I know I was so mean last time but I'm back with a new chapter. I hope it was worth the wait. Enjoy.

Chapter11- Misunderstandings

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Logan bolted out of the bathroom at the sound of Clint's scream, a towel his only attempt at modesty. He didn't worry about it. He had fought in less. He was dripping wet with shampoo still in his hair, but he came out with claws drawn and teeth bared ready to protect Clint from all comers. He came to an abrupt halt as he saw the two people in the doorway. Clint had jumped back across the beds and came back up with his new purple bow in his hand, an arrow nocked and drawn back.

Logan sheathed his claws, the sound catching Clint's attention so the boy turned away from their visitors. The poor kid's eyes were the size of dinner plates and he was breathing hard like he had run a mile. "It's okay, Clint," Logan said carefully. He stepped forward until he could reach the kid's arrow and gently redirect it toward the floor rather than at Logan's friends. His focus was on the armed teenager, but he spared a glance to Kurt and 'Ro to let them know everything was okay.

"We did not mean to startle you, child," the weather goddess, Storm said, as tactful as ever. "We apologize for your distress."

"Ja," Kurt, the blue demon, agreed. He had his hands up and his face was the picture of dismay at the reaction he had received. The poor elf was a little sensitive about his appearance. The kid had hurt his feelings.

"Meet the X-men, Clint," Logan said, reaching up to ruffle the boy's hair, after the archer finally relaxed enough to release the tension on his bow. "This is Storm and Nightcrawler, or 'Ro and Elf as I call 'em. Welcome to Kansas," Logan greeted his friends.

"You can call me Ms. Munroe," Storm said, holding out her hand with elegance.

"C…Clint," the teenager stuttered when Logan bumped him gently. He got his moxie back quickly though. "Clint Barton, the Amazing Hawkeye," he said with more confidence as he took Storm's hand gently. He gave her his showman grin, which was wide but fake and Ro narrowed her eyes speculatively.

"Kurt Wagner," the elf said, stepping forward, his usual cheeriness returning.

Clint bristled at the three fingered hand and Kurt quickly retracted it. Logan knew Clint didn't have a problem with Kurt's unusual appearance, he was only embarrassed and still a little off balance from last night, but the elf didn't know that. Logan sighed and reached up to run a hand through his hair. He frowned at the feel of soap. "Let me finish showerin' and then we can get breakfast," he said decisively. He clapped his hand on Clint's shoulder like he had just minutes before but this time, Clint shrugged it off. Logan shook his head as he went back in the bathroom. Clint didn't even make a joke about Logan's spiked hair or lack of clothes. Poor kid really was shook up. Hopefully he'd get over it quickly.

When Logan came out of the shower the atmosphere was cold enough that Logan almost suspected Storm's powers. Apparently Clint had not relaxed while Logan was rinsing off and now he was perched on the foot of his bed, glaring at the two mutants who were trying very hard not to be offended. Logan shook his head again and ruffled Clint's hair in passing as he went to pull on his boots and snag his cowboy hat.

"Come on," the feral said, catching the attention of the other three. "Let's get some breakfast and then we can get down to business."

Kurt, who had be perched on the chair leapt to his feet. "Ja, that sounds like a good plan, mein freund."

Storm considered them thoughtfully. "It is quite late. We did not mean to surprise you."

"We had a late night, so there was no harm in sleeping in. I heard the Black Bird earlier so I knew you were coming," Logan replied diplomatically. It was almost noon.

Clint looked up from where he was tying his shoes. "You didn't tell me that," he accused. "Thanks for that." Logan didn't know someone could tie shoes threateningly, but Clint managed it. Logan just raised an eyebrow. The kid was testy today, the worst that he'd been since that first night.

Finally, they all walked out of the hotel and started down the street to the local Denny's. Kurt reluctantly turned on his inducer so he looked like a normal, tall, blond man. The three X-men focused on catching up, not bringing up Clint and his situation yet. Logan figured he'd give the kid a chance to cool down before subjecting him to the other's questions.

It didn't really work. As breakfast progressed, Clint just got more moody. He pointed out what he wanted without a word and didn't flirt with the pretty young waitress. When the food came, Clint just ate methodically without appreciating the food. The biggest issue was that every time Kurt or 'Ro tried to engage him, Clint rolled his eyes and answered in a monotone. At least he didn't act so disrespectful to Logan, but he didn't open up either. Logan was getting frustrated. Where had the sweet kid that Logan had come to know disappear to? And what was up with this moody brat? Logan was about ready to snarl by the time the four of them finished breakfast.

Outside the diner, Storm stopped, prompting the males to stop as well. The weather goddess had stayed calm throughout the awkward breakfast but the look in her eyes reminded them that she could be as volatile as the weather she controlled. "Logan, we came to assess what Clint needs to continue his education and provide any assistance that you require. First I would like to talk to you and get a sense of your situation and resources, then Clint and I can determine what he needs."

She didn't really give him a choice so Logan nodded, letting the corner of his mouth quirk up. "As you wish, Goddess," he agreed, causing her eyes to twinkle. He turned to Clint. "So do you want to stick around while we talk or do you want to blow off some steam with your bow?" he asked. He fully expected Clint to grab the chance to get away and the boy didn't disappoint him.

"I'll practice while the adults talk and decide my future," Clint said rolling his eyes again. Logan raised an eyebrow and Clint settled down. "I'll stay out of the way," Clint tried again. His tone was more polite this time. "Just come get me when you're ready for me."

Logan sighed because now the kid sounded beat down like he had last night. 'Ro and Kurt were watching this exchange closely and Logan felt like he was being put on the spot. He shot a glare at his friends to back off a little while he dealt with the boy. He knew Clint wasn't being a little snot out of spite; he was scared and nervous. Logan could smell it and he bet Clint knew he could smell it so there was a nice circle of understandings. Kurt and Storm backed off and started to walk back to the motel. Logan watched them for a minute before turning back to his ward. "Clint, are you okay?" he asked, studying Clint's face.

"Yeah, of course," Clint lied but when Logan just raised an eyebrow, he relented. "No."

"Why not?"

Clint glared. "Why not?" he yelled. Down the road, Kurt and Storm turned to look back at them. Clint lowered his volume. "Why not? How can you ask that? I see how you are with them. You want to go back to the X-men and I'm holding you back. They want you back and see me as a problem. I embarrassed myself by screaming at Nightcrawler and they must think I'm a waste of time and they're going to convince you to leave me and I'll be all alone again." Clint was almost crying again at the end of his outburst, hot, angry tears that he refused to release. He ducked his head to avoid looking at his guardian, but not before Logan saw those tears.

Logan felt the ground fall out from under him like a fight with Avalanche at the sight of those tears. He really wished he could stab something, preferably the jerks in Clint's background. "Hawk," he said gently, reaching out to grab the boy's shoulder. This time Clint didn't shrug him off, instead leaning into the touch. "I miss my friends, yes." Clint flinched. "But they are here now and they have access to a jet to visit whenever they want wherever we are. I will not abandon you for them. And all I want is for them to see the Hawkeye that keeps impressing me and the Clint that I have come to care for. If you do that, they will love ya. Trust me, they are two of the most loving people I know."

Clint shrugged Logan's hand off, but it wasn't a confrontational gesture so Logan let it go. "You think so?" he whispered, tipping his head to the side to look at Logan.

"I know so. When they see the real you they will embrace you and you might leave me for them," Logan teased. They started walking finally. Clint stayed close but not touching.

"Never," the teen promised.

"I don't know, Ro's a better cook," Logan said thoughtfully. "And she's prettier."

"Never," Clint repeated a little forcefully. Then he slowed down a little and Logan turned to look at him. "Are you mad about how I acted before?"

Logan considered his answer before he spoke. It was a delicate question, made more precarious by Clint's history. "Yes," he said finally but continued before Clint could shy away. "I'm disappointed that they haven't seen the real Clint, but you're not in trouble for it. I'm not going to punish you for mouthing off. Honestly, you should see me with the whole team. Cyke and I butt heads more than you can imagine so I can't blame you for doing the same thing."

Clint nodded thoughtfully, reaching up to rub the back of his neck. "Yeah, okay. I'm sorry."

"Try to get to know them," Logan advised. "You know, Kurt is from the circus too. And Storm is a very compassionate goddess."

"What does that make you? The mascot?" Clint asked, finally grinning again.

"Careful, bub," Logan growled, but he was grinning too so the kid would know he was teasing. "So, you ready to try again?" he asked as they reached the hotel.

Clint shifted nervously. "Kinda?" he said. "Now I'm embarrassed because I was a jerk."

"Don't worry about it. They've lived with me. A couple eye rolls and an awkward breakfast'll barely register. Grab your bow and relax for a bit while we talk then ya can try again," Logan said as he opened the door. There was a distinct smell of brimstone which explained how the X-men got in without a key. Logan waved at his friends and helped Clint grab his gear so he could practice. Clint ducked out as soon as he could, leaving the adults to talk.

"So, Wolverine," Storm began, crossing her arms to give Logan a look. "That is an interesting young man you have taken under your wing."

Logan raised an eyebrow and took his time finding a comfortable seat. "Warren's the one with wings, 'Ro."

Storm narrowed her eyes. "Do not play games with me."

Kurt, who was perched on the counter, his tail waving behind him in agitation, muttered to himself in German before speaking up. "Logan, we're just worried about both of you."

Logan shrugged. "The kid's been off balance all morning. Give him a chance."

"We are willing to do that if he will make the effort as well," Storm said icily. "We have experience with difficult students, but they must be willing to try if they are to succeed."

"He's a hard worker, and smart," Logan promised. "You won't have any trouble on that front."

"And you?" Storm asked pointedly. "Are you prepared to try as well? Raising a child is not an easy task."

Logan narrowed his eyes but didn't answer. He loved Storm like a sister but she tended to underestimate him.

Kurt spoke up again. "What Storm means is that we want what is best for both of you. Can you give him what he needs?"

Logan snarled at his friend, making Kurt's tail stand up straight. "Look, I don't need ya judgin' us. Help or don't but don't start doubtin' my commitment to that boy. He's had it hard enough without someone else abandoning him."

Kurt held up his hands defensively. "That was not my intention, mein freund," he backtracked. "We only worry. Our lifestyle is not the safest, especially for one without powers."

Logan huffed in annoyance and Storm smiled gently at him. "We worry about you, Wolverine."

"The kid can hold his own and I'm workin' on trainin' him. He's a wicked shot with that bow of his, better than I've ever seen. We'll be fine." He leaned forward. "And he's safer with me than alone. Someone in SHIELD is targeting him. Fury doesn't know who or why but someone has put out a capture order for him. Think about it. Capture, not kill, not arrest. Someone wants Hawkeye's skills and their using backchannels to do it." He growled to himself. "People like that won't care that he's just a kid."

Kurt hopped off the counter to pace, his tail back to waving behind him and his ears twitching. On the other hand, Storm was a still as a statue as she processed that information. "So he needs protection but you won't risk the school to take him there," Kurt murmured thoughtfully. "Is your plan to keep on the move and out of trouble until the threat has been dealt with?"

"That's the idea," Logan agreed. "He's a good kid who's been dealt a bad hand. It's not in the system yet since we can't trust it, but Fury's put the paperwork together to make him my ward, legally. I'm responsible for him now."

"Charles mentioned that," Storm said distractedly. Then she looked up and nodded. "If that is the situation, we will do everything in our power. If you cannot trust SHIELD, then you know you can trust the X-men."

"I never doubted ya, 'Ro," Logan said with a wave. "But for now let's just focus on his education. That's what you're here for." He leaned back and crossed his arms, effectively closing the pervious matter. "Clint's 14 and hasn't been in a classroom in over 6 years. Let's start with that."

"Agreed," Storm said. She walked over to grab a large bag that she had left by the door, moving past Logan to do so. She trailed a hand over his shoulder, telling him wordlessly that she approved and would support him. She brought the bag to the bed and started pulling out reams of papers that she said would help her determine Clint's levels. Kurt slipped out to get Clint while Storm tried to explain it all to Logan. He only gave her half a mind. School had gotten a lot more complicated over the years. It used to be about learning but it had become just testing to prove that the students learned to test. Professor Xavier did not follow any standard curriculum but tests like these were useful in determining where a student stood regardless of how Logan felt about them

After a while, Clint and Kurt came back. Clint was ducking his head shyly, but Kurt was beaming. "Well, I talked to Clint and we think it will be easier for him to work with Storm alone for a while. Less pressure, ja?" the blue elf announced cheerfully.

"You alright with that?" Logan asked with a smirk. He wondered who's idea it really was; probably Kurt's based on that smirk.

"Yeah," Clint agreed with a shrug. "Better than you all hanging off my every word or staring over my shoulder."

Logan chuckled. "Wasn't asking you, Hawk," he teased gently. "Ro? You good to be left with this ragamuffin?"

She laughed quietly. "I believe we will survive being left alone," she answered in good humor. "What do you think, Clint?"

"I'll be good, Ms. Munroe," Clint said, cheering up a little. He seemed happy that she wasn't holding his earlier behavior against him.

"Then we'll leave you to it. It's early, but how about a beer, elf?" Logan asked, snagging his hat from where he had left it on the bed.

"Ja, lead the way, mein freund."

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With a wave, the men left Clint and Ororo behind to study. Now that Clint was more relaxed, Logan wasn't worried. He would never have left them alone if Clint was still acting like he had earlier, for both of their sakes. He didn't really want to come back to his ward frozen or electrocuted. Not that he thought 'Ro would really hurt the boy, but… As it stood now, Logan was glad to get away and have a beer with his best friend. They had a lot to talk about and he could use some of Kurt's advice.

The bar had only just opened so not even the regulars had arrived yet. It was just as well, since Kurt had forgotten to reactivate his inducer, not the Logan minded. He hated that damn thing. They snagged a table in the corner and the young man behind the bar brought them a couple beers and a bowl of chips. He was nervous about Nightcrawler but didn't make a big deal about it. He made even less of a deal when Logan handed him a fifty to keep the drinks coming. They sat in silence contemplating their drinks for a long time letting the tension build before Kurt finally broke it.

"So, Logan, what did you want to talk about?" Kurt asked as he took a pull from his glass. Logan raised an eyebrow as he took a drink himself. "Don't act so surprised, Wolverine. It's written all over your face."

Logan shook his head and took another drink before answering. "I'm out of my depth, Kurt."

"Ja, that is obvious."

Logan glared, but part of the reason Kurt was his best friend was that the elf wasn't afraid of him. "I am doing my best with the kid, but I'm," he paused to choose the right word, "concerned. He needs more than someone to stab the bad guys."

"I spoke to him, you know," Kurt said, leaning back to give Logan a look.

Logan waited for him to continue but the elf just watched, waiting for Logan to ask. "What did ya learn?" he finally growled.

Kurt smirked over the rim of his class. "He wants to make you proud. He thinks you're the coolest hero alive and he wants to be just like you."

Logan rubbed a hand over his face. "Seriously?" he asked.

"Ja, that is what he said."

"The kid could be a great hero," Logan admitted. His brows furrowed at the thought of Clint in real danger but he had to admit to the kid's potential. "Not all of us have powers after all, but it's hard work if ya do it right."

Kurt clinked their glasses to that. They drank in silence for a while before the German spoke up. "So what is the problem?"

"Did he mention why we had such a late night last night and why he was so snarly earlier?" Kurt shook his head so Logan continued, "He had a nightmare last night; woke me up with his screaming. Then we had a long talk about all the people who had abused him bad enough to leave scars. Scars, Kurt, on a 14 year old boy."

Kurt nodded wisely and took a fortifying drink from his glass, nearly emptying it. The bartender had refills for them before they had to ask. Kurt picked up the new glass and waited for the young man to leave before he spoke. "We have seen terrible things in our time, Logan. I had to deal with people who wanted to hurt me from a very young age so I know where young Clint is coming from." His tail tapped the table as he reflected. "You know the dark sides of human nature better than anyone so why does this bother you so?"

Logan ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know," he snarled in frustration. "We see it all the time with the team. Children whose only fault is that they were born with a mutation, being hunted and abused by strangers or their own family, are only the first example. But Clint is human and he's like a damn puppy, he's so eager to please. How could anyone hurt him?"

"You really care for the boy," Kurt said with a mischievous grin.

"Watch it, elf," Logan warned. "Your demon is showing."

Kurt waved a hand dismissively. "Logan, don't worry. You are kinder than you know. Who is it that the smallest, shyest children always run to? Even in the middle of a battlefield?"

Logan narrowed his eyes and drained his first beer. He snagged his second and considered it for a moment before taking a drink. "I just don't want to screw this up, Kurt. I can't be another person who lets that kid down. He has scars from his mentor beating him with the flat of a sword. His other mentor left cigarette burns on his shoulders for missing a target. I need to know that will not happen again."

Kurt reached forward to lay a three fingered hand on his friend's arm. "You won't, Logan. I believe he's one of us who can see behind the snarls and the claws to the good man that you are. He trusts you, which you can imagine is huge for a boy like him. I know because I trust you too."

Logan chewed on that for a while, drinking his beer a little slower than usual. Kurt watched him closely, just waiting as he nursed his own drink. American beer was not Kurt's preferred alcohol, but he made due. Besides, Logan did not want to get either of them drunk, not around Clint. Not that Logan could get drunk even if he wanted to.

"Should he trust me though," Logan said, finally. It was an honest question. There were days when Logan couldn't trust himself.

Kurt shook his head passionately and narrowed his eyes, his yellow irises flashing in anger. "Do not belittle our trust by doubting yourself, Logan. Clint trusts you, I trust you and the team trusts you. Do not forget that."

Logan bowed his head to think about that. He had to admit that someone believing in him always made him better. It gave him something to strive for. If left to his own devices it was even money on him disappearing to run feral with the wolves. "He's going to need to keep trusting me to if he's going to stay safe. I'm going have to start training him, hard."

Kurt nodded sensibly. "And you're worried that you'll scare him." Logan shot him a dirty look but the elf continued, unfazed. "No, I see where you're coming from. You do have something of a reputation among our younger students. Most would rather fight the brotherhood than have a one on one with you."

Logan growled but didn't argue. Kurt had the bit in his teeth now and continued thoughtfully. "What is he trained in? I mean, besides the obvious."

"Trickshot apparently taught him archery, but originally, he was the assistant for a bastard called the Swordsman," Logan explained. "I haven't seen him with a blade other than a throwing knife, but from what he says he's not bad."

The blue mutant perked up. "Another swordsman? I wonder what style he learned. Do you think he would be interested in learning from me?"

Logan huffed and took a long pull from his beer. "Sure, elf. Your style would probably be better than my Japanese Samurai."

Kurt nodded, obviously already thinking about it. His fingers tapped the table as he thought, probably already putting together a lesson plan. "I'll bring blades next time." It took a few minutes before he pulled his attention back to the present. "What else?"

"That seems to be it, other than the random lessons one learns from being a runt in a circus," Logan teased, remembering some of Kurt's stories of his time as a performer. "He's got the makings of a good fighter but he's never had any official training in that department. Guess his mentors didn't want him to know how to fight back." He was snarling by the last sentence and he was making the guy at the bar nervous. Kurt looked sympathetic even as he waved a hand for Logan to calm down. "We had a scuffle back in Colorado, just a trio of bullies who decided to be sore losers. I let Clint handle the oldest, a college punk, and while he was sloppy he still knocked the bastard down a few pegs."

"Start there," Kurt advised. "I'm assuming you're not planning to send him against Magneto anytime soon, so start with the threats at hand."
Logan lifted an eyebrow at his friend. "I was plannin' on it. I just don't want him to confuse my stabby irritability with his past mentors' cruelty."

"And there in lies the crux of the issue, mein fruend, but let me add this." Kurt said wisely, slipping into his priest voice. He liked to use it for lectures as well as sermons. "As one who has known abuse as a child, I can tell you that he will know the difference between abuse and training. You are nothing like those monsters who hurt him before and he will see that. He does see that now, Wolverine. Give him some credit. Continue to show him the difference and he will embrace it and you."

"Pretty words, elf," Logan admitted morosely. "Only time will show if their true."

Kurt glared at his friend and knocked off Logan's hat with his tail in frustration. "Believe me or not, Logan. I think you are the best thing to happen to that boy in a very long time."

Logan looked away. It wasn't worth arguing that very little good things had happened to Clint, so Logan just looked good in comparison. The elf had that gleam in his eye that meant he was willing to fight for this point. Logan didn't want to fight. He wanted Kurt to be right. So, he drained his beer and waved off the refill. "We should probably get back and see what trouble they've gotten into."

Kurt's eyes widened minutely in surprise. He was used to being the one to cut their drinking short since he felt the effects much sooner than Wolverine. However, he knew when to restrain from picking on his short friend, most of the time. "Don't trust Storm to keep your boy in line?" the blue German asked archly as he finished his own glass.

Logan shot a look at his friend, trying to decide if the elf was joking or not. "Nah," he replied with a shrug. "More worried that he talked her into something. He's a real charmer when he's not too tired to think straight."

Kurt laughed. "There is a story there. Please, share with the class," he said dramatically, throwing an arm around the other man as they made their way out of the bar.

"Well, first thing you need to understand is that the kid loves dogs, and I mean any kind of dog. He always wants to pet the dang things and the other day when we stopped for lunch, there was this lady with the ugliest little rat you've ever seen," Logan began as they started a slow amble back to the hotel.