Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

It was near dead silent in the almost empty dusty train cabin. The only noise was the clatter of the wheels moving along the tracks and the swing of the overhead lamp cords. The air was thick between the four, not just with the stuffy compartment air, but also with anxiety and tension as three of the passengers shared glances while the final one slept, entirely oblivious to the current discomfort. The girl with almost black hair, dark skin, and yet a very familiar brow, nose, and set of blue eyes rested tucked up into the train seat, fast asleep, laying her head to the side of Jean's lap as a pillow as well as using Scott’s jacket for a blanket. 

None of them knew what to say. There had been no time to talk. They got the girl out of there as swiftly as they could (Jean using less than kosher persuasion methods on the director to expedite it, but Charles didn't need to know that) before she could cause herself enough trouble to be relocated by the day's end. Thankfully the girl, Laura-if Logan remembered correctly from the paperwork-had been surprisingly willing to leave despite the three being total strangers. Logan tried not to think too much about that, how much of a sorry state she must have been in to jump at the first chance to leave. He tried to tell himself she just must have known she was going to leave one way or another after slashing up those boys, and at least this way she had a say in where she went. It wasn't working very well. 

Logan uneasily stared at the girl's tiny sleeping frame, desperately trying to remember who her mother must have been. She was his. Clearly so. The claws were enough to prove it and she even scrunched her face like he did. There was no denying it…but who was her mother? 

The life of a cowboy, his old life, before the rails completely took over, and before Xavier found him, was one that was free spirited but lonely. He met people, men, women…people willing to feed your horse and give you a bed to sleep in so long as it was with them, but usually just for a few nights and then he never saw them again. The Paper had said her last name was Kinney, but that could have easily just been the name of whatever doctor, sherif, matron, or abbot she had been left on the doorstep of as a baby seeing as the orphanage had less of a clue than them to her parentage. There wasn't even a complete list of places she had been before the state children's home she was at, just the last three. She was a stranger here as much as he was…

“I think…” Jean finally spoke up in a hushed tone, “I think she'll be asleep for a while now…we can probably speak softly and not wake her…I can tell shes well into deep sleep at this point…”

Scott let out a sigh of relief. “Finally…I'm sorry Logan but what the hell is going on here? Did you know about her? Why didn't you say anything? Why was she out in Nevada all this time?” he hissed.

Logan sighed. Normally he'd warn Scott to watch his tone but given the circumstances of him and his brother, he had every right to be furious with him at what this seemed. He knew all too well what it was like to be without parents for a long time, and if it weren't for Charles swooping in soon after that awful train crash, he and Alex would have ended up wards of the state much like her. Adrift from facility to facility, potentially getting separated to different coasts via the orphan trains. They had only barely experienced the possibility of those horrors…and Logan had inadvertently let her live with them for ten years. Ten damn years…you could kill a man and see less severe punishment. Guilt clutched at his heart as he growled and pinched the bridge of his nose.  

“Because I didn't know, obviously, “ he finally retorted, “you think I would have left her there had I known?“ He mentally kicked himself as he realized the old him might have. Not that he hated kids before, but he certainly hadn't seen himself as anywhere capable of being a protector of anything more than 2000 pound beasts he had to physically wrangle. Its funny what a few years of looking after Scott and the gaggle of other stray children Xavier had him picked up does to a man. Not even having to wrestle a 16 year old drunken and street-feral Gambit out of a saloon and then having to help get him sober completely turned him off from wanting to work with kids, and that was one of his early jobs…hell, he somehow managed to get attached to the brat a bit. It didn't help that Morph was starting to get domestic desires themself…

Logan's eyes went wide. “Shit!” He growled suddenly facepalming as another realization set in. Both his students lurched in their seats, and Laura stirred for a moment. 

“What?” Both whispered in unison.

“Did we forget something?”

“Did you realize who the mother is? Maybe we can find-”

“No no no…” he huffed, waving them off, “it's nothing.”

“Logan I could literally feel your heart rate spike from whatever it was that just caused that outburst,” Jean responded.

“Look it's nothing you kids need to worry about, it's…Morph,” he admitted, “they've been wanting kids…and I've been saying it wouldn't be a good idea considering…” He waved his hand around. The students nodded, sharing a pensive look. The special relationship between the shape shifting effeminate professor and Logan was well known among the students. Although unusual, none at the school minded, and newcomers got used to it quickly enough. Besides, their professors showed them nothing but love, acceptance, and kindness that few others aside from their family did. How could they stand to judge their relationship the way society does? Especially when said society treats mutants none too differently.

But unfortunately society IS the problem in this case. Although a fairy in orientation and able to shift sex and appearance as they please, Morph still presented largely as masculine in public. To be with child, if capable of it, would mean disappearing for months on end and hoping no one questions Logan suddenly having a pregnant wife that disappears soon after birth…or ending the protective charade all together. Neither was preferable…

Logan sighed. “I have no clue how I'm going to explain this to them without upsetting them…”

“Wouldn't this be a good compromise to your problem?” Scott asked. 

“Maybe if they listen, but first I'm going to have to show up with this ten year old I helped make without their knowledge after at least a year of telling them no to having kids. You know what they are like when upset. “

“But you didn't even know them ten years ago…” Scott pointed out. 

“Still gonna get a tongue lashing at least for the perceived ‘secrets and lies’...” he said, “let alone the hypocrisy allegations…could be a full week before they may be willing to hear me out and even then I'm still not sure if they'll be ok with this as a compromise. They wanted to have kids themselves…not to have a half grown child they don't know and didn't have time to prepare for thrust upon them.”

Scott smirked and crossed his arms. “You say that like it isn't your literal jobs to take in stray mutant rugrats,” he teased.

Logan rolled his eyes. “our every waking joy indeed…” he retorts, “What I meant is that there is a difference between raising a baby and adopting a child. Kids like Laura have already had time to develop preferences and dislikes and have a whole story we don't know and they may not want to give up. They have many more reasons not to trust you, and you have less time to form a bond and get to know who they are before they start to rely on ya…. That's ok as a teacher but as a parent? I can imagine it can be heartbreaking and frustrating to be rejected like that. I'm not sure that's what they are ready to sign up for...assuming someone bothered to ask them in the first place.”

There was another long moment of silence. Scott stared out the window at the blurring endless sea of prairie grass. Jean averted her gaze too, carefully using her powers to move a hair that had fallen in Laura's face, threatening to cause her to sneeze. What was probably only ten minutes felt like hours as they sat. 

Finally Scott spoke up. “I mean…they did jump at the chance to join the school because of you. They were an actor and had no clue how to deal with kids…yet they gave up the limelight to be with you,” he said giving a small smile as he turned to look at Logan, “maybe they will be ok with a bit more impulsivity…again it's not like you knew after all. “

Logan's mouth twitched and gave an amused but bitter chuff of a laugh. ‘They jumped at the chance because they were being blackmailed over their private life. It was a way off a sinking ship. I just happened to be a nice little addition to sweeten the pot…’ he thought to himself. He loved Morph, and he knew they loved him and the school, but he wouldn't kid himself. They would probably be a lot better off, and a lot happier, if they could live the (at least in comparison) normal life of the Broadway star they had before. They were going places. They were in Peter Pan for God's sake. He was loved by them and a comfort to them, sure, but a comfort in an unfortunate situation they were making the best of. And he was about to upend their life again. “You have a point,” Logan responded, “We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, you two ‘expert lovebirds’ as you seem to think you are, are gonna have to help me write a script to follow, that way it's your fault if they blow up at me.” He nudges Scott with his elbow as he teases. 

“As you wish. I will make it so flowery that Morph will question if you are even still Logan at all,” Jean said with a mock bow in her seat. The three chuckled a little before a concerned look came to her face. “What about her? When are you planning on telling her she's yours?”

Logan grimaced and shrugged, his stomach dropping again. If her reaction to the birds was anything to go by, the revelation of her father suddenly appearing after 10 long years of suffering and silence would likely not be taken…non violently. It'd be a bad idea to try and explain it on the train. Too much potential for collateral damage, and there was no way he was revealing the truth to both her and Morph at the same time. The headache alone that would cause…

“... We'll burn that bridge when we get to it,” he finally said. 

Scott gave him a confused look. “That's …that's not how the phrase-”

“I know what I said and I said what I meant too,” he responded, slouching and tipping his stenson over his eyes, trying to relax. “We should follow the little lady's lead and get some rest,” he said with a yawn, “something tells me we are gonna need it”

Neither student could disagree with him there.

Chapter Text

Laura's hands were shaking as she saw the crushed remains of the mourning dove nest. Twigs and feathers strewn around. The soggy remains of broken egg shells. And not too far away, to her utmost horror, lay the two birds she visited with corn meal every morning for a year: Loral and Palm. Crumpled, bloodied, and lifeless. Her blood was cold, her heart beating in her ears. She didn't feel like she could breathe and world seemed to stop. She looked up from them slowly to the two boys and their slingshots. In that moment, she wished nothing more than for them to be lying there on the ground instead of those little doves.

“What? What's with that face Laura? You are looking at us like we shot a dog!” one said. 

Her fists shook as she crumpled to the rockey soil below her. 

“You do realize they are just birds, right? Or are you so looney after all that you think birds are people? Hah!”

With a sudden roar she jumped up, grasping pebbles in either hand she pelted them with the tiny stones before rushing forward. She could feel her claws ripping through her skin, she couldn't hold back anymore. She tried for so long. But not now. They killed them. They were monsters. She couldn't take it anymore. 

“MURDERERS!” she yelled as she surged forward, slashing wildly with boney claws already stained with her own blood as the boys screamed in horror.

…..

Jean stirred from her nap as she felt something poking into her side. Her eyes fluttered open and they slowly adjusted to the dim evening light of the train car. The seat in front of her was empty. Logan and Scott must have gone to the dining car. Something was poking painfully against the side of her leg, like she had backed into a fire poker. She jolted and hissed, looking down to her left to see a little girl in blue with dark hair: Laura. She was curled up tightly with one of her hands covering her face and the other clinging to Scott's suit jacket…both with claws fully extended. She scrunched her face and growled in her sleep, her fists twisting, and subsequently pressing against Jean more. 

“Oh no…” she whispered as she pulled back against the edge of the seat. She must be having a nightmare. If the girl didn't wake up she could end up hurting herself or others. She got up from her seat, and as far away from her claws range as she could manage, began trying to shake the girl awake.

“Laura! Laura! Wake up!” She pleaded. The girl gasped and swung wildly for a moment. Not hurting anyone but slicing Scott's coat in two before falling on the floor of the train car, knocking over her luggage and causing it to pop open. Jean winced and approached the girl. “Laura are you alright?”

The girl struggled with the torn coat that had fallen on her, looking not unlike a kitten that had gotten tangled in yarn and didn't understand how it got that way. Jean had to cover her mouth to suppress a giggle. 

Laura however was far less amused. As she realized where she was and what was going on around her…she also quickly realized her claws were out and one of the people who had taken her in could see them. Needless to say, she began to panic almost immediately. She retracted her claws and scuttled to the back of their seating area, eyes dilated and breathing quickly. She was so close. So close to freedom and it was all over. They were going to take her to a school they had said, a special one. She could have escaped the state's care for good and maybe had a good life…but now that would surely go up in smoke. No one would want a girl with bones that poked out of her hands that worked like daggers. She wanted to lie, to be able to do something, anything to make the woman forget what she saw, but she couldn’t. And there wasn't anything much else she could do either. Violence wouldn't fix this…there was no where to run on a moving train…

Jean sensed her fear and became concerned. “Laura? Are you ok?”

“I won go back!” She snapped trying her best to sound brave, “y-you can't make me! You already signed the thing! A-and if you try to, I'll jump from this train! Then you will be responsible for a dead girl!” She stood up and pointed to the window. She hoped her bluff worked. 

Jean's eyes widened. “What? Go back? Oh!” She commented before realization dawned on her, “Oh Laura no one is sending you back. “

“But…you saw them,” she insisted, “why aren't you-why aren't you scared?!” Everyone else who had seen them had run screaming or tried to drag her before a doctor…why wasn't she?

Jean smiled and got down on her level. She extended her hand and used her powers to make Scott's suit jacket gently lift off of her. Laura gasped and flinched in surprise. “I'm not scared because that was why we came looking for you, Laura. All of us, Mr Logan, Scott, and I…we're like you. We're mutants. We all have special powers, and we heard there was a child out in Nevada who had them too. That's why we are taking you to the school. It's a safe place for people like us.”

Laura sat for a minute processing this. “There are others like me?” she asked, “like little girls with claws?”

“Well, not claws but different powers. Kitty can walk through walls, Jubilee can create fireworks from her hands, Amara can control lava flows…Everyone is different but we all understand each other and are there for eachother,”Jean explains. 

Laura sat for a moment in shock. She couldn't believe it. Not only were there others like her but there was a place where she would be accepted? This seemed too good to be true… she had been told she was being sent to a school, that there will be a man that would be taking her in when she got there. But she hadn't expected it to last. She had expected to get there, and run off into the wild at her first opportunity where no one could find her, before people had a chance to find out her secret. She had it all planned out. Steal supplies from the school for camping, find a cave, and make home for herself in a forest. Kids did it all the time in the books she would sneak from the local library. She never actually considered she would get to stay someplace and be accepted for what she was. All this time, she had been convinced that she was some kind of monster. That she had been cursed by that mark of Cain thing or something else that the church ladies would go on about from those old bible stories they would force them to read in their “charity school lessons”. But apparently…she wasn't alone. This wasn't a curse. “So wait…. Im just…a person then? I'm not a monster?” She asked quietly.

Jean's heart broke in that moment. “Of course you aren't a monster. You're just a little girl,” she said softly, “you're not like everyone else, but you are just as human as everyone else on this train.” she wanted to reach out so badly to place a hand on the girl's shoulder, but she didn't know if she would appreciate that. Laura looked as if the world itself had shifted on its axis. 

Laura blinked. Her eyes were damp but she didn't cry. “I'm …I'm a human…” she whispered to herself. Jean smiled and nodded at her. 

 Suddenly, they both heard the door open to the nearly empty car. Jean peaked out to see Logan and Scott coming back with food from the dining car. She smiled at them.

“Hey boys!” she said, “Good news, Laura's up! And she also knows we are mutants.” The girl nodded with a smile. Logan blinked in surprise. He thinks it was the first time he had seen her smile since meeting her. Maybe it's because he knew she was his daughter… but he got a warmth in his chest when he saw it…also… She had dimples? Did she get those from her mother?

Laura showed off her claws, excited for once to share them. “I have claws! There are also ones that come out of my feet but I don't want to put holes in my shoes,” she explained, “what about you guys? I know Miss Grey can make things float.”

Scott smiled and tapped his ruby lenses. “I produce these blasts of light from my eyes that create a force like a cannonball when they hit things,” he explained.

“That's incredible!” she commented before turning to Logan, “What about you Mr. Howlet?”

Logan froze for a moment. If he mentioned the claws that might give things away. Even if the train car was empty he didn't want to risk her fury until they got to New York. “Super strength, heightened senses, and I heal quickly,” he said, “Also the school kids usually just call me Mr. Logan or Logan.” They may share some of those but they were generic enough she might not make the connection. 

“Oh? I've got a good sense of smell and can heal fast as well,” she commented, nearly causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. She then turned to Jean. “How often do mutants have similar powers?” she asked. 

Logan gave Jean a nervous look shaking his head. “Well it's rare but it happens sometimes. Jubilee, Tabby, and Remy back home all have powers that explode things, Lady Monroe and I can both fly, and Professor Xavier and I share telepathic powers,” she explained, “Professor Xavier is the one who runs the school.”

“I see…” Laura responded, “So is that Xavier the one who is adopting me? Am I his…daughter now?” 

“Well actually-,” Scott began but was elbowed by Logan as he entered the seating area, “hey!!”

“Xavier didn’t sign anything so no, but we'll sort out who is going to be your official guardian when we get back. Get the paperwork to the state and everything,” he said before handing her a ham sandwich to distract her, “Now eat up. Don't think ya had anything since this morning.” 

She happily accepted the food, beginning to scarf it down like she was starving. “This is so good!” She commented, “We didn't get meat often, just eggs and beans usually and sometimes stew meat chunks. Do they serve this often at the school you are taking me too?”

Logan gave her a bittersweet smile, glad to see her happy, but feeling guilty this was a treat for her. “Not sandwiches specifically, but Remy does like to cook with a lot of different kinds of meat. He does most of the cooking.” she licked her lips excitedly after that.

 “Especially since the incident with Kitty and the muffins,” Scott joked, “I can still remember the fit he threw when he saw the result of her baking attempt. There's still an awful scorch mark and crack on the floor. He doesn't let anyone in the kitchen if he's not there, and Kitty has been banned permanently from the kitchen."

She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. “So is he a teacher too? Am I going to be adopted by one of the teachers at this school?” she asked with a frown, “I'll be honest. I…don't know how I feel about being adopted by one of them…most of the teachers I know are horrible. Miss Anderson throws chalk at kids for making mistakes sometimes, and then again if you complain about it. And if you intentionally cause trouble, she pulls out a stick and starts caning hands…” She glared at her sandwich.

Logan sighed, biting back a growl. He wasn't surprised, it was common to have a teacher or two like that at public and private schools alike, hell he experienced worse growing up, but it was nonetheless upsetting to hear. Sparring in the danger room was one thing, but to expect a kid to just sit there and take being hit and not fight back bugged him. There were plenty of punishments you could give to kids that didn't involve them getting hit. “I promise that none of the teachers at this school will do that,” he responded.

“Alright then…if you say so,” she replied, not entirely believing him. Personally she'd never met an adult that could be fully trusted. There was something different about this one. She couldn't put her finger on it but he seemed familiar somehow.

As everyone sat down with their food, Logan suddenly got a queasy sensation. A smell hit his nose that wasn't sitting right to say the least. It was like a heavy perfume mixed with a bird's nest. “What is that smell?” He asked scrunching up his nose in disgust.

Laura seemed to freeze at that.

“It does smell like someone spilled a perfume bottle,” Scott noted.

“Maybe mine broke in my suitcase?” Jean wondered, stepping out of the seating area to look at the overhead compartment. 

‘It smells more like perfume covering something else up…is that…pigeon?’ Logan thought sniffing the air before his eyes fell on Laura's suitcase. It had popped open. The girl was now completely avoiding eye contact with everyone but still glancing at the suitcase briefly. He narrowed his eyes, trying not to make any sudden movements for a bit. Laura was hiding something. He pretended to go back to his turkey sandwich for a bit before lunging for the suitcase and grabbing it. 

“NO!” Laura screamed grabbing at it, but that only caused the contents to spill out of it. The perfume got stronger, but so did the stench of dead bird, as cloathing fell to the floor along with two dead mourning doves that had been wrapped in a scrap of burlap. 

“WHAT THE HELL?!” Scott shouted and jumped to his feet. 

“OH GOD WHY ARE THERE DEAD BIRDS ON THE FLOOR?!” Jean screamed and stumbled onto her backside, her suitcase in her arms, “Laura why do have those?!?!”

Laura scooped them up protectively. “Cause they aren't just dead birds! They are my friends,” she responded defensively, “They are Palm and Loral! Some boys killed them today…”

“That doesn't explain WHY you have them!!” Scott cried, “They are going to rot in there and ruin your clothes! What were you thinking? And stop handling them, you are gonna make yourself sick!”

“I couldn't just leave them!!!” she said standing up and puffing out her chest, “I couldn't leave them for those boys to do whatever they wanted with them…or let them get picked apart by the coyotes…I was hoping to give them a funeral when we got to the school…”

Logan rubbed a hand over his face. “Let me guess, the perfume was to keep us from noticing the smell till then?” he asked. 

She looked away. “Matron Sandra wouldn't miss the amount I borrowed…”she muttered, “you're going to say I need to get rid of them now aren't you?! Well I’m not gonna!”

“Laura you can't keep them, again they are going to rot, perfume won't-” Scott began before Logan held up a hand. 

“No, it's fine Scott…” Logan grumbled, “but this would have been way easier if you had just told us…” 

“Why should I have told you?!” she snapped, “Look how he responded! You would have made me toss them too!!”

“Hey! Watch your tone!” He snapped back, “you should have because we could have got an ice cooler for them! Now we won't be able to pick one up till we hit our stop in Omaha tomorrow!”

Laura stared at him blankly. He would have…let her bring them?

Scott pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well this is gonna be a fun train ride…”

Jean thought for a moment. “Hey doesn't the train sell ice buckets to cool wine?” she suggested, “would that work?”

Logan nodded. “That will do for now…we'll get a metal box and a proper cooler for them tomorrow,” he said standing up, “come on Scott, let's get some ice…”

“You are really going to let her keep them all the way till New York?” He whispered to Logan, “I get that there's not much we can do right now, but maybe we could convince her to have a mini funeral between our trains tomorrow in Omaha…”

“They got this far, might as well let her finish her mission,” he grumbled back, “no point breaking her heart.”

Laura watched them go, having overheard the exchange, shock still written on her face. “Is Logan one of the teachers?” she asked Jean as they left. 

“Yes, he is…” she responded, looking at her with concern, gathering the napkins, “here, let's wrap your friends up real quick. Give them an extra layer of protection aside from the burlap…” Laura nodded in response. Perhaps he was right then…the teachers at this school were at least…different from what she experienced before, especially if they were like him. Maybe some adults could be trusted. Maybe. 

Chapter Text

The train came to a halt at 7:15 AM central time in Burlington Station in Omaha, Nebraska. Scott whistled as they stepped off the platform and walked up the steps to the main lobby.They had bypassed the town initially with their direct train line on the first leg of their journey, but this time they had to make a switch over. It wasn't anywhere near the new Grand Central Station in New York they had gotten to visit earlier in the year, but it was certainly more than he expected for the smaller Midwestern city. From the elaborate circular patterns on the marble and granite tiled floors to mosaic benches, not a single spot seemed entirely undecorated. Marble columns supported the structure of the lofty ceiling, which had its own greco roman patterning to it, and massive electric bulb chandeliers of glass and bronze hung down. It made it appear like more of a temple than a train station. Windows taller than an elephant stretched along the walls, placed too high up for one to reach without a crane. The lobby was also massive, with several waiting areas, for men, women, and even a separate smoking area, all signified by fancy square rugs on the ground where the furniture sat. Grand roman archways lead into different terminal areas, and spiralling bronze staircases decorated with rocky mountain sheep busts lead down to the tracks below. “Are you sure we are in Omaha? I thought it was supposed to be a cowboy town like Carson City?” Scott asked aloud, “this feels more like we stepped back in time to the Chicago World's fair…”

“Oh it is, mostly,” Logan responded, “most of the state's economy relies on agriculture of one kind or another, and it definitely was quite a wild west lawless town for a long time. Even rivaling Chicago in crime for a bit. It has only recently started cleaning up its act. I definitely remember a few cattle drives back then that got…interesting…to say the least. Really they should call it an 'Omaha stand off', not a 'Mexican stand off'. Honestly saw it more often there than in Mexico.”

“What caused the change?” Jean asked, feeling a bit nervous by his answer. How dangerous was the city still? Was it safe to take Laura out of the station? 

“World's Fair,” he said simply, “it's why this building exists.” He gestured vaguely with his hands. “They held a bit of a knock off “Columbian Exposition” type event in 1898 called the “Trans Mississippi Exposition” to try and get a better image for themselves and get investors. Honestly it was more like a giant state fair with elaborate plaster movie set dressing more than anything. They had inventions but don't think they had much for international exhibits, although they did have an actual native tribe conference for all the tribes in the Great Plains and that was quite huge. This building is one of the upgrades they did to impress coastal folks visiting that's still around. It worked, kinda. I mean, you still thought it was a little ranch town after all.” 

“And we are coastal folks impressed by the station,” Jean said with a chuckle, “so I suppose it is still doing its job!”

Laura was dazzled by it all. She had seen nothing like it before in her life. She had to cling to Jean to keep moving, otherwise she would have stood in place trying to soak it all in. She had heard what New York was like, but never had seen it herself. This is what she imagined it would be like…and yet it wasn't? How much more grand could that place be if this wasn't it?!

“You talk like you were there, Logan,” Scott said, “were you? I know you did rodeo shows for a little while and performed at the 1904 World's fair.”

Logan shook his head as they walked to the exit. “I didn't perform there, but I did pass through,” he explained, “I didn't get into that stuff until about 1903. I was still wrangling cows then.”

Laura blinked to attention at hear the year mentioned. “That was the year I was born,” she commented.

Logan pursed his lips and tried not to react while hoping she wasn't making connections. “Interesting,” he commented, “anyways…we'll have two hours here to work with, but let's meet back up in an hour and fifteen just to be sure.” He pushed open the large doors leading outside. The sun was bright and shining, and the city really did look like a halfway point between a larger city like Chicago and a wild west town. There were wide dirt roads for driving cattle, and brick side streets with ornate stone and brick buildings. There were all sorts of supply stores but then also restaurants and fashion boutiques, and the visible smoke stacks of factories in the background. It was still largely horse and buggies for traffic, with only one or two automobiles in sight. 

They would have been enjoying the odd yet quaint sight, had a terrible smell not distracted them all. Scott gagged when it reached his nose and Jean covered her nose. Logan and Laura seemed unbothered. “God what is that smell?” Scott cried, “it smells worse than a pig farm.”

“That, Kid, would be the smell of money out here,” Logan explained, before jabbing a thumb over his shoulder, “we're only a mile or so away from the stock exchange building and its yards.”

“I don't remember Wall Street smelling like this…urine, yes, but not this,” he retorted. 

“Well that's because it's a LIVEstock exchange,” Logan retorted, his mouth ever so slightly twitching up at the corners, “remember, their economy is agriculture.” 

Scott blinked at him in surprise. “... Did you just make a pun?” He questioned, “who are you and what have you done with Logan?”

Logan rolled his eyes. “Yup, not Logan. Can't have a sense of humor, that guy. I've just been Mystique this whooooole time,” he replied sarcastically, “but yeah. Anything animal or agricultural product from west of the Missouri going to the east goes through here first. And most of it is pre-needing refrigeration. Unlike your dove friends, little missy.” He turned to Laura. “Give me that burlap sack with them and I'll get an ice cooler and a lunch box to keep ‘em in.”

Laura hesitated. “Why do I have to give them over…” she asked.

“Because if you don't I might not get a box that fits ‘em,” he explained. “You want ‘em to have a comfortable casket don't ya?”

 She narrowed her eyes before handing the sack over. “If you tossem I’ll know. I'll be able to smell that they are gone,” she threatened, “and you will be sorry.” 

Logan nodded. “Counting on ya doin that,” he said before turning to Jean and Scott. “Ok I'm gonna go over to that Wolf Brothers store and see if they have anything. Jean, Scott, would you mind keeping her entertained for a bit?” He hands them five dollars in coins, “pretty sure there's a drug store at the end of that street that serves seltzers and has some sweet goodies.”

“I love sasparillas!” Laura announced her eyes suddenly excited, “do you think they will have them there?!” Any time the girl could get her hands on some change she would get herself one from the pharmacist. It was her favorite summer treat.

Jean smiles at her while Logan shrugs. “Beats me. Only one way to find out,” he responded, “feel free to pick up anything else that looks like we might need it, just make sure you have enough left over to buy food on the train for you and Scott for the next three days. Train tickets are gonna be expensive for the rest of the journey and we got an extra passenger now. Worst comes to worst, I'll make sure Laura gets three square meals at least.” 

Jean nodded, taking the money. Scott pulled a few coins from the sack that was handed over and pocketed them. “I'm gonna find the nearest bank and call Xavier to update him on everything. I'll meet back up with you guys later.” He gave Jean a side hug and waved to Laura and Logan with a smile before starting to head down the street towards an ornate, Roman looking building that was either a government building or a bank. Logan nodded and with that the group split up. 

…..

Scott finally found the bank and thankfully, it not only had a pay phone but it was also able to connect to lines all the way in New York! The call was going to be pricey but at least possible. He paid the phone attendant and asked the operator to connect him to the Xavier institution. After a few minutes he finally heard someone pick up. 

Scott cupped the receiver to his ear and leaned into the diaphragm. 

“Hello, this is the Xavier institute for Gifted Youth, you are speaking to Professor Charles Xavier. How can I help you?” The man himself responded. 

“Hey Professor, It's Scott. I've got an update on things.” The voice of his student rang out from the small device. 

“Oh? Good to hear from you. How has the journey been so far? Did you find the child?”

“We did and she is with us. Her name is Laura. We're in Omaha right now, and will be back in a few days…but there's something you should know about the girl.”

Xavier frowned. “Is something wrong? Did she get injured?”

Scott sighed and rubbed the back of his neck “She's fine, it's just that…well…She's Logan's daughter. We are pretty sure anyways. “

Xavier blinked in surprise. “I was not aware he had any children…”

“I'm pretty sure they are related, I mean…they have the exact same powers. And I don't mean similar, I mean EXACTLY the same,” Scott explains, “ I don't think he knew that he had her. She might have been the result of a fling during his cowboy days and so he never learned about her. She doesn't know at the moment but we will have to tell her sooner or later and well, she has a very violent personality. I am not sure how well that will go. She nearly killed two kids over a pair of doves… which Speaking of she's insisted on holding a funeral for them, the doves so be prepared for that too. “

“I see…” Xavier responded scratching his chin in thought, “so what would you like me to do with this information?”

 “Well mostly keep it from others, Logan wants to tell her first. But you have a right to know though and I figured you could have some ideas prepared for dealing with the outcome if telling her the truth goes south.”

“Sounds fair enough. I will do just that. Perhaps we should have it in the danger room to reduce collateral damage.”

“Sounds good to me! Thanks professor I have got to go, Summers, signing off!”

“Have a good day, Scott,” Xavier responded before they both hung up. 

Scott sighed in relief. He was glad he could contact the professor about this. Little did he realize there was someone listening and it wasn't the operator….

…..

Kitty was the queen of gossip at the Xavier Institute. Nothing spread around without her knowing about it, and nothing spread around without her involvement. She would admit, she could be pretty nosey at times. Was hard not to be when you can stick your head through any wall. Your curiosity had nothing stopping it from getting the best of you! But now, it looks like curiosity has finally landed this Kat in hot water. She was just curious about why someone was calling so early on a Saturday, so she picked up the receiver on the hall phone to listen in. Little did she realize this would be Earth shattering, highly sensitive news that absolutely MUST remain secret until the time was right…. While also being the juiciest scandal she had ever heard. Everyone knew Morph wanted kids, and everyone knew Logan didn't…. But now he's going to come back with a daughter he didn't know he had?! Ooh la la! 

Kitty gently set down the receiver and started backing away, hand covering her mouth. Her mind was racing. How old was the girl? What did she look like? Where had she been this whole time? Who was the mother? Was she another mutant? An old friend of his? Did a friend of his die a dramatic death?! Her fingers were itching to get back on that phone and figure out a way to call Scott and ask for every detail! But she couldn't! And she couldn't ask Xavier for any more details. Not only did he not know anything more than her, but also she couldn't reveal that she had been snooping around! She would be in soooo much trouble if she did. 

That only left one option to quell her racing thoughts: wild speculation. She NEEDED to gossip. But she couldn't! She couldn't do that to Logan! The answer was clear for two days she had to speak to absolutely no one. It would be hard but she could do it. Maybe. She had to try at least. Maybe she could lock herself in her room and that would help…

She turned to leave and do just that, but as she did so, she came face to face with a familiar blue teenager. His long hair was pulled back in a ponytail showing how pricked up his elvish ears were, and his eyes seemed to gleam with excitement behind his fake glasses, tinted to hide their true color. His tail was flicking back and forth excitedly, and his cat-like smile was stretching from ear to ear. Oh no. This was bad. Kurt was her best friend…and he looked determined to speak with her.

“Guten morgen, Ka-” he began but was cut off as she bolted. “Katzchen? Vhere are you going?!” He cried giving chase.

She absolutely could not talk with him! He was her gossip buddy, no way she could resist speculating with him! She had to get away, which was incredibly difficult as he would bounce off the walls and teleport to get closer to her. When she slid down the banister, he was there at the bottom. When she veered into the sitting room he was there too, trying to get her attention. She only managed to lose him when she nearly ran into Ororo and Evan only to take a sharp left turn straight through a wall. In the confusion, Kurt ended up crashing into the student and teacher, causing all three of them to fall into a heap on the ground.

“Hey watch where you are porting!” Evan responded, “we could have ended up one of those conjoined twins things if you weren't careful!” 

“Sorry just trying to find Kitty…vhere did she go?” He got up and looked around.

“Wherever she is, be more careful in trying to-” Storm began but Kurt had already ported away.

…. 

Kitty ran through the wall…straight into the kitchen. The one room where she wasn't allowed. She blinked for a second as she looked around. She had forgotten how this place looked. The multiple gas powered ovens and stoves, the large refrigerators and freezers in the corners. Drawers upon drawers of kitchen utensils and cooking pots, pans, and such hanging just above the range. Every cupboard and drawer was labeled with french words carved into the wood, Remy's doing both to stay organized and claim it as his space. A long stainless steel counter filled with drying racks full of dishes led to a pair of basin like industrial sinks, where gumbo pots sat soaking. And on the far wall was a huge cabinet filled with plates and bowls and cups, with a small pot belly wood stove and an ironing board next to it in the corner. Aside from that small homey corner, between everything furniture wise, the white tiled walls, and the marbled floor tiles the place looked like a professional restaurant kitchen …minus the nasty burn mark and ugly crack on the ground that was part why she was banned from here in the first place…Speaking of…

“Ahem…” she yelped and turned to see Rogue and Gambit there, frozen. Gambit was leaning over Rogue wearing his apron and oven mitts and looked incredibly annoyed with Kitty a tinge of red to his cheeks. Meanwhile Rogue was mortified, desperately trying to hide her bright red blushing face with her black veiled funerary hat as she sat on the edge of the kitchen table. Kitty froze herself as she studied their posture… oh G-d they were trying to neck through the fabric of Rogue’s high dress collar. Kitty's face was now bright red too as it dawned on her, although she saved this new bit of gossip for later. “Kitty,” Gambit began, an embarrassed and angry growl in his voice, “Get the-”

“LEAVING I'M LEAVING! I WAS NEVER HERE!” she cried as she ran through the wall to the outside garden.

 Kitty scrambled as fast as she could until she found herself tucked behind two juniper bushes surrounding a large willow tree. She sighed and relaxed against the tree trunk. Hopefully she would be able to avoid Kurt for a while as a result.

…or so she thought, until the blue German fell out of said tree in front of her, causing her to scream. “Oof!” He grunted as he sits himself up, “note to self, villows are not good for hanging in ze branches of…” He then turned his attention to her. “Ah! Kitty! Finally! I have big news to share!” He exclaimed, grabbing a book he had been holding in his tail and readjusting his paperboy hat, “So you know how mein vater und mutter live in ze Amana settlements in Iova, ja? Und how everyone zere speaks Deutsch? Vell somevone moved in recently who has a Deutsch-Jewish friend living in Baltimore, und so zey vere able to send me zis English to Deutsch to Hebrew dictionary, do you vant to-”

“MR. LOGAN HAS A DAUGHTER!” she admitted before clasping her hands over her mouth, eyes wide. 

Kurt dropped the book in his hands immediately and fell back onto his butt. His eyes were just as wide as hers, his ears pulled back in surprise, and his jaw had gone slack. There was. A full minute of silence as they both processed what just happened. “K-Kurt you can't-”

“PROFESSOR MORPH HAD A BABY?!?!” he cried in shock. 

Chapter Text

“PROFESSOR MORPH HAD A BABY??!” Kurt shouted, causing crows to fly away 

Kitty blinked in surprise. “What?! No, why would you think that?” She questioned, “secondly, why the hell did you have to yell that?! People could have heard you!”

“Vell you yelled ze first zing,” Kurt retorted, trying his best to save face. He crossed his arms like a child and it made Kitty roll her eyes. 

“Look, just keep quiet about this!!” She said in a hushed tone, “Logan had a daughter out in Nevada, before Morph. I don't think he knew she existed till now.” 

“mein gott...It's vild honestly. He alvays came off to me as more responsible zan zat.. Wait. How do you know about zis?!” Kurt questioned, before getting hushed again. “Sorry,” he repeated in a quieter tone, “how do you know about zis?”

Kitty pursed her lips before looking away, playing with the hem of her sporting outfit. “So. You know how I promised to stop listening in on phone calls in the house because I got caught listening to a discussion between Dr. Xavier and one of his patients?” she says not making eye contact. 

Kurt blinked at her. “You didn't…” Kurt breathed and she bit her lip and nodded, “Kitty! You got in so much trouble for zat!”

“I know!!! But it's a hard vice to beat…” she whined.

Kurt facepalmed. “Kitty you are going to end up cleaning out Blackbird's stable for a veek at least for zis…” he muttered. 

Kitty raised an eyebrow. “You saying you are going to tattle on me, blue boy?” she challenged. 

“Nein!” he suddenly insisted, holding his hands up, “I swear before God, zis von't even be spoken about in ze preist’s confession suite!”

Kitty relaxed and let out a sigh of relief. “Sorry. I'm just antsy…I have no clue how this is gonna end up…what will Professor Morph think?” she responds, “from what I understand there is no way this will stay hidden for long. I don't know how much the girl looks like him but over the phone Scott said she had the same powers as Professor Logan…and apparently his temper too from the sound of things. The girl apparently nearly killed these boys over a pair of doves that died…”

Kurt winced but tried to withhold judgement. After all, his adoptive father had shot just about any animal that got too close to the hen house back home looking for a meal, as would most other farmers in the area, and an emotional blow up would be imminent if any birds were actually killed…but hurting people was definitely a whole other story. “Zey must have mattered quite a bit to her…” he offered. 

“I guess so…She's gonna have a funeral for them when she gets here. As in she's bringing the bodies all the way here with her,” Kitty replied, “that's going to be… an interesting way to introduce herself to say the least.”

Kurt chuckled. “Can't be any vorse zan how I introduced meinself to you, Katzchen!” he joked, “remember how frantic I vas to prove I vasn't a demon cause mein appearances surprised you? Zat backfired in ze vorst vay possible! It's a miracle I didn't ruin everything forever!”

She giggled. “Yeah and then you started pulling out rosaries and blessed pendants and quoting bible verses, shouting ‘could a demon do this?’ in a panic, I thought you were some sort of crazy evangelizing weirdo trying to convert me! I nearly cracked your rib!” She winced a bit remembering how she had instinctively shouted and kicked him in the stomach when it felt like he was cornering her while trying to prove his own humanity.

Growing up in a predominantly Jewish community she had met very few christians and fewer Catholics prior, and most she had met had been…not the kindest to say the least, which was why said Jewish community was very closed off in the first place. and that was not even acknowledging of all the history she had been taught over past violent conflicts between her faith and his. It was incredible to think that the boy that was a member of one of the faiths her ancestors had to flee to this nation due to persecution from, and that had scared her so deeply, made her worry about her safety even (though not on purpose) on her very first day at the institute would end up being her closest friend and the person she felt safest around. No matter what happened, no matter what anyone said, even if it felt like G-d had abandoned her, she could always count on Kurt to be there for her.

 It gave her some hope for the future…perhaps things will not remain so divided, with people of different faiths no longer feeling the need to either viciously shun each other for differences or segregate themselves away for their own safety…perhaps Xavier's dream of acceptance could extend beyond just human and mutant relations. After all, the institute itself saw very few dividing lines between students of different faiths, races, and other identities. Why couldn't the rest of the world?

“Zat poor girl zough,” she snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Kurt speak. He was frowning with concern. “She must be in such pain…she vill be so far from home, vith no familiar faces, und vill have to bury friends zat likely mattered deeply to her soon after she arrives. She may not even have time to settle in first…” He looked up, “ve should do somezing for her. Like a homecoming celebration of sorts!”

“Ooo that sounds like a great idea!” She responds, clapping her hands together, “do you think she's had ice cream before? We make some! Oh and see if Gambit will make us some marshmallows to top it with!”

“Ja! Let's do it!” he says, standing up and offering her a hand.

“Absolutely. We can also make some pressed sugar decorations! I think there's a lettering tin somewhere,” she adds as she takes his hand, “just remember, don't mention anything about this to anyone…we are just being nice to whoever the kid might be that's coming back, that we have ZERO clue about the identity or parentage of!” 

 “Ma'am yes ma'am!” Kurt says as he helps her up, giving a mock salute, “mein lips are sealed tighter zan a clam!”

“I know I can count on you to keep a promise, Fuzzy Kobold!” she mussed up his hair before putting his cap back on his head. 

Little did either of them realize that someone had overheard. At least the very first part of it. Rahne Sinclair poked her wolfish head out of the bushes from a good ten paces away as she watched them depart. She huffed. She had only heard their initial shouting with her heightened hearing by chance as she was trying to see if she could sniff out a good mushroom foraging spot, but everything else had been too muffled or quiet as she had tried to get closer to learn more. In the end she only caught the very tail end of the conversation and the very beginning. But this was earth shattering none the less…Morph and Logan had had a secret baby, perhaps even before coming to the institute! And she had been in Nevada this whole time? Rahne was usually not one to gossip but there was no way she could keep this to herself. Why should Kurt and Kitty get to show off and impress their professors’ daughter without anyone else getting the chance too? Rude! Besides, her, Amara, Tabby, and Jubilee could do something just as good if not better for a welcome wagon! With that the wolf girl scampered off. 

…..

The next train stop was Chicago. There would be a few more stops and switch overs before they got to Buffalo and could then get back to Bayville from there, but first on that list was the Windy City. Logan grumbled as he counted the bills they had left. He might need to stop at a bank and make a withdrawal before they got on their next train, hopefully there was a branch for their bank near the station…

Constantly switching trains and train lines was expensive, but it was necessary. They had to be able to stay together. Logan was no fool. States West of the Missouri River, like Nevada or Nebraska, imperfect as they were, wouldn't kick up a fuss about a dark skinned girl traveling with a group of white folks. Hell, few weren't some degree tanned in Carson City where they found her and, white as it was, Nebraska at least had some civil protections for someone who looked like her. It was one of the few places that gave natives the right to vote after all. People might bat an eye or raise an eyebrow, but they would keep to themselves generally and wouldn't try to enforce most of the “separate but equal” bullshit neighboring states would, at least not on travellers. There was probably all kinds of shit baked in laws that kept strict lines in the sand he didn't know about. Regardless, point was, he could guarantee safe travel there. He couldn't guarantee anything however the minute they crossed state lines if they crossed into Missouri, or any state south of Illinois for that matter. Just the idea of someone attempting to move her to be alone in a cramped and busted up “colored car” was enough to get his blood boiling.

Point is, they couldn't risk separation, or getting thrown off the train for whatever Logan would do if that fat conductor tried to pull her away. So line jumping to get to New York following states that didn't enforce segregation in train cars was their safest bet, no matter how much more expensive it was. 

Still that didn't entirely save them from assholes… 

“They're staring and whispering again. I can feel it….” Laura grumbled as she did her best to doodle in the notepad with the new fancy crayons Jean had gotten her and avoid eye contact with the individuals in question like the older girl had instructed her. The train cars were a bit more populated as they headed East, and as a result they found themselves sharing their car with a few people, including an older white couple that had gotten on in Iowa and had spent much of the trip so far side eyeing them and whispering to each other. Logan couldn't hear everything they said but he got enough of it. 

“Do you think they are related?” 

“God I hope not for his sake…can you imagine?…I wouldn't be able to show my face…”

He grit his teeth, holding back his urge to march over there and slap the man's glasses right off of his smug face. 

“Ignore ‘em. We've got only a few hours left till Chicago. Then you won't have to see them again” he leaned in and quietly assured her. That being said, he himself definitely couldn't ignore them. He was shooting them death glares any time Laura came up in their conversations. It took all his strength to avoid retaliating more. 

Eventually the man got up and left the car, which caused Logan to relax himself. “Jean, Scott, keep an eye on her…I'm gonna grab some food from the dining car…”

“Grilled cheese,” Laura pipes up, not looking up from her paper pad. Logan raises an eyebrow in amusement to her demand. 

“Laura, you can't just tell people to do things for you!” Scott chastised. Laura stuck out her tongue at him.

“Girl needs to eat,” Logan said with a shrug, “that being said best to ask nicely next time. Lady Ororo will give you more than just a hard time if you don't remember your manners.” Laura looked up at him before down at her pad again. He felt his mouth twitch. That was an agreement, even if she didn't say or gesture anything. He was learning her quirks slowly…

Logan then turned and made his way to the dining car. It was one of the fancier cars and the only one without carpeting among the passenger cars. It was tinged slightly orange, and there were tables and chairs that resembled more a diner's furnishings than a train car's that were bolted to the floor. There was a man at a small grill station at the back. As soon as he approached the man turned and reflexively handed him a menu to peruse. Logan nodded in thanks, leaning on the counter…before someone bumped into him. 

A man brushed past him rudely as he entered the dining car from the front end of it. “Watch it,” Logan grumbled. He blinked and noticed it was the old white guy. 

“How about you do not block the whole pathway-Oh it's you…” the man snapped before realizing mid sentence who he was talking to. He cowed significantly before clearing his throat, a curious yet judgemental look in his eye. 

“Yeah. Me,” Logan grunted, “The guy you keep staring at in the train. Stop it. Didn't your mother ever tell you staring is rude?” He then turned to the person at the grill. “I'll take a grilled cheese, the fried cod, the chicken sandwich, and that… thing that's called a salad but is actually just cold pasta and chopped fruit in oil, yeah the new thing.” he placed the money on the counter. The man nodded and got to work. 

The man looked taken aback, not expecting to be called out. “well I apologize but it's not often one sees such a strange bunch…”

Logan raised an eyebrow challengingly at him. “What's so strange about us?” He dared.

The man scoffed. “Surely it's obvious. The girl,” he replied. 

“What do you mean, Jean? Don't tell me you've never seen red hair before sir,” Logan retorted. 

“No! The Indian girl!” he hissed back. 

“Don't know what you are talking about,” Logan responded, lighting up a cigarette. He began sucking on it as he waited for his food, tapping it on the ashtray. 

“yes you do, that little girl with the constant scowl! She looks like a-”

“What she looks like doesn’t matter, bub, “ he interrupted, “We ain’t in Jim Crow land, so she can sit with us as she pleases, and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it. And after today you won’t see either of us so quit your whining.” A few other people started looking in his direction. “If I hear you whispering about who her mother might be or about how my daughter looks again, I will make sure you regret it. Got it?” he growled as he looked up at the shocked old man from beneath the rim of his hat.

The man looked absolutely stunned. “Why…you just air your miscegenation so openly?!” was all he could manage, “there are serious consequences-” 

“Hah! Miscegenation ain't exactly the case. After all, never married her mother,” this caused a few audible gasps, “Secondly, yes, she is my daughter. And I am not ashamed of this. I will never be ashamed of my own kid, certainly for nothing that she can't help. I have no idea how you treat yours, but I'd hope you wouldn't blame a child for being born crippled, so I see no reason to get upset on anyone’s behalf for her skin. But if you keep bothering her I will give you something to feel ashamed of. Got it?”

“Are…are you threatening me? Over gossip?!”

“No,” Logan responds, “I am merely stating a fact. Mess with her again, and there will be consequences for said actions.” He picked up the tray of food hesitantly handed to him as he didn't break eye contact with the old man. The man was the first to look away, and as Logan's eyes proceeded to rake around the room, everyone averted their eyes from him, hiding whatever judgement they may have been letting slip in their gaze. He nodded to them as he exited, being sure to keep his back straight and his head held high. If there was one rule he kept for himself when he left the open range, it was never back down and never show self doubt. The Western frontier had been an unforgiving place to say the least, but also one of the most accepting. The key to gaining that acceptance? Be completely unapologetic and stand your ground in the face of any disrespect. People in the frontiers would accept anyone: black, chinese, white, mexican, innocent, criminal, christian, jew, muslim, pagan, denouncer of faith, woman, man, homosexual, heterosexual, or someone who sees themselves as counter to what they were born as. There was just one condition: stand your fucking ground.

 If someone pushes you down you get up and push them harder. If someone spits in your face, you smear their drool on their own. You get thrown out, being told you aren't welcome; you march right back in there, pull up a seat and demand your pint of moonshine. If you refuse to be moved long enough, people are forced to respect you. There is only so long people can waste refusing a pair of talented working hands, no matter where they came from or who they belong to, and personally he found that held true no matter where he went, people just usually resisted longer where they could afford it. And this is exactly what he knew he would have to do if he wanted Laura to have a good life and he'd have to impart it onto her too, especially considering she would likely have it a lot harder than he did. 

‘Good thing she already has a great start with that stubbornness,’ he tried to joke to himself. If there was one thing he was glad he was able to give her, it was his willfulness. Hopefully it made up for the wild temper and the claws he imparted too.

He made his way back to their car and passed out the food. Laura tore into her grilled cheese as if it were ambrosia. Cheese was a rare treat for her apparently. He made note to call Gambit when they got to Buffalo to make sure to carve one of the cheese wheels in the cellar and have a nice bread bowl ready for when she arrives. 

A few moments later the man came back. He glanced at Logan before hurrying over to his wife. He whispered something to her frantically, and the two grabbed their things and left the train car. Logan watched them as they left.

“What was that about?” Jean questioned. 

“Dunno,” Logan responded, “they were shit company anyways.” Laura giggled while Scott gasped and tried to cover her ears.

….

 The thing about news is, it doesn't always have to be true, but word always travels quickly if the story is interesting. Pulitzer and Herst knew that all too well, and the same applied to teenage gossip. 

In fact nothing moves faster than gossip in the Xavier Institute, even faster than an electrical current. All it takes is one “oh, haven't you heard?” and any secret that was trying to be kept was soon spilling from lips like a racehorse from a gate, and there was no containing it then. It got to EVERYONE in the school, usually within a single day, and that is why as soon as she heard about this, Rogue knew she and Gambit needed to do something about this. 

Rogue stepped into the kitchen where she smelled the cooked pasta and a cheesy cream sauce being prepared. In front of the gas stove she saw exactly the man she was looking for getting dinner ready. He already had several trays of the “three-flavored macaroni and cheese” prepared for the evening, and looks like he was on the last batch. Currently he was spooning the sauce into a pan he filled with bowtie pasta already(looks like he had run out of elbow macaroni. she was almost surprised he hadn't stopped what he was doing and made more on the spot), whistling and swaying his hips to the syncopated tune that was stuck in his head.

“Sugah,” she called, getting his attention.

He stopped and swung around in his song, smiling as he saw her face. “Evenin’, chere!” he practically purrs, strolling up to her with the now empty sauce pot in hand, “how Gambit's lovely black rose doin’ taday? Come back fo a second helping after we got interrupted?~ O’ hopin’ you can sneak lickin’ da spoon?” He waggled his eyebrows at her and then the end of the deliciously fragrant cheese coated wooden spoon in front of her face. “No need ta sneak around. Ya know Remy let ya clean off de bowl itself iffin ya want.~”

She chuckled a little, raising an eyebrow at the pot that still had plenty of creamy goodness stuck to the sides. Normally he would have scrapped every inch of that into the food. “Alright what's up wit ya, you'd never waste this much food,” she gestures to it.

“Ain't wastin’ nothin’ iffin ahm treatin’ mah lady wit it,” he whispers cheekily before pressing the wooden spoon gently to her lips as he kisses the other side. 

She snorts as he pulls away, licking her lips and wiping off a little cheese that got on her nose. She couldn't help but smile at his antics despite the serious situation at hand. “Gambit…” she says finally shaking off the silliness, “Remy we gotta talk about somethin.”

His face falls. “Somethin wrong, Chere?” he asks, concern clear in his voice. 

“Not with us,” she assures, “But somethin is up here at the institute…”

….

Gambit sighed as they approached their shape shifting professor as they helped Forge set up the danger room for the afternoon, placing wooden cutouts and set dressing into their proper spaces. “Ya sure dis be a good idea?” he questioned Rogue beside him, “We both know it ain't true…why botha dem…”

Rogue elbowed him. “They got a right to know what's bein’ said about them. Would ya prefer they find out from another student by accident?” she retorted.

“How do ya know dey ain't already aware?” Rogue simply raised an eyebrow at that. Although the students here could not keep their mouths shut to save their lives when it came to juicy stories, they were good at keeping the teachers out of the loop. And if anyone knew that, he did, as he frequently helped keep it that way...

Gambit sighed and then stepped forward. "Ey, Sydney!” he waved towards his friend and coworker. Gambit couldn't help but smile as he saw them, even as they were sweatin up a storm doing a lot of manual labor, they were still impeccably dressed in a brown suit with ruffles. 

Morph turned to the pair as they dabbed their forehead with a handkerchief. “Oh! Hello you two! Training session won't be going on today, there still is…” Morph started, turning to look at the vast gymnasium-like structure with movable floors and pistons in the walls. Everything was heavily customizable for any kind of terrain and structure that may need to be added, with an observation deck above filled with punch cards to set up specific environments by moving panels and readying specific features. It was amazing how Forge had taken a simple mechanical loom and used its pattern programming feature to create this marvel. Currently it was being set up to look like a cliff face for a search and rescue practice. But it was nowhere near complete…only half the cliff face was set up after all. The rest was bare framing from the wall pistons. “... There is still a lot to do,” they admitted.

“Hey mind taking a break?” Gambit asked, “ya look like you could use it, n Rogue n ah would be happy ta get ya some refreshments n chat wit us a bit!”

Morph looked to Forge who simply nodded and waved them off. “I was thinking of taking one anyways,” Forge says, “see you in a bit.” Morph gives a thankful nod. 

“Alright then, I'd love to have a coffee break with you two,” they say walking towards them with arms open, “let's walk and talk! How have you been doing? What's new?”

The two smiled the best they could. “Oh ya know, same old same old!” Rogue responds, “let's get to the sittin room upstairs. How do you like your coffee again?” 

Chapter Text

If there was one thing Morph had learned in their life that they would say was honestly life changing, it was reading a room. Reading a room could help save you In a literal split second or find the perfect moment to leave without notice. One could be able to tell who they were safe around and who they weren't. So it was obvious to them there was clear tension in this one, but they tried their best not to show their notice.

What was concerning was that the normally laid back Gambit even seemed a bit uncomfortable with the situation. That couldn't be a good sign. 

“So professor, have you been doing well lately? Ah imagine it's been lonely without Logan around,” Rogue asked as she handed them a warm Brazilian brew with a bit of cane sugar and cinnamon. 

“It has been quieter that's for sure. Although that has made sleeping easier without his snoring,” they joked. This got a light tittering from the two younger individuals, but they still seemed tense. 

Ok then. This is very serious….

“So…” they said, taking a sip, “I imagine there is a reason you chose to have a ‘Kaffee Klatsch’--as our resident german speaker might call it–with me and not him, considering neither of you usually have afternoon coffee…”The slight wince from Rogue was all the confirmation they needed. “So…. Out with it then, “ they sighed, “what happened this time? Did Tabitha get herself arrested again for stealing an automobile…”

“Thankfully no, not to our knowledge…” Rogue assured but she still looked nervous, “tell me Professor, have you kept up with the latest gossip among the students?”

“No I haven't. It's hard to keep track of anything being whispered around here since someone here taught the kids how to use morse code with only a shiny pocket watch…” Morph noted glancing at Remy for a moment. The older boy simply shrugged in a “what can you do?” gesture.

Rogue sighed. “Well,” she said, smoothing out her skirt, “there's been a particular one you should be made aware of. You know how Logan is bringing back a new student? Well the student body has gotten it into their heads this is some kind of love child you and him have tucked away.”

Morph stared at her a second before bursting out laughing. “Hahahaa…this is what you thought was so important to tell me? Gahd zukes Rogue I was worried it was something life altering! Like you two were coming to me cause you somehow managed to get pregnant, or decided you wanted to live as a man and were looking for advice! Not some silly rumor! Hahahahahaha!!!” Morph slapped the arm of their chair as their laughter continued.

Rogue blanched at that and Gambit stifled a snicker as best he could. “It is important! For one! But why would you assume either of those things?! Especially the pregnancy one!! What do you take me for?!” She shrieked and jumped. To her feet, her cheeks flushing red. 

“Sorry dear honestly, it is no judgement on your part, sincerely,” Morph placated, “with or without your powers, we all know you are a smart girl with a strong will on such matters. it was merely a joke on how unexpected the rumor discussion was! I would sooner expect Gambit to manage to do the impossible twice over: First of convincing you to go along with and second performing an immaculate conception!” she huffed and relaxed a little.

“and in fairness Chére,” Gambit spoke up, still trying to hide his amusement, “ on de second ting, ya do enjoy dressin masculinely when de opportunity presents itself, remember da ‘Bayville Sirens’?”

“It was bicyclin gear! We were all wearin it. Ya can't wear a skirt with a bicycle its dangerous!” She retorted.

Gambit quirked an eyebrow. “Gambit pretty sure he seen ya loungin in ya ‘cyclin gear’ on many an occasion witout even a penny farthin in sight. Hell ah was invited to several such occasions!” he teased causing her to roll her her eyes and swat his shoulder. “Awwww désolé cher,” Gambit changed his tune quickly, though amusement still was clear in his voice. He took the hand that swatted him in his own and rubbed it with thumb. “Gambit knows you lady beyond compare,” he attempted to soothe, “but just so ya know, Gambit would love ya all da same iffin ya were a boy. Infact ya'd be da handsomest young man Remy ever saw.”

She rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away, roughly patting his head with it a few times. “Oh ahm sure, aside from your own reflection in the mirror of course, ey Narcissus?” Gambit pretended to look wounded but chuckled softly. “Anyways, this rumor IS serious!” She said turning back. 

Morph chuffed, resting their cheek on their palm. “I don’t see why? It's ridiculous! It is no secret we are unlikely to have children any time soon, no matter how much I pester the stubborn man about it, “ they internally winced a little before sipping their coffee at the reminder, “besides! Why on earth would we have a potentially mutant child in secret and then send it away, when here at the institute both of us can be open about the sides we would both normally hide, our queerness and our mutations? It's just children being children and coming up with stories.”

Rogue face palmed. “Ah ain't sayin it's true! Just think for a minute, Teacher! How do you think a rumor like that starts?” She questioned. 

Morph fell silent, a look of confusion on their face. The children knew Morph wanted kids of their own and Logan was cagey on the subject, why wouldn't wildly speculating about such things in that context be plausible?

Gambit cleared his throat. “What Rogue is tryin ta say, is Mehbee it started as sometin else entirely an became a game of Russian Gossip n changed along da way, like someone tought da kid might be Logan's o sometin first,” he says. Morph pursed their lips at that last thought before shaking it off. “N mehbee, it'll change again inta sometin mo scandalous, n mo focused on you, mon ami,” he says, “Mehbee befo dey get back we should gatha da kiddos n nip dis in da bud. It could not just affect you, but Logan an de kid. “

Morph thought for a moment before shrugging and getting up. “I understand your concern, but everyone in this place already knows the most scandalous things about me according to society as is, and it's not like me telling them otherwise will do anything except fuel the fire of suspicion more,” they explained, “and I'm sure the rumors will die on their own once she gets here in a few days. After all, the girl is older than Logan and I have known each other, and from what I understand looks nothing like either of us. These things I feel will resolve themselves on their own, and if they don't we will be better equipped to deal with the theories when she arrives.”

“But-” Rogue started. Morph held up a hand and cut her off. 

“I appreciate the concern, and the coffee break, but rest assured both of you I will be fine. I’m a grown adult with thick skin, in more ways than one!” They said turning their hand it’s natural grey for a moment before changing it back, “besides, the rumor circuit was far nastier on Broadway anyways, and I survived that fine! It will take more than youth gossip to upset me or Logan for that manner.” They then finished their coffee and got up. “Thanks again, I appreciate your care, but I must get back to helping Forge set up,” they say and they begin to leave, “I have probably cost him an hour's worth of work by now. Ta ta!” They waved as they left the room. 

Rogue reached out a hand before the door shut on the pair leaving them alone. She gave a dejected groan, causing her shoulders to slump. Something was going to go wrong because of that rumor, she just knew it!

 “Told ya dis wouldn't work,” Remy commented, teetering his chair back as he slouched in it. 

Rogue's eye twitched. “And with that you have lost bicycle suit cuddle privileges,” she growled at him before turning to leave. 

Remy lost balance and tipped his chair over at that. “Huh?! Wait, chére!” He called crawling to his feet, “You ain't serious are ya? Gambit's sorry! Ah take back mah teasin! Come on, ah make ya a peach tart fo dinner! Mon Chére!!” 

……..

Every so often Forge glanced over at his colleague as they worked together setting up the plaster boards to the cliff face in the danger room for tomorrow. There was something off about Sydney when they came back from talking to Gambit and Rogue. They were quieter, a bit slower moving. 

“You ok there, Morph?” Forge called. 

They blinked a few times as if they were snapping out of a trance. “Huh? Oh yes!” They responded, giving a forced smile, “sorry I was just thinking of the new student coming here. I wonder what she will be like…” 

“...Hm,” Forge paused before accepting it, “yeah I wonder that too a bit. Heard from the letter she has a temper, so we best be ready for that.”

“Yean…She will be what, ten, twelve years old?” Morph continued, “Logan was still a cowboy out west then…do you think they might have crossed paths before at some point?”

Forge stopped what he was doing and raised an eyebrow. “Do you got any idea how big this country is? He'd have a better chance of running into a stranger twice in New York!” He said with a chuckle.

Morph seemed to relax a bit at that. “You're right i'm being silly,” they said, “more likely to get struck with lightning and live…though I’m sure Logan has, haha…” still they couldn't shake a thought that had been plaguing them since the conversation. What started that rumor? And what was it when it started out? What if it did start as a rumor about Logan having a secret kid out west generally speaking…and what would have prompted that thought process? Morph shook their head. No, they were being silly. This was a preposterous, melodramatic idea straight from one of the pulp fiction magazines the kids scrambled for on Wednesdays. They might have even gotten it from one of those. Yes, that's it. Morph chuckled to themself at the thought. Still they hoped Logan would be back soon so this silly rumor mill could be stopped for good. 

Chapter Text

Their train had arrived at the Union Depot in Chicago at 2 pm, and if coming into the city was a preview of what it would be like, Laura was practically bouncing on her heels to get a good look outside the red brick building. The station alone was huge, larger than the one she saw back in Omaha even! From the dozens of rail lines that connected beneath it to the lobby above, she was surprised to hear this wasn't the only station in the city. How many more could they need?! As they ascended to the lobby she found her mouth hanging open once again at the beauty of the place, though slightly less shocked compared to before as she now had more experience with train stations to compare it too. Still it was marvelous, where not only the marble floors and walls were decorated with ornate designs, but also the ceiling too! Between electric chandeliers and the grand moulding, it was breathtaking. The greco pillars that supported it stretched up so far, she wasn't sure how anyone was able to put the roof on! It all felt like she was walking through a temple or a spanish church, even the fancy wooden seats to wait in looked like ornate pews with arm rests.

She wasn't able to look at everything however. Her view was largely blocked by the many people constantly moving around them like ants around a nest, their shoes echoing as they clacked across the ground, and Jean was clinging to her tightly, forcing her to move constantly. She knew it was so she wouldn't get lost, but it was still frustrating nonetheless. She wanted to take in every last image she could! They paused for a moment as they looked at the ticket counter. The lines were short but that's only because they had half a dozen tills. 

Logan frowned at them before sniffing the air. “I think there are some street vendors outside,” he hands them a dollar in coins, “you two and Laura head outside and get something to snack on. This might take a while.”

Scott nodded. “You hungry, Laura?” he asked. 

She sniffed the air, aiming her nose to the door and nodded. There was something that smells tangy, sour, meaty, and salty somewhere on the other side of that door and she needed to know what it was. She immediately began tugging on Jean to go towards the front entrance. 

“Well I guess that’s that! Come on lets try some local stuff,” Jean says with a chuckle as she let the girl lead her out into the street. As soon as they did so Laura stopped and stared. It was incredible, despite the slight chill in the air. Every single street was paved or cobbled neatly with bricks. Buildings reached enormous heights, heights she didn’t think possible. She couldn’t even see the top of some of them as the clouds obscured them. People crossed streets in herds of fifteen or more, pigeons flew away in flocks of twenty as street cars pulled up, and on top of all that were all the sounds and smells. From smoke to cooking brisket, from the clang of construction machinery to the ringing of bells and the trample of foot fall. People shouting and the smell of dust in the air, exhaust from pipes and horses whinnying. It was almost overwhelming.  

“Laura? Laura? You ok there?” Scott questioned.

 She blinked before turning and nodding at him. Then she smelled that delicious aroma again. “What is that?” she asked. 

“Pretty sure it's that frankfurter stand over there,” Jean responded pointing at a little cart with a water boiler attached, “it’s like a fancy german sausage. Do you want to try Laura?”

“Pretty sure Kurt would throw a fit if he heard you call it a ‘fancy sausage’,” Scott responded.

“Don’t care what it is. It smells amazing…” Laura began dragging Jean towards the cart, much to Jean’s own amusement. 

They waited in line for a few minutes as the old white man with a mustache served customers before them. Once they got to the front of the line Laura let go of Jean and stood on her tip toes to get the best view possible over the counter ledge. “Frankenfurters. How much can we get for this?” She slammed the dollar in coins on the table, making Jean realize it was no longer in the coin purse on her chatelaine. 

The man looked down at her and raised an eyebrow. “Go away kid I already have customers,” he dismissed shooing her away with the tongs he was using and directing his attention to Scott instead. 

“Actually she’s with us,” he says. The man looked at him in confusion, glancing between him, the girl, and Jean as if it was the world's most obvious lie. “We're escorting her from Nevada to New York so she can attend a private institution. Sorry for the impolite behavior she's been on the train all day and been itching to let out her energy,” he added, causing the man's demeanor to change. He then smiled at the three of them as if he hadn't looked at her like she was an annoying feral dog moments ago. Laura glared at him. What was his deal? 

“That will be more than enough for all three of you to have one and then a few extra. What’ll it be then, little lady?,” the man asks, “Plain? Mustard? Kraut? Pickles? The works?”

Jean frowned and leaned over to Scott. “Remind me again what ‘the works’ means. I don't go for vendor food much…” she whispered to him, “it's all the toppings right?”

“That's what it is for pizza, but that’s New York,” Scott whispered back, “have you seen Chicago pizza before? Its completely different…”

“I don't know what the ‘works’ are but I want them…also the pickles,” Laura says, staring at the containers of toppings on the counter. 

“It already comes with a pickle but I will add an extra,” the vendor responded. The man smiled before preparing the hot dog in a bun covered in little black seeds. It was nearly as long as her forearm and was garnished with everything imaginable, from mustard to onions to kraut and even tomatoes. A single pickle spear was placed inside the bun next to the sausage-like meat and then a second in the little cardboard tray that it sat in. Laura licked her lips practically bouncing on her heels, awaiting the delicious smelling food. “That'll be 15 cents,” the man said, “anything else for you?”

“That's a bit pricey…” Scott mumbles and the man rolls his eyes at him.

“These are far better than any east coast street sausage,” the man argued, “they are more than worth the price.”

“They do smell amazing…let's get some for ourselves and Logan. It's not like we will have the opportunity again for a while,” Jean suggests. Scott shrugs. “I'd like one with mustard and relish please. Then we will get one with kraut…and Scott what do you want?”

He scratched his head through his hat. “Uhhh do you have any ketchup?” He asked. 

The man looked at him as if he was an idiot. “... I can crush a  salted tomato slice over it if you really want but that's as close as you are getting in this city,” he responded in annoyance.

Scott blushed a little. “...I'll just have mustard with a pickle on the side then if that's ok,” he replied sheepishly. The man huffed and shrugged in response before serving them all. After they paid they headed back inside, waving to Logan who was now at the front of the line, and then sitting down with their food in the waiting area. 

Almost immediately Laura bit into hers, giving a delighted noise at the flavor. The flesh of the frankfurter was snappy and the inside sweetly spiced, that mixed with the medley of topping flavors and textures topping it off was a wild experience all on it's own but sadly it didn't last. Her frankfurter was soon gone as was the pickle, and she found herself craving more. “That was awesome…can we have another?” She asks licking the grease off of her fingers.

“Those were a bit pricey Laura, and we need to make money last for the rest of the trip,” she says pausing in eating hers, “sorry. We promise to take you to some hot dog stands in New York soon.” She pouted but nodded. 

Scott ripped off part of the Hot dog he has bitten into and handed her the rest. “Here. It's not for me so you can have the rest of mine. It doesn't have the works but if you liked the sausage itself, you will probably like it anyways.”

She excitedly accepted and happily began munching away on the more plain hot dog, incredibly grateful. Scott munched on his pickle slice instead. 

It was at that moment that Logan walked up to them. “so I have good news and bad news,” he says approaching them without tickets.

“Oh no, are there no trains going to New York today?” Scott said worried, “do we have enough for a hotel?”

“No and no,” Logan grunts, sitting down as Jean hands him his food, “The bad news is we can't get to New York from this station, we'll have to get to the La Salle Street Station to catch a line to New York. Person at the front desk says they'll have one leaving for Buffalo at 7 pm.” “The good news is the same person gave me a map of the city and some information too on street cars and where they go as well as a local branch of our bank and safe places to be for kids. We have some time to kill, and will probably need to stop at the bank anyways. So what do you guys want to do until 5 pm?” He explains as he eats. 

“Oh, I heard the beach is lovely here!” Jean said before thinking again, "but we'd have to-"

“A beach?!” Laura piped up, looking excited, “There's a beach here?! I thought this city wasn't by the coast!” Laura had never seen a beach before in her life. She heard they were sandy like the desert but filled with life instead of dry and scraggly. Lots of shore birds, crabs, snails, plants, all sorts of strange things!

“It isn't but there's a large lake nearby called Lake Michigan,” Logan explained, “it's large enough that if it were salt water it would count as an inland sea, so there is a natural freshwater beach that has formed around it.”

The girl's mouth quirked up into a smile. “Can we go?! I've never seen a beach before! Salt water or fresh water!” She asked, practically brimming with excitement. 

Jean, Logan, and Scott all glanced between each other. They may not be locals but they did know one thing about the area: while many facilities in this city were able to be used by both white people and individuals of color, the beaches were another story. The beaches were very much segregated. “Let me ask the desk person what he would recommend for the beaches,” he said, standing up and walking back to the table. 

…..

Kitty yawned as she did the Sunday morning crossword despite it being 3 pm now. This one was hard. The theme was common modern phrases instead of single words, and so keeping track of the extra boxes created by spaces between words made it that much more challenging. She was doing alright for the most part, it helped that as the resident news reporter of sorts (at least that's what she considered it) she was very up-to-date on all the latest lingo. 

8 down. A phrase meaning taking responsibility for one's actions. 

Oh that's easy! She thought, ‘acknowledge the corn’… 

She scribbled down the words before yelping as kurt suddenly BAMFED into the room. His eyes were wide with fear and worry. “Kitty! Ve have a problem!” he exclaimed. 

“Huh?? A problem? What are you talking about?” She asked. 

“It spread,” Kurt explained, horror in his voice, “I don't know how but it did! Ze whole school is talking about professor Morph und professor Logan having a secret love child!!”

“WHAT?!” Kitty screeched, standing up and slamming her hands on the table, nearly spilling her ink in the process, “Kurt you promised!!!!”

“I DIDN'T TELL ANYVONE!!!” he insisted waving his hands wildly, “Honest!! I zink somevone overheard our initial conversation!”

Kitty rolled her eyes. “No duh, you shouted it to the whole world!” she retorted, dropping her face in her hands. This can’t be happening…not only was it something she didn’t want to spread, it’s something that wasn’t even true!! What would her parents think of her? Could they even stand to look at her if they knew?

“Hey! You vere shouting too!” He responded, tail swishing back and forth in annoyance. 

“Sorry sorry, I’m just…. UGH this is a mess!! I feel so awful, like I spilled black ink over Logan’s Stenson!” she says, pulling her hands away from her face and worrying her lip, “how many people know?? Maybe we can mitigate it and cut it off…” 

“Vell….” Kurt started, scratching the back of his head, “Tabby und Jubilee asked me for help setting up a party for her after I got back from church und explained the rumor to me so…. Just about everyvone….”

“Ugh this is bad bad baaaaaad,” she muttered as she paced the floor, “They are gonna ruin it for this poor girl! She doesn't know yet I think. And logan! Oh no! That’s even worse! Professor Morph probably doesn't know either, Scott made the professor sworn to secrecy! what if a student lets it slip to them before Logan gets back?! Oy vey!! I could ruin their relationship!! I’m a monster!!! ” “Wait they explained the rumor to you?” She asks, pausing in her pace and looking at him.

“Ja so?”

“That means they don't know we were the first to start the rumor!” She says with a hopeful smile, “ok new plan: Play dumb around teachers, convince people it's just a dumb rumor, and try to sabotage this welcoming party.”

“Vhat?! Are you nuts?!” Kurt questioned, taken a back, “I zought ve vere making zis girl feel at home!”

“No, no not like ruin, ruin!” Kitty assures, “just like. Make sure no one brings up that she's Mr. Logan's daughter. Convince people it sounds too out there of an idea to be true. Interrupt people, splash paint on a sign that calls her his daughter... you get the picture! Keep Professor Morph away from students talking about this whole mishegoss!”

Kurt frowned. “I dunno Kitty…zat seems like a lot of vork for two people…maybe ve should just confess und tell ze professor what happened…” he says.

Kitty grabbed his shoulders and shook him. “Kurt we can't! We tell him we started the rumor, then the professor will know I was snooping on the phone again! You saw how angry he was the first time, who knows how he could react…and if he doesn't get mad, you know Mr. Logan will! Xavier would absolutely tell him who started the rumors, what do you think will happen to me, huh?! Last time it was just cleaning out the stables, what if this is the last straw??? What if they expel me?! Do you have any idea how horrible it would be if I had to go home to my parents and say I got expelled for spreading terrible rumors about a teacher?! It’s serious business back home!! It’s as bad as cheating on someone! I don’t know if they will be able to stand me!” Tears were now streaking down her cheeks in fear as she frantically spoke, “I didn't mean for this to happen…I was doing my best to avoid telling people this time!! I didn't mean to hurt anyone I was just curious…and now I've probably ruined this girl's life here!! I’ve ruined Logan’s life and Morph’s! I participated in the evil tongue!” She covers one hand over her mouth as she cries.

Kurt felt a deep sense of guilt and sympathy fill him as she cried. He bit his lip and pulled her in close for a hug. 

“Katzchen…oh Katzchen…” he said rubbing her back soothingly, “don't vorry. I von't make you tell anyvon, und help keep Logan from finding out.”

She lifted her head a little, still sniffling “you promise?”

“Ja, no matter vat happens I vill make sure you are not expelled,” he says, “und ve can start by making sure are no decorations referencing her being his daughter und making sure ze ozer students don't tell her or Morph before Logan has had a chance too. Maybe even convince our friends not to talk about it period und just do a velcome party.” “Und if ve fail und anyvone asks who started ze rumor I'll take responsibility,” he assures.

Kitty gasps and looks at him in shock. “Kurt you don't have to take the bullet for me!” she insists, “I’m the one who was snooping…it’s my fault…”

Kurt shrugged. “Vell as Saint John once wrote, ‘ Greater love zan zis no man haz, zat a man lay down his life for his friends’,” he says with a shrug, “zough honestly, if its me zey zink did it, zey might go easier on me zan you. After all, none can resist ze fuzzy kobold eyes!” He gives an example of his famous pleading puppy dog eyes. 

Kitty giggles and squeezes him tight, tears having dried up. “You're the best Kurt!” she says, “a real mensch! Now, let's go fix this mess!”

….. 

When they arrived at the 31st Street Beach it was certainly …less than impressive. It was not well maintained in the slightest, with trash littering the ground and waste bins overflowing. Patchy grass was all over what should have been a light sandy beech and there were little public amenities, not that Laura felt inclined to use what was there. Something foul smelling was wafting from the public restrooms and the water fountains looked rusted over. She decided not to complain however because when she asked why this beach was chosen, Logan only said, “it was safer.”... If this was the safest beach Chicago had to offer she hoped that New York had better. Still, despite this there were dozens of incredibly dark skinned people there acting if nothing was wrong, so she supposed it couldn't be that bad. 

So she made due with what she could. She and Scott played in the shallow waters of Lake Michigan, splashing each other and carrying wet sand back to build a castle or two as scott instructed her. She had never been able to build sand castles before. The desert sand wasn't good for it and it was reckless to waste water on such things. When it rained though she would go out and make mud pies occasionally and try to sculpt things from the wet clay, which was not too dissimilar to sand castles. 

“Alright and now that we have our fortress set up we can use a little stick to carve in the windows,” Scott demonstrated, drawing little squares in the side of the castle.

“You're really good at this,” she said, observing him.

“Thanks. Lots of practice making them with Alex,” he said, finishing up.

“Who's Alex?” she asked.

“Oh he's my little brother,” He explained, “he lives at the institute too. You'll get to meet him soon. He's a fun guy. When he was little we would do things like making sand castles all the time.”

Laura nodded. “Whichever person takes me in, I hope I get to have siblings,” she comments, “siblings always seem to be close, and I'd like to have a friend like that. I didn't have anything like that at the state homes. Other kids avoided me.”

Scott felt his heart ache for her. He had a mostly lonely childhood himself as his parents were largely cartographers working in the Alaskan territory for a long time. During that time, he didn't get to meet many people his own age or have a chance to befriend them. It was just him and his brother. He couldn't imagine how lonely it would have been without Alex growing up, but that must be like how it was for her. “Hey,” he says putting a hand on her shoulder, “Let me promise you this: even if you don't get a sibling, I'll act as a big brother for you, ok?”

Laura looked at him. There was surprise and something else unreadable in her expression. “... Are you sure you want that? People avoid me. They may start avoiding you too,” she asks before gesturing over his shoulder at some kids, “Look, already all the kids here are avoiding you because of me.”

Scott looked and sighed. She was right. The children of color seemed to bunch together, happy to play and intermingle, but kept a strict thirty foot distance from the pair, occasionally glancing over to them warily. They were being avoided. But not because of her. It was because of the same reason an adult woman with a baby would occasionally wander up to Jean and Logan as they watched over their luggage and one of them would gesture to Scott abd Laura and say something and then the woman would politely nod and leave. He couldn't hear them, but he knew exactly what they where asking. The locals were asking if they were lost or if they knew there was a whites only beach a few streets down, to which one of them would have to explain they were looking after a mixed race child. Laura wasn't the problem. If it was just her here, plenty of boys and girls would probably want to play with her.

“I don't think they are avoiding you,” Scott explains, “They're avoiding me.” She gave him a confused look. “Look…things are very different in cities and large communities,” he said, “people are afraid of what's different from them and so they set up arbitrary boundaries to keep out people who look different. A lot of the other beaches aren't open to people with dark skin like you or them, just to people who look like Logan, Jean, and I. And people like me usually wouldn't set foot here. So when someone like me shows up, it can make some people feel nervous that something is wrong, or that we are trying to take over their space. It's not your fault Laura, trust me.”

“... I get it…lots of white girls in the orphanage would avoid me cause I looked different too. Many of them I never even spoke to before. I hated it, but eventually just started avoiding everyone back,” she says putting her chin on her knees, “...are there…. Gonna be people like that at the school? “

Scott patted her shoulder. “In New York, probably yeah. You tend not to know if someone's a bigot until they open their mouth, so its possible even people I thought were good aren't as good as they say. At the school? No, I can promise you no one is gonna treat you like that there,”he assured, “if anything they are gonna be there for you if someone does treat you like that.”

Laura nods at that before standing up, looking out at the water. “I wanna go look for seashells. Er…lake shells?” She says. 

Scott nods and gets up with her. “I'll help. You deserve some nice souvenirs to bring back with you. And if we don't find anything good, we can always try the beaches in New York sometimes,” he says.

“I don't need help picking up shells…” she retorts, a bit offended, “I'm not a baby, I can lift shells.”

Scott chuckles. “Sorry I meant more help carry. My arms are longer after all so there's more room to carry more shells.”

She thought about this a moment before she nodded and had him follow her as they comed the beach. They found some snail shells and freshwater mussels, nothing too interesting, that was until she spotted something clear, smooth and green in the sand. “What is this?” She asked. 

“Oh? Cool you found some beach glass!” He said taking it and looking at it, “Sometimes people break bottles and they get dumped in the lake. Sometimes they get sanded down by the beach sand just like all the pebbles do here, and you get these pretty, smooth glass fragments.”

“Really? That's cool!” She said getting a closer look, “i guess not all this garbage is bad…” 

Scott set down their haul so far. “if you want, if you find enough, I can help you make them into a necklace,” he says, closing his eyes and swapping his sunglasses for the ones with apertures in them. “Watch this,” he says holding the glass rock out in front of him while ever so delicately pressed down a lever on one of the rims, opening the aperture up less than a millimeter. In the literal blink of an eye, a red light shot from his glasses with a TZZZR! and made a perfect tiny hole through the glass without breaking it. 

Laura gasped, mouth gaping wide as she saw this unfold. “Pretty neat huh?” Scott said, “so, wanna switch to beach glass?”

She smiled at him “yes, definitely!” she then grabbed his arm and started dragging him along. 

…..

Jean and Logan looked around the beach from their spot. The two had disappeared while they had been distracted talking to another bewildered resident, confused about the white trio hanging out there. No one was being rude but it was getting annoying to say the least. And now this happened as a result. 

“ we really need to find them…” Logan growled, “ we need to leave soon if we want time to be able to go to the bank and get tickets without risking missing the train…” 

“Yeah…and I want to quick grab laura a new dress. She's run out of clean ones and I don't want her showing up to meet everyone in that. She deserves better…” Jean commented, “i believe there's the Marshall Field's flagship store on State street, they are bound to have something that fits her. They're like the Sears & Roebucks of brick and mortar stores rather than catalog buying…”

“That's another reason to get them to come back and get to a bank quick…” Logan responded, distracted a bit with concern, “where are they…it's hard to sniff em out with all these people and trash lying around.”

“Don't worry, I'll call Scott telepathically,” she said touching a hand to her temple, “so bank first then?” 

Logan shook his head. “Nah…I have to make a phone call which may take some time,” he says, “I'll give you what's left of the money and we can meet up at the station. You remember what it's called right?”

“Yep.La Salle Street Station. Its not too far from here by carriage,” she says “who do you need to call?”

“Morph,” Logan said simply.

Jean blinked in surprise. “... Really? You're going to tell them over the phone?” she asked.

He rolled his eyes. “Hell no. Thar needs to be an in person private discussion,” he insists, “I gotta let them know we will be arriving later than expected tomorrow.”

Jean nodded, relaxing a bit. She looked out and saw Scott and Laura racing towards them, Laura cupping and carrying something with her skirt and Scott desperately clutching shiny stuff to his chest. “What are they…” she started before Laura began shouting.

“WE FOUND SO MUCH BEACH GLASS!!!” She shouted as she ran, “SCOTT’S GONNA HELP ME MAKE JEWELRY WITH IT!”

Jean chuckled and logan smiled. “Well, it looks like whatever dress you find is gonna have to match the jewelry they make,” he teased. 

…..

It was 5 pm. Morph was supposed to be getting a lesson plan ready for the week. But despite knowing what they wanted to do, and having most of it set up, trying to write it out was impossible for some bizarre reason. 

Well not that bizarre. They knew why. they were trying to avoid thinking about it however. It was stupid, but they couldn't shake the idea that maybe something bad was going to happen when Logan and the students got back…but they couldn't figure out what. Trying to suss out what they thought was going to happen only made them more anxious with wild speculation. Morph sighed and decided to pour themselves a little bit of rum to calm their nerves. God they wished Logan could be home already. They really missed talking to him…

All of a sudden, they heard a call from Professor Xavier. Morph, Logan has called for you, please go answer the hall phone so I may hang up. 

Morph blinked in surprise, stunned for a moment. Well…that was convenient! They disregarded their rum and scrambled to their feet to get to the hall phone. 

“Hello? Logan?” They asked, “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah. Everything is fine, Sweets,” Logan’s gruff voice called over the line, “There's been a slight delay though. Our train isn't leaving for Buffalo until 7 pm local time. We'll still get there tomorrow but we'll be arriving late.” 

Morph sighed, half in relief half in frustration. “Well at least you will be home by tomorrow at some point…” they replied trying to look on the bright side, “I’ll admit the bed was getting a bit cold and lonely without you!”

 This got a chuckle from the cowboy on the other end. “Well we can't have that now…”

“How about you? How have you been doing. Have the trains been comfortable?” 

Wolverine sighed. “Eh not really. Sleeping areas have been a bit tight. But its tolerable.”

“I'm sorry to hear that, well I'll make sure everything is comfortable for you so you can pass out on arrival. If you land in the middle of the bed however, I will be sleeping on top of you, “ they teasingly warned, eliciting another chuckle from their partner. “So how is the girl doing? “ they asked.

…There was a minute of pause. “Uh great. Great. She's doing good,” he says quickly, “she's excited to join the institute.”

“Oh…ok” Morph responded. That was weird. “So what are her powers?” They continued.

“... Afraid I cant tell you that…” he lied, “I promised her I'd let her surprise people with it.”

“I see…” Morph thought, “ah well. Wouldn't want to spoil it. Alright I do have to spoil one thing for you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, the kids have come up with the darndest rumor again!” They said some laughter in their voice as they thought about it again, “For some reason they have gotten it into their heads that the girl you are bringing back is some secret love child of yours and mine! Isn't that silly?”

They expected to hear Logan snort at that. He always did when he heard of whatever nonsense the kids came up with this week. But it was dead silent. Morph felt themself getting uncomfortable by it more and more.

“Logan? Is something wrong?” They ask quietly.

“... I can't talk about it right now,” He responded quietly…was that shame in his voice?

Ok now they needed to know what was up. “why not?” They insisted.

“I can't talk about it right now this a public phone line,” Logan tried to excuse himself, “ I promise I'll tell you when I get back, but now it's not a good time. Please?”

Morph was having difficulty swallowing as fear sunk deeper and deeper into their belly. Morph had a feeling of what had happened, and they hoped they were wrong. Please for the love of God let me be wrong…

“Let me ask you this,” they say, voice shaking, hoping they could reassure themselves with a less direct answer, “is it something you are brooding over or something you feel you might need to apologize to me for?”

There was a long pause. A painfully long pause. Then Logan spoke again, voice seeping with guilt. “I'm sorry Morph…” he says uncharacteristically quietly, “and I'll apologize to you better when I get back. You can get as angry as you want with me but please just…let me explain everything before you make any decisions.”

Morph felt like they had just been stabbed in the chest. “Oh…” they said, voice very distant, “Ok then…have a safe trip.”

“Morph I-” Logan started but Morph already hung up. They marched back to their and Logan’s room, head. Furiously buzzing with emotions they couldn't even begin to separate. They downed the rum they poured in one gulp and then chugged a few glasses worth straight from the bottle and fell back on the bed. They didn't want to think about what any of his words meant right now. Hell, they didn't want to be able to think at all right now! Every heartbeat came with a painful emotional sting of some unknown betrayal. Or maybe it was known. Maybe it had something to do with that girl. Maybe…maybe what Gambit had said off hand was true. Logan had had a child and never told them. He had known they had wanted a child this whole time, and he'd hidden this girl from them for reasons unknown. It hurt nonetheless, perhaps more for not knowing the reason why. It left room to speculate and a depressed mind is always one's greatest enemy.

  But as painful as that was to think about, it was the optimistic answer that sat in their head. They would feel betrayed but they could probably come to forgive that. And well…they might get the child they wanted in a way as a result. What scared them more was a thought that had always haunted the back of their mind: that they weren't enough for Logan. That deep down Logan craved a partner that he didn't have to lie about in public for their own safety and his. 

Morph clutched at their hair, a few tears sliding down before they shifted back to their grey face form and rolled over, pressing their face into the pillow. Perhaps they should go to bed early instead of working on the lesson plan. After all… it's not as if the future felt worth planning for right now. 

Chapter Text

As the line hung up, Logan swallowed, feeling ice in his veins. Damn it damnit damn it! Why did he have to be an idiot and say it like that?! He should have just said he will discuss it when he got back! Or explained right there if he was gonna say anything at all! Stupid stupid stupid…Hell now what will Morph think? They'll have 24 hours to speculate and will probably figure it out by then and make up their mind on things. By then, he'd be surprised if they were even there when they got back let alone be willing to talk to them.

Logan slammed his head against the metal frame of the phone booth and growled, hands gripping the counter the phone sat on, cracking it slightly in frustration. He had no one to blame but himself for this fine mess he found himself in. He made decisions in his past knowing the potential risks. Hell, Laura might not even be the only one for all he knew. The point was, whatever hell came as a result, he deserved as much. 

He repeated that to himself, while also ironically trying to calm himself down. He couldn't clue the kids in on what was going on. He had to remain level for them. He could tear up the woods when he got back but now was not the time or place for a fit. 

He took several deep breaths, forcing the anger down and rubbing his hand down his face.

All of a sudden there was a knock at the door to the booth. “What do you want?” He snapped at the door.

A huffy voice responded. “To use the telephone, obviously! Some of us have important calls to make!” the man behind the door replied, “you clearly aren't using it, don't be selfish!!” 

Logan opened the door a bit too quickly, causing the gentleman to stumble back. He glowered up at the man but simply said, “all yours, bub.” He then pushed past the buisness man and headed out of the bank. 

The man glared at him. “How rude…” he muttered before stepping inside, balking at the large crack in the wooden shelf and a nasty dent on the frame of the telephone. The man's mouth opened and closed. “... What the?! How did he do this?! Did the man's stocks fail or something? Maybe I should call my broker while im here…” He questioned quietly. He looked over his shoulder to see if he could see the strange cowboy, but the strange shorter man was nowhere to be seen.

…..

So…as it turned out, starting a rumor may be effortlessly easy, but stopping it was another story entirely… Which was why Kitty and Kurt were panicking, desperately trying to come up with ideas to keep people quiet. They had tried convincing students to question the rumor but that immediately stopped when they were asked how they knew it was false. They tried to get involved in other students' welcome party planning, but the sweet, quiet Rahne of all people seemed unwilling to let them participate…

So they were back at the drawing board, or rather, the drawing room, racking their heads to come up with a solution.

“... Kitty I hate to say it but-,” Kurt started.

“No don't you dare!” She hissed. 

“Maybe ve should go to ze professor?” He asks anyways.

“We can't do that Kurt! If we tell him, he'll probably take a peek at our minds to see if we are lying and figure out we started it!” She insisted. 

“Vell vhat do you suggest ve do?! Because I am out of ideas!!” He snapped, standing up from the table and snapping at her. 

“I DON'T KNOW OK! I DON'T KNOW!” she shouted back in exasperation getting up out of her chair herself and throwing her hands up in the air, “I'M TRYING MY BEST OK?! NOTHING IS WORKING!” 

“VELL VE HAVEN'T TRIED BITING ZE BULLET YET!!” He shouted back, tail lashing, “MAYBE IF VE CAME CLEAN UND ASKED FOR HELP, TO SOMEVONE, ANYVONE, VE VOULD BE OUT OF ZIS MESS! BUT YOU ARE TOO SCARED TOO!” His eyes suddenly widened as he saw Kitty's eyes get watery and realized how heated he got. “Katzchen I'm so sorry I realize zis isn't easy-” he apologizes gently, going over to give her a hug.

Before he can however, the drawing room door slams open revealing a very irate, tired, ajd disheveled looking Rogue. Her eye twitches in annoyance. “Could you two have a spat SOMEWHERE ELSE?!?!” She snapped, “some of us are tryin ta get a little rest after a long day of chores!! Seriously! Can't you two go outside to argue instead of involvin-”

“I ACCIDENTALLY STARTED THE RUMOR ABOUT LOGAN AND MORPH HAVING A BABY!!” Kitty suddenly admits, catching both Kurt and Rogue off guard.

“... Wha-” Rogue starts.

Before she properly respond however, her brother cuts in. “NEIN! IT VAS ME! I STARTED IT NOT HER!!” he interjects, physically standing in front of her.

“Kurt?!” Rogue questions in confusion.

Suddenly Kitty shoved herself infront of him. “Hahaha! Don't bare false witness, Kurt! Seriously it was my fault not his!” She argues. 

Kurt pushes himself in front of her again, waving his arms. “I'm ze von who shouted it in ze garden!! It is clearly mein fault-”

“No its not its-”

“WILL YOU TWO STOP BICKERIN AND EXPLAIN WHAT IN THE SAM HELL IS GOIN ON?!” Rogue demanded, huffing. The room fell silent and the two other x men seemed to shrink at her shouting. Rogue pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. “Alright. Ah don't care who did what, just…explain without shoutin at each other,” she says as she releases her hand from her face. 

There is a few seconds of silence before Kitty speaks. “... I listened in on the professor and Scott talking over the phone a few days ago…” Kitty admitted, “I know it was a stupid thing to do but I was curious as to who would be calling so early on a Saturday, ya know? I didn't think I would be listening in on a shande! Well it turns out Scott was updating the professor on the mission and to everyone's surprise, the girl they are bringing back is Logan's daughter from a previous relationship he had no clue about. She has his claws and everything.”

Rogue nodded, not entirely surprised. She figured Logan having a kid he didn't know about might have been the basis for the rumor spreading. She gestured for Kitty to continue.

Kitty and Kurt seemed to relax a bit more at that. “And I kinda freaked out and bumped into Kurt. I tried to avoid him because I didn't want to spill the secret. Sorry about the kitchen thing by the way, I didn't mean to end up in the kitchen let alone plotz into you guys…” Rogue waved her off, trying to ignore thinking about that.

“Ze zing is I didn't realize vhy she vas running und kept chasing after her…” Kurt cut in, “I ended up following her to ze garden vhere she spilled ze beans…I kinda misinterpreted it zinking Morph vas ze ozer parent… und shouted it in disbelief. I zink somevone overheard und it spread. So it really vas my fault.”

“... Ok,” Rogue said slowly as she mulled over this information. It wasn't surprising but she wasn't expecting them to fess up all at once. “So…why are you telling me all this?” She asks. No anger in her voice, she just wanted to understand.

“... Because we need help,” Kitty admitted shamefully, “We've been trying to get this all under control but nothing seems to work no matter what we do. And I'm scared of going to the professor about it…what if I get expelled ya know? How am I supposed to explain this to my parents, gossiping so horribly I get expelled? This would be a huge shande!”

“Please schwester,” Kurt pleads, “can you help us out?”

Rogue considers before sighing and nodding. Neither of them meant to cause trouble. She couldn't just leave them to suffer. “Ah think Ah have an idea of how I can help, but you gotta do some legwork too talking to all of the other student.” There was one way to get teenagers to gather no matter what without the use of teachers authority that Rogue knew of. As long as a teacher didn't find out their plan they were golden. 

 “Ma'am yes ma'am!” Kurt exclaimed. 

“Anything you need! Thank you so much Rogue!...Although, I do have a question,” Kitty said, “what were you doing napping in the West wing…our dorm room is in the east wing…”

Rogue's smile faltered, a blush coming to her cheeks. “Ja…” Kurt said, “zis is vhere ze guys dorms are located….” Both Kitty and Kurts eyes went wide with realization.

“I-its not what you think,” Rogue insisted.

“Oh mein Gott, You vere in Gambit's room…”

“Yes but nothin happened! Gambit has been down stairs cooking this whole time! You can check for yourself, Kurt!” She argued. She gripped her arms and backed up slightly in discomfort. 

“Ok but that doesn't explain why you were in his room and not your own…” Kitty pointed out with a smirk.

Rogue was bright red now. “Ah didn't-N-nothin happened, Remy n ah were just talkin in his doorway!!” She retorted, “ah was tired n was gonna head out to take a nap…but Remy said ah could use his bed since ah looked dead on mah feet! Nothin odd about it!!”

That didn't stop the two friends from smirking at her. “Vhatever you say schwester!” Kurt says with a shrug in that teasing way he always did he wanted to be a pest. 

“I’m sure Remy would have been more than happy to let you snuggle up in his bed. It would just tickle him pink to think about that while he cooks~” Kitty said with a wink. 

Rogue ground her teeth, embarrassment turning to fury. “look do ya want mah help or not?! Cause ah can take back mah offer iffin you two are gonna act like children!” She snapped, suddenly causing both of the matchmaking duo to drop their amused expressions. 

“Ja! Sorry ve vere just teasing! Ve believe you schwester!!” Kurt squeaked, fur bristling.

“Yeah! And even if we didn't you're helping us so we won't breathe a word of this to anyone!!!” Kitty added, “please we need your help!”

Rogue glared at them letting them sweat for a second before relenting. “Alright now listen closely.”

….

Gambit hummed to himself as stirred the large stew pot. This should be enough servings for everyone. It smelled amazing, as all his food did, but cooking was exhausting sometimes, especially when the hot stove made one sweat like a muggy July day on the bayou. He used a dish towel to wipe his face before adding some onion powder. He licked his lips before glancing at the sink. He regretted not getting himself a glass to sit by him while he worked. He couldn't leave the stew unattended even for a moment or it would burn…but his throat felt so very dry…and it would have to stay that way for ten more minutes. Maybe he should consider getting an assistant chef with how the school keeps growing… 

As if on cue he heard the sound of water pouring next to him. He whipped his head around to see Rogue standing next to him with the dining room water pitcher and a glass she was filling up. “Thirsty, sugah?” She asked with a sweet smile, offering him the glass. 

He smiled and gave grateful chuckle as he took it, sipping down some of that cool refreshing treat. “Well well well, seems Remy got his very own Mary Pitcher,” he joked, “Merci, ma colombe. How ya always know when to come to Gambit's rescue?”

Rogue shrugged. “Just lucky timing,” she said setting the pitcher down, “wanted to repay the favor of lettin me nap in your room rather than drag mahself all the way back to mine…and ta chat a little bit.” She wrapped her arms around his chest and pressed against his back, it caused his breath to hitch slightly, and he looked over his shoulder to the kitchen door. He smirked as he realized she had somehow closed and locked it without him noticing. 

“Ah see~” he chuckled, enjoying the way she pressed against him from behind. He could feel her nuzzling against the back of his shirt and her rubbing her thumb against his apron in little circles. “Happy to offer you any respite, chére. The offer still stands to use me as a pillow next time,” he teases, “so what's on ya mind? Aside from me obviously~”

She gives a chuckle but interestingly enough, not even a playful little swat at his comment. “Gambit…ya know how Logan is comin home tomorrow?” She leans up and whisper softly to him in his ear. 

This causes him to involuntarily shudder, heart pumping faster as he was now very curious as to ehat direction this conversation was going. “Oui…what about it?” he asked. Was she asking to do something last minute that he wouldn't normally allow for under his watch? Not that there was much they could do safely but…there were certainly romantic things he'd dreamed of trying with her if she was interested that most others would raise an eyebrow at, no matter what their actual intentions were.

“Well that rumor is still goin around,” she notes, “its gotten a bit out of hand and apparently there is some truth to it according to mah sources, truth that could cause problems…”

Gambit deflated a little but nodded seriously. “What do ya propose we do then chére?” he asks.

“Well, we will need to get all the students together to get them on the same page of not spillin it ta our friends arriving here tomorrow…” she continues, “ah think you know the perfect way to get them all to meet up without any context and no help from teachers, yeah? Gonna need some home cookin…”

Gambit felt all his soreness from the day realizing what this would entail. “Rogue….” He warned, “dat gonna take a few hours at least. Gambit needs a rest, can't we-”

“You can rest when you're done,” she whispers in his ear, tickling him with her breath, “you can rest your pretty little head right in my bicycle suit wearing lap…” Gambits eyes dilated and his throat tightened at that, a blush creeping on his cheeks. “And what's more…. “ she continued, “I'll….” Gambit could feel his face going bright red as he listened, nearly dropping his wooden spoon into the stew.

….

 Kurt and kitty sat nervously outside the kitchen in the dining room. Rogue had been talking to him for a little while and they had no idea what was taking so long… suddenly Rogue stepped out of the kitchen and closed the door behind her, a neutral expression on her face.

“Vell?” Kurt asked, brows knit together.

“He's in. Start spreading the word,” she says simply, “11 pm sharp in the dining room. Come quietly as you can so as to not alert teachers.” She says, walking away, her head held high. The two teens whooped and high fived. They had no idea what she did but it gave them some relief. Things would turn out ok. Maybe. Most likely. 

Chapter Text

Jean smiled at Laura as they sat in the carriage on their way to the train station from the department store. The girl was playing with the soft fabric of the new dress she had gotten, a nice, sunny yellow sundress with pinstripes that was simple enough to work as proper play clothes. She loved it so much they had asked to be allowed to change into it and wear it out of the store. It had taken them a while but they had finally settled on two dresses, the other being a blue and grey gingham dress that was currently sitting in the paper bag, along with some new stockings. 

It had been quite the adventure to say the least. First she had been dazzled by the scale of the store and had run off once or twice, then she wanted to hang around the men's section, then the women's despite nothing there being able to fit her, and when they finally got to the section for young girls, she became very picky about color and texture. She never complained or threw a fit, but Jean could sense the misery coming off of her in spades. Luckily they had found something she ended up adoring: wool flannel. 

Jean had initially been opposed to the rather heavy fabric considering it was still summer, and it would simply make the heat more unbearable, but the girl kept running the fabric between her fingers with a small smile, as she was doing now. It was fascinating how something as simple as being out of cotton clothing and in a new dress could bring such joy to the girl.

“Ms. Jean?” She suddenly asked, “can all my clothing be made of this? Please?”

She chuckled. “Don't you want anything lighter at all, like rayon or linen? New York is not as hot as Nevada, but variety might be useful as the seasons change…” she pointed out.

Laura shook her head confidently no. “No I like this, this is good,” she insisted. Jean sighed but didn't let her smile fall. Perhaps they could coax her out of her pickiness later with similar fabrics like cotton flannel instead. 

Soon they had arrived at the La Salle Street Station. While the outside was towering and the ceilings seemed a mile high, it was slightly more plain than past stations. The masonry was grand in stature but simple in design. The colors were more muted and had a less boisterous, more earthy and classical palette, as if it were designed to aide passengers into remaining patient for a late arriving train. The large arched windows let in the gorgeous evening light much like a church’s centerpiece glass work and yet the aire of the place was less temple-like and more like that of a government building. Formal, but not designed to impress, but that was only because anyone who entered should already know the importance of and dignity required in such a place.  

It was also much more empty than the station they arrived at, or at least, the vastness of the building made it feel like it was mostly empty. She had no real frame of reference for its actual size, but she imagined that the inside of the station was comparable to the colossal, ill-famed ocean liner, the Titanic, that had sunk a few years prior based on how it had been described in all the papers. If that was true, the young girl had no clue how that ship managed to float let alone be claimed as unsinkable. After all, If this building somehow fell into the Chicago River, there was no way it would stay afloat!

“Logan! Scott! There you are!” Jean called, snapping Laura from her thoughts and dragging her along to catch up to them. Scott smiled and waved to them. Logan neither smiled nor waved, which was to be expected, but still something felt…off about him.

 Laura had no clue as to why. Jean, however, had a sneaking suspicion she hoped she was wrong about. She didn't press him about it at first, but everything about him gave a strange…almost hopeless sense despite his outwardly stoic demeanor.

“Why are you sad?” Laura asked abruptly. 

Scott looked confused and Logan stiffened, but his expression did not change. “I'm not sad,” he said simply. 

“You smell sad,” Laura insisted.

“Wait, smelled? how does one smell sadness?” Scott questioned.

“Animals smell different with different emotions,” Laura says with a simple shrug, “so do people.”

Logan sighed, running a hand down his face. “Called a partner of mine named Morph at the bank,” he said finally, “had to tell em we weren't. Arriving until late tomorrow. They weren't too happy about the delay.” 

This seemed to satisfy Laura but it caused alarm bells to go off for Jean. Uh oh…the phone call really went awfully didn't it? How much did Morph find out? Was there a fight? Jean attempted to ask telepathically

Logan…. What happened? Is everything ok? She asked.

I don't want to talk about it, his telepathic voice said firmly.

Clearly something happened, Logan. What happened in that conversation with Morph, you might feel better talking- she started but was cut off.

Red, if I start talking about this, I can't guarantee I won't need to let off some steam while depressurizing this canister. Now is not the time. He thought while turning to look her in the eyes with a hard stare. 

 Jean shrunk a bit and backed off. That didn't ease her worries, possibly even made them worse, but she understood perfectly that asking anything about it further would just make the situation worse. Jean inwardly said a prayer. This was gonna be a long train ride. Hopefully it ended peacefully. 

…..

It was 11 pm. Over an hour past curfew at the institute, but the students had all gathered in the dining room whispering to each other excitedly. Not even the goodiest of goody two shoes was missing. It didn't matter if it was short notice or they were all breaking the rules, nothing brought teenagers together like homemade ice cream and a DIY soda fountain. Remy had broken out the ice cream makers and worked his magic: Caramel, butterscotch, dutch chocolate, butter pecan, cinnamon honey, coffee ice cream…topped off with some bananas foster, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, assorted dried fruits and exotic nuts, and other goodies to drench it all in. From the cellar he brought in about twenty seltzer siphons he had in storage with canisters of root beer, strawberry, and cola syrup to serve as floats. Hell, he even pulled out the waffle iron for waffle bowls to serve it in to really make it an event. And just for good measure, he raided the liquor cabinet for rum to convince some of the more mischievous members of the institute like Bobby they couldn't miss this for the world.

And it worked flawlessly. Even Jamie who had been in bed all day with a nasty head cold showed up with duplicates to make sure he got to try every flavor combination and not get sick to his stomach in the process. Rogue smiled at the large audience that had gathered, before glancing at Gambit who was wheeling out the last tub of ice cream into the dining hall looking like he would collapse on the floor. Despite being an absolute mess between the sweat he was drenched in to the splatters of various foodstuffs on his clothes, she couldn't help but look on him in pride and love.

“Rest now, sugah,” she assured quietly, kissing his hair as he slumped in the chair next to where she was standing, “ya did good. Kurt n Kitty will do the servin and clean up n all else.”

“Good,” he huffed, “dey better, Remy ain't gonna be able to stand again today…”

She chuckled and poured him an ice cold root beer. “Awww Poor baby,” she cooed, handing him the glass and patting his head, “that your way of askin me to carry you to your room, huh?”

He looked at her and smirked as best he could. “You did promise me a reward…” he reminded before moving to practically chug the root beer, some of it streaming down his face in the process. She chuckled a bit at the sight before grabbing a ice cream dish like a champagne flute and clinking it with a spoon to get everyone's attention. 

“Hey attention ya'll,” she announced but didn't shout, “Come on now quiet down you know ah can't use mah danger room voice right now lest you want this party broken up before anyone gets a pennylick's worth.”

“Oh God we ain't getting served off of pennylicks are we?!” Sam questioned, causing Rogue to roll her eyes.

“This look like one to you?” She questioned him drily, gesturing to the glass dish in her hand. Sam blushed and looked away, “More reason to listen carefully. Cause soon as we come to an agreement, ya'll can have your fill.”

There was a groan from several students. “Ugggh I knew there was a catch to this…” Roberto bemoaned. 

“Ya get nothin for nothin sugah,” she responded with a shrug, “So, ya’ll remember how at dinner the Professor announced that Logan, Scott, n Jean would be arriving late tomorrow with the new student.“

People muttered in agreement but there were also whispering giggles from the crowd. Rogue narrowed her eyes at that. “An based on that response, ah can tell everyone has heard the rumors about the new student,” she added. 

The room went quiet and eyes averted rogue. Except for, per usual Bobby. “You mean the kid Logan and Morph squirreled away out west? Who doesn't know about it yet?” He questioned challengingly.

Rogue continued unphased. “Well good to know we are all on the same page,” she continues setting down her utensils and folding her arms, “So let's straighten a few things out. First of all, she ain't Morph n Logan’s kid. She's just Logan's.” 

This caused some gasps and wild whispers from the audience as well as Kitty and Kurt to stop prepping the serving station. They shared a shocked look. What was she doing?!?! She was supposed to get them to stop believing in the rumor, not just tell them the naked truth!

“She was born before the two even met. What's more, he didn't squirrel her away anywhere. Up until a few days ago, he didn't even know she existed,” she continued, causing more gasps. 

“Um,” Evan started, raising a hand, “Clarification appreciated but why are you telling us this? This is…more scandalous than the original rumor…”

“Because now you know the truth and how complicated this situation is, ahm expectin y'all to use what wits you have to understand this ain't somethin to go pressin her, Logan, Morph, or any of the other teachers about. This is a private and personal affair between those three n it ain't our place to medal,” She explains, “some of ya'll are plannin throwin her a welcome party tomorrow for her. That's all fine and dandy but iffin ya do there best be ZERO talk to the girl about or generally of the girl's parentage. We do not know if he has told her, and if anyone should be telling her and Morph, it's Logan.”

“Ok but…why? Why not just pull off that bandage?” Bobby remarked.

Rogue turned on him and glared. “Because, as all of us should know, it ain't fun nor easy to learn a nasty truth in life, especially one that could feel like a betrayal. The girl hasn't known family for most of her life, and now she's gettin an opportunity to have one,” she continues.

“Ok but she doesn't deserve to have it based on LIES!” Jubilee called from the crowd, causing a few to speak up in agreement.

Rogue narrowed her eyes. “How many of us were orphans n never really knew your birth parents? Raise your hand,” Rogue questioned, raising her own. A good number of hands raised in the audience, including Gambit and Kurt. “N how many of ya'll would have liked to have a calm talk with the parents who orphaned you, just to understand why or get closure?” Nearly all the hands stayed up. 

“Ok what's your point,” Alex says with a resigned sigh. 

“Mah point is, she gets to have that opportunity with Logan,” she explains, “but tellin her before hand, n thus makin her realize everyone around her knew he was her daddy before her would not only ruin this potential moment for her, but ruin her new life here. You said it yourself. This is a scandalous situation, n since the truth about mutants came out, every last one of us has been in that situation. Realizin everyone knows a secret about us without us wantin them to n judging us for it, quietly or otherwise. The girl is already gonna deal with that as a mutant, the last thing she needs is to worry about that in what will be her new home, where she's supposed to feel safe.”

The room was now quiet. “Ok, what's the plan then?” Rahne spoke up.

“First of all, don't tell her anythin! N when she finds out we act like we don't know till she tells us,” Rogue says, “That includes not bringing it up to each other or to the teachers. She's Logan's kid after all, she can probably hear people breathing in the same room as her. We ain't takin chances.” “Secondly, we are gonna do everythin in our power to make this girl feel welcome,” she continued, which got some cheers of agreement, “We are gonna throw her a helluva welcome party. For her first few weeks here you damn well treat her like a little sister. And when she does find out, we gotta make sure she's got the support network she needs. Got it?”

“Pfft!” Bobby snickers, “The hell you doing actin like weren't gonna do at least that second part to begin with! Who do you think we are? Duncan's posse?” This elicited some chuckles from the group, and a smile from Rogue.

“Fair enough. Then prove mah doubts wrong as spitefully as you can,” she challenges the ice boy to several cheers that were hushed by members of the audience still mindful they were passed curfew, “Ok now dig in. N use this time to organize for the party tomorrow, alright? Everything gotta be ready by 8 pm.”  

There were a few more whoops of delight before everyone headed to the buffet tables set up with tubs of ice cream. Rogue breathed a sigh of relief. Well that more or less went off without a hitch. She could see kitty wave from her place scooping ice cream and mouth her a “thank you”. Rogue nodded in return. Honestly she didn't feel like she really deserve it. After all most of the hard work was done by the tired old cajun slumped in the chair next to her. Speaking of. 

“Thanks again, Remy. Couldn't have done it without ya. Need me to pour you some bourbon n escort you to bed, sugah?” she asked.

Gambit nodded before a thought occured to him. “Yeah but also…could you help Gambit slip out n do that thing you promised him?” He gave her a mischievous look.

She blinked, a little surprised he'd want to delay going to bed after all this, before chuckling. “Alright Sugah,” she cooed, kissing his hair again, “once things have wound down a bit we can slip away. Kitty n Kurt promised to put everything away after all.”

A giddy smile spread across his face.  

….

Logan checked his watch. A few minutes to midnight. All was silent aside from the train continuing to clack along the tracks as it passed into Ohio. They were thankfully alone in the sleeper car, which gave everyone a lot more room to get comfortable. And while that was great for the rest of their little posse who were sound asleep, unfortunately, no amount of comfort would make Logan able to sleep tonight. 

He couldn't stop thinking about that damn phone conversation. His heart seized a little every time he remembered his pitiful apology to Morph. He cursed at himself quietly. Maybe he should have told them everything, public lines be damned, maybe he shouldn't have called at all, maybe he should have called when they were back in Omaha or even Carson City…whatever the case was, he was sure he spoiled everything now. He'd ruined what good he had in life once again from his own cowardice and stupidity. It would be a miracle if Morph were even still there waiting for him in his opinion. Dammit why did he have to be so terrible with words… 

Logan desperately wished he had some whiskey. Anything to put him out so he could stop twisting with worry. The truth was though, he had downed a whole bottle a few hours prior and it hadn't helped him catch even a wink of sleep. 

Logan sighed to himself and gazed out the window at the stars in the night sky. At least he still had them…

“Did you have a bad dream?” A small voice quietly asked. Logan nearly jumped and turned to see Laura staring at him inquisitively. “You are awake…and I can smell fear all over you,” she notes, “Kids at the orphanages would smell like that after a nightmare. Did you have one?”

Logan relaxed slightly. “Yeah,” he lied, “I'm alright kid. It just got me thinkin about stuff. Worrying about things is all.” He then changed the subject before she could press further. “How about you? You had a bad dream? What's eatin ya?”

She shook her head no. “Need a toilet but I dunno where it is at here,” she said bluntly. Logan nodded, gesturing her to the back of the car and turning on a bathroom light for her. “Wash your hands real good after, ok?” He instructs, “they don't clean those things as much as they should.”

When she finished up he got the light for her. “Do we have any more water? I don't want to drink the sink water,” she said. 

Logan made a face. “Yes we do. And please, always feel free to steal water from me or anyone else here rather than drink from what comes out of there,” he says, reaching for his cantine and handing it to her, “We'd all rather have backwash than you drink nasty train water, got it?”

She takes it, sitting down on his makeshift bed out of two sofa seats, and gratefully takes several long gulps, like a horse finding a rain puddle in the desert, probably emptying half of it. Logan didn't care. She could drink the whole thing if she wanted. He was more concerned about her losing some to her night gown, a part of him worrying she wouldn't get her fill if she spilled too much. When she finally stopped and wipes her face, she has a contemplative look on her face. 

“Where do they get the water from?” Laura asks.

“Hm?” Logan responds.

“The trains. They have faucets and showers and toilets, but its not connected to a pipe like a house is,” she explains, “how are the faucets and shower heads able to work if there's no water being pumped into the train?”

“They fill up at train stations,” he explains, “just like refueling. You know when they stop but no one gets on or off? They are refilling with water and coal and such.”

Laura frowns. “What if they run out?” She asks.

Logan gave her a confused look. “Well that's why they stop and fill up.”

“Ok but what if they run out between fill ups?” she continues, “What if the train is full and people use too much water? And they don't make it to the fill up place in time.”

Logan blinked at her. He could tell she wasn't asking this out of worry. She was completely calm. Just very curious. “Well that's why they have lots of workers on the train. People to check things like water usage and all the mechanics and such to make sure they ration it all well,” he explains, “trains have been around a long time so there are experts who know how to avoid situations like that.”

She nods. “You know a lot about trains…do you like them?” She asks.

Logan chuffed. In truth? No. He hated them. Sure they made travel easy but they destroyed lives and what he once loved most. Hundreds of men basically working for pennies died building them. Train companies tore up prairies, slaughtered Buffalo in the millions, stole land from farmers and natives alike, and destroyed the way of life of people like him who used to transport herds of cattle in the thousands. They starved out small towns of business, dispossessed good people trying to make an honest living. And then the train companies had the gaul to work their engineers to death and send pinkerton thugs after them when they went on strike. In his opinion, sometimes he wished they never were invented. He looked out the window. No prairies in the landscape anymore. Just neat squares of farm land. Though granted, Ohio had been stripped near bare of prairies long before the trains…. At least the stars were still there. One of the few things of the wild west not even all the money in J P Morgan's bank network could tame. 

“Nah, but they're convenient and make travel easy,” he admits, “how bout you? You a fan?”

“Dunno yet,” she admitted, “I like train food.”

He nods. “You'll like Gambit's better,” he says, “infact, as soon as we get home, you tell him all your favorite foods so he can spoil you proper, ok?” 

She smiles a little and nods. They both stare out the window and watch the stars for a bit. “I used to sneak out of the orphanages at night,” she admits, “to watch them. They moved me around too much for anywhere to feel like home. But I noticed the stars were always the same.”

Logan gave her a small smile as he felt a twinge of pride and hope. He could share that with her at least. He could take her to his favorite stargazing spots. Teach her all the stories he knew about them. Maybe even how to use them as a map. Maybe…he'd like to if she'd let him. “I'll show ya good spots to see the stars in Bayville,” he assured, “just make sure to bring someone with ya. No need to sneak out.”

She smiled to herself at that. There was a long silence before she yawned. 

“Time to go back to bed, huh?” he joked.

“Mmm…” she hummed sleepily before a thought occurred to her, “wait here.” She then scampered over to her luggage and pulled something out before coming back and placing it in his hand. It was a small figure, no bigger than his pinkie finger, made of sticks and colorful thread.

 Logan blinked in recognition. “A worry doll…” he muttered, “where'd you get one of these, squirt?”

“I made it. A navajo boy showed me how to at one of the children's homes…he was nice…” she trailed off but then makes him curl his hands around the doll, “It helps stop bad dreams if you tell it your worries. I don't need it tonight. You can borrow him if you want.”

Logan didn't know what to say. A tear nearly came to his eye. This wasn't fair. After all he had done to her…damnit he should be the one comforting her, not the other way around. What kind of dad was he…Logan looked up to thank her but she already crawled back into her bed. He smiled and slipped into his own doing his best to rest his eyes, the doll clutched to his chest. He'd try to get some shut eye. For her. It's the least he could do.

….

It was nearly one in the morning, and Kitty didn't even bother getting undressed as she decided to flop down on her bed. Between serving the ice cream and cleaning up after, she was EXHAUSTED. Why did they have to leave it all to her and Kurt?! Thankfully Alex was nice enough to help stay and clean. But still. Rude. 

However, she couldn't really be mad at Rogue or Gambit. The two had saved her skin, and Laura's first impressions of this place, and likely whatever fragile chance Morph and Logan had at having a healthy family dynamic with her. She owed her big time….

Kitty yawned loudly. And tomorrow, she thought to herself, I can figure out how to express my gratitude. She then nestled into her pillow for a good night's sleep.

CREEEEEEEEEEAAAAAK

Kitty opened her eyes and turned her head to see rogue sneaking into the room. Kitty blinked but didn't lift her head. she was so tired she hadn't even realized she wasn't in her own bed herself. Kitty squinted to get a good look at the girl in the dim light that slipped through the hallway door. She was wearing her nightgown, her makeup gone and her hair done up for bed…

Kitty's brown scrunched in confusion. If she was all dressed for bed, what was she doing walking around the mansion at night?! She thought, also…is she carrying something?!

Sure enough in rogue's arms there was some kind of shoe box. Rogue glanced around the room, and Kitty closed her eyes as she did, pretending to sleep. She kept her eyes closed as she heard the creak of the closet door slowly open and shut again before Rogue climbed into bed.

Kitty's mind was racing. What the fuck was that about? Why was she roaming around the house?! Why was she still up?! What was that box about and why was she acting all secretive. Kitty bit her lip trying to calm her racing mind. The curiosity, the mystery…. Oh she was not sleeping tonight no matter how tired she was.

Don't do it, she thought to herself, you just got out of a nasty situation caused by your own snooping, and ONLY because of Rogue herself. You don't need to know her secret…. You don't, Kitty. Just forget about it. Curiosity killed the cat, remember?

She heard her roommate softly snoring next to her. The clock was ticking on the wall. She glanced at it. 1:55. G-d damnit she thought,... I guess one peek couldn't hurt…

With that Kitty carefully slipped out of the bed and slipped across the floor phasing into the closet, and then through to the hallway to get a good look at what was inside. After looking around to make sure no one else was there, Kitty carefully opened the mysterious black shoebox to see its contents…

…only a few quiet moments passed before Kitty phased back through the closet, having deposited the box back where Rogue had left it before swiftly shuffling back to her bed blushing furiously and heart pounding. 

She quietly got back into bed and stared at the ceiling, utterly shook by the revelation she had uncovered. Ok now I have definitely learned my lesson, she thought to herself, no more snooping. EVER again!

Update Yoooooo realized i never shared any pictures of the non main cast of students.

So here are the girls from a post i made a while back for tumblr! Featured include amara, tabitha, jubilee, rahne, kitty, rogue, jean grey, and storm. Also one of just the side character girls. Will try to get some art of the boy side characters uploaded soon too, probably for chapter 10.

Chapter Text

“Remy…Remmmmyyyy”

Remy's eyes slowly blinked open as he felt his shoulder gently being shaken. He tried to swat the hand away but it swatted him back and persisted.

“Come on Remy, wakey wakey, we got work to do sugah,” 

The cajun groaned but complied hissing in pain as he tried to sit up. His whole body still aches from the day prior. “Nooooon…still exhausted…five more minutes…” he muttered, flopping unceremoniously onto Rogue, his chest landing on the lap of her skirt. He proceeded to bunch up some of it to use it as a pillow as he pretended to go back to sleep.

Rogue shook her head and snorted, slapping his shoulder. “That's your own damn fault,” she points out as she tries to pull him up and force him to sit up straight, “you were the one insisting on staying up to get your little treat after that hootenanny.”

Remy looked at her with a cocky little smile. “What can ah say? Too sweet to resist waitin for…” his hands still played with her skirt, “sides Gambit was already exhausted before that. You worked him like an ox…if anything Gambit thinks he deserves a second treat…” his eyes flick from her skirt to her own eyes and back. 

Rogue was not amused, crooking an eyebrow. “Maybe you are an ox. You're heavy, stubborn, and the only things that work to motivate you at times seems to be a carrot or a stick,” she grumbles before narrowing her eyes at him in annoyance, “and unfortunately you usually like the stick…”

His cheshire grin only seemed to spread at her words. He fluttered his eyes innocently and shrugged. “You say dat like you don like usin da stick on Remy, ma Maîtresse~” He teased to which she rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation.

“You're hopeless…” she bemoaned before letting him flop back down on the bed and getting up, “We don got time to waste foolin around, sugah. Party prep is already underway and we need our bak-”

“Quoi?? already underway?” Remy questioned, shooting up in the bed, “what do you mean, what time is it?!” Remy looked around wildly, eyes widening in dread as he realized the light in the room wasn't coming from a lamp but daylight shining through the window. 

“It's past nine-”

“Nine?!?! Ah was supposed ta start preppin breakfast at 6!” he cried, throwing off the covers and running for the door, swearing under his breath.

Rogue's eyes widened as he did this, both in alarm at his sudden change in demeanor…but also at his state of dress.

“Remy!” She cried, grabbing his arm to stop him, “hold your horses! For one thing no one is lettin ya cook like that! Where the hell are your breeches?! I certainly remember leavin you with some in place…”

Remy looked down at his bare legs with his upper thighs only being covered by his nightshirt. “... It's summer…sometimes it's too hot to sleep with breeches…” he responds, “point taken though.” He then heads for his dresser and begins changing, not the least bit bashful about her presence. “any other points? Orderin wit numbers makes me assume deres more,” he continues.

“Secondly, everyone already ate breakfast,” she assures, “we have plenty of bread, fruit, jam, and a toaster iron. Kids are smart enough to serve themselves…though I'm pretty sure Jamie made himself some oatmeal with the leftover ice cream…”

Remy pouted. He hated when people used the kitchen without him around. But he did appreciate the extra sleep. He finished attaching his suspenders and turned back to face her. “At least tell me dey didn't-,”he began but was cut off.

“Don't worry, I supervised whoever was in the kitchen. Nobody messed with your kosher or halal tools, nobody touched the spice rack, nobody touched your imported vanilla or baking chocolate, ah kept Jubilee away from anymore dairy after how much she had last night, everyone cleaned up, and nobody touched the bread you made specifically to set aside for bread crumbs,” she assures. 

Gambit smiles at her and relaxes. “Merci…you always know how to soothe mah worries,” he reaches over and kisses her hand, “ready den? Take Remy where he needed.” She moves to take his arm and lock elbows with him, leading him downstairs. 

The moment they got to the lobby, he had to blink to adjust to all the bright colors. Crepe paper and streamers abounded. Long sheets of linen painted to say phrases like “welcome” and “Nuestra casa es su casa” sat on tarps as teens debated around them where and how to hang them up. Jubilee and Amara appeared to be putting together a piñata, though whether it would be dry by tonight was another story.

Gambit whistled. “Wow dis aint gonna be a lil party is it…what we settin up a debutante ball for her?” He joked.

Rogue chuckled. “She's much too young for that…but ah suppose it's comparable in some ways…” she notes tapping her finger to her chin, “she is coming out to society in a way…mutant society.” 

“Yeah but Ah doubt her daddy gonna be looking for appropriate suitors at dis shindig…or any time in de near future. He already protective o you gals n you ain't even related to him. Lord knows how bad he'll be with her…” he jokes, “...Cotillion ball would be more appropriate ah suppose. World's first mutant cotillion ball, perhaps?”

Rogue gave him a thoughtful smile. “Now there's a neat idea for a school tradition,” she says, “let's see how we survive this one and go from there.” with that they proceed to the kitchen. 

….

It was also mid morning by the time Morph woke up, their head still throbbing. Rubbing their eyes they looked over at their desk and vanity mirror and groaned, seeing bags under their eyes and their grey skin looking a more sickly shade than a nice silver. Ugh…yeah that was a mistake..they thought to themself. Granted, if there was ever a time to get plastered to avoid one’s worries… they sat up and ran a hand down their face, squeezing their eyes shut. Logan was coming home today, and one way or another he’d be bringing something with him that would fundamentally change their whole relationship. They wished they could stop time for a bit. Just prevent it from happening…but then where would they be? Just sitting alone, cowering in fear of what might be?..probably…

Morph pulled their hand away from their face with a sigh and glanced over at the vanity again. Upon a second look they cursed and realized they hadn’t finished the lesson plan. Damniiit. Well today was going to be fun. Looks like they would be relying on their improv skills this afternoon. Hopefully that will help them keep their mind off of things to come.

As they went downstairs to get some much needed coffee, they realized not thinking about their inevitable life shift would be impossible as the entire hall was littered in teens and the party craft projects they were working on: signs, blowing up balloons, paper mache, even bobby was comparing pictures of cactuses for…some unexplained reason. Morph stood there in utter confusion as the hectic teens buzzed away, working together like a well oiled machine…if only they could replicate that energy in the danger room…

“It’s quite sweet isn’t it?” Xavier says from behind them, spooking them and nearly causing them to trip down the stairs. They catch themselves on the railing however and give Xavier a curious look. “Out of nowhere all the students seemed to decide they wanted to hold a welcoming party for our newest student when they get back,” he explains, “They have been at it all morning and they seem to be making excellent progress.”

“I’m not so certain it was entirely unplanned,” Ororo notes as she joins the two along the banister, “this morning I smelled rum and ice cream in the dining room. Most likely they spent the night planning on this at least.”

Xavier chuckled and morph raised an eyebrow. “Nevertheless, it is a quite wonderful thing to do,” he says, “and in light of the short notice I decided to make sure they had all day to work before they arrived. Classes are canceled for today. They will resume after all the festivities are over. That works for you, Professor Morph?”

Morph blinked in surprise and turned to him, a slight relief filling them before giving a nod of acknowledgement. Well that’s one less thing to worry about, they thought, watching the kids as Ororo and Xavier left for elsewhere. Still they frowned. It also meant one less thing to distract themselves with for most of this nerve wracking day. They rested their chin in their palm as they watched the teens work. None of them have any clue what sort of chaos is going to come of this…I barely have an idea….

but that got them thinking. Everyone was putting in so much effort and it wasn’t as if they knew the girl was Logan’s child, they were just excited to welcome a new student to the Xavier family…and no matter what happens, they were all family. Even if things got complicated, even if Logan didn’t want them anymore…they were still wanted and needed here. And today, they needed more than anything to keep things together to make sure things went smoothly. It would be cruel to make this about themself no matter how petty they were feeling or how much they may want to confront that damned cowboy in front of everyone demanding to know what was going on or even just demand it right away. Today there was someone joining their family and it wasn’t her fault for whatever Logan was ashamed of regarding her. Tonight was for her. So they would do what they always did best: put on a happy face, whether they wanted too or not. Even if Logan made them feel unwanted, they couldn’t let her feel that way because of them.

….

“...is that it?”

“No,” Scott replies simply as another horse and cart trot down the street in front of them.

Logan pinched the bridge of his nose, grunting in frustration. They had finally, FINALLY made it to Buffalo, very late in the evening at that, and despite letting people know when they would arrive, their ride the rest of the way home was STILL late. So here they were, 30 minutes after when they arrived, the sun setting on them, and waiting for their stage coach. 

“Is it that one?”

“No.”

Damnit what was taking Gambit so long?! He thought to himself. Normally he wouldn’t be this impatient but he was already tense because of the situation. He still had no idea what to say to Morph if they would let him talk. A delay should make him feel better as a result but instead it just made him more stressed about what else might go wrong tonight… It was Gambit that was supposed to be picking them up, right? There was a momentary flash of horror in his mind if Morph was the one driving them back, and how uncomfortable that would be. He couldn’t explain it to both them and the girl at the same time while in a cramped little coach…

“Hey is that Blackbird?”

“Wait yeah I think you are right, Jean! That’s our ride!”

Logan’s neck snapped around but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Gambit in his sunglasses in the driver’s seat directing the large silky black mare, waving to them with his trademark cocky smile. “Evenin everybody!” the cajun called as he got closer. Jean and Scott jumped up as he came to a stop and hopped down to give hugs all around. “Sorry fo de delay, tings be busy at de mansion,” he says as he finishes hugging Jean, “everyone excited ta meet da new lil fille… speakin of, where is da petite?” He looked around before spotting Laura still sitting on the bench eyeing him carefully with her tin box containing the doves clutched tightly in her lap.

“Ah! Well ain’t you just the quintessential lil lady! Ankles crossed n everythin,” he says, walking up to her, leaning over a bit and holding out a hand to her, “da name is Remy LeBeau, but some folks call me da Gambit. How ya doin, sweetheart?”

Laura relaxed a little after hearing his name but didn’t take his hand. “You’re Gambit,” she says looking him up and down, “So you are the one Mr. Logan keeps telling me is gonna make all the food I ask for?” 

Jean and Scott winced but Gambit simply snorted and raised an eyebrow at Logan. “Ah do more dan dat, Petite,” he says standing back up, “like today, Gambit be your chauffeur.”

“...you are a mutant too then?” she asks, studying him as if she was trying to figure out his mutation.

Remy smiles and pulls down his sunglasses for a second, allowing her to get a good look at his eyes. She gasps when she sees them. “Born and raised,” he says before winking at her and putting them back in place. He then goes to help Logan and Scott load up the top of the coach and help Jean inside. Laura smiled a little as she watched him walk away from her. He had red eyes…like a pigeon does…she decided she liked this man. 

“So…” Logan whispers to Gambit as they load up the carriage, “How…How’s Morph doing today? They alright?” 

Gambit gave him an odd look before returning to fastening things to the roof of the coach. “Dey be fine. A bit more chipper dan usual today. Probably excited ya coming home,” he says, but notices Logan frown grimly at that, “Why?” 

“We…we had a little argument over the phone the other day…” he half lied, “worried they still might be sour…”

Gambit raised an eyebrow and glanced at Logan. This wasn’t the usual sort of thing that bothered him. Well, of course he's upset when his partner is hurting, but he certainly didn’t talk to others about it. This question alone was a sign something really bad was up, and Gambit had a few good guesses as to what.

“Well, clearly den dey forgiven you about it,” he says simply. 

….but he wasn’t going to press him about it. If Logan had any inkling that anyone else in the school knew the truth about Laura…well it would end up being a really awful ride. 

Logan simply grunted and nodded in response, just barely acknowledging what Gambit had said. Remy didn’t mind. It wasn’t the assurance he’d like to give anyways. He’d like to tell him that Morph would understand and come to adore Laura. That he would be a good dad to her because of how well he looked after the other kids, himself included…but he couldn't. Maybe after the truth comes out.

Speaking of Laura…Gambit looked to see her struggling to climb inside the coach, Jean attempting to help her but Laura refused to drop the metal box she was carrying in order to take her hand. 

“Lemme help ya dere, petite!” Gambit said, coming up behind her and scooping her up dramatically with a spin before setting her down in the couch seat. She smiled at him. “Dere, dat better? Now why don you give me dat box so I can-” he starts but is cut off by Laura clutching tighter, away from Gambit’s hands, growling suddenly.

“Laura, come on, be nice!” Scott said as he got in the carriage Laura glared at him too and stuck out her tongue in response. 

Gambit backs off a bit and chuckles. “What, you already told her ah used to be a thief?” He joked. Laura only seemed to grip the box harder at that. 

“no its…” Jean started but wrung her hands trying to come up with what to say. 

“The box is a casket,” Logan says bluntly as he gets inside, “She lost some…pets just before we found her. She wanted to take them with her in order to have a proper funeral at the mansion.” Gambit blinked in surprise but otherwise nodded in acceptance of this. “Speaking of, we've been keeping them on ice to keep them fresh, but could we perhaps borrow your cold storage locker when we get back so we have time to make proper arrangements?” He asked, “I realize this is a big request considering how you like to keep the kitchen…”

“They can't go in the kitchen!! They aren't food!!” Laura insisted, “no one is allowed to eat my friends.”

“Oh no Laura,” Jean began.

“Kiddo we ain't keepin em in there as food-” Logan tried. 

She was having none of it though. She was glaring at everyone and clutching the tin box protectively. 

“Easy dere, fille!” Gambit assured, pulling down his glasses again, “Don't you worry none, nobody gonna eat your friends. Da cold storage locker just let Gambit keep meat from rottin for months, cause ah mostly use it for food is located in de kitchen…but ah promise you nobody gonna touch your friends but you.” She relaxed slightly but still was giving him a hard mistrustful stare. “Listen,” Remy continued, “Remy get where ya comin from. He had ta bury friends n pets befo, an back home in New Orleans? We make an art out of a good funeral. Ain't nobody celebrates a life like we do.” she relaxes further, and he smiles at her. “Look why don’t you sit next to da front window dere n Gambit can talk wit ya n plan out how ya want dem festivities to go, huh?” He suggests.

Laura hesitates but Logan pats her shoulder. “You can trust him on this, Gambit is a big animal lover, he won't hurt your friends,” he assures, “The horse he's driving? She's my horse actually. Do you think I'd trust just anyone with her?” Laura thought for a moment before shaking her head no. “Exactly. He's gonna make sure your friends are well protected,” he assures, “you ok?”

She nods slowly before moving to scrunch between Scott and Jean in the front seat, only to ultimately force Scott to sit next to Logan as a result. Logan breathed a sigh of relief and Gambit closed the door with a smile and got into the driver's seat. He leaned back and forced himself to relax. Hopefully this ride will be a quiet and easy one so he can prepare himself for what is to come.

“Hey…did you know pigeons have red eyes too?” Logan suddenly heard the little girl say as she kneeled on the bench to speak through the window, “do you have…pigeon powers?”

“....depends on what ya consider ta be pigeon powers petite,” Gambit said in response, “Personally see mahself as more of a crow honestly: I like hangin around dark places, too smart fo mah own good, got friends n nasty places, like to snatch up shiny tings, n I freak people out unintentionally.”

Scott and Jean had to stifle some snickers while Logan repressed a sigh. A little bit of chatter could be ok too. Listening in could take the edge off a little…

Update: pic of the boy side characters for this au. Hope you like their designs!

Chapter Text

They tried to get involved, get into the spirit of things, helping with decorations. Even though it kept reminding them of what was going to happen, the happy moods of everyone else participating kept their spirits high. As time drew closer though, when Remy left to go pick up the four especially, Morph felt like they could contain their anxiety less and less.

 It was like waiting for a bomb to go off. The uncertainty of when exactly it would happen mixed with the certainty of it happening soon created so much turmoil inside of themself it made it impossible to focus on anything. Every movement out of the corner of their eye seemed to make them jump, any unexpected noise as well.  

And then finally the other shoe dropped. 

“Everyone! Zey are here! Ve saw zem from ze roof!” Kurt cried as he and Evan burst out from a third floor balcony looking down at the party being set up on the garden grounds. Morph's heart nearly stopped at that.

“Kitty, Aunty Roro, Rogue! Come on, we gotta get into position! Xavier's already in the main hall,” Evan called ushering them inside, just before the two BAMFed away. As the called for individuals headed in, Morph followed, almost against their own will. Part of them wanted to get this all over with as soon as possible, part of them wanted to hide away, hoping if they disappeared, it would pause time. 

Morph walked to the front entrance, past the grand staircase that had once welcomed them when all seemed lost, and now it felt like it could be that way again. The welcoming party was already outside and the travelers getting off the carriage as Morph approached one of the twin sidelights framing the fancy double oak doors. 

Almost immediately Morph caught sight of Logan and…Their breath hitched as they saw a small girl in a yellow sundress he was helping off the carriage. They felt time stop. She had dark olive skin and deep brown hair, and from a distance most would never assume they were related. But then Morph saw her eyes…and her nose and her scowl as Remy seemed to make a small joke at her expense. There was so much of her that was oh so clearly Logan. 

It hurt to watch. Not because they felt betrayed by her existing, she was clearly older than Morph and his relationship, but hurt at the thought that Logan had kept her from them. She was perfect in Morph's eyes. They didn't care if she looked nothing like them, that there was no blood relation between them. Morph could already feel themself getting attached…and that's what made the hurt even worse. There was no guarantee Morph would have a place in this child's life. She was Logan's and only his. For all Morph knew there was a mother that would be sent for soon enough, or a signal of any other number of ways their relationship was ending from some form of affair breaking trust to Logan simply not wanting to complicate things for the girl by having them in the picture as a parental figure she wouldn't even have a word for to begin to comprehend. For all Morph knew this was the end to the relative bliss they have enjoyed instead of a compromised happily ever after. 

Logan locks eyes with Morph for a second. At first looking like a deer held at gun point before it melted into something apologetic and shameful. They pursed their lips, trying not to read too much into it and forced a smile. 

They were cut from their thoughts however as they received a mental announcement from Xavier. All staff please meet with me, Logan, as well as Jean and Scott in my office for a proper debriefing on our newest student in thirty minutes. Morph wrenched their gaze away from Logan and began heading towards the office. Moment of truth…they thought, though they paused as Logan stepped through the door. The two of them locked eyes immediately.

….

Laura had plastered herself to the window as they headed through the gate as they approached the mansion, having suddenly fallen silent as she saw her new home. The towering brick building, the sprawling greenery, the fountains, the fragrant vegetable garden out front. 

“This is a school?” She questioned quietly. It was nothing like any of the school houses she attended… it looked more like a castle to her.

“Yep! There's the Charles Xavier Institute for Gifted Youth!” Scott explained, “It was repurposed from a mansion Professor Xavier's family owned.” Laura only seemed to hum a response as she continued to stare at the building until they pulled up. This all felt like a dream to her. Then she noticed the people exiting out of the door: there was a bald man in a wheel chair, a small brunette girl, a lady dressed in black, a dark skinned woman dressed in elegant blue and white, a dark skinned boy in what appeared to be sportswear, and…a blue person with a tail? Seems like mutations come in all shades of the rainbow…she thought. 

“Come on kid, time to get out,” Logan grunted as he opened the door.

“WELCOME!!!!” the group heard with the crack of party poppers as they stepped out of the carriage only to be assaulted with confetti.

Logan blinked and before them were the Professor, Ororo, Kurt, Kitty, Evan, and Rogue. “Indeed. Welcome miss Laura Kinney,” the professor said wheeling up to them more, “ my name is Dr. Charles Xavier. I am the owner and head Professor of the school. We are excited to have you here and we hope you enjoy your time here at your new home.”

Rogue almost immediately went to Remy's side, helping him get down. “Hope he wasn't too much of a pest for ya, sugah,” she says to Laura as Remy moves to help her out of the carriage with Logan, “Mah name is Rogue, you must be Laura, Right?”

Laura stopped and stared at her, she had never seen a woman dressed head to toe in black look so happy. Hell, Laura couldn't smell a hint of sadness on her. Shouldn't she be mourning. “...Why don't you smell sad?” She questioned, “You're dressed all in black… people usually smell sad when they’re dressed like that.”

It catches Rogue off guard but Kurt steps in. “Zat is mein sister, she dresses zat vay to protect her skin, she just likes ze color black. She loves all ze morbid zings like Dracula und Poe,” he assures, “Mein name is Kurt, I know I may look scary, but-”

“You look like a blue cat person,” she says bluntly, stopping him mid sentence. Before he can respond she takes one of his hands he had outstretched and tilts her head to the side as she touches it. “You feel fuzzy like a cat…and you wear boots…” she continues to observe before a thought occurs to her. “Do your mutant powers make you like puss in boots?” she whispers to him. 

Kurt blinks and Kitty stifles a snort behind him. He gives her a look before turning back to the girl. “Ah…. Vell Puss in Boots is Spanish for von, und I'm German…” he tries to explain. 

She narrows her eyes and turns to gambit again. “Is he lying?” She asks, causing Kurt to balk, Kitty and Evan to laugh, and Logan to face palm. 

Gambit chuckles and ruffles her hair. “He about as much a pussy cat as Remy is a pigeon, petite,” he jokes, causing her to scowl at him. 

“Oh there's some kind of story there..” Evan mutters to Kitty. 

“Heck yeah and now I'm curious,” she replies before immediately facepalming and muttering to herself, “damnit Kitty, no more prying!!”

Storm couldn't help but smile at the scene. She had been here only a few minutes and was already fitting right in. “Glad you all made it back in one piece,” Ororo said, coming up and giving each one of them a hug before kneeling in front of Laura, “It is a pleasure to meet you, young lady. My name is Lady Ororo Monroe, and the boy with smartly trimmed golden hair is my nephew, Evan! I am a teacher here and a master of the wind and rain…aswell as master of the garden and grounds.” As she looked closely at the girl, there was something…earilee familiar about her. She looked like someone she knew but she couldn't quite place it. 

“Hello,” the girl says, “I have claws. You can't see them because they hide in my hands.”

Storm froze at that. She could see Logan freeze too out of the corner of her eye, eyes suddenly focusing on the girl. “Excuse me what did you say dear?” She asks. Looking around she noticed that most everyone else was distracted. Evan and Kurt were helping to unload, Scott was talking with the professor, Kitty was hugging Jean and chatting her head off so quickly she might as well have been speaking pure yiddish with how hard it was to keep up with, and Remy was currently acting as if he hadn't seen Rogue in days, playing with her veil and neglecting helping to unload. It didn't seem like anyone else had heard her. Was she imagining things?   

“I have claws in my hands. They come out through my skin. That’s my mutation. They don't hurt too bad and I heal as soon as I hide them again, but I don't want to get blood on you from it so im keeping them hidden," she explained. She tries to show them by gently push against her skin without tearing, creating small pointed spikes just below her knuckles, before pulling them back again. “See?” 

Ororo tried not to show too much shock, but it did feel as if the world suddenly froze for a moment. She glanced again to Logan before looking back at the girl. “I see….” she says. So Logan had a daughter. And she was guessing likely a daughter he didn’t know about until recently based on how guilty and fidgety he looked. Currently, he was refusing to make eye contact, but nodded at her. Storm returned the nod. Well, this was going to be very complicated. She thought. She wasn’t about to judge him. She knew he had a very winding past, and he would probably explain on his own time. And she knew him well enough that she didn’t believe he would’ve abandoned her had he known about her at the time of her birth. Storm let out a deep breath and smiled. Besides, today was a day for celebration. She could ask questions later. “Wonderful dear,” she says, before standing up, "Let's get you and your things inside then, hm? We have a large garden party set up to celebrate your arrival and I assume you would like to enjoy that as soon as possible, yes?”

She looked confused, as did the rest of the traveling crew. “They set up a party for me? But they don’t know me…” she said with skepticism.

“Yeah that's why we are having a party!” Evan called setting the last of the suitcases down, “Get to know you better and such.” 

“Ja! Vhat better vay for everyone to meet you?” Kurt said before BAMFing away with some suitcases and back to grab more, “Here! Vould you like me to drop you off?” He offered her his hand.

“No!” Logan said a bit too quickly, causing people to stare at him. He didn’t want her running around unattended, potentially showing off her claws to random people. “Uh, we have to take care of her…birds first,” Logan explained.

“Her... birds?” Ororo asked before Laura showed the tin box she was holding.

“My friends are dead,” she said simply, “ I need a safe place to put them so they don’t rot before we bury them.”

Storm wasn’t sure what to say to that, and all eyes seemed to be on her now. most who hadn’t been on carriage just kind of stood there stunned at her bluntness, aside from Rogue and Xavier. Xavier already knew about the birds. Rogue did not but smirked at the girl. Yep, she could already tell she would like the little girl.

“Of course,” Xavier said with a calm smile, “I was made aware of the need for funerary arrangements for your pets earlier. We would be happy to provide a plot in the gardens for them, just make sure Ororo approves of it first. I assume you’ll be keeping them in Gambit’s cold storage?” The Cajun in question nodded along with Laura and Logan. “Splendid,” he said, “ then please escort her inside to where she needs to go and then make sure she gets to attend her party. I will call for staff meeting later to debrief on things.” He pressed two fingers to his forehead and almost immediately Jean, Scott, and the other staff members present got a mental message about meeting in 30 minutes in his office. With that, everyone headed inside with the rest of the luggage. 

As soon as they enter through the door, the hair on the back of Logan’s neck stood up as he immediately caught a whiff of a presence. He had expected they were still there since glancing them in the window, and sure enough as he turned his head, he saw Morph standing there near the staircase, staring at him. His heart stopped. He had longed to see them, at the same time, he dreaded this moment. And the worst part is he felt cornered. It was a terrible moment for this meeting to happen considering the crowd and the various tasks that all needed to get done in short succession. What was he supposed to do? Talk to them in front of everyone? split off and leave Laura and the rest without a word? how would he excuse himself? He was stuck in an awkward position.

As if on cue, however, Ororo noticed Morph’s presence and the looks they shared. She leaned towards his ear. “I assume there’s much for you two to discuss,” she said, “I will look after Laura for a bit you go to them.” Logan turned to her with a surprise look before nodding. He hadn’t even given her any kind of explanation and yet Storm was already willing to lend him a hand. He muttered a thank you before striding towards his partner, Storm and Gambit leading Laura away while the others dispersed with the luggage, with Xavier, or heading back to the party. 

He tried to offer Morph a smile. “Hi, Sweets,” he offered.

“Don’t,” Morph stopped him before dragging him into the parlor by his vest and shutting the door behind them, “I have been driving myself crazy, worried absolutely sick about that conversation you refused to have with me. Before anything else we need to have it now or I will lose it, understood?” 

Logan looked into their eyes sorrowfully but nodded. They looked absolutely ragged and that made it even worse. They were right. They deserved an answer. It was best to rip the bandage off now. And so he told them everything. How they met the girl, saw her using her powers, decided he needed not just to bring her here but to take her in, everything.

…..

After having been escorted to the freezer to put the doves away so they may be laid down for their final resting place tomorrow and leaving Gambit to the kitchen to get some more iced tea ready for the party, Ororo led the young girl to the garden. She occasionally glanced down at the girl but tried her best to have discretion and not stare or give anything away. But she could not help but glance down at the girl occasionally. Every time she did so she noticed a new similarity between her and Logan: the eyes, the brow, the shape of her nose, even the way she walked was similar. A part of her was deeply curious about her, if Logan had known she existed or not before their cross country expedition, but she knew it was not her place to press…

“So how was your journey?” She asked the girl. 

Laura simply shrugged. “It was interesting,” she said, not looking at Ororo, “not used to long train rides…but there were good things too.” Laura didn't offer much more after that. Another way she was like Logan.

“What do you think of Scott and Jean?” She asked.

Laura thought for a moment. “They're good. I'm glad I traveled with them,” she replies. Yep…definitely like Logan…

“What about Logan? Was he a good travel partner?” she asks. 

Laura rubbed her eye a bit. “... I like him,” she finally said with a nod, “He makes more sense than other adults do.”

Ororo nods back. “Are you excited to be living here with him?” This was her last test to see how much she knew. It didn’t reveal anything personal but the girl’s response would likely reveal at least a bit.

Laura paused and looked up at her in surprise. “So I am going to be staying with him? He’s the one taking me in?”she questioned, getting a frustrated look, “Why didn’t he say he would be on the train?” 

…So she didn’t know. Storm had no clue how he had kept their relation to each other a secret with their matching power set, but somehow he managed it. Ororo simply smiled. “He expressed a preference to look after you when he last checked in,” she lied, “But if you would prefer a different guardian something can likely be arranged. His heart seemed pretty set on it though.”

Laura glared at the ground. “I don’t like when adults make decisions for me…” she grumbled, “...maybe. I like him. Dunno if I want him as a dad…”

Storm gave a sympathetic look to the girl. I’m afraid neither of you have much of a choice on that subject… Storm thought to herself, but we will all work to make this arrangement as comfortable as we can. 

Finally, they reached the large glass and wood doors leading to the back porch. Once they had been opened for her, Laura’s jaw hung open a little. lanterns were everywhere. Fancy party balloons in several colors hung from light posts in an arch of sorts. The fountain was going with lights floating on the water. There were streamers and signs everywhere welcoming her with some streamers draped over rose bushes and hydrangeas. There was even an ice sculpture of a cactus for some reason. Music was playing from a few phonographs. There were several long buffet tables lined with yellow silk tablecloths covered in delicious looking finger foods plated on fine china. There was a large cake in the center of the table, covered in frosting flowers with a plain white buttercream base, and to top it off her name was written on it in blue icing. And at the edge of the area was a large gazebo decked out in lights with some sort of colorful paper sculpture hanging down from the center of the ceiling. But most importantly there were dozens of people, teenage mutants from all walks of life, milling about and dressed up in their best. When she stepped all the way outside, all eyes turned on her, and cheers and shouting began to erupt. Bright smiles and people excited to see her. 

She took a step back, eyes wide as she tried to take it all in. It was incredible, beautiful, and the most thoughtful things anyone had done for her…but it was also waaay too much. People seemed to crowd closer to her to greet her and it made her feel confined. All the bright lights and colors, and she was so tired already because of how late it was…she felt her heart rake spiking.

And suddenly, like a final straw on the camel’s back, Kurt BAMFed directly in front of her with a slice of cake for her. “Hello fraulein! Ve are all so happy to meet you! I hope you have a-” he began before she suddenly let out a scared shout and slashed the cake slice with her claws, splattering the cake in Kurt’s face. Everyone seemed to go quiet at that, smiles having fallen and people now just staring quietly at her, looking concerned. 

Laura’s cheeks burned. She’d ruined things already she was sure of it…all of them were thinking poorly of her now…she started to hyperventilate as she felt cornered, unsure of what to do next. She backed up against the door. Eyes darting around for an escape route.

“Laura? Laura are you-” Ororo began, kneeling down to be level with her but as soon as she did, Laura let out a yell and charged straight through the crowd and deep into the garden’s larger bushes and shrubbery, away from the party. 

….

Morph stared at him as Logan finished speaking. Utter shock written on their face…but not out of outrage or betrayal, but sheer utter dumbfoundedness. This is what he kept secret? This is what he made me wait to hear? On some level, they get it,  in terms of societal norms, this is incredibly embarrassing and scandalous. But it was as if Logan didn’t know them at all, keeping this secret and making them worry about their relationship. She was his daughter. But that was it. He didn’t know her before finding her last week, and there was no other person in the picture. Nothing else. No cheating, no affair, no guaranteed break up, no shame about their relationship. Just a bizarre, ironic situation like something straight out of a dramatic novel for young ladies the likes of Jane Austin wannabes might pen. Honestly Morph didn't know whether to laugh or cry…so they did both.

“And so- Sweets?!” Logan cried, stretching his hands out slightly to offer help, confusion written on his face. 

Morph's knees buckled as they laughed hysterically. They gripped the parlor table for support and held their stomach with their other hand, already wheezing and aching from laughing.

Logan stood there utterly confused. “What…Morph…” he started, “why are you…aren't you mad?”

Morph gasped for breath, holding up a finger as the leaned on the table as they tried to calm down. “Oh I am livid!” They said, “I am about this close from strangling you, Logan, my absolute idiot of a man!!” They gestured with their outstretched hand, their finger and thumb nearly touching. “But not because of her or any of that drama,” they said, “but because you had me worried near to death for over 24 hours over something as ridiculous as this! I thought you were breaking things off with me, not giving me a child like I wanted! Granted not how I expected to but…”

Logan continued to stare in confusion.“... Morph shes not a baby…shes a kid with problems, this isn't going to be easy and I just thrust this into our lives,” he tried to explain, “why aren't you upset about this though? you should be calling me a hypocrite at least-”

“Oh I WILL be,” Morph replied, wiping a tear from their eye, “I will be calling you a lot of names for causing me such stress… but honey, do you have any idea how many brats would randomly show up on actors' doorsteps claiming to be theirs while I was in theater? I mean, never mine, but still. Not something I'm judgemental about. And secondly, yes she's grown somewhat and has issues, but that is literally the case for all the children we deal with here! If anything we're more suited for this situation than a baby…”

“So…you want to help me parent her?” Logan asked hopefully.

Morph chuckled and wrapped their arms around his neck. “I love you but God you are stupid sometimes,” they said, shaking their head and kissing his cheek, “Yes. I am happy to help. We never really took vows but I feel the whole ‘for better or for worse’ applies to us regardless." They then kissed him deeply on the lips. 

 At that moment both felt a deep tension leave them, Logan especially. Morph was right. He might have been a bit dumb about this. Might have made things worse by accident. But…he should have trusted Morph to understand more. “You're too good to me, Sweets,” he chuckles as they part.

“I knowwww,” Morph teased, kissing him again briefly, “but if you'd like to be too good to me for a little bit…we still have some time before the staff meeting.” They shrugged suggestively. “Hell, we could run a little late, doubt they would start without us,” they pointed out before whispering into his ear, “and I've missed you so…”

Logan smiled and chuckled before kissing them again. Well, he was happy to oblige!

Chapter Text

Everyone stood silently, not quite sure how to react as the girl dashed off into the woods. The music fron the gramophones kept playing but everyone seemed frozen as they stared at the wooded area she ran into for a solid minute before Kurt finally spoke.

“I…i didn't mean to scare her…im so sorry I didn't-,” he started, dropping the plate and shrinking into himself, “vhat have I done…I scared avay ze guest of honor!”

Ororo, stunned into silence by that exchange, snaps out of it immediately when she hears Kurt worrying. She turns to him and places her hands on his shoulders. “Kurt, Kurt it's alright,” she assures the boy, “It wasn't your fault, remember she saw you and your powers earlier? She was just feeling overwhelmed generally.”

“She vouldn't have bolted if it veren't for me!” he insisted, “I shouldn't have ported. I should have just valked over…”

Ororo was about to open her mouth to respond when she heard Bobby speak up. “So uh…i guess this means we can stop pretending we don't know who her dad is?,” he says with an awkward chuckle, “I mean…she already showed off her claws to us…” she turned her head in shock at his statement.

“Shénme wányìr, Bobby! Not the time!” Jubilee snapped in response, elbowing him.

“Ow! Hey! if you are gonna insult me, do it in a way I can understand at least!” he grumbled, rubbing his arm.

“Im sorry, hold on a tick…you all knew Logan is her father?” Ororo questioned, causing many of the kids to bristle and look away awkwardly, “How?! None of the staff were told!”

“What do you mean?” Ray chimed in, “you clearly know and Gambit knows…the rest of the staff doesn't yet?”

“No?! I literally only found out a little while ago! And how does Remy know?!” She responded, “what is going on here? How did you all find out before we did?!” Ororo notices Kitty looking at her feet and zeros in on her. Of course…she thinks, beginning to shift to walk over to her. 

“It vas me!” Kurt insists, stepping in front of her, “I overheard Xavier talking vith Scott und accidentally spilled ze beans! It vas my fault. I'm so sorry…” Ororo raised an eyebrow at him, not believing his story. Kurt was a terrible liar, and Ororo could read him like a book. It was clearly Kitty who caused this problem and Kurt was covering for her. That being said she didn't exactly have the time for a discussion on this right now. Currently their newest student had just run into the woods!

“Alright everyone we got tea and sweet-quoi?” she heard a distinctive southern twang say. She turned to see Remy and Rogue standing behind her in the doorway, remy holding a pitcher of sweet tea while Rogue held a jello mold dessert and an agar agar dessert in the other. “What happened? Who kill de party?” Remy asks, glancing around. 

“Laura got overwhelmed,” Ororo explained, “she bolted into the wooded area of the grounds.”

Rogue swore under her breath, setting the serving platters on the nearest table. “Alright then…minor set back,” she said, rubbing a hand down her face, "Rahne, do you think you can track her?” 

“I don't know her scent…” Rahne admits with an apologetic look.

“Ok then, the first party game is hide and seek then…” she said before clapping her hands, “alright! Half of you stay here in case she comes back, half of you pick a partner and start searching for her.” She begins marching to the grove, having grabbed Remy's arm to drag him along. 

“Cher, da tea!” He exclaims spilling some as he's dragged.

“Leave it on the ground, we gotta move and find her,” she insists. He does as she says, sitting the pitcher onto the ground before letting her drag him into the woods. Kurt and Kitty, Tabby and Rahne, Jubilee and Evan all headed into the woods with them. 

Storm sighed before deciding to take to the skies to watch out from above. She was worried for the kid, but her mind was also a bit distracted, wondering if she was the only one who didn't know about her parentage aside from Laura herself…

….

Laura's eyes stung as she squeezed among the rough charcoaled inside of the burnt out tree trunk. She wasn't crying. She wasn't! But she sure wanted to. She had finally been offered a place where she was meant to belong where there were others like her. And yet she still messed it all up. She couldn't handle a party meant to celebrate her. She couldn't handle her fellow mutants wanting to be social with her like that…and so she lashed out and ruined things again, just like she always did. Sure no one got hurt, but she had seen how they all stared at her after she attacked that cake slice out of reflex, like she was crazy or disturbed…

Laura rubbed her eyes and sniffled. She had to face the facts. Jean had been wrong about her. It was never the environment around her that had been the problem. It was her. Even among her own kind she couldn't fit in right. She was like this tree: rotten, useless, and an eyesore that at some point in time would prove a danger to all the other trees around her when it eventually fell under its own growing instability. It didn't matter that she was one of them. She was bad, wrong, broken…and they would all be better off without her there taking up resources and space others needed.  

Sobs started to shake her body as she curled and slumped to the ground, unable to pretend to hold back tears anymore. She was so caught up in her thoughts and feelings she didn't hear approaching footsteps.

“Cher, wait Ah tink Ah hear sometin over dis way,” she heard a familiar voice call and footsteps to trample towards her. Laura gasped in surprise from the sudden intrusion but did her best to cover her mouth to hopefully avoid any more accidental noises. It was all in vain though, as a pair of red on black eyes and a smile appeared in front of the crevice she slipped through to get into the trunk. “Found her! Cherie come quick ahm too big to slip in an get her,” he called over his shoulder, followed by the sound of more foot fall.

“No!” She snapped, backing as far away as she could from the cajun at the entry, “G-go away! I’m staying here!!!”

The foot fall suddenly stopped and Gambit looked back on her with surprise. “Quoi? Was wrong, petite? Was someone mean to ya?” he asked gently, now crouching in front of the hollow space, “Was it Bobby? Just point out who was rude n Rogue n ah'll give em what for.”

“No! I'm no good! I'm staying here!” She shouted back before hiding her face against her legs.

Rogue and Gambit shared a confused look. Rogue stepped forward and sat down next to Remy. “Care to explain what ya mean, Sugah?” She asked gently.

“I ruined things. Again. Everyone will avoid me. Again…” she spits out. 

Rogue gave a confused look. “Ruin things? Sugah the party was for you, the only way you could ruin it is by not bein there,” she tries.

“Yes and I ruined it anyways!!!” She growled, before rubbing her eye, “... I messed up…there were so many people…and they were all staring…” she sniffled a few more times. “I'm not…meant for here. I'm not meant for anywhere…I'm no good like this tree,” she says finally. 

Rogue and Gambit shared a quiet, understanding look. They weren't sure what happened but they knew one thing: a mistake was made and whatever it was, she blamed herself for it. “Petite, is ya first party at a place you don't know, it's ok if ya make some mistakes. Ain't like ya went to high society classes to prepare you for fancy events,” he assures. No response. “Ah promise whatever ya think ya did dey gon forgive n forget in seconds. Dey all just wanna get ta know ya!”

“No!” She insisted, “they won't! it will keep happening! I will keep having problems! I always do! I'm the bad one!”

Both the young adults' hearts ached for her. Rogue didn't know what to say and she worried her lip as a result. How could she convince this kid she was going to be fine? She was speaking as if it were a certainty, likely caused by years of people giving up on her quickly. 

Thankfully, Remy had a few ideas to share. “So?” He says breaking the silence, “we all have problems, petite. Comes wit de territory o bein a mutant. Hell, Gambit was ten times de mess ya thinkin ya are when he first came here. Remy was a bum, an ah mean a BUM. Drinkin, gamblin, smokin, swearin, flirtin, pickin fights…everytin a good mama tells dere girls to avoid. Logan had to whip me into shape. Nearly drove him crazy, an ah still ain't quite licked all mah habits. But ahm still here afta mo dan tree years. Hell dey pay me ta be here.” He then jabs a thumb at Rogue. “Was more, dis angel right here decided to let Gambit court her despite bein a proper lady n knowin all mah dirty secrets,” he continues, “so if someone as rotten as Gambit is welcome here, so be you.”

Laura looked up at them through the hole in the tree. She had stopped sniffling, and there was something hopeful in her eyes. Rogue smiles and leans in. “He's right…and he ain't the only bad apple that got a chance here,” she says, “Ya know ahm actually the daughter of one of Professor Xavier's enemies?” Laura tilted her head. “It's true! Mah mommas run the Brotherhood, another group of mutants opposed to what Xavier hopes for the world, n bein their daughter, ah was part of it too,” she explained, “well, until this lovable idiot opened mah eyes to how wrong they were!” She lovingly shook Gambit's shoulder before continuing, “N despite me literally bein their enemy an havin good reason not to trust me, they still welcomed me with open arms,” she explained. 

Laura sat there thinking. She was quiet for a moment. “... But what if I can't change…” she says quietly, “You guys both changed in some way…what if I can't?” “... I kept getting moved…because I could never stay good for very long,” she explains, “Today was the shortest it took…” 

“Well for one,” Rogue continued, “As we said, Gambit n Ah still have problems and are welcome here. Hell, most everyone there has issues. Kitty can't stop spreading rumors to save her life, Kurt is naive to a fault, Evan's barely able to keep focus on anything not sport or film related, Scott freaks out when things aren't just right, Jean’s powers act up when she has severe stress headaches, Bobby literally sasses back to authority like a reflex, Tabby randomly gets drunk and disappears for a day or two at a time and we have to track her down before she shows up in the papers for theft, accidental arson, or some combination of the two…” 

she stops realizing she's gotten off topic and clears her throat. “Point is, none of us are perfect, not even Miss Gibson Girl herself, Jean. Us havin issues is kinda why we are here. Either our powers make us a mess or we have other kinds of issues troubled teens tend to have,” she says, "There's a priest somewhere out westward with this line he keeps spinnin, sayin ‘there's no such thing as a bad boy’ or some such. That kids are bad because of circumstances, not because they are born that way, and can always grow up to be better than their lowest point if given better circumstances. Whether or not it's true, I can tell you Professor Xavier certainly subscribes to that idea, and you won't be an exception in his eyes.”

“Again, he put up with mah nonsense,” Remy added, “And ah had a history of criminal behavior for years prior. This ain't even mentioning both of us have crashed a party worse dan you ever could have! What ya even do?” Rogue rolled her eyes but smiled at his dig. 

“... I pulled out my claws and ruined some of the cake…I screamed at the nice blue cat guy cause he surprised me…” she admits. 

Rogue raised an eyebrow at the claws thing but snorted about everything else. “Oh mon amie, that is not crashin a party,” Remy insisted before pointing to himself, “First party Ah ever attended? Me n mah cousins all snuck in uninvited, disguised as ladies, and stole the birthday boy's favorite knife n de ice sculpture for bein a jackass to us earlier dat week!”  

Laura stared at him before slowly sticking her head out of the tree trunk, a look of disbelief on her face. 

“Is true!” He insisted. 

“Can attest, ah seen some of this hooligan's memories and he ain't lyin this time,” Rogue added, “At least that was intentional. My first ball? Total snafu. Ah had all the high society trainin and still fudged it up royally. Knocked out my first and only dance partner cause mah powers decided to kick in that night, and then in mah confusion I decked his friend and ran screamin from the event cause I thought I was him, n ah saw what ah thought was mah own body on the floor! Swear to God!” Laura was giggling now. “Oh and iffin ya think that is funny, guess how ah met the Xavier students the same night! They found me bangin on that poor boy Ah knocked out's estate door, tryin ta break in cause ah thought it was mah own home! You shoulda seen it. Ah was practically feral, yet dressed to the nines. Knocked out poor Kurt cause Ah was sure he was gonna attack me,” she continued, laughing with Laura at her own expense. It was weird. Normally she would never retell this story. It was one of the most embarrassing and scary moments of her life. The whole mansion practically agreed not to talk about it usually. And yet it was easy to share and poke fun at herself here for this kid she barely knew.

 Maybe because she knew a bit about what it was like to be in her shoes, not just in a mutant way. She knew what it was like to be an orphan. To not feel like she had a place in the world. She knew what it was like to be ‘the bad kid’ and to feel hopeless for change in circumstance. Whether it was how her mother treated her and refused to stay out of Rogue's life, how her mistakes haunted her, how the psyches she absorbed stuck around in her head and needed management, her own issues with trusting people, the back stepping in civil rights progressivism in the world since Wilson took over, the senseless war going on over seas creating unnecessary tension here among groups that should be like minded, or just the frustrating way her situation with controlling her powers never seemed to improve, she knew that feeling well. That feeling of everything in the world working against you. The feeling that people aren't telling the truth when they say they understand because it's been a lie every time you heard it before. That feeling that you might be the problem, forcing yourself to prove to yourself you aren't, and just how exhausting that can be. That feeling of knowing what you want and seeing it but it is always slightly out of reach, and after so many failures wondering if it's possible to reach at all, meanwhile everyone around you seems to have no problem reaching it in comparison. Perhaps she knew those feelings so well…she needed to make sure Laura knew she wasn't alone in them. Perhaps. 

“You know what dis means right?” Remy asked suddenly, “as de experts, we gotta properly show ya how to embarrass yo self at a party.” Gambit stands up and offers her a hand with a wink. “Come on, let's get back an you can see what fools we can make o ourselves,” he offers, "already got a plan: Gambit gonna have a stiff drink n stumble over his own feet tryin ta do a turkey trot, maybe fall into da punch bowl if need be. Then no one gonna think bout ya knockin over some cake or nothin. Promise!”

“Gambit, it's grape punch! You are not ruining your one good dress shirt like that,” Rogue argued, with a smirk. Laura smiled a little as she watched the exchange.

“Fine den, you can smash a piece o cake in mah face like dem weddin couples do!” He said sticking out his tongue.

“Maybe a pie because you're such a clown,” she said standing up with her hands on her hips. Laura slipped out of the hollow tree further, enjoying the exchange.

“Good luck with that, Gambit didn't make no pies tonight!” He retorted. Laura slipped her hand in his while he was seemingly not paying attention. Still they began walking. 

“Then ah'll make one! And it'll be boysenberry, your favorite, just ta rub it in!” Rogue pretend snapped at him, but she was smiling the whole time. 

“Boysenberries stain just as bad as grapes! Now we back at square one!” Remy facepalms dramatically but is still smiling, “Ah see how it is so it ok fo you ta ruin Gambit's good shirt but not de other way around, hen?”

Laura giggled to herself a little as she let them lead her back to the main garden area. Maybe things would be ok if they returned. She could try again. And sure things tended to not always end well for her…but maybe things will be better if she sticks by these two.