Chapter Two

Resting one hand hesitantly against the door in front of him Kurt debated whether or not to enter the mansion before him. No doubt he would be bombarded with questions the minute he walked through the door, the others no doubt curious about his disappearance after school. Having took some time to think things over Kurt knew that any questioning would only come because of their concern for him; it was this family bond between them all that made it so enjoyable staying at the Institute.

However, despites this Kurt couldn't deal with the idea of confronting anyone right now, the only thing he wanted at that moment was solitude, and not just because of all the homework he had. Coming to a decision Kurt had barely removed his hand from the door before disappearing, the smell of brimstone and faint whips of smoke the only sigh of his presence.

Reappearing mere seconds later in his room Kurt was once again glad that he had his own room; unlike Kitty and Rogue who shared with each other. Dropping his bag to the floor Kurt gave a small stretch before heading over to his closet, tossing his outer shirt to the floor beside his bed. Although the day had started off warm the slight chill which was now present in the air would never have given that impression. Snatching a sweater from his closet Kurt pulled it on over his head, giving it a last tug as he stopped in front of his bureau. Resting his hands on top of the desk Kurt's eyes flickered to the image inducer on his wrist, sparing it a moment's though Kurt switched the device off.

Looking up into the mirror before him Kurt couldn't help the small grin as he realised that Jean's choice in colour coordination wasn't that bad. The deep purple sweater Jean had convinced him to buy was just deep enough to compliment him as it contrasted against the blue of his fur. Only just finishing his line of thought Kurt gave a slight jump at the mental voice of the Professor.

(It's good to see that you've finally returned Kurt. I trust that you were able to deal with your business after school.)

(Sorry that I'm a little late Professor, but I had some work I needed to catch up on at school.)

(That's quite already Kurt. However, I would request your presence for a moment I feel it's time we had a talk.)

(Ok Professor I'll be right there.)

Releasing the breath he'd been holding Kurt gave a sigh as he did. Knowing this day would be coming Kurt still wasn't sure he was ready for it however, not about to back down Kurt readied himself for the challenge ahead.

Situated by the main source of heat in his study Xavier slowly turned the pages of the book in his lap, vaguely aware of the dancing flames beside him. Flickering upwards in tendrils of yellow and orange, the dancing flames cast out a soft glow into the room beyond. Content as he was Xavier lifted his head at the knock on the door, already knowing who it was.

"Come in Kurt."

Waiting patiently Xavier watched as the door was opened, the blue furred teleporter framed in the doorway. Sensing the nerves coming from Kurt he offered a calming smile before gesturing for Kurt to come in. Closing the door behind him Kurt walked over to where Xavier sat, the fires glow shimmering against his fur. Offering Kurt the seat opposite him Xavier remained quiet as he waited for Kurt to get comfortable, fully knowing that the discussion ahead needed to be treaded carefully.

Taking the seat offered to him it took a few minutes before Kurt was happy with the position he was in, though in part it was more of a stalling technique than actually seeking comfort. Clasping his hands together on his lap Kurt turned his attention to the fire, strongly aware of the Professor's gaze on him. Doing all he could to calm himself down Kurt's picture of calmness was prefect beside from the nervous waving of his tail.

"Kurt I know you might now want to talk about whatever it is that's been bothering you, but I feel it's about time you talked to someone.; if not myself then perhaps one of the others, maybe Scott."

Watching from his position Xavier saw the look of defeat overcome his ward, seeing the joker of the team in such a way Xavier could understand why the others would be concerned about him. However, whereas the others had nothing to base their concerns on Xavier, although not about to jump to conclusions, felt he knew what could possibly be the reason behind Kurt's current change in mood. Even though Kurt's attitude to life appeared to be one of fun and pranks Xavier knew from previous talks with Kurt that he was highly conscious of his appearance.

"There's nothing for you to be worried about Professor really."

"Kurt..."

"There's nothing wrong!"

Overcome by a moment of anger Kurt jumped up from his seat as he exclaimed hiss reply, yet as quickly as it overcame him his anger left him. Realising what he had done Kurt quickly bowed his head in shame his hair falling down in a curtain of dark silk. Wrapping his arms around himself Kurt silently waited for the rebuff he deserved however, what he got was anything but.

"Kurt I know you're dealing with a lot of emotions right now and I would like to help you, but unless you tell me I can't."

"I know that Professor...but you can't change what I am, so how can you help me."

From his position Xavier watched helplessly as the slight shudders worked themselves through Kurt's body, his arms wrapping themselves tighter around himself. Keeping silent Xavier waited for Kurt to continue with his line of thought.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me Professor I really do. I know you keep telling me that I'm normal Professor, but how can I expect anybody to accept me like this; after all I'm not exactly normal."

Listening to Kurt's words Xavier gave a slight smile as he finally realised just what it was that was bothering the one before him. The simplicity behind Kurt's recent behaviour was almost humorous if it had been any other, but seeing it from Kurt's point of view Xavier could understand why he was so troubled.

"Kurt listen to me, despites what you think my opinion regarding yourself and the others is that you're just as normal as everyone else. Regardless of your outer appearance it doesn't make you any less human."

"Maybe so Professor, I'm just don't share your confidence in others. I've firsthand experience of how people react when they see what I look like. Even the others were afraid of me when they first met me."

"I change how people have reacted to you Kurt and I'm truly sorry that you had to deal with it, but the past is the past, don't let it rule you. As for the others the important thing is that they overcame their fear and got to know you. Not only do they expect you, but they all consider you a friend."

Lifting his head at the Professor's words Kurt revealed amber eyes that held a look of pure sadness however, flickering in their depths was a glimmer of hope at the idea behind the words.

"What you say is true Professor, but it's hard to change ones opinion."

"Have confidence in yourself Kurt, people can be very surprising. I have a feeling that someday you'll get a surprise yourself. Not everyone is as close minded as you think, despites what you think Kurt I can promise you this, someday you'll find someone who will accept you for who you really are."

Listening to the Professor's final words, part of Kurt couldn't bring himself to truly believe what the Professor was saying yet; the other part of him couldn't help but hope in what he said. Either way only time would tell what lay in store for him. Bidding the Professor goodnight Kurt felt strangely better than before he'd entered.

To be continued