In the early morning hours, Logan stood at the foot of the bed fully dressed, his duffle bag at his feet, his leather jacket thrown over his shoulder. Hannah lay on her back, one arm outstretched over her head, the other clutching the sheet up near her chin. The beds sheets askew covered her breasts down to her mid thigh, leaving only her bare legs exposed. Curled up and feet entwined, Logan found even in sleep she enticed him. His eyes wandered to her face. A corner of her mouth turned up, as if attempting a smile. She was content. He only wished he felt the same way.

Their last evening together had been bittersweet. He refused to show emotion while Hannah had a hard time holding hers back but she did for the most part. He knew she was doing it for him. Being the way he wanted her to be. Never once saying how she would miss him or how much she loved him. Logan wasn't fooled, her eyes gave it all away and at times it made it quite unbearable knowing that this might just be it. He was giving her up and if or when he came back she could easily be in the arms of someone else.

Their lovemaking had taken on an interesting turn. Often rough, Logan had showed more tenderness than he thought capable and that is when she no longer was able to hold back. She cried. Sobbed in fact. And he held her so tight, he felt she might break in his arms, but it was his way of not breaking down. Neither spoke for a long while and when Logan did break the silence it was in his own cynical fashion, "Must have been damn good, to make you cry. Wonder if I can do it again?" She smiled, the mood lightened and the playful roughness came back in full force. It was what they both needed at that moment. Both not willing to accept the inevitable.

Goodbye wasn't part of his routine, ever, that is why he chose this ungodly hour to retreat. There would be no one to see him off. It wasn't that he was happy this way, it was just plain easier. But this morning nothing seemed easy. He had been standing in this same position forever it seemed, just watching her, listening to her breathing, not wanting to leave.

Reluctantly he headed towards the door. Turning the handle, he looked back, "You know I love you. I don't say it, but I do." His throat felt somewhat dry and he swallowed. Then blinked. Hell, were those tears he could feel swelling up? Damn, this was never supposed to happen. He quickly stepped out the door and closing it, not looking back.

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Hannah turned to her side reaching for him, wanting to feel his warm naked body once again next to hers, but her hand only felt the indentations on the sheets of where he once lay. Her eyes opened and she sat up. Not only was his side of the bed empty, she had a glance around the room to find, open drawers-empty. Closet doors left open with nothing there. She panicked. He was leaving her without saying goodbye. She jumped out of the bed and found her underwear in a neat pile on the chair. Slipping her panties on as fast as she could her eyes caught a glimpse of the Pendleton shirt peeking out from under her own clothes draped over the chair. His shirt. She pulled it out and took a sniff, her nose lingering in the folds of cotton far to long. His smell. The aroma that would not normally be found appealing to many, Hannah found intoxicating. Much to her surprise her body began to respond in numorous ways: a tingly sensation between her legs, her nipples became erect and her heart pounded. This was crazy. She was wasting time. He could be long gone. Slipping the shirt on, she once again felt his warmth against her. Not wanting to waste anymore time she darted out of the room and headed down the hall.

In the garage, Scott's Harley beckoned. By now it was a known factor, Logan left, he would take Scott's bike. He tossed the helmet aside. Not his style. As he made his way out to the driveway, he began to feel his adrenalin pumping. It had been awhile since he had been riding and it always felt exhilarating. He mounted the bike and was ready to step on the clutch, when he heard a bellowing voice from behind him.

"Figured you'd try to slink out of here."

Logan didn't seem that annoyed with Henry's presence, but then he saw Ororo hiding behind him and he scowled. He dismounted the bike, folded his arms across his chest and glared directly at her. "Well, if I'm slinking, you're lurking. I don't like being held up."

Henry saw the tension in Logan's face. He definitely wasn't happy seeing her there. Emotional goodbyes were not his scene and Henry knew it but trying to persuade Storm to leave him be was not an option. She had been adamant. "The little lady is somewhat concerned about your emotional well being."

"Really?" Logan's brow was really furrowed now, "So Ro, since when do you worry about little ol me?"

"You've been happy here, Logan."

"Happy? Well, I wouldn't call it that, but believe what you want." Once again he relied on his cynicism to get him through.

"Stop this game, Logan. It's okay to feel something."

"I feel annoyed that I can't get out of here, because you're holding me up."

"Some of us are going miss you."

"That's nice."

"Stop acting like you don't care."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't."

Beast rolled his eyes, "Enough you two."

"Yeah, Ro, enough. I need to scoot."

"And you, Logan, let her have her say. It wouldn't hurt you to listen for a change because she's right. You've been an asset to the team and a good friend to us and to many of the students. You're absence around here will be felt by a number of us"

Logan was silent. The one person who he would listen to was Hank.

Beast nudged Storm, "Go on, he's listening so take advantage of it."

"I don't want to argue with you, Logan. I just worry that this time you might fall back into some of your old ways. The aggressive fighting and killing. I don't want to see that happen. We're always here. I want you to know that and I know you say you don't need anyone but if you do…please, don't hesitate in getting a hold of us."

"Okay, so I've listened. And maybe I do need something from you" He paused, "Watch this Eastborne guy around Hannah. I don't like it."

"You're being ridiculous, Logan." Storm was ready to argue.

Henry immediately chimed in, "You know I will."

"Okay, so maybe I do need a friend now and then." Henry moved closer to him, patting his shoulder. Logan was silent, once again feeling more emotional than he would like to. This was the main reason to avoid goodbyes.

Storm moved towards them. She handed Logan a portable CD player.

"What's this? Motivational crap to keep me on the right path?"

Beast saw Storm's anger rise and squeezed her arm gently. She managed to force a smile, "Actually, it's Hannah." His demeanor changed. "One of her recordings. I thought you might like it."

He grabbed it out of her hand and unzipped his bag slipping it inside. Now the emotional garbage was too close to the surface and he just wanted out of here. "Doubt I will have a need, but you never know. I got to run."

"I know." Their eyes met and for a brief second, Storm felt she connected to him and he knew she cared. Then he turned back to his gruff self so quickly.

"So then move, will ya?"

Just as she stepped back the door to the mansion behind her swung open and Hannah ran out pushing past both Beast and Storm. Logan had very little warning when she threw herself on to him. His arms caught her, but he nearly lost his balance toppling the bike.

"You can't just leave like that. No, Logan. I have to say goodbye."

"Okay, so you've said it."

Beast took Storm's elbow, "We should leave these two." He then motioned at Logan, tangled up in Hannah's embrace, his eyes peeking out from a mass of dark hair, "Drive safe, friend."

Logan felt suffocated. "You're not going to get her off me? What kind of friend are you?" She had never clung to him so desperately.

"I think you'll be fine." Henry smiled as he and Storm walked back into the mansion.

Logan grabbed onto her arms trying to pry her off, "Hannah, you're strangling me."

Loosening her grip she then hit him on the chest, "Don't leave me like this, not in this mood."

"What mood is this?"

"That you don't care."

"I've already heard this speech from Ro. And about the caring, what was last night all about, if I don't bloody care?" The cynicism was gone from his voice.

She now stood back. "but you left me without saying goodbye."

"I left you happy in bed, thinking about whatever you women think about after a night like last night. It was kind of nice thinking it was me. But what do I know. You were content. That's what mattered to me. That's how I wanted to leave you. Damn it."

"You're a selfish bastard." She slapped him again on the chest.

"Yeah, that's right. I am. I don't do goodbyes."

"I may never see you again."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"But you don't know."

"I know that I like what we have together so let's leave it at that. It's reason enough for me to come back when this blows over. You need to believe that. Unless you think this poncy English piano teacher has a chance of taking my place." He smiled.

"Now you're just being ridiculous."

"Am I?" Logan wasn't about to point out his reasoning to her. They had everything in common; music, class, education.

She slipped her arms around his neck, and he immediately picked her up, his hands sliding down her bare thighs. A sigh escaped her lips, before his lips devoured hers with a fervent passion. Her hands grabbed onto his hair, pulling it before he released her and then set her down, a few feet away from the bike.

Hannah stood gazing at him in a daze as he mounted the bike, "Now, you happy? You got your god damn goodbye." She began to move towards him. He held out his hand, "Stay put. That's about all I can deal with right now, Hannah."

"I'm going to miss you."

"You're not listening are you? I can't deal with this now." He started the bike, drowning out any possibility of hearing her say anything else.

She knew it was her chance. He couldn't hear her, but he was gazing at her longingly. "I love you, Logan. And I'll be waiting. I don't care how long it takes."

But he could hear her. God damn enhanced hearing. Clenching his eyes tight and shook his head. Not another word was said. He focused on what was ahead, miles and miles of open road and endless possibilities. The bike sped off, through the gates, and Logan didn't look back.

She stood there barefoot and shivering, watching him fade from sight. She didn't cry. She had to believe he would be back. A blanket was dropped over her shoulders and she looked up to find Henry towering over her

"You're going to catch your death out here." He steered her towards the door, "Storm went to put on the coffee. You know, this is the best time in the mansion. Peace and quiet."

"He told you to look after me, didn't he?"

"He did, although I am pretty confident you can look after yourself."

"Well, it might be nice to just keep an eye open. Logan expects you too and I wouldn't want him to fly into a rage because you didn't keep your word."

"Alright, then, I will keep that eye open. If that's what you wish."

She wanted to say she wished Logan was there to keep his eyes open. But knew it was fruitless. Logan was gone and she needed to accept it.

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The piano, once again, became her purpose and the days passed quickly as she began her studies with Graham. There was little time to think of Logan. Graham pushed her far beyond anything she believed she was capable of. And she reveled in the new found feeling that possessed her everytime she sat in front of the keys. But even with the long hours of practice she also found a friendship in Graham. Over lunch, they reminisced and laughed. They talked about England and school, literature and the theater. Hannah was no longer the outsider with Graham there. Xavier watched the friendship blossom and was relieved, hoping that his daughter was getting over the destructive relationship he believed she had with Logan.

One evening as Graham was leaving for the train station, Hannah surprised him as she took hold of his hand affectionately. "I hate when you leave. Things are so much better when you're here."

He wasn't sure how to take this remark, as he glanced down at her hand caressing his. He forced a laugh, "Really, now." He playfully shook his head, "better watch your words, little lady. I once believed that the sun wouldn't shine without me. I seriously don't think you want me to become that lad I was many years ago. "

She looked at him seriously, "You know, Graham, you've never told me about what happened. Why you stopped playing."

Nervously, he looked down at his feet, the forced laughter continued, "Ah…well, I am not even sure I know the answer to that."

"I don't have any recollection of that time. I just remember how wonderful you were before that. I know that I was ecstatic you were coming to my sweet 16 party."

Graham pulled his hand away , taking a few steps back, his voice now serious. "I really need to be off, Hannah."

"Graham, I'm sorry. I've made you cross." She moved closer to him with caution, putting a hand on his shoulder, " I never meant to pry. It doesn't matter what happened then. What matters is you're here now and I couldn't be more pleased. You're a great friend as well as a brilliant teacher."

He sighed, "Only you would think that and I know you don't mean to pry. Not you." This time he turned to her cautiously placing a hand on her cheek, "Dear sweet Hannah. It's a shame really. So many years lost. Yours…mine."

It was the first time Hannah saw something different in his eyes. She wasn't sure she understood it.

Graham continued, "You don't remember anything about your 16th birthday?" He couldn't take the look in her eyes, and removed his hand, once again focusing down at his feet.

"I remember the morning and the beautiful sunrise, and my mother came into my room and…" Hannah stopped. She remembered her mother saying she would no longer suffer. That everything would be alright. That morning, her real father put the mindblock on her, so she would never remember what Portman did to her.

When Hannah didn't finish the sentence, Graham looked up, seeing pain in her eyes. "Hannah, what is it?"

"I just remembered Brian. That awful man and I don't want to think of my 16th birthday that way." She shook her head and then forced a smile, "I always thought your sweet 16 was supposed to be special?"

He smiled sweetly at her, "It was special to me."

She looked into his eyes, "You've been holding back on me, Graham Eastborne. Did something happen? Did something happen with me?"

He paused and when he spoke he tried to sound nonchalant, "Well, If you must know…I kissed you." It was obvious he was reluctant to release this information, but the last few days being in such close proximity to her, he thought of nothing else.

Hannah blushed and then began to giggle behind her hand.

"Oh, that's wonderful. You find that amusing, do you?"

"Not amusing, surprised. You kissed me?"

Frustrated he barked, "Well, someone had to. You only turn 16 once and it's a tradition." Hannah was still looking at him stunned. "Don't look so shocked, you and I were thrown together for years, I was a man and was no longer looking at you like a fellow musician. That day you were the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on."

"You found me beautiful?"

"Really now, Hannah. That's a rather silly question. And to set the record straight, I still do."

Hannah felt a bit uncomfortable and stepped back, "Graham, I never knew. I don't remember anything." There was an awkward silence and then she asked, "I was engaged to Brian. You must have known."

"I didn't know. And you had no idea at the time either. Your parents kept it from you because it disturbed them both. That is probably why they let me pursue you. They felt it was normal and natural. I'm sure they were hoping that the whole Brian fiasco would go away, maybe I was there only chance of that happening."

"But, then…I don't understand. What happened?"

"Well, I accidently witnessed Portman's abuse first hand. I walked in on you."

Hannah's hand shot back up over her mouth and she gasped, "Oh, my god, Graham."

"Graham took me outside and explained to me, that it wasn't what I imagined. He told me you were engaged to be married. It sickened me, what I saw. I went home and within the following weeks I stopped playing, stopped sleeping, stopped eating."

"That's when you had your breakdown." Everything seemed to be making more sense to her.

"I don't remember much, which I 'm sure is probably for the best."

"I'm so sorry, Graham."

"Why are you sorry? You had no control. You were drugged, I know that now but at the time I just felt betrayed by the two people in the whole world that mattered more than anything to me. It took me years to figure everything out. Then I slowly began to recover. Moving to New York has been perfect. New perspective, new life, new country."

"But you never got over me."

"I guess I've been found out. My ulterior motive in teaching you."

"Graham…"

"I know you're not interested. I've heard the rumors about you and this Logan character. Sounds a little gruff around the edges." He raised his eyebrows, "Had enough of the English charm, have we know?" He smiled.

"I don't know what you've heard, but he's really not that bad."

"He hurts you and he'll answer to me." Graham contemplated that thought a minute then added, "Well, maybe I should rethink that. He'd beat me to a pulp in seconds."

Hannah was glad he was joking. She took hold of both of his hands. "I do love you, Graham. And Logan ..." The reality of their relationship hit her. It had been nearly 2 months and there had been no contact. She had no idea where he was and it did seem that was exactly what Logan wanted.

Graham couldn't help but notice the sullen expression in her eyes.

When she looked up at Graham, she quickly smiled, "Well, he's not here is he."

Graham looked confused, furrowing his brow.

"Well, what I mean is…" she took a deep breath, then spoke, "I would hate to live the rest of my life, without having any recollection of that sweet 16 kiss."

Graham's jaw dropped and his eyes widened, stunned by this statement.

She backed away, "Silly of me I suppose. I imagine that I am just trying to recapture a missing part of my childhood and it's too late for that."

"I don't find anything about you silly at all." He moved closer to her. "And I will gladly oblige if that is what you truly wish."

Their faces inches from each other, Hannah realized she had put herself into a situation she wasn't prepared for. Why did she continue to behave so foolishly? She was being a tease and a flirt and was it really fair to Graham? But she looked into his eyes. They were kind and gentle, and he gazed upon her like she was a princess. He would always adore her, no matter what. Not like Logan, who had moved on more that likely. And with those thoughts her response was easy, "It's most definitely what I wish but," she put a finger up against his lips.

Graham shook his head, "Of course, there is always a but…" then laughed.

"It has to be a sweet 16 kiss. And I am not so sure you can handle that, Mr. Eastborne especially considering the way you feel about me."

"Well, well, well…I think you are quite mistaken. A sweet 16 kiss, you want…well, that is all you will get." He leaned in and kissed her. Short and sweet.

It was so quick, Hannah felt incredibly disappointed when he pulled away. She brushed her fingertips across her lips, savoring the sweet taste. Did she actually want more? Embarrassed she lowered her head.

Feeling triumphant he held his head up, "Well, Ms. Masterson, it was a delight as always. I will see you in the morning." He smiled satisfied with her reaction, "I will rake you over the coals tomorrow so be prepared, we have a lot of work to do."

She didn't respond.

"2 weeks until your recital at Columbia. I realize it's not as grand as you might like, but it is important none the less."

She nodded.

"Well, then I will leave you. Get some rest." He walked down the stairs smiling to himself.

Hannah's voice came back just as he reached the gate and she called after him, "Oh, you think you are quite clever, don't you? Well, I see what you are doing and it will not work. Do you understand me, Graham Eastborne?"

He turned and smiled, pretending he didn't hear, waving, "Goodnight, Hannah."