Logan put up with Hannah's request and spent the afternoon in the conservatory in her company. Surprising himself that he could actually spend a few hours being non-active and not go crazy. There was a similar time in Japan where he was also content in the presence of a woman doing nothing, but he was in love then. He still refused to believe he loved this woman. He really barely knew her.

Hannah played the piano while Logan lounged on the sofa, his feet propped up on a table, hands behind his head. She would turn to him and make sure he wasn't bored and he in turn would motion his hand for her to turn back around, shaking his head, "Tsk, tsk….you're not concentrating. Go on turn around and practice. You aren't getting any better, you know? If I'm ever going to see you at Carnegie Hall, things have to improve little lady." His ornery demeanor made her smile. "And you can wipe that smile off your face because it's going to get you nowhere. It doesn't help the music sound any better, that's for sure."

This was the Logan she loved. She stopped playing and moved to the side of the couch, leaning over him. He chose to remain in his relaxed state, didn't even budge as she moved closer, "So you'd come and see me at Carnegie Hall?"

"I'm thinking about it, but at this rate you won't be playing there anytime soon."

Choosing to avoid his remark she continued, "You'd wear a tux?"

"I suppose that's what they wear at that kind of thing, not that I've ever paid attention to that stuff."

"I like a white jacket, it's very classy. Or tails. Logan, you would look incredibly handsome in tails."

He sat up and glared down at her, "White? Tails? The tux is bad enough..it'll be black. Plain black and no tails."

"You'd do it for me, wouldn't you? I think you would look lovely in tails." She moved closer, taking hold of his lapels and fingering them, she brushed her lips against his.

"Lovely? I don't do lovely, darlin'. Maybe I should rethink the Carnegie Hall thing." A little bit distracted by her fingering his shirt, he placed a hand on her cheek, debating the thought of kissing her, "I'll just meet you at a hotel somewhere afterward. Now that is more my style."

She gave him a playful slap on the chest, "I have no problem with the hotel afterwards, as long as it's the Plaza, but I am holding you to attending the performance. It would mean the world to me."

"You are one spoiled little lady, you know that? And you know, I might be in a position to turn that around…Wouldn't be a bad thing."

While the banter was lighthearted, it wasn't easy to forget that he would be gone tomorrow and she had no idea when she would see him again. Logan noticed the forced smile and chuffed her on the chin, "No, none of that. That isn't going to turn into a pout."

"I'm trying."

"You got me all afternoon and evening, that pout isn't showing its face during that time, got it?"

She nodded.

He leaned towards her, her chin nestled in his hand. He had kept to the bargain and now he wanted more.

Kitty stood speechless in the doorway of the conservatory. She had heard rumors about Logan and Hannah, and now to be standing in front of their very public display of affection felt awkward. Logan was like a big brother, always scolding and looking after her. She had seen him flirt with Jean, but this was a lot different. To Kitty, it was a full on make out session. Not something adults were known to do in public. Hannah was practically in his lap, her legs wrapped over his, his right hand caressing her thigh, his left somewhere buried under her hair, maybe on her neck, Kitty thought. Their eyes closed and their lips were locked causing Kitty's cheeks to flush. She had never witnessed this kind of passion in adults. Wanting to back out of the room quietly, she found herself glued to the spot.

Logan sensed her presence, her smell, very distinct. She washed her hair with some berry stuff that was noticeable to him hours after she showered. He casually pulled away from Hannah, so not to startle her, whispering softly, "We have company."

Hannah's eyes immediately opened, and followed his gaze to the doorway. Kitty's presence did startle her and she struggled to be released from his hold, but he wouldn't let her.

Casually, he spoke, with a firm hold on Hannah, "Need something, Kitty?"

She stammered, "No..uh…I was just seeing if Rogue was here."

"Nope, not here. Just Hannah and me." He winked at Hannah who was still a little bit shocked by the intrusion but had stopped squirming, knowing she was beaten.

"So it's true." Kitty continued even if she knew how it was none of her business.

"What's true?"

"You and Hannah. I heard talk but I didn't think…I mean, it just seemed highly unlikely. And I guess I didn't want to believe that the professor was sending you away."

"Come here."

She obeyed and moved towards them. She sat on the piano bench facing them, nervously. "I never meant to intrude. I don't want you to be mad."

Logan sat up straight and scowled, "Me Mad?"

Kitty knew he was joking and she relaxed a bit, "I can't believe you're going."

"Ya gonna miss me?"

"What do you think?"

"You know this thing with Hannah here." He managed to wave his hand in her direction, "It doesn't change what you and me got."

Hannah hadn't seen this tenderness before. She really didn't know a lot about his relationship with the students but he sensed something special with Kitty. It touched her.

"So we're still pals?"

"You betcha."

Kitty who prided herself on not being soft, felt a lump in her throat, "You're coming back right?"

"I got to make sure my ladies aren't slacking off, don't I?" He patted Hannah's leg, "This one's practicing could go out the window, and you…well..The next time I see you, there better be an Xmen in that suit."

Charles didn't mean to eaves drop, but he had come to get Hannah for the press conference. He saw the three together and the relaxed atmosphere in the conservatory. It only gave him more doubts of the mess he had made for Logan.

Logan didn't even have to turn to know that Charles was at the door, he leaned and whispered in Hannah's ear, this time sounded somewhat annoyed, "I think you're wanted." Then motioned his head to the doorway.

Hannah slowly stood up and Logan relaxed back into the couch, "Kitty, grab a deck of cars, I'll beat you at War." He chose to ignore Charles, but took hold of Hannah's hand before she joined him, "I'll see ya later."

"I wish I didn't have to do this. It seems so futile."

His fingers kneaded each one of hers and immediately their eyes locked. Nothing was said because they both knew this was out of their control. Giving her hand a squeeze, he then let go and playfully gave her bottom a smack, "The sooner you go, the quicker you come back and I'll be waitin'."

Those words meant more to her than he could possible know. It gave her some assurance and she was able to push some of the emotions back. Taking a deep breath she moved towards the door. When she looked back Logan was already shuffling the deck of cards and conversing with Kitty. She would give anything to join in instead of face the press, but she felt ready. And with confidence headed down the hallway with her father.

The deafening silence in the hall just gave Hannah more incentive to get to her destination and get this over with, but her father was determined to make small talk,

"I couldn't help but notice you changed your clothes."

She straightened the short denim skirt with her hands, then flicked a bit of fluff off her slim fitting burgundy t-shirt, "You don't approve?"

"This change is for Logan."

"No, it's for me. I feel comfortable in these clothes. Do you honestly believe that I am that shallow that I would be dressing to please Logan? How could you insult me in such a way? That just shows how little you know about me."

"Hannah, please."

"I told you earlier, Logan's going away isn't going to change anything I feel for him. Even if he chooses to shack up with some other woman in some far off country somewhere, I will still be in love with him. So I should be the one saying 'please'. This is who I am now. And I can't be your puppet or anyone else's so I will meet the press and say what I think they should know." She stormed ahead of him into the room.

The flashbulbs threw her a bit, but it only took a few seconds for her to regain her composure. She was not a stranger to the press and was perfectly capable of speaking up for herself, especially now.

The questions came darting towards her so quickly she couldn't tell where they were coming from or what was being said. She made out words…Logan, kidnap, Carnegie Hall, touring, Brian Portman…She finally put her hand up for silence.

"Please, please, I will tell you what you need to know but I need quiet. I never have worked well with this media game of 20 questions. Will you allow me to speak?"

The crowd silenced. Maybe it was her English demeanor; maybe it was that innocent beauty they admired so…but whatever it was Hannah held them captive as she spoke.

"As you can see I am fine and healthy. This is obviously a new environment for me but one I am anxious to get the most from. My godfather has taken me in since the death of my father in London and I have decided to accept his invitation to stay on at the school. I will be studying here under one of New York's finest piano instructors in order to resume touring but I also plan to teach here at the school and spend some time to reflect on everything that has happened in the past few months. I am sure most of you can understand I do need my privacy in order to begin the healing process of the loss of my father and make the adjustment to an American way of life." She paused briefly and looked to her father. He seemed relatively pleased with her comments, but she knew what she would say next would possibly have the opposite effect. It didn't matter she was going to say them anyway, "I also must add, contrary to what you believe, I was not kidnapped by a mutant. The man in question is a dear friend who I hold in high regards…"

There was rumbling from the crowd at this point and an alarming glare from her father.

She put her hand up once again, "That is all I will say on that matter."

She began to walk away and someone shouted out, "And what about Brian Portman? Did your dear friend kill him?"

There was a sinister sarcasm in his voice that Hannah didn't care for. So far she had held herself well, but she snapped. "He deserved to die. You have no idea what he did to me."

Shocked by her outburst the professor nudged Scott, "Get her out of here. She's only going to make things worse."

Scott didn't hesitate jumping to her side and grabbing her arm.

She struggled against him, "They think he was a saint, Scott. It's not true. Ask Logan. Ask Logan what that man did to me."

Scott having the strength managed to pull her towards the door and out into the hall. The professor followed them and quickly got her into a neighboring room.

"What is this all about? Are you fabricating this story just to cause me more grief?"

"Oh, that is what you would believe. Just because you made something up to hurt me, I would do the same. Like father, like daughter."

"This is Logan's influence on you. You must see that."

"Why do you believe everything is his fault? You didn't like Portman either. You must have known he was doing something. Why do you think my mother asked you to block my memories? Don't you see what was going on?"

"Hannah, that is enough."

"I'm not finished. You need to know the truth." There was an anxiety in her voice and he watched as she nervously twisted her hands together before she looked him in the eye and spoke, "He abused me." The words came slowly, but they were out, " My parents allowed it to happen. Why would I make this up?. Can't you see Brian Portman deserved what he got? The man was sick."

"Your mother would never have kept him on, if that was the case."

"My mother was hardly the loving, caring woman you knew in your youth. I am not blaming you. You were not allowed to be a part of my growing up, but you have to believe me. I just couldn't allow the press to believe that Brian Portman was such an outstanding British subject."

From the back of the room, a sole clap sounded, "Bravo, Hannah. That was a brave move and the right one." They all turned to face the man who had entered the room unnoticed. "No one quite knew Portman the way we did. He was scum of the earth."

Scott immediately approached the stranger, "I'm sorry, the press conference is over, you'll have to leave. This is a private conversation."

Hannah felt some kind of recognition. His green eyes sparkled under the mop top of brown hair. He stood tall and erect, dressed immaculately in a dark sports jacket and black shirt, with the beginnings of a smile perched on his lips and his gaze met hers. That was all it took. The smile.

"Graham? I can't believe it's you." She immediately ran to him throwing her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek in the process.

The stranger held him self upright and stiff as he awkwardly pulled away from her, "Well, I was not expecting this kind of greeting."

"Oh Graham, I can't have changed that drastically. I know it has been a long time. My 16th birthday I recall, but then I have no recollection of the years that followed so maybe I have it all wrong."

The professor was confused by this exchange and cleared his throat. Hannah realized her rudeness, "Oh, Graham Eastborne, fa….." She nearly blew it, "Professor Xavier, my godfather. Graham and I both were under Portman's wing for quite sometime. Although, Graham went on to bigger and better things."

"And you my dear, were heading that way and if I have my way you will once again be on that path to the career you deserve." Hannah looked as confused as the professor. "I should explain myself, I didn't mean to show up unannounced but I was aware of the conference and I 've been in New York for a few years now looking for a pupil that would challenge me as much as I could challenge them. When I heard Hannah was here in New York I knew this was not a coincidence. I hope you do not think of me as too bold to approach you like this Professor Xavier. Hannah is one of the most beloved pianists in Europe and with talent that far exceeds her contemporaries. I would love the honor to have her study with me."

"You needn't ask his permission, Graham. That is my decision." She turned to the professor, "You said I was allowed to choose. I want to study with Graham."

"Hannah, this is sudden and we haven't even discussed other possibilities."

"Hannah, your godfather is right; you should interview others before you make a choice."

"I don't need to interview anyone, he doesn't trust you. That is what this is about."

"He has every right not to trust me. I'm associated with Brian Portman."

The professor recalled his conversation with Eric and was concerned that this mans coming here today was not a coincidence. The newspaper article had brought forward one of Portman's men involved in the captivity of mutants. Being a master of reading one's mind, he was able to enter Graham's head without him knowing. It was much easier on the unsuspecting. Those who knew him were always suspect of him prying but Graham Eastborne was none the wiser as the professor probed his immediate thought.

Hannah watched her father and although new to this experience was aware what he was doing. His demeanor was relaxed and to others he looked like he was deep in thought. Hannah frustrated and annoyed knew she had to just accept it. She had come to learn that this was typical protocol especially when trying to protect your daughter.

As the professor opened his eyes, he lightly smiled and exchanged a glance with his daughter. Then addressed Graham, "My god daughter does seem adamant in employing your services, Mr. Eastborne. And she is an adult able to make her own decisions. If she believes this is the right career move, then I must respect her judgment. I still find myself thinking of her as a child. And that is definitely not the case."

Hannah crossed her arms in defiance and glared at him, keeping silent. She was hardly making her own decisions.

Graham turned to Hannah, noticing her annoyance. He smiled, "She is definitely not a child. That is quite obvious. But only time will tell if she has the mentality of an adult to take her playing to the next level. That is the true test. Not everyone can make those childhood dreams reality." He winked at her.

"I know how to work hard, Graham."

"We will see." He then turned to the professor. "I assume you would prefer my presence here rather than Hannah traveling into the city."

"To start off with, I would prefer that due to Hannah's recent upheaval I believe it is best."

"And we all know my godfather knows what is best for me." She said sarcastically.

The professor knew she was getting testy and her anger was building. He still had to deal with the press over her outburst and was not in the mood to argue with her anymore, "Why don't you take Mr. Eastborne out into the gardens, show him the conservatory. You can catch up. And we would love to have you stay for dinner."

"I would love to have a tour of your school, but I'm afraid I have another engagement and will have to pass on the dinner invitation."

"Well, possibly another time. I must sort out the press so I will leave you both. Hannah, we will talk later."

"Yes, I am sure we will."

As he left Hannah took hold of Graham's hand and smiled, "You have so much to tell me. My memory hasn't been good. Amnesia from the stress, I've been told."

Graham looked down at her hand covering his. This wasn't the Hannah he remembered. She was much more confident and outgoing. Hannah noticed his apprehension toward her and she pulled her hand away, "I'm awfully sorry, Graham. I don't mean to be so bold."

"It's just a surprise. You are quite different."

She smiled, "Well, I assure you my playing is not. Come, I will show you the grounds before you go and maybe then you will tell me what actually happened after my 16th birthday."

"You don't remember anything?" Graham remembered maybe too much.

"No, nothing. Maybe it will come back, but I am not counting on it."

Storm found Logan in the conservatory pacing by the front window, "Well, the press conference was a fiasco."

He turned slowly, trying to sound uninterested, "You think I care?"

Storm sighed as she sat on one of the overstuffed chairs, "You're just cross because you weren't there."

"Sure, you go on and believe that." He fingered a cigar in his pocket, debating the idea of going outside for a smoke, but lingered hoping Hannah would pop in the door at any minute.

"Well, even if you don't care, I'm going to tell you anyway. Scott had to drag Hannah out of the room."

"Now that sounds like something I would've liked to have seen."

"She was defending you." She now had his interest, glaring right at her, " I mean she didn't say your name but everyone in the room knew who she was talking about "

Logan couldn't help but grim, "I bet Chuck is pleased."

"Oh, yeah, especially pleased to find out his daughter was abused by Brian Portman"

"What?"

"Don't act surprised. I'm sure you knew. She seems to confide in you."

"Well, I never told her to blurt it out to the whole world at a press conference. You know, Ro, maybe she just wants them to know the truth about the bastard." He paused, "So how did Chuck take that bit of news."

"He didn't have a lot of time to absorb it according to Scott. They were interrupted. Hannah had a visitor…Graham Eastborne."

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

"Well, of course you wouldn't know him. He was a world reknown pianist, incredible talent. But he had a nervous breakdown at the age of 22. No one is really sure what happened to him, but I guess he's been in New York for the past few years and he's teaching. He wants to tutor Hannah."

"He just showed up out of nowhere?"

"Yeah, basically."

Logan felt uneasy with this news, "He's Portman's flunky."

"I don't think so. The professor has had him checked out. Even read his mind, the guy is being straightforward."

Logan turned back to the window and saw Hannah out in the garden. But she wasn't alone. The tall dark stranger, had her laughing. Then he put out his arm and she took it. Storm moved over to him curious about what had his attention.

"That's him. He's very gallant, isn't he?" When he didn't answer, she continued, "They knew each other as children. It will be really nice for her to have an ally here while you're away."

This only made Logan angrier, "The professor trusts this guy?" They were now out of sight and Logan moved away from the window to the piano. His hand in a fist he wanted to bang on the keys but instead stuffed it into his pocket.

"You're jealous." Storm was rather amused.

"Jealous of that? The guy is stiff and awkward, probably a real prick."

Hannah stood at the door, out of breath from running up the stairs, anxious to see him, but then noticed his tense mood. "I didn't mean to be so long."

He didn't look at her, but removed the fist from his pocket and stretched out his hand. "Storm tells me you have a teacher." He poked at a key with his index finger and then another.

She didn't understand why he wasn't looking at her. But then he wasn't the easiest person to understand in general, "Oh, yes. Amazing really. To train under Graham Eastborne is a real privilege. I only wish you could meet him before you leave. I adored him as a child. Looked up to him. He truly is amazing.. So focused on his music, nothing else."

"Let's hope it stays that way."

"Pardon? What was that you said?"

"Nothing, not important." She moved closer to him, and he put his arm around her kissing the top of her head, "I'm just grouchy, need some grub."

"I don't want you grouchy tonight, so let's get you something to eat."

"Tell me about this guy over dinner."

"You'll be bored. I promise you. "

"I'll be the judge of that." He grabbed her hand and then turned back to Storm, "Tell Chuck that Hannah and I are having dinner in my room."

Storm protested, "Logan, he'll have a fit."

"Do you think I care at this point of the game?"

Storm shrugged her shoulders. There was no point in trying to change his mind. She couldn't blame him for wanting to close himself off in his room with Hannah after the mess he was being dragged through. She watched them head out down the hallway, and found herself deeply concerned at how this was really affecting Logan. Hannah would have her music after he left, but he was once again going to be alone and Storm had a feeling that really only meant him going back to some of his old ways, and that could only mean trouble.