Chapter 6: Recovery

Sabere had left dinner as soon as she could. The worried and pitying stares at her were driving her crazy, so she refilled her wine glass and went up to her favorite balcony to watch the sunset.

The timing was so cruelly perfect it almost made her laugh. She mutated late, and on accident – and just as the most powerful mutant ever had gained enough strength to seek her out. Unbelievable. If they had just crossed the street a few minutes later, if Andy hadn't tripped…

Like she hadn't gone over the possibilities before.

After three years in Xavier's mansion, the old life at NYU as Sami seemed like another person's life altogether. Sabere certainly didn't want to go back – now, three years later, what could she go back to? She had never officially graduated, she had written once to her parents from the mansion (they never responded), and after the incident at Stryker's base and being publicly exposed as a mutant, there were probably few employers in the country, much less New York City, willing to hire her.

someone behind you

She spun around to press the edge of her knife against Logan's throat. He jerked away reflexively, and Sabere blushed as she returned the blade to her side.

"Let's see – that's twice you've nearly slit my throat?"

"I'm sorry." She shook her head and looked back out at the setting sun. "I haven't been friendly at all today, have I?"

"Well, you did just find out you're responsible for the rise of the most evil mutant ever – I bet we can cut you some slack."

"Not funny, Logan."

"No, not really…look, I just came – "

"To see how I'm holding up, I know." She rolled her eyes at him. "You know, for playing the tough guy, you seem to be very concerned about feelings."

"I'm concerned about you," he replied. "There's a lot going on all of a sudden."
"Yeah? So you've found it in your heart to seek me out to receive your TLC?"

Logan shook his head. "'Kay, you're doing fine. See you later." He turned to leave the balcony, but Sabere folded and called him back.

"Logan, wait – I'm sorry, I'm just – it's weird, you know? I mutated about ten years late, which is apparently perfect timing for this bastard – "

"It sucks," Logan announced. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. At first she yielded – someone else to lean on, at last – but she knew all she needed about Logan's history with women, and decided she didn't want those comforting arms anymore.

Of course, Kurt chose the moment she drew away to show up looking for her. He had the image inducer on again, and his soft brown eyes conveyed far more emotion – currently, anger and confusion – than usual. Despite the situation, he stepped boldly out onto the balcony as Sabere tried to figure out how to defuse.

"Is everything okay here?" Kurt asked calmly, too calmly.

"Just fine," Logan replied, arms folded chastely. "Just making sure Sabere was doing okay. But – I'll go now."

Sabere looked awkwardly away, rubbing her forehead and waiting for Kurt to say something. Logan's steps retreated down the hall. Kurt leaped silently up onto the railing, an unexpected movement from someone who looked so human, to crouch and look out on the grounds with her.

"How long have you been up here?" he asked quietly.

Either he's ignoring it or it didn't bother him, she thought uncomfortably. "Not long – a few minutes. Dinner got too awkward. Plus – " She waved her arm at the sunset. "It's quite a view."

He smiled a little, a fake smile, and even on a different face it made Sabere instantly recognize his unhappiness. She hugged his arm and leaned against it, craning her neck to look up into his face. He stared determinedly at the sunset. "I know what you're thinking – "

"What am I thinking? That you've somehow awakened an evil mutant? That I have been worried sick about you since you collapsed, and even now, I'm frightened for you?" His English was slipping, which happened when he was upset. He finally looked down at her, his hair obscuring his eyes. "That I have thought of little other than you for…hours now, and I find you with Logan?"

"Kurt!" She pulled back a little. "There's…it's been three years, Kurt, I love you, and you know that!" She softened and leaned into his arm again. "I need you."

His head dropped down to rest on hers. He took several short breaths, as if he was about to say something but changed his mind at the last second. The sun was reduced to an orange sliver melted on the horizon when he finally spoke.

"I trust you." She, and she alone, knew how much trust meant for Kurt Wagner. "I love you. But…as much as I love you, you must understand…I have been…betrayed so often that I…"

"I know," she whispered. "I'm honored that you trust me. I know how hard it is for you to give. But you don't fully trust me yet, even after all this time. Kurt, I love you. You can trust me because I will always love you."

He smiled, a real smile this time, and in response tilted her face up to kiss her.

"Oh, wait…" He tapped the button on his inducer and suddenly Kurt was back. Then he kissed her. It feels like kissing a shadow…soft lips, blended into a face that was almost black in the setting sun's light. His hair tickled her face, and for a moment, she almost forgot the new troubles on the horizon.

He drew back and rested his cheek on her forehead, his hand still on her face. "We are going to make it, Liebchen. We have been through worse."