Author's notes: Oh my God, I'm so sorry this chapter took so long to get posted! I've been having problems with my laptop where I store all my stories, nearly lost them all! Scary times! Anyway, second chapter is up, hope you guys can forgive me for the delay and thanks to everyone who reviewed! I love you guys! J

Chapter Two:

Cold. Before Kurt even realised he was awake that single thought invaded his mind. So cold. A chill ran up his spine as he tried to ascertain where he was. Somewhere cold, dark and incredible uncomfortable. It was only when he attempted to move that he became aware of a small mass shivering into his chest. He pulled back his sweater to reveal Kitty, shaking uncontrollably and clinging tightly to his waist. Confusion clouded his brain briefly before the events of the past evening resurfaced. He pulled the sweater tighter around them, attempting to warm them both. Kitty moaned slightly as she began to waken, rubbing her cheek against his chest. Her fingers caressed his sides as she began to regain consciousness. Kurt was thankful for the almost oppressive darkness as he blushed deeply. Slowly Kitty became aware of her surroundings. She smiled sheepishly at him, her thought processes still clouded slightly by sleep.

"Morning sleepy." Kurt whispered, smiling shyly.

"Mmmhmm." Kitty replied, rubbing her eyes. "My back is killing me." She groaned, stretching her spine. Unfortunately this exposed her more to the frigid air. She inhaled sharply and dived for the reative comfort of Kurt's sweater.

Kurt timidly wrapped his arms around her, massaging some of the heat back into her arms. "Ve should start moving soon."

Kitty nodded, sighing deeply. "Do you think they'll have stopped looking for us by now?" Her voice was laced by fear.

Kurt sighed. " I hope so, Katzchen." He allowed himself the brief comfort of holding Kitty a little longer before gently rousing her. "Ve should go." He held his hand out for her as he stood up. Hunching over slightly they pushed back the drift of snow that had covered the opening of their hiding place. Bracing themselves they stepped out into the forest. They both inhaled sharply as the cold hit them like a slap in the face. Although it had stopped snowing the cold was almost oppressive. The snow covered everywhere the eye could see and lay in deep drifts against trees and boulders. The suns first timid rays were dancing across the horizon.

"You should put that on." Kurt indicated to his sweater, draped around Kitty's shoulders.

Kitty took in his form; he was clad only in a T-shirt. "But what about you?"

"Ve've discussed this. Fuzzy elf, remember? I'll be fine."

Reluctantly Kitty put on the sweater, scowling slightly at Kurt. "Like, which way? Do you have any idea where we are?"

Kurt gazed out over the forest. "I tried to port as far as possible, so I had to go north-south along the Earth's magnetic field. Seen as I vanted to get as close to home as possible I vent south. From the sun's position and the time of day," he glanced down at his 'watch' "I'd say south is that vay." He pointed down a slope just to their left. He turned to Kitty. She was standing, staring doe eyed at him. "Vas?" He asked nervously.

"I like, never realised some much thought went into porting. Whoa" she sounded impressed.

Kurt blushed turning from her. "Come on, ve better hurry. The Professor vill be vorried."

Kitty ran up to him and they began the long trek home. The forest was dense and the weather cold but they kept on in spite of the hardship. They seemed to walk for days. After the first half hour they both fell into a kind of stupor, concentrating only in placing one foot in front of the other, all out side stimuli ignored. And so they were taken completely by surprise when the suddened upon a dinghy looking truck stop. They came to a slight cliff, over looking a small resturanrt, a car park and what looked like a secondary road. They hung back, hidden from view by the cover of the forest as they decided what to do next. Kurt wanted to avoid the place entirely, fearing their secret was already out and that it would prove dangerous but Kitty disagreed. She was concerned about Kurt; he had ported as far as possible and had still not eaten. Coupled with an arduous trek through the forest, his energy was way down, dangerously so. She also wanted to call the Professor and ask him what to do next. Even when she voiced her reasons Kurt remained hesitant. Eventually she persuaded him to go, although he insisted on porting out of there on the smallest sight of trouble.

Kurt engaged his holographic inducer and them made their way down the slope to the restaurant. A mournful bell announced their entrance to the diner. It was dank and dreary, seemingly forgotten by time and the health inspector. The floor was of faded beige and black tiles, covered in mud from trucker's boots. The walls once what seemed to be a vibrant yellow had faded to a musty shadow of their former cheerfulness. A long, red counter top dominated the diner, complete with swivelling high chairs and gum-chewing waitress. She looked up from her magazine as the bell announced their presence and eyed their haggard appearance with some suspicion. Kitty looked practically drowned in Kurt's baggy sweater, while Kurt looked relatively comfortable in the freezing weather despite only being clad in a light T-shirt. She nodded towards an empty booth and resumed reading, the fate of Britney Spears' hair seemingly more interesting than the suspicious youths.

Kurt and Kitty took their seats, both sighing as they took the load of their feet. Kurt lay his head back against the cushioned booth, the exertion of the day finally taking its toil. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Kitty sighed as she took in his appearance. She hated seeing Kurt like this. He was always so full of life.  Now he simply looked drained both physically and emotionally. Sighing, she once more got to her feet.

"I'm going to go and, like, ring the Professor, ok?" She said wearily.

Kurt simply nodded before once more collapsing his head against the booth.

Kitty searched the diner for any sigh of a public phone. She had almost given up hope when she spotted one next to the rest rooms. Lifting the receiver, she grimaced at its greasy appearance before lifting it to her ear. Nervousness almost stopped her when she realised she had no idea what to say or how to explain their present predicament. But delaying would only make things worse.  She deposited the correct amount and dialled carefully. Stealing a glance in Kurt's direction she waited for the dial tone. But none came. Instead a eerily peasant voice informed her that the number was no longer in use. Furrowing her brow in confusion Kitty hung up and dialled again. And again. She tried a total of five times; each call was picked up by the automated message.

Kitty, now even more uneasy, finally returned to the booth. Kurt was regaining more life as he tucked into what looked to be his third burger, alternating bites with sips of cola and a mouthful of fries. He looked up as Kitty came over and motioned to her place. Despite her worry Kitty smiled slightly as she observed her seat. Kurt had ordered for her, what appeared to be a good choice given the limited menu (as far as vegetarians were concerned). Before her was laid a vegetarian pizza and a side salad with a mineral water to wash it down. She slid into the booth and fiddled with her cutlery, mulling over in her mind the implications of the phone message.

Kurt eyed her suspiciously. He swallowed his gigantic mouthful before posing a question. "Vas? Is the Professor very angry? Logan threatened to kill me, right?"

Kitty stared down at her pizza, absent-mindedly poking it with her fork.

"Keety?" the worry was obvious in his voice, yet she failed to make eye contact. "Keety vas is vrong?" He took her free hand in his, squeezing it slightly, finally getting her attention.

She looked at him, her eyes glazed over. "There was no answer."

"Ist that all? Maybe everyone was out. Evan did mention something about-" Kurt's ramble was cut short by a clearly distressed Kitty.

"No Kurt, you don't understand. There was no answer, the number is no longer listed." Her voice cracked slightly.

Kurt delayed a little in shock. It was clear he didn't know what to make of this revelation either. "Are you sure you dialled correctly?" He asked timidly.

"Of course I did! I tried five times!" Worry made Kitty sound angrier than intended. They lapsed into an awkward silence. "What do you think it means?" She finally asked her voice barely above a whisper.

Kurt opened his mouth to answer but was cut short by a news report on the television.

"…following the recent out break of the Hanta virus. It is unknown what caused the recent rise in occurrences of the deadly virus but government officials have assured the public to remain calm. A vaccination programme is being set up to help deal with the influx of cases. People are being urged to remain at home, minimising contact with others even after vaccination. If you have not yet been given a date for vaccination please contact your local authority.

If you show any of the following symptoms please go the nearest medical centre immediately. Symptoms include, high temperature, sweating…"

Kurt and Kitty exchanged worried glances as they listened to the news report. Afraid of drawing suspicion they concentrated very hard on staying calm.

"What do you think it means?" Kitty whispered. "It can't have anything to do with the Hanta virus, after last night that's obvious."

Kurt remained silent, fingering his holo-inducer nervously. His hands were shaking and his breathing had become strained.

"Kurt." Kitty said tenderly, reaching out for his shaking hands.

"Tragically in local news, a fire has destroyed one of Bayville's most prestigious schools, Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters." The tone of the news reporter's voice took on an almost practiced sorrow.

Kurt's hand automatically grasped Kitty's tightly as they both turned to the television.

"Fire crews were alerted to the fire, which officials are not treating as suspicious, at three a.m. last night. Despite heroic efforts five lives were lost. Two people were rescued from the school. Doctors stated that their conditions are critical. The names of the deceased will not be released until all relatives have been notified." She paused briefly before passing the slot over to Des the weatherman.

Kurt and Kitty remained still, unmoving, the news not yet sunk in. Kurt looked to Kitty. Her knuckles had gone white such was the force with which she held his hand. Her jaw was clenched and her eyes glazed over as she battled to keep the tears at bay.

"Keety" He whispered.

She pulled her hand from his and covered her mouth, shaking her head and breathing rapidly. Her eyes stared blindly forward as she began to rock back and forth whispering "No" over and over. The few customers and lone waitress eyed them suspiciously as Kitty became frantic. Her rambling was becoming louder and her tears were beginning to fall unperturbed.

Kurt watched them out of the corner of his eye as he attempted to calm Kitty. "Sush Katzchen. Calm down, come on, sush." The waitress left the counter and began to walk in their direction. Panicking Kurt got up from his seat, deposited a bundle of notes and gently but forcefully pulled Kitty from her seat and brought her outside. Supporting her he carried her behind the building. Away from prying eyes Kitty collapsed into hysterics. Her strength failed her and Kurt just saved her from a fall. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she cried, whispering soothingly to her.

She pulled away from him and looked to his face. "Kurt, their gone. Wwwhat? How can this happen?" She had become alarmingly pale, tears staining her cheeks.

"I don't know, Keety." Kurt breathed. He gently wiped the tears from her face; a few of his own sneaking down his face.

Kitty wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned forward so their foreheads were touching. She gently brushed the tears from his face, sighing. "They didn't deserve this. It's not fair."

"I know, Keety." Kurt whispered back, his voice husky. He looked up at Kitty. Her hair was in disarray and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He gently pushed her long bangs back and sighed, watching the suns faint rays play across her face.

They were startled out of their embrace by the door of the diner banging shut. The harsh voices of the departing customers drifted to them. "…that Xavier place, I drive by it on my way to drop of in the mall."

Kitty and Kurt snapped to attention and moved closer to the voice.

"Really." Another voice answered with little interest. "See you again, Jack. Check out the wreck and see if it's as bad as they're saying." They heard a truck door slam and an engine start.

"Yeah, yeah." The first voice answered and they heard the man groan as he climbed into his truck.

"He's passing through Bayville!" Kurt took Kitty by the hand. "Come on, ve can get a ride!" He pulled her over to the back of the truck. "I think it should be safe to teleport." He examined the back of the truck, running his hands over its mud stained back doors.

"No." Kitty took his hand. "I can phase us through. It'll be safer." Taking a deep breath Kitty strode towards the truck and bumped into it, Kurt following her.

Kitty opened her mouth in surprise, staring at the very solid truck before her. "What? I can't phase!" She turned to Kurt. "What's happening to me?"

Kurt attempted to hide his worry. "Is ok, Katzchen. Just take a deep breath. Concentrate." He squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Kitty furrowed her brow in anticipation. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before striding forward. Instantly she disappeared into the truck, Kurt following just behind her. They phased through a number of boxes before finding an empty space in which to settle down. The inside of the truck was cold and dark with boxes stacked mostly near the doors. They stumbled slightly as the engine roared to life and the truck slowly accelerated out of the parking lot.

The initial joy of having 'regained' her powers wore off as the events of the past day once more sunk in. Sighing she sat down with her back to the walls of the truck. She took a deep breath before looking to Kurt, who had once more disengaged his holo-inducer. "I'm scared." She whispered bowling her head, her hair obscuring her face.

"Me too." Kurt replied, sitting next to her.

"I..I can't believe it." She laid her head on his shoulder and began once more to cry.

"Me too." Kurt gently placed his arm over her shoulder, drawing her closer. Kitty cried silently into his chest, while Kurt rubbed her back. He was numb, the others…he couldn't bare to think of them, what had happened to them. He felt as if his heart was constricted, each beat was so painful. He could barely swallow such was the lump in his throat. He wanted to simply curl up and weep, to release his pent up emotions, but he had to remain strong for Kitty. She was so vulnerable. He had to remain strong for her.

They rode out the trip in silence; Kurt suspected Kitty had cried herself to sleep. Eventually the truck came to a final stop and Kurt heard the driver disembark. Kurt sighed as he gently roused Kitty, not even twenty four hours previous he had done the same thing when they had had no idea they would be alone and battling for their freedom, perhaps their even lives.

Kitty sighed, sitting up. "Do you think we're in Bayville?" She asked timidly.

"Maybe." Kurt paused. "I'll check." He engaged his holo-inducer before Kitty stopped him.

"No, I'll check." She walked to the front of the truck and phased her head through the cab. She turned back to Kurt. "I think we're in the mall."

"That's not too far from the mansion." Kurt paused fearing his voice would crack. "I can't port us. I don't know the area, it wouldn't be safe." He added once he trusted his voice again.

"It's ok." Kitty sounded very small as she took his hand. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she phased through the truck with no difficulty.

They immerged unseen in a loading bay filled with similar trucks. They deftly made their way between the trucks and exited the loading bay finding themselves at the service entrance of the parking lot. The sun was setting low in the sky; it's dying rays barely illuminating the surrounding areas. The street lamps flickered to life as night set in.

Almost subconsciously they set out for their former home. Neither spoke as they ran along the pleasant streets of Bayville. The supreme ordinariness of everything was almost disturbing. Their lives had been completely torn apart in less than a day yet others were carrying on with theirs not noticing or caring. It seemed too soon that they reached the final corner; once they turned it everything would be cemented in reality. Subconsciously they took each other's hands and slowly walked forward. The sight that greeted them froze their hearts. It was worse than they had imagined. The mansion was completely gutted, all that remained was a burnt out shell. It looked black and uninviting. Kitty turned from the wreckage of their home and buried her head in Kurt's neck, hugging him tightly. Kurt just stared wide-eyed at their former home.

The wail of a police siren exiting the mansion shook him and he teleported within the high walls of the grounds. Kitty jumped slightly as they remateralised in the wooded area next to the main building. Up closer the house looked even more gutted and forlorn. Silently she made her way to the large front door. It had been forced open from the outside and hung perilously from its hinges. Gingerly they stepped inside. The wind whistled through the empty windows, the glass having cracked and broken from the intense heat. The beautiful hall, with its regal staircase were a dirty shadow of their former glory. Every inch of visible space had been stained black. Charred beams and parts of the roof littered the floor. Kitty picked her way among the wastes on the floor and to the stair chase. The first step crumbled beneath her foot, even before she applied pressure to it.

"Keety." Kurt moved to her side. His eyes wandered up the stairs before he took her hand. "Phase us if the floor von't support our weight, ok?" Kitty nodded. Instantly he transported them to the landing. The floorboards groaned but did not give way. Cautiously they made their way down the hall. They walked past the other's rooms; the doors all lay open displaying the tattered remains of the occupant's treasured possessions. Kitty stopped at her room; strangely the door had not been opened. Gently she tried the handle and opened the door. Despite being closed to the smoke and fire, Kitty's room was stained with smoke, all be it to a lesser degree than the rest of the house. Silently Kurt followed her. Kitty walked over to her desk, brushing her hands over the charred remains of her life. Kurt watched her feeling inadequate. He had no idea what to say to her, how to comfort her. Sighing he looked around her room. Her bed was unmade. Occupying himself he attempted to smooth the bedclothes. Something prevented him though. Silently he pulled back the bedclothes to reveal Kitty's most treasured possession, her stuffed dragon, Lockheed. Fortunately the bedclothes had prevented it being stained, although it smelled of smoke. Smiling sadly to himself, Kurt picked up the little dragon and turned to Kitty.

Kitty was still at her desk. She couldn't tare her eyes away from a photograph of the team taken just that summer. The adults had surprised them with a week away at the lake. Everyone was present in the picture, smiling brightly without a care in the world. Kitty removed the picture from where it was pinned to her notice board. The edges had curled up from the heat some of the colour had become distorted. She turned to find Kurt clutching Lockheed. His eyes flickered to the picture in her hand.

"Oh Keety." He took the picture from her, handing her Lockheed in the process. Kitty hugged Lockheed close to her chest as once more tears welled up in her tired eyes. She looked to Kurt. He was staring at the photo intensely, biting his lip as he tried to contain his tears. His sharp canines were piercing his lower lip, drawing blood.

"Kurt." Kitty whispered as she brushed a drop of blood from his lip. Kurt's head snapped up as she touched him. He slammed the photograph down on the desk and moved to the window. Kitty observed him silently for a moment. He was shaking, his tail whipping back and forth. "Kurt" She walked to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned his face from her. "Kurt, please." She moved in front of him and gently placed a hand of his cheek turning his face to her. Tears were running freely down his face but Kitty was only surprised by the ashamed look he gave her. He turned from her and sat on the bed. Kitty joined him, giving him a moment to regain himself.

"I'm sorry, Keety. I just…I can't help thinking if they could have been something I could have done to help. I can't stop seeing them…" his voice cracked and again he turned his face from Kitty.

Kitty just watched him cry. There was nothing she could say, she was feeling the same. Nothing seemed real. This couldn't be happening. Again the dam broke and she struggled to stifle a sob. Kurt turned to her but she pushed him away. She crawled onto the bed, turning her back to him.

"I'm s..ssorry, Kurt. I don't know why. I wish…I wish" her voice failed her as she chocked down her sobs.

Kurt watched her from the edge of the bed. Nervously he crawled on to the bed behind her cradling her like a small child. As he touched her, Kitty immediately turned to him, clutching his T-shirt and drawing herself closer to him. Gingerly Kurt wrapped his arms and tail around her.

Kurt took a deep breath "Ve'll be ok, Keety." His voice lacked conviction. Kitty, emotionally drained, only reacted by hugging him tighter. Eventually them cried themselves to sleep, clutching each other for comfort once again, feeling utterly alone in a cruel, cruel world.

Again a cliffhanger! There was supposed to be more in this chapter but it was getting WAY to long, so I guess there'll just be another chapter, don't know if that's good or bad news. Hope you liked, even though nothing really happened. The pace definitely starts to pick up after this! Please review (tell me how I'm doing) and stay tuned!!