This "other shoe" has trampled me. ;)

Just when I think that the angst dial has been cranked up as high as it can go, you turn it up to eleven! ;)

I love how all the signs are there for everyone else to see except for the two people who are crazy about each other.

Great piece of writing here--I really liked this part because it really conveyed how much Logan worries and cares about her:

"Marie opened her eyes, squinting against the glare of the jet’s overhead lights, jarred by the transition from the sunny green field to the stark cold jet. For a brief moment she caught a glimpse of Logan’s warm hazel eyes, and then she was pressed hard against his chest, his arms wrapped around her like steel bands, squeezing her so tight she thought she might break."

"“Don’t ever do that again,” she heard him growl -- the words vibrating against her ear where it was pressed against his chest, the cold zipper of his jacket digging into her cheek -- and she would have laughed if she had enough breath."

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Growly!Protective!Vulnerable!Logan?!

You did a great job in this chapter of showing how Logan's emotions and control were almost at the breaking point yet how his actions could be confusing to Marie as he tried to get some control over himself.

Speaking of breaking points, Marie's reaction to Jubilee's gossip was absolutely heartrending:

"Marie managed a few more steps in numbness before Jubilee’s words actually sank in. Then she stumbled, knees suddenly giving way, her hand reaching out to the paneling to steady herself. She felt lightheaded and nauseous, Jubilee’s words combining with her own sudden realization, making her feel like she had been gutshot."

But I loved how later Marie showed her strength and resolve by admitting to herself that she loves Logan and then proving that by (potentially) sacrificing herself for his happiness. Now that is a damn good woman!

This story just keeps getting better! BTW, all your stories go to eleven in my book!

Author's Response: Yeah, poor Rogue. I am really piling it on, and all in a few hours, but we have to resolve the Jean Issue before we can truly move on. Thanks so much for quoting your favorite parts, I love to see that. It's wonderful to see that some of the things I was working towards (making Logan's feelings clear to him but confusing to Rogue in how they make him act, etc.) actually work!

Jubes and her big mouth are at it again. Don't get me wrong, I love the girl, but there have been many times when her input was not needed in the slightest.

Great chapter! Sorry I haven't been able to review lately. Know that I'm still reading and loving every word while eagerly awaiting more. (BTW: RL sucks)

Author's Response: Yeah, Jubes. Her brain is a few seconds behind her mouth, but then again who would expect Wolverine to have had an on-mission hookup, especially with Marie as she was when Jubes met her. Sorry about the RL suck, I'm glad to know you're still reading!

Love the description of Xavier's face as 'ascetic'. It surprised me for a moment because I've never heard the word used that way, but it really does capture him well.

And of course Logan's response to her waking up was perfect *happy sigh*. How could that silly girl not realize how bad he's got it for her? And how interesting that he didn't share her name with anyone else.

Argh, Rogue, you stubborn fool! Didn't Wolvie explicitly tell you: "Never do that again"? Hmmm? And there you go, doing exactly that.

Great chapter. It's reassuring to know what a fan of happy endings you are, especially since you seem so fond of making with the cliffhangers! I hope Rogue ends up winning against her mental Shaw, but at this point I could see it going either way--which is cool, because it leaves me on pins and needles for the next chapter :). Thanks for the great read (and the speedy updates)!

Author's Response: Yeah, I went back and forth between that and "austere," but to me "austere" implies unfriendly or aloof, and Patrick Stewart's face is just really...elegant? You would think Logan's reaction to her waking would clue her in more, but then again we also saw his distress when she was unconscious, and she missed out on that. And, yeah, she's going to do the exact thing she shouldn't, but she does have the best of intentions. Sorry about the cliffhangers...I do seem to find them the natural place to break off a chapter. I'm a little stuck on the next chapter, but I'll try to get it out soon!

WOW, just WOW, that's not the other shoes that's like the other shoe STORE!!!!!!

The way you set up her thought process is sooo Marie, A to B to M with not fact verification in between. Poor Jubes.

I love Marie's message to Charles, especially the "you know why" at the end.

Author's Response: Aw, glad you found it to be a satisfying plot point. Yeah, this Marie is a little bit prone to suppositions, but I do have to say Logan didn't really help out here. He made it pretty clear that he was there to find Jean, and he would leave Rogue and go back to Shaw Mansion if necessary, and it's not like he made any heartfelt declarations of love. We all know the growly bastard is falling for her, but you can see where she might be unconvinced. Thanks for reviewing!

uh-oh... Damn Logan and his feelings for the red head. Can't wait to see what happens to Marie now though. Update soon!

Author's Response: Yeah, Jean is quite the...fly in the ointment? Sand in the spinach? Thanks so much for reviewing!

Great chapter. Loved it. Keep up the great work.

Author's Response: Thanks so much for reviewing!