Author's Note: Drabble written from Xavier's perspective. It's set during her tenure with the original New Mutants, not anywhere in particular but definitely before the Demon Bear Saga (since it's foreshadowed to at the end). This is probably the one I'm least happy with in terms of the song and story fitting together but it was a hard song to match to Dani! Ah well, c'est la vie.
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned are used without permission and are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. I do not own them and am simply borrowing for my purposes. Please don't sue.


Oh, I can take her anywhere
Do whatever comes naturally to you
-- "Always Where I Need to Be" The Kooks


There's something strangely detached about her. People watch from the outside but they never understand—not fully. She's a contradiction of natures. How can she keep her heart so guarded and still be so open? It doesn't make any sense…

She's an older sister to half (or more) of her team and friends with the rest. She lets them lean on her, helps them look at the big picture, while still teasing them. She seems as normal as a teenager gets, wanting to dance and talk about boys and get the new Lila Cheney CD. And yet…

She never asks for help, even when she needs it. She never lets her guard down long enough for any of her own pain to come out. It eats her up inside but for some reason she just can't seem to trust enough. The question is, does she not trust them—her make-shift family—or herself?

He doesn't have any answers, though, only more thoughts on one of his more difficult students. As her teacher, Xavier can only imagine what will happen when her demons finally do come out… and he feels a deep sense of foreboding at the imminent event.