Snuff-Chapter 6

Summary: A bit of fluff here. Sorry it took several days to get this chapter up and running, but my children and college work come first. Thank you to everyone for sticking around for the ride. Next chapter won't take as long!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, I claim nothing.

Marie walked for what seemed like hours. The shoes were beginning to hurt the souls and heel of her feet.
She felt the blanket of night engulf her thoughts. The night was starting to have a slight chill and the once glittering stars were being passed over with clouds.
Marie continued to walk along the stone paths which lead to the Mansions dorm that accommodated both teachers and students. Lights illuminated the entrance of the multi-story building and Marie drew a deep breath as she entered.
She told Logan she would consider going by. His room was located near the entrance of the dorm wing.
She slowly found Logan's door, and half hoping he wasn't back yet; she quietly rapped her already white knuckles on the hard wood.
Once
Twice…She almost turned to leave when she heard his voice say "Yeah, yeah, keep your…." The door opened and Logan found himself starring in surprise.
"Pants on?" Marie finished.
Logan grinned. "Something like that…" He noted that she was still dressed in her beautiful gown. Her face held and expression of exhaustion.
"I just wanted to come by and apologize. I didn't mean to take off earlier." Logan was a bit taken back. "Marie…come in." She stepped through the threshold and Logan shut the door behind her. Logan's room was fairly simple. A few pieces of furniture served as the layout, a bed, desk, dresser, end table. She hadn't come here to discuss his furniture arrangements.
"Marie, to be honest, I'm not sure where to start." He tried to face her, but she avoided his gaze. Something he had gotten used to. "But please stop hiding from me." He ran a finger down her check.
"I can't try to understand if you don't let me see you." Marie turned into his touch which evolved into cupping her face.
"I'm damaged goods, Logan." He took her by the shoulders. "I never want to hear you say those words again, Marie. What happened to you…wasn't you're fault."
"And you would know?"
His blazing hazel eyes drilled hers. "Assault is never deserved." He spoke through his teeth with an angry tone Marie had never heard before. She cringed at the sudden bluntness of his words. Logan knew she had been raped and that angered every fiber of his very being. The dark emotions rolling over his face seized when he noticed Marie being startled because of his outburst. "My feelings for you haven't changed and I know it's going to take time to trust me." Logan recognized the desire in her eyes. The desire to be touched and feel safe was the same need that all women felt. He knew behind her brave exterior, the slightest movement or wrong word would send her running again. Logan wasn't sure where the boundaries were and he was going to leave that up to Marie. Pushing strands of hair away from his face, he studied Marie's face once more. The mixed clouds of emotions drew him back a bit.

"Penny for your thoughts?"
Many thoughts danced through her head, most she dared not voice. Fear, paranoia, embarrassment all plagued her critical thinking.
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Marie."
"I never said…"
"No, you didn't, but I can sense it…" He reached up to caress her blushing cheek, moving his fingertips along her jawline.
"I don't want to be like this, Logan."
"When I saw you at my door tonight, I was happy to see you. I missed being near you…"
A silent tear found its way down her face and unto Logan's finger, wiping it away he softly asked
"He ruined it? Didn't he?" He…it…the brutal rape that almost calmed her life. The emotional price that came with Marie's fragile frame of mind was high. It was a price Logan was willing to pay if it ever meant being this close or eventually catching the asshole who sought out to destroy her. Logan remembered the second he heard the horrific news. He could have easily become evil…for her…to avenge the Rogue he always held so dear, but never told her. He never one made an attempt to connect with her. Missed chances, missed connections and different lives had made it seem impossible. He had always wanted Marie to live her life for her, so he kept his feeling to himself, just hinting at it on occasions.
Until that very dark day. Logan was one of the first people at her side besides the ones giving her medical attention. The tubes, the doctors, nurses, everyone hustling around to save her life had all angered him, stirring up feelings he tried to deny, but could no longer bury.
Marie looked so small and frail, but Logan knew better. The tears she shed were out of frustration, exhaustion, fright and a thousand more emotions. Her outlook on her entire life was changed forever.
"It certainly feels that way." She finally responded. Her voice trailed off to that new, dark void that was now her soul.
Logan searched her body language and Marie's walls were lowered, even if just by the smallest measurements. She was here, with him, in his room, by her free will. Needing the closeness, she slowly lend against his chest. Logan enclosed the embrace, her hair tickling his lips. Logan's hands knead her upper back and shoulders. "You're so tense, Marie." His voice in Marie's ear damn near made her melt. He could sense her body changing, arousal perhaps?
"Time to get you back, beautiful." He placed a kiss along her hairline. He could tell she was relieved to be let off the hook.
"Walk me back?" She mumbled between yawns.
Logan nodded, gathered his light weight sweater and walked with her, with her still wrapped in his arms.