Logan exhaled deeply before moving the hair that fanned Rogue's face over to one side. He faintly recalled her saying something about growing it. The luxurious brown locks were now well past her shoulders and he figured she would get tired soon and cut it again or maybe die it blue or something. He didn't think it was possible, but he had seen pictures. Maybe purple.

Now laughing deep in his chest, Logan absentmindedly continued to stroke her, very aware of her shallow breathing. Pausing for a moment he wondered if she was comfortable. She made it a point to sleep sprawled out on his chest but it just couldn't be that comfortable. Taking a moment to map out his strategy, he picked up the arm she had draped over him and tucked it to her stomach. Giving her whole body a nudge, he then rolled her over to her other side. Task complete, he checked her breathing again - much deeper.

Taking the spare thin sheet they had discarded earlier, Logan draped it over her form. Catching the intricate tattoo on her upper back, he held out a hand and traced it's dark interweaving lines with his gloved finger. He never really considered this kind of thing attractive, but tracing the designs that Rogue had on her body had become one of his favorite things to do. Each had a story and a set of circumstances surrounding it. Rogue had told them all to him in that half shy, half mischievous way of hers.

This one was the one that she had hesitated the most with. It had been after Angel. Looking at the thick, dark, angry black lines, Logan marveled at just how much his girl could take without breaking. It was the only one without color, the only one without a concrete form. Just a tangle of lines set in a diamond shape, each line reminiscent of a different kind of hurt and confusion.

Suddenly overwhelmed with tenderness for her, Logan leant over and pressed a kiss to Rogue's head. Staying there for a moment while he absorbed her scent and his, he closed his eyes and gathered himself closer to her. With the sheet between them, they were safe and he fell asleep in the unfamiliar bed almost instantly, pressed tight against the warmth that he could no longer sleep even one night without.

---

Logan woke up the next day at dawn with murder on his mind. Not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, it generally took a while for both of them to wake up and get going. A good ten minutes of snuggling, another five of blinking and getting used to the light, maybe ten more of stretching before finally remembering how good it felt to touch. That would be the cincher. Feeling the interest in their bodies, Logan and Rogue would finally open their eyes and say good morning in between kisses and caresses. All together it was a good system, even if it did take a long time. This morning they had no such luck. They were still in the early stages of snuggling tightly when Todd and Lance showed up.

Todd was the first to burst through the door. Stumbling over the clothes strewn on the floor because he had his hand over his eyes, he giggled like a lunatic before yelling at the top of his voice.

"Hey, rise and shine!!"

Lance walked in completely wide eyed and grinned at the couple.

"Well shit, ain't that adorable."

Logan rumbled deep in his throat and pulled the sheets up around Rogue a little higher. Rogue just rolled her eyes at the intruders and ruffled her hair before sitting up. Logan growled even deeper at the loss of contact.

"Shit guys, the word is tact, look it up!!"

Todd stumbled around with his eyes still closed. He fell to the floor at one point and then it was Lance that was giggling. He disentangled the bra from his partner's sandals and flung it at Rogue.

"Roguey, we just came to tell you and the old man breakfast will be ready in twenty minutes and this is how you welcome us?"

He put a hand on his chest in mock hurt and Todd stood up to help with the puppy faces. Rogue just had to laugh. When they were living under the same roof, she quickly learned that the pair were early risers when they weren't hung over. It didn't happen very often, since they were always blasted, but when they did wake up early, they would always feel the need to bother her and a good fight always ensued. Usually ended with her taking the gloves off. Then and only then would they stop jumping on her bed and leave.

"Old man?"

Logan was now completely awake. He gave the boys a killer look and swung his legs out of the bed. Lance quickly threw his hands up and backed over to the door.

"Hey, just fooling man. No foul."

Todd stumbled and backed up into Lance. Eyes now wide open, he took in the sight of Logan's bed-head in amusement.

"Just thought you wanted to get a head start. This is your last full day here and all."

He smiled. Logan growled. Rogue put a gloved hand to his arm. She really didn't think he was going to charge across the room naked, but you never knew.

"Thanks guys, now could ya please leave before Ah let tha old man loose?"

Todd grabbed Lance and they both left mumbling and muttering under their breath. The door finally closed, Logan stood and went to throw on a pair of pajama bottoms. He never wore the tops. Those usually made for big sleepshirts for her. Rogue watched his actions carefully with a crooked smile. The tattoo that she convinced him to get the previous month, flexed marvelously on his upper bicep with the effort of tying the drawstring. A body like that could never be an old man's.

"Ya know, they're tryin' real hard ta be nice."

Logan raised an eyebrow and went to the small mini-bar hidden away in a night table.

"Old man?"

Rogue shrugged and rolled her eyes before stretching.

"They are. Yer just kinda scary ta them is all."

"But do I have to shread them for them to stop calling me old man?"

To Logan's dismay, she laughed. It wasn't like he hated those kids. They had done a lot for his Rogue, but shit, old man? Like he didn't have enough guilt over that anyway. Rogue gave a final stretch before getting up. Now it was his turn to follow her across the room with his gaze. They hadn't exactly woken up like he wanted to. Because of them. He took another drink of his beer and looked outside, letting his frustration melt away with the beautiful scenery of the bay below.

To his surprise, Rogue walked over and settled in his lap, a blur of hazy white wrapped in see through mesh netting. People on the island used it over their beds to sleep with the windows open and not worry about bugs. Logan had a feeling they were going to take a whole bunch of the stuff back home.

"It's ah gorgeous view."

He hands started to trace her hips automatically.

"Yes it is."

She caught them for a second.

"Ah meant tha bay."

He resumed his exploration and added soft kisses along the curve of her breast.

"That's what I meant too."

Rogue giggled at the feel of his muffled breath against her skin. They hadn't exactly woken up as planned after all.

"When does tha boat leave?"

He mumbled without pausing.

"Later."

Rogue smiled and threw her head back to allow him better access to her neck.

"Good, then you could do me ah favor, sugah."

"Hmm."

Her smile grew wider and she grabbed the hand that was roaming her breasts and brought it to her thigh. Logan perked up immediately but didn't stop his attentions to her neck. Then he felt her mold his hand up against her sex. His eyes flew open just as hers closed. She moaned a little and Logan could only stare into her face. Under her guidance, his fingers were tracing her folds slowly. In no time they were well lubricated as she was paying special attention to her clitoris. His own sex was now at complete attention. Rogue felt it clearly through the thin mesh and opened her eyes. Logan kept staring at her impish smile as his fingers were still being manipulated around her slippery warmth.

He was having difficulty breathing and shifted her weight on his lap to accommodate his erection. Rogue took that opportunity to spread her legs a little further and finally press his fingers into her entrance. Her breath hitched and she closed her eyes again as they slipped in. Logan was enthralled. He had actually seen Rogue pleasure herself a few times, it was an unbelievable turn on for him and made for great foreplay, but she had never used his hand to do it. Not able to stand the look of exquisite pleasure in her face, he plunged into her neck again with a growly whimper. If he stared at her any longer he would come, and he wanted to do that inside her.

Shifting her form slightly in the chair again, Logan was able to move from her neck to latch onto her breast while she continued to slide his hand against herself. He fought the instincts that prompted him to just take her, instead focusing on pleasuring her and pacing himself. That became increasingly hard, when she started bucking and grinding into him and panting out his name. But Logan hung on, breathing hard against her collarbone, he held back, even when her muscles spasmed around him and her wetness permeated every nerve in his sense of smell.

When the breathing slowed and her grip on him lessened, Logan withdrew his fingers from her slowly and swiped her bottom lip with the moisture on his gloved hand. Taking only a second to drape the mesh over her lips, he kissed her deeply, tasting her wetness with his hungry tongue. Her eyes were still glazed when he pulled back. Wasting no time, he shifted her on his lap and pulled Rogue's legs to straddle his waist. Still feeling her orgasm, Rogue leaned forward in her drapery to rest on Logan's sweaty chest. He fumbled meanwhile, trying to take out the condom he had in his pocket out with one hand while finally freeing his erection with the other. The feel of her hot breath rustling his chest hairs and the lingering taste of her on his lips made the task surprisingly difficult.

Feeling the hard length throb by her, Rogue moaned slightly and pulled back when a 'snikt' made an entry in the fabric she was swathed in. Two large hands settled on either sides of her hips and she was lifted slightly before being thrust down again with a grunt. The unbearable friction left her breathless in pleasure and she had to grip the hands anchored on her hips to keep leverage. They began moving counter to each other and the repeated action eventually caused the mesh fabric to fall away from Rogue and pool at where the two bodies met, but neither cared. Logan just watched her taught body bounce and sway over him. Rogue just held on, basking in the feel of Logan so deep within her. In the warming tropical air, their bodies glistened with beaded sweat and it wasn't long before the tension in their bodies found glorious release.

Moments later, Logan had reswathing Rogue in the mesh again, and curled her back into his lap like she had been earlier. They stood like that for a while. He had found another beer and was drinking it slowly as they watched the sky fade from light purple to pink to the clearest blue he had ever seen. Aruba was truly a paradise and Rogue shared similar thoughts as the sun found it's place in the sky. In little over two weeks, she had fallen in love with the place. But New York was home. She actually missed Kitty's prattling, Scott's smile and the accent in Ororo's voice. Thankfully she had Logan with her. At first she wasn't too sure about him coming since Lance and Todd weren't exactly his favorite people, but he understood they were family and like always, he never stopped surprising her. Stretching languidly, Rogue planted a kiss on his sideburns in satisfaction. She loved this man more than anything. He responded by ceasing the soft rubbing of her calf and a deep rumbling.

"Don't start."

Rogue nestled in smugly.

"An' you're tha one with tha healing factor."

He grunted and closed his eyes, tightening his grip on her behind. Remembering something, he took another slow drink of his beer and set it down on the windowsill.

"Good morning, darling."

Rogue giggled in remembrance. It usually wasn't morning until they had a good go at it. She was just not ready to face the world until he said it. Nestling into him a little more, she basked in the ocean breeze that swept over them. She had a feeling it was going to be a great day.

"Mornin' Logan."

---

An hour later, Logan was stuffing the rest of a lunch into his backpack and heading off towards the dock. It was almost seven and the fishing boat had to leave soon if it was to catch any marlins. Giving Rogue a hesitant kiss in front of the others, he smiled warmly at her nose ring twinkling brightly in the sun before walking off in a tanktop and shorts to join the Captain he had bonded so well with. There was a case of lager balanced precariously on one of his muscled shoulders and Rogue couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in having him be all hers. At the end of the dock, the Captain was already releasing the ropes and loading equipment. Content that he would be off doing something he always wanted to do, Rogue turned to face Lance and his girlfriend, the daughter of the Captain and co-owner of the villa they were staying in.

"Do you think it's safe ta go after those things, Ah heard they can be dangerous."

"Don't worry Rogue honey, Papa takes tourist out all da time. Tomorrow is the last day of the contest and they have a good shot at a prize."

"And if anything, the old man would probably dive in and get one with the claws."

Rogue kicked Lance under the table for his comment as she settled into the metal bistro seat across them on the terrace. She couldn't help but smile at how Lance shrunk in his seat in embarrassment. Samantha had an amazing effect on him. She was beautiful for sure; caramel skin, clear gray eyes, all grace and lithe movement, but there was something about her that defied reason. Like why she would hang out with such a blockhead like Lance.

Rogue took a sip of her papaya juice and smiled. It wasn't like he was a bad guy. He was actually incredibly sweet and had grown up considerably since kicking his little habits and starting a business with Todd. If anything, he was almost mature. Almost. Apparently he only owed shirts with sharks all over them. But in the two months the surf shop had been up, they had done quite well. Rogue was unbelievably proud of them and knew that Lance's newfound responsibility had to be due in part to Samantha. Rogue had never seen Lance court anybody past a cheesy line in some club, but to get the Captain's approval, he would have to be on the straight and narrow for a long time.

Rogue sighed as she looked past the couple's soft flirting words and out over to the villa's dock a short distance away. That was something that fascinated her when she first arrived at the island. Absolutely everybody had a dock. In the small fishing community, it was more necessary than a driveway. And it made for a charming off-mainland island. Having a major cruise ship dock nearby at least once a week insured that the tiny island was prosperous and well stocked with villas, restaurants, shops, and great local entertainment.

Cupping a hand over her brow to see the Captain's ship lift anchor and take off in the warm morning breeze, Rogue went to the railing and waved furiously at Logan, who seemed to be hanging off the tip of the bow. She blew him an exaggerated kiss for good measure.

"Geez Roguey, he's coming back, I'm sure."

Rogue was about to kick him again when Samantha beat her to him and gave him a jab in the side.

"That was very insensitive, Lance honey."

He rubbed the spot and gave Rogue a look before offering an embarrassed grin.

"What I meant was..."

"Yeah, yeah, whateveah, we know what ya meant."

Rogue gave one last wave at the retreating vessel before settling down again with a sigh. The boat was getting smaller and smaller in the clear turquoise waters.

"Now what am Ah supposed ta do all day long by myself?"

Samantha perked up immediately.

"We can go and see what's new at The District shops."

Rogue put down her papaya juice.

"That's right, we really didn't get ah chance last time, 'cause some people were too impatient."

She said the last part with a look towards Lance. He immediately switched to the 'I'm hurt look'.

"Who me? It was Todd and the ol..." He looked over at Samantha. "I mean Logan too. Besides why give the competition more business. You can get anything at our shop. Todd's opened by now."

Rogue rolled her eyes.

"All you got is surfer stuff."

"Oh, I forgot, you get all your clothes at Baby Gap."

Rogue let out a gasp of protest but thankfully Samantha elbowed him first. She was really liking that girl.

"Lance!"

He actually shrunk into his seat.

"Sorry, it was a joke."

"Ah bad joke."

Rogue crossed her arms over her tiny t-shirt self-consciously and faced Samantha.

"So when can we go?"

"Right now, all of the guests had breakfast and have gone on expeditions or on tours. Plus my sister Cordelia is here."

Lance smiled. This family had amazing genes. Rogue recognized the smarmy look on his face and got up before she was tempted to bathe him in papaya juice.

"Great sugah, Ah'll be out in five minutes. Ah think Ah'll get Logan a shirt or six ...The Beach Bum had some nice ones."

Lance snapped out of his Cordelia thoughts and fumed.

"Hey! That's my biggest competition!!"

Rogue giggled and ran off before he could continue. Sometimes it made her feel bad how she would get to Lance, but then it felt so good. Plus he had Samantha to smooth him over and he'd enjoy it anyway. Opening her room door, Rogue stepped in and dropped the capri's she was wearing for a more concealing ankle length wrap. In the summers back home, ever since her mutation manifested, she spent most of her time indoors because it was so hard to go out in jeans, but on Aruba she discovered the ease of sarongs and pareos. The women there dressed conservatively but in their colorful, light fabrics, Rogue was amazingly comfortable. Plus Logan liked her in them. Although Rogue had a suspicion it was due in part to the easy access.

Slipping out of her t-shirt next, Rogue eased into a tubetop and a light see through shirt she tied at the waist. Adding a wide brimmed straw hat and tucking her gloves into her matching bag, she ran outside to meet Samantha. As expected, she was up to her elbows in Lance Alvers. Rogue cleared her throat and the couple disengage themselves from each other's arms.

"Ready ta go?"

Samantha gave Lance one last kiss and whispered something he found very interesting into his ear before walking over with her bag.

"Sure, we can take my scooter."

Rogue smiled at the thought. Everyone on the island had them. She almost choked when she came out the first night and saw Logan sitting on one that Todd had rented him. They were going out to dinner with the Captain and his family and it was how everyone was getting there. After convincing him that he was still cool for about ten minutes, they took off, and then burst into laughter at the high pitched buzz of the motor so unlike the roar of their bikes back home. But the fact that they had more seat space and went slower made the ride so much fun. Rogue was a speed demon by heart, but something about the warm tropical air made you just want to take your time. Positioning herself carefully behind Samantha, Rogue gave Lance one last wave goodbye. He looked stricken and Rogue smiled contentedly. He was so in love.

They made great time walking through The District. Eventually reaching Todd and Lance, who showed up miraculously early for his shift to wait for the girls by mid-afternoon, Rogue took advantage of her last days there to hang out with the boys at the shop and buy lunch. Stocking up on the willowy wraps she had fallen in love with as well as gifts for all of the X-Men back home the rest of the afternoon, Rogue arrived at the villa that evening happier and more at ease than she remembered being in a long time. Separating her bags from Samantha's when they reached her room, she made plans to meet her friend for dinner when Logan got home.

Bringing her bags in, Rogue kicked off her sandals and collapsed on the bed. She missed Logan and he was probably too busy gutting fish or whatever to miss her. Looking over at the window seat and remembering that morning with a smile, Rogue eventually slid off the bed and pulled out the two suitcases in the closet. Looking at the two then at the amount of shopping bags she had just brought in, Rogue idly wondered how on earth she was supposed to fit it all. Remembering that Jean had warned her to pack an extra duffle 'just in case', she breathed a sigh of relief at her friend's neuroticism and started to pack the things she knew they wouldn't need out anymore. Almost done an hour later, Rogue was zipping one suitcase up when the phone rang to life. It startled her out of her thoughts and figuring who it was, she dashed around the bed to catch it before it rang again.

"Hello, Fred's mortuary, you kill'm, we chill'm!"

"Rogue, listen carefully."

The giggle died quickly in her throat. He never sounded this glum.

"What is it Scott? Wh.."

"Listen Rogue, I know you're coming home tomorrow, but I had to tell you."

She was really scared now. Her mind swam with dozens of scenarios all worse than the one before.

"Just say it."

"Mystique busted out of jail,"

Rogue slid down to the bed and made a choking sound in her throat. Her knuckles went white around the phone. Of all the things she just imagined, none had sent a chill down her spine like this one.

"How, how could she? She was in maximum se..."

"Listen, listen, don't panic please. We're not sure how ourselves yet. The Professor is speaking to the authorities. He and Ororo didn't want to panic you, but well, Kurt and I thought you should know now. That way you can tell..."

"Todd an' Lance."

Rogue said the names in a whisper. Bringing a hand to ruffle her bangs in frustration, she fought the tears that wanted to break free. They were doing so well. So well. Just like she knew they would. The three of them got out of Mystique's hold, found reasons to start over and now they were back to square one. Scott's voice sounded so distant now that her head was throbbing.

"Look Rogue, just tell Logan and the others. We're sure she won't try anything, I mean everyone is looking for her and it would be stupid. As long as you stay sharp she..."

"They won't know what ta look for."

That paused Scott for a minute. Anger and fear twisted inside of Rogue and she knew what she had to do.

"Listen Scott, thanks for tha head's up. Ah hafta warn tha others now too an, an don't worry Ah'll see you tomorrow evening."

She pressed the receiver down with a click before he had a chance to respond. Wiping the single tear from her cheek, Rogue looked at the clock. Logan should be home soon. The excursion boats had started coming in when she had returned with Samantha. Jumping into her sandals, she grabbed her purse and ran out off the room.

---

Rogue ran out to the deck and was already on a scooter when she looked up and saw the Captain's boat anchored at the end of the long villa dock down in the water. For a second, she stared at it in shock. Logan hadn't come back, so she figured she could see Todd and Lance before he came, but there it was, and for the life of her she couldn't figure out why he wasn't home yet.

Forgoing her thoughts, Rogue jumped into action and dismounted the scooter. She raced down he stvilla steps and started trotting down to the dock. The minute she stepped onto the worn wooden planks, she spotted him. A lone figure, sitting at the very end. He was partially hidden by the anchorings you tie ropes on, but she could distinguish his shape anywhere. Moving her feet again, Rogue walked faster. Her heart was heavier with each step because she knew that he could sense her by now and still he hadn't turned around. Something was wrong.

"Logan?"

He didn't answer and she was now just a few feet away.

"Logan, Scott just called an'..."

"How could you?"

Rogue swallowed at the lump in her throat and edged around his form. There was no-one around and the sun was setting. This was stranger and stranger by the minute.

"H-how could Ah what?"

Then he was on his feet. In a lightening quick reflex, he was on his feet and facing her. Eyes full of hurt and something else - accusation.

"I tried to ignore it, I tried to deal with it."

Rogue took a step back, suddenly conscious that the dock was only five feet wide. This was so unlike him. The tone was wrong, the voice was wrong. He was so angry, so hurt.

"Ah don't understand..."

Then he held up what he was holding. A worn envelope. She recognized Mystique's handwriting on his name. Long and elegant. A principle's penmenship. He just handed it to her. Rogue stared at it.

"Take it."

With nervous fingers and growing agitation Rogue reached out and took the envelope. Sliding it's contents out, she gasped at what she found. She let them fall out of her hands to the dock in surprise. They scattered. Some fell through the planks and into the water. Most stood between them, a cruel slap of reality. She covered her mouth with her hand and the tears really fell then. What she had thought was forgotten was spread out between them and she couldn't even look away.

"Ah, Ah..."

"Please don't explain."

"It was ah long time ago an..."

"It's not important Rogue."

She squeezed her eyes shut. He didn't want to hear excuses. Explanations. What was done was done and he didn't want to hear it.

"Ah needed ta go North, Ah didn't want ta...Ah..."

That stopped him and he ruffled his hair out of desperation. The anger that could flash through him in an instant surfaced now.

"You expect me to believe that?"

He was pacing and it was almost completely dark. Rogue noted numbly that the villa was now lit brightly in the dark night nestled in the hill facing them.

"Look I knew you weren't exactly chaste when I met you. I mean fuck, I've done plenty of shit of my own. I know that you did what you thought you had to, but I..."

He stopped pacing and grabbed her shoulders. Rogue shrunk back and closed her eyes. She knew what was coming and she couldn't face it. The sobs shook her and she knew she couldn't say anything to make him stop. He stopped cold at her reaction and released her as quickly as he had grabbed her. His breath was ragged and he stood for a moment before bending over and picking up one of the photos. He shoved it under her nose practically. Tears littered it immediately. Rogue's stomach turned and she pushed his hand out of her sight. She couldn't see it. Face it. He let his arm fall to the side. Rogue could make out the little glimmering lines between his knuckles where he itched to let his claws out.

"...but I can't be with you...having seen this."

He dropped the photo in disgust. Rogue looked up at the unfamiliar tone in his voice. He was crying and she had never seen him do that.

"I'm sorry."

With that Logan walked away. Angry, hard strides shook the entire platform . Rogue turned her head to watch him. It was such a familiar form. She still had her hand over her mouth, holding her sobs back with it, but watching his figure retreat, she could not hold them back any longer. She let them out and the force of the gasps brought her to her knees. The one thing she loved, the one person she really needed just turned and walked away. Listening to Scott on the phone, she was sure that Mystique would come after her, but she never imagined it would be like this. This hurt more than anything the bitch had ever done to her. Hurt more than anything she could imagine.

Clenching her teeth at the thought, Rogue let her anger build. She needed it. It was what always got her through. When she hurt, anger tempered it. Made it hard. Made it bearable. Made her strong. Grinding her teeth, Rogue opened her eyes and looked over at the photo Logan had held up to her.

It was Guardian and her. He sometimes took pictures when she was kneeling before him. She thought she had had them all. A few days after she killed him, she had snuck back into the boarded up, abandoned house. She was blasted, even though she had promised Logan no more the day before, she could not do it sober. Vodka. It was vodka, she remembered. Technically not drugs, but still enough to get the job done. Enough to be numb.

Swaying slightly, she dragged herself up the stairs of the dilapidated building. She moved slowly, but deliberately. Yellow police tape littered the doorways and she tore through dozens of lines to get to his room. She held her hand to her mouth when she walked in. It smelled awful. It always had.

She went straight to where he kept his toys, like he so often called them. She brought one of the several silver chains hanging around her neck over her head. The one with a file. It looked like a cross, but it was much more. Dragging the metal box from under Guardian's bed, she took no time in getting it open. It was full of momentos. Sick little reminders of other girls, other places. She recognized some, didn't know others. She stood prominently in most of the photos.

Withdrawing the cigarette she kept over her ear, Rogue shoved it to her black lips and searched around her pocket for a lighter. Finding it, she lit the cigarette in her mouth before picking up a scrap of underwear she had long since forgotten she'd lost and lighting it. Tucking the panties back into the box, she morbidly watched the items distort in the heat, light and finally burn. It was supremely satisfying. She had three cigarettes while it burned.

She still hurt for her part in his death, but she repeated to herself what Logan had said. It was them or us. And guardian hadn't deserved to live. She was tired of being the one to fall. Her baby had been worth it. Desperation and stupidity had made her go so far into hell, but her baby had been worth it. Rubbing the spot that ached when she repeated his name to herself, Rogue lit another cigarette, closed the flaming metal box shut and walked out. It could have burned the whole place down, she actually considered the option later that day, but Todd thought of it first. A few days later, that house was nothing but charred rubble and although she wasn't there to witness it, Rogue knew it was one of the boys. It had been a prison for them too and at some point you have to let go. Forget.

Only in her case, it was never truly destroyed. Never truly forgotten. Curled up on the dock in a fetal position on top of a whole bunch of polaroids, Rogue remembered the time she had skipped school and come home to find Ms. Shields, their great benefactor, there talking to Guardian. With an insane chuckle, Rogue berated herself for being so simple minded. Of course Mystique had photos. Blackmail was her kind of style.

Crumbling up the tear stained past she still had in her hand, Rogue stood up slowly. She would pay. She would make her pay. Loving Logan had been a mistake. Not because it wasn't worth it to love someone, but because Rogue knew better. Things like that never lasted. No-one could love a girl like her. Her skin was actually an appropriate curse. Stained inside and out. Unworthy to even have a life grow in her. Walking slowly up the dock and into the warm lights of the villa's entrance, Rogue reached down and grabbed the purse she had dropped there. Taking the scooter that still had the keys in it, she drove off into the night. She would pay for taking her happiness. Only she had be truly Rogue again to do so.

Wiping the tears off her face, Rogue headed to the furthest bar on the island in a hazy blur. Living with Xavier and his people had made her soft. They had taught her how to love, how to trust, how to appreciate life. Those were things she needed to put aside now. Because she would pay, and if she was going to kill Mystique, the old Rogue, the one that was all bitch and turmoil, had to return first.

---

Logan's last minute fishing excursion had been an overwhelming success. He and the Captain had caught two huge marlins and one baby shark early. The Captain released them all. He had been in the water enough years to know when they were in a good streak, and as expected the fourth catch was a monster. It struggled and fought like hell for almost an hour, but eventually the two men heaved it onto the deck victoriously. Taking pictures for posterity, they came back to dock late, but triumphant. Explaining that they had to take the beast to the harbormaster for an official weigh-in, the Captain and Logan dragged it off in a wheeled fridge to hopefully claim the month's prize.

To Logan's pleasant surprise, they won by almost a thirty pound margin. Secure in the knowledge that the weight would not be surpassed in a day, Logan and the Captain were awarded the prize without contest and split it 50-50. With the unexpected wealth, the Captain suggested going to the beach. He wanted to surprise his wife with something she had had an eye on. Agreeing to go along for the ride, Logan went with the weathered older man to see an artisan that worked right on the beach. There, the Captain brought white shell earrings for his wife and Logan bought a little of his own.

Returning to the villa, Logan entered this room to find no one there. Deciding that he needed a shower in the worst way, he went into the bathroom and didn't come out until he could no longer smell salt and fish on himself. When he did emerge, the first thing he noticed was Rogue's scent. He figured she had snuck in and out and was probably with Samantha or Cordelia. She seemed to like them so much.

Settling in to have a beer and wait for her, Logan noticed an envelope on the bed. It had his name on the front in Rogue's script and was unsealed and in the villa stationary. Opening it with sunburned hands, Logan figured it was a quick 'meet me here' note. The last thing he expected to find was a dear john letter stained with giant round drops of salty tears.


Oh god Logan I am so sorry. I never wanted this to come out. I though if I forgot it, it would be okay. But everyone knows now and I am so so sorry. Please forgive me and forget me.

-Rogue


He read over the sparse lines a few times to try and make sense of them. It was impossible. It made no sense. The adrenaline in his blood rising with the panic, Logan crumbled the note in a fist and went in search of answers. She had just been in the room. She had to still be around. Logan followed the Rogue scent out the door and around to the terrace, where he came across Samantha crying and pleading with Todd. Instantly growing quiet when they saw him, the two looked away when Logan stepped forward. The foreboding sense that Logan had more than quadrupled.

"I'm looking for Rogue."

Samantha covered her mouth and tears streamed down her face. Todd awkwardly put an arm around her.

"She, umm..."

Logan covered the distance between himself and Todd in less than three steps. He wanted to let go of his claws, but somehow the distress emanating from the crying girl stopped him. So he threatened Todd through his clenched teeth.

"If something happened with Rogue, I want to know about it."

Todd just looked even more confused. Apparently he didn't know the complete story, but Samantha had straightened out immediately at the mention of Rogue's name.

"Don't even mention that name! She..."

She pulled away from a stricken looking Todd.

"Samantha, maybe..."

She silenced him with a look and Logan was grinding his teeth, but he didn't want to loose it.

"If something happened, I need to know."

Samantha leaned back against the terrace railing and fluttered the moist tissue she had in her hand across her nose. The anger was gone in an instant, replaced by hurt.

"She...I came in to call everyone for dinner, when I heard them arguing."

She twisted the tissue in her hands mercilessly, and Todd seemed to deflate. Apparently he did know something. Logan took it all in breathlessly.

"Who, who was arguing?"

Samantha gulped back a sob and continued slowly.

"Her and Lance. He was telling her that....that."

Todd put a hand on her shoulder for encouragement and Logan's arms all but squeaked with tension.

"They were talking about giving things another try. He, he, he was telling her that he still loved her and that, that you couldn't make her happy. That they almost had a baby and that, that..."

Logan clenched his eyes and the claws finally did ease out. Samantha took a step into Todd's arms. She knew about them by reputation but just marveled wide-eyed at the sight before her. Forgetting everything about control and composure, Logan swiped at the terrace railing next to him. The iron fell to pieces and Samantha screamed. He leaned over the mangled pieces, arms shaking, eyes closed.

"Rogue and ..."

He couldn't even say it. A white hot fury burned through him and Todd knew nothing good could come to his friend as a result. He pleaded with Logan out of desperation, not knowing if he was trying to convince himself, Samantha or Logan.

"That can't be right, I mean they've always been close, but not like that."

Todd turned frantically to the weeping girl.

"Maybe you saw wrong, or, or misunderstood."

At that, Samantha jumped. The anger was back. Todd just shook his head in denial.

"I know what I heard!! I'm not stupid Todd! They were talking about a baby, something about a miscarriage! Angel, I heard it clearly! That's why it ended, but he said he loved her, that he still loved her!"

Logan stopped breathing at the mention of Angel. Yes, it had to be true. No one knew about it, so it had to be true. He remained braced against the railing, claws still extended, mind still reeling. The words from her letter rang in his head I'm so sorry, please forgive me, please forget me. For the first time in a long time, Logan felt tears moisten his eyes. Her words melded with Samantha's screaming. The girl was nearly hysterical and Todd was trying futily to calm her down.

"Then he grabbed her, that asshole!! They were all over each other when I came in! You should have seen how guilty they looked, I...I..."

Samantha stopped at that junction in the story, unable to speak any further. Still crying, she took off running and Todd went to follow when he felt an iron grip around his arm. He turned a petrified gaze to a man he never would have guessed could cry.

"Did they..."

The unspoken was left hanging in the air and Todd swallowed hard.

"No, no, of course not, she's like a sister to him, why would he?"

Then Logan saw it. It was brief and wavering, but doubt flicked across Todd's eyes. Todd distinctly remembered the time they disappeared together for a few days. After that Lance and Rogue never fought the same again. Todd remembered the quiet truce they shared. It was a secret. He had asked Lance about it once and his friend just got a haunted look on his face. Said it was none of his business. That he would never touch something that was Guardian's anyway. But the strange bond he and Rogue shared was undeniable. Maybe it was true.

Logan sniffed at the uncertainty emanating from Todd. He was trying to protect his friend, maybe he really didn't know, but it was there - a flicker of doubt and that was all Logan needed. As if suddenly remembering the reason he stormed out of his room in the first place, Logan gritted his teeth. His growl was a harsh contradiction to the tears still on his face.

"Where did she go?"

"I don't know. I didn't see."

He released the scrawnier man and stormed off. He would find her. Had to find her. It was an island after all, and he had to find her. Look into her eyes to see if it was true. He had to see it there for himself.

---

Rogue swirled the last of her drink around the bottom of her glass. It was her sixth double, but she really didn't care. Sitting in a dark corner of the outdoor cantina frequented by field hands and day laborers, she smoked and drank. Thought and planned. She hadn't smoked in weeks, but nothing beat Caribbean rum and a smoke. Sniffing loud enough to cause the men in the joint to give her a wary look, she swiped at the tears relentlessly rolling down her face. She hated them. It showed weakness. And she needed to be strong.

By tomorrow she was going to board that plane and find her. That bitch had ruined her life enough and she needed to be ready. That thought made Rogue cry again, and she wiped at the tears a little more forcefully. She missed him and no matter how she tried to occupy her thoughts with revenge, nothing made up for the look on Logan's face. It was burned into her vision and it hurt so bad. Draining the last of her rum, Rogue flipped the glass over like an old pro to signal another one. The bartender came over with more of the same and Rogue could tell he wanted to say something. She smiled then - still crying.

"Ah'll be fine."

He tightened his lips and Rogue could see his eyes twinkle in the darkness of his face. The gills on his neck moved gently with his breath. They were such good people there. Not the same bullshit against mutants like in the States. The bartender turned and shuffled back to the dominoes game shaking his head sadly. Rogue brought the glass edge to her lips and downed back the shot. It burned and it ached and still did nothing to blur the disappointed look ingrained in her brain.

Trying another approach, Rogue tried to summon another face. One that could give her strength, make it all right. She didn't go far. She settled on the look he had that morning by the window, which already seemed a lifetime ago. When he held her in the big chair and whispered in her hair. Right after they made love. When Logan still thought the world of her and she was loved and wanted. Those two very basic needs.

Placated by the thought, Rogue eased her head down to the table and closed her eyes. It was a beautiful look. A look that would have to suffice. If she never had anyone look at her that way again, it would be all right. Because she had been loved once and the memory of that face would never fade. Fighting the urge to pass out, Rogue wallowed in the feel of his eyes, so dark and soft. That memory would have to be enough. Enough to last a bitter lifetime remembering.

---

Lance was on his way home when something unusual caught his eye. He was mentally recalculating his profits for the day. To his surprise he had discovered that he had a knack for math and was actually thinking about taking some courses in bookkeeping. Smiling at how Samantha responded when he told her the idea, he wondered if she would go out with him that night. Still thinking of places where to take her, he spotted the red shiny new scooter that he recognized as the one Todd rented for Logan. Finding it even odder that it was practically on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, he slowed down to take a closer look.

Before he got a chance to check the plates, he heard the crying. He took a cautious look around and stepped past some lush greenery. To his surprise it was Rogue. She was sitting on an outcropping of rocks that overlooked the steep hill below.

"Roguey?"

She startled and looked around at the sound of the voice.

"What the heck are you doing here and why are you crying, babe?"

He walked over and sat on the rock next to her. She had a bottle of rum in her hands and had the distinct posture of someone who's had one too many. He hadn't seen Rogue wasted in a long time. Something must have really been wrong. His voice revealed his sudden anxiety.

"What happened? Tell me, where's Logan?"

In lieu of a response, Rogue swayed into him and burst into tears again.

"L-l-logan, he..."

Then things became a little clearer for Lance. She would get like this whenever the guy with red glasses didn't show up to meet her or something. It was man trouble. He retraced an old formula in his head. Pot to kill time, XTC to go dancing, meth tabs to fight loneliness, booze for man trouble, cigarettes for every minute in between.

"Hey, you guys had a fight? No biggie, you'll figure it out. Sam and me fight all the time."

She shook her head and cried harder. Lance could barely make out the words she was trying to sputter out in between sobs.

"He...doesn't... want ta... see me... anymore."

Lance snorted and wrinkled his forehead. This was not the impression he got earlier when he barged into their room. Or every other second the last two weeks the Old man and Rogue were all over each other.

"I don't think so Roguey. You guys are like deep in it, you know?"

Rogue chuckled and pulled away. Her unfocused eyes troubled Lance, and he carefully brushed her hair back. The crying had slowed and she looked like she was slowly pulling herself together. This was better, she was calming down. Lance swallowed hard and waited. Her voice was so low it was almost inaudible above the buzzing of crickets and the sway of palm trees.

"He saw pictures of me an' Guardian."

She looked up at the last word to catch his expression. It was a mixture of shock and pity. He knew of course. It was something that he berated her over incessantly. He knew about the money and it made him furious to think she could 'favor' her way into money, while he had to sell drugs and steal and run numbers to barely get by. It wasn't until they ended up at The Destination Hotel, that Lance saw the true price Rogue paid. He never brought it up again and sitting on a rock in the middle of the countryside, the entire thing seemed so surreal, so distant, so long ago. The two punk kids holed up in that dive seemed so distant now. Rogue lifted the bottle she had to her lips and he unconsciously held out his hand. She placed it there silently and Lance took a long drink before looking over.

"He...he'll understand, just explain."

Rogue shook her head sadly and the tears had almost completely stopped now.

"He couldn't deal with it Lance. And in ah way Ah don't blame him. Why would he want someone like me?"

The pain in her voice was so acute, Lance felt it in his stomach. He put an arm around Rogue's shoulder. She reached for the bottle again with glittery eyes and took another drink. Just like old times they both thought simultaneously.

"There's something else, something you need ta know."

Lance wiped his lips from his second drink and shut his eyes as the familiar heat spread inside of him.

"It's about Mystique."

That made him open his eyes wide and stare at Rogue in horror.

"What about that bitch?"

Rogue hesitated a minute. He could see her face harden in hatred.

"It was her. It was her that mailed him tha pictures."

It took Lance a minute to process the information. Then he burst out in a torrent that showed his hate and fear.

"What?? I should have known. Even in the slammer she always has people. That bitch was always up to no good, I should have offed her when I had the chan..."

Rogue stopped his bitter raving with a hand on his arm.

"She's not in jail. Scott called earlier, she's gone."

A million thoughts swirled in Lance's head. He shot up to his feet in near panic.

"She's out? She's coming after me! After us! We put her in the slammer, and she doesn't forget! Who knows if she's already found out where we are. With Magneto's connections, she'll know!!"

Rogue stood up precariously. She blocked Lance's frantic pacing and tried to shush his ranting.

"Lance, Lance, listen ta me."

He stopped at the feel of her gloved hands at the sides of his face. He was so close to crying.

"She's gonna find us, Roguey."

Rogue shook her head and the white streaks glimmered in the dim moonlight.

"No she won't. We won't let her. Run away with me."

Lance stared at Rogue in confusion.

"The business, Todd, Sam..."

Rogue's tears slid effortlessly down her cheeks again.

"Todd will be fine, she doesn't have a gruge with him. It's us she wants, and does Sam know the truth?"

Lance's face fell. In a heartbeat he looked ten years older. He pulled away from Rogue's grasp on his face and went to sit on the rock again. He took another swig of the amber liquid.

"Tha same thing that happened with Logan, will happen with her."

"No. She loves me. I'll tell her everything, she'll understand."

Rogue chuckled. The harshness in it made Lance look at her again.

"Are you gonna tell her about tha drugs you sold ta twelve year olds, tha people you held up, tha cars you stole, tha prostitutes you fucked?"

He swung around angrily, reminiscent of Logan's reaction on the dock.

"Shut up!! That was then! I've changed..."

He looked at her pleadingly. Searching for verification, absolution even. They stood for an endless moment staring at each other. When Rogue finally spoke, her voice was low and sad again.

"Yes Lance, we have changed, but tha past we tried ta forget will always be there. That will never change. Mystique will try ta ruin you, an' Sam will react tha same way Logan did, because you an' me are tha same stained and that's all they'll ever see."

Lance pondered her words. There was so much truth to them. If Logan, who was so absolutely in love with Rogue didn't want her, who could possibly ever want him? Walking over to her slowly again, Lance wrapped Rogue in an embrace. This time there were tears in his eyes as well.

"What are we gonna do Roguey?"

Rogue turned and breathed the words into his neck. To her great surprise he didn't even flinch.

"We run away."

Lance shut his eyes tight and held on. It was the last thing he ever wanted to do again. Being on his own since he was eight, he hated the thought more than anything else, but at least he wasn't alone this time. Rogue was strong and he would be strong too.

"Okay."

---

Logan tore through the narrow, winding streets blindly in one of Todd's sports car. He didn't have a clue as to where he was headed, but he knew he had to go somewhere. He just couldn't sit and think about Rogue and someone else. The anger that bubbled up at the betrayal faded quickly enough. The only thing left was hurt, and he had to see her, see if it was true. Doing eighty in the curving, uphill roads, Logan barely registered the two scooters on the side of the road, but then something clicked in his memory and he slammed on the brakes. The car skid to a stop and for a half second all he could hear was crickets. And then something else. Crying, pleading, the familiar.

Slamming the stick shift into gear, he reversed back to where the scooters were parked. Jumping out of the car he tested the air. Rogue. Stomping over to where her trail led, Logan stopped with a skid of gravel at the sight before him. Lance and Rogue sprung apart from their embrace at the sudden intrusion and flinched when they saw the sharp claws come out.

"Logan!"

Rogue took a nervous step forward to explain when she felt Lance's hand on her arm. He shoved her behind his taller frame and she caught Logan's eyes widen at the action.

"Rogue."

It was the only word he could muster. He wanted to ask, plead, beg, but the only word he could choke out was Rogue. She was with him, someone else. It was true. What his heart couldn't accept, his eyes drank in.

"You have no business being here! You've shown how you really are and Rogue doesn't need you."

The fury in Logan hardened. He took two dangerous steps closer and Rogue clung wordlessly to Lance, who to her amazement didn't step back from the threat Wolverine posed.

"I said to beat it asshole!!"

The ground rumbled slightly and it matched Logan's growl in pitch and intent. Logan just stared at the woman he wanted so much clutching to her lover and something in him broke. The animal he tried to keep penned up for so long breached it's carefully controlled human encasement and in a fluid movement he crouched to the ground that was increasingly protesting his presence. His thighs were coiled for a single, decisive pounce when a voice tore through the air.

"Nooooo!!!!!"

All three turned at the illogical familiarity of the voice. Skidding to a stop by the clearing entrance off the road stood Rogue, a shotgun cocked in her hands, panting, confused and frazzled. In a fraction of a second, Logan recognized her scent, so warm and familiar, still intermingled with his. Lance just stared as realization dawned on him. Rogue was pointing a shotgun at him, no not at him, at ......Rogue.

Lance turned suddenly to behold the girl clutching his shirt, but he never finished the simple movement. In a surreal moment of incredible slowness, Lance saw three blades course his side. Rogue-by-him, shimmered blue and turned into the Wolverine. Lance tried to scream but the gurgle of blood rising in his throat prevented it. Instead, there was another scream, one he recognized and a growl. A deep growl.

Logan looked at the unfolding events in awe. Mystique had stabbed Lance and twirled his body around to shield her own. Three sharp claws rested by the boy's chest and he could only growl at his hated enemy. But she was far from stupid. She knew her biggest threat was not the Wolverine. She smirked at the girl a little further behind him. The one that had ruined her carefully timed plan.

"Well, well, don't we have great timing."

Rogue gasped and clutched the barrel of the Captain's gun a little tighter. Her voice sounded incredibly harsh even in her own ears.

"Let him go, you bitch, it's ovah."

The blue woman shimmered and increased her size to a more hulking Wolverine. Rogue blinked at the familiar features turned into such an ugly leer.

"I have a better idea cupcake, how about you drop the gun before I give Avalanche here a new smile."

To make her description complete, Mystique ran a claw across Lance's throat in an upcurving line. Logan growled where he stood. Mystique turned to him as if seeing him for the first time. Her laugh was a hacking sound that sent chills down Rogue's back.

"And you! Why are you so upset? A minute ago you were ready to gut this little prick yourself!!!"

Lance gurgled up some blood. Mystique laughed again and planted a resounding kiss on Lance's temple. The three claws at his throat made small punctures that dribbled blood slowly.

"Oh that was priceless, wasn't it Avalanche sweetie? I had my doubts at first. I sat in that hole they put me in for months trying to figure it out. How to kill the two of you for putting me there. How to make you pay. And then it hit me!!"

She turned her yellowing eyes from Logan to Rogue.

"I remembered the photos I had paid that stupid fuck Guardian to give me. Yes, I almost forgot you little slut, but then it was so clear to me. Why spill your guts all over your shoes when I can watch the look on your face when loverboy here found out and dropped you? When I could make you put a gun to your head when you found his suicide note?"

Rogue felt the liquor in her stomach turn against her. She glanced over at Logan. The confusion was evident on his face. They shared a tortured look while Mystique kept talking.

"And why put a bullet in Lance if I could let loverboy here do it out of jealousy. Just so much more entertaining don't you think?"

She briefly glimmered into Samantha's shape and Logan finally realized the extent to which he had been played.

"But you smelled..."

Mystique cackled again.

"You stupid fuck! I knew you could smell me, so I worked at it! When you're locked up in a cage 24 hrs a day there's little else to do but practice."

Rage burned in Logan again. The letter on the bed, the girl crying on the terrace. He had believed it all so quick. Doubted Rogue so fast. The bitch was right, she had played them all, and she would pay for whatever else she had done to Rogue. Whatever had driven her to drink again and give her that defeated look. In this hatred, Logan finally found movement again.

Still crouched low to the ground, he finished the pounce he began in an effort to kill Lance instead to knock him out of harm's way. Mystique was still focused on Rogue, explaining her motives in gleeful abandon when he leapt and swiped at her side. She screamed and catching the falling lanky frame, Logan rolled Lance to the ground and pivoted with extended claws with lightening speed to face his opposition again. Only his enemy was no longer what he expected.

The Wolverine was now Rogue again, and she was holding her bloody side with a look of total agony Logan never wanted to see. He hesitated for a second and in that moment Mystique saw the opportunity she needed. She charged forward to connect her claws with his face, but another scream tore through the humid air. This one only Logan heard. He was the only one that could hear it, because he was the only one with hearing sensitive enough to discern it above the blast of the shotgun.

Mystique flew back from the force and landed on the ground clutching at her ravaged torso. Already partially unconscious, Lance felt nauseous at the sight of her stretched out on the ground so close to him and wearily closed his eyes. The ground pressed to his cheek felt incredibly cool, moist. Slowly, he slipped into black with a smile. Even if he died, that bitch was dead first. It was gleefully ironic and what Sam would say was poetic justice.

Rogue ran to Mystique's body ready to blast her again. She stopped only a few feet away, still clutching the barrel and trigger for dear life, but it was unnecessary. Mystique had only one shot to the stomach, but the buck littered her blue mangled flesh, rupturing all the major organs essential for life. Dropping the gun she held, Rogue closed her eyes at the sudden sight of Guardian grinning up at her. Even in her death, Mystique made sure she inflicted pain. The shape held for a minute, making Rogue stagger in remembrance of another place, another time, before Mystique finally turned blue again and died.

"Rogue."

She faintly felt Logan' arms around her. Her mind still swimming with unprocessed rum, Rogue clung to Logan unsure if it was him or just an illusion. But his warmth assured her he wasn't. Weeping softly, she turned and felt the familiar hardness of his chest. The chest she was so sure she would never have the right to feel again. Choking back a sob, she savored the crush of his arms until he suddenly pulled her back to arm's length.

"Someone's coming."

That someone was safe. She could tell by how he sniffed the air. Giving her a reaffirming look, Logan stepped over to Lance. He was bordering on unconsciousness and thankfully that someone was Todd. Swaying precariously by Mystique's outstretched body, Rogue staggered to a nearby tree for support. Logan was carefully gathering Lance to take back to Todd's car and Rogue was sure she was about to faint. Catching Mystique's blue and now bloody body in the moonlight, she clutched at her stomach and slid down to the ground. She closed her eyes just as the arms and a voice she knew so well embraced her again.

---

Rogue woke up to a gentle rustling. She struggled with her heavy lids until eventually she grew strong enough to open them. She was back in her room and it was late. The salt in the air was cool and pleasant enough to rustle the curtains and the netting around her bed. Rogue brought her hand to her head for a minute to try and regain some composure. Then it all came crashing back. Logan. Lance. Mystique. Remembering everything, she struggled against the lingering dizziness she felt and tried to straighten out. Managing to get to her feet, Rogue was reaching for her robe when the door opened.

"You're up."

Rogue crossed her arms and hugged herself nervously.

"L-logan."

He saw her hesitation and went to hold her. Kissing her head softly, he inhaled her deeply. He still felt guilty about his doubt of her, but that would come later. He was just glad to have her back. Back in his arms where she belonged

"What happened with Lance?"

He pulled her to the bed and sat her down.

"He's still in the hospital. Had surgery, but he's going to be fine. Samantha and Todd are with him now."

She breathed a sigh of relief. As relieved as she could be, knowing she killed someone. Logan read her sadness and moved to reassure her by cradling her face.

"Xavier has dealt with the authorities. This being a mutant-friendly country he had no trouble extraditing the body back to the States."

"Does he know?"

"Yes, Todd and I told him as much as we could piece together, but no-one else knows. I told them it was me. That I did it. Lance corroborates the self-defense story. Since she was on the run, nobody doubted it for a second."

Rogue stared at him incredulously.

"Why?"

He crushed her to his shoulder again. His hand was in her hair.

"It doesn't matter. You're safe now."

He kissed her softly on the white streaks. Rogue swallowed the lump in her throat.

"Ah had to."

"I know. She gave you no choice."

Rogue sniffled and brought a hand to her head. It seemed about ready to rupture.

"That would be your hangover. You slept almost all day, but you'll be fine."

Rogue moaned. She was either getting older or losing her touch for a good bender.

"Can we go see him?"

"He'll like that."

"I'll go take a shower then."

Logan watched Rogue stand and cross the room.

"I thought I lost you."

Rogue stopped and looked at him solemnly.

"Me too."

Then something occurred to her.

"We missed our flight."

Logan smirked as he stood to peel off his shirt and find another one.

"Yeah, we did."

---

Rogue gripped Logan's hand a little tighter before walking into the room. Lance was half sitting on a bed being fed by Samantha with Todd sprawled out on a chair by the window sifting through a hot rod magazine.

"This looks familiar."

The three occupants turned nervous smiles to their unexpected visitors. Lance was the first to speak.

"Hey Roguey, finally got over that rum huh?"

Rogue smirked while Logan pulled her into his lap on the chair Todd graciously vacated.

"Hey Sam, he can't be that bad if he can still make smart-ass comments."

Todd giggled from behind his magazine and Lance held onto Samantha's outstretched hand. He indignantly took the mouthful of pudding she was offering.

"You laugh, put I'm the one that always ends up hurt."

Rogue's smile faded at the oblique reference. She eyed the bandages wrapped around his midsection and the IV connected to his hand.

"How long are you in heah for."

Samantha spoke up from where she was perched on his bed.

"At least another week."

Rogue nodded mutely and Logan squeezed the grip he had on her arm.

"I wanted to thank you Roguey, you know, for coming when you did. That b..."

He glanced over at Samantha. She gave him an almost invisible nudge and Rogue instantly knew that he had told her everything. He had been brave enough to bear his past to someone else.

"Mystique had as fooled for sure."

"It was nothin' sugah, you would have done tha same."

Todd had put the magazine down. The conversation had finally caught his interest.

"But how exactly did you know?"

Rogue swallowed hard and looked over at Logan.

"Well after we, me an' Mystique, spoke on tha dock, Ah went ta ah bar."

Rogue nervously tucked a strand of white behind her ear. She had told Logan everything on the way over, but it still hurt to remember him breaking her heart out on that dock. Even though it wasn't him, it still made her want to cry. She never wanted to see that look again.

"An' ah started drinking somethin' fierce, then at some point Ah remembered something. Actually, two things. One. Ah had never given Scott our room's direct line, because we didn't know it yet, just the main lobby. So he couldn't have been tha one that called. An' two, that Logan didn't have a tattoo on his arm."

She caught Logan's gaze and held it as she finished.

"We had gotten matching tattoos after Mystique went away. She had never seen it before, so out on tha dock it was missing."

Rogue looked over at Todd and Lance's incredulous expressions.

"When Ah realized it had to have been her all along, Ah went back to tha villa. Todd told me about Logan stormin' off and about Sam's story. Ah new it couldn't have been true so Ah grabbed the Captain's gun and went after you guys. Tha yellow shiny sports car by the side of tha road gave it away."

Rogue looked down sheepishly. So much had happened, it was still hard to process.

"Shit Roguey, that reads like a damn movie."

Todd's attempt at humor garnered wry smiles.

"Ah'm just glad we're all okay."

Samantha wiped a tear from her face and smiled.

"Well, everything worked out, and for that I'm grateful."

Lance kissed the hand he was holding. Rogue smiled at the gesture. Now if only Todd settled down with something other than his cars, all would be complete. Her thoughts were interrupted by an announcement over the loudspeakers. Visiting hours were over. Lance practically groaned when Samantha stood up.

"Sorry, Lance sugah, we can come back tomorrow."

He mumbled as all his guests stood up at once. He gave Logan and Todd each a handshake. He held Logan's a little longer.

"So how long you're staying?"

Rogue also looked at Logan. She didn't know herself.

"Xavier changed them to open ended tickets I think. As long as we want."

Rogue beamed. She missed home, but a few extra days on the island wouldn't hurt.

"Great, then ah think we'll stay fer ah while. Tha Spring semester won't start till next Tuesday."

She bent over and gave Lance a kiss on the forehead, where his long black hair offered protection. He threw a nervous glance at Logan before adding in his requisite smart-ass comment.

"Just make sure you smuggle me in some of Cord's cooking. I can't take a week of mashed potatoes and jello."

That got a chuckle out of everyone. They all repeated their good-nights and left to give him and Samantha some privacy. Staying behind in the lobby because he was Sam's ride, Todd also said his goodnights to Rogue and Logan.

---

Rogue enjoyed the quiet ride back, tightly gripping Logan's midsection, when the smell of the ocean breeze reminded her of something. She leaned forward into his ear.

"Ah never did ask you Logan, did you get ta catch something on yer trip?"

Logan smirked. He had almost forgotten.

"I'll show you when we get back."

That peaked her curiosity. He knew it did. When they arrived at the villa, she kicked off her shoes and settled onto the bed expectantly. He took his time though. First he peeled his shirt off, then he grabbed a beer, eventually he settled into the window chair and pretending to look outside.

"Well?"

He looked over at her nonchalantly.

"Well what?"

"Show me what you got me."

He chuckled at her impetuousness. She always knew he got her something.

"What do you mean?"

She flipped her hair and settled onto her side. He was being difficult on purpose. Then he jumped up and walked over to the drawer.

"Oh, you mean the fish. Here."

He took out a photo and tossed it to her. It was the biggest damn fish Rogue had ever seen. Taller than Logan even. She marveled at it for a moment.

"Where is it? It's not in the kitchen I hope?"

Logan took another drink and settled at the foot of the bed with a smile.

"No. We left it with the harbormaster for an extra $200. They'll preserve it and sell it to a tourist. Make a fortune."

Rogue blinked at him a few times.

"An extra $200?"

"He drained the rest of his beer slowly and settled the bottle on the floor.

"Um-hmm. After the prize money."

Rogue leapt up in surprise.

"You mean you won?"

Logan grinned at her excitement over a fish.

"Yup."

She pounced on him with a kiss to his sideburns. The action made them tumble over. Her lack of a gift long forgotten, Rogue settled her head on her bent elbow and stared at Logan for a little while. He stared back. The love was written all over her face. Probably as much as it was on his. Not wanting to wait another instant, he reached into his pocket and pulled out what he had snuck in when she was busy looking at the fish. Rogue gasped at it's beauty before venturing a hand out to touch it.

"Logan, it's beautiful."

He took necklace out of her hands and brought it over her head. She pulled her hair out of the way slowly.

"Where did ya get this?"

Logan smiled at her amazement. He knew she would love it.

"An artist down on the beach. He does it all by hand. It's pink coral shell, very rare."

Rogue looked back at him with a frown

"All Ah got you is some shark shirts."

Logan burst into laughter at the thought. Still overwhelmed, Rogue frowned before tucking into his neck and fingering the necklace.

"It's beautiful."

The rumbling laughter in his chest eventually settled down.

"You're beautiful."

She smiled.

"And I want to see you wearing just that."

Rogue perked up and gave him a quirked eyebrow expression. To convince her of his seriousness, Logan rolled her over onto her back. Rogue looked up at him still twirling the necklace lazily between her naked fingers.

"Just this?"

"Just that."

Figuring he should take the initiative, Logan decided to help her along. He untied the knot at her hip and opened her skirt to reveal her bare legs. Not wearing a shirt or gloves, he pulled her up, so that they were then upright and kneeling on the bed. He pulled on her shirt buttons next. He got them all undone before pushing it completely off her shoulders. Because she didn't want to hurt him, Rogue started to lift the corners of her tank top, but Logan hovered his hands above hers.

"Let me."

She relented with an half smile, and he continued what she started, pulling the thin shirt over her head completely. Resisting all temptation to just touch her, he stood for a moment to drink in the delicate shell beading hang between her breasts. Rogue colored slightly at the intensity of his attention. She watched him silently as he moved to pull meshing wrapped around a bedpost and hold it before him.

"Come here."

She followed his request silently, crawling into his arms. He wrapped her in the material slowly and kissed the spot between her breasts reverently. Without saying a word, he spread her body beneath his and began to cover every inch of her in kisses through the mesh. Rogue looked down at him and offered a small smile. She wanted to touch him, but gloveless and dangerous she stayed still.

Occasionally it would be like this, hours of being very slow, very deliberate and very careful. It was lovemaking at it's most open and trusting and Rogue knew she trusted him implicitly. It was always the best sex they had.

Eventually, Logan made his way up to meet Rogue's eyes. He held and pressed into her completely and the feeling they shared was more than erotic. It was loving. Disengaging from a tortuously delicate, barrier-free kiss where he only touched the dark lipstick staining Rogue's lips, he ran his bare fingers through her hair and smiled down at her.

The events of the past two days ran through both their minds. How close they had come to losing all they had found in each other. How easily they had reverted to the hurting and destructive selves they were before they learned to forgive, accept, and trust. Before they found the things they could no longer do without. The love and the redemption. All those basic needs.

"I never want to loose you."

Rogue ran a nail across his lips, careful not to touch with her flesh before looking into his dark eyes again. The love she felt reflected in them as well.

"You never will."