A/N: As well as being the sequel to my earlier fic 'Why I'm Here' this story is dedicated to my self-proclaimed #1 fan Nightcrawler's Shadow.
Disclaimer: I do not own Xmen the Movie(s) just the words below and the chapters that (will) follow.
Chapter 1
Kurt breathed a sigh of relief when the last of the students left his classroom. As much as he enjoyed teaching youngsters geography and several language classes, either English to germen students or for those interested vice versa, it was definitely more taxing than his life at the circus.
Speaking of the circus suddenly reminded him that he had a private danger room session scheduled for after his last class. He may not be in the circus but for someone of his skill there was no better acrobatic training ground than a circus tent, or in this case a holographic circus tent.
[Thank the Lord and the Professor for small rewards] he thought to himself as he walked out the classroom. With the whole institute population unafraid of him he felt he did not have to teleport everywhere he went now, especially since he now knew his way around the place.
"Nice to see yer coping here" said a southern accent from behind him. Turning round Kurt smiled when he saw Anna Marie, or Rogue as she was called by the students and teachers, walking up to him.
"The lord graced me vith the patience of a saint" Kurt replied as he waited for her to reach him.
"Ahmen to that" Rogue chuckled as she reached him. She saw Kurt as a brotherly figure and had several times since he came here a month ago asked him for advice on how to keep her boyfriend in line.
"How goes your relationship?" Kurt asked as he watched the students passing them.
"Ahm actually waiting for yer shadow to appear so we can head off to the lahbrary to study for Miss Munroe's test on Friday"
Kurt tilted his head to the side as he deciphered the girls reply. "Mein shadow?"
"Kitty" Rogue explained.
Kurt nodded his head as he understood her meaning. Ever since that night in the kitchen nearly three weeks ago Kurt had seen Katherine Pryde, or Kitty as she prefers being called, at least several times a day whether it was in class, before or after class, the hallways, the grounds or even at night when she wanted someone to talk to.
What he did not know was that Kitty would constantly follow Kurt around stealthily like a shadow whenever she had nothing to do as well as make sure she always passed by his class on the way to hers even if it was in the opposite direction. Because she used her powers to make sure she was not caught, although she would quit following if Kurt met up with Mr Logan, the only people who had managed to catch her were Rogue and Bobby when she accidently phased into the cupboard where they were having a private moment.
After calming them down and, reluctantly, explaining what she was doing the two had agreed to keep quiet about her escapades after dubbing her 'Nightcrawler's Shadow' or shadow for short. Apparently other students had noticed her constant daylight sightings near Mr Wagner as well including Bobby who, quietly, passed on her new nickname.
"Hey Kurt" came Kitty's voice from behind him making him jump. She had apparently gone through the classroom walls to avoid the students seeing how it was the last class of the day. "Enjoy your day?"
"Not vhen you are given a heart attack by von of your favourite students" Kurt replied as he tried to slow his hearts tempo.
"Nice to see you too Kitty" Rogue said pretending to be hurt that she was ignored.
"Oh hey Rogue" Kitty said as she turned her head to look friend before focusing on Kurt again much to Rogue's amusement. "We're about to head up to the library if you want to join us"
"Sorry Kitty, but I have my aerobics exercises to do" Kurt politely declined "Plus science is not my strong point"
"Well... Is it ok if we watch?" Kitty asked fidgeting with the hem of her black jumper not noticing the raised eyebrows of the other two.
"I would have thought a test would be more important to you Kitty" said Ororo as she walked down the hall towards them. "That is if you want to pass my test anyways"
"Well... I um" Kitty faltered under the weather witches gaze. "Yes Miss Munroe. Later Kurt"
Ororo watched as Kitty and Rogue headed off towards the library before turning her attention onto Kurt. "Before I forget Logan wants to know how long you'll be in the danger room"
""I'll be done in an hour; however von must vonder vhy you are asking instead of him. Unless, of course, he asked you during a private discussion?" Kurt suggested wiggling his eyebrows suggestively causing Ororo to blush.
"I'll have you know it was a passing favour" Ororo replied as the two started walking towards the lift to the danger room. "And there's nothing between us"
"You keep on denying yourself fraulien" said Kurt obviously not believing that last comment. "And all you'll do is lose him to somevon else and break your own heart even more"
Ororo paused mid-step to stare at the blue mutant. Despite being in his early twenties Kurt seemed to have the wisdom of someone near Charles age. Perhaps that was why most of the students went to him for advice she mused; he was wise yet nearer their age so they could talk more freely to him than the other teachers, Logan for obvious reasons.
"Are you going to follow your own advice?" she asked him she caught up.
"Vas?" Kurt replied as he turned to look at her, confusion written on his features.
"You and Kitty" she answered, watching amusedly at Kurt's surprise.
"Vas?" he exclaimed. "Me and Katzchen? She's only vhat sixteen, seventeen? At least six years younger than me"
"And how big is the age gap between me and Logan?" she countered knowing she was taking a risk saying that.
Kurt considered what she said for a moment. Due to Logan's healing ability and metallic skeleton he was rumoured to be older than the Professor himself. It would explain why he preferred to be alone although Rogue and Ororo seemed to have a positive impact on him.
"Ja, but still" Kurt said as he entered the lift "Katzchen still has her whole life ahead of her, plenty of time to find somevon she could settle down vith"
"As a wise man told me" Ororo said as she walked away "Keep on denying yourself and all you'll do is lose her to someone else and break your own heart even more"
Kurt sighed as he leaned against the wall of the lift whilst it travelled down to the designated floor. He knew that Kitty seemed to have some sort of crush on him due to the fact she tried to see him frequently throughout the day, it actually explained why now that he thought of it. He also admitted that he harboured feelings of his own for her but he did not know if they were of the sibling variety or something much deeper.
"[Oh God in heaven]" he asked out loud "[Let me find out the connection between the two of us. For now, however, give me the strength to focus on the matter at hand. Amen]
The lift dinged as it reached its destination opening to several futuristic looking corridors. Taking a moment to compose himself Kurt headed along the corridor to the danger room not noticing his shadow peeking out from the back of the lift.
A/N: R&R if possible so I know what to correct, if anything, for the next chapter.
'Til next week
Watch this space & peace out.