When he arrived back at the mansion, Logan shut the door quietly behind him and walked into the kitchen. He tossed his keys into the wicker basket on the counter and opened the fridge, grabbing a Thomas Kemper Root Beer. He used a claw to pop the cap off the top of the bottle, then took a long swig. The powerful carbonation bubbled and prickled over his tongue and down his throat. No one else was in the kitchen, so he allowed himself the opportunity to rip out a loud belch.

"Very nice, Logan." He was so startled he nearly took out the refrigerator door with his claws. He hated when the Professor communicated telepathically. It always caught him off guard. "Sorry. Once you've cleaned the root beer off the ceiling, I'd like to speak with you in my office." Logan groaned and reluctantly grabbed a wad of paper towels.

- - -

The Professor sat behind his desk, sorting some papers into a couple of folders. Logan popped open the new bottle of root beer and then stepped into the office. "You wanted me?"

"Yes. I'm going to be visiting Dr. MacTaggert in Scotland for the next couple weeks. I'm putting you and Storm in charge of the students in my absense. They shouldn't be any trouble, but I wanted to let you know. If at all possible, I'd like to leave by this afternoon."

Logan shrugged. "Sure thing. Is that all?" The Professor nodded, but then changed his mind. "Actually, no. I want you to keep an eye on Kitty. I fear that she may be less stable right now than what she's leading us to believe."

"I was thinking the same thing, Charles. But what am I supposed to do about it?" Logan didn't really feel comfortable talking about this right now, but it wasn't as though he could escape the discussion.

"I just want you to try to be there for her if she needs you. Storm's efforts to get through to her have been rather unsuccessful. Just don't forget what Kitty has just gone through. The psychological effects will surely be long-lasting."

No problem, bub. I'm always there for anyone who needs it." Logan left the room before anything else could be said.

Back in the security of his own room, Logan let his thoughts stream through his weary mind. He was already doing everything the Professor asked of him. Ever since the day Kitty had arrived at the Institute, Logan had admired her. He loved her personality; the stubborn determination and independence. The same traits he saw in himself. But she also had more than him. She was more human. She could laugh and make friends and playfully interact with those around her. He'd never been very good with people and this extra quality she possessed only gave him even more respect for her individuality.

There was obviously something different about her now, something dark and tortured below the facade she was putting on. He wanted to see her smile genuinely again. He wanted her to love herself as much as he...as much as he what? Logan groaned and stood up. This was all too much work. Maybe television could take his mind off things.

He stretched out on his favorite couch in the lounge and turned on Sportsnet, his favorite channel for watching hockey. Warm sunlight streamed in through the wide glass windows. Soon, the voice of the announcer began to fade in and out and, telling himself it was just for a moment, Logan shut his eyes.

The lighting was dim and everything was metal. The floor, the walls, the ceiling, the pipes and machinery...a dull glint in every direction. He'd seen this room before. Suddenly he was aware of another being, and looking down he saw that he was holding someone in his arms. She seemed so familiar, why couldn't he remember who she was? She felt weightless. Empty. Her body was naked and he could count her ribs. Blood trickled down the side of her face and left a spot of blood on his shirt. Where was everyone else? He could not focus. There should be others here...he needed to get away. He needed to find help. She was bleeding heavier now, the drops hitting the floor like a slight rain. His head was fogged with panic and confusion. He spun around and realized that there were an endless number of hallways. Which one was he supposed to take? Suddenly the girl opened her eyes and their blue stare bore holes into his own hazel irises. Her hand grabbed his shoulder. "Logan..." She sounded frightened. He shouted frantically, "I can't find the exit. Which way is the exit?!" He was coming unglued. "Logan..." Her voice was pleading. Suddenly he knew who she was. "Kitty."

His eyes snapped open. Kitty stood beside the couch, looking extremely nervous. "Um...you were dreaming." Other students stood nearby with similar expressions on their faces. A few were holding book bags and he realized he'd slept a little longer than he'd planned to. He pushed up into a sitting position. "Sorry, I was...yeah. Dreaming. Did you want the remote?"

Kitty passed it over to Kurt. "You pick. I don't care what we watch." Logan watched her flop down into an armchair. She folded her twiggy arms and legs close to her body, curled up almost defensively. As everyone else found their own places to sit, Kurt switched the channel over to GSN. Logan expected Kitty to protest loudly - she hated Family Feud - but she was staring intently at the wall, not even paying attention to the screen. Kurt looked surprised but relieved. Feeling awkward among so many teenagers, Logan stood up to leave the room. Kitty didn't look up and he almost felt a pang of disappointment that she had not noticed his departure.

A couple hours later, the smell of baked alfredo ziti and crescent rolls wafted through the mansion's corridors, dragging the occupants away from what they were doing and leading them to the dining room. Storm had convinced Logan to help with dinner, and now he was trying to avoid detection as he sidled into the dining room with a handful of plates and utensils.

"Whoa Logan, Storm made you wear an apron?" Bobby Drake imitated the sound of a cracking whip. "Shut it, you little twerp-" Logan started to snarl, but then he noticed something that took his mind off of the humiliating situation. There was an empty chair at the table. "Where's Kitty?"

The students all just looked around at each other and then back at him. Jean spoke up for them. "She's working on schoolwork in her room. She said not to worry, she'll just eat a sandwich later." Jean shrugged. "I don't think she likes pasta much anyway."

Logan tried not to let Kitty's absense from the table get the better of him. He tried to reason with his own misgivings. Jean was a telepath, so if she could sound so nonchalant about it, there was obviously nothing suspicious going on. Just alot of schoolwork, that was all. He jabbed Bobby in the chest with a finger and left the room to grab more plates.