When Kit stepped out of the shower, she smiled at the filmy confection before drying quickly and pulling it on. Dori appeared in the doorway, smiling in approval.

"Why don't we brush out your hair, then you should lay down for a bit. You've got a nasty bruise there," she observed, lightly touching Kit's face. Kit glanced in the mirror and winced slightly at her already-purple cheekbone.

"I suppose once my healing factor recharges, it'll go away."

They walked into the bedroom, and Dori had her sit on the bed so she could brush her hair for her. Kit rested her unbruised cheek on her drawn-up knees, her arms wrapped around them.

"You have such beautiful hair, Kit, and so much of it," Dori observed, pulling the brush through it gently, and Kit laughed softly. "Is that your mutation? Healing?"

"That's part of it. I also have enhanced senses, like an animal's. My healing ability only came about when I received a blood transfusion from Logan. Quick healing is one of his abilities and he shared it with me to save my life. For some reason, I found I was able to transfer it to anyone who's hurt. Unfortunately, it depletes my own recuperation, so I have to be careful not to get hurt after a major healing."

"You don't have anything like those knives of his, do you?" Dori asked, recalling the six wicked blades and how easily they sliced through the door and handcuffs. Kit shook her head, starting to relax.

"No, he's unique for having those. I've been glad of it more than once, though."

"I'm sure," she stated, noticing Kit's voice getting fainter. She set aside the brush and urged Kit to lie down. "Close your eyes and relax, dear. You need to rest. We can never thank you enough, you know."

"We didn't do it for the glory, Dori," she murmured, her eyes drifting shut. "It started out as a job, but we both have come to like you and Bill. You're..." She yawned. "Good people."

"So are you," Dori whispered, gently brushing her hair from her face before quietly leaving the room.

Logan and Bill were coming down the hallway as she stepped out and closed the door softly. With a smile, Dori hurried to hug and kiss her husband affectionately, then surprised Logan by doing the same to him.

"You gave me back the most valuable treasure I have, Logan. I can never repay you. No, I know." She held up a hand to stop his protest. "Kit told me already you weren't in it for the glory. We still owe you a bigger debt than we can ever repay. If there's ever anything Bill and I can do for you, either of you, you have only to ask."

"Uh, thanks, Dori," he replied, embarrassed. Dori squeezed his hand and stepped back into her husband's arms.

"She's inside resting. Why don't you join her? You two deserve some time together. We'll see you at dinner."

Logan opened the door and stepped inside. A part of Kit's mind registered his presence, but she remained asleep. He looked at her for a while as she slept, curled onto her side with the pale cream satin of the gown and the rusty cloud of her hair pooled around her. With a smile, he put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign and locked the door softly before undressing. As he approached her, he saw the now-fading bruise on her cheek and touched her face tenderly, kneeling beside the bed.

"Hmm? Logan?" she asked sleepily, stirring finally.

"Yeah, darlin'. Ya did good t'day, Kit. I'm real proud of ya."

"You came in at just the right time, my love. I was afraid he would kill me before I could help Bill."

"Not a chance. Y'know I'd never let anythin' happen to ya." He rubbed the soft material of her nightgown between his fingers. "Nice. Real nice." Kit smiled.

"I'm glad you like it. I feel a bit over-dressed for this party, though," she joked, folding her hand over his. He rose to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Well, why don't we see what we can do about that?"

"What about...?" She pointed toward the next room, but Logan simply kissed her fingers.

"Fury left some guys t' keep an eye on 'em till we dock tomorrow. I think you n' me have a little time to ourselves. Any ideas how to spend it?" Kit rolled onto her back, smiling, and lifted her arms to circle his neck.

"One or two, perhaps."

When the ship docked the next day, Fury had arranged for Dori and Bill Adams to be escorted off the ship before the other passengers, Logan and Kit with them. When all four were settled into the executive limousine, they set out for the meeting hall, a SHIELD honor guard accompanying them.

"Guess this is pretty much the end o' the line, folks," Logan commented, leaning back to enjoy the ride, his arm around Kit's shoulders as her hand rested lightly on his thigh.

"For now, I suppose," Bill replied, also sitting with his arm around Dori's shoulders. "It's up to Dori now to get this mutant civil-rights bill to pass and convince the other leaders to adopt something similar."

"Especially now, when we owe our lives to two very wonderful mutants. I must remember to thank Major Fury for sending you to us. We can still come to visit, can't we?" Dori asked with a shy smile and Kit leaned over to clasp her hand.

"Anytime, Dori. You're both welcome whenever you need to get away from running the world."

The car slowed to a stop inside the garage and guards appeared to escort them. Once out of the car, Dori hugged them both and Bill shook hands.

"Good luck, Dori. We're backin' in ya all the way," Logan told her as a SHIELD officer stepped up to lead them to the transport that would take Logan and Kit back to Scotland.

"Good luck to you two, as well. We'll write."

They parted with waves and Kit and Logan followed their escort to the transport.

"How'd ya know it was her, not him?" he asked Kit, who squeezed his hand.

"Just a feeling. She's used to being in control. We need more leaders like her."

"It'll happen, darlin'," Logan assured her and squeezed her hand back, leading her up the ramp into the transport. Nick Fury was aboard, waiting for them, and they settled themselves as the ship lifted off, heading north.

"Well, Fury?" Logan prodded, and the major sighed deeply.

"All right, all right. I owe you an apology, Kit," he said, every word seeming to be a tooth pulled from his mouth. "You did a good job on this mission and were probably the main reason it was a success. Thank you," he added through gritted teeth. Logan leaned back with a smug grin on his face as Kit graciously accepted, nodding as regally as a queen.

"Thank you, Major Fury. I have to admit, it was an interesting few days. We’d appreciate you dropping us off at home for our anniversary tonight, however," she replied. He glanced at Logan, who just grinned like a cat who'd finished the cream. Fury almost expected to see him liking his whiskers.

"Yeah, well, no problem, I guess. Damn," he muttered, getting to his feet and walking away to sit in the cockpit, leaving them alone.

Once on the ground in Scotland, Logan picked up their luggage and headed for the ramp, Kit walking in front of him. He turned to see Fury, standing with his arms crossed and legs braced, watching them leave.

"Hey, Nicholas," he called.

"What?" was the sour reply.

"Don't call me, an' I won't call you."

"Go to hell, Logan."

"Sure. Eventually. Just save me a seat."

Fury ground his teeth in silent anger as Logan's laugh floated back to him. Once he was sure they were clear, he gave the curt signal that had the pilot powering up for the flight back to the base. He stuck a cigar in his mouth and lit it with a quick flick of his wrist, hoping he didn't have to deal with Wolverine or Vixen again any time soon.