It took two months of hard work, and practice, but I finally learned how to control my skin.

Beast and Hank worked on the physical attributes of my skin, while the Professor helped me mentally.

Eventually, they figured everything out. All I had to do was concentrate on the "tingle" of my skin, flip on the mental switch in my head, and voila! The Professor even taught me how to call forth the powers of all the people I've absorbed. Of course, Magneto's powers were dwindling, but I have a bit Logan's healing factor to keep me up on desperate occasions.

I expected the day to turn out differently; I always thought Logan would be the first person I'd touch once I had complete control.

Instead, I initiated my first "group hug" between the Professor, Beast, and Hank. It was the least I could do for them, after all, they did tremendous amounts of work to help me.

The entire day I went around breaking the news to the others. I made sure to give Scott a huge hug for his friendship over the past few months. I congratulated him and Ororo on their new relationship. I really hope it works out between them.

Then, I saw Jubilee. She attacked me with a hug and held my hands, and promised to go shopping for a new wardrobe with me. To be completely honest, I couldn't wait.

Next, I met Ororo in the gardens. She was in tears as she touched my cheek and told me how proud she was of my progress. We spent some time in the gardens chatting and laughing.

After my walk with Ororo, I went inside and talked to a few of the others; Bobby, Kitty, Kurt, and even Colossus came to congratulate me. It was nice, not being afraid. I could finally have the life I wanted.

When the buzz finally died down about my new control, I settled down in the kitchen and made myself a cup of tea.

The only people who hadn't approached me during the day were Jean and Logan.

No surprise of course.

I'd been so busy, I didn't even know what was going on between the two. It was rumoured that they'd gotten into some sort of huge argument, but nevertheless, every dinner, they sat together and left together.

I was quickly proved wrong when Logan ambushed me.

"Heard about your control," he said, reaching into the fridge for beer.

"Yeah," I replied, gluing my eyes to the cup of tea in my hands.

"When were you going to tell me?" he asked.

"I figured you'd hear about it eventually," I replied, "with or without your super-hearing."

He grunted, and popped open the can of beer with his claws.

"Congrats, darlin'," he said, leaning against the sink next to me.

"Thanks," I mumbled, and I turned around to leave.

That was the closest we got around to speaking in three months time.

Despite the fact that I could control my skin, Hank stayed.

He became our doctor, and helped Beast with just about everything.

I had to admit, I was glad.

After our first date at the art museum, he eventually asked me out on another. Two dates turned into three, three into four. The days we spent together flew by, weeks turned into months, and before either of us knew it, we'd been dating for just over a year.

A man was willing to commit to me for a whole year. I almost couldn't believe it.

We knew everything about each other, inclusive of our bad luck with romance.

I told him everything about Logan. The teenage crush that grew, the hero worship, the hint of flirtatiousness that he'd return, and unconditional love that I used to give him.

Of course, Hank was wary around Logan because of this. He kept a protective arm around me at all times, and couldn't help but glare when he walked into a room.

In return, I found out about Hank's past marriage. I knew a gorgeous man like him couldn't have been single all his life. He was married to a woman named Janet Van Dyne, who was also an Avenger.

She stayed with him through the ups and downs of his life; the mental breakdowns, the sleepless nights of work, the personality change between his Ant-Man, Yellowjacket, and Goliath persona.

Unfortunately, she died during a Skrull invasion.

Hank said he loved her, and he would always remember her, but he was finally ready to move on.

So he did.

One cool summer night, he took me to the art museum that we visited on our first date.

The two of us walked hand in hand, around the museum, until we stopped in front of a beautiful landscape painting.

All of a sudden, he got down and one knee and proposed.

"Marie, will you marry me?"

I nodded my head furiously, before wrapping my arms around him and giving him a kiss.

"I love you," he whispered.

Finally, I found someone who meant it.

After six months of vigorous planning, we had our wedding ceremony.

It was beautiful, and everything I had dreamed of.

Of course, it was a small outdoor wedding held at the mansion on a cool and sunny summer day.

Everyone was invited; all members of the X-Men, and all members of the Avengers were present. I even saw Jubilee bat her eyelashes at Captain America. Poor sap.

Kurt was our lovely priest who married us underneath the gazebo that Scott had built especially for our big day.

Everything felt so perfect.

I had the Professor walk me down the aisle, as a few of the younger girls, who were my flower girls, trailed behind me. I couldn't stop smiling.

Hank was waiting for me, with Scott and Beast behind him. Jubilee winked at me from where she was standing, and Ororo did me a huge favour by nudging her in the side.

After we exchanged vows and rings, and of course, shared a kiss (or two), we immediately began our reception.

Hank and I spent a good hour or so being congratulated, and thanking everyone for attending. We were so caught up in our meet and greet, that I forgot to change out of my dress.

Jubilee was going to blow a fuse. After all, she had chosen a second dress for my reception.

Thankfully, Ororo excused me from the crowd and ushered me into the mansion.

"Thanks, 'Ro! I can take it from here," I said.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded, "the dress is a surprise!"

Ororo smiled, "I can't wait to see you."

I made my way to the staircase, when a fit full of yelling caught my attention.

I quietly stalked over to the kitchen to see what was happening.

It was Jubilee and Logan.

"I'm sick of hearing you complain about this wedding, Logan!" Jubilee yelled, "You had your chance, and you blew it because you decided that stealing Scott's fiancée was clearly more important than a girl who actually loved you!"

Logan grunted.

"Rogue never whined or complained when you and Jean hooked up, and you know what? You don't have the right either!" Jubilee continued.

Did I ever mention how thankful I am that she's on my side?

"You made your decision, Logan," Jubilee said, "now it's time for you to stand down."

"Why the hell should I give up now?" Logan asked.

"Because she deserves to be happy."

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