Kurt looked down at his glass. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

Caressa sensed it; "It's okay. You don't have to tell me now, or ever, if you don't want to. I just curious, is all."

"Why?" Kurt asked not knowing if he wanted to hear the answer.

"Well, I guess. It's because I care about you." It's true. She never really thought about it before. But in the past several hour she had grown to care for him.

He looked up at her in shock, "You do?"

"Yeah," She moved over to the bed sat down beside him.

He looked back down at his drink for a long while. Caressa start to study him more closely. Boy, was he ever beautiful. She wanted to reach out touch his velvety face. She loved the way his skin felt. She wondered how anyone could be afraid of him. He was so gentle, so caring, so polite.

"I was walking around the outskirts of that forest," He finally spoke, breaking the silence. "Just enjoying the night. Minding my own business, when I was attacked by a group of people. They started shouting things at me. Calling me a freak, saying I shouldn't be out in public. Telling me that they would give me the welcome I deserve. And they all came at me," He paused as if trying to remember something, "I don't remember much after that."

Caressa silently cursed at herself. Do you think that he likes to be reminded of how his kind are treated? A voice in her head asked her, "I'm so sorry." She rubbed his back with concern; "Not all of us are like that."

He looked up at her with tears in his eyes, "I know. And I forgive those who did this."

"Why?"

"Because most people won't see past what they see with their own two eyes. And I pity them for that."

She didn't know what to say to that. Though she knew he was right. Most people judge things by sight and not with their hearts. He seemed wise beyond his years. Caressa furrowed her brow, come to think of it. She didn't know how old he was. Would it be rude to ask him? She wanted to know everything there was to know about him.

"Why don't you tell me about yourself?"

Kurt looked at her with a puzzled expression. Why would anyone want to know about him? "Well, alright. Most mutants don't receive heir powers and such until adolescence. But I have always looked like this since I was born. I never knew who my mother or my father was. I was taken in by a gypsy queen and raised in a traveling circus. The people that raised me taught me not to be prejudice against so-called freaks; I learned that my abilities and appearance were gifts to be celebrated. For a time, I knew true peace and happiness. Until some Texas millionaire purchased the circus, I was forced to flee my ideal existence. I finally made my way to Winzeldorf, Germany, where I lived at a monastery for several years. I hold dear to a dream: universal acceptance, and the peaceful co-existence of man and mutant. I have learned long ago to look past appearances, and I strive to see the humanity in those who refuse to recognize it in me. I know from painful experience, as you may have already guessed, how cruel the world can be, but I'll never stop trying to make it a better place."

Wow. How can someone who has been through so much, still be so understanding about the world and society?

"How old are you Kurt? If you don't mind me asking."

Kurt looked over to her. He had been staring at the wall across the room while he told his tale, "25."

Caressa smiled. She wished she knew what to say next.

"What about you? Tell me about yourself." Kurt inquired.

It was her turn to be shocked. That was a touchy subject, especially now that she had learned of his religion. But then, she figured that it must have been hard for him to talk about himself.

"Well, let's see. I'm 20. I've never known who my father was either. I was raised by my mother. I've lived here in Westchester my whole life," Wow, my life doesn't seem as interesting as his does, "Ummm.. I don't know what else to say. Uh. I'm going to school right now in hopes to become social worker. I want to help troubled teens and such. Ummm.. There really isn't much to tell. I lead a boring life."

"I'm sure it's not boring at all." He smiled. There was a moment of silence. Then; "I think I might take your offer for a shower." Kurt said nervously.

"Okay," Caressa helped him to his feet, then led him to the washroom. She showed him where everything was and left him to shower.