I think the moments between M&L are the strongest in the story. You hear that expression that "He brings out the best in you". And I feel like that goes for both M&L in this story. I don't quite understand them when they're not together. I don't quite 'get' how Rogue feels that she's not betraying Bobby by being with Logan this way. How she's stiff with Bobby, confrontational, finger-pointing, and more demanding, when she's as much to blame as Bobby is for the way that relationship is not working. She sometimes seems so young to me - she is young.

But then with Logan - she's giving and loving and thoughtful. And she puts him first. And she teases him. Her sexuality is no longer so closed off - it's natural and curious and unflawed. I remember long ago, you admitted that you were blocked by the 'smut'. Was it this series? I think you've found it. It's not 'hot', necessarily. It's not really supposed to be. It's all burgeoning and slowly, slowly opening, like Rogue & Logan in this new relationship. And you get the feeling that it's that way for both of them. Fits.

I think Logan is a better person, too, when he's with Rogue. In earlier chapters, we get hints that he maybe doesn't treat everyone as nicely as he does Rogue. (heh.) That he can be a bit antisocial and dictatorial and likes to get his own way. But with her, he's quiet and patient, and I loved, in this chapter, how he was willing to submit to her. That was rather beautiful, the way he leaned back against the wall. He's gentle for her, and he'll explain himself for her. It allows her to admit her fears to him. Does she bring out the best in him, too?

But the other part of it is that he's dealing with the loss of his powers, like her. I'm surprised that isn't more of an issue for him. But maybe his current behavior is a symptom of that loss, and this is the gentle 'James Howlett' he used to be before his mutation came along. Or maybe I'm wrong? And his feelings regarding impotence and immortality are there, just overshadowed by this growing relationship with Marie.

I'm not as interested in the rest of the plot, though it seems that the Magneto/spy story continues. I think that is largely in service to this other part of the story, the M&L relationship, so I'm interested to see what sort of 'test' they will undergo. Of course...:D I could be utterly wrong about that.

Anyway, I think I'm seeing the story come together better now, and I'm getting to know your M&L better, too. Interested to see where it goes, and good luck!

Author's Response: Rogue betraying Bobby - he strayed first, and she's going to explain a bit of that later. Her sexuality no longer closed off - with the squelching of her mutation, she's allowed to relax and react to life in ways that she's never had before. antisocial and dictatorial? Logan? It's that darned 'alpha male' thing, I guess. lol! <<< gentle 'James Howlett' he used to be - damn, that didn't even occur to me, but it makes much more sense than what I was developing. I'm sticking with your explanation. Magneto/spy story - gives Rogue a chance to shine later. OOPSIE! No plot give-aways - sorry!

Awesome chapter!