Another Life

Part 12

The Danger Room had finally quieted down after a brutal training session. I could feel the sweat rolling down my back, every muscle in my body alive and burning. The room still crackled with the energy of simulated battle, holographic enemies dissipating into thin air.

Everyone was catching their breath, hands on their knees, stretching out sore muscles. But I wasn't tired. My senses still humming, my adrenaline still pumping. I was watching Jean.

She stood a few feet away, her red hair clinging to her neck, her face flushed from the exertion. She looked over at me, her green eyes locking onto mine. There was a challenge in her gaze, a spark that I hadn't seen before. And then she did something I didn't expect— she started walking toward me.

I straightened up, my heart picking up speed, every nerve in my body suddenly on high alert. I could feel eyes of the team on us, could sense the excitement and curiosity filling the room.

Jean stopped right in front of me, close enough I could see every pore on her perfect face. She was still breathing hard, her chest rising and falling, her lips slightly parted. I could see the determination in her eyes, a fire that was burning brighter with every passing second.

"Logan," she whispered, but there was an edge to her voice, a sharpness cut through the air like a razor blade.

And then, without another word, she leaned in kissing me.

It was like something switched in my brain, and suddenly my mind was blank, nothing mattered. I kissed her hard, my hands gripping her waist, pulling her closer. The rest of the team faded away along with the atmosphere in the Danger Room.

But not for Jean, she didn't close her eyes like she usually did. Instead, she stared directly at Scott across the room. I could feel the defiance in her kiss, the way she was making a point, staking her calm.

I didn't stop her. Hell, I didn't want to. I knew what this meant, I would've done the same. I figured Scott deserved to feel a fraction of what I had felt for the past few years. The jealousy, the pain, the frustration.

I could hear Rogue whooping and clapping, her cheers echoing off the metal walls. "Finally!" She shouted, her voice filled with excitement. "Way to go, Jean!"

Some of the others chuckled and whispered among themselves, but most just stood there, wide-eyed, caught between shock and relief. Maybe they were just happy that Jean made the right choice.

But Scott...Scott just stood there, his face pale, his hands hanging limp at his sides. He looked like a man who'd taken one too many hits and was finally starting to feel it. I could see the defeat in his body language, the way his shoulders sagged, he looked tired. Like he was giving up.

When Jean finally pulled back, her lips swollen from the kiss, she turned to face the rest of the team, her hand still resting on my chest. She didn't say anything—she didn't have to. Her actions spoke louder than words could ever have.

Scott's mouth tightened into a thin line. He took a step back, for a second I thought he was going to say something, maybe start another fight. But then he just shook his head, turned around, and walked out of the room.

The door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the empty space. The joy in the room continued on.

Jean turned back to me, her eyes searching mine. "You okay?" She asked quietly.

I looked down at her and smiled, "yeah, are you?"

She gave me a huge smile, a hint of accomplishment. "I needed to make a choice, I needed him to see...to understand."

I squeezed her waist, drawing her in closer. "He understands," I say, my voice didn't come to close to revealing how proud I was of her. "Whether he likes it or not, he gets it."

She nodded, her smile growing at capacity. "Good," she said softly. "I don't want there to be any more confusion. Not for him, not for us."

Rogue walked over once more, "it's about damn time, I didn't think you guys were gonna get your act together," she said slapping my shoulder and then hugging Jean.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "We've still got ways to go, kid." 

Jean smiled, laying her head on my shoulder and smiling. She was happy, Jean was the strongest person I know. I love her for it. And the fact she basically said Fuck You to Scott made me fall in love with her all over again.