Mystique leaned against the wall, looking at the assembled X-men with irritation. Where there should've been five, she could only count two. She glanced to her left, pursing her lips. Hank wasn't there either.

"So, did everyone just figure this training session was optional?" she asked, "Because, I have to tell you, I'm actually a little curious."

Scott shuffled his feet and cleared his throat.

"Um, I know the professor wanted Jean for something," he said, "Something about her mutation. She wasn't too clear before she ran upstairs."

"How long ago was that?" asked Mystique.

"Maybe ten minutes ago?" Scott said, "I mean, we were walking down here, and she just said she needed to go."

"Did she tell Charles I wanted her down here?" she asked.

The teen scratched the back of his neck. She already knew the answer before he spoke.

"I didn't ask her," he said.

Good grief. Hadn't Alex told him that asking questions was important? She bit her tongue, immediately guilty for the thought.

"Perhaps it is something to do with controlling it?" asked Storm, "Or perhaps a school-related matter?"

"There's school time and then there's training time, and Charles knew damn well this was training time," said Mystique, "Anyone got any ideas about where Kurt and Peter are?"

It was Storm's turn to look guilty. Mystique crossed her arms and cocked her head at the young girl. It unnerved her how much hero worship Storm had for her, but it was also useful when she wanted to know something.

"Kurt told me the professor needed him," Storm said.

Mystique threw her hands in the air.

"Of course," she said, "Of course. Both of you, start your warm-ups. I'm going to see what's so damn important that half the X-men needed to go and deal with it."

She turned around, striding down the hall, her face scrunched up in frustration. There couldn't be a combat emergency, otherwise she would've been told. So this, this was something else. Something she'd been left out of the loop on.

Honestly, would it hurt for Charles to let her train the X-men her own way? Yes, he had his methods, and she knew he could stop simulations or give pointers, but tonight was supposed to be her session.

Why was he doing this? She'd agreed to stay, hadn't she? She'd agreed to do what he wanted, to help him in his quest. What more did he want from her? Why was he treating her like she was some sort of child? Why wasn't he telling her when he pulled her trainees out of training , sending them God knows where to do God knows what? Taking her son without asking her-

He doesn't know he's your son.

She leaned against one of the walls, her fingers pressed tightly against the metal. The thought was insidious, but still there. Charles knew Kurt was her son. He had to know. He had to know that she would be concerned about his welfare. He had to know that she had a right-

Yes, when you've never told him, never acknowledged it. Kurt doesn't even know. That's quite fair to expect all that of him, isn't it?

She'd seen the look in his eyes when they talked about him-

He suspects he's your son. He wants him to be your son. He wants you to tell him. But he knows Kurt is his student. What do you think he'll do?

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she looked quickly around the corridor, trying not to hear the little voice in her head. She was on the student level now, and she knew it wouldn't do to have anyone see her like this. She pulled herself up, trying to look in control, trying to get angry instead of getting sad. If she ever stopped to look behind, then she might drown.

She turned a corner and nearly ran into Hank. He stopped at the last minute, straightening a precariously-perched pile of blankets and what looked like water bottles. He looked surprised to see her, and she glared at him.

"And where have you been?" she asked.

"Getting ready," he said.

She snorted.

"Not for the training session you haven't," she said.

"Oh," Hank said.

He glanced down at his watch.

"Yeah, it is eight, isn't it?" he said.

The total absentmindedness of the comment made her want to throttle him. He looked back up at her and finished balancing the blankets.

"Alright," he said, "I'll get down there in a couple of minutes."

For a few heartbeats, all she could do was gape as he walked past her. A few minutes? No apology? She turned around and stormed after him, surprised at how far he'd gotten in such a small amount of time. He was really hurrying, wasn't he?

"No," she said, finally drawing level, "I've been waiting for fifteen minutes Hank! Where have you been?"

"Something came up," he said, "Something big."

"Big enough for Jean and Kurt and Peter?" she snapped.

"Yes, exactly."

Hank wasn't even looking at her, and it just fanned the flames of her anger. He was looking at her so little lately, as if he was having difficulty doing so. She gritted her teeth and looked around, realizing that they were almost on the second story of the school now.

"What's so big exactly?" she said.

"Keep your voice down," said Hank.

He turned into the hall where her brother's office was, and she had to resist the urge to yell at him. She had to be stronger than this.

"Tell me what's going on," she said.

"In a minute!" Hank snapped, "Can't you tell it's urgent? Can't you tell it's important if we're too busy to say something right this second?"

The concentration in his voice brought her up short. Hank didn't seem to notice she'd stopped walking before he kicked off his shoe and used his foot to open the door to her brother's office. Mystique thought she caught a flash of red hair inside before the door closed again. Jean.

There was a soft explosion next to her and, suddenly, Kurt was right next to her, holding a young child. He gave her a crooked grin before shifting the boy, trying to give him a better view of the hall.

"Ve are here Kevin!" Kurt said cheerfully.

Kevin peeked out from where he'd buried his head. Mystique stared as the child began looking around, eyes lidded with exhaustion. His eyes focused on her and he frowned, cocking his head to the side.

"Are you two related?" he asked.

The question made her want to choke. She swallowed once, searching for something to say that wouldn't feel like death, but still not alert Kurt.

"Oh, nein," Kurt said, "Nein."

Mystique took a deep breath, trying to keep from crying. It would work. She was so good at holding in tears.

"Okay," yawned Kevin, "Sorry Miss."

She stared, torn between saying something curt and not saying anything at all. Seconds later there was a blur though, and she saw Peter appear. He stopped next to Kurt, removing his hand from behind Moira's head.

Moira looked slightly dazed, but all Mystique could feel was confusion. What on earth was going on? She saw the child reach for Moira, and she took him unquestioningly into her arms. As she did, Mystique noticed the duffel bag slung over her shoulder.

The door opened and Hank peeped out. He smiled and gestured into the room.

"Charles is waiting for you," he said, "So's Jean."

Moira nodded gratefully, all but stumbling toward the doors. She looked like she was about to keel over any second, as though the energy had been sapped out of her. Kurt gave one more cheerful wave before they entered the room, Hank closing the doors behind him.

"Alright, what the hell's going on?" Mystique demanded.

Jean had manged to move some extra couches into his office by the time Moira and Kevin arrived. She was getting more confident using her powers, although she'd always been fairly practical in terms of her telekinesis.

Blankets were laid out on them in case anyone was cold, and to provide extra cushion. They'd even added water in case they were dehydrated. Charles wanted to create a good environment for them. He knew how vital these first few hours would be for Kevin.

Charles looked up when Moira came in, and felt instant dismay. She looked like death warmed over, the fear of the past few hours having obviously taken their toll on her. She managed to smile at him as Kevin turned in her arms.

"Charles?" he asked.

"Yes," Charles said, "It's a pleasure to meet you in person."

Kevin blinked at him as Moira sat down, putting her son next to her. Although he'd already seen the boy in a picture, he found himself taking a closer look. A small photograph, even if it was in color, was no match for actually seeing the person.

Charles saw so much of Moira in his face, in his eyes. He ignored the features that had clearly come from the boy's father. Kevin had said he didn't want anything to do with him. Charles was only too happy to indulge that wish.

Kevin blinked at him again before shaking his head.

"You sounded like you had hair," he said.

"Kevin," Moira said.

Feeling slightly self-conscious, Charles ran his hand over his head.

"Yes, it is a rather new addition, I'll grant you that," he said, "Surprises me every single time I look in the mirror."

Kevin smiled and then looked at Jean, his expression a little more curious. He was already unscrewing the lid on a water bottle.

"I think Charles mentioned you," he said, "You're like me, right?"

Jean gave a shy smile and then levitated a nearby book into her hands. From where he was, Charles could see Kevin smile before he took a drink of water.

So it can be used for normal things.

Yes, Charles said, It can.

I never have to pick up anything from the floor now, Jean chimed in, her thoughts soft, still with that hint of shyness.

"Mom, Jean doesn't have to pick up her room," said Kevin.

Moira frowned, looking puzzled. Charles chuckled.

That's not what she meant, Charles said, broadening his reach so Moira could be included, It just means she doesn't have to bend over to pick things up. We can teach you how to control that.

I'd like that, Kevin said, How soon can I learn? Can I learn before tomorrow?

It's not quite that simple, Jean said.

And your bedtime's in less than an hour, Moira added.

Her son pouted, but Charles could feel the relief pouring off him in waves. This was normal. This was good. This was nothing like the last few hours had been. If this conversation hadn't been happening inside their heads, then maybe it would be entirely normal.

But I can help install blocks inside your head, Charles said, At least for tonight. You'll have to make your own soon, but I think there's been quite enough going on tonight already. You look tired.

I'm not, Kevin insisted, I want to learn more. I want to beat this.

His comment made Charles's heart sink, but Moira put a hand on Kevin's shoulder.

You don't need to beat anything, she thought, There's nothing wrong with the way you are right now. You just need to learn to get comfortable with it.

Her son looked skeptical, but he nodded. Charles made a motion to Jean, and, together, they started walling off Kevin's mind, leaving doors only open to themselves. They might need to get in if there was an emergency. If Kevin had been a little more older, a little more powerful, then he doubted this would work. It hadn't lasted long for Jean after all.

But, for now, it would have to do. It was exhausting Charles to keep himself in Kevin's mind for as long as he did, and he knew that the boy was still frightened. Having Jean help him meant that the walls would be constructed faster, and he knew it was better for her to exercise her gift. She'd expressed a desire to become a teacher after all, and this was something she might have to know.

"There," Charles said, "All good."

Kevin smiled, and Charles could once again feel relief pouring off him in waves.

"Thank you Charles," he said.

"Mr. Charles might be better," Moira said.

"No, don't worry about it," said Charles.

Jean got up, smiling a small, satisfied smile.

"Come on," she said, "I'll show you to your rooms."

Kevin jumped off the bed, looking around eagerly and cheerfully. The water from the bottle sloshed slightly onto his shirt but he didn't seem to notice. Moira moved a little slower. She looked after her son and Jean, pausing by Charles for a moment. Her eyes locked with his, and he offered her a smile.

In return she reached out, gently tracing his cheek with her fingers.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He swallowed and nodded. Moira removed her hand, giving him one last look before she followed her son.