Hanging By A Moment

Hanging By A Moment
Chapter 17: Settling In

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While Jean Grey got to know Scott’s foster mother, Ororo, Scott and Logan were out in the back yard chopping fresh firewood for the cold New York nights, doing some much needed catch up. Scott had spent so much time in the military and then as soon as that was over, he had left for college. For Logan, it was tough because he had to go such long periods without ever seeing his son. It had been nerve racking enough when he was in Iraq and it had been downright nuts after both he and Ororo found out he was wounded. Yet seeing him again, now a proud soldier and veteran and a student at the Xavier Academy, James Logan Howlett couldn’t have felt more proud to call this young man his son.

As the two strong men continued to chop wood and reminisce on the time that they had missed, Scott couldn’t help but feel happy to be home again. He had missed having such close, not the mention interesting, conversations with his father. College and a new woman in his life left little time to talk to his parents, but as long as he was here, he wanted to make every moment count.

“Sounds like quite a place,” commented Logan as he used an ax to chop another small cylinder of wood into small pieces while listening to Scott describe life in Bayville, “Hell, sounds way better than the places in New York City you were thinkin’ of going.”

“Yeah, I’m glad I chose Bayville and the Xavier Academy,” said Scott as he took a turn chopping a few more pieces of wood, “Everything there is just so well balanced. It’s not too crowded…Not too crime ridden…Yet just urban enough to be a true city with all the amenities necessary to sustain one’s self.”

“Yin and yang kid…Ya need em both in life,” said Logan as he let out a loud grunt after chopping through a particularly thick log.

“Yeah, I know…” said Scott with a laugh, who couldn’t help but enjoy hearing his foster dad’s witty comments on life once more, “And Jean’s been such a huge help to me. I can’t believe how lucky I was to meet her not long after I arrived and she’s just done so much for me…Helping me adjust to a new life.”

Logan let out a light chuckle as he heard they almost dazed tone in his voice as he mentioned Jean. He knew his son very well and he was well aware that he normally didn’t sound like this when simply mentioning a certain woman…Then again, it was abundantly clear that this was no mere woman to Scott and that only heightened Logan’s curiosity as he set he ax aside for a moment and took some of he wood to bin.

“Yeah…I’m glad to hear that Scottie. So…Tell me a little more about this Jean Grey…And I don’t just mean the shit you won’t shut up about over the phone,” said Logan as he looked back at his son with a more curious grin on his face that Scott knew all too well.

“Well, uh…” began Scott, struggling to find the right words, “It’s been really amazing being with her. We both just…We really have a connection. I can feel it whenever I’m with her and even sometimes when I’m not with her. She just…She’s such an amazing woman. I’ve never met anybody else like her and she just has this…I don’t know…Aura to her that makes her so…I can’t even find the right words.”

Logan stopped loading the bin full of wood for a moment in order to take a more serious look at what Scott had just said. The look on his face as he described her was nothing short of strange, for it was a look he had never seen on Scott before. He knew his son and he knew when certain things meant more than he was willing to let on, yet he was determined to find out just how great an impact this woman was having on him…Because it was clear to him, even if it may not be to Scott, that it was quite profound.

“Sounds like quite a girl. I know I dated a redhead once. I don’t exactly remember her name…Rose or Rosie or something like that…But I ain’t sure. But I do know she was one of the first girls I dated way back in the day had nice fiery red hair and a fine looking body…Up until she moved and ran off with some other guy. But this girl, Jean…She really sounds like somethin’ else,” he commented as Scott also stopped loading wood for a moment and stood before his foster dad.

“She is…” he said with a smile.

“What about the relationship itself?” he asked, wanting more details about the nature of how they were as a couple, “Is it stable? Can you two properly communicate with each other?”

“Yeah, it’s very stable,” answered Scott, “Sure we go out on dates, but it’s more the little things that have made it so…I don’t know…Different.”

“Different as in…Good?” asked Logan, trying to help his son get the right words out.

“Different as in…Amazing and profound,” answered Scott, gradually finding the right words to describe with his father’s guidance.

Logan was mildly impressed that he had described it in such a way, but never the less he was enthused that he seemed so close to this girl and that she was having such a major effect on him. He honestly hadn’t seen him smile this much in some time.

“What about the sex? Are you still satisfying her in the best, most meaningful possible way?” said Logan with a grin.

“Yes dad…” said Scott still smiling, but sounding rather exasperated, “The sex is great. It has been since the last time you asked me a few days ago.”

“Hey…Just checkin’ bub,” said Logan with a laugh as he gave his son an encouraging slap on the shoulder, “Gotta make sure, ya know? It’s my job to make sure that you took all the advice your mom and I gave ya to heart.”

“Well you don’t have to worry about that aspect dad,” assured Scott with a smile, “Jean is a very sexual woman…Pretty much in the same way I am. We both have such similar styles when it comes to sex. We both like to have long, tender, passionate sex…We both like have the kind of sex just help ease stress and relieve the body…And yes…We both still enjoy the usual fuck.”

“Don’t we all…” said Logan with a grin, “Just remember kid…As long as you’re with this girl, it’s your responsibility to make sure that she’s completely satisfied. Don’t go too fast when you need to go slow and don’t go too slow when you need to go fast. Just listen to her and she’ll listen to you.”

“Yes Dad, I know…You and mom have been telling me that since I was 15 years old,” said Scott, who couldn’t help but laugh even though he had heard those words from him many times before.

“Hey…We’re just tryin’ to help bub,” said Logan, feeling as though that look on his face never got old, “We’re still your parents and it’s our job to help you with all the important shit in life.”

“I know…I know,” said Scott, “And you both have done an amazing job even though I know I wasn’t the easiest kid to take in.”

“What can I say? We like a challenge…” said Logan, causing the both of them to laugh, “Besides…I don’t think we could have chosen a better kid to call our own.”

“Thanks Dad…And I don’t think could have asked for a better family to call my own after losing so much.”

“Guess that means we’re both lucky,” responded Logan, feeling very moved to hear him say such words knowing how difficult his life had been, “I can’t tell ya how proud your mother and I have been after you got back from the war. We were downright hysterical at times when you were over there and now here ya are standing alive and well right in front of me…A college student and a guy with a very nice looking young woman…I just can’t tell ya how good that makes this old man feel, Scottie.”

Scott simply smiled back at the burly Canadian man before him, feeling honored to have a man like him as a father. He and Ororo had done so much for him…More than he would ever be able to properly thank them for. And hearing him say those words helped him feel as though he was giving them something in return for being there for him when he had nobody else…Something truly meaningful.

“So…I take it things with Jean are fairly serious?” said Logan as the two men returned to chopping wood.

Scott actually found himself hesitate a bit before answering. Such an issue had been something he had been contemplating a lot lately and while he knew that he and Jean still had this unspoken rule about using the word ‘relationship’ to describe them…That only made him think deeper of what they had. Now, he was beginning to think of his connection with Jean as being something far more profound…Something he was not sure how to describe, but something very meaningful none the less. And now that she was here with him for Thanksgiving and in the presence of his family, there were a few things that he had began to realize…Things he had been thinking about for weeks now. Looking back over towards his foster dad, he knew that if anybody could possibly help him with this…It was him.

“Yeah…It’s pretty serious. But…I’m beginning to think it’s a little more than that,” said Scott in deep, contemplative tone.

“Really?” said Logan as he once again stopped what he was doing and looked at the enigmatic expression on his son’s face, “How so?”

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately…” said Scott as he once again went over the twisted array of thoughts that surged through his mind, knowing that what he was about to say was something he had been contemplating for quite a while now and felt the urge to get it out before it exploded within him, “Things between Jean and I…They’re just so different compared to anything else I’ve experienced with other women. I know how I’ve told you and mom about how we have this…Connection that I can’t really put into words. But after what we’ve been through and how we’ve grown…I’m beginning to think…I’m beginning to feel as though…She could be the one. I know it sounds corny, but…I really think that Jean could actually be the one.”

A look of seriousness fell upon Logan’s face, for what Scott had just said was no laughing matter to him. He knew his son’s romantic history and he knew how he had been burned before, so this was most definitely a major turn for him. After his last relationship, he had been very worried about Scott because he felt as though his views on love had been so greatly tainted. Yet hearing him talk about this woman that had impacted him so much…There was definitely a sense of certainty and longing that he hadn’t heard in Scott before. And having been down the roads of falling head over heals in love himself, he knew the signs.

“You think she’s the one? And you’re really sure about that?” said Logan, sounding very serious.

Scott thought about what he had just said, his mind drifting back to everything he and Jean had experienced together since they hooked up. Having finally said it…Admitting to both himself and his foster father…The notion of him actually having truly fallen for Jean became more certain to him, for he couldn’t deny it to himself or to his dad. In response, he shook his head with certainty…Knowing that he had meant what he said.

“Yes…I’m sure,” he said with more confidence, “I think…I’m almost certain…She’s the one. She’s the woman for me.”

“And just how long have you been contemplating this?” asked Logan, reading the expression’s in his son’s face like a book, knowing that what he was saying was serious.

“For some time now actually…Pretty much going back to the first night we met,” answered Scott as things seemed more clearly to him as he tried to articulate it to his father, “Whatever connection we made together…It really got me thinking. I’ve been confused as hell about it…I’ve been in denial about it…But after spending all this time with her and feeling so many things for her…I think I know now that she’s the one. I…I can’t really imagine ever meeting and connecting with anybody in the same way I’ve connected with her.”

Logan took a minute to process his son’s words, for he knew they were not to be taken lightly. Scott was telling him this in order to put it into perspective and from what he could tell, it was a big step for him…One that could possibly change his life. For that reason, Logan was intent on helping his son with this in the best way he could….Because if ever he needed guidance from a parent, he needed it now.

“Then you know that sounds like Scott?” said Logan, putting together the pieces in his mind.

“What?” asked Scott, now looking to the man who had taken him in when nobody else would.

“It sounds like you’re in love with her…” said Logan, a look of dead seriousness on his face as Scott took that information in, “That connection you have with her…That connection that you share that nobody else has or can possibly understand…That’s the essence of being in love.”

Scott’s expression changed a bit as he looked away, obviously in a state of confusion at the way his father had described his feelings for Jean. However, being the unrelenting man that Logan was, he pressed onward.

“Look…I know it’s a bit hard to take in,” said Logan as he got Scott to look him in the eye again, garnering his full attention, “But it’s nothin’ to be confused or scared of. Hell, it’s something you should be ecstatic about!”

“I know…I know dad,” said Scott as he rubbed the back of his neck as he felt at a true crossroad, “It’s just that…I thought I stopped believing in true love after…”

“Come on bub, don’t start with that,” said Logan, cutting him off in mid sentence, “Nobody can ever stop believing in something like love no matter how much you tell yourself otherwise. Now I know that the relationships you’ve been in haven’t exactly been big on love…Hell, I’m still trying to process that weird ass breakup you had with that Emma Frost chick….But that relationship didn’t have the kind of love that I’m talking about. Now trust me…I know what it’s like to be in your position…I know what it’s like to be dazed and confused about it.”

“But…I just…” began Scott, struggling to put what he wanted to say in the proper words, “How can I experience something like this if so much of me doesn’t believe in it?”

Logan knew Scott had a habit of getting stuck in a stubborn mindset, but even he couldn’t deny something this significant. He could see it in his eyes and it was causing him a lot of inner conflict, but it didn’t have to be that way…Logan knew that his son didn’t have to be stuck in this state and he was determined to show him this.

“Look Scottie…” said Logan in the wise, advice giving tone that had always guided Scott so much in his tumultuous past, “I know you’ve gone thought a lot of loss in life…And because of that loss you find yourself not believing in the kind of things you thought you’d never feel again. Now love exists whether you believe it or not…And now that you’re experiencing it, you’re dazed and confused.”

“Yeah…There’s an understatement if I ever heard one,” said Scott with an admitted sigh.

“Hey, understatement or not, you can’t deny it,” said Logan, “Look…I know the feeling is strange…Believe me I know. After I met your mother, I was probably in the same situation and mindset that you’re in right now. But even I knew that what I felt for her couldn’t be denied. I knew she was the one…Probably just as much as you know Jean’s the one.”

“But why is it that whenever I think about it I just…” said Scott, once again finding himself at a loss for words as he let out a frustrated sigh.

“Yeah, I know…” said Logan grinning back at his son in reassurance, “Love has a way of being frustrating. Being single and just making good friends with women and having tons of sex is a lot different because it’s so much simpler. It gives off a feeling all its own and don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved being single. When I was younger, I had plenty of really close friends that were woman and I had lots of great sex to go around…But as nice as being single was, I don’t think I’d ever want to be single ever again. Finding somebody special…Somebody who you can connect with and really, truly love in a way you can’t do with anybody else…There’s just no real comparison. Being with your mother all these years…Hell, there’s no way to describe it. Love may be complicated, but it’s without a doubt the best thing that anybody can ever experience. I’ve been in love with your mother for over 25 years…And I know with an absolute certainty that she’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. And when a girl like that comes along into your life…You should never squander it because it can make everything so amazing.”

“But…What should I do?” asked Scott as he took in such a profound message from the man who helped raise him.

“Just say one thing to yourself…Say that you, Scott Summers, are in love with Jean Grey. Say it once and think about it,” said Logan, a look of both seriousness and encouragement on his face, “I know it may not sound like much…But once you say it, I know you’ll know for certain.”

Scott didn’t argue with his foster father as he took a deep breath, choosing not to overanalyze with this…Only act on what he knew he already felt.

“Okay…I’m in love with Jean Grey,” he said out loud for the world around him to hear, “I…I’m in love with Jean Grey.”

“There…That’s all you need to know Scott,” said Logan with a smile.

Scott took a moment to think about what his foster dad was saying and what he had just said. He had just admitted to himself that he was actually in love Jean…His connection with her and his relationship with her…It had led him to fall in love. As scary as it was in retrospect, Scott actually found himself smile at this remarkable self revelation, feeling less confused and anxious about it for the first time in recent memory. It made so much more sense now and with what he now knew beyond the shadow of a doubt and with what his foster dad described to him…Scott Summers felt he finally had some of the answers that he so desperately sought. He now knew it was true…He was in love with Jean Grey.

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While Scott took in and processed the dramatic revelation of his heart as he and his foster dad returned to chopping firewood, a blue 2002 Chevy truck pulled into the driveway up front with the loud noise of the stereo blasting AC/DC music for all to hear. The lone occupant of the truck was that of a young woman looking to be in her mid to late twenties, sporting a very fit and athletic looking body. She wore a pair of tight fitting blue jeans that hugged her sexy legs, a tight fitting Harley Davidson T-shirt that accentuated the womanly shape of her upper body, and a flannel jacket to help combat the November cold. She had deep brown eyes, fairly long dark brown hair, and tanned skin. She was Sarah Howlett, the only daughter of Ororo and James Logan Howlett and after the hour long drive, she was finally back at the house she had grown up in.

As she turned off the engine and the stereo to her truck, she eagerly got out and smiled as she stretched her stiff and tired limbs.

“Home sweet home…” she said to herself, glad to be home for the holidays.

Just then, over from the side of the house she saw two familiar figures walking towards her and her smile only grew wider, for she knew exactly who they were.

“I thought I heard that loud ass stereo of yours comin’ from a mile away!” said Logan as he smiled proudly upon his fully grown daughter as she stood before him.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed in a tone sounding more like that of a young teenage girl than that of a woman in her twenties, but she couldn’t have cared less as she ran over to her strong, burly father and gave him a big bear hug, happy to be home again.

The look on Logan’s face couldn’t have been happier, for now he had his two children back with him for the holiday…What more could a guy ask for? His daughter’s strength was uncanny given her athletic form, but he showed her that he still had plenty of strength left despite his age as he hugged her back and gave her a big fatherly kiss on the cheek.

“Welcome home darlin’. I’m glad you could make it,” said Logan as he and Sarah finally parted.

“Are you kidding?” said the young woman with a grin, “I wouldn’t miss Thanksgiving with you guys for the world! Sorry I couldn’t have been here sooner though…Things got a little hectic back at work.”

“Hey, as long as you’re here, it doesn’t matter to me! As long as I’ve got my two pups with me this year, then I’m a happy guy,” said Logan with the characteristic grin that both Sarah and Scott had come to know so well.

“Glad to hear that dad,” said Scott with a grin, always happy to see his dad smile so much.

Then, Sarah turned towards her younger foster brother that she had not seen in nearly a year.

“And don’t think I’ve forgotten about you little brother,” said Sarah with a jubilant look on her face, seeing both her father and her brother standing before her.

“Hey…I’m still taller than you,” he said with a grin.

“Ah, hell…You could be a fucking giant and you’d still be my little brother!” said Sarah with a laugh as she gave Scott an equally big hug as she had her father, making it so Scott had to practically lift her up off the ground with his strength.

With a small peck on the cheek, Sarah and her foster brother parted after a truly heart felt welcome as the three of them turned back towards the house.

“So what’s mom cooking up this year?” asked Sarah having missed her mom’s unique style of cooking or so long now.

“Ah you know your mother…She loves to keep it a surprise during this time of year,” said Logan with a grin as he stood proudly between his two children.

“Hey, she’s never been one to disappoint before,” commented Scott, “So I’m not worried.”

“You never should be when it comes to mom and cooking,” said Sarah with a smile, already hungry just from talking about it, “That’s what makes Thanksgiving one of the best times of the year for us!”

“No kidding, and this year it’s even better,” said Logan.

“Why is that?” asked Sarah curiously.

“Because this year, we have some company…Scott’s girlfriend to be precise,” said Logan with a grin as he saw Scott’s reaction.

“Ooh…” said Sarah with a wide smile on her face as she looked back at her brother, “A girlfriend? Nice…I can’t wait to meet her!”

“Well don’t worry…She’s inside right now,” said Logan, which only seemed to encourage Sarah even more.

“Goody! I can tell this Thanksgiving is going to be extra sweet!” she said, eager to meet this new woman in her brother’s life.

“I wouldn’t argue that, but try not to be overly eccentric with her,” said Scott, although he knew his sister well enough to know she had her limits.

“Aw, he’s just saying that because he REALLY likes her!” said Logan, giving Scott a quick wink, which made him feel all the more embarrassed in his current position.

“Really now?” said Sarah, sounding all the more intrigued, “Well don’t worry Scott…You know me. You ain’t got nothin’ to worry about! I’ll keep it cool with her, you know I will.”

Scott couldn’t help but blush at his sister’s tone. In the past when he had been in other relationships, whether they were serious or one night stands, Sarah was always one to make things interesting with them. She was always friendly around the girls Scott brought home just as he was nice to the many guys she brought home before she went off to college. Sarah was a lot like her father in many ways…Outspoken, honest, and she had a wry sense of humor. Growing up, she had been somewhat of a tomboy, playing sports and having numerous hobbies centered around cars while other girls were braiding each other’s hair and playing with dolls. It made her a very interesting person to be around and Scott really enjoyed her company. And although he wasn’t exactly sure why…He had a feeling that both she and Jean were going to get along just fine.

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After Sarah’s arrival, both Scott and Logan finished up with the firewood in the back while she unpacked her stuff in her room for her week long stay. Then, after giving her mother a warm hug, she introduced herself to Jean Grey and immediately, they quickly took to each other. The older woman didn’t hide her curiosity about this intriguing redheaded woman that had become such an active part of Scott’s life. She had heard her brother go on and on about this woman so much over the phone and she had been quite eager to get to know her after some of the things she had learned about her.

Both Sarah and Jean retreated to the living room where they flipped through some of the stuff that was on TV while casually chatting and laughing with one another. Jean found it remarkable just how easy it was to be around Scott’s family. She almost felt foolish for being so anxious about it earlier. Both Ororo and Logan were nothing like the difficult parents she had dealt with growing up back home and Sarah was nothing like the older sister she fought with so often. They were all so easy to talk to and so open minded, caring, and compassionate. The way they interacted was just so moving and profound compared to her family. The Howletts were somewhat more spontaneous and fun loving, not binding themselves to a bland, banal existence. They were all just so close…Way more than Jean had seen with the other families she was used to. Logan and Ororo smiled, kissed, and embraced each other as if they were still dating and both Sarah and Scott were not afraid to talk, laugh, and joke with them. It showed just how close a familial unit they were and Jean couldn’t help but relish in being a part of it.

As the rest of the day quickly went by with introductions and settling in, Jean finally got her first taste of Ororo’s cooking at dinner that night. And the moment she took a bite of the delicious spicy chicken gumbo, she found out first hand that Scott hadn’t been exaggerating about her cooking one bit. It was so rich and flavorful, mixed with a unique blend of spices and added marinades that worked alongside some of the freshly grown fruits that Ororo had prepared earlier to give everything a wonderfully delicious taste.

In addition to the wonderful food, Jean partook in the rather rich, yet laid back conversations of the Howlett family dinner table. She quickly learned that they were no prim and proper snobs. They were a bit loud at times, didn’t really care a whole lot for table manners in such an informal setting, swore casually, and laughed and joked about pretty much anything that came to mind. They joked about things that she couldn’t imagine her family joking about, but that only made it more enjoyable in many ways and Jean found herself laughing along with them, even adding some of her own comments into theirs. It was strange because she felt more comfortable eating with this family than she ever had been eating with her family. Back home, she always had to contend with acting a certain way, using careful words so as not to spark arguments, and not touching on certain topics and eating with a family like this was just a very welcomed change.

Even after the meal was done and no leftovers were present, as was often the case in the Howlett household, everybody continued talking. Both Logan and Ororo were eager to catch up on what had been going on in the lives of their kids and eagerly listened to them tell stories about what was going on with them. Scott told them stories about Bayville which Jean often added to and Sarah talked about her new job working for automotive engineering company. Such easy conversations only showed just how close a family they were even though Scott and Sarah were full fledged adults. It gave Jean a comfortable feeling experiencing something so simple yet so meaningful with them, given how hard her old family life had been and now she honestly couldn’t imagine how she could have been so anxious earlier.

“Man, that was some meal Ororo!” said Jean as everybody began getting up from the dining room table, “Scott, did you really get to eat like this all the time?”

“You bet!” said Scott proudly, “And trust me, this is just a small taste. Wait until you taste her Thanksgiving dinner!”

“I’m already starving for it!” said Jean, only able to contemplate just how someone with Ororo’s culinary skills would cook a Thanksgiving dinner.

“Good…Because once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it,” grinned Sarah, who knew all too well the big deal her mother made during Thanksgiving.

Jean simply smiled, now feeling a lot more excited about Thanksgiving dinner this year for a change, knowing that either way, this was really going to be one to remember. As she watched Ororo start to gather up everybody’s plates, Jean once again felt the urge to step in and make use of what time she could with this very intriguing family.

“You’ve definitely got some big fans Ororo,” smiled Jean at the older African woman, “Here…I’ll help clean up.”

“No, that’s okay child. I can manage,” assured Ororo, “Besides, that’s something Sarah and Scott usually help with.”

“Oh come on…” coaxed Jean, “You guys have been so awesome to me since I got here…At least let me return the favor in some way.”

Ororo couldn’t help but laugh at Jean’s willingness to help when so often, friends of both Scott and Sarah would eat here with the specific intention to avoid doing dishes or chores. But she had already found out from conversations she had earlier with her that Jean was quite different and had a strong sense of personal individuality that wasn’t accustomed to or comfortable with such pampering.

“Hey, if she really wants to Ro…” commented Logan with a suggestive tone in his voice, hinting that it might be a good idea to continue to learn more about this young woman that was very involved with their son.

“Well if you really want to, I suppose I could use the help,” said Ororo, “It’s very nice of you to offer child. Few visitors who come here do.”

“Hey…It’s what makes me a black sheep,” quipped Jean with a grin as she carried the dishes into the kitchen alongside the elder African woman.

“Sweet…She just got us both out of dish duty Scott. Sounds like a real keeper to me!” said Sarah, giving her little brother a slight nudge of encouragement, causing him to blush slightly, “And besides, now that we don’t have to do dishes, I can finally show you and dad the little tweaks I made to the engine in my Chevy!”

“You got that truck just over a year ago and already you’re making adjustments?” said Scott with a humored look on his face, “Why am I not surprised?”

“That’s my little girl!” said Logan proudly, “Now come on…This I gotta see!”

As Scott, Sarah, and Logan went back out into the cold November night to check out what Sarah did to her truck, Jean once again found herself enjoying another conversation with Ororo. It was amazing how easy she was to talk to. She definitely envied Scott for having had such a wise, kind, caring woman raise him even though she knew it must have been difficult for him after losing his family at such a young age. Ororo spoke with a sort of wisdom and gentleness that Jean had experienced with few people before and in seeing the way she interacted with her kids and the genuine true love that was quite apparent between her and Logan really gave this woman an aura all her own.

“You really know how to make a nice dinner Ororo,” said Jean as she helped dry some of the pots and pans that the older woman was thoroughly washing in the sink.

“Why thank you child,” said Ororo with a blush even though she had heard that many times from her family, “But I’m sure your family could cook too.”

“Not like you do…” said Jean, shaking her head, feeling as though it was a crime to compare her family’s cooking to Ororo’s, “My parents always cooked the same bland meals time and time again with few variations. Every dish was pretty much identical each time it was made. They never experimented…They never veered away from the actual recipe as it was written…And it was a rarity at best that they would try something new or unique.”

“Well that’s quite a shame,” commented Ororo as she gave Jean another pot to dry, “Cooking can be quite an interesting experience if you simply pursue it actively. Just following a recipe is never enough. I find that with each meal you prepare, it’s important to experiment and add your own unique touch.”

“Uniqueness was never my family’s strong point,” said Jean in response as she continued drying the dishes while letting her mind wander back towards the family that she had always been so conflicted with, “This place is nothing like my old home back in Connecticut. The world I was born into has never really reflected who I am. Everything back home is so uptight and strict on conformity. I could never really be a part of that world and it’s kind of left me adrift in life many times.”

“Oh…I’m sorry to hear that Jean,” said Ororo, somewhat saddened that she had to contend with such a complicated predicament.

“It’s okay…It doesn’t really matter anyhow,” shrugged Jean, not wanting to dwell on that issue while she was in a place like this, “I’m happy with who I am and I have my own set of ideals separate from that of my family. I may not be a part of their world, but I wouldn’t want to be if I had to sacrifice who I am in the process.”

“That’s very admirable of you Jean,” said Ororo, hearing a great deal of personal strength in her words, “It’s important to know and accept who you are even if others don’t. And I can tell right now just by looking at you that you’re a wonderful, strong young woman and if your family can’t see that, then it’s their loss.”

“Thanks Ororo…” said Jean with a smile, blushing slightly, “It’s just that…Being here with Scott and meeting you guys has just been so great that I honestly can’t thank you guys enough for letting me be a part of your home this Thanksgiving.”

“I’m very honored you feel that way child,” said Ororo, smiling back at the young redhead as she finished up the last pot.

“And I mean it…” said Jean as her thoughts once again drifted towards how dramatic her perceptions were changed upon meeting this kind family, “Ever since I got here…I’ve seen the way you and your family interact. I see how close and trusting Scott is of you and Logan…I see how close and friendly he is with his sister…And I just see so much love between you all.”

“Oh come now Jean…I’m sure there’s love in your family as well,” said Ororo in a reassuring tone.

“Of course there is, but…It’s not the same kind of love,” said Jean.

“What do you mean?” asked the older woman curiously.

“Everything in my family…And the neighborhood and society in general from where I grew up…It feels so much like a business arrangement rather than a family,” said Jean, speaking rather distastefully at the notions that she had to contend with growing up, “It’s all so bland and insipid…Almost as though anything that even remotely deviates from the status quo is frowned upon.”

“Well you should feel lucky that you didn’t get sucked into that mentality Jean,” said Ororo.

“I do…” mused Jean, who hated thinking about what could have happened to her if she had allowed herself to become a part of that world, “The world of the rich upper class just isn’t for me. I never saw the people back home laugh like we did back at the dinner table or talk about the things we talk about. There’s just so much love and happiness between you and your family and it’s just…I honestly have never been a part of something like that before.”

Ororo couldn’t help but feel sorry for the younger woman, for it was a true shame that she had to live in such an apathetic world that seemed to neglect the simple joys in life and focus only on the stress of conforming to the world they were a part of. Having come from a world very different, growing up with an entirely different set of ideas, Ororo had found happiness in the world she had come from and the life she had built and she wished she could impart some of that wisdom and happiness upon Jean.

“Try not to think too much about that while you’re here Jean,” said Ororo in a kind voice as she placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, “As long as you’re with this family, we’ll all help to make this time free of stress and anxiety.”

“Thanks Ororo…I really appreciate that,” said Jean gratefully, “I’m just grateful that I can actually meet a family that’s open minded for a change and not so stone cold about everything.”

“Well you don’t have to be too concerned about things like that with us,” said Ororo with a smile, “Both Logan and I are very open about pretty much anything.”

“I’ll say…” said Jean with a laugh, “You and Logan have got to be the most interesting parents I’ve ever met.”

“Um…Thank you,” said Ororo, once again blushing at the redhead’s comments.

“I mean it,” said Jean with a clearer hint of enthusiasm, “You and Logan are just…Amazing. I mean for one you both look absolutely great for your age. I can probably give you a list of people that would kill to know your secret.”

“Oh there’s no secret to that,” assured Ororo, “Just eating right, staying active, and giving the body what it needs.”

“Easier said than done for most people I guess,” said Jean with a light chuckle.

“Or you could just chalk that up to laziness.”

Both women let out a round of laughter at that. It was odd how Ororo still had the capacity to laugh at the same kind of jokes that Jean and her friends would laugh at, but it was strangely enjoyable none the less.

“Yeah, I guess so,” said Jean as the laughter died down, “This is one lazy ass country.”

“Indeed…I sort of found that out when I came her from Africa with my sister when I was a teenager,” said Ororo, “Where I come from, there’s a great emphasis on keeping the body, mind, and spirit healthy. Everybody is told to be active and find something to enrich themselves on a personal level. And above all, we are taught to know ourselves and our needs so we can fulfill them on our own and with the help of others.”

“I like the sound of that mindset,” said Jean, trying to imagine such a life in an exotic place like Africa, “It definitely sounds better than the pampering everybody strives for around here.”

“And it’s something that’s unique to all of us,” continued Ororo, “For me, I’ve come to know what keeps me strong and vital. From the activities I enjoy, to the food I eat, I know what makes me stronger and what’s good for me.”

“And the effects show,” said Jean as she once again took in the vibrant beauty that surrounded the older woman.

“Thank you,” smiled the African woman, “Both Logan and I are quite health conscious. With his line of work in an auto garage, he always gets a lot of exercise. And I stay plenty active as well outdoors, given my line of work at the botanical garden. And of course…A good steady amount of sex also does wonders for both the body and spirit.”

Jean felt herself blush at Ororo’s mention of sex even though she had shown time and time again that it was an open topic in this house. Her parents had always been very prude about anything even remotely sexual and this view was shared mostly throughout the society she grew up in. Despite this, she tried to keep herself from stumbling too much as she tried to become more accustomed to the notion of discussing it with her boyfriend’s mother.

“Yeah…You can’t go wrong with that I guess,” she said, still blushing.

“Oh come now Jean, there’s no need to sound embarrassed,” assured Ororo upon seeing her face, “Sex is a wonderful, natural experience that everybody deserves to enjoy. There’s no reason for it to be such an uncomfortable topic.”

“I know, I know…” said Jean, still feeling a bit awkward, “I guess I’m just not used to talking about it with my boyfriend’s mom.”

“That’s understandable,” said Ororo with a light hearted laugh, “I know sex is so tabooed in this country and it’s kind of sad really. It’s such a beautiful thing that should be celebrated rather than scorned.”

“Believe me…I agree with you,” said Jean, “Growing up, my parents equated sex with curse words and everybody was forbidden to talk about it. But that didn’t stop me because I know that I’m a very sexual person by nature. They said it’s a bad thing…But after I experienced it for myself, I knew they were wrong and I knew that it could be a truly wonderful thing.”

“And you should feel proud that you’ve discovered such things on your own Jean,” said Ororo in response, “You were strong and independent enough to find your own sexuality instead of yielding to the taboos of others. I remember going through a similar phase when I first came to this country. Growing up, I enjoyed sex just as much as the next person and I had a variety of lovers both in Africa and here. I always sought the strong, powerful men…The ones who gave both raw unbridled energy and passion to sex.”

“Oh yes…Those were the kind of men I always fantasized about as well,” said Jean with a grin as she began to feel more comfortable talking about this with her, “It’s just too bad I often ended up hooking up with so many jerks.”

“Well I did too,” said Ororo, keeping it more realistic for the young redhead, “I had a few relationships…Some good, some I’d rather forget. But I always used common sense and ration to keep things simple when it came to sex, love, and relationships. And it was an enjoyable experience…Going through so much growth, finding myself and my sexuality in the process. But then…One day it all changed when I met a rugged, strong, burly Canadian man with a rebellious attitude, a heart of gold, and the sexual prowess of an animal.”

Jean heard the subtle shift in the older woman’s voice as she reminisced on such a treasured memory that still hung so vivid in her mind even after over 25 years of marriage.

“Logan I presume…” grinned Jean.

“Oh yes…He definitely changed my life in so many ways,” mused Ororo with a large smile on her face, “I first saw him when I was 18 and he was 20. He came in on a loud, roaring Harley Davidson motorcycle wearing rugged clothes and looking like something out of a biker movie. He had a persona and style all his own…Rugged yet soft…Strong yet gentle…Rebellious yet noble. He was like one of the warriors back in African folklore that I grew up hearing about and of course…I was hopelessly attracted to him.”

“I can see that…” chuckled Jean as she heard the tone in Ororo’s voice which almost reminded her of Kitty in some respects.

“I was at a loss for words when I first saw him…But that didn’t stop us from incessantly flirting,” said Ororo with a wide grin as she recalled memory that always seemed to bring her so much happiness every time she thought about it, “We must of set some kind of record at some point because it was clear that he wanted me right off the back just as much as I wanted him. And from there…We connected. I can’t tell you exactly when or how it happened…But it took only the span of a single moment for me to feel it. When we came together…It was just so special in so many ways. We were both wild, young, free spirits that indulged in the joys of life…Learning and growing together. There were things we just felt for each other that we had never felt with anybody else. And because of this…We both fell so deeply in love. And I think that because of him…I truly found myself and to this day he always tells me that he believes that I’m some sort of African goddess that came to him from beyond and gave him everything he thought he couldn’t have.”

“Aww…That’s really sweet,” said Jean.

As she took in Ororo’s story, she couldn’t help but notice parallels in the way Ororo met her husband and the way that she had met Scott. Her mention of things like connection, growth, and unique feelings that could not be gained from anybody else were so much like the relationship that she had developed with Scott that it definitely made her think. She may not have considered herself a believer in true love, but in seeing how Ororo and Logan interacted since her arrival…She felt she had truly seen it. But this only made her think more…Wondering if this was where she and Scott were heading. But could it be possible? Could it really happen? There were no answers to these questions in Jean’s mind at the moment, but now more than ever…She was really beginning to consider them.

“We shared so much together both personally, emotionally, and physically when we began developing a relationship,” said Ororo, continuing with her story, “It got to the point where even the little things seemed to hold a special meaning with him. The way we talked…The way we interacted…The way we had sex…It was something truly unique and wonderful. And the thing is…It took a while for me to admit that I was in love with him. But eventually…We both found out together on one fateful night…”

“One night…What happened?” asked Jean, sounding all the more intrigued.

“Well…It was a beautiful, crystal clear night…”

***FLASHBACK***

James Logan Howlett and Ororo Munroe stood upon the tall balcony of Ororo’s apartment as they looked over the beautiful city along with the crystal clear night sky shining above them. Logan’s arms were wrapped securely around her waist, tracing soft trails of kisses down her neck, causing her to moan and smile in contentment as she felt the soft, tickling sensations that his elaborate facial hair gave her. It was a beautiful night and they were alone like they had been many times before, only the romantic setting added to the overall feeling of the world around them the likes of which they had never experienced before. And while neither Logan nor Ororo were romantics in any classical sense…They couldn’t deny the beauty and majesty of this extraordinary moment.

“Nice night…Ain’t it darlin’?” said Logan in the deep husky voice that Ororo had come relish so much in the time they had been together.

“Yes…It truly is,” she said as she began to grip his powerful arms, tracing patterns over the sexy, muscles and letting his hair form tickle and entice her body and mind, “Nature has a way of making everything seem more meaningful…”

“Yeah…Meaningful,” said Logan as his began to trail kisses up her neck and to the side of her beautiful, almost angelic face.

Ororo felt a growing desire within her as she relished in the strong, powerful hold of the burly Canadian before her. His wild, free spirit was style all his own and it took her to places on a mental, physical, and personal level that she never thought she’d experience. And beneath that wild, manly mass of muscle and testosterone, she knew he had a heart of gold…One that he had reached out to her with and given her so much.

A gust of wind then blew over them and Ororo couldn’t fight the powerful feeling within her any more as she turned around and threw her arms around the strong Canadian man, enveloping him in a deep kiss. Logan quickly reciprocated as he moved his hands down to her waste, sensing the growing desire within her and feeding his own animalistic lust for this beautiful woman. She led him back into the dimly lit apartment, but kept the doors open so that the cool, nighttime breeze could continue to blow inside. This seemed to only intensify the kiss as Ororo slipped her tongue inside Logan’s mouth while they inched closer to the bed.

“Logan…Make love to me…Make love to me now,” she urged as she gasped at the feeling of another strong breeze from outside that sent waves of passion and yearning through the both of them.

“Darlin…You know I can’t resist,” he said with a husky grin as he felt her hips quiver in his strong grip, “You are…The most…Amazing…Woman…On the face of this planet.”

“And you are…The sweetest…Nicest…Sexiest man…I’ve ever met,” gasped Ororo, desperately needing to feel the strong touch of her lover against her naked skin.

The words came pouring out of them in an uncontrolled fury of passion. They were words they never thought they’d have the courage to say…Yet in the power of such a profound moment, it flowed from them like a dam that burst under the strain of so much pressure. Passion, lust, desire, yearning…It was flooding both of their minds as their collective hearts now beat in a new burst of fury.

Ororo’s hands quickly went to work as she removed Logan’s tight fitting black shirt from his well chiseled body, exposing his strong, sexy muscles and allowing the young African woman to frantically run her hands along the abundant body hair. His hairy, almost animal-like body had always triggered an unparalleled level of passion and lust within her. She didn’t know if it was because she grew up around animals back in Africa or if it was just the way she was, but either way she didn’t care as she aggressively kissed down along his body, triggering a hot feeling of wetness in her pussy as her breathing devolved into gasps with each breath she drew.

Letting moans and growls like the husky man he was, Logan went to work unzipping the back of her short black skirt and sliding it down her sexy legs, exposing the slightly moistened black panties she had on. He could feel her heat and arousal as he reached into her panties and caressed and touched the soft folds of flesh within, making her moan and gasp even louder as she looked back at him with her beautiful, sky blue eyes. The heat from their bodies was causing a small bit of sweat to form on their skin, further heightening their desire to remove their clothing. Ororo wasted no time as she drew her lover’s hands to the side of her halter top, allowing him to slide the garment up and over her head, exposing to him her generous sized breasts.

Tossing her shirt off to the side, Logan began caressing and sucking on her breasts, sending waves of pleasure and sensual excitement through the young woman’s body. His strong, aggressive manner that brought forth so much passion was unlike anything she had experienced with other men before. Logan truly knew how to lose himself in a rage of passion and lust as he kissed and touched her breasts, making her moan louder and louder with delight. While he was sucking on her nipples, she also managed to work the fly of his dirty, torn jeans. There was already a large bulge protruding from his pants, but since the pants were so worn, they were fairly easy to get off and once Logan managed to tear himself away from her breasts, she helped her get them off, freeing his throbbing penis from it’s confines.

This time, it was Ororo’s turn to let her heightened passion take over as she once again found herself trailing her lips down her well built chest, working her way lower and lower until she was on her knees and facing his rock hard penis. She eagerly took it in her hand and sensually stroked and rubbed it as she began to tease it with her tongue in rough, sexy way that she knew he loved so much. His deep moans filled the room as the beautiful African woman began to orally please him in the way only she could. Then, in one fluid motion, she took the length of his cock into her mouth and began to rhythmically suck his member. Using her tongue, she pleased and enticed the length of the long, hard shaft, flooding the young man’s mind in pleasure as his moans and growls became more intense with each motion. Her head bobbed back and forth at an increasing rate, letting the passion and desire of the moment overtake her and drive her to new heights as she heard her lover gasp as he neared an orgasm.

“Oh God darlin…” he managed through his rough breathing, “Come on…I’m almost there…Let me make love to you now…”

Upon hearing his impassioned words, Ororo removed his cock from her mouth and once again returned to her feet. However, she wouldn’t stay that way long as Logan quickly took her in his powerful arms and enraptured her with frenzied kisses and threw her onto the bed, collapsing his body atop her in a rage of unabated passion. Ororo’s mind was already in such a heightened state that she almost didn’t have time to react, but this didn’t stop Logan as he pressed his weight against her and began to trail his lips down his lover’s sexy, womanly body.

Ororo’s panties were now soaked with her arousal as Logan’s rough lips traveled down further and further. Lifting her body so that he could better remove her panties, Logan slid the last remaining garment down her sexy legs, leaving her completely naked and such a beautiful sight to behold. Wetness had already consumed her vagina as Logan trailed his face up along her legs and enveloped himself in the intoxicating scent of her arousal.

“Oh…Logan…” she gasped, unable to form coherent words, “Oh goddess…”

The strong, feral man plunged his tongue into her pussy, setting off a wave of loud moans from the young woman as he teased and pleasured her clit in a quick, rhythmic manner. He grunted in approval at her wonderful scent as it drove him into even greater fits of passion as his hunger for this insatiable woman evolved into something that could not be contained for either of them. Working his tongue in an out of her pussy, he caused her to squeal and moan in delight, arching her back and swaying her head back and forth at the wonderful feelings of pleasure that he gave her with his unique brand of oral sex.

With her pussy getting all the more wet and willing from Logan’s teasing, Ororo couldn’t take it anymore. She wanted to feel his dick inside her…She wanted to be one with him…She wanted to be close with him and have him take her to a new level of pleasure and connection that she had not experienced before. She wanted him…She needed him so much.

“Logan…Please…No more,” she finally gasped, causing Logan to finally stop, “I want you…Please…Make love to me.”

“Mmm…Don’t worry Ro…Tonight, I’m gonna make it extra special,” moaned Logan as he trailed kisses back up to her face, using his strong hands to spread her eager legs, leaving the path open to her dripping wet pussy.

Taking his words to heart, Logan positioned himself atop Ororo once more, allowing his imposing weight to bear down on her as his rock hard dick rubbed up against the outer folds of her vagina. Then, with one swift, fluid motion, he slid himself into her tight pussy in strong, powerful thrust that caused Ororo’s entire body to arch and tense with delight.

“Oh Goddess!” she moaned as she felt his rough, burly body press against her naked form, stretching and filling her hot pussy with his erect dick.

He then captured her lips in a deep kiss as he began working his penis in and out of her at a growing, frenzied pace. Both Logan and Ororo loved sex that was strong, passionate, and frenzied in a manner both rough, yet tender at the same time. Driving his cock into her wetness caused Logan to let out grunts and moans of contentment, enjoying the tight feeling of her wet pussy around his penis and driving him into almost an animal like state of frenzied fucking. This state only drove Ororo into a further state of delight and pleasure as she kept moaning and thrusting her body in a way that showed just how much that animal side to the both of them drove their sex to new heights.

The sweat of Logan’s body mixed with Ororo’s glowing form as he took in the beautiful sight before him. Ever since he had gotten to know her and her exotic ways, Logan had long though her to be some distant African goddess…And as he saw the look of pleasure and joy on her face during this extra special moment of intimacy, he no longer had any doubts whatsoever that she was nothing short of divine.

“Oh Logan…I’m going to…I’m going to cum!” she gasped in delight as she felt his strong body thrash within her.

“Me too darlin’…Almost…There…” grunted Logan as his pace quickened and each thrust became more powerful and strong.

Ororo’s moans became louder and louder as she felt the muscles in her pussy clamp down on her lover’s cock, finally triggering his powerful release as he trust into her one last time and shot his load deep into her womb. Their sexual fluids mixed together in a plethora of pleasure as noises of ecstasy and euphoria echoed throughout the room. Both young lovers were breathing hard from their exertion, but they were far from spent as their drive and lust for each other soon overtook them again and Logan used his strong arms to flip Ororo onto her hands and knees.

Ororo knew what he was doing, for this was the position that Logan gave the most energy to. It harkened back to his burly, almost animalistic nature as he took a firm hold of her hips with his strong hands and guided his cock to her wet folds once again. Closing her eyes, Ororo felt the deep blissful penetration of his hard cock into her pussy once again as she let out another round of deep moans.

“Oh yes Logan…Again! Again!” she urged.

Logan let out a deep husky grunt of approval as he began to thrust into her at a rhythmic pace once more, driving and pumping her eager pussy into a world of sexual pleasure once again. His thrusts remained strong and passionate as he drove his cock into her at a frenzied, almost desperate pace as they bed rocked to their moving bodies and he soaked up the feeling of her tight, wet warmth around his member. Ororo’s body responded with every bit of ferocity that Logan was putting into their sex session, driving the strong burly Canadian to his limits in a way no other woman could. He brought out the animal within her just as much as she brought out the animal within him…A feat no other could boast.

Her moans were quickly becoming screams as she rocked her body against each powerful thrust from Logan as she gripped the sheets of the bed under her. Sweat was pouring off of both their bodies as the ferocious pace of their fucking was coming to ahead.

“Oh shit! That’s it! That’s it darlin’!” grunted Logan as he felt another orgasm coming on strong, this one even more powerful than the last.

“OH LOGAN!” yelled Ororo as she let out a euphoric yell that echoed throughout the room and drove Logan over the edge.

With one last powerful thrust, Logan felt his dick explode within her wet hot pussy, empting his semen into her once again in a sea of unmitigated pleasure. This caused Ororo’s earth shattering orgasm as well as her eager body tensed and milked the feral young man for all his worth.

Neither of them knew how long they made love. Time lost all meaning and everything merged together as if it were a single moment. The joy, the pleasure, the euphoria sent both Logan and Ororo to state of bliss neither of them had ever experienced before. No other lover could bring out such passion, closeness, and emotion within them…Yet as they continued to roll around the bed, making love in a multitude of ways and enjoying the warm feel of each other’s naked bodies, a new sense of closeness was forged between them…One that went beyond simple sexual frolicking and more towards raw passion and emotion.

When they finally collapsed to the side of one another, a cool breeze blew into the room, enveloping their sweaty naked bodies in a state of immeasurable bliss and happiness. Logan watched in amazement at the sheer beauty of the look on Ororo’s divine face as she smiled at him while gently running her hands over his sweaty body. They were both tired and exhausted from so much passion, but they could both safely say that nothing before had ever felt so amazing. Their bodies were still closely entwined as Logan looked back at her beautiful blue eyes, feeling so overwhelmed and so amazed that he was in the presence of such beauty and perfection. His heart rate accelerated as he lost himself in her gaze…Feeling a multitude of emotions coarse through him the likes of which he had never felt before. No other woman could make him feel this way…No other woman could bring out such amazing joy within him. And no matter what anybody else said…He was now certain in every way that this woman was nothing short of divine.

“Ororo…” he said in a deep, yet strongly emotional tone, “You are a goddess.”

Ororo smiled back at him, amazed how this strong, husky man could have such a golden heart to him. He had given her so much…He had made her feel so many things. Her heart pounded with an ever growing sense of ferocity as she looked into the strong, yet gentle man laying beside her…Knowing now more than ever that she had found something that few people truly ever had the chance to experience.

“If I’m a goddess…Then you’re my angel Logan,” she said in a soft tone as she caressed the side of his face, “I know you and I have something truly amazing…Something I doubt I’ll ever be able to put into words. But…Being here with you…Sharing so much passion and heart…Logan…I know now…That I’m in love with you. I really…Truly feel that…I love you.”

Logan could feel his heart nearly leap into his throat as he heard this beautiful woman speak such profound words to him. He could hear the subtle strain in her voice, for it was wrought with raw emotion. It was then and there that he knew for certain that lying in his arms was something he never thought he’d ever find…The woman of his dreams. She was the one…She was the woman who had captured his heart.

“Ororo…” he managed, fighting through the strain of his emotions as he reached out and touched her divine face, “I know what I feel now…I finally know what it is that you’ve given me…And I love you too…I really…Honestly…Love you darlin’.”

And with those sweet and tender words, both Logan and Ororo met in one last passionate, joyous kiss…This time wrought with love and happiness as they cool winds blowing into the room seemed to celebrate this fateful moment…One for which neither of them would soon forget.

************************************************************************

“And that’s how it happened…” said Ororo as she smiled at the wide eyed redhead who had attentively listened to ever word she had just said with unmitigated amazement.

Jean Grey had grown up not seeing a great deal of true love in the bland, apathetic world she had been born into. But in hearing Ororo’s story and listening to her words…She knew that the older African woman spoke with words of great passion and love. It was unlike anything she had ever heard before and it truly made her start to think about many things…Namely her relationship with Scott and how it was growing into something she could not explain. When Ororo described the manner in which she fell in love with the man who had been her loving husband for over 25 years…It kept making her think about the passion and joys that she shared with Scott. There was so much in the older woman’s story that she could relate to her life…And now it felt as though that maybe…Just maybe…Such a story could finally help her put her relationship with Scott into perspective. This profound story and realization left young Jean Grey with only one reaction.

“Wow…”

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AN: That’s it for now folks! I hope all you Ororo/Logan fans are happy with this chapter. The scene with them was a joy to write and I hope you all like it! And don’t think I’m done with them or Scott and Jean yet! And what about Sarah/X23? How do you like how I’ve brought her into this? There’s still plenty more to come and I hope you all have enjoyed this fic thus far! And just another reminder…PLEASE REVIEW! Send them to me via email at slickboy444@aol.com or post them on the website! Either way is fine as long as you review! Thanks a bunch for reading everybody and I wish you all the best!