Disclaimer: I don't claim any part of ownership to any characters in my
stories, they're copy written/ trademarked/
whatevered by Marvel ect.
Author's note: So I don't have much to say.. other than I've got the actual plot starting to peek it's way through in this one. ^_^ and Internutter inspired me to insert Amara..mwhahaha. Oh, and this comes before/in lieu of 'The toad the witch and the wardrobe' in case you're wondering. Oh, and please, no flames. I write simply because I enjoy it, and if people start ratting on how bad I'm doing, then I just stop doing it. This is my first fanfic in over 3 years now.so I think I'm allowed a little leeway.
Moonlight Reflections Chapter Eight Ramifications By: NightElfCrawler
The good news was, it turned out to be a very snowy day, a perfect example of what the day before Christmas should look like.
The bad news was..the blizzard canceled Kurt's flight..
Kurt sighed moodily staring out of the window at the flurrying snow, trying not to let the news get him down. He could still fly back during the spring holidays.. That was the up side.. On the downside, he was stuck here while everyone else got to go home, save Rogue, Charles, and Hank..
A slamming door alerted him, and his head jerked up, staring down the hallway from his perch in a window seat, and saw Amara stalking angrily down the carpeted floor way like all hell had broken loose. He wondered if it might be a good idea to flee..
Amara was practically radiating heat, she was so upset, threatening to ignite curtains and knickknacks as she walked by. She spotted him and scowled, finding a victim to unleash her royal problems on. "You! Peasant! This is all your fault!!"
Kurt rolled his eyes, knowing it wasn't, whatever IT was. "Oh? Vhat did I do this time?"
Amara scowled and stomped a foot. "I can't go home. I must suffer to stay at this ungrateful hovel without gracing my homeland with my presence!"
Kurt blinked. "Ah.. well I guess we'll be staying here together then."
Amara blinked and then it seemed to click. "You are staying here!? With myself?! This is an outrage! I will NOT tolerate it.!"
Kurt just sighed. It was going to be a loonnnnng two weeks. He hadn't been able to get another flight out on such a short notice, and the Blackbird was out for repairs.So he had to find some more amusement, away from the prissy princess. He stood up. "Well zen I'll make myself scarce for you." He grinned evilly, then bamfed out, and within a split second returned with a hand full of cold snow, slid it down her back, and teleported away before she could react, keeping his fur intact. He arrived in the rec room, and was satisfied to hear a shriek from the upper hallways.
He chuckled and plopped down on a couch. The phone suddenly rang, and he eagerly popped up and teleported to the kitchen, and grabbed the receiver. "Hallo, Xavier Institute, Kurt speaking."
He heard a familiar voice on the other line the moment he picked it up. "Hi Kurt. I guess you're staying then.. I heard about the airport problems."
He grinned brightly and cheered up instantly. "Amanda! Hi! Um. yeah unfortunately I can't go home." he flopped on the couch and sat back staring at the ceiling, phone in hand. "And the proff can't give me a ride either."
"I'm sorry fuzzy." She did sound truly sorry. "I know you wanted to visit your family.."
"Ja, true. but maybe I can make it back during the spring instead.." He fiddled with his tail with one finger.
"Hopefully you can, I know it must be tough being so far.I'd really love to meet them sometime.. Oh, speaking of meeting." She trailed off meaningfully.
He sat up a bit, his heart thudding a quicker cadence. ".Yes?"
"Why don't you spend Christmas with here with me and my folks? I'd hate to hear of you spending it all alone."
He flushed brighter at the thought of spending the holiday with Amanda.. "That would be great.." He grinned unconsciously, not noticing that someone was watching from over his shoulder with a death glare... "But.I don't know.what if my image inducer goes on the fritz.."
"Come on Kurt, it'll be fine, trust me! Besides, I want to show them the real you.."
He bit his lip. He still didn't know why Amanda had been avoiding him for a span of time.but he almost didn't want to ask since she was being so open again. "I don't know if I'm ready for that..."
"Well when will you be ready Kurt? You have to jump into the water sometime. if you put it off too long you'll just put it off all your life!"
He sighed a bit, inwardly knowing that she spoke the truth.. he couldn't put it off forever. maybe she was right.start small and work up. "Maybe..you don't think they'd. you know, freak out or something?"
"Come on Kurt, my parents are pretty open about most stuff..they'll understand.and if you really don't want to do it, I won't force you."
He sighed a bit pondering it. "Let me think on it. but I'd love to spend Christmas vith you.." He grinned at the thought of sitting by a warm fire, snuggling with Amanda, a hot cup of coco in their hands.. He realized he'd been spacing out a bit as Amanda repeated his name again.
"Kurt? Hello? You there?"
"Ach, sorry!" He blushed and grinned a bit though she couldn't see it. "So..should I port to your house sometime tonight?"
"Sure, why don't you arrive at five. We normally go out to eat, but.with the weather how it is, I think we'll just stay home, watch a movie. you know."
He agreed, and they said their farewells, and he hung up, laying there for a few minutes. He felt lightheaded and excited at the same time. He hadn't felt this elated since he'd first met Amanda.. He rolled over and sat up, and yelped in surprise coming face to face with a fiery, angry, dangerous looking Magma.. "Um.. Amara. Hi!" He gulped backing up quickly from her.
"YOU!" She growled raising a flaming ball in one hand to heave at him.
He knew what was good for his health, and quickly did a back flip and evaded the fireball as it slammed into the wall. "Hey! Careful! The proff won't be happy if you burn ze house down!"
Magma pouted, which was hard to see when she was flaming. "I shall punish you, evil peasant! How dare you touch my royal person! And with a cold substance none the less!"
He chuckled a bit. "Come on, it's just a joke!" But he blinked, seeing her flame slowly extinguish.. was she finally getting a sense of humor?? But instead, she just looked rather glum. At first he feared a trick on her part, but then realized she wasn't the sneaky type. He jumped off the couch and walked over to her. "Vhat is it, Amara. it was just a joke, I didn't mean anything by it."
She shook her dark haired head and hid her face underneath the long strands of hair. "It's not fair.."
Kurt frowned a bit. He knew he hadn't seen Amara looking actually glum at all.. enraged, pouty, prim.yes. but not glum. "Vhat's not fair?" He thought he knew. "Not being able to return home for the holidays?" She nodded once. He knew better than to touch her even to comfort her.. she'd nuke him no doubt. "Hey, it's not so bad. Ja, it's not fair, but that's life ja? We sometimes get the short end of the stick. instead, ve can goof off around here and annoy one another all vacation!"
She looked up at him, her eyes rather haughty and disdainful, but sad as well. "Like I would want to spend MY quality time with a mere barefooted peasant.disgraceful for a princess."
He snorted. "Ja ja, ve've heard it before." He wished she'd get with the program and stop behaving like the spoiled princess she was. Of course he'd never visited Nova Roma before.. But from what he'd seen of her, he didn't think he'd like it much.
She just sniffed at him, putting her nose in the air, even with slightly reddened eyes from pouting. "You know nothing, filthy commoner."
Kurt's eyebrow twitch. "Ok, look I don't really care about ze peasant thing, cause well, it's true, since EVERYONE here is a peasant if you consider the definition. but the filthy does NOT apply." His tail twitched in irritation as he tried to keep rather calm. "I bathe more often than most guys, and am very picky about hygiene.so if you're going to use an insult, get it right." He waved a hand, and turned, heading out of the rec room, back towards his room, leaving Amara standing there by her lonesome. He sighed a bit as he walked back down the hallways. He knew that she probably was just acting that way to get attention or get a rise out of people. but he was tired of dealing with it.
Oh well, he thought to himself. Finish wrapping everyone's gifts, then pop over to Amanda's for a wonderful evening..Speaking of which, better ask the professor. He bamfed quickly over to the professor's study, and knocked, then walked in, finding him reading a book with Hank enjoying another by the fire.
They both looked up as he entered and smiled. "Hello Kurt." Hank greeted, taking his spectacles off.
Xavier lowered his book and raised an eyebrow. "I heard..a bit of an argument earlier, is everything all right?"
Kurt grinned awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, that was just the usual, professor.. Don't' worry about it. Um, I came to ask you if."
He was cut off as Xavier lifted a hand. "Yes, you may spend time with Amanda." He smiled at Kurt's surprise, and faint suspicion that he'd been listening in. "Don't worry Kurt..Amanda's parents called me earlier and asked if you might spend tonight and through tomorrow with them.. apparently they plan to go skiing tomorrow if the weather lets up."
Kurt's eyes brightened. "Skiing!!" He grinned brightly. He LOVED to ski..He'd only been a few times, but he'd taken to it like a duck to water. "She didn't say anything about that!"
Xavier chuckled. "Well, if you wish to go, feel welcome to, just be careful.. I would take a couple of inducers with you to be on the safe side."
Kurt nodded quickly. "Yes professor, I will be careful..trust me." He grinned brightly. "Thanks a lot!!" He waved to Hank and bamfed out, returning to his room in a puff of smoke. He began digging through his heavier garments, and pulled out some nice thick sweaters and some waterproof fleece lined pants, stuff he hadn't worn in quite a while, since he normally wasn't out in the cold long enough to need them, his fur kept him naturally insulated. He pulled out some warm gloves and thick socks, specially made for his feet of course. He quickly packed all these things, plus a few extras like a hat, scarf, and his necessities, into a duffel bag.
When he'd finished all that, he quickly went into his closet and pulled out several big bags of brightly wrapped gifts. Kurt loved shopping for other people..and so thus he'd bought a gift for everyone in the institute, and some of his friends from outside too. He bamfed once more to arrive downstairs where the decorations were all set up. Granted, most of the students wouldn't get their gifts till after they came back, since this year things had been too hectic to do their pre-arranged gift exchange. He smiled backing off as he admired the many parcels now decorating the tree's under branches, then teleported back to his room to finish up. It was reaching five already, and he was getting more and more excited.
He finished packing, and glancing at his watch, saw it was time. He took a deep breath, and turned the holowatch on, checking to make sure he had three spares with him, then grabbed his duffel, and the bag that had Amanda's present in it plus some flowers that he'd found in a vase for her parents. He took a deep breath, pulling the warm jacket close, and teleported out of the mansion to a spot he knew, then again once more to arrive in front of Amanda's house. The snow was blowing intensely around him and he shivered, and quickly dashed for the front door. He pushed the doorbell quickly, checking quickly to see that his inducer was working.
The door opened and a very exotic and beautiful woman stood there, looking a bit surprised that someone had braved the storm to come there. "Yes?"
"Um.. hi, Mrs. Sefton." Kurt said nervously. "I'm Kurt Wagner.?"
The woman smiled and brightened. "Oh yes.. Kurt, come in come in, it's very cold out there." He quickly walked in, careful to stomp the snow off of his feet at the mat. He shivered a bit as the warmth from the house hit him, knocking the chill off. He set his packages down as Mrs. Sefton bustled around. "My goodness dear, how in the world did you get here in this storm?" He noticed she had a slight accent, but couldn't quite place it, he was too nervous.
"Ah. well. um." He stammered, not sure how to explain it.
"One of the guys at the institute drives this all terrain vehicle.. kind of like a Hummer, right Kurt?" Amanda smiled coming down the stairs, looking just as stunning as ever in a dark blue sweater and tight pants.
Kurt flushed a bit. "Uh, yeah. It's very weather resistant!" He grinned as Amanda sidled up to him. "Hi Amanda."
"Hi yourself." She said, smiling brightly, her warm brown eyes peering into his, making his insides churn with excitement. "Hope you like skiing, I forgot to tell you about what we're doing tomorrow."
He grinned a bit, peeling his heavier jacket off. "That's ok, the professor told me.." He glanced up at Mrs. Sefton and smiled awkwardly. "He said you'd called and asked in advance."
She nodded. "Yes, Kurt.we thought that it would be wonderful for you to join us on our annual skiing trip." She took his coat from him and hung it up in the hall closet. "And please, call me Margali, we are very informal here."
He nodded, again something flicking in the corner of his mind at her name, but he ignored it. He was here to enjoy himself, and hopefully win their trust in him with their daughter.
A tall dark skinned man walked into the room and smiled in greeting. "You must be Kurt." He offered a hand, and Kurt was a bit relieved he hadn't removed the warm gloves yet, and took his hand. "We're glad you could come."
Kurt grinned, feeling a bit more at ease by their friendly greetings for him. "Thanks! I'm really glad you invited me.oh!" He bent down and pulled out the flowers, which had some snow drifted across the petals. "These are for you. er. for your family. er.ja.." He flushed a bit and handed them quickly to Margali.
"Why thank you Kurt! They're lovely, I'll go get a vase for them." She walked off towards the kitchen.
Amanda's father waved. "I'm going to start the roast, hope you like pork Kurt." He followed his wife into the kitchen.
Kurt relaxed a bit more when they'd left. He grinned over at Amanda, and she smiled back at him. "So. Here's your present." He dug it out and handed it to her. She looked pleased. "I'm sorry it couldn't be more. things were really hectic lately." He rubbed the back of his head, and remembered his gloves were still on, and peeled them off, sticking them in his coat pocket. He grinned over at Amanda. "So. skiing huh. Did I ever tell you I'm an expert skier?"
She laughed a bit. "Why does that not surprise me. you probably just teleport around, finding the best ski runs."
He grinned. "Well normally yes, but if it's crowded then I can't exactly do that now can I?"
She laughed. "silly, It's Christmas day, no one is ever out on those slopes. the ski run we go to is like the only one open at all."
He grinned. "Excellent. time for some of the fuzzy one's famous ski maneuvers.."
Amanda shook her head amused at him and placed the present below the tree with the others. "Sure, 'fuzzy one'..just don't' fall down and break your tail." She gave it a playful tug beneath the inducer's field of reach. She smirked when he squirmed a bit. "So have you decided?"
He bit his lip and paced a bit. "I. I don't know.I don't want to ruin a nice evening.."
"Oh come on, you're not going to ruin anything Kurt." She said rather exasperated, throwing her hands up. "Why are you so paranoid about this?"
He blinked and stood awkwardly. "Because. I've seen it all before.they either scream, or throw things..or both."
She sighed. "I think you're being melodramatic."
He raised an eyebrow at that and felt slightly resentful, then thought about it a bit and realized she was right. he had to stop being so scared of showing who he really was to others.. "all right." He sighed a bit. "When do you think is the best time?"
She smiled. "During dinner. I'll bring up the subject and we'll wade into it slowly. Trust me Kurt, they'll like you no matter what you look like." She took his hand and pulled him into the dining room after her. "Now come on, I can hear your stomach growling from under all those layers of coats."
Dinner went well for the first part of it. Kurt was asked about his background, why he'd come to America, what his likes and dislike were, typical dinner conversation. The dinner was astounding as well, rich turkey with a cranberry sauce gravy poured over it, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, you name it they had it. The Seftons were amazed at how much Kurt could eat. Eventually, just as Margali was serving dessert, Amanda brought the topic up.
"So.. Mom, Dad.. you know all this stuff on the TV lately about mutants?" She was carefully wording what she said, treading lightly.
Margali nodded, and Amanda's father chewed his pie thoughtfully. "Yeah, has been on there a lot..weird stuff."
Amanda and Kurt exchanged quick glances. She continued. "Well, what do you think about mutants?"
Her dad shrugged. "I couldn't care less, long as they don't start causing trouble with my family. same as any other." He shoved more pie in his mouth.
Margali seemed to watch Amanda thoughtfully. "I suppose I am the same, dear..It alarms me that these 'mutants' have such powers that could do harm.. But people with guns are just as dangerous.yet we cannot separate them..It depends on the individual I suppose."
Amanda seemed a bit hesitant, but Kurt decided to beat her to the punch. "Ze reason she's asking. is because ve vant you to know the truth.." He swallowed and spoke up hesitantly. "I am a mutant..so.that's why.."
Both her parents seemed to stare at him curiously. There was an awkward silence for a little while, then finally Margali spoke up. "And what exactly is your power then, Kurt."
Kurt took a breath and stood up. "I'll show you." He ported to the other side of the table, and both of them let out a startled gasp. He grinned embarrassed, and walked back to his seat.
Margali looked doubtful, but Amanda's dad seemed impressed. "You can do that anytime you want? Anywhere? That's a pretty handy gift."
Kurt's smile broke into a relieved grin. "Ja.. It is handy." He flashed a grin at Amanda, who was giving him an 'I told you so' look. "But." He remembered he wasn't through this yet. "There is another thing that makes me different too."
They both watched him with curious expressions. "And that would be..?" Amanda's dad asked curiously, while his wife sat there looking sullen.
Kurt took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "Well.I don't look like this normally.I wear this." he held his wrist up where the watch was. "it's a hologram.to make me look 'normal'." He saw their suspicious looks. "I will show you...just. don't be scared ok?" He didn't bother to wait for their nods, but flipped the watch off, and his fuzzy self flickered into view.
They sat there, speechless for some moments, taking in what they'd just seen. Kurt stood there nervously, rather guiltily, his tail flicking back and forth like a nervous cat. After he couldn't stand it much longer, he raised his eyes awkwardly to watch them. "It's...just appearances." He said quietly, as he met Amanda's Dad's startled eyes, and Margalis' shocked ones. "It doesn't change who I am inside.."
After a painstakingly long moment, Amanda's dad laughed slightly. "Well. Now I see what Amanda meant every time I overheard her talking to someone called 'fuzzy' on the phone." He smiled more. "But you're right Kurt, it's just appearances. As long as you treat my daughter right, it doesn't matter to me, right dear?" He glanced over at Margali.
Margali was still looking stunned, and seemed to be unable to tear her eyes away from Kurt. She had to be nudged with an elbow before she snapped out of it. "Oh. er, of course you're right dear." She seemed oddly detached though. "We accept you for who you are.."
Kurt sighed and sat down grinning in relief. Amanda leaned over to him and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "Told you they wouldn't freak out."
Kurt laughed a bit more easily and shoved some pie in his mouth. "Ja, you were right."
They finished dessert without much more of an incident, and not too much of an awkward situation either. Kurt eagerly helped out by washing the dishes with Margali. She still seemed to be a bit unnerved by something, and Kurt felt awkward as he helped, but tried to make things light by drying the dishes with his tail and a foot, while washing with his hands. Margali kept throwing glances at him, between faint smiles at his balancing act. "You have very impressive skills." She commented as they finished the last dish.
He grinned and put the rag away. "Ja.thanks. I used to be an acrobat in ze circus"
He luckily didn't see her choke slightly at that comment and look pale. "Er.that must have been fun." She commented dryly. "Why don't you go out and spend time with Amanda now.." She ushered him out of the kitchen, and he blinked a bit confused, but obliged.
Amanda was sitting in front of the fire, sipping hot coco, and with a grin he teleported over to her, surprising her a bit. "Kurt! Don't do that! You're gonna give me a heart attack."
He smiled teasingly, and handed her his present. "Merry Christmas, liebchen."
Author's note: So I don't have much to say.. other than I've got the actual plot starting to peek it's way through in this one. ^_^ and Internutter inspired me to insert Amara..mwhahaha. Oh, and this comes before/in lieu of 'The toad the witch and the wardrobe' in case you're wondering. Oh, and please, no flames. I write simply because I enjoy it, and if people start ratting on how bad I'm doing, then I just stop doing it. This is my first fanfic in over 3 years now.so I think I'm allowed a little leeway.
Moonlight Reflections Chapter Eight Ramifications By: NightElfCrawler
The good news was, it turned out to be a very snowy day, a perfect example of what the day before Christmas should look like.
The bad news was..the blizzard canceled Kurt's flight..
Kurt sighed moodily staring out of the window at the flurrying snow, trying not to let the news get him down. He could still fly back during the spring holidays.. That was the up side.. On the downside, he was stuck here while everyone else got to go home, save Rogue, Charles, and Hank..
A slamming door alerted him, and his head jerked up, staring down the hallway from his perch in a window seat, and saw Amara stalking angrily down the carpeted floor way like all hell had broken loose. He wondered if it might be a good idea to flee..
Amara was practically radiating heat, she was so upset, threatening to ignite curtains and knickknacks as she walked by. She spotted him and scowled, finding a victim to unleash her royal problems on. "You! Peasant! This is all your fault!!"
Kurt rolled his eyes, knowing it wasn't, whatever IT was. "Oh? Vhat did I do this time?"
Amara scowled and stomped a foot. "I can't go home. I must suffer to stay at this ungrateful hovel without gracing my homeland with my presence!"
Kurt blinked. "Ah.. well I guess we'll be staying here together then."
Amara blinked and then it seemed to click. "You are staying here!? With myself?! This is an outrage! I will NOT tolerate it.!"
Kurt just sighed. It was going to be a loonnnnng two weeks. He hadn't been able to get another flight out on such a short notice, and the Blackbird was out for repairs.So he had to find some more amusement, away from the prissy princess. He stood up. "Well zen I'll make myself scarce for you." He grinned evilly, then bamfed out, and within a split second returned with a hand full of cold snow, slid it down her back, and teleported away before she could react, keeping his fur intact. He arrived in the rec room, and was satisfied to hear a shriek from the upper hallways.
He chuckled and plopped down on a couch. The phone suddenly rang, and he eagerly popped up and teleported to the kitchen, and grabbed the receiver. "Hallo, Xavier Institute, Kurt speaking."
He heard a familiar voice on the other line the moment he picked it up. "Hi Kurt. I guess you're staying then.. I heard about the airport problems."
He grinned brightly and cheered up instantly. "Amanda! Hi! Um. yeah unfortunately I can't go home." he flopped on the couch and sat back staring at the ceiling, phone in hand. "And the proff can't give me a ride either."
"I'm sorry fuzzy." She did sound truly sorry. "I know you wanted to visit your family.."
"Ja, true. but maybe I can make it back during the spring instead.." He fiddled with his tail with one finger.
"Hopefully you can, I know it must be tough being so far.I'd really love to meet them sometime.. Oh, speaking of meeting." She trailed off meaningfully.
He sat up a bit, his heart thudding a quicker cadence. ".Yes?"
"Why don't you spend Christmas with here with me and my folks? I'd hate to hear of you spending it all alone."
He flushed brighter at the thought of spending the holiday with Amanda.. "That would be great.." He grinned unconsciously, not noticing that someone was watching from over his shoulder with a death glare... "But.I don't know.what if my image inducer goes on the fritz.."
"Come on Kurt, it'll be fine, trust me! Besides, I want to show them the real you.."
He bit his lip. He still didn't know why Amanda had been avoiding him for a span of time.but he almost didn't want to ask since she was being so open again. "I don't know if I'm ready for that..."
"Well when will you be ready Kurt? You have to jump into the water sometime. if you put it off too long you'll just put it off all your life!"
He sighed a bit, inwardly knowing that she spoke the truth.. he couldn't put it off forever. maybe she was right.start small and work up. "Maybe..you don't think they'd. you know, freak out or something?"
"Come on Kurt, my parents are pretty open about most stuff..they'll understand.and if you really don't want to do it, I won't force you."
He sighed a bit pondering it. "Let me think on it. but I'd love to spend Christmas vith you.." He grinned at the thought of sitting by a warm fire, snuggling with Amanda, a hot cup of coco in their hands.. He realized he'd been spacing out a bit as Amanda repeated his name again.
"Kurt? Hello? You there?"
"Ach, sorry!" He blushed and grinned a bit though she couldn't see it. "So..should I port to your house sometime tonight?"
"Sure, why don't you arrive at five. We normally go out to eat, but.with the weather how it is, I think we'll just stay home, watch a movie. you know."
He agreed, and they said their farewells, and he hung up, laying there for a few minutes. He felt lightheaded and excited at the same time. He hadn't felt this elated since he'd first met Amanda.. He rolled over and sat up, and yelped in surprise coming face to face with a fiery, angry, dangerous looking Magma.. "Um.. Amara. Hi!" He gulped backing up quickly from her.
"YOU!" She growled raising a flaming ball in one hand to heave at him.
He knew what was good for his health, and quickly did a back flip and evaded the fireball as it slammed into the wall. "Hey! Careful! The proff won't be happy if you burn ze house down!"
Magma pouted, which was hard to see when she was flaming. "I shall punish you, evil peasant! How dare you touch my royal person! And with a cold substance none the less!"
He chuckled a bit. "Come on, it's just a joke!" But he blinked, seeing her flame slowly extinguish.. was she finally getting a sense of humor?? But instead, she just looked rather glum. At first he feared a trick on her part, but then realized she wasn't the sneaky type. He jumped off the couch and walked over to her. "Vhat is it, Amara. it was just a joke, I didn't mean anything by it."
She shook her dark haired head and hid her face underneath the long strands of hair. "It's not fair.."
Kurt frowned a bit. He knew he hadn't seen Amara looking actually glum at all.. enraged, pouty, prim.yes. but not glum. "Vhat's not fair?" He thought he knew. "Not being able to return home for the holidays?" She nodded once. He knew better than to touch her even to comfort her.. she'd nuke him no doubt. "Hey, it's not so bad. Ja, it's not fair, but that's life ja? We sometimes get the short end of the stick. instead, ve can goof off around here and annoy one another all vacation!"
She looked up at him, her eyes rather haughty and disdainful, but sad as well. "Like I would want to spend MY quality time with a mere barefooted peasant.disgraceful for a princess."
He snorted. "Ja ja, ve've heard it before." He wished she'd get with the program and stop behaving like the spoiled princess she was. Of course he'd never visited Nova Roma before.. But from what he'd seen of her, he didn't think he'd like it much.
She just sniffed at him, putting her nose in the air, even with slightly reddened eyes from pouting. "You know nothing, filthy commoner."
Kurt's eyebrow twitch. "Ok, look I don't really care about ze peasant thing, cause well, it's true, since EVERYONE here is a peasant if you consider the definition. but the filthy does NOT apply." His tail twitched in irritation as he tried to keep rather calm. "I bathe more often than most guys, and am very picky about hygiene.so if you're going to use an insult, get it right." He waved a hand, and turned, heading out of the rec room, back towards his room, leaving Amara standing there by her lonesome. He sighed a bit as he walked back down the hallways. He knew that she probably was just acting that way to get attention or get a rise out of people. but he was tired of dealing with it.
Oh well, he thought to himself. Finish wrapping everyone's gifts, then pop over to Amanda's for a wonderful evening..Speaking of which, better ask the professor. He bamfed quickly over to the professor's study, and knocked, then walked in, finding him reading a book with Hank enjoying another by the fire.
They both looked up as he entered and smiled. "Hello Kurt." Hank greeted, taking his spectacles off.
Xavier lowered his book and raised an eyebrow. "I heard..a bit of an argument earlier, is everything all right?"
Kurt grinned awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, that was just the usual, professor.. Don't' worry about it. Um, I came to ask you if."
He was cut off as Xavier lifted a hand. "Yes, you may spend time with Amanda." He smiled at Kurt's surprise, and faint suspicion that he'd been listening in. "Don't worry Kurt..Amanda's parents called me earlier and asked if you might spend tonight and through tomorrow with them.. apparently they plan to go skiing tomorrow if the weather lets up."
Kurt's eyes brightened. "Skiing!!" He grinned brightly. He LOVED to ski..He'd only been a few times, but he'd taken to it like a duck to water. "She didn't say anything about that!"
Xavier chuckled. "Well, if you wish to go, feel welcome to, just be careful.. I would take a couple of inducers with you to be on the safe side."
Kurt nodded quickly. "Yes professor, I will be careful..trust me." He grinned brightly. "Thanks a lot!!" He waved to Hank and bamfed out, returning to his room in a puff of smoke. He began digging through his heavier garments, and pulled out some nice thick sweaters and some waterproof fleece lined pants, stuff he hadn't worn in quite a while, since he normally wasn't out in the cold long enough to need them, his fur kept him naturally insulated. He pulled out some warm gloves and thick socks, specially made for his feet of course. He quickly packed all these things, plus a few extras like a hat, scarf, and his necessities, into a duffel bag.
When he'd finished all that, he quickly went into his closet and pulled out several big bags of brightly wrapped gifts. Kurt loved shopping for other people..and so thus he'd bought a gift for everyone in the institute, and some of his friends from outside too. He bamfed once more to arrive downstairs where the decorations were all set up. Granted, most of the students wouldn't get their gifts till after they came back, since this year things had been too hectic to do their pre-arranged gift exchange. He smiled backing off as he admired the many parcels now decorating the tree's under branches, then teleported back to his room to finish up. It was reaching five already, and he was getting more and more excited.
He finished packing, and glancing at his watch, saw it was time. He took a deep breath, and turned the holowatch on, checking to make sure he had three spares with him, then grabbed his duffel, and the bag that had Amanda's present in it plus some flowers that he'd found in a vase for her parents. He took a deep breath, pulling the warm jacket close, and teleported out of the mansion to a spot he knew, then again once more to arrive in front of Amanda's house. The snow was blowing intensely around him and he shivered, and quickly dashed for the front door. He pushed the doorbell quickly, checking quickly to see that his inducer was working.
The door opened and a very exotic and beautiful woman stood there, looking a bit surprised that someone had braved the storm to come there. "Yes?"
"Um.. hi, Mrs. Sefton." Kurt said nervously. "I'm Kurt Wagner.?"
The woman smiled and brightened. "Oh yes.. Kurt, come in come in, it's very cold out there." He quickly walked in, careful to stomp the snow off of his feet at the mat. He shivered a bit as the warmth from the house hit him, knocking the chill off. He set his packages down as Mrs. Sefton bustled around. "My goodness dear, how in the world did you get here in this storm?" He noticed she had a slight accent, but couldn't quite place it, he was too nervous.
"Ah. well. um." He stammered, not sure how to explain it.
"One of the guys at the institute drives this all terrain vehicle.. kind of like a Hummer, right Kurt?" Amanda smiled coming down the stairs, looking just as stunning as ever in a dark blue sweater and tight pants.
Kurt flushed a bit. "Uh, yeah. It's very weather resistant!" He grinned as Amanda sidled up to him. "Hi Amanda."
"Hi yourself." She said, smiling brightly, her warm brown eyes peering into his, making his insides churn with excitement. "Hope you like skiing, I forgot to tell you about what we're doing tomorrow."
He grinned a bit, peeling his heavier jacket off. "That's ok, the professor told me.." He glanced up at Mrs. Sefton and smiled awkwardly. "He said you'd called and asked in advance."
She nodded. "Yes, Kurt.we thought that it would be wonderful for you to join us on our annual skiing trip." She took his coat from him and hung it up in the hall closet. "And please, call me Margali, we are very informal here."
He nodded, again something flicking in the corner of his mind at her name, but he ignored it. He was here to enjoy himself, and hopefully win their trust in him with their daughter.
A tall dark skinned man walked into the room and smiled in greeting. "You must be Kurt." He offered a hand, and Kurt was a bit relieved he hadn't removed the warm gloves yet, and took his hand. "We're glad you could come."
Kurt grinned, feeling a bit more at ease by their friendly greetings for him. "Thanks! I'm really glad you invited me.oh!" He bent down and pulled out the flowers, which had some snow drifted across the petals. "These are for you. er. for your family. er.ja.." He flushed a bit and handed them quickly to Margali.
"Why thank you Kurt! They're lovely, I'll go get a vase for them." She walked off towards the kitchen.
Amanda's father waved. "I'm going to start the roast, hope you like pork Kurt." He followed his wife into the kitchen.
Kurt relaxed a bit more when they'd left. He grinned over at Amanda, and she smiled back at him. "So. Here's your present." He dug it out and handed it to her. She looked pleased. "I'm sorry it couldn't be more. things were really hectic lately." He rubbed the back of his head, and remembered his gloves were still on, and peeled them off, sticking them in his coat pocket. He grinned over at Amanda. "So. skiing huh. Did I ever tell you I'm an expert skier?"
She laughed a bit. "Why does that not surprise me. you probably just teleport around, finding the best ski runs."
He grinned. "Well normally yes, but if it's crowded then I can't exactly do that now can I?"
She laughed. "silly, It's Christmas day, no one is ever out on those slopes. the ski run we go to is like the only one open at all."
He grinned. "Excellent. time for some of the fuzzy one's famous ski maneuvers.."
Amanda shook her head amused at him and placed the present below the tree with the others. "Sure, 'fuzzy one'..just don't' fall down and break your tail." She gave it a playful tug beneath the inducer's field of reach. She smirked when he squirmed a bit. "So have you decided?"
He bit his lip and paced a bit. "I. I don't know.I don't want to ruin a nice evening.."
"Oh come on, you're not going to ruin anything Kurt." She said rather exasperated, throwing her hands up. "Why are you so paranoid about this?"
He blinked and stood awkwardly. "Because. I've seen it all before.they either scream, or throw things..or both."
She sighed. "I think you're being melodramatic."
He raised an eyebrow at that and felt slightly resentful, then thought about it a bit and realized she was right. he had to stop being so scared of showing who he really was to others.. "all right." He sighed a bit. "When do you think is the best time?"
She smiled. "During dinner. I'll bring up the subject and we'll wade into it slowly. Trust me Kurt, they'll like you no matter what you look like." She took his hand and pulled him into the dining room after her. "Now come on, I can hear your stomach growling from under all those layers of coats."
Dinner went well for the first part of it. Kurt was asked about his background, why he'd come to America, what his likes and dislike were, typical dinner conversation. The dinner was astounding as well, rich turkey with a cranberry sauce gravy poured over it, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, you name it they had it. The Seftons were amazed at how much Kurt could eat. Eventually, just as Margali was serving dessert, Amanda brought the topic up.
"So.. Mom, Dad.. you know all this stuff on the TV lately about mutants?" She was carefully wording what she said, treading lightly.
Margali nodded, and Amanda's father chewed his pie thoughtfully. "Yeah, has been on there a lot..weird stuff."
Amanda and Kurt exchanged quick glances. She continued. "Well, what do you think about mutants?"
Her dad shrugged. "I couldn't care less, long as they don't start causing trouble with my family. same as any other." He shoved more pie in his mouth.
Margali seemed to watch Amanda thoughtfully. "I suppose I am the same, dear..It alarms me that these 'mutants' have such powers that could do harm.. But people with guns are just as dangerous.yet we cannot separate them..It depends on the individual I suppose."
Amanda seemed a bit hesitant, but Kurt decided to beat her to the punch. "Ze reason she's asking. is because ve vant you to know the truth.." He swallowed and spoke up hesitantly. "I am a mutant..so.that's why.."
Both her parents seemed to stare at him curiously. There was an awkward silence for a little while, then finally Margali spoke up. "And what exactly is your power then, Kurt."
Kurt took a breath and stood up. "I'll show you." He ported to the other side of the table, and both of them let out a startled gasp. He grinned embarrassed, and walked back to his seat.
Margali looked doubtful, but Amanda's dad seemed impressed. "You can do that anytime you want? Anywhere? That's a pretty handy gift."
Kurt's smile broke into a relieved grin. "Ja.. It is handy." He flashed a grin at Amanda, who was giving him an 'I told you so' look. "But." He remembered he wasn't through this yet. "There is another thing that makes me different too."
They both watched him with curious expressions. "And that would be..?" Amanda's dad asked curiously, while his wife sat there looking sullen.
Kurt took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "Well.I don't look like this normally.I wear this." he held his wrist up where the watch was. "it's a hologram.to make me look 'normal'." He saw their suspicious looks. "I will show you...just. don't be scared ok?" He didn't bother to wait for their nods, but flipped the watch off, and his fuzzy self flickered into view.
They sat there, speechless for some moments, taking in what they'd just seen. Kurt stood there nervously, rather guiltily, his tail flicking back and forth like a nervous cat. After he couldn't stand it much longer, he raised his eyes awkwardly to watch them. "It's...just appearances." He said quietly, as he met Amanda's Dad's startled eyes, and Margalis' shocked ones. "It doesn't change who I am inside.."
After a painstakingly long moment, Amanda's dad laughed slightly. "Well. Now I see what Amanda meant every time I overheard her talking to someone called 'fuzzy' on the phone." He smiled more. "But you're right Kurt, it's just appearances. As long as you treat my daughter right, it doesn't matter to me, right dear?" He glanced over at Margali.
Margali was still looking stunned, and seemed to be unable to tear her eyes away from Kurt. She had to be nudged with an elbow before she snapped out of it. "Oh. er, of course you're right dear." She seemed oddly detached though. "We accept you for who you are.."
Kurt sighed and sat down grinning in relief. Amanda leaned over to him and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "Told you they wouldn't freak out."
Kurt laughed a bit more easily and shoved some pie in his mouth. "Ja, you were right."
They finished dessert without much more of an incident, and not too much of an awkward situation either. Kurt eagerly helped out by washing the dishes with Margali. She still seemed to be a bit unnerved by something, and Kurt felt awkward as he helped, but tried to make things light by drying the dishes with his tail and a foot, while washing with his hands. Margali kept throwing glances at him, between faint smiles at his balancing act. "You have very impressive skills." She commented as they finished the last dish.
He grinned and put the rag away. "Ja.thanks. I used to be an acrobat in ze circus"
He luckily didn't see her choke slightly at that comment and look pale. "Er.that must have been fun." She commented dryly. "Why don't you go out and spend time with Amanda now.." She ushered him out of the kitchen, and he blinked a bit confused, but obliged.
Amanda was sitting in front of the fire, sipping hot coco, and with a grin he teleported over to her, surprising her a bit. "Kurt! Don't do that! You're gonna give me a heart attack."
He smiled teasingly, and handed her his present. "Merry Christmas, liebchen."