Logan went to the Professor's office.

"Ah, Logan. What can I do for you?" Professor Xavier asked.

"I am leaving for a while – need some time away again," Logan said. "I want to go back to Alkali Lake."

"Oh? I would have thought you were satisfied with what you found out last time," Charles said.

"Call it a going home trip of sorts – it's all I got of a past," Logan said.

Jean walked in to talk with Charles but not realizing Logan was already there.

"Will Danielle be accompanying you?" Charles asked.

"Yes, she will – with yer permission," Logan replied. "I don't know how long we'll be gone – maybe a month. I know Danielle won't want to be away too long – she's so dedicated to the kids," Logan responded.

"Logan, go and have a good time," Charles said. He reached into the pocket of his suit and retrieved a sealed envelope. "I took the liberty of putting together some spending money for you and do not hesitate to call in if you require more."

Logan accepted the gift and shook hands with Charles.

"I knew this was coming," Charles added tapping a finger to his head. Logan's thoughts were strongly picked up on by Charles the night before.

"Somehow, I feel you set this all up.  I can't help but wonder why you were so insistent I go on that mission to rescue her," Logan said suspiciously.

"I am the headmaster of a school for mutants, Logan.  I'm not a matchmaker.  Although, I am honored you think of me with such high reverence and I am glad things turned out the way they did with you and Danielle," Charles said with a soft laugh.

"Logan, we are all happy for you. She's good for you," Jean said.

"I know," Logan replied softly. As he began to head out of the room, Jean excused herself to follow him.

"Look, I'm sorry I was so mean. I know you meant well," Logan apologized.

"Logan, I know things have been strained between all of us. But, I am glad it worked out this way. I think what happened with you and I helped bring me closer to Scott. I have you to thank for that, as strange as it may seem," Jean said.

"You will always be special to me – that will never change. You reminded me of how I am not all animal as Stryker said I was. You reminded me that I could love. I know I was a jerk trying to steal you away from Scott. I'm sorry if I caused any problems between you two. I lost my heart to ya and I just wanted so bad to have you love me. I knew I couldn't have you – you love Scott too much to let someone like me get in the way. You think Scott will ever forgive me?" Logan asked.

"Logan, you are a good guy - and I do love you, as a friend. Danielle fits you perfectly. I know you two will have something very special. You deserve each other. Scott on the other hand, I'll work on him to lighten up," Jean added. Logan smiled.

"Yeah, she's really spunky and sexy too," he started to say with a bright gleam in his eye, "but, not that you aren't in your own way. And, she puts up with me even when I am being a really big jerk," he said.

Jean gave Logan a hug and a kiss on his cheek before leaving to join Charles.

"It's because she loves you," Jean said before opening the door to Charles' office.

Logan stood silent smiling to himself.  This was the first time he ever heard someone say he was loved.  His heart was fluttering with joy.

"Logan," Charles called from the now open office door. "Why don't we meet down in the garage in an hour. You and Danielle deserve a proper send off," Charles stated. Logan agreed and left to collect a few items for the trip.

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Rogue entered Danielle's room. Danielle was putting together a travel bag with a couple changes of clothes. She was too excited to think about much of anything other than being on the road alone with Logan.

"Hi Marie," Danielle said not turning around. She had sensed her presence.

"I didn't hear you come back last night. So, give it up. Something really happened last night. Logan was in far too good a mood this morning at breakfast," Marie said.

"Logan threatened to castrate my ex-boyfriend. It was really quite amusing," Danielle said.

"Nothing else?" Marie asked while reading Danielle's expression.

"Why do you ask when ya already know?" Danielle questioned.

"His behavior at breakfast caught us all off guard," Marie said noticing Logan outside smoking his cigar.

"You mean the entire school hasn't heard yet?" Danielle asked.

"Danielle, the entire school does know," Marie replied with a giggle.

"And who's fault is that?" Danielle asked.

"Look, you two belong together.  We all knew it and everyone is so glad you finally hooked up.  Besides, it took you guys long enough," Rogue said.

At that moment, her expression changed – Bobby had appeared outside and was sitting down by Logan's side and began chatting with him. She drifted to think of Bobby and how her powers still keep her from being able to be very intimate with him. Rogue wished to be normal and have a normal relationship.

"Hey, what's that look for?" Danielle asked.

"I was just thinkin' how cool it is that you and Logan have… you know… gotten close – you know what I mean," Marie said.

"Listen here, physical love is the easy part – and being with Logan is really incredible. But, loving with your heart is the hard
part," Danielle said.

"Yeah, but you got through that – for me, its the physical love. I love Bobby and I want that part of the relationship too," Rogue said.

"If your love is strong, you will find a way. Trust me. Was it really that obvious with us? Oh, God, what Charles must think,"
Danielle said.

Rogue giggled and shook her head in agreement.  Danielle smiled.

"I don't think the professor is going to mind one bit," Marie responded.  "But, I just wish I could gain total control over my power."

"Hey, you are on the road to total control.  Ya got one hell of a gift and it's just takin' a little longer," Danielle said.

Danielle noticed Marie looking at a picture on the table. It was one of Marie and Logan sitting outside together. Danielle had captured that special protective look on Logan's face.

"I snuck the opportunity to shoot off a few frames. This one is my favorite. I know Logan is special to ya. You guys shared some pretty tough times. It's one thing I really like about him – his sense of honor. Hey, if ya like this picture so much, you can have it," Danielle said.

"Really? Oh, but Bobby...," Rogue trailed off thinking how Bobby would probably get jealous if he found the photo.

"Logan is your friend and that is all the picture means to you. Remember that and stick to your word," Danielle said.

"By the way, Logan and I will be takin' off for a while. He wants some time away and asked me to come along," Danielle said.

"Wow! That's great!" Marie said hugging Danielle.

"I am so nervous – it's gonna be just Logan, me and a long open road," Danielle said.

"Where ya headin'?" Marie asked.

"I haven't a clue. Logan just said north," Danielle responded.

"Well, not like you wouldn't be in good hands. Ya have fun and behave yerselves," Marie replied.

Meanwhile, Bobby began probing Logan.

"So, you and Danielle...," Bobby began to ask.

"None of your business, bub," Logan replied sternly.

"Come on, man. It's so obvious," Bobby went on. "I wish I was you about now."

"What do ya mean?" Logan asked.

"I mean you and Danielle – I wish it were me and Rogue. You know, to be with Rogue," Bobby said.

"You two still haven't figured things out?" Logan asked.

"She's so afraid of hurting me. It's getting really frustrating. This has been going on for over three years now, even though she's
gaining control over her powers," Bobby said.

"It'll happen when you least expect it," Logan said putting his hand on Bobby's shoulder.

"I gotta go. We will chat more about this later," Logan said.

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Marie and Bobby escorted Danielle and Logan to the garage. Nearly the entire school had gathered there. Scott unveiled the truck and camper he refurbished and handed Logan the keys. Hooked up in back was even a small trailer complete with a brand new Harley motorcycle. Logan looked it over recalling his old trusty truck. This one was so similar it was uncanny. And the additional bike, that made his heart race with excitement.

"Gawd, it's just like the one ya had," Marie said to Logan.

"Have a safe trip, Hairball," Scott joked. Logan shook hands with Scott then gave him a hug. Danielle said goodbye to all the kids. She hugged each and every one of them telling them all to behave and study hard.

"Marie, I promise a big shopping trip when I return," she said.  Marie hugged her.

"Bobby, you take care of Marie," Danielle added as she hugged Bobby next.

Storm, Scott and Charles all got special thank you's from Danielle. Then, there was Jean.

"Danielle, can I talk to you a moment?" Jean asked. The two women went off alone.

"What can I do for ya?" she asked.

"You and Logan – I just wanted to say I am happy for you both," Jean said.

"Thanks, Jean," Danielle said.

"You two belong together. I really don't think there could be a better match for him than you," Jean replied.

Danielle looked at her strangely.

"Part of ya wishes it was you, though. Jean, he's the first guy who has really treated me good. Even through his gruff exterior, there's a kind heart if yer open to it," Danielle said.

"I don't regret my decision. Seeing him with you this morning made me realize I could never be for him what you are. I think you really bring out his good side. He is so happy and that makes me happy," Jean said. "Go and have a good time. You both deserve a little happiness. I'm just glad he listened to me. By the way, you have a transponder in the glove compartment, just in case you run into trouble," she added.

"Jean, can't thank you enough," Danielle said.

Jean hugged Danielle before they returned to the rest of the group.

Logan helped Danielle into the truck and then jumped in. He fired it up, revved it, and looked to Danielle.

"Ya ready?" he asked. Leaning close to him, she replied yes. Logan smiled before backing the truck out of the garage. They were on their way.

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As promised, Logan headed right into Canada. Danielle was glad she brought along plenty of film for her camera. Logan made sure to give her plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wintry scenery of Canada. They laughed and talked and shared stories of their lives before meeting – really bonding together. They had been on the road for nearly eight hours when Logan pulled off the road. It seemed so desolate to Danielle – almost strange. She wondered why he chose this spot but remained silent about it – Logan knew Canada so well so he had to have his reasons.

"Come here, and bring yer camera. Yer gonna love this," he said.

He led her by her hand down a snow-covered path through the woods. It opened up into a beautiful lake – deer ran free on the other side, several eagles flew around looking for fish to eat, and Danielle looked out with complete admiration.

"God, it's gorgeous," she said and started clicking off several pictures.

He stood behind her letting her enjoy it. She finally halted taking pictures and just stood there admiring the view and deeply inhaled the clean brisk air.

After a few quiet moments, Danielle stepped forward. She closed her eyes and appeared deep in thought. Rising to her feet again, Danielle stretched out her arm and within seconds a bald eagle landed. Logan stroked the bird's snow white head before Danielle set it free again.

"Ya up for a swim?" he asked.

"That water's got to be freezing," she replied.

"It ain't all that bad. Besides, I'll keep ya warm," Logan responded slyly.

Danielle shivered at the thought of diving into icy cold water. Although, her thoughts changed as she watched Logan quickly strip out of all his clothes and then dove into the water. When he surfaced, he looked to her.

"C'mon. It ain't that cold," he called out.

She pulled off her clothes one garment at a time tormenting both herself and Logan.  She slowly strided down to the lake's edge and put a toe in. Sensing that it was cold but bearable, she started in. Logan wasn't about to wait for the hour it would take for her to get completely into the water and he pulled her in. She screamed with intense fury as he tied her up in his broad arms. He kissed her softly allowing her to slowly relax into his passion. She drew back and stroked the side of his face, running her fingers over his long sideburns.

"I forgot cats hate water," he said.

"I love the water - just not freezing cold water," she replied.

It didn't take long for her to forget about the cold. Logan's kiss was enough to send warmth through her entire body, especially as his body reacted to their being so close. She marveled at the thought that he wanted sex - here and now.

"Just think of being under that warm shower," he said between kisses and nips to her shoulder and neck.

He held her in his arms as she wrapped her legs around his waist and laced her fingers behind his neck. Their bodies became as one, and the water churned around them with their frenzied physical activities.  He groaned loudly as she cried out his name as both climaxed together and a deer peered at them hearing their vocalizations.

Coming down from the high, Logan smiled as Danielle looked at him strangely. She still couldn't believe they had just made love in the icy cold water. They got out and dressed and felt incredibly refreshed.

"There's plenty of other places just like this," he said wrapping his arms around her.

They traveled for days stopping off here and there to sight see or rent a motel room to shower and wash clothes. Logan wondered if these sleazy places were right for her. She deserved to be treated like a queen. But, anytime he had a look of worry accepting keys to another motel room, she would put her arm around him and say, "as long as I am with you, nothing else matters."

Every night, whether it was in the camper or a motel room or another lake, Logan would make love to Danielle. He would tell her he just couldn't get enough of her, which made her feel very special. Sometimes after sharing their passion, they would just sit in bed with the TV on and cuddle up close.

Other times, he would leave her alone returning later with a bottle of wine and a plate of shrimp – one of her favorite meals. He would lay down in bed by her side taking enjoyment in pampering her – feeding her a shrimp from his teeth and kissing her when she accepted it. She didn't expect so much romance from the otherwise gruff Wolverine.

They traveled right into the Canadian Rockies – right into that little town called Laughlin City – where Logan's new life began. He showed Danielle around the town he spent several months residing in. She had been there but only on business - the gig that ultimately resulted in their first meeting together.  She felt so close to Logan listening to him tell stories about his time there, how he met Marie, and how things changed for him.

They parked the truck and took the motorcycle out for a spin around town. He loved riding around with her clinging to him. Logan would smile widely feeling her arms around his waist. He pulled up along a cliff that overlooked an expansive forest.

The moon was just rising and Danielle moved to sit on the bike facing Logan. Her hands grasped his sides as he held her hips. She leaned back bearing her neck to him and he kissed her throat and worked his way down. He pulled her shirt down enough to expose her cleavage and kissed his way there and slipped his tongue between her breasts. As he left a wet trail from her cleavage back up behind her ear, she was fast at work undoing his belt buckle and unzipping his jeans.

There was something so primal that constantly drove them into fits of sexual frenzy. One could guess it was Logan being back in the Canadian territory or simply that they both shared a feral way about them and making love outside was completely natural.

She released his erection from confinement, and as she leaned forward to take him between her flushed lips Logan leaned back growling with pleasure and approval. He flung his head back as she became more aggressive - her hand wrapping around the girth of his shaft drawing out long slow strokes as her mouth wet him.

"Christ, Danielle. Oh, Christ, that's so good," he stammered out between labored breaths.  

He held out as long as possible enjoying the way she administered to his primal needs. Her grip tightened as she felt his shaft throb. Her strokes increased in speed. Her other hand ran up under his shirt stroking his tightened stomach. As he started bucking his hips, his brain completely overloaded with her stimulation of him, he began grunting louder with his impending release. His nostrils inhaled her scent of sexual arousal.

He pulled himself up and aggressively pushed her off. She wondered why until he leaped off the bike quickly setting the kickstand and pulled her to him. She knew what he was going to do and pulled up her leather skirt and hauled off her satin panties. Then, she leaned onto the bike for support as he forcefully took her from behind. He bucked hard, thrusting strongly, as his hands squeezed her breasts. She became submissive to his will with the bite to her shoulder. His hips thrusted several times more sending his seed into her and his head dropped back as he groaned loudly with release. He leaned forward against her back panting with exhaustion.

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They rode back into town where Logan took her inside the little bar where he fought in cage fights. Mac surprisingly greeted him happily offering him and Danielle the best table in the house and plenty of free beer. Danielle was given a golden opportunity to watch Logan fight. Of course, she remembered the first time she saw him fight and how he was putting on an even better show since she was watching him - his special girl. When he ousted several opponents, she went to him stepping inside the cage and putting her arm around him and sinking her hand into his back pocket. He was the champion of the cage and he had the love of his life by his side. What more could Logan possibly need at this point in his life?

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They proceeded on to Alkali Lake the next morning, which was beautiful this time of year. It was snow-covered and truly breath taking. They fished, told stories, played around, made love in and out of the water, and relaxed. 

Walking further down one of the trails, the feral animal in Logan sensed the freedom of the open space. The air was brisk and he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply – filling his lungs with a refreshing feeling.  He was really free – back in the wild and alone with Danielle. There were no kids, no noise other than the birds chirping, and no Scott Summers to break his balls. It was an odd feeling for him – he was home – being more at ease and allowing him to focus his thoughts.

They hiked down one of the smaller paths. He began to become nervous like a caged wild animal. Danielle took his hand and pulled him to sit down. She began massaging his shoulders trying to calm him, but Logan was just too tense.

For so long, all he had were his nightmares to keep him comfortable – his loneliness in not knowing who he really was, and now he had something – a new identity, friends who cared for him, a home, and now his own beautiful and loving woman at his side. The last few years had brought changes for Logan – he no longer needed to run or worry about being feared or rejected. They continued on down the path. He became agitated again, for now in front of him now was the source of his pain. Danielle noticed him freeze with fear and tension, and she sniffed the air inhaling something vaguely familiar.  She looked out into the distance at a the remains of a run down building that lay in front of them.  Logan sat down on a rock outcropping and just stared. Her own senses were hard at work and she tensed.  Danielle sat down by his side putting her arm around him. He pulled her close embracing her with a steely grip and was in need of comfort. Her hand gently ran over his back – the feel of her fingertips gliding over him relaxing him.

"This is where my life changed – where Wolverine was born," he said.

"I'm here for you," she replied, her voice trembling with hidden fear.

"I wanted you to see it – to know who I am," he said turning to her. Logan was really attempting to reach out to her.

"I need to go inside again – to see if I remember anymore," he added and started trekking into what remained of the building.

Logan walked in slowly with Danielle following closely behind. Memories began flooding back into his mind again – visions of William Stryker, of the torture, the experiments, Jean's near death the last time the team came here – nearly everything.

Just then, a shimmering silver object caught his eye. He slowly walked over to it. The shining object was his dog tag and it was hung in the branches of a shrub not too far from where he had tossed it to the ground as a sign to Stryker that his past no longer mattered. It was neatly hung there, as if someone deliberately put it there. Logan pulled it loose and looked at it – the only item he had connecting him to his past had been returned to him.

"I tossed this last time I was here," he said.

Danielle ran her finger over the shiny silver tag.

"Your military code name and number," she responded.

"I don't remember anything except the nightmares of what they did to me," he said.

She sat down for a moment deep in thought. He wondered why but opted to let her alone. She would tell him when she wanted to. Instead, he stood tall in front of her peering deeply into her eyes and hung the tag around her neck. She looked at it wondering why he was giving it to her.

"Yer my girl now," he said.

Danielle looked at the tag and smiled at it.  She had been claimed by the Wolverine.

"I love you, Logan."

He kissed the back of her hand and together they headed inside the demolished building. His heart became heavy with the thought that he could have learned everything about his past had he been selfish.  But, he had chosen his friends over knowledge from Stryker that fateful day. He sat down near the water bath that housed him when they cut him open for the metal implants. Deathstryke's decaying body was still there – a horrible sight that startled Danielle.

"Oh, God," she said turning away.

He held her close as she buried her face into his chest.  She began to tremble strongly.

"We can go if this is too disgustin' for you," Logan said.

"No, you need to do this. It just took me off guard," she said softly.  Her voice was stressed and full of hesitation.

Danielle looked at the claw marks on the side of the container as if they were familiar to her. He began reciting what he could remember and from the pieces of information Stryker had given him the last time he saw him. Danielle was horrified to hear the full story as Logan told it. The look on her face was of total understanding and he sensed she was hiding something with the way she became so silent.  The hair on the back of her neck stood up and a chill ran up her spine.  He sat down by her side and looked into her eyes.

"I just can't remember anything before this – only that Stryker implied I would hate who I was before this all happened," he said with frustration.

In the meantime, her eyes had welled up full of tears and she got up and walked quickly over to the water bath.  She collapsed down and sobbed deeply.  There were scents that still lingered that were still so familiar to her.  He went to her not understanding this show of emotion.

"Hey, what's wrong? Why ya cryin'?" he asked cupping her face in his hands.

"I haven't talked about this," she began. "They tried to change me too. I can still remember the steely shine of the blade reflecting off on the ceiling as the light hit it just right and then there was the piercing pain as they cut into me. I had no clue where I was and I didn't know what their intentions were, but they laughed as I bled. I remember that so clearly," she explained. Logan was mortified.

"How did you escape?" he asked.

"They pulled back to get more instruments and that's when I bolted. I found some inner strength that allowed me to break free and I ran – fighting my way out of the lab and out to freedom. All the while, the wound bled freely leaving a trail behind me. It wasn't until I found the road and was picked up by Loni that I was able to really escape – and heal," she said.

"Now, I understand why you and Loni are so close," he said.

Logan pulled her close. He wanted to cry with her.

"Why didn't ya tell me about this before?" he asked.

"I tried not to think about it.  I had no idea they did this to others," she replied.

"Maybe we both need to learn to put our past behind us and think about the future instead," he said to console her.

They decided it was time to return home.

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The school was still the same place. Logan and Danielle returned to a flood of enthusiastic hellos from all the residents. Marie
cornered Danielle later on having noticed the dog tag hanging around her neck.

"Where did ya get this?" she asked.

"We found it along one of the trails near Alkali Lake. He wanted me to have it – I am Wolvie's girl," Danielle replied. 

Marie smiled and giggled with Danielle.

"You two are just too cute together," Marie said.

Danielle never told Marie of what she and Logan shared of their past.