Healing

Hey, time for another chapter, I guess. This one isn't as properly planned out as I usually have, but I know where it's going so... yeah...


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Chapter 4

Storm was grinning. It was not something Logan appreciated as her barely concealed laughter was focused on him.

He was soaked through. It was raining again, and it was windy. He was freezing, and notably less than amused. Kurt stood beside, and gave him a sympathetic smile. Beside him was a young girl, he'd been sent out to collect her.

The 12 year old could manipulate water, and the Wolverine had terrified her. Maybe growling hadn't been the best idea ever when he'd seen her, but it hadn't been a good day.

He marched her down to the med labs so Dr McCoy could look her over, but he still didn't say anything. He left 'Ro with the girl and wandered back upstairs with Kurt, the young mutant happily ranting about his time in the circus... again. Logan quickly decided to get into something dry, and then go eat. He'd have to hurry, or all the nice food would be gone. The meaty dishes never lasted long here. He knew it was not a good plan to ask Kurt to get him food either. The prankster couldn't help but be a nuisance.
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Having dried off, and eaten, Logan moved off to the small classroom he had been given last week. Cyclops had informed him that it was a spare one from one of Jean's extension classes, but it wasn't needed anymore. The new biology teacher/ doctor (Temporarily McCoy) had trouble sectioning out the different levels that children had. The extension class needed to be where he was to ask questions when (Not if) they got stuck.

He pulled out his library book, and began to read through. He was making a set of lesson plans for a survival class. So far, he'd gotten through water sourcing and purification. He figured it would be good to start with the important things, and water undoubtedly came under the heading: important. He was also thinking of including a first aid course, as it would help the majority of the students to know the basics.

He would have wild fishing, natural navigation and a section on what natural food could be eaten, and what was most likely poisonous too. The last one would need some reading though. They wouldn't be able to eat and see what knocked them out like he could.

As he worked, he noticed someone stood in his doorway. Looking up, he saw Cyclops leaning against the doorframe.

"Yes?" he didn't mean to snap, but he was still a little wound up from earlier.

"Good afternoon to you too Logan." Cyclops was smirking.

"Good afternoon Professor Summers, how can I help?"

"Aww, and here I thought we'd made it onto first names." The kid was still smirking. "I just came to see how you are doing. Kurt said you'd heard all about his time in the circus. No better indicator that something is wrong than if you let him get all of that out."

That explained the smirk. Logan knew he was not the best company sometimes, but Scott dropped into one of the desks by the front of the classroom, pulled out a pile of exercise books and his red pen. Logan stared at the kid as he quietly marked the work. He couldn't stop the curious thought of how well Scott could see red pen in red sunglasses.
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The 2 men sat quietly together. They didn't speak, but Logan found the same comforting presence that he did on an evening when they watched TV. Occasionally Scott would frown at his work, and once or twice he'd had to ask Logan what he thought certain numbers were. Some children really needed to improve their handwriting. Apparently, one Scott rarely marked. There were noted throughout the book in Cyclops's neat writing that it was illegible and he'd be getting no marks for it until his scrawl became readable (Though, Scott had phrased it politely).

Not that all of his students wrote clearly. Logan still managed to read most of what had been written. He scrubbed his fingers through his hair and glanced over at the clock; it was 3 o'clock. The Canadian leaned back in his chair and sighed, he had done enough for one day.

"Hey. I'm done in here. Let's go... Hey, Cyke!"

"Oh, ok. And it's Scott, remember?"

The kid yawned as he shoved his books into his bag and stood up. Scott looked at his watch and frowned.

"Hmm... I was working longer than I planned again. Meant to meet 'Ro for a Danger Room session ages ago..."

Logan didn't say anything, but followed the kid out, shutting the door behind him. They both dropped their stuff off in the small staff room, and went down to the lower levels.

Ororo was just leaving the Danger Room when they reached her.

"There you are Scott. What happened?"

"I'm sorry; I lost all track of time."

"Really? That's unusual." But she was smiling. "Don't worry, Marie filled in for you. Not as good at long range, but she's just as good up close."

This time both 'Ro and Scott grinned. Marie appeared behind 'Ro, her face lightly flushed.

"Hey there. You alright?"

"Marie." Scott smiled at her.

"Wonderful. You keeping 'Ro busy?"

"Sure am. Was just down here wonderin' if there was anyone I could train with and she said Cyclops still hadn't turned up."

Logan couldn't help grinning at Scott's slight squirm. Apparently he felt a little bad about forgetting Storm. She laughed lightly at him as well.

"Don't worry Scott, it's fine."

The girls said goodbye, and left to go get some work done. As the moved to the lift, Scott turned to him.

"Want to do a session?"

As though he even needed to answer that. Logan moved passed him to the Danger Room. Once inside, he went to the Men's Changing Rooms, and pulled out one of the leather suits.

"Never thought I'd see you put one of them on willingly."

Logan smirked. "The idea of yellow spandex somehow makes these bearable."

Scott laughed in response. "I don't think I'd be tempted to change our uniforms in that direction. But, if you ever want to consider it, I'll listen."

Logan laughed as well. The idea that he was getting on with the kid was a weird one. A few months ago all they did was argue. He voiced this to Scott, who nodded.

"A lot of things have changed since then though. Not just Jean dying either. The school is more vulnerable, or it feels more vulnerable, than it was. That makes people closer, I think." He smiled tightly at Logan. "We have a new goal to work towards, the protection of this school and everyone in it. The students are feeling united, so I suppose it is only natural the staff do as well. I never expected to spend my Thursday afternoons with you, but here we are. I never expected to spend most my evenings with you, yet you stay till I'm asleep. I hate to admit it, but I find it comforting... and safe..."

Scott frowned, like he hadn't fully meant to say that, and turned away as he switched he glasses for his visor.

"Anyway, let's get out session started."

He moved over to the computer and started to tap in commands. Logan remained where he was for a few moments, his mind turning over what had just been revealed. The kid certainly was an object for curious thought. But at least Logan knew he wasn't the only one to find the silent company a relief.

He followed Scott into the Training Section and prepared himself for a fight.


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It was going to be a cold night. Logan knew this from the stars. They were clearly visible in the sky. Beautiful, though he preferred watching them in the countryside, and in quiet mountainous regions. Somewhere with little light pollution. The stars in those places seemed to go on forever. Behind him, Scott shifted. They were in the gardens, having been discussing Logan's new classes. Scott was telling students about it, and apparently there was a good number interested.

It was a little over 2 weeks since they'd started sparring, but seemed to be settling into another pattern. They had spent every Thursday afternoon together since then. First marking, then in the Danger Room, before going off to eat separately.

Logan had spoken to 'Ro, he didn't want her to think he was taking all her Danger Room sessions with Scott, but apparently she had only been there because she didn't want him alone all Thursday afternoon and evening. She'd said he used to spend it with Jean, because neither of them had classes then. She tended to take Kurt and Marie with her now, having their session before Scott and Logan had theirs. Logan did like her; she truly cared about others.

It was probably time to go in. They had been sat outside since dinner finished and it was definitely late. Probably about half 9, or 10 o'clock. He turned to Scott.

"I'm going drinking. Wanna come?"

"What? ... Ok, but only because it's a Saturday. I'm not doing much tomorrow."

He smirked. That meant he got to take a car, instead of a bike. Cyclops had some very nice cars. The kid wouldn't want to take a bike if he was drinking. Time to go get keys...


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The kid was drunk. There was no doubt about it. Not that Logan didn't feel a little light, but he didn't get drunk. Never had.

Scott grinned and slung an arm around Logan's shoulders. He was busy explaining to some unfortunate guy about differentiation, and how his students didn't quite get it. He had a completely pissed young man using him as an example... it would be annoying that he didn't understand what he was an example of, if it wasn't for the guy's face. Terrified. Terrified and confused. The man excused himself, and Logan didn't blame him.

The only problem now was what to do with Scott. It was time to go, but Logan wanted to wait till his head properly cleared, which could take a little. But he didn't want Scott to start another beer, or he may have to drag home the body of a maths teacher in an alcohol induced coma. Not a thrilling idea when he knew Professor Xavier would be there.

"He's not coming back?" He looked more than a little lost at the idea. Logan grinned.

"He will. Who wouldn't want to hear about your maths class?"

"You're making fun of me!" Fuck... that looked like he was pouting.

"Come on Slim, would I?"

His mouth moved, but no words came out. Apparently he was speechless... at least it got rid of the put. He was scowling now.

"I'm sorry..." Not that he was, the kid was too easy to mock, and it was a lot of fun. But he didn't really want to have a brawl with him. They do real damage to the place. Scott nodded, and settled back down. He frowned and his beer bottle for a few long moments, before claiming it was empty, and therefore time to go.

Logan agreed, and helped the kid up. They slowly left, as Scott wasn't walking too well. How many beers had he drunk? Either more than Logan thought, or he didn't drink very well.

Outside, leaning against his car was Sabertooth. Scott saw him and glared, but didn't attack.

"He's on my car..."

Apparently he didn't recognise the man now that he was cleaned up. But the smell was undeniable.

"Nice to see you again Jimmy."

"Sabertooth..."

"I prefer to go by Victor..."

"Right..."

"Still don't remember me, huh? No worries. I'll help." His smirk was predatory. "Oh, your friend needs to sit down, I think. Looks like he's gonna faint."

Scott was swaying, but he leaned close to Logan. The man wrapped an arm around him to keep him up, but didn't take his eyes off Victor. He felt a growl in this throat.

"Y don't need to worry. I'm not gonna kill him. He's your pup, and if I remember right, you don't take to well to your stuff being damaged."

Logan frowned. He really wanted to ask what he meant. Did they know each other? He was very familiar, but that could well be because he'd implied it. He could be inventing his own connections, rather than rediscovering true ones. He'd forgotten to go to Wheels after the last run in he'd had with Sabertooth. So he couldn't say if there was any truth to his statement.

He nodded, unsure of how else to respond, though the growl kept breaking through. The man chuckled, and pushed himself off the car.

"Be seeing you Jimmy. And your pup, I guess. We'll have to catch up, reminisce about the old days..."

He turned and left, laughing softly to himself still. Logan snarled angrily at him. He'd stopped chasing his past since their time at the dam. He'd been unable to find any leads. Typical that he now found one in a person he couldn't stand.

He tightened his hold on Scott, and pulled him over to the car. With the kid slumped in the passenger seat (And buckled in, Logan remember Marie's nagging about that) he left. Time to get some sleep.


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There, another chapter done. Once again, please review and tell me what you think. (And time to correct any mistakes I've noticed in the other chapters... Let me know if I've missed any?)