Disclaimer: You know the drill. Wolverine is Stan's, Morgana is mine, and we'll call it even.
Chapter Ten
Morgana wanted to sleep forever. That was her plan and it was a damn good plan after the night she had. She knew the second she was awake – especially if it was before afternoon – she'd be beyond tired and sore from all the running and fighting. Therefore sleep sounded like the best plan ever, especially uninterrupted sleep. A coma sounded even better but she was going to take what she could.
But sadly, the universe didn't respect her excellent plan. Instead, she found herself coming back to the real world as the sound of knocking echoed throughout her room. What the hell?
"Morgana? Morgana, its 7:40!" A cheery voice called through the door. Despite the fact it was the last thing she wanted to do, Morgana struggled and managed to pry open her eyes. Once her eyes were open, she realized exactly how tired she was when the barest bit of light filtering through the window caused her to wince in agonizing pain.
"Comin'." She called and managed to roll herself out of her bed. The second her feet hit the floor, she practically slammed into the ground. Her calves were on fire from the strain of running all night. She might live forever but that didn't mean her muscles didn't ache and she didn't get tired or sore. That would make her power actually useful so naturally that didn't happen to her.
Morgana made her way to the door and slowly opened it, wincing against the light pooling in from the hallway. But not even the squinting and half-blindness could prevent her from seeing Rogue standing expectantly in front of the door, smiling shyly at her.
"Good morning, Morgana! Breakfast is in 20 minutes. Ya wanna get dressed and I can walk ya downstairs?" Rogue offered, all full of sunshine, hope, and optimism. It was more blinding than the sun but Morgana couldn't resist it even if she tried.
"Umm…sure. Give me five minutes, okay? You just sit on the bed if you want." Morgana grumbled and cracked the door open. She stomped inside and limped over to where her backpack lay on the floor, rifling through it blindly. She was wearing clothes, why did she need to wear different ones? Oh right, she was wearing shorts and a sleep shirt. That wasn't appropriate breakfast attire, was it?
"I'm guess you ain't a morning person, huh?" Rogue chuckled as she took her seat on the bed, watching the older girl move about the room.
"That's an understatement, kid." Morgana grunted, grabbing up the clothes she needed. She could afford a quick Army shower lasting two minutes, couldn't she?
"Aww…you sound so much like Wolverine." Rogue giggled and Morgana shot her a dark look. Nope, she was not ready to be compared to Wolverine…it was way too early and then all she could do was think of the events of last night and it was most definitely too earlier for that. She made a noncommittal noise and slipped into the bathroom, turning on the water and stepping underneath it before it even had a chance to turn warm.
Morgana hissed in pain at how freezing it was but it did the trick. In moments, her mind was running and even though she was still grumpy and not wanting to be awake, she could form thoughts easier and understand exactly why she was up at this hour. Namely to attend breakfast with Rogue before leaving…wait…that wasn't right.
"Holy crap." Morgana whispered and leaned her forehead against the wall, eyes wide and uncaring of the water dripping down her back and hair. She wasn't leaving after breakfast. She wasn't leaving ever…well, at least not for a while. Wolverine had chased after her…so much had happened…it was time for her to stay someplace and Wolverine was going to stay with her. He was like her, virtually immortal and he offered to stay with her…forever? It had sounded like forever last night but that was so crazy.
You're really staying? You think this is safe? What if it's a trick or they just want to use you? An immortal warrior is tempting…the government alone would shit themselves to get their hands on you. How do you know you can trust them?
As much as she didn't want to admit it, that made sense. But there was something about the relieved look Wolverine had when he realized she too was curse with forever. It was like he was looking at someone that he could care about and not have to worry about losing. She could attest to how stressful it was to live life going through each day knowing every person she'd ever cared or would care for would end up dead. It was too heavy a burden to bare alone but maybe they wouldn't have to do it alone anymore?
Morgana decided she was definitely thinking too much and besides, it had been her designated 5 minutes. Time to get out of the shower, get dressed, and face the day. Who knows? Maybe Wolverine had changed his mind and she would be on her way after breakfast. Well, she doubted it but still…it could happen…
The young mutant woman exited the shower and dried off quickly, slipping into a (relatively) clean pair of jeans and a (mostly) fresh black t-shirt. Instead of spending the time fixing up her messy hair, she brushed it and tied it up into a bun. Yep, she was not sexy but it would do.
"Well, I'm ready." Morgana announced exiting the bathroom. Rogue glanced up from her phone with another shy smile and got up, leading her out the door.
"Who all is gonna be there for breakfast?" Morgana asked she followed the younger girl out the hallway and down the stairs. She prayed it was gonna be a small group of people but it was highly doubtful. The universe didn't love her that much.
"Oh, most of the teachers. I don't think any of the students who are staying here during the summer will be there. They don't like to get up early." Rogue informed her, causing her to pause in her anxiety and annoyance at being around most of the teachers to wonder how many students where there during the summer…it must be more than just her.
"How many students are here right now?"
"About 15 or so. More will be coming during the week since class starts next week."
"I see. Are these kids who…umm…aren't as welcome at home as they should be?"
"Yeah. Mostly these are the kids who were kicked out and can't come back even if they wanted to. Some are here by choice…well, they kinda don't really have a choice since their home life is hell but they could at least go back if they wanted to."
"You can't, I'm guessing?"
"No…Ah…ah can't." Rogue fell quiet and Morgana didn't ask anything more. She had a bad habit of asking too many questions – it was always best to have as much information as she could about a place, especially if she'd be staying there for a long period of time – but she didn't want to make the girl sad. Especially not before breakfast…she needed someone she knew there to save her or else she'd probably end up stabbing someone.
"Well, do you have a lot of friends here at school? Friends with any of the kids who stayed over the summer?" Morgana tried, figuring that was a safer subject to bring up. It was a school full of mutants, full of freaks to most modern society…how could Rogue not have friends here?
"Not really…ah've been kinda shy and some kids don't like mah power and think ah'm dangerous." Rogue said sadly as turned approached the kitchen. Ugh, now Morgana was severely pissed. Who the hell would be afraid of Rogue? Every mutant power –well, with the exception of hers kinda – could be extremely dangerous. It was pointless to be afraid of Rogue when they were all equally as dangerous. She was definitely going to have to do something about that.
"That's stupid. Everyone here is dangerous in their own way…to be afraid of you is just dumb. Well, I'm your friend, okay? If anyone else says shit about you, you just direct them to me." Morgana announced and impulsively interlocked her arm with Rogue's. It was affectionate and ridiculously preteen of her to do so but she figured Rogue needed as much willing physical contact as she could get. And judging by that joyous smile on her face, Morgana figured she had done the right thing.
"Thank yah, Morgana. I wish yah were staying." Rogue said wistfully and Morgana had to hide her own smile. It was going to be worth staying to see how happy she made the younger mutant girl. They turned into the kitchen and Morgana's smile completely fell away with a muffled groan. This was not the sight she wanted to be met with, especially not this morning.
The dining room table was pretty much filled with X-Men. Professor Xavier sat at the head with Cyclops and Jean sitting next to him. Storm, Gambit, and Beast were all there as well but they didn't bother Morgana as much as seeing the Professor – who stressed her out – and Cyclops – who very obviously pissed her and pretty much everyone else off. As far away from everyone else as possible sat Wolverine, with two empty chairs on either side of him.
Morgana figured those were going to be their seat and she was evidently right judging by how Rogue carefully pulled her towards Wolverine's side. Of course, why not make the morning even more awkward? Put her right beside the man who had seen her freak out, found out her deepest and darkest secret, and whom she ended up crying on for a few hours. Yep, the universe was showing its extreme love for her this morning.
"Morning, kitlings." Wolverine grumbled as Morgana carefully chose the seat on his left side, as far away from other people as possible. Rogue sat down on the other side and the table fell completely silent, looking up and either smiling at the arrival of the girls or frowning darkly as though he couldn't believe she was still there…that was definitely all Cyclops.
"Good morning, girls." Professor Xavier greeted them cheerfully.
"Good morning, Professor." Rogue was full of southern charm.
"Yo, dawg." Morgana was not.
"We may begin eating now that we're all here. I imagine none of the other students will be down this early." The Professor announced and everyone agreed, their attention turning down to the plate in front of them. Morgana was delighted to find a full southern breakfast, full of grits, gravy, potatoes, bacon, eggs, sausage…it looked absolutely delicious.
"Didya make this Rogue?" Morgana asked as she dug into the delicious, full breakfast. Could she even remember the last time she could afford breakfast? Yep, definitely not and the last breakfast she did have, she doubted was this good.
"Yes ma'am. I make breakfast most of the time during the week and Jean makes it on the weekend." Rogue replied, indicating the redheaded chick sitting next to the Professor. Morgana got a real stuck up vibe from her but maybe that was just because she seemed to be banging Cyclops. Any woman who would willingly put up with him was definitely iffy, no question about it.
"Morgana, how did you sleep?" Professor Xavier suddenly called out, breaking the lovely silence and causing Morgana to wince. No, she was not in the mood to answer questions and definitely not in the mood to answer questions about last night or anything personal. Really, couldn't he just take a morning off?
"I slept fine. Something about being surrounded by a bunch of potentially bloodthirsty mutant teenagers with hormonal issues really relaxes me." Morgana said with a smile, rewarded by Wolverine snorting and Rogue chuckling. At least they were entertained. All Xavier did was give her a tight smile, not quite used to her sarcastic and irreverent sense of humor quite yet.
"Ah well, I'm quite glad." He fell silent and frowned down at his food. Morgana was about to wonder why – he definitely knew something happened if Wolverine had talked to him this morning about her staying. He said he would…maybe he changed his mind. Maybe she wasn't welcome there or something, maybe he decided having a friend who young and female would be too bothersome and he didn't want to deal with it. Maybe….
Morgana, I would like to speak with you for a moment. Do you mind if I do so in your mind? I assure you, I'm not reading your memories…I can only hear the thoughts you project to me.
Morgana glared at him as she took a huge bite of food, not pleased in the slightest she could hear him in her thoughts again.
Fine. What do you want?
Wolverine tells me you've decided to remain here indefinitely and to take classes with the rest of my students next week. Is this true?
Yep. Though don't expect me to exert much effort with this school shit. Why do I have to go to school anyway? I'm out of high school.
Everyone who lives here either works or studies. I assumed you'd rather take some remedial classes and get to know those living here in a more casual way rather than working as a maid of sorts. We want you to feel like family.
Awww….one big, happy homicidal family. Getting a real Full House vibe. Which one is Uncle Jesse?
Well then….I'm glad you're staying, at the very least. Is there any particular reason you're staying?
Wolverine is a very convincing man. Plus, winter is coming eventually and I don't really want to spend it on the road again.
The people you're running from…they will not find you here?
No.
Can you promise me this won't bring any harm to my students?
Trust me, I'm harmless. I don't wanna hurt your students…they've been through enough, I imagine.
This is very true indeed. Rogue seems to have taken a liking to you…you and Wolverine are the only two people I've seen her act this affectionate with. Is she one of the reasons you're deciding to stay?
Yeah. She's a good kid and she doesn't seem to have a lot of friends. I can help that.
Very well, then. I do need to know your power, though. As do my X-Men, your teachers. I know you're very private and I assure you we will be discreet. But it's a standard measure to know all my students powers and abilities to ensure they won't accidentally interfere or harm another student.
UGH. Fine. I heal and shit. Wounds heal instantly, I don't seem to age, and I never get sick. It's a useless power to anyone.
Ahhh…you're very similar to Wolverine, then.
Except he's got claws and he's strong. I'm just a girl who can't die, virtually useless.
Not necessarily. I actually think my X-Men could use you as a member. You would be a wonderful asset.
Ummm…what? I have no other abilities. Just not dying. What the hell?
We will discuss this later. But if you're willing, I'd like to see what you can do and potentially see about training you to utilize your power a little more.
Okay….why not….
Now that this has concluded, would you mind if I announced to everyone your intention to stay?
Knock yourself out, Professor.
Very well.
Hey, Professor?
Yes, Morgana?
I know I'm sarcastic, sardonic, and sometimes an all-around bitch. Probably not going to change that or act respectfully towards you like everyone else does. I am definitely not going to kiss your ass like Cyclops. But I want you to know I'm grateful you're allowing me to stay. I haven't had anything resembling a home in a while and this means…well I'm….thank you.
You are very welcome, child. This mansion is your home for as long as you wish it to be.
With that, Professor Xavier retreated from her mind. Morgana realized during that time she had absent mindedly finished her food, as had most everyone else. Now they were all talking, laughing, sharing stories about the previous missions and talking about the new students who be arriving in the next few days and how to best prepare for the oncoming semester. She was certain Rogue had tried to talk to her at some point during her mental conversation but thankfully Wolverine seemed to have distracted her and was awkwardly asking her if she was excited for the coming semester.
"You okay?" Wolverine asked her lowly, his sharp eyes glancing between her and Xavier. Apparently, he knew the look of two people conversing telepathically and she got the impression he liked it about as much as she did.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just having a little chit chat with the Professor." Morgan said just as Professor Xavier cleared his throat and attempted to get everyone's attention. Everyone stopped talking and turned their attention to the Professor as he smiled fondly at them all.
"Attention, X-Men! I would like to be the first to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Miss Morgana Watson. She has decided to stay here at the mansion indefinitely and will be beginning class next week with the rest of our students. We are all overjoyed at our next addition to the school and delighted to have you, my dear." Professor Xavier announced and everyone started clapping happily/politely, as all eyes turned to Morgana.
She utterly hated being the center of attention. She had always hated it and she hated it now more than ever, it was definitely not something that was going to ever change. But she was surprised and pleased that most everyone there looked happy at her choice, as though she mattered. Even Jean had a smile on her face and it didn't look fake or strained.
Rogue had gasped and covered her mouth with her hand in shock but now she was grinning from ear to ear and she leaned over to hug her. Morgana glanced superstitiously at Wolverine and caught his eye. He looked content and flashed her a fanged smile, patting her shoulder once which she figured was as close to a hug as he could manage. The only one who didn't look thrilled, naturally, was Cyclops…but at the very least, he didn't say anything.
"No way! Yah really staying and yer gonna be a student?" Rogue exclaimed as she let go of the older mutant, looking so happy she could practically start dancing. So happy and all because she had decided to stay…that was such a weird concept.
"Yep! I told ya, I'm your friend now and I'll beat up any of the punks who try to mess with you. I decided I couldn't just leave you." Morgana said with a smile, trying to force herself to say emotional things without gagging and dying. She was allergic to love and affection but god dang it, she could relate and understand Rogue so well and she deserved one damn friend in that place who was closer to her age.
"I'm so happy!" Rogue squealed and Morgana felt a twinge of pride. She was so happy and it was all because she had decided to stay. Look at that, she did that. She had made someone else that happy and they were happy just because she was going to be around. She mattered.
"I'm glad, kid." Morgana said softly and gave her a quick hug. Ugh, so many hugs and emotion. It was suffocating her. People at the table started getting up and taking their plates to the sink, which was exactly what Morgana wanted to do as well. She needed to escape the hugging, emotions, and extreme amounts of attention on her…but exactly what she'd be doing next, she wasn't sure.
"Morgana, before you go, may I speak with you, Wolverine, and Rogue in the living room?" Professor Xavier asked and she groaned. More talking? That was precisely what she wanted to avoid. But instead she nodded and shared a glance with Rogue but she looked just as puzzled. Wolverine grunted and followed after Xavier into the living room.
Morgana and Rogue trailed behind and the elder of the two was quite irritated to find Cyclops following them as well. Geez, who invited him? Guess he really was glued to the Professor's apron strings. But she pushed those thoughts aside she followed onto the homey couch by the fireplace and stared expectantly at Professor Xavier.
Oooh, her first debriefing!
A/N
Sorry I'm a little late on the upload! I wanna try to get it up between 7 and 8 EST but I have family coming in so I've been trying to clean all day. ALSO GANG. I'm working on three other stories simultaneously in my free time so I might be uploading one or two, depending on how well it goes. Anyone a fan of Tony Stark or True Blood? ;) Happy Wolverine Wednesday and thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and liking my little old story. OH and sorry if this chapter ended on a weird note. I couldn't find a better way to splice it without it ending up 20 pages long. Next few chapters will be on the longer side though! I'M TALKING TOO MUCH. HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT. SEE YA'LL NEXT WEEK!