A/N: Here's chapter two. Clearly, I don't own anything but the plot. That's all the property of like, Marvel and Stan Lee and such. So I'm not making money. I wish I was…but I'm not. *Sigh*
PS: I apologize for my German. I'm not really fluent in it, and my spelling is terrible. I'm hoping I don't butcher it too badly.
When Kurt woke, he was more grey than blue, coated in a layer of dust that felt an inch thick at least. He sneezed three times in a row, shaking himself in an attempt to rid himself of dust. It didn't work. He would need a shower. He opened the door set into the floor of the attic and disappeared in a flash of blue down it to right outside Logan's door.
Logan was curled on his side, his back to him, five empty beer cans lined up on the floor by him, an unlit cigar held limply in his hand. The last beer was on the table on top of a quickly scrawled out note.
Elf, thanks for the beer. Saved you one. ~ Logan.
Kurt grinned at the note, and the fact that Logan had thought of him. Despite what Miss Rogue had said, he still felt unsure about how Logan felt about him. He unconsciously took a lot of the blame for things onto himself, such as Miss Grey's death. If he had been able to get her, perhaps Logan wouldn't seem so sad, and wouldn't have left for that time, never mind that she had stopped him from leaving the Blackbird. Thus, he felt certain Logan had plenty of reasons to dislike him and not talk to him. The note proved he didn't completely hate him. Quietly, so very, very quietly, he stripped off his pants, using his tail to hang them on a chair with his shirt. In only his boxers, which were admittedly a bit too big, he crouched down to search for pajamas by his pillow.
Logan rolled over and cracked his eyes open the tiniest bit. Kurt was right in front of him, close enough to touch. His pulse hammered in his veins, and he silently swallowed past it. He squeezed his eyes shut, and went back to feigning sleep. Unfortunately, he relaxed too much, and the cigar slid from his fingers, sending the cans scattering, the noise deafening in the stillness.
Kurt whipped his head up, yellow eyes flashing in surprise. Reflexively, he 'ported into the bathroom, so fast, that when Logan peeked down, he saw a pair of boxers floating to the ground. Logan bit back his laughter, and wondered if he should give up the game and admit to being awake, and offer to help him out. He thought about it for a second at most. Nah, if Kurt needed help, he'd come ask, and maybe offer him a better view of that tail. Logan grinned wickedly to himself, before rolling over and falling into a light doze.
The spray from the shower pounded against his back and shoulders as he leaned against the wall, trying to calm his racing heart and slow his breathing. It was only Logan, nothing to jump like a skittish cat from. Except, in his haste he had left his clothes out on his bed. Kurt hung his head in embarrassment, water cascading through his blue curls and down to trace over the angelic symbols scarring his entire body. "Schiesse."
The bathroom door creaked open just in time for Logan to roll over and make a show of waking up. Steam rolled out of the open door, shrouding a still partially wet Kurt who was clad only in a small white terry cloth towel held around his waist. He grinned bashfully, and without a word gathered up his boxers and a white tank top. "Forget something elf?" Logan asked. "My pajamas. The cans fell over…I was startled. Danke for the beer," Kurt mumbled. "I should thank you for it. It was good. So were the cigars." "You are welcome," Kurt said over his shoulder as he went back into the bathroom to change and finish drying. When he came back out, he curled up on his mattress, pulling his blanket up to his chin. Logan leaned over and looked down at him. "So, Storm wanted me to ask where you were during dinner. She couldn't find you anywhere." "I vas in the attic, looking at the stars. That's where I got so dusty," Kurt answered softly. Logan murmured noncommittally in response. Silence hung between them, not quite strained, but awkward all the same. Logan got effortlessly to his feet, muttering a quick, "I'm going to get something to eat," before strolling out. Truthfully, he just didn't like the silence and the way Kurt was just looking at him. He had to do something to break the quiet. He barely heard the whispered "Good night" from his roomie and the crack of the beer can tab.
Logan silently entered the kitchen, noticing the freezer door, which still bore the scars from his dispatching Stryker's soldiers, was open. He walked over, and looked down at Rogue, who was obliviously eating ice cream. "Bit late to be eating that, isn't it kid?" She nearly swallowed her spoon, jumping to her feet and whirling around. "Logan! God you scared me," she took in a deep steadying breath, shooting him a glare. He looked coolly back at her, one dark brow raised. She picked up the ice cream, holding it possessively and digging out another heaping spoonful. He snatched the spoon from her hand, gulping it down without even a shiver. Rogue gave him a look. "You gotta problem?" "Yeah, you just ate some of my ice cream!" "It's Hagen Das, that's the best ice cream around kid," Logan stuck the spoon back in the ice cream. "Ok, I'll give you that. The Germans know how to make ice cream better than here," Rogue took another bite before putting it away. "Germans?" "Yeah, I think so, why?" "Nothing. Don't worry about it." "Mkay sugar. So what're doing up this late?" Rogue asked, changing the subject.
"Midnight snack. Needed something to counter the beers and cigars." "Oh? Where'd you get those?" Rogue asked lightly, though of course she knew the answer. "The elf left them for me. Don't know why, wasn't going to question it. I saved him a beer though. Think he was nursing it when I left." "That was nice of you. Where was he all night anyway? Didn't see him at dinner," Rogue commented. "He was in the attic. He came down all covered in dust, not so much blue as grey. Guess he wasn't too hungry, just jumped in the shower and went to bed," Logan answered. Rogue covered up her smirk with a wide, near jaw cracking yawn. "Should get to sleep darlin'," Logan told her. "Only if you go back to your room. Don't think it's fair that I have to go to bed while you stay up." He gave her a look that said 'I'm the grownup here and you'd best do what I say.'
Rogue was having none of it. "C'mon Logan. It's only fair, you need sleep just as much as me. Or are you avoiding your room?" she asked slyly. His gaze hardened in a way that would send most running. Rogue wasn't most, and just chuckled at him. "Get to bed kid," he muttered, before leaving, shaking his head.
Kurt was asleep when he pushed open the door, his curls leaving a damp spot on the pillow, and he was making soft contented noises. Almost like purring. Carefully, so as not to step on his tail, Logan stepped over him onto his bed, willing it not to creak. It didn't, which was good. He didn't want to wake him and startle him again. Kurt's tail waved languidly in his sleep, sweeping across the floor and sending something clattering along to land in a patch of moonlight. It was the empty beer can Logan had left for him, with the note stuck to the bottom. He rolled his eyes, reaching over to move the can before going to sleep.
Rogue left the kitchen soon after Logan, darting silently down the hallways to Bobby's room. He had it all to himself, since Johnny had left with Magneto and Mystique, and no one else had moved in. As quietly as she could, she knocked on the door, slipping in the minute he opened it.
"Rogue? What time is it? What are you doing here?" he mumbled, rubbing sleepily at his eyes. "Well, I just thought I'd let you know that I was right," Rogue perched on the naked mattress that used to be John's. "Right about what?" Bobby asked, trying to pay attention and not fall back asleep. "About Logan and Kurt, obviously. I just talked to him in the kitchen. I could tell from the way he talked about him. And you know the beers Kurt bought Logan? Logan saved him one. Isn't that sweet?" "Adorable," Bobby muttered. "This couldn't wait until morning?" "It is morning Bobby. It's 12:30." "I meant, you know, after the sun comes up. When I'm awake." "Oh fine. Sorry to wake you," Rogue got to her feet, kissed him briefly on the cheek before her powers could grab him, and left, which he was grateful for, as he flopped back on the bed to catch a few more hours of sleep.
Logan woke up in a foul mood, breaking yet another alarm clock as he slammed his fist down on it. Storm told him he should consider alternative methods of waking up, seeing as he went through alarm clocks the way people went through underwear and no one wanted to wake him up, for fear of becoming shish kabob. What he thought of that wasn't repeatable. Growling to himself, he gathered up clothes, took a shower and changed, barely registering that Kurt wasn't there. He was actually out in the kitchen, having breakfast with Bobby, Rogue, and Kitty.
"Morning Logan," Rogue said cheerily as he walked in. He gave an annoyed grunt in response. "Told you that you needed sleep," she snickered. "Why aren't you exhausted then?" "I'm younger that you. I'm pretty much made for staying up late and then being ready to greet the next day." Logan accepted that, it made sense. He fixed himself a cup of coffee, and glanced around for the milk. "Who's got the milk?" "Oh. I do. Here," Kurt finished pouring it onto his cereal and passed it to Logan with his tail. "…Thanks," Logan took it carefully, adding a splash to his coffee, before setting it on the counter behind him.
"Shouldn't you kids be in class or something?" he asked, taking a sip and relishing in the instant rush of caffeine. "Kicking us out Logan?" Kitty grinned. He scowled at her. "It's Saturday," Bobby explained. "So no classes," Rogue added. "It's Saturday?" "Yeah. As in yesterday was Friday, tomorrow is Sunday. Ringing any bells?" Kitty snickered, loading a piece of toast with butter and cinnamon sugar. "Quiet Kitty. It's not often I wake up this early," Logan said defensively. "It's true," Kurt added, slurping the milk from his cereal bowl and licking his lips like a cat. "Don't you turn on me too, fuzzy," Logan glanced at him, leaning back against the counter, forgetting about the milk and nudging it just enough that it started to fall. He made a grab for it, but Kurt beat him to it, whipping his tail over and catching it in midair before it hit the ground and spilled.
"Nice reflexes," Logan nodded at him, which earned him a tiny grin. How Kurt managed to give the appearance of looking through his lashes demurely up at Logan while he was at least a head taller than him was a mystery. Behind their backs Rogue made eye contact with Bobby, who looked up, shaking his head. His girlfriend looked affronted. How could he not believe that?! Right there, right in front of them! It was visible from space the attraction! But no, Bobby probably wouldn't believe it until he walked in on them kissing…or more. She giggled at what she imagined his face would look like, and how red it would be. Logan shot her a look, noticing the sheepish way she smiled at him, how her pulse sped up nervously. She was up to something, he was sure of it. He didn't know what though. He almost wished for Chuck's power, to brace himself for it. Because he was also certain that it dealt with him.
Logan drained his coffee cup before setting it in the sink and heading to the garage to work on the bike he was fixing up, seeing as he couldn't keep stealing Scotts. Kurt disappeared in burst of blue smoke, to either the library or the attic or outside in the barn with the horses, where he had taken to spending his days hidden in the shadows and enjoying the quiet. Once they were both out of earshot, Rogue burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" Kitty asked, leaning forward in her seat. She was always up for a new bit of gossip. "She's convinced the two of them," Bobby gestured after Logan and Kurt, "are in loooooove." He drew out there word and made mocking kissing sounds. "Oh! Yeah, I think that's possible," Kitty nodded in agreement. "See! It's not just me!" Rogue said triumphantly. Bobby gave up, knowing he was not going to win this. They had it set in their minds and nothing was going to get them to think otherwise.
"So, he's complimented him, hasn't kicked him out, and even saved him a beer. For the Wolverine, that's like being caught making out in a closet," Rogue said thoughtfully. "So, I guess going for a spin on his bike would be like going all the way," Kitty suggested. "I think so," Rogue nodded. Bobby mimed gagging behind them, until Rogue elbowed him in the chest. He doubled over, grasping the counter and thinking maybe he should just agree with her, it would save him from getting bruised ribs. "I'm glad he's moved on. He seemed so sad after…well, you know. And he left. I missed him. He and Professor Summers took that really hard." "Professor Summers still is," Bobby murmured, rubbing his chest.
"Does either of them know?" Kitty asked, trying to change the subject. "Nope. And don't think I'm going to push them either. Knowing Logan, he won't take kindly to anyone, not even me, getting involved in his business," Rogue answered. They agreed on that, that none of them wanted to be facing down an angry Wolverine.
About a week later, on a particularly rainy day, Kurt's room was finally finished. Wind rattled at the windows, driving rain and small branches against the glass while thunder and lightning created a sonata of light and sound. Kurt sat forlornly in the library on the window seat, the tip of his tail beating a sad rhythm on the cushion. He hated it when the weather got like this; the attic got so drafty and wet, much too uncomfortable for him to even consider spending the day up there.
"Hey Kurt," Logan greeted him, still sweaty from his workout in the Danger Room and in his sweat pants and a tank top. "Logan," Kurt nodded at him over his shoulder. "Storm told me to let you know that your room's all set." "Danke. Where is it?" "Down the hall a bit from mine. Want some help moving in?" Only as he said it did Logan realize how stupid that sounded. Kurt didn't have much in the way of belongings, just some clothes and his rosary. In fact, he was pretty sure Storm had taken care of that. Kurt turned around and grinned up at him. He couldn't turn down the offer, he just couldn't, not at the look on Logan's face. "Help vould be good. Danke."
Kurt gathered up his clothes and rosary while Logan bundled together the sheets and pillows. He couldn't help staring at the room. It was more like a playground. Instead of a bed he had a hammock hanging from the ceiling, the cloth done in bright shades of red. A strong bar hung in front of the window so he could hang upside down and watch the outside world, as he often did. A desk was pushed against one wall, with a swing for a seat, two sturdy ropes and a smoothed out board for him to sit on. Storm had even tacked up the posters of Kurt in the circus to the wall, along with the ones he'd collected of classic pirate and adventure movies.
Together they hung up the clothes and made the hammock. Kurt was surprised to find that his closest already had clothes in it, the pants all with a hole for his tail, no doubt Storm's doing. He smiled softly; she did look out for him. "There," Logan tossed the last pillow on the hammock and declared the room done. Just as he finished, lightning flashed, and the lights in the room flickered before going out completely. Kurt's eyes seemed to glow in the darkness as he stood still, trying to make out where Logan was. The other man had gone still as well, unable to see as well as him in the dark. "Logan?" he said quietly. "Here. Where are you?" Logan felt a three fingered hand on his arm, gently pulling him to sit down lest he trip in the dark and fall.
The power remained off for…fifteen minutes. After that, Logan didn't care to keep track. He would've thought that in a mansion, especially one as technologically advanced as Chuck's, the power wouldn't be out for long. "Of course. But naturally, it is not so." Kurt's voice came out of the darkness, almost startling Logan. He hadn't realized he'd said that out loud. But he had, and Kurt had answered, and if he wasn't mistaken, the blue teleporter was joking. There was a definite undercurrent of laughter in his voice. He hadn't even known he could laugh and joke.
"Sooo…what was it like…being in the circus?" Logan asked awkwardly. Small talk was not his forte. "I mean, what did you do?" "I vas the Incredible Nightcrawler," Kurt answered proudly. "And that means?" "I worked on the trapeze." "Oh. Guess that makes sense, doesn't it?" "I vould think so. I also juggled some times, entertained the children. I can juggle a lot, even if it's on fire." You'll have to show me that," Logan said, sincerely impressed. "Perhaps when the power come back on. I don't have my trapeze gear or anything, but I can still juggle. Although I don't know if the Professor or Storm would let me use fire," Kurt said a trace sadly. It was so much more impressive with actual fire. "I'll talk to'em. It's not like you're going to go like Pyro and set fire to the whole mansion." "Thank you Logan. That vould be nice," Kurt answered shyly. His tail thudded on the floor, occasionally hitting Logan, though neither said anything. Logan sighed, thirsty and craving a cigar and more than a little bored.
Eventually the lights came back to life, and Logan heard sighs of relief throughout the school. "'Bout damn time," he got to his feet and stretched. He spared a glance at Kurt, who had 'ported into his hammock, and was looking sadly out the window. He wouldn't say anything, but Logan could tell he didn't want to be by himself. "Hey, Blue." Kurt turned golden eyes towards him. "I'm going out for a six pack and some cigars. You wanna come?" "But…it's raining." "I know. Just thought you seemed a bit bored here, maybe you wanted to go out. Don't worry about it though. I'll see you around," Logan turned towards the door, mentally cursing himself for even trying. He was almost out the door when he felt a rush of air beside him and saw Kurt grinning down at him. "How will we get wherever it is we are going?" Logan smirked, "We're taking Scott's bike."
"Does he know we are taking his bike?" Kurt asked worriedly. Logan tossed him a look as if to say 'are you kidding me?' "He never knows when exactly. And he hates that I take it. Which just makes me more inclined to take it." "Doesn't he get mad?" "Oh yeah." Kurt chewed his bottom lip while he thought. "Which is what you're trying to do, isn't it?" "Finally catching on, huh? It only took you eight months," Logan sat astride the Harley, flexing his hands on the handlebars. The engine roared to life, making Kurt leap back in surprise. He had wanted to ask why exactly Logan and Scott always seemed to be in the midst of a testosterone throw down, but couldn't make himself heard over the revving. It didn't matter much anyway. They didn't seem to need a reason.
"Get on and hold on tight," Logan called. Kurt nervously got on behind him, hesitantly placing his hands on his waist. Logan gunned the engine, shooting out of the garage into the rain. Kurt gasped and clung to Logan's waist, his face pressed against his broad back. Logan laughed, steering the bike onto the winding road. The rain pelted at his face, stinging and cold. Kurt, protected as he was by Logan's back, hardly felt it as he tucked his tail under his jacket. His arms went numb as they twisted along narrow roads surrounded by trees on all sides, finally coming to a small, dimly lit liquor store that was friendly towards mutants.
"You want to come in or wait out here?" Logan asked. "I will come in, warm up for a minute," Kurt answered. "Then you're gonna have to let go," Logan chuckled. The elf quickly pulled away his arms, wincing as they protested from the cold and being held in one position for so long. He scrambled after Logan, following him into the store. He unconsciously blended in with the shadows and stuck close to Logan, looking warily all around. "Rough weather to be out ridin' Logan," the owner said as he handed Logan change for the six pack and cigars. "Beats sitting in the dark. Power went out, only just came back on," Logan responded. "Oh yeah? Well, careful out there boy, with the storm." Logan gave a small nod, hefting the beer and tucking the cigars into the inner pocket of his weather beaten brown leather jacket. "C'mon," he said over his shoulder to Kurt, who followed right behind.
He secured the six pack in the saddle bag, and swung on. Kurt got on behind him, prepared this time to hang on tight. "Relax bub. Don't have to hold on that tight," Logan said, quietly amused. Kurt turned wide anxious golden eyes on him, but loosened his grip. It was clear he liked riding on the bike about as much as Logan liked being in the Blackbird, and he felt sorry he'd asked. But he hadn't known he wouldn't like it. He guided the bike down the roads by instinct, his mind far away from thoughts of the storm, or the roads, or other probably important topics. So of course something had to go wrong. He heard Kurt's gasp before the tremendous creaking groan, followed by an ear splitting crack. The winds were enforcing their will on a lightning struck branch, tossing it down at them. Before he could protest, Kurt's arms tightened around him and swept him, the bike, and the beer away.
It was only for an instant, but it was enough for Logan to not want to make a habit of that form of travel. Wherever they went, it was cold, and he couldn't breathe at all, and was abso-fucking-lutely miserable. He couldn't help the sigh of relief as they reappeared on the other side of the massive branch. The bike skittered to a stop. "Are you all right?" Kurt asked. "Fine. Thanks for that. That could've ended messy," Logan answered more gruffly than he intended. He wouldn't admit it, but 'porting had startled him. He preferred the bike. He started it up once more, and, more carefully this time, drove back to school. The rain intensified while they parked, and Logan looked dejectedly out at the expanse they'd have to cross to get inside where it was warm. He didn't want to ask, but he wanted in, and obviously, so did Kurt. "Can you get us in without having to walk?" he asked grudgingly. "I can try," was the simple answer.
Kurt's arms enveloped Logan, even his tail wrapping around him. Logan, one hand holding the six pack, held onto him, and gave every appearance that he was completely unaffected; pretended that his heart wasn't thumping so hard it was painful. Kurt, for his part, was just as nervous, for reasons he couldn't understand. And it distracted his focus. He couldn't visualize any of the rooms he knew inside the mansion, something he typically could do with little issue. "I'm sorry. I'm still not good at teleporting without seeing vhere I am going," he said miserably, stepping away. He hung his head, embarrassed in the extreme. Logan's nose twitched, picking up on the change in scent, but left it alone. "Don't worry about it," he turned up the collar of his coat and started trudging through the wet grass and mud.
Before they were halfway across, their pants were soaked to the knee and caked with mud, and Kurt's bare feet were frozen. Not to mention, he was having trouble keeping his balance in the mud. As was proven when a loud splat reached Logan's ears, followed by someone cursing fluently in German, much too fast for Logan to follow. He was however impressed. He never would have pegged the religious teleporter as one to damn near out curse a sailor. He turned and saw Kurt struggling to pull himself out of a colossal mud puddle, covered head to toe and tail in the sticky stuff. Rolling his eyes, he slogged back through the mud and lifted him by the back of the coat to his feet. "Danke," Kurt frowned and spat out a glob of mud.
Bobby, Rogue, and Kitty looked over as Kurt and Logan hurried in, pushing the door shut quickly. "What happened to you?" Bobby asked, taking in Kurt's mud caked form. "I fell in ze mud," he answered meekly. "Where'd ya go anyway?" Kitty added. "Out," Logan answered shortly. He was cold and wet, and the kids were holding him up from his hot shower. "We went out on the motorcycle for beer," Kurt grinned, his pointed teeth startlingly white in his brown and blue face. Kitty snorted and choked on her soda, Bobby smacking her on the back in an attempt to help. Logan and Kurt gave her an odd look before shrugging it off and going for showers.
"Oh…oh my…god!" Kitty wheezed. "They went all the way!"
A/N: thought I'd end on a high note, keep'em laughing. Maybe persuade more people to review? Just an idea.