Hank and I were happily married for two years.

In two years time, we accomplished quite a lot for newlyweds.

Between Hank's research and my duties as a teacher and an X-Men, we managed to take time off to travel, a dream he and I both shared.

We visited France, England, Italy, Singapore, Vietnam, and China during our marriage. I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather share the experience with.

Except for maybe Logan.

But he wasn't important anymore. He kept his distance, and occasionally started a conversation when we were alone.

Other than a few moments of small talk, our relationship turned awkward.

Maybe it had to do with Jubilee's little tirade on my wedding day, but I didn't know for sure. That was a subject I didn't want to breach.

I forgot about Logan, Jean, and all the emotional baggage that came with it. I focused on the life I never thought I would have.

I enjoyed it while it lasted because I knew that all good things eventually came to an end.

One day, we discovered that Jan Van Dyne was alive.

Hank and I were watching movies in our room when the Professor sent Hank a telepathic message.

"The Professor's calling me," he said, hopping off the bed.

"Okay, I'll be down in a second, I need to refill the popcorn," I smiled, and he gave me a peck on the cheek.

Hank quickly rushed downstairs, as I paused the movie and retrieved the empty bowl of popcorn.

I descended down the mansion's stairs to see a beautiful woman, she wasn't very tall, roughly 5' 4", and she had short auburn hair with wide brown eyes to match.

She ran up to Hank, embraced him, and kissed him only like how lovers do.

Hank stroked her face, assuring she was real, and not some sort of sick dream.

She was very real.

"Jan…" he whispered breathily.

"I'm here, Hank, I was in comatose but I made it out," she replied, "I'll never leave you again."

"But Jan, while you were gone I…" Hank paused. He showed her his wedding band.

"Oh..." Jan's face fell. "I understand. I've been gone a while. Congratulations." She smiled to cover up her disappointment.

She was pretending to be happy.

I couldn't stand and eavesdrop any longer, so I retreated back upstairs to our room.

Who was I to deny a man who granted me touch and a beautiful two years of married life, from his own happiness?

I knew what I had to do.

"Marie?" Hank called as he walked into our room, "guess you didn't refill the popcorn. Let's continue the movie."

He was attempting to be nonchalant about the situation.

"Hank," I said, "I saw what happened."

He remained silent.

"I'm sorry for being nosey, but I couldn't help it," I said.

He nodded.

"Listen, I know you love her and she loves you just the same," I continued, "so you should go back to her."

I attacked the situation straightforward and blunt. There was no need to beat around the bush.

"But, Marie," Hank replied, "I committed myself to you, and these past few years, I've never been so happy."

"But you love Jan," I said, "I know you love me, but not like the way you love her."

Hank sighed, "Is it that easy to tell?"

I shook my head, "I just…I know what it's like."

My thoughts trailed to Logan.

"Ugh, you're talking to Hank! Snap out of it!" I thought.

"Marie, I love you," Hank assured.

"I love you too, and that's why I have to let you go," I replied, with tears pricking my eyes.

"Why, Marie?" he asked.

"You've done enough for me, you helped me learn how to touch, and you gave me a second chance at life," I replied.

I was starting to cry.

"You've done enough Hank," I tried smiling, "now go, see Jan, tell her you love her."

I ushered him to the door, and watched him leave.

I let two years of happiness go.

Seeing them together never made me upset or angry. I was sincerely happy for them and they had my blessing. They deserved each other, and it was the least I could give Hank, after all he's done for me.

I wandered to the gardens again, just like I did when I found Logan with Jean.

This time, I cried, for various reasons.

Of course I was upset, we cared for each other, but that was why I set him free. I couldn't help but feel tears of joy, knowing that Hank and Jan would finally receive the reunion they'd dream of. They deserved it.

I also cried for myself.

Was I doomed to a lonely love life? I had my second chance, and it slipped away, just like that.

Maybe I was meant to be alone, even without my skin as an obstacle.

I heard someone approaching me, but I didn't turn around. I assumed it was Scott. If it were someone to console me, it would've been him.

"Marie?"

It was Logan.

He sat down next to me and passed me a bottle of Bourbon.

Ironic.

"Here," he said, "I know you like this stuff."

"Thanks," I replied, removing the cap.

"Listen," he began, "I owe you an explanation."

I nodded, signaling him to continue. I was too worn out to put up a fight.

"Three and a half years ago, I pursued Jean because I had this lingering idea: sleep with Jean once, and stay with Marie for the rest of my life," he admitted, "but that idea was wrong as hell."

I avoided his eyes.

"I slept with Jean because I thought you were too young, you needed time to grow up, settle down, meet other guys, and do all that early-twenties crap before you could commit," he continued, "I convinced myself that you weren't ready for a serious relationship, but I was wrong."

He paused.

"I was the one who wasn't ready. I was scared, Marie. I was scared of commitment, of my age, of my past, but most of all, I was scared that you would realize that it was a mistake to be with me," he said.

"That's why you chose Jean? Because it wasn't permanent?" I asked, still averting my eyes from him.

He nodded.

"Why did you stay with her, though?"

"It was for show," he replied, "after Scott and Ororo got together, and you moved on, the both of us had nobody to care about. We appeared to be together, but behind those doors, our relationship was dead. But you know Jean, she has to appear to be some sort of goddess. I only agreed because I didn't care anymore."

I took a swig of Bourbon.

Silence.

It was the comfortable kind we used to share before this whole cesspool we lived in came to be. It was the silence that calmed our nerves, and helped us forget about all the crap we dealt with. It was the silence shared by two people who were connected in a way no one could possibly explain.

"I'm sorry," he finally said.

"About what?"

"Everythin'. Hank, Jean, not telling you all this sooner, screwing up, being an asshole," he replied.

I didn't reply. I just pretended to pick lint off of my pants.

"I had to let you know," he said, standing up, "if I could fix it, I would."

"Thanks, Logan," I replied.

"If you're still mad, I…" he paused, "I understand."

With that, he left.

Where did that leave us? He didn't exactly proclaim his love for me, but he didn't necessarily hate me, either.

I sighed and sat around some more. I got some thinking done, and I knew life at the mansion was too much for me.

I needed to get away.

"So, you're sure about this, Professor?" I asked.

"Of course, the new branch was just built a few months ago, and the team is looking for new teachers," he replied, "we have plenty of staff here so I don't see the harm in one relocation."

"What time should I be ready for?" I asked.

"I have contacted the team and their leader is set to arrive promptly at 11p.m," he said.

"Thank you, Professor," I said, gratefully, "you're not upset by all this, are you?"

"Of course not, you deserve to be happy, do you not?"

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