On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me
Eight hours of therapy sessions,
Seven Brotherhood members shaking,
Six teachers on a hunt,
Five scary rounds,
Four students playing hooky,
Three musicians out of tune,
Two dancing lovebirds
And a Wolverine in a pear tree.

After Storm had managed to find those books, Scott had been cautious with the students and watching not only material, but his back. This week especially had been tougher. With the holiday season in full swing, the students had been finding more and more ways to challenge them as teachers. Once it was closer to Christmas Day though, many found that they were lonelier than ever without their actual family.

That was way Xavier suggested that a day be set aside for the student to calm themselves and to talk it out. He thought that the strain of too many tests and their raging emotions would be too much and decided to set up a therapy session and alternate between their study periods and talking. When Scott protested this scenario (believing that there was no time in between studying), the Professor looked straight at him and proclaimed that he and Jean could handle the situation perfectly. There was no counter argument.

Jean thought it was a fabulous idea. "We could set up flyers," she suggested as they left the Professor's office.

"I think the rumor mill is far better," Scott replied through clenched teeth.

"Scott," she said in an admonishing tone. "We should have thought of this earlier. Individual help is always here. The students take advantage of it. But to have it available through other sources, maybe once a week, will benefit them greatly."

"I am not good at therapy. I hardly spoke when I was younger."

"That's because you were bullied as a child. Give it a try! You might like it."

Scott could not deny that Jean was enthusiastic about the prospect. Sighing, he agreed and allowed Jean to take him by the hand and set up shop. Two days later, they had four private rooms and a schedule three pages long and all of it having to fit within an eight-hour window. Scott was floored by the response and was more surprised to see the students lining up in the hallways before the appointed hour.

He felt lucky to have some help too. Storm and Hank had volunteered their services. Scott was also pleased that Logan was not around. Other than being the unofficial substitute and all-around guard, Logan did not seem to be the type to offer advice and comfort and did not even like the kids. Scott believed that he would sabotage the efforts and do everything in his power to disturb order in the mansion.

Scott!

Jean passed and gave Scott a quick scowl before settling in her room. He took this as a cue and went to his assigned area, ignoring that Jean was once more defending that feral. Once inside, he glanced over the papers and waited until the clock struck nine. As soon as it did, the first student came in. As soon as there was privacy, she burst into tears and sat down before Scott, explaining everything wrong.

By the end of the conversation, Scott felt a little corny just by patting her hand and telling her that it was ok. But it appeared to have aided the girl a little and it was almost like the Professor was there the way Scott allowed it to flow. She wasn't sobbing by the time the next student arrived in the same state. When he took a peek at the line, he noticed that most of them were experiencing the similar emotions.

It's going to be a long day…

The hours passed quickly. Relieved that the end was in sight by five, Scott stood and stretched his limbs before his next appointment. He had one more person before dinner. But he was more confident than two days ago. While the idea was in its infancy and hardly running smoothly, he saw that Xavier was right. Maybe those kids needed an outlet and they were it. After all, they all underwent the pressure and strain of being mutants too.

Suddenly, Logan entered. He took the chair before Scott and turned it around so that he leaned on its back, arms underneath his chin. All the while, he took out an unlit cigar and chewed on it. The smell permeated the room and caused Scott to cough.

"Seriously, Logan?" Scott was annoyed. "This is for students only."

"Nobody said that," he pointed out. "Papers said it was people who needed to talk. And boy, do I need to talk to you."

"Logan –"

"Well, you see, there was this kid. And this kid ran away from home because he did a horrible thing to someone who wasn't supposed to be his father. And he spent decades going from one place to another…"

"Logan –"

"And then, when he finally found some peace decades later, it shattered. Nothing was ever the same again. So, after over twenty years of wandering, this kid – now an adult over a hundred years old – finds a place full of outcasts just like him. And what else?"

"Logan, you can't –"

"A woman who he loves and is with some asshole. Can you believe that? I mean, what would you do in this case, Scott? Take away the wench and marry her or leave her in her misery? It's a tough choice."

Scott was speechless. The day had gone over so well until Logan showed up. He checked his papers again. Yes, the Professor approved of Logan being here. He signed off on it.

Dammit!

Scott stood up, shaking. He was halfway between deciding whether or not he should be punching Logan or storming out. While Jean was cautioning him in the other room as best as she could, Scott felt that this was no time for shenanigans. He had enough of it when the kids stole those books. He wasn't going to take shit from Logan.

"I think our time is up," Scott said as calmly as he could. "I am also finished for now. Good day, Logan!"