Running to Stand Still

Disclaimer: I own NONE of the Marvel characters (though I wish I could have Wolvie on loan for three hours …). I mean no copyright infringement, as this story is not intended for profit, but for my own enjoyment.

The title is the title of a song by U2. Doesn't have much bearing on the story as far as the lyrics go.

The characters Katherine and Lise Maximus (and anyone you don't recognize from the Marvel universe) belong to me.

WARNING: If the mention of sexual abuse squicks you out, either don't read this or skip the icky bits. It's not terribly descriptive, and is merely a part of the main character's past. I've drawn from my own past and that's why Kat is the way she is, and why the abuse was included. It's a fact of life that it happens.

Also, if you think that Logan having a relationship with an 18-yo girl isn't your idea of fun, please do not read this. It's not really like you can infer anything nasty in it, but if you're incredibly sensitive (or naive), I warned you.

Archive: AdultFanFiction.net and anyone who asks for it. Email me at ma_petite7263@yahoo.com

Feedback: Yes, please. Any and all feedback can be sent to the email address given above, or please leave a review. Fanfictersters thrive on it. Even if it's to tell me this story sucks major ass, let me know! If your review consists of blathering, please don't bother.

Author's Notes: The Logan in this fic is somewhat different from the movie version; I made him what I wanted him to be: understanding, compassionate, and articulate. Yeah, he still talks a little backwoods sometimes, but he knows his shit.

Additional Notes: Thank you to the people who have reviewed so far, excluding the "*sniff sniff* I smell a Mary Sue" and "You do know that Logan is like 120 years old" comments. Obviously, the last person didn't read my warning, and the first person seems to think that my character is too powerful. Hell, maybe she is, but I think she's got enough weaknesses. There's only so many flaws a character can have before they're they opposite of a Mary Sue.

If you can't leave a helpful review, please don't review at all.

(last one, I promise!)

Dedication: This is for Carl, the man who, like Logan in this story, has made all the difference in my life. Without him, I wouldn't be anywhere near as strong as I am today. He's my own personal Wolverine.

Enjoy!

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Running to Stand Still

by

mapetite7263

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"Mom, I don't want to go here," Katherine Maximus said, gripping the handle on the inside of the car door. "I shouldn't have to …"

Lise Maximus sighed as she took her daughter's other hand. "I know, Kat, but it's for the best. You need to learn to control what's inside of you." She tried to keep the fear out of her eyes, but Kat must have seen it because the girl dropped her gaze.

"Yeah," she replied, tugging her hand from her mother's. She looked down at her hands, nails painted deep blue and a silver ring of Celtic knots encircling her left middle finger. "I'll do this on my own, just like I've done everything else." She leaned over and hit the trunk release button, ignoring Lise's protests as she got out of the car.

"Go home, Mom. I'll be fine here." Kat slammed the door and got her bags out of the trunk before walking up the steps of the Institute. She rang the doorbell only to have the door open almost immediately by a young man with blondish-brown hair and bright blue eyes.

"You must be Katherine," he said, sticking out a hand. "Xavier said you'd be here today. I'm Bobby, by the way."

Kat accepted his hand, then went inside as he moved out of the way. "Wow, this place is big," she commented.

Bobby laughed softly. "Yeah, it is. You get used to it after a while." He blushed suddenly. "Oh, let me help you with your stuff. You can leave it in this closet here until we find out what room you'll be in," he said, indicating a door down the hallway. He helped her put her bags inside.

"Can I see the professor now?" Kat asked, playing with the ring on her finger. "I don't mean to be rude, it's just …" Her voice trailed off as a balding man in a wheelchair appeared around a corner.

"Ah, Katherine," he said. "I sensed your arrival. Would you join me in my office? Some of the teachers are gathered there to meet you." Professor Xavier gestured down the hallway.

"I suppose so," she replied, falling into step as he glided smoothly across the hardwood floor. "And by the way, it's Kat, if you don't mind."

Xavier chuckled, letting her enter his office ahead of him. "Then Kat it will be. Please, have a seat next to Scott," he said, gesturing to the open chair next to a young man wearing red shades. He was dressed casually in jeans and a collared T-shirt.

Standing behind him was a pretty redhead, her hands on the man's shoulders. She was tall, impeccably dressed in a pale blue short-sleeved sweater and darker blue skirt, sensible heels adding height to already-long legs.

Leaning against the desk was a shorter African American woman, her dark skin emphasized by her long, platinum hair. She wore tight, black leather pants and a white T-shirt that hugged her upper body. Her beauty stunned Kat.

"Hi," the shades guy said, a grin lighting up his handsome face. "Like the Prof said, I'm Scott Summers, but some call me Cyclops." He gestured self-consciously to his covered eyes.

The woman behind him smiled and extended a hand to Kat. "Jean Grey. They haven't given me a nickname yet," she said with a small laugh.

"I am Ororo Munroe," the white-haired woman said, also offering her hand to Kat. "They call me Storm."

Kat nodded to each of them, then looked to Xavier who had settled himself behind his desk, hands folded neatly on top.

"I have filled these three in on your situation and what has brought you to the Institute." Xavier's voice was calming, his accent soothing. "They have been instructed to keep the details to themselves, and they have offered to be there if you need an ear to listen, as do I. They all know what it's like to be afraid of the gift of their mutation."

Ororo spoke then. "If you would like a tour of the school, I would be glad to show you around."

Kat glanced at the Prof, already feeling like she was at home. She wasn't alone here. When Xavier nodded, she got to her feet. "I'd like that, Ororo."

"I think I'll join you," Scott said, standing all. ll. He glanced to Jean. "Wanna come along?"

She shook her head. "I've got some things to go over with the Professor. Maybe I'll catch up with you later?"

Scott smiled and leaned in to kiss her gently before following Ororo and Kat to the door. "Ladies first," he insisted, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as he swept a grand bow.

"He is a bit odd sometimes," Ororo deadpanned.

Kat raised an eyebrow next to her. "Oh, really? I couldn't tell."

"Barely here five minutes and you've already got her picking on me, 'Ro," Scott commented, coming to walk on the other side of Kat. "You're horrible."

Ororo laughed softly as she led Kat into a rather large room filled with couches, chairs, and various other items like a foosball table. A killer entertainment system took up a good portion of one wall; several of the older students were watching a rerun of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air', Bobby among them.

A boy with blonde hair waved from where he was sprawled in an overstuff armchair. "Hey, 'Ro, we got another new one?"

Ororo nodded. "This is Kat." She turned to the new girl. "That's St. John Allerdyce. You've already met Bobby, and next to him on the couch there is Rogue and Kitty Pryde." She looked at the other two girls. "Would you two like to have Kat as a roommate? There is still a bed in your room to be used."

One of the girls bounced up on the couch, turning backwards and resting her arms on the back of the couch. She was rather pretty, with short dark hair and hazel eyes. "Hi, Kat, I'm Kitty. Weird that we've got similar names, huh?"

Kat smiled at Kitty's kind voice. "Yeah, that is kinda weird."

The other girl, strangely pretty with long dark hair that had a shock of platinum running through it, turned and offered a shy smile. "Ah'm Rogue," she said, holding out a gloved hand as she spoke, a Southern accent lacing her words. "Ah wouldn't mind havin' anothah roomie, 'Ro."

"Me, either," Kitty added. She grinned at Kat. "Let's get your stuff and put it in our room. We'll show her around the rest of the place, okay, 'Ro?"

The weather-manipulating mutant nodded sagely. "Come, Scott, let's leave the girls to get acquainted."

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Kat slipped easily into life at the Institute. She quickly made friends with her roommates. She found a kindred soul in Rogue, who was also new to the school. Kitty was a prime partner for gossip, always eager to talk about the boys in the school. She knew the ropes around Xavier's and was more than happy to teach them to Kat and Rogue.

Three months found her letting go of her past a little bit at a time, her memories and nightmares becoming less frequent and vivid. Six months found her thriving and gaining strength from working out in the gym; she made friends easily despite not letting a lot of the guys get close too soon. Bobby and St. John proved themselves early on, coming to her rescue one night when she woke up with the nightmares. Rogue and Kitty were already comforting her when they came into the room; Kat's tale was told and the boys immediately began watching out for her, making sure that no other guy pushed her farther than she was willing to go.