Love That Burns

twenty-six

Once Logan was sure that you were sound asleep, he slipped out of the room. There were things he wanted to gather for you, like flowers, for you to wake up to. He went into the garden and cut down some flowers, making a homemade bouquet. After he had put it together and into a vase, Logan noticed Rogue with a hood up and backpack slung over her shoulder. She was heading for the door.

"You need a lift, kid?" He asked, sneaking up on her.

Rogue spun around. "No," she muttered.

"Where're you going?"

"You don't know what it's like to be afraid of your powers, to be afraid to get close to anybody."

"Yeah, I do." Logan understood that more than Rogue could ever understand.

"I wanna be able to touch people, Logan. A hug, a handshake, a kiss."

"I hope you're not doing this for some boy." Rogue looked away. "Look, if you wanna go, then go. Just be sure it's what you want."

Rogue was surprised by Logan's words. "Shouldn't you be telling me to stay, to go upstairs and unpack?"

"I'm not your father. I'm your friend... Just think about what I said, Rogue."

"Marie," she corrected.

"Marie." Logan gave her a tight smile as he squeezed her shoulder. "Do what you believe you need to do, kid. I'll still be here."

"Thanks, Logan. I'll see you around."

"See you around, kid."

~~~

You could feel Logan's heartbeat beneath your head as you began to wake. It was almost like a lullaby, pulling you back into the land of dreams. You felt Logan's arms shift around you, telling you that he was awake. You moved your head to look up at Logan.

"Morning," you rasped.

His eyes snapped down to meet yours, immediately softening. "Morning, sweetheart." He leaned down and kissed your head. "How are you?"

"I'm... fine." Moving your hands against the white tank on his chest, you realized there were some singed holes. "I burnt your shirt."

"It's okay. I have plenty of these."

"I'm sorry... for everything. I should have heard you out when you first came to me."

"It's okay. I understand why you didn't."

"It's been a crazy few days."

"Yes, it has."

"How have you been handling it?"

Logan took a moment before responding. "Terrified." You were surprised at his honesty. "I don't think I can handle losing you."

"I'll do my best to make sure that doesn't happen." You buried yourself further into him. "I love you."

He kissed your head. "Love you too."

~~~

You and Logan eventually found your way down to the Professor's office. Ororo, Hank, Kitty, and Bobby were already in there, discussing the future of the school.

"So what now?" Bobby asked. "What do we do?"

"Professor Xavier started this school, perhaps it's best that it end with him," Hank suggested.

"We'll have to tell the students they're going home," you said. "And—"

"Most of us don't have anywhere to go," Bobby cut in. "I can't believe this. I can't believe we're not gonna fight for this school."