Cyberwicca: Yay! Someone who read the first story! You have nooo idea how thrilled I am to have someone who read Trent Raven be also reading this. That's so cool, and I'm so happy you like it! As for whether or not there'll be romance between Kurt and Trent, weeellll... you'll just have to see. :)
Thank you so much, everyone that reviewed! You guys rock my world unbelievably!
A/N: You know how I said this story happens outside any timeline or event in the X-men? Well, I lied. Now it takes place after the whole abandoning-Gambit-in-Antarctica episode. I'm still sticking with the same X-men I've had throughout the story, though, along with the new ones Trent meets in this story.
Enjoy!
Chapter 6
Home. Stability. Safety. Relief. Trent wasn't an empath, but she could almost feel those emotions herself, they were emanating so strongly from her companions. Even Wolverine, who seemed to be the grouchy rebel loner' type, and Kurt, who wasn't even in his proper mind. They all loved this place so fiercely, longed for it so much--it really was their home in every sense of the word, the one place in the world they could count on not to betray them. The house, the grounds, the wildflowers and weather of upstate New York--the X-men knew it all, knew it as intimately as they knew their own desires and annoyances.
Trent almost felt like she was intruding on some touching, private moment, as she felt all the X-men's thoughts as they returned home. It had been a long time since she had felt that way about a place, if ever. For the first time in a while, Trent felt lonely; for a moment, she wished she was one of these people, a woman who, even though constantly racing off to save the world or fight the bad guys, always had a home to come home to, always had people who loved her, always had convictions and morals and ideas that she knew to be true. Instead, here she was, a random hurricane ripping from state to state to country to country, always running from the Night World, or the past, or just her own fucked-upedness. Nothing was stable in her life: not the few acquaintances she could almost call friends, not her morals, not her home, not even her enemies. Most of the time she accepted that fact, but here, seeing these people-
She could have had this in Circle Daybreak. For the shortest time, she had been part of that team, she had had a purpose, she had even had a home, enough like this mansion here to have it bring all sorts of memories up to the surface. She had been safe from the Night World, she'd had regular meals and had been able to sleep through the night without being attacked-she had even had a man she loved to share it all with.
Her heart twisted at that last thought, and Trent forced her mind away from Orion--what good was it anyway, thinking of him? Of anything in her past? What's done is done, and there was no use reminiscing or feeling sorry for herself. Shaking herself out of it, Trent focused on the situation at hand.
Charles smiled as he gazed up at the incoming plane. Kurt had had him really worried: it was very rare that he wasn't able to track a mutant on Cerebro, especially one he knew well. Yet he was safe, and hopefully sound--their family was complete again.
No sooner had the plane landed and the ramp lowered when a brown and blue blur hurtled past Xavier to crash into Storm. The normally calm goddess' stumbled and laughed. It's good to see you again, too, Kitty.
Oh Ororo, I've been so worried! Ever since I got home my mind has been so fuzzy, I couldn't remember what happened to you, where you were, anything! She sniffed, quickly wiping a few tears from her eyes, and beamed at her teammates. Gosh, it's so awesome to see you all again! she said, before hugging the rest of them.
Jean locked eyes with her husband over Kitty's head as she embraced the young mutant. Her head was fuzzy?' Sounds a lot like what's wrong with Nightcrawler.
Scott frowned and nodded. Despite her exuberance, Kitty was pale, sweating, and much skinnier than much normal. Perhaps that was to be expected, seeing as she'd been stranded in Antarctica for days, but still...
Detaching herself from Logan, Kitty saw Kurt and rushed to him--then noticed Trent. She took a step back, nervously eyeing her and Kurt, who, if it weren't for his arm around Trent's shoulders wouldn't have the strength to stand up. Trent only stared back, offering no apologies or explanations.
Kurt looked up, his amber eyes blearily regarding his friend. Katzchen...Guten morgen, he said weakly.
Kitty smiled back uneasily. Um, hey, Kurt.
Xavier smiled at Trent, addressing her directly. I assume you would be the young lady that took Kurt in?
He called me a young lady. How ironic. Uh... yeah, that would be me, I guess. I mean, he's been livin' with me for a while, so I guess I took him in... Dammit, this professor guy made her nervous.
Then we are forever indebted to you. Thank you for saving the life of a dear friend. He maneuvered the hoverchair over to her, extending his hand. My name is Charles Xavier.
Trent looked from the hand to the elf hanging on her shoulders, clearly not wanting to let him fall. Ever the gentleman, Hank McCoy jumped from behind the professor to take Nightcrawler in his arms. Trent started, unpleasantly surprised by yet another furry blue mutant suddenly appearing, and then took the professors offered hand. Trent Raven, she said.
Welcome to our humble home, Ms. Raven. I heard word you were coming and took the liberty of arranging a room for you, which I'm sure Kitty can take you to. As he turned around to follow the rest of the X-men inside, he added silently, And if you could please meet me in my office once you are rested? I would like to talk to you about Kurt's condition and how you found him.
Trent winced. Please don't do that.
Xavier paused, and glanced back at her. Do what?
Poke around in my head. I can feel you brushing my shields and prowling around, and I would appreciate it very much if you would stop. Despite her polite words, Charles could read the veiled threat.
Of course. I'll respect your privacy; but I must ask that you give my students and the X-men the same courtesy.
Trent blushed--he could obviously tell that she had already rifled through the minds of several of his little team. Oops.
A few minutes later, she found herself inside her room'--more like a good-sized apartment, either. She prowled around, looking for any booby traps, hidden compartments, escape routes--old habit.
Nice digs. It'd be fun to just stay here for a while, relax, live with steady meals, a good sleep every night, decent protection from the next asshole that wants to hunt me down.
That'd be nice. Too bad it never works out that way.
Moving on. Xavier wanted her to meet him as soon as she was rested'--whatever the hell that meant. Now that she was here, Trent would love to just curl up in some comfy clothes and lounge on the queen bed reading bad romance novels for a week--now that would be rested.' But Xavier probably wanted her at his office in a few hours at most.
Having showered and changed into the X-uniforms' that were available, Trent stood nervously outside the door of Xavier's office. She shouldn't be this nervous just talking to him, she really shouldn't, but all the same. Xavier was one of those people that commanded her instant respect--strangely enough, she genuinely wanted to have him like her.
She ran her hands down the front of her shirt, smoothing invisible wrinkles, and ran a hand through her hair. Man, what she wouldn't do for a cigarette!
Taking a last deep breath, Trent pulled herself together. She might be nervous as hell, but she'd be damned if she showed it.
Xavier greeted her with a polite smile, and she had the uneasy feeling that, even if he wasn't reading her mind, he still knew how nervous she was. Trent. Please come in and take a seat.
Now, if you please, I would like you to recount the events of your finding Kurt, leading up to when the X-men found you.
Trent squirmed in her seat, feeling that this was too much of an interrogation. What's to tell? I was sittin' in a bar in Reno and Fuzzy stumbles in from the desert, parched and sick as hell. There was kindof a skirmish, as the bar was full of assholes and Kurt was an obvious mutant. Somehow I got involved, and I ended up slippin' out of the fight with Kurt and taking him to my apartment. Next thing I know, the X-men show up and I'm here.
Xavier nodded, still not taking his gaze away from Trent. I see. I'd like you to tell me more about the fight in the bar, and Kurt's time with you afterwards--his sickness' I guess you could call it. He paused, and Trent felt a bead of sweat trickle down her spine as his stare intensified. And if you please, the whole truth this time.
Crap. He hadn't even attempted to read her mind and he knew she was leaving out some of the most important parts of the last three days. This was why she hated strong telepaths: they usually happened to be very smart, intuitive people on top of the telepathy and could see past her bullshit.
She recounted the story again, this time telling him everything--to an extent, of course. He didn't need to know why Gabriel was hunting her, for instance, or why she was able to hold her own against so many vampires.
But when it came to what was wrong with Kurt, she found herself faltering. I... I don't know what's wrong with him. I mean, I'm no healer, but still--it's like nothing I've ever seen. He was really nauseous, all the time, and part of the time he was acting like a complete animal while the rest of the time he seemed to be polite and in full control of his mind. She looked up, glaring at Xavier. Question my methods of helping him if you want, but I did the best I knew how. He'd probably be dead right now if it weren't for me!
Xavier didn't even blink at her defensiveness. I'm not accusing you of anything, Trent. Whether questionable or not, you saved Kurt's life--several times, probably. For that you have my permanent gratitude, and of course you are welcome to stay here for as long as you need. He leaned in, his face the picture of concern. I know you're not telling me the whole story, Trent, and that's perfectly all right. All I'm concerned about is my students' and my teams' safety. This is a sanctuary, Trent, but not just for mutants--for anyone who needs a warm bed, a helping hand, or some kind advice. And that includes you, if you want it. He sat back and yawned, stretching luxuriously, a decidedly odd action after such an intense conversation. That's really all I wanted to talk to you about--I hope you enjoy your stay at my little house.
Trent blinked. If she was remembering correctly, this was the first time anyone had ever made her such a generous offer. And she hadn't even asked. She was completely nonplussed. Um... thanks, I guess. She stood to leave, giving Xavier one last confused glance before getting the hell out of there.
Once out of his office, Trent collapsed against the wall, breathing heavily. Why did she feel like she'd just run a marathon? He hadn't been pushing against her shields, he hadn't even been interrogating her really. Her own nervousness and suspicions were just that exhausting.
Shaking her head at her own paranoia, Trent headed for what she hoped was the kitchen--she'd caught an image of the magic room and a map to it from Kitty's mind, and god damn if she wasn't hungry.
About to round the corner to enter her destination, Trent stopped short upon hearing laughter--It was Rogue and the two other women that had fought earlier that day: Storm and Jean. Dammit, she didn't really feel like socializing right now--but there was her stomach to consider, and it was really so persuasive...
Before she could make up her mind, Rogue spotted her lurking by the door. Trent! Come on in, grab a bite to eat--we just made sandwiches, an' there's some fixin's left over.
Crap. Well, she was now forced to socialize, but at least her stomach was happy.
With a deft speed that defies description, Trent slathered mustard, mayonnaise, ham, bacon, tomato and lettuce on two slices of bread and devoured the whole thing. Trent grinned, ignoring the stares of her fellow super-powered friends. So, ya got any beer?
Rogue snorted and pointed to the fridge. Did ya forget to feed yerself at that apartment or somethin'?
Trent smirked, popping a can of beer and guzzling it. Not exactly--I just have a large appetite. Plus, it takes a lot of nutrition to maintain this sexy bod--wanna take it for a she said, waggling her eyebrows suggestively at Rogue, and eliciting laughter from the rest of the X-women.
Well, sugah--ya never know-- Rogue winked and smiled at Trent, garnering more surprised laughs from Jean and Ororo.
Why Rogue, I never knew you swung that way, teased Ororo.
Yeah, I thought you were forever tied to Gambit-- Ororo stamped on Jean's foot, and the redhead immediately slapped a hand over her mouth, horrified. Oh my god, Rogue--I'm sorry, I forgot--
Rogue didn't say anything. She was staring at a speck of dirt on the floor, her jaw working furiously. Before her friends could say anything to comfort or console, she left the room, walking quickly and then running as soon as she was out the door.
The kitchen was dead silent--the tension was almost tangible. Finally Trent spoke. Bad ex-boyfriend?
Jean sighed. Well, something like that. She sighed, getting up from her chair. I have to go, Ororo--Scott wanted to talk to me. It was nice meeting you, Trent.
Storm daintily finished her sandwich, wiping her hands and mouth delicately. Despite her best efforts to honor Xavier's request, Trent found herself awash in the weather goddess's thoughts and emotions, which mainly consisted of guilt, guilt and more guilt. Apparently Jean's careless words had affected more than just Rogue.
I'm afraid I must be leaving as well, Trent--I promised Kitty I would give her a blow-by-blow account of what happened in Las Vegas. But I'm sure we will have chances to talk later--I hope so, anyway. She smiled warmly, and Trent found that her words were genuine. I am very glad you are staying.
Alone in the kitchen, Trent sipped her beer and wondered about Rogue's reaction. At times like this, it was so horribly tempting to just dive headlong into Rogue's psyche and find out for herself what had happened--but she'd promised Xavier she wouldn't. And she doubted that Rogue would appreciate that.
Sighing, Trent left for her room. She felt strangely close to the southern belle, and she could tell that Rogue was seriously hurting. Whatever had happened with this Gambit' person, must have been... bad, for such a strong woman to be so wounded.
But that was none of her business, and definitely none of her business now. Now it was time for a long overdue, wonderfully blissful, hours long, uninterrupted nap.