Here is chapter 10 finally. This one is extra special because today is my birthday :) Leave a review as my birthday present. Thanks :)

No copyright infringement intended.

Words in italics are telepathic conversations, dreams, or thoughts.

Chapter 10

Father and daughter sat on the wrap around sofa in the living room watching the football game. Rally wondered how they could just be sitting there like nothing had happened. She wanted, needed to get to know Logan as her father. They needed to go over his expectations and rules. They couldn't just sit there. These things wouldn't fall into place.

"So, I guess we should inform the professor." The young girl stated, making eye contact for a split second. Rally was still not ready to accept Logan as her father. That rank was earned.

"He already knows, kid." The Rough mutant answered, taking a drink from his can of soda, keeping his eyes glued to the TV. Logan was also uneasy with the new role he gained. He was now a father, a protector of a child. He had new duties to perform but he wasn't exactly sure what they were. What was a father supposed to be like?

Rally frowned. "Oh."

"He actually told me, so don't think you were the last to know." Logan explained, seeing the disgruntled expression on his daughter's face.

"Who else knows?" she asked.

Logan took another sip from his soda. "Emma Frost."

The young girl's face remained a frown. Obviously she was not okay with other people knowing before her.

"She eavesdropped with her telepathy."

Rally nodded, doubting. How could she trust anything these days? Everything she believed in had become a lie.

A few more silent minutes passed before Jean burst through the living room doors.

"Logan," her voice sounded almost angry, "May I speak with you a privately?" Her expression showed that Logan had no choice. He had to come if he knew what was good for him.

Without saying a word, the black haired mutant rose from the sofa, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, and followed the telepath into the hall, leaving Rally in disarray.

In a hushed and slightly irritated voice, Jean spat at him, "What do you think you're doing?" her hands went to her hips.

"I'm watching the game with Rally. Is that a problem?"

"Yes. You were supposed to be in my class for a demonstration but you never showed. The children were so disappointed."

A look of a realization came over Logan. "That was today?"

The redhead nodded, waiting for an explanation.

Login growled at himself angrily for completely forgetting about the promise he made to Jean about demonstrating his ability to the students.

"Jean, I forgot. I'll make it up to you."

"Yes you will. What had you so busy this morning that you could forget a thing like that?"

"I was," He paused, debating if he should tell her the whole story or just part of it, "Talking to Rally." He continued, hoping she wouldn't question him further but Jean of all people knew that was not like him to sit around and talk to students so of course she would ask.

"Oh, what about?"

Logan sighed. Everyone in the mansion would know that Rally was his daughter eventually so why put it off?

"She's my kid." He said bluntly, expecting this to be new information to the red-head.

"So that's what you were doing this morning." Jean replied, with a half smile on her face. The irritation that was present at the beginning of their conversation had now dissipated and was replaced by Logan's own confusion.

"Yeah." He answered with a strange look.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"You don't seem surprised at all. Did you read my mind like Frost?"

"No, the professor told me this morning. I was shocked then but not anymore." Jean stated.

Wolverine growled. "Who else did he tell that I don't know about?"

"I have no idea. Why is it so important that it be kept a secret?"

"I wanted Rally to know before anyone else. But wow that she knows, I don't care if you tell the whole world." He said sarcastically and abruptly turned around, heading back into the living room where Rally was seated.

Jean followed him in and took a seat next to Rally who looked concerned.

"Don't look so worried, Rally." The red-head smiled. "I just had to put Logan in his place." Logan's eyebrow went up at that comment. Jean smiled, seeing his reaction. "He forgot about doing a demonstration for my class, but, I'll excuse him this time."

The side-burned man rolled his eyes and took a sip of his soda.

Rally didn't smile. She didn't find anything amusing. Her life had just taken a U-turn and she was supposed to be okay with that? Why were they expecting this of her? The young girl knew Jean already knew of her relationship with Logan. It was only a matter of time before everyone in the mansion knew. Even Warren. What would he think of her then?

"Are you okay?" Jean asked, growing a little concerned. This wasn't like Rally.

She shrugged her shoulders. Both Jean and Logan took notice. That was not a common behavior of her.

"What's bothering you, Rally?" The telepath asked, readying herself to delve into the teen's mind. She already knew what it was about but, wanted her to come out and say it. The problem could be solved much quicker that way, especially with Logan there, hearing everything as well.

"I just need time to take everything in." She answered nonchalantly, referring to the fact that Wolverine was now her father.

"Are you sure that's it?" Jean questioned. She knew how Rally avoided people's help, just like her father.

"Yes." She glanced at Logan, who was pretending to watch the game, but was really listening to their conversation.

"Alright, Rally." Jean smiled, taking a quick look at the clock sitting on the mantle. It read 12:30 "Oh wow, look at the time. Want to go get some lunch?"

Rally shook her head. "I'm not hungry. I think I'll just go up to my room for awhile."

Jean looked at Logan, unsure of what to say. This was his daughter. He was the authorative figure over her and should be the one telling her what she can and cannot do, but he remained quiet.

"Um, maybe you should get something to eat. It'll be good for you." She answered, hesitantly.

"I'm really not hungry." The young girl said.

Jean again looked at Logan expectantly. This is where he should step in and tell her she should eat. But like before, he said nothing.

"Alright, Rally."

The young girl glanced again at Logan, her father, and almost expected him to say something as well, but seeing he wasn't, she continued out the door and headed to her room.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Jean asked when Rally was out of hearing distance.

"Was I supposed to?" He asked, not liking the red-head's demanding voice.

She sighed. "Yes. That is your daughter and she's hurting. Did you see the look she was giving you? She wanted you to act like a father, but you ignored her."

"How am I supposed to know all that, Miss I can read your mind?" Logan's voice was mocking, but deep inside, he knew she was right. That girl desired to have her father there, acting like a father, but the problem was, he was not knowledgeable in this field. Yes, he could be authoritative, give advice, or teach, but showing affection or love? No, that was definitely not him.

"I didn't read her mind, Logan. I could tell by the way she acted."

"She's not the only one who needs time to get used to things."

"You're the parent."

Wolverine growled. "I know."

Jean realized how pushy she was being. "I'm sorry, Logan. I am concerned for Rally because she needs her father. She needs you." With that statement, Jean walked out of the living room and went to eat lunch, leaving him to ponder on what she had said.

Logan stayed seated on the sofa in front of the TV. He clicked it off, thinking about what Jean had said. He knew he needed to care for this teenage girl and that she depended on him, but he had been alone for so long. He couldn't even remember ever being truly with someone and wanting to be with them. He felt tied down because he would have to always keep an eye on Rally and secretly, he wished he had never found out she was his daughter. But yet, a part of him had a feeling towards her. It drew him to her and he felt compelled to protect her willingly. It was that small feeling that stopped him from getting up and leaving on his motorcycle and never coming back. This, he knew, was that natural love between a parent and child that no one was immune to.

Two hours had passed and Rally sat quietly by the window in her room, thinking about everything. The view wasn't the best, just a bunch of trees and grass, but it was a good spot for the young girl to think, just like outside by the tree. She would have gone out there, but she didn't want to run into, Logan. She was angry at him and she had no idea why. This anger was growing by each passing minute as she thought more and more about him being her father. Now that she fully grasped that he was her biological father and not the man she had loved for so long, she despised it. To her, thinking of him as just regular Logan, he was someone she could look up to. Now that she thought of him as her Dad made all her feelings about him change for the worst. He was no father. She could tell that from the first day they had met. He was unable to fulfill that duty and because of that, she didn't even consider him her father, let alone, consider calling him Dad. Rally wanted her old father back, her diseased father. She loved him so much. He cared for her when her real father couldn't and for that matter, wouldn't.

"Rally?"

The teen quickly snapped her head towards her door in surprise. It was Warren, just the person she wanted to see.

"Warren, what are you doing here? You know I'm not supposed to be around the other students." She asked, shedding a smile that he had come anyway.

He returned the smile, closed the door, and walked toward where she was seated by the window as he said, "We can keep it a secret."

"I don't want to hurt you, though." She told him with concern.

As he reached the window seat, he plopped down on the opposite side of her with a laugh, "You won't hurt me."

"I might." She responded teasingly. In his presence, Rally felt so comfortable and happy. It was almost like living in her past life, when everything seemed to be happy, until Sabretooth came around.

Warren chuckled. "Nah. When you first get your ability, it's at its weakest because you have no training with it. I'll be able to protect myself against whatever your ability turns out to be which is why I don't get this whole quarantine thing, but whatever."

Rally smiled and asked. "Jean and the Professor found out that I can heal faster than normal. Do you think you can protect yourself against that?"

In a mocking voice, he answered, "I don't know, Rally, that's a fierce power you got there."

She laughed and then realized, "You never told me what your ability is."

The young blonde stood up from his seat with a cocky grin. In a second, his shirt tore in three different places and magnificent white wings popped out, reaching the ceiling.

Rally was astonished. She had not expected anything like that. "Warren…" She was speechless. "You can fly?"

He nodded, pleased with her fascination.

"How do you hide your wings beneath your shirt? They are huge!" She asked.

"They fold down tight against my back." Warren explained.

Rally stood up, stretching her arm up to touch his wing. It was so soft. "How would you protect yourself against me?" She asked curiously.

He smiled. "Easy. I'd create a shield with my wings."

Rally nodded, not completely convinced that he could protect himself. She had no idea how extensive her power-to-be was. No one did. Even in its weakest state, it could be devastating especially if she couldn't control it, but she was too in awe of his majestic wings to argue her point.

"Can you fly with another person?" Rally asked out of the blue.

Warren raised his eyebrow. "Depends on the person. Are you referring to yourself?" He asked, with a smile.

"No, I was just curious."

"Sure you were." He paused, reading the expression on her face. "Do you want to test it out?" The blonde asked, extending his arms, waiting for Rally to give him permission to pick her up.

She laughed. "No way. I would be scared."

"Oh, come on. I won't drop you." He reassured.

"Well, what if someone sees us, like the Professor?" The teen girl asked, trying to find an escape route from the path which she wondered onto.

Warren chuckled, realizing if he didn't make the first move, she would keep coming up with excuses. "We'll be fine." Before she could say anything further, the teen boy scooped up Rally in his arms. "Wow, you definitely need to eat more." He teased.

"Warren! Put me down." She squirmed in his arms but he just smiled at her failed attempts to break free.

He kicked the window open and looked Rally in the eye and smiled sweetly which made her calm down and forget what was inevitably going to happen next. Within the next second, Warren jumped out the window and flapped his mighty wings, taking them soaring through the air. Rally flung her arms tightly around his neck and locked her fingers they began flying. Her head was pressed tightly against his chest with her eyes closed.

With a muffled voice against his bare chest, she said, "I'm never going to forgive you for this."

He chuckled, looking down at Rally for a second, before adverting his eyes back to the sky. "If you open your eyes and actually look around, you'd enjoy it more."

"No no. I'm fine with my eyes closed." She replied.

"We're not going back until you at least take a look."

Knowing he wasn't joking, she gave him a pretend glare. Then, taking a deep breath, Rally peeked open one eye. She glanced around at the sky above and realized it wasn't so bad, at least the sky above her which she saw everyday. Now for the hard part: looking down. She opened her other eye and everything seemed to come as a surprise. The wind rushing past her face, the flapping noise of his monstrous wings, and the smell of fresh, clean air. Quickly, while everything seemed to be a rush, she looked down and was frozen. It had only been half a minute, if that and they were already so high in the air that people could not be seen from their height.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"How did you get up so high so fast?"

"My wings are powerful, as you can see from their size. Are you ready to go back now?"

"Yes!" Rally shrieked as he took a dive toward the ground and did an air turn. In a minute, they were back in her room.

"Never do that again." She stated, sitting down on her bed.

He smiled, knowing she would grow to love it eventually. Warren let his wings fold down and press against his back. Then he picked up his shirt which was in three pieces. "Well this is a problem." He commented.

Rally laughed. "If you want a shirt, I have an old T-shirt Scott gave me to wear on my first night here at the mansion."

The young man shook his head. "Nah that would be a little odd, especially if Scott saw me wearing it."

"Yeah, it would be kinda weird." She agreed with a laugh.

A silence filled the room as Warren took a seat next to her on her bed. She felt the gentle bounce as his weight hit the springs. "Can I ask you something?" He asked, looking Rally in the eye.

"Yeah, go ahead."

"Is Logan your Dad?"

The young girl's expression went from anticipation of the question to serious. "What? Where did you get an idea like that?" She asked, not wanting to admit the truth.

He raised his eyebrow. "It was the main topic at lunch in the dining hall."

She was shocked and a little angry, but she tried to conceal it. "Who brought it up?"

"Nick. He overheard Logan and Jean talking in the hall."

Rally looked away from him. So that's what they were talking about earlier that morning.

"Is it true?"

She answered, "By blood, yes, but I don't and really can't consider him my father."

The teen boy ran his hand through his hair. "Wow. That's…that's hard to believe. I sort of thought it was just a rumor, but, wow. Logan has a kid is hard enough to believe but you being that kid…I don't know if I can comprehend that." He chuckled.

"Yeah.." Rally agreed.

"So why don't or can't you consider him your father?" Warren inquired confusedly, remembering how she had answered his question.

"He didn't raise me and even now, he won't be the father I need or want." She replied with anger and sadness mixed.

The blonde boy shook his head. "You're not making sense."

She sighed. "I can't explain it in words very well."

"Let me try to understand. You are upset because he couldn't raise you like a regular Dad and you're also upset because of circumstances which made it so he can't be like a regular Dad?" He asked, summarizing how he interrupted what Rally told him. Warren realized that she was upset for things that couldn't be controlled. Logan had his memory wiped, as everyone in the mansion knew, and it hardened him, making him a loner. Of course thinking of him as a father was almost impossible, but, it was what it was.

"I guess." Rally said, knowing what he was getting at. She was angry and had no viable reason. Logan had no control over being the way he was and nobody could change that.

"Rally, he's not going to be like the man you grew up with. You just have to accept that. Logan's had a rough past and love and affection aren't part of it, but give him time and give yourself time to get used to the idea of him being your father. Don't be mad, though. I don't like seeing you mad." Warren explained comfortingly.

"It's hard." The young girl sighed. "I miss my adopted Dad so much and it's hard to have someone take his place who can't measure up at all."

Gently, he placed his hand on hers and looked her in the eye. "Time, Rally, time. You won't adjust over night."

She sighed. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to adjust."

"You will." He gave her hand a squeeze.

End Chapter

Hope you enjoyed it. Reviews would be wonderful! :)