Summary: Finally back at the mansion, Wolverine and Jubilee face the first real challenges of their new relationship¡¦ (Part four in a series)

Rating: PG-13 (Warning: One use of the "F" word towards the beginning.)

Author's Note: Like with part one, if you don't like W/J romantic pairings, DO NOT read this! The only two X-Men in this story are Wolverine and Jubilee and there is definitely romance. You have been warned. As always, flamers will be teleported to Ancient Rome and fed to hungry lions. Also, if you like this or any of my stories PLEASE visit my homepage at http://www.angelfire.com/scifi/addielogan. It has all my stories as well as my fanart. Thanks a bunch! I'd also like to say thank you to all the people who gave me feedback on the first four parts of this story. Thanks for all the nice stuff y'all said! Finally, I am refusing to acknowledge all recent deaths as a sign of protest. No comments on how so and so is dead, and therefore shouldn't be in my story. Honestly, I don't care.

Feedback and Archiving: Feedback please! If you're reading this at fanfiction.net, please be nice and make use of that little review form at the bottom of the page and I'll be eternally grateful. J Also, if you'd like to archive this anywhere, feel free, just let me know where you're putting it. Send all email to [email protected] or message me through AIM at Addie Logan218.

(I bet you didn't read all that, did ya? Come on, be honest¡¦)

I can tell by the way you're walking
That you don't want company
I'll let you alone and I'll let you walk on
And in your own good time you'll be
Back where the sun can find you
Under the wise wishing tree
And with all of them made we'll lie under the shade
And call it a jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're talking
That the past isn't letting you go
But there's only so long you can take it all on
And then the wrong's gotta be on its own
And when you're ready to leave it behind you
You'll look back, and all that you'll see
Is the wreckage and rust that you left in the dust
On your way to the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're listening
That you're still expecting to hear
Your name being called like a summons to all
Who have failed to account for their doubts and their fears
They can't add up to much without you
And so if it were just up to me
I'd take hold of your hand, saying come hear the band
Play your song at the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're searching
For something you can't even name
That you haven't been able to come to the table
Simply glad that you came
And when you feel like this try to imagine
That we're all like frail boats on the sea
Just scanning the night for that great guiding light
Announcing the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're standing
With your eyes filling with tears
That it's habit alone keeps you turning for home
Even though your home is right here
Where the people who love you are gathered
Under the wise wishing tree
May we all be considered then straight on delivered
Down to the jubilee

'Cause the people who love you are waiting
And they'll wait just as long as need be
When we look back and say those were halcyon days
We're talking 'bout jubilee

Jubilee woke that afternoon to find herself enveloped in Logan's arms. She sighed and moved closer to his chest, the steady rise and fall of his breathing and the rhythm of his heartbeat relaxing her.

Jubilee remembered the nightmare that had pulled her out of sleep and shuttered. She'd dreamt about being left at the altar again, broken and humiliated in front of everyone she knew. Only this time, the nightmare was not merely a replay of events from Jubilee's recent past. In her dream, it was Logan who left her at the altar, professing to love Jean in very much the same way that Brian had with Christine.

Jubilee lay in bed, telling herself not to worry. Logan was nothing like Brian. He could never hurt her like that. And if even they had been fighting earlier, he was there with her now.

She reached up to touch his face, exploring his craggy features with her delicate fingers. Logan grabbed her hand, letting Jubilee know he was awake.

"That tickles," Logan said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. He opened his eyes and smiled at her. "Did ya sleep it off?"

Jubilee chuckled. "Yeah, I think so."

"That's good. I don't like it when ya don't feel good."

"I don't like it much either," Jubilee said. "So what are you doing up here anyway?"

"I felt like bein' with my woman. Somethin' wrong with that?"

"Nothing that I can see." Jubilee snuggled closer to him. "I like being your woman."

"Yeah, I like ya bein' that, too."

"So stop letting Jean get to you."

Logan shifted so Jubilee's head was resting on his shoulder. "It ain't just Jean," he said. "Kitty's started in on it, too."

Jubilee groaned. "Now why doesn't that surprise me? Kitty's always been jealous of you and me. And Jean, well, I think she's jealous, too."

"Jealous? Why? She left me."

"She likes the idea of you being 'hers,' Logan. Even when she was with Scott and you had someone else, you carried a torch for her. Any woman would like the thought of a man being as devoted to her as you were to Jean. Before, she never even had to worry about that devotion wavering. Come hell or high water, you were her faithful Wolverine. But now she knows you don't hold her in the same light that you used to and she's seeing our relationship as a threat to any chance she has of you ever caring about her again."

"Jeannie ain't like that," Wolverine said. "She might really just be concerned. She'll come around."

"You're defending her now?" Jubilee asked.

"No, I'm just givin' her the benefit of the doubt."

Jubilee sat up. "Why?!" she yelled. "What, did you already forget all the stuff she said to us when we first got here? Or how about when you went downstairs and she started up again, telling you what happened between Brian and me and saying the relationship we have is a mistake? She's trying to break us up, Logan!"

Wolverine got out of the bed. "Jeannie ain't like that! I thought the same thing at first, but then I thought about it more, and she just ain't that spiteful. It wouldn't make any sense fer her ta be that way!"

"Yes it would!" Jubilee replied. "In her mind, you belong to her, and even if you aren't with her anymore, she doesn't want you to be happy with someone else so soon."

"She's never been that petty."

Jubilee rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Silly me to forget Jean's a fucking saint."

"Jubilation¡¦"

"Don't you dare use my whole name like that!" Jubilee yelled, jumping out of the bed and quickly changing her clothes. She tried to leave, but Wolverine grabbed her arm before she could.

"Where ya goin'?" he asked.

"Let go of my arm."

"Answer my question."

"I'm going downstairs."

"No. We're not through talkin'."

"For now, yes, we are. Let go of me, Logan."

"Stay here, Jubilee." Logan's voice was a growl, a command.

Jubilee snapped her arm away from him. "I'm leaving, Logan, whether you like it or not." She ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

*** *** ***

Jubilee sat at the kitchen table, sulking. Paige came in to the room and began fixing herself a sandwich. "What's wrong with you?" she asked Jubilee.

"Nothing."

"Liar."

"Why do you think I'm lying?" Jubilee asked.

Paige finished making her sandwich and then sat down across from Jubilee at the table. "Because I've known you long enough to be able to tell when you're upset."

Jubilee sighed. "Really, it's nothing. I'm just still not feeling too great after our little visit to Harry's."

Paige wasn't buying that. "It's Logan, isn't it."

"Come on, I don't pester you every time you argue with Jono."

Paige snorted. "You couldn't. If you tried, it would be about all you ever did."

"You guys are still fighting all the time? Even with the baby?"

"We're not talking about my lovelife, Jubilee."

"We're not talking about mine, either."

"But Jubilee, your relationship with Wolverine is so new, and y'all are already having problems. That isn't a good sign."

"You should know." Jubilee saw the pain flicker in Paige's eyes, and immediately wished she could take those words back. "I'm sorry, Paige, really. I didn't mean it."

Paige gave a weak smile. "It's okay. It's the truth, after all."

"Logan and I aren't really having problems," Jubilee said, trying to change the subject back to the one Paige had wanted to be on in the first place. "Just being back at the mansion and trying to adjust is making things a little tense between us. Nothing major."

"I'm surprised y'all even came back here," Paige said. "I never would've been able to handle the pressure of knowing that so many people are watching my relationship with a disapproving gaze."

"It's not really that bad-is it?"

Paige shrugged. "I guess not. Some people are okay with it."

"Are you okay with it?"

The blonde girl began to shift around uncomfortably in her chair. "To be honest, Jubilee, I'm not really sure what I think."

"Paige, you're one of my oldest and dearest friends. Don't be against this, please."

"I didn't say I was against it," Paige said. "I just said I wasn't sure. I mean, it's you and Wolverine."

"I'm fully aware of who I'm involved with, Paige."

Paige sighed. "I know that, it's just, well, that just doesn't sound like it can work out to me."

Paige's words hurt more than Jubilee thought they should. "Well it can! We love each other."

"Sometimes love isn't enough."

"We have enough going for us to make it last."

"You thought that about your relationship with Brian, too."

"Why does everyone keep bringing him up?! He has nothing to do with what I have now with Logan!"

"Because he does have something to do with your involvement with Wolverine! Less than a year ago, you were ready to marry Brian, and now here you are suddenly madly in love with Wolverine? It seems too fast¡¦"

"It isn't too fast," Jubilee said. "You know how long I've cared for Logan."

"But that was just an adolescent crush! Brian¡¦"

"Was not right for me," Jubilee filled in for Paige. "I did care for Brian, but in reality, Paige, it's always been Logan."

"Darlin', can I talk to you?"

Jubilee and Paige both turned towards the doorway at the sound of Logan's voice. "Yeah, sure," Jubilee said as she got up. She gave Paige a nod good-bye, then walked out into the hallway with Wolverine. "What?"

"Was she tryin' t'tell ya how we're bad fer each other, too?" Logan asked.

"She's just worried. Doesn't want me rushing into anything."

"Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Rushin' in ta this."

"What would make you say that?" Jubilee asked.

"Oh, I don't know, somethin' about the fact that two days in a row you've gotten mad enough at me ta run out of the room and go sulk downstairs. You havin' a problem bein' with me?"

"From what I remember, both times I left you were acting like an ass-again. Maybe I should be asking if you're having a problem being with me, seeing as you keep starting fights with me."

Logan frowned. "Don't start doin' that."

"Doing what?"

Logan sighed. "You know what. Look, arguin' like this ain't gonna get us anywhere. You still happy with me, yes or no."

"Yes, of course."

"Okay, everythin' good with us then?"

Jubilee smiled, knowing he was right when he said their arguing was pointless. "Yeah, everything's good."

"You gonna stop runnin' off every five seconds?"

"You gonna stop bein' an ass?"

Logan grinned. "I would if I could, Darlin'."

Jubilee reached out and took his hand. "Nah, I wouldn't know what to do with you if you were nice."

Logan pulled her to him and growled. "I'm sure ya could think of somethin'?"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Logan leaned in and was just about to kiss Jubilee when Jean came down the hall. She took one look at the couple, rolled her eyes in disgust, and then kept walking. Jubilee pulled away from Logan, suddenly feeling embarrassed and even somewhat ashamed.

Logan glared at the retreating figure of Jean Grey-Summers. Then he looked down at the statement on Jubilee's face, and felt himself immediately soften. "Don't let 'er get ta ya, Jubes," he said, stroking the side of her face with his hand.

Jubilee nuzzled up against him, his soothing touch making some of the hurt go away. "I try, Wolvie, it's just so hard. And it's not only her. It's Kitty, too, and-from the looks of it-probably most, if not all, of Generation X."

"Screw 'em. If they don't understand what we've got, then they're obviously idiots."

"But¡¦but what if they're right? What if we are rushing things?"

"Didn't ya just tell Paige it's always been me?"

"You heard that?"

"Yeah. Is it true?"

"Yes. I've cared for you since the moment I first met you, and those feelings have never gone away-they've only gotten stronger."

"Well, the way I see it," Logan began, "in one way or another, this has been building up for close to a decade. Doesn't sound like rushin' t'me."

"How'd you get to be so damn wonderful?"

Logan chuckled. "Ask me that once I start actin' like an ass again."

Jubilee wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss. "Even at your worst, you're still wonderful."

*** *** ***

Jean stormed into the boathouse and slammed the door. Scott looked up from the paper he was reading. "Something wrong, Hon?"

"Tell me, just what exactly do they think they're doing!"

Scott frowned. "You're going to have to be more specific than that."

"Logan and Jubilation. They were just standing in the hallway a couple of minutes ago kissing."

Scott shrugged. "Nothing we haven't done."

"The fact they were kissing isn't the point, Scott."

"Okay, what is the point then?"

"They're acting like the fact that they're a couple now isn't a big deal."

"It isn't."

Jean's jaw dropped. "How can you say that?!"

"Simple," Scott replied. "It isn't any of our business."

"How is it not our business? They're teammates and this behavior is-entirely unacceptable. Jubilee is too young to be in a relationship with Logan."

"Jean, it isn't any of our business because, although Jubilee is young, she's still an adult and capable of making her own decisions. You were fine when she was going to get married, yet suddenly she's too young for relationships?"

Jean sighed. "I didn't say she's too young for relationships. I said she's too young for Logan."

"Look, I'm not exactly sure that this is the best decision on either Jubilee or Logan's part either, but I know it isn't my place to condemn them," Scott said. "I know that if it doesn't work out, then at least one of them will end up hurt, but it's their call to make. I can only make decisions for the members of this team on the battle field, not in their personal lives."

"I can't believe you're so blasé about this."

"I can't believe you're wound up so tight about it."

"You know as well as I do that this is wrong!"

"Right or wrong, it isn't my call to make." Scott looked at Jean, taking her in for a moment, then asked. "Do you still have feelings for Logan?"

"What? How can you ask that?"

"I know what went on between you when I was gone, and I'm also well aware of the attraction you've always felt each other. And now, well, you're acting like a jealous woman, Jean."

"I can't believe you'd accuse me of that," Jean said. "I'm simply worried about a friend, and you're making it sound like I'm trying to have an affair."

"I never said you were trying to have an affair."

"It was implied."

"No it wasn't!"

"I don't want to discuss this anymore," Jean said, storming out of the room and slamming yet another door behind her.

Scott shook his head and then went back to reading the paper.

*** *** ***

Rogue looked at herself in the mirror, dressed in her wedding gown, and cried. "I can't believe in only three days I'm gonna be married!" she said.

Jubilee handed her a Kleenex. "Hey, that's nothing to cry about. If I was marrying someone as fine as Remy I certainly wouldn't be sobbing."

"I'm cryin' 'cause I'm happy," Rogue said.

Jubilee giggled. "I know."

"Speaking of marriage, have you and Logan discussed the possibility?" Storm asked.

"Give a girl some time on that one, 'Ro," Jubilee said. "Logan and I have been together for what, two and half months? And after that whole thing with Brian, I don't think I'm ready for another trip down the aisle anytime soon."

"That's what they all say at first," Betsy said. "'Oh I'm in no rush to marry him.' Then, the next thing you know, wedding bells." She bounced her infant son on her knee while her daughter played peek-a-boo behind some of the other dresses. "Heck, with Warren and I, one day we weren't even together anymore and then suddenly he wanted to marry me."

"Yeah, well, somehow I think Warren's a little more husband material that Logan," Jubilee said.

Betsy snorted. "You'd be surprised."

Rogue sniffed as she dried her eyes. "Well, married or not, I think you and Logan make a wonderful couple," she said to Jubilee.

"I would have to agree," Storm said. "I have not seen Logan quite this happy in ages."

"I wish Jean would feel that way," Jubilee grumbled. "Her looks and snide comments are starting to really affect me."

Betsy gave her a warm smile. "Don't let Jean get to you," she said. "She has a problem with things crawling up her butt all the time. Sticks especially."

"Must come from all that time she spends with Scott," Rogue muttered. She realized what she'd just said, slapped her hands over her mouth, and blushed. The other women in the room just snickered.

"So all of you are really okay with me being with Logan?" Jubilee asked.

"Of course!" Rogue said.

"As for me, I do not believe that age has any bearing on the workings of the heart," Storm added.

"I completely agree," Betsy said. "You two are so cute together."

Jubilee smiled. "Thanks you guys. It's nice to know that at least a few people aren't against me."

"We aren't the only ones," Rogue said. "Gambit's okay with it to."

"Warren doesn't care one way or the other," Betsy said with a shrug. "Logan's never been anything but an annoyance to him anyway."

"Bishop said that it did not really surprise him," Storm said.

Betsy, Jubilee, and Rogue all turned to look at Storm. "How do you know what Bishop thinks about this?" Betsy asked.

Ororo's skin grew a shade darker with a very un-Stormlike blush. "I¡¦we¡¦we discussed it."

"When?" Jubilee asked.

"Have I told you yet how lovely that dress looks on you, Rogue?" Storm asked.

The three other women exchanged glances, but decided not to press the issue. "So are y'all ready to try on those bridesmaids dresses?" Rogue asked.

"You bet," Jubilee said, answering for all three of them.

"Where is Jean, anyway?" Betsy asked. "Isn't she supposed to be one of your bridesmaids? She didn't decline, did she?"

"No, she just tried on the dress earlier in the week," Rogue said. "She told me she was busy today."

"Yeah, busy avoiding any sort of positive contact with me," Jubilee said, rolling her eyes.

"Do not let Jean worry you," Storm said, putting her hand on Jubilee's shoulder. "She will come around. Just give her time to get used to the idea of you being with Logan. She only recently had to give him up, and that thought is still difficult for her."

"But it was her decisions to leave him!" Jubilee said. "It isn't my fault that she had to choose between Logan and Scott!"

"I know, Child, but many of Jean's thoughts at this time are not rational," Storm replied. "You have to be the big one in this situation and not allow Jean's behavior to get the best you."

"I know, but it's just so hard! And it isn't just Jean," Jubilee said, "It's Kitty-and pretty much all of Generation X, too. My best friends, and they're treating me like I'm making the worst decision of my life! Not a one of them is on my side! And now Emma, Sean, and Bobby are all coming in from Massachusetts tomorrow and I'm terrified to think how they're going to act! I don't think I can keep this up with Logan if I keep getting treated like a pariah from some of the people that mean the most to me!"

"Do not let their opinion matter," Storm said. "Your love for Logan should be all that counts."

"I know," Jubilee said. She then added to herself, "But sometimes I'm just not sure love is enough."

*** *** ***

"There you are!" Bobby Drake said as he wandered into the den to find Jubilee sitting alone on the couch, watching television. "I've been looking all over the place for you ever since we got here!"

Jubilee smiled as she got up to give Bobby a hug. "Hey, Popsicle! I wouldn't have made you look if I'd known you guys were here already. Where are Emma and Sean?"

"In the other room talking to everyone else. I just figured you'd be more interesting to talk to than the rest of 'em."

"Of course!" Jubilee said with a grin. She sat back down on the couch and motioned for Bobby to join her. "I need to tell you something. It's important."

Bobby sat down beside her. "What?"

"It's Logan and me¡¦we're¡¦together."

"As in couple together?"

"Yeah." Jubilee looked down, afraid of what Bobby's response would be.

"You happy?"

"Very."

Jubilee was surprised when Bobby reached over and hugged her. "Then I'm happy for ya, Jubes." He pulled away from her and put on his most serious face. "But you let him know that if he hurts you, I'm freezing off Little Logan, you got that?"

Jubilee turned bright red. "Bobby!"

"What?"

She giggled. "Fine, I'll let him know you said that. But, y'know, 'Little Logan' isn't so little."

It was Bobby's turn to blush. "Didn't need to know that one."

Jubilee giggled again. "Hey, Bobby?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"For being okay with this."

Bobby smiled at her. "No problem."

*** *** ***

"Logan?"

Wolverine looked up. "Yeah, Sean, what is it?"

"Is it true about Jubilation an' ye?"

"Yeah. Come ta scream at me about it? 'Cause comin' from you that could be painful."

"No, I just wanna ask ye somethin'"

"What?"

"Are ye serious about her?"

"Of course. I'm in love with her."

"Good. 'Cause if ye hurt her, I'm gonna have t'find a way t'kill ye, an' that won't be easy."

"Don't worry about that one. If I hurt Jubes I'm gonna be tryin' ta find a way ta get rid of myself."

"Ye take care of the lass, now," Sean said. "She's like a daughter t'me."

"I know. And screwin' up bad enough to lose Jubilee is the last thing I ever want to do."

"Then I give ye both me blessin'."

"Thanks, Sean. Comin' from you, that means a lot. Make sure Jubilee knows how ya feel, too."

"I will."

*** *** ***

Jubilee walked into the main room to find Jean sitting in front of the window, reading. "Oh, hi."

Jean looked up. "Hello, Jubilation."

"I was looking for Emma," Jubilee said, trying to hide the fact she was uncomfortable, although she knew that would be impossible. "Have you seen her?"

"She went upstairs with Bobby to unpack," Jean said.

"Oh, okay. I'll go then."

"Wait. Sit down for a minute and talk to me," Jean said, patting the seat of the chair in front of her.

Jubilee wanted nothing more than to walk out, but her curiosity got the better of her and she sat down to hear what Jean had to say. "What?"

"I want to talk to you about Logan."

"Figures. Can't we talk about something else instead? Lovely weather we're having, don't you think."

Jean frowned. "The weather's more of a topic of conversation for Ororo," she said. "I'd rather not discuss it."

"I'd rather not discuss Logan."

"Why? Are things going badly between the two of you?"

"No. I just don't want to talk about him with you. Things are fine with us."

"For now," Jean added.

"Look, I'm not going to sit here and listen to you cut down my relationship," Jubilee said. "If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I'm leaving."

"I want you to listen to this as advice from the perspective of someone who knows, who's been there. Can you do that?"

"I'm not making any promises."

Jean sighed the way someone would when talking to a stubborn child. "Jubilee, I've been with Logan and I know what it takes to have a real relationship with him. Everyday is a struggle. You're still very young, and, well, I don't think you can handle it."

"Things have been perfectly fine the past couple of months, and I've always been able to handle Logan in the past."

"Which is why he stayed out of your life for five years, right?"

Jean's words made Jubilee feel sick. "That was different, Jean."

Jean shrugged. "Maybe. But I remember after Brian left and you cried to me about wanting someone who could be there for you. Logan is not exactly the poster-child for stability."

"He loves me. He's told me he loves me. Logan doesn't say that to just anyone, Jean."

"You're right, he doesn't. But he must've said it to Mariko a thousand times. For how much of their relationship was he actually there with her? And somehow I have the feeling that he wasn't completely faithful to her all those nights when he was here and she was still in Japan."

The sickness that Jubilee had begun to feel steadily got worse with every word Jean spoke. "It's different with us. I'm here with him."

"Until he decides he needs some space. Logan is the quintessential loner. Nothing's going to change that, not even you."

"Is that why you went back to Scott?"

"Scott's my husband-my soul mate. I didn't need any other reason to go back to him."

"Ever stopped to think that maybe Logan's my soul mate?"

Jean gave another exasperated sigh. "Fine, even if things do work between you and Logan-which I highly doubt-how are you going to be accepted by others? Many of your friends are already against this, and what about other people out in the world? What will they think when they see someone like Logan with a girl as young and naïve as you?"

"Okay, A, they won't care, and B, I am not naïve."

"To think you could ever have a working relationship with Logan you must be."

"Dammit, Jean, when did you get so cruel?!"

Jean looked hurt. "I'm not trying to be cruel. I'm trying to help. I worry about you."

"No you don't. You're just jealous-jealous because I have Logan which means you can't have him and Scott all to yourself."

"Jubilee, really, you've got me all wrong! I just¡¦"

Jubilee stood up. "No, Jean, I don't have anything wrong. I'm not going to sit here and listen to this any longer."

"Fine," Jean replied. "Make the biggest mistake of your life if you want. Just don't say I didn't warn you when it all comes crashing down around you, because it will, Jubilee. Your life may seem perfect now but, sooner or later, you're going to loose it all."

"That's where you're wrong, Jean," Jubilee said as she walked out of the room, wishing she could convince not only Jean of that, but herself as well.

*** *** ***

Jubilee lay awake that night staring up at the ceiling. Silent tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"You still awake, Darlin'?" Wolverine rumbled beside her.

"Yeah," Jubilee said, trying not to betray the fact she was crying.

"Somethin' keepin' you up?"

"No."

Logan tried to pull her over to him, but she moved away.

"No."

"I'm just tryin' t'hold ya."

"I don't want to be held."

"What is it? Don't keep shuttin' me out like this¡¦"

"I'm just tired, Logan."

"Then why can't ya sleep?"

"Leave me alone."

"What did I do?"

"Nothing." Jubilee rolled away from him. "I just want to sleep."

"Please, tell me what's wrong. Let me know what I can do t'fix it."

"There's nothing you can do. Good night, Logan."

"Night, Darlin'," Logan replied, feeling something he rarely felt-helplessness.

*** *** ***

Again, Rogue stood, dressed in her wedding gown, looking at herself in the mirror, and crying. "And I thought just tryin' it on was emotional," she said. "I can barely stand up knowin' today is actually the day!"

Betsy dabbed a handkerchief under Rogue's eyes, trying to keep the bride's make-up from running. "Now don't start crying now," she said. "You've got to keep yourself looking all pretty at least through the ceremony."

"But it's so hard! I mean in just a couple of hours, Remy's gonna be my husband! I keep expectin' myself to wake up and still be the same pitiful little Rogue that can't even touch anybody!"

"Well, you're not," Betsy said. "You're ability to control your powers, your impending marriage to Gambit-all of it's real."

Rogue started to cry harder. "I¡¦I just can't believe it! I'm a nervous wreck! I don't even think I can get through the ceremony!"

"Oh don't you dare!" Jubilee said. "I have good money riding on you getting through this thing!"

"You're in on that, too?" Rogue asked.

Jubilee shrugged. "Hey, at least I bet for you guys, unlike some people¡¦" She shot a look over at Betsy.

"Elisabeth!" Rogue said in shock.

"Hey, the day I placed my bet you'd just thrown Remy into a wall. Jubilee did it the day before, when you two spent the whole day cuddling and giggling."

Rogue laughed a little. "I guess Remy and I can be a little hard to figure out sometimes, but I do love him. And I'm gonna marry him today no matter what."

Jubilee hugged Rogue. "I'm so happy for you guys! I can't believe this day is finally here."

"Me either," Rogue said, hugging her back. "My only wish is that it had happened years ago."

*** *** ***

"You clean up well, for a LeBeau."

Gambit froze at the sound of the familiar voice, then slowly turned around. "Papa?"

Jean-Luc LeBeau grinned from ear to ear. "Of course! You didn't t'ink I'd miss de weddin' of my favorite son!"

Remy pulled his father into a backslapping embrace. "I'm glad you made it."

"So you an' Rogue been okay recently, I guess. She hadn't been leavin' you in no frozen wastelands or anyt'ing, right?"

Remy frowned. "We been doin' jus' fine, Papa."

"Dat's good. Try to get t'rough dis one wit'out killin' any of de bride's relatives, d'accord?"

"Dat's not funny."

"I wasn't a joke."

Remy frowned for a second, then smiled again. "I really am glad you're here, Papa. It wouldn't have been right wit'out you."

*** *** ***

Rogue stood at the end of the aisle, staring ahead of her and shaking with nervous anticipation. Everyone stood up and turned around to look at her, but all she could see was Remy, standing just a few feet ahead of her. A feeling of complete and unadulterated joy washed over her and she began to walk¡¦

*** *** ***

Jubilee walked over to Wolverine and handed him a beer. "Well, looks like they actually did it," she said as she sat down beside him.

"Thanks fer talkin' me inta bettin' on them gettin' through it. Saved myself a bundle."

"Anytime, Handsome."

"Somethin' botherin' ya tonight, Darlin'?" Wolverine asked.

Jubilee shook her head. "No, why?"

"Ya just seem like you've got somethin' buggin' ya."

"It's nothing," Jubilee replied. "I'm probably just tired."

"You ain't still lettin' Jean an' all them get t'ya, are ya?"

Jubilee sighed. "It's hard not to, Logan. I mean, I hear it so much I'm starting to wonder if maybe they're right."

"They're not."

"I know, it's just¡¦Oh why won't they just leave us alone!?"

Logan put his arm around her shoulder. "I don't know, Darlin', but it doesn't matter. They're bound t'grow tired of tormentin' us eventually."

"I don't think so, Logan. I don't think they'll ever just let us be."

"Since when were you the pessimist in this relationship?" Logan kissed her on the top of her head. "I love you, Jubilee. It doesn't matter what they think."

"It does matter when you feel like you have so much negativity surrounding you that you can't even breath," Jubilee thought.

Jubilee's silence worried Logan. "Wanna dance?"

Jubilee shook her head. "No."

"You've never turned me down fer a dance before."

"I'm not in the mood for dancing."

"You wanted to come to this weddin', Darlin'. Now you're poutin'. What's all that about?"

"This has just been a really rough week for me, Logan."

"Is it me? Did I do somethin'? Tell me if I did."

The worried tone in Logan's voice made Jubilee's heart ache. "No, it isn't you."

"Then dance with me, please. I wanna hold ya."

Jubilee couldn't say no to the pleading look in his eyes. "Okay."

He led her out to the dance floor as a slow song began and he relished the chance to hold her.

Every night I'm lyin' in bed Holdin' you close in my dreams
Thinkin' about all the things that we said
And comin' apart at the seams
We try to talk it over
But the words come out to rough
I know you were tryin'
To give me the best of your love

Jubilee melted against him and Logan held her tighter. It had seemed like ever since they'd gotten back to the mansion she'd been distant, not letting him close. He missed Canada and what they'd had there. He resented everyone who wanted to keep them apart.

Beautiful faces and loud, empty places Look at the way that we live
Wastin' our time on cheap talk and wine
Left us so little to give
That same old crowd
Was like a cold dark cloud
That we could never rise above
But here in my heart I give you the best of my love
Oh sweet darlin', you get the best of my love,
Oh sweet darlin', you get the best of my love

Logan could hear Jubilee crying now, and the sound broke his heart. He wanted to know what hurt and what he could do to fix it. He remembered when she'd been younger and just having him around made her happy-how he could stop her tears with just a hug. He longed to be able to do that again.

I'm goin' back in time And it's a sweet dream
It was a quiet night
And I would be all right
If I could go on sleepin'
But every mornin'
I wake up and worry
What's gonna happen today
You see it your way
And I see it mine
But we both see it slippin' away

Logan planted little kisses in Jubilee's hair as he felt her tears soak in through his shirt. He wanted to say something-anything-to comfort her, but a lump had grown in his throat. "It's all right, Darlin'," he thought. "I love you. It's all right." Jubilee was crying harder.

You know we always had each other baby I guess that wasn't enough
Oh, but here in my heart
I give you the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin'
You get the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin'
You get the best of my love
Every night and day,
You get the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin' you get the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin' you get the best of my love...

The song came to an end and Jubilee looked up at Logan. He gave her a half-smile and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

"For what?"

"For crying."

Logan frowned. "Don't be sorry. I'd never blame ya fer cryin'."

"I bet I look a mess."

"You look fine."

"I need to go clean myself up," Jubilee said, pulling away from Logan.

"All right. I'll be waitin' fer ya."

Jubilee nodded.

"Hey, I love ya," Wolverine said as Jubilee started to leave.

Jubilee gave him a small smile, and then she was gone.

*** *** ***

Jubilee was on her way to the bathroom to wash up when she heard two people talking. She stopped, listened, and recognized the voices as Jean and Kitty.

"She's obviously just a spoiled little brat who's finally gotten what she wants and won't give it up no matter what kind of damage she's causing," Kitty said.

"Now, Kitty, that's a little too harsh," Jean replied. "I don't think Jubilee fully realizes what she's doing. She thinks that Logan's her dream man, her 'knight in shining armor' if you will. She just doesn't understand that their relationship, to use the term loosely, is wrong."

"How can she not?" Kitty asked. "I mean, does she think that Wolverine's going to settle down with her? It's obvious he's still not completely over you. And you think that when people like Angelo, Everett, and Paige-her supposed best friends-are all against it that she'd figure out something's wrong."

"Angelo's against it?" Jubilee thought. "He said he was okay with it! Then again¡¦he has been acting sorta strange whenever the subject comes up¡¦"

"Well, Kitty, you have to remember how immature Jubilee's always been. She has no way of understanding this the way most adults would. And Logan, well, he's never been one to turn down sex."

Jubilee started to cry again. She was still, young, naïve, happy-go-lucky Jubilee to them. She was a brainless mallrat who didn't know that bright colors and oversized jewelry had long-since gone out of style. They would never see her as anything else, and they would never accept her with Logan. Unable to take it any longer, Jubilee ran away.

*** *** ***

Wolverine walked up to Storm. "Hey, 'Ro, you seen Jubilee?"

"No, Logan, I have not. Why do you ask?"

"Uh, she left about half an hour ago and she hasn't come back."

"That is odd. Have you looked for her yet?"

"Not really. I asked a couple people, but no one's seen her."

"Maybe you should check in your room."

"Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, 'Ro."

Storm nodded and Logan went upstairs to look for Jubilee in their room.

He opened the door slowly and looked inside. The late afternoon sun came in through the blinds and hit him in the face. He put his hand up to shield his eyes and squinted. "Jubilee?"

No answer. He looked around the room some. "Jubilee?"

Still nothing. He saw something on the bed and walked over. It was a piece of paper. He picked it up and noticed it was a note from Jubilee. I'm sorry, Logan. Don't take my leaving as a sign that I don't love you. Nothing could be further from the truth. But I can't stay with you knowing that no one will ever understand what we mean to each other. I know this hurts you, and I can't tell you just how sorry I am, but it's for the best. I know you'll understand that, too, even if it takes some time. I'm so sorry¡¦

Logan crumpled the note in his hand as he slumped down to his knees. His worst nightmare had come true.

He'd lost Jubilee.

***

I know what you're all thinking-"What! How could she just stop there?!" Well, the answer to that is simple: I'm evil! Muahaha!!! But fear not, for more is on the way!

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