A/N: I apologize if there is missing information or inaccurate portrayals of local areas in this chapter, as I had to use the Internet or ask friends regarding some of the details below.


"Wouldn't it be easier if we flew to Canada?" Marie asked and watched Logan tightly pack the saddlebags on his motorcycle full of their things.

"The Professor suggested familiar smells could jog my memory. You okay with a long road trip?"

"Yes. Plenty of time to get to know each other."

He smiled. "That's right. Do you want to drive first?"

"Me? But you never let anyone touch your Harley."

"There are exceptions, you being one of them. If you aren't comfortable with the idea, you have till after we stop in Albany for lunch to change your mind."

"I don't know how to drive one of these."

"I can teach you."

She thought for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."

He climbed on behind her. "These are your turn signals, this is the clutch and the other is the front brake. That pedal is the gears and the one next to it is the rear brake. You with me so far?"

"Turn signals, clutch, front brake, gears, and rear brake." She pointed to each.

"Good job. The most important thing to remember is that this vehicle starts differently than a regular car. The most similar part is putting the key in the ignition. Make sure this switch is turned on and pull the choke out all the way. Turn the key to the on position and set this other lever to Run. You are doing great, Marie, but you gotta remember to breathe, okay?"

She took a breath, trying not to think of how close he was. "I'm just nervous. I want to get this right."

"It's not a race, practice is the only way to remember, and once you've got this down pat it'll be second nature." He gave her an assuring hug. "Ready?"

"Yeah, I think so." She managed as her heartbeat slowed, finding his embrace calming.

"Once your gear shifter is in neutral, squeeze the clutch with your left hand back to its grip. Now press the on button and let the motor turn over until the engine fires up. Good, release the lever and gradually push the choke back in without forcing it. Kick back the stand and let's stop by the DMV to get you a permit in case we get pulled over."

"Sounds like a plan." She followed his directions and parked in the lot cautiously.

"A plus, Marie."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you should trust yourself."

"I'll try." She filled out the paperwork and received her learner's permit for a motorcycle.

"You comfortable with driving to Albany? It's almost four hours from here."

"We could always pull over and switch if I am overwhelmed, right?"

"Absolutely."

"Then we'll see how far I can get."

"Thatta girl." He kissed her cheek as he climbed on behind her and turned on the GPS.

She blushed and started the vehicle the way he had taught her and liked the sound it made. She headed towards the freeway in the direction they wanted, the wind in her hair that wasn't pinned down by the helmet she was wearing. The radio blared a classic rock station and she got in the rhythm required to drive a motorcycle, determined to at least reach their stopping point.

"In two miles, take the exit on your right towards Albany." The GPS finally announced over the speakers.

She let out a sigh of relief and turned off the bustling freeway.

"You have arrived in Albany." The GPS shut off.

"Pick a place to eat." Logan called over the wind.

"Okay." She spotted a Denny's and drove into the parking lot. "These are always a safe bet."

"You're right about that." He climbed off and offered her a hand. "Stiff yet?"

"Yeah." She let him help her up and froze as he pulled her close and massaged her shoulders. She felt some of his powers seep into her when their skin touched before she could focus enough to stop it. "Logan, you gotta warn me next time. I could knock you out or something."

"Relax Marie, I can take a hit." He kissed her cheek gently. "But I didn't mean to freak you out, sorry."

"It's okay, Kendra's been telling me I need to trust myself and that you know what you can handle." She wrapped her arms around him. "It's just...my last boyfriend was in a coma for a long time just from us kissing."

"The more you talk about this friend of yours, the more I can see why she and the Professor get along. You shouldn't worry though, it takes a lot to knock me out."

She couldn't resist him at such close range, decided to take a chance, and leaned up and kissed him. She felt his arms tighten a little around her as he kissed her back. She reluctantly moved back when she felt her control slipping, merely to have his lips against hers again and trusted his judgment, forgetting for that moment they were right in front of a very public place with lots of people.

"You have more control than you give yourself credit for." He smiled when they broke apart at last.

"How did you know?"

"Call it an instinct. Ready to eat?"

"You better believe it."

He led her inside. "Table for two, please."

"Of course, right this way." The waitress led them through the mostly empty restaurant. "Booth or regular table?"

"I don't have a preference. What about you, Marie?"

"Booth."

The waitress nodded and set their menus at the requested seating. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Water's fine for me. Marie?"

"Iced tea with a slice of lemon."

"I will get those right away." The waitress went to the kitchen. She reappeared two minutes later and set their glasses in front of them. "Ready to order or do you need a little more time?"

"I think I am ready."

"Same."

"Great, what can we get you?"

"Your country fried steak and grits." Marie said when Logan gestured for her to go first. "Eggs over easy."

"And I'll have the lumberjack slam. Eggs the same way with wheat toast."

"Anything else for you two?"

"No, we are set." They said in unison.

The waitress smiled and left.