving out. Her head was swimming. She had never been kissed before, not like this. A peck on the cheek was all she ever allowed from Brian, but Logan...well, that was a totally different story. If this was a game she was only to willing to play it. Her hands wrapped around his waist naturally, one hand slipped down to the seat of his jeans and gently fondled the material lovingly.

It was then she heard the sound of a familiar voice. For a brief second she tried to place it, but Logan's kisses were incredibly int icing and thinking straight was the last thing on her mind.

While Hannah was lost in the moment,Logan was concentrating harder than ever to keep his head together. It wasn't as easy as he thought especially with Hannah so willing in this game. He heard their derogatory comments "Only a bunch of whores." The frustration in Brian's voice, "Damn it, I have to get her back to England away from those freaks. She knows too much."

Logan was relieved as he heard the to the leave the alley. When he felt it was safe he let go of her. She moved away from him turning to the wall, her head in her hand. A headache. Not again.

"Hannah."

"That man, I knew him." She rubbed her temples, squinting her eyes as she turned to Logan. Barely in focus, she felt herself starting to stumble and quickly reached for the wall but missing it, Logan quickly grabbed her before she hit the ground.

"I think I need to get you out of here. " It was fairly obvious she wasn't able to place the voice and Logan was relieved. It seemed pretty evident the guy was after more than Emma as a client. Whatever information she was storing, he wanted it pretty damn bad. "Think you can walk, or am I going to have to carry you back to the rooming house?"

She looked up into his face, and began to recall what had just taken place between them. "You kissed me."

"I told you it was a game, Hannah . Just remember that."

"I don't understand what kind of game it was."

"We'll talk about it when you're sober."

"I'm not drunk." She started to stand up and then once again felt light headed and collapsed back into his arms.

He smiled, "Yeah, right...whatever you say, Hannah. So I guess I'll be carrying you back to my place." Before Hannah could even say another word he had lifted her up and was heading towards the street, all the while keeping and eye and ear out for the men.

Jean was summoned into Charles' office shortly after his conversation with Logan. He was preoccupied when she entered. A framed photograph in his hands, quickly he placed it back on the bottom shelf hidden behind a book when she sat down, "Jean, I know I have been asking favor upon favor of you the past few days."

"I'm glad to do it, professor, really. Hannah has been no trouble."

"I wish I could agree with those sentiments. She's gone to Logan."

"What?" Jean was surprised.

"She is craving the independence she has been denied for so long, I'm afraid. She sees Logan as a free spirit with no ties to anything or anyone. It must be incredibly int icing for her after being held a prisoner for her whole life."

"I think being held prisoner is a bit of an exaggeration,don't you? Didn't she always want to play the piano?"

"I don't think she knows what she ever wanted, she was always told. Her mother coddled her and now we have a grown woman acting like a rebellious teenager."

"So how does Logan feel about all this?"

"With very little emotion, like he isn't bothered one way or another. He's bringing her back in the morning. She's in danger, Jean. And there isn't one thing I can do about it." He placed his head in his hands and Jean was surprised as he began to cry. She had never seen him like this. Charles Xavier was always a tower of strength in all situations, why would this young woman cause him to lose it.

"Professor, Logan wouldn't let anything happen to her. She's in good hands."

"She should be here, I should be looking after her, but she hates me. I don't blame her, she has every right. I left her. I left her to be raised by another man. A man who betrayed her because of his own selfish needs"

Jean looked at him confused.

"She's my daughter, Jean. Not my goddaughter."

It all began to make sense now to Jean. The way Charles had avoided seeing her, the reason he couldn't find her through cerebro.

"How can I ever make up for all the mistakes I've made, things I thought I was doing for her best interest. Leaving her and her mother for starters and then the mind block. That is not the typical behavior of a caring father."

"Professor, everyone makes mistakes. You're being too hard on yourself."

"I've been able to be a father to hundreds of children, but I couldn't even bring myself to be a father to my own flesh and blood."

There was a uncomfortable silence. Jean had no idea what to say to him after hearing this news. Finally Charles spoke, "I will speak to her in the morning. I should never have put this off for so long. I just hope it's not to late."

Jean moved over to the desk placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "It might take a while but you will have your chance to be a father, Professor. I have no doubt about that."

He placed his hand over hers and smiled up at her, "Always the optimist. Always knowing the right thing to say. I would like this information to remain between the two of us, Jean...until I speak to Hannah. I just believe that would be best."

"Of course. That's understandable." She heard Scott in her head and a smile appeared across her face. Charles knew only one person could make her smile like that.

"You go on, Jean. I've taken up too much of your time already. It's been a long day and I think I am going to need my rest for what lies ahead of me in the morning."

Logan headed up the rooming house stairs and got a little teasing from some of the ladies, "Got a live one there, Logan. Looks like you're in for quite a night."

Logan smirked, "Couldn't be more right there, ladies."

"Well, you know where to come if things don't work out."

"Haven't forgotten." He continued up the stairs to his room, "Night, ladies."

Once in his room, he gently laid Hannah on the bed. She was pretty much out of it and he figured that was it for the night. He pulled back the bedspread and managed to shuffle her under it, removing her shoes. She stirred a bit, as she rolled over and then settled. He gave a sigh of relief. He could now relax for a bit, hoping she would sleep through the night. Grabbing a cigar off the nightstand, he headed into the bathroom. Nothing like a fine cigar and nice warm bath to do the trick.

The effect of the alcohol was now taking a toll on Hannah in a completely different form. Her stomach began churning and she tossed and turned on the bed til finally she couldn't deal with it anymore. She was a bit disorientated as she sat up. This wasn't her room at the school, but the need to find a bathroom was so strong, she didn't waste time trying to figure out where the hell she was. She got up and instinct pointed her in the right direction. She flung open the door and was relieved to see the commode directly in sight. Nothing much mattered except getting rid of this horrible feeling in her stomach. Leaning over the toilet she threw up.

As she looked around she saw Logan's jeans huddled on the floor next to her, and the odor of the strong Cuban cigar gave her stomach another turn.

"I guess I saw that coming, after you downed those tequila shots at Joe's." She looked over towards the tub and found a very relaxed Logan, cowboy hat still on, leaning back on the tub cigar in hand.

Her first thought was of embarrassment, never in her life being in the same room with a naked man and he was so nonchalant about it like it was no big deal. This only caused more confusion, but the churning of her stomach wouldn't stop. Logan saw her face going pale, "Darlin, head over the bowl again...I think the rest of that tequila is dying to get out."

This time Hannah wasn't as quick and Logan quickly got up out of the bath and positioned her head over the toilet just in the nick of time.

Naked and dripping wet, he rubbed her back and wiped her face with a warm wash cloth. She had vague recollections of someone taking care of her like this before. A memory possibly from her childhood. Or maybe it was just what she knew mothers and fathers were supposed to do. Look after their children when they were sick. But what did she know about a childhood. She had no recollection of any of it. Somehow it had been stolen from her.

"Think that's it?" Logan's question brought her out of her daydream. "Or do you want to camp here the rest of the night?"

She managed a slight smile, "I think it's gone. Why didn't you tell me I'd be sick?"

"You were enjoying yourself too much. I'm not one to hand out lectures about the effects of alcohol and responsibility and all that rubbish. Being sick, is part of the whole experience."

"One I take it, that doesn't effect you."

"Well, yes...that's true. But having no inhibitions, like you had tonight....that is something I wouldn't mind experiencing just once." Realizing he had probably revealed just a bit too much of himself in that last statement, he stood up. He went back to the tub, wrung out the wash cloth and released the plug. Hannah followed his movement and was in aye of the sight in front of her. A strong muscular bare back and behind glistening with droplets of water. Instinctively she should have turned away. That would have been the right thing to do, but she felt a flutter in her stomach, much different then the one she had just experienced moments ago.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, but to Logan's ears it could have been heard from the other room. Grabbing a towel he turned towards her, and saw her mouth drop open. Her head dropped in embarrassment.

Logan couldn't help but laugh, "So....I take it you've never seen a naked man before."

"If you had any manners whatsoever you would put that towel around yourself immediately. It's just not proper...I mean.." She felt the color rise in her face.

He wrapped the towel around his waist still smiling, then leaned over her lifting her chin and patting her cheek, "Glad to see a little bit of color in those cheeks again. You're obviously feeling better."

"Stop making fun."

"I find it quite sweet actually. But darlin, you've invaded my space not visa versa so if I want to walk around in my birthday suit that's what I'll do." He stood back up and headed for the door. Stopping at the frame of the door, he turned. Not surprised to find her eyes on him, "You're welcome to take a bath...or maybe a cold shower would be more appropriate." As he turned towards the bedroom he let the towel drop to the floor and chuckled to himself as he disappeared from her view.