| Summary:
Logan recalls sharing his first Christmas holiday at the Xavier School. |
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| Logan sat down and
watched the snow fall and then looked down at his side to see his
Danielle sleeping at his side. It was the morning of Christmas
Eve and Logan began recalling his first real Christmas at the Xavier
School. It was Logan's first Christmas at the mansion. In all the years he has been acquainted with the Xavier residents, never had he spent the holiday with them. He watched the kids running around hanging up decorations and dressing the holiday Christmas tree on display in the large entertainment room. The smell of fresh cut pine wafts in the air and fills his nostrils with a scent he found appealing. It reminded him of the outdoors – and sadly of his time on the run. The evening would be filled with activity and Logan knew he needed to find a way to escape having to take part in it. Still somewhat a loner at heart, Logan feared having to be involved in such happy cheer. He couldn't remember ever enjoying this time of the year. For him, it was just another day of survival – of finding a warm place to stay on an otherwise cold and usually snowy night in the high reaches of Canada. For 15 years, this time of the year usually found him huddling in the back of some dark and dank bar or on the floor of his camper with several bottles of whiskey to keep him company. Charles had invited his usual company of guests to visit the school. This time of the year not only celebrated the holiday at the school but also was a time to enroll future investors. Everyone would be dressed in their best outfits and Logan instantly knew this was no place for him. But, Xavier calmed Logan's restless heart and just asked him to be present for a couple of hours and not feel obligated to dress ellaborately. Xavier knew this was awkward for Logan but wanted him to feel like a part of the school. Logan drank down two glasses of champagne hoping for a quick buzz to ease his tension. He was alone in a crowd of people he didn't feel comfortable with at the moment. As the evening drew on, he watched from the distance as the children, young adults and adults all mixed and socialized. Jean and Scott were arm in arm most of the time – Scott dressed in a nice sports jacket and slacks and Jean in a sleek black dress. Her red hair seemed even brighter against the black outfit. He wished he were Scott at that moment – wishing he could have his special girl with him now. Danielle left the mansion earlier that morning without saying anything to Logan and he felt even more alone. Logan sat down with his third glass of champagne when she came in. He didn't need to see her to know it was her. He picked up the hint of vanilla in the air and Logan peered around to see in which direction the scent was coming from. His heart began to pound as he saw her walk into the room. She was dressed in a deep burgundy full-length evening dress. The delicate satin fabric hugged every inch of her luscious body – every inch of which he was so intimately familiar with. Her hair flowed down in perfect ringlets of gold and brown and her eyes glowed a golden brown from the light eminating from the fireplace. She walked over to him and glanced lovingly into his eyes. He instantly put down his glass and hugged her. "Ya thought I would leave ya alone to have all the fun by yerself, huh?" Danielle said as she took his arm. "I knew you would be back. Ya can't get enough of me, can ya?" Logan replied. "You old dog. I know you were panicking. I smelled fear for the last hour," she giggled. "You been here all along?" he asked while glancing angrily into her eyes. "I did a good job staying just out of reach of yer animal senses," she replied. "Besides, I need to make sure all the eligible gals stay away from my man." "Hum..." Logan trailed off. Logan pulled her into the next room. It was dark and away from the festive activities. His embrace was strong and tight and his kiss possessive and passionate. She let him have his way until Marie and Bobby happened to walk by. Marie giggled and that halted Logan's onslaught of kisses. "You two need a room," Bobby snickered. "Beat it, kid," Logan snarled. "Oh, Logan. It's not our fault you are actin' like a horny teenager," Marie said. "Hey, where do you get off tellin' me what I'm feelin'?" Logan thundered. "Darlin, calm down," Danielle said. "Logan, we won't say anything. But, the professor would like all the residents in the main hall in ten minutes," Marie said. Danielle took Logan's arm and the two couples walked down the hall together. Xavier ordered champagne distributed around to everyone and when each person had a glass, he toasted a happy and prosperous future for the school, all the students, and a hopeful future of acceptance for all mutants. Logan glanced into Danielle's eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked him. "I realized I have everything I could ever expect to have right now," Logan replied before kissing her softly on the cheek. Logan looked down again at his sleeping wife. A smile crossed his lips and he felt a warm feeling deep down inside. He had his Danielle, a home, a daughter - a real life. |
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