The Return

Ororo

It is a beautiful day. The sun is out, the children are outside as they enjoy their last few minutes of lunch. They are so carefree if only they could understand the most crucial decision their teacher will finish.

"I'm leaving" Ororo jumped slightly startled by his arrival as she is still getting accustomed to his stealthy habits. She doesn't have to worry about that anymore after what he is about to say.

"Goddess Logan warn me before you do that" He grinned pleased that he is still able to startle her. Ororo walked deftly away from the window as she came closer to Logan.

"Habit" Logan smiled at her as he tried to find the words to explain to her why he is leaving but they just cannot seem to form "Listen Storm, I wanted to let you know.. I wanted to let you know. Fuck Storm this is hard."

Ororo moved away from her desk as she stood in front of him ready to go through everything they had expelled last night or maybe not everything, "No it is not. You have made a decision. We both have been over this you wish to find yourself if I am mistaken please correct me."

"That's about right" Logan said as he watched her eyes looking for any signs of emotion in them as if wanting her to beg him to stay "I just didn't want you to hate me for it"

"I could never hate you Logan" she said as she turned around to grab a couple of items that were on the desk "If you will excuse me I have a few errands that I have to accomplish." She moved from around him as she headed to the door.

"That's all you've got to say. Ya not gonna read me the riot act." He asked as he moved behind her as she made it to the closed door

"No you are a grown man. You can do whatever you want. Yes I- we would prefer you'd stay but it won't change your mind." She watched him as he stood in front of her as she held one hand on the door knob.

"Storm-"

"The formalities Logan haven't we gone farther than that."

"Ro" she turned as she couldn't take the chance of facing him. She had held all of her emotions in from him until last night where he had claimed her heart and left it all at the same time "About last night-"

"Last night was a moment of weakness. I want to apologize for the things I said and did last night"

"It's ok" he said for a lack of words.

"No need to worry cause it won't happen again." Ororo turned as she twisted the knob opening the door only to have it to be closed by brute force. Logan span her around as he pressed her back against the door causing her to drop the few papers that were nestled in her arms "What if I want it ta happen again."

Flashback

Logan placed another shirt in his bag zipping it up as he threw it over his back. He left his room closing the door as he left.

"You are going to leave just like that" Logan turned to seeing Ororo emerge from her bedroom clad in her robe

"Yeah" he said as he began to head for the steps not caring to give her a parting glance

"Don't you know how much we need you here? You're just going to leave and not think of the affect that it will have on everyone else the students, the faculty your friends?!"

"No I don't know and I'd rather not find out. It makes it that much easier" he said as he pushed past her

"Fine be a coward see if we care." Logan turned back towards her being in front of her in two quick strides

"I. Am. Not. A Coward."

"You sure are acting like it. You are running from everything you are afraid but you can never out run it. It is always going to be there."

"And how do you know? You have no idea what I am going through right now."

"Oh but I do Logan. You think you are the only one that is hurting. I have lost everything that is dear to me. I will not run when the going gets to rough for me to handle these kids need us."

"They don't need me"

"Who? I know a lot of people that need you Logan."

"Like who?" he said defiantly

"Bobby"

"Popsicle can handle himself"

"Kitty"

"Half pint is going to college she is leaving anyways"

"Rouge"

"Marie doesn't need me anymore"

"Me" Logan looked up at her "I need you here Logan." Her lip quivered as a soft rain shower hit the side of his window "I have no one left. You cannot leave me too"

"Ok" he said he would stay but she knew he only meant for tonight "I'm coming back Ro" Ororo crumpled with her inner turmoil as she remembered how Jean and Scott would always use that nickname for her "I'm coming back" he said as he held her face in his hands wiping the trickle of tears that emerged on her face "I'm coming back" he said once more as if trying to convince both of them. Logan cupped the back of her head as he brought her lips to meet his. Ororo locked her hands in his unruly hair as she found purchase in his mouth as their tounges each fought for dominance. She relented as he pushed her further into her room as he closed the door gaining a soft click as they continued to indulge in one another.

"Storm?" Logan pulled away from Ororo just as Kitty and Rouge opened the door "I see he hasn't left yet?" Kitty Pryde said as she saw her favorite teacher standing a few steps away from her.

"You just caught him Kitten." She said as she bent down to capture the papers that had fallen to the floor "Until next time" she said to him before taking her leave.

"So, Wolvie you're actually leaving," Kitty asked as she looked at him from the doorway

"Yeah" he gave her a sly grin as if trying to ease her worry

"We wanted to say bye before it was too late." Rouge piped up as kitty began to twirl her hair into knots

"Please come back to us Logan" Kitty said through nerves of possibly not being able to see her teacher for a long time.

'Geez' Logan crossed the short distance towards Kitty in attempts to calm her nerves

"No problem half-pint. I'll be back." He smiled down at Kitty one of the rarities that the girl could produce from him.

"We need you here Logan. That's all I've got to say" Kitty said phased her way out of the room unable to bare the fact that he was sugar coating his departure.

Rouge looked at him "We can't lose you too Logan."

"You won't." He said as gave her a quick hug before leaving the residence.