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His boots mashed the green floor nature had lay down, enjoying the rich sound effect it made. His pace was hasty and jittery, ratting out how all agog he was. They had to settle this.
He kept marching until her essence rammed his nostrils. His footsteps flagged, losing the grit he’d so enthusiastically adopted after Ororo had indicated her place of rest. The momentum kept losing its force, until it surrendered to the visual before him.
She was sitting under her favorite tree; the one that hosted her most vulnerable moments. The old oak tree - aside from beauty - exhibited a sense of nurturance, always willing to provide it to anyone determined enough to walk the long distance that kept its spot safe from indiscretion.
Her naked back was corbelled by the robust coarse trunk, scraping the skin pleasantly. Her knees were gathered close to her chest, safeguarded by her exposed arms and the white sheet of her long dress. Closed eyes amplified the rest of her senses to enjoy the verve even more, until an ominous breeze carried his scent to her, making them acknowledge each other.
Her eyes fluttered, but remained shut. “I thought you’d find me here.”
“Were you hiding?”
“If I did, it would take more than an inquisition to one of the Mansion residents.”
She opened her eyes and stood up. Turning her attention to him made his gut twist and his fists clench. He kept his distance, not sure if he’d be able to restrain himself if she came closer.
She had no such reservations.
Slowly padding towards him, her stare landed to the tightened knuckles that began to turn white with a hint of red first and then at his face, where they rested.
She stopped a hair's breadth away, taking each other in.
His jaw clenched and sucked in a breath before spilling her name out.
“Marie.”
She tilted her head delicately and whispered back in the same manner.
“Logan.”
Another respite for the sake of it, until it all became too much.
“We need to talk.”
She nodded purposefully, letting out three words that till this day he isn’t sure if they were meant for the talk he was going after, or everything that came afterwards.
“I’m ready.”