A/N: Kurt, Logan, and the rest of the X-Men unfortunately belong not to me but to Marvel. I just like to borrow them, y'know, take them out to play once and a while.
Sunlight came glaringly through the half shut curtains in Logan's room. It was like the weather was trying to make up for the storm with nice weather, but had overcompensated. The sky outside was almost painfully blue, bright as a cornflower petal, without a few clouds to temper it. A faint breeze stirred the branches of the trees and the leaves and twigs scattered on the ground in the aftermath of the storm.
Logan frowned, dredging himself from the depths of sleep to blink in the light. Grumbling, he started to climb out of bed, only to stop upon hearing a soft, grouchy murmur. Kurt was still sleeping on his side, one hand curled up in front of his mouth, the other dangling over the side of the bed. His tail waved languidly in his sleep, seemingly independent from the rest of him. He apparently didn't appreciate Logan moving. But he didn't wake, merely shuffled back slightly, getting closer to Logan for warmth.
Unable to go back to sleep, Logan lay propped on his side, lightly tracing over the scars that stretched across Kurt's shoulders, down his sides, on his arms and legs, and most of the length of his tail, as well as his face. A few even ran up the points of his ears. If what Logan had heard was true, they'd been done by Kurt himself, which explained why they didn't go that far along his back; he couldn't reach. Kurt slept the entire time, hardly twitching as Logan's finger ran along the raised scars.
"Logan! I know you're in there! Wake up!" Kurt jumped, eyes flying open as Storm pounded on the door. "Go back to sleep elf," Logan whispered, sliding out of bed and pulling on a pair of sweatpants. He glanced back to see Kurt was still half awake, but drifting off once more even as he turned and cracked open the door.
"Yeah?" "Well good morning to you too Logan," Storm quirked an eye brow at his less than cheerful greeting. "Mornin' 'Ro," he sighed. "G'morning. Anyway, Professor wanted me to ask you something," she said. "What's that?" "Would you mind taking on a few classes?" "Which ones?" "Scott's for one. Shop in the garage. You know he's…" Storm trailed off, trying to think of how to put what was wrong with their team leader. Been moping like an overgrown crybaby? Logan thought. Out loud he said, "I know. Difficult. What's the other one?" Storm grinned almost mischievously at him. "Art. We heard about what you said at Bobby's house." "You've got to be kiddin' me," Logan pinched the bridge of his nose, eye squeezing shut. "I suggested wood shop," she chuckled. He glared up at her, his brows drawn together as he saw she wasn't even looking at him, but around him, into his bedroom, where Kurt lay tangled between the sheets and sleeping once more.
Logan found himself yanked roughly from his room and all but shoved against the wall across from his closed door. "What the hell are you doing 'Ro?" "I should ask you the same thing," she snapped demeanor going instantly from cheerful to harsh. "Why was he in your room, naked in your bed?" "I would've thought that'd be pretty obvious," Logan smirked. Apparently Storm didn't find him funny, as the hair on Logan's arms and the back of his neck stood at attention, and thunder rumbled down the hall. "Logan, I swear, if you're just using him for a one night stand kind of deal…" she said threateningly. Logan's eyes narrowed as he met her gaze. "You'll what, turn me into a crispy critter? Turn off the light show Storm, it's not scarin' me. You really think I'd do that to him? It'd be like kicking a puppy or something. " "I don't know Logan, you leave all the time, it's hard to know exactly what you'll do and won't do anymore." Despite the callous words, Storm backed off, and her eyes, which had turned white, cleared. "Well, let's say I've got some incentive to stick around now," he answered.
The door slamming closed woke Kurt once more. Apparently he wasn't going to get any more sleep. He stretched languorously, rubbing the burning bite mark along his shoulder. Logan was gone, though he had idea as to where he'd disappeared to. Slowly, he slid to the floor, reached for his pants and pulled them on, turning to make sure his tail slipped through the hole in them. He padded to the door, intent on finding Logan and getting himself breakfast. Voices outside the door stopped him, and looking around himself guiltily, he pressed his ear to it and listened.
The conversation was muffled, and he couldn't pick up much. It sounded like Logan though, and Storm. They didn't sound happy with each other either, and Kurt jumped as thunder sounded outside, making the door shudder. Once the door settled, he leaned forward once more, trying to hear. Just as he reached out to steady himself on the wood frame, he heard from the two "one night stand". His hand slipped and he very nearly gave himself away by falling into the door. Was that it then? Had Logan panicked upon Storm knocking on the door and waking him before he could leave? Was he even then berating her for doing such?
With the parting remark that it would be in his best interests to not screw Kurt over and hurt him, Storm left down the hall. Logan let her go with the promise that he would think about taking on some classes, and that he would listen to her warning. He opened his door just in time to get a blast of air in the face, and the familiar smell of sulfur. Kurt was gone, his clothes picked up and the sheets arranged neatly on the bed. Logan sighed heavily, shaking his head. He had the distinct impression Kurt had not left happy. Just a hunch really; but he had at least taken time out to make the bed.
Kurt was not in his room when Logan took a look in. Though there was still a carton of ice cream, the melted remains congealing into a sticky mess on the bottom. He leaned against the wall, trying to think of where the elf could've gone to. As he stared out the window onto the yard, he heard a faint shuffling, like someone was shoving aside a cardboard box, but didn't want to disturb anyone. Only Kurt would be so considerate, despite being upset. Question was, where was he? Logan stepped into the hall, ears trained for any sound. The ceiling above creaked, and settled. Caught you now elf.
Early morning light cut a wide swath across the floor of the attic. Kurt managed to find a thick patch of shadows to hide himself in, but he couldn't help but turn his head upon Logan coming up, and the sun made his eyes flash briefly. Without a word, Logan sat down heavily on an old chest of drawers. "You didn't have to make my bed y'know," he said finally. "I know, it vas just habit," Kurt murmured. "You didn't have to leave either. So why did you?" Kurt's shoulders hunched, and he stared determinedly ahead. "I…heard you and Storm," he began. Logan looked at him, bewildered. If he'd heard, what was the problem? "Vas I just a temporary distraction Logan? A one night stand?"
Kurt expected denial, anger, anything but the bark of laughter Logan let out. "Elf, you really oughta get all the facts before jumping to conclusions. What was it you said about assuming?" Kurt frowned, twisting his tail in his hands. "I said it makes an ass of you and me," he answered. "Well, you are the ass. Storm was saying I better not be using you for a one night stand. I swore to her I wasn't. I promise. This is what happens when you eavesdrop," Logan shook his head, grinning at him. "So…I vas just mishearing things?" "Yeah. And in case I didn't tell you, so you understand, you were not a temporary distraction. I meant everything last night. Ok?" "Ja. I feel so stupid though, over reacting like that," Kurt hung his head, embarrassment radiating off him. "Everyone makes mistakes. Don't worry about it. At least I came and found you." "Yes, at least you found me. Very quickly I might add. And I apologize for running." "Quit your apologizing, and let's get some breakfast. I'm starving." "So am I," Kurt said, and Logan felt a hand closing over his wrist. "Wait, Kurt, no. I told you I don't like 'porting!"
Kitty nearly spilled her cereal bowl when Kurt and Logan appeared out of thin air at the table. Rogue accidentally dumped maple syrup all over her breakfast, and Bobby choked on the sip of milk he had. Logan looked at them all with eyebrows raised. "You think they'd get used to it," he commented. "Says the one who looks slightly green," Kurt retorted, softening it with a light laugh. "Told you I don't like that." "You said you were starving." "See you two are on better terms," Bobby commented, mopping up the milk he'd spat out when choking. "You could say that," Logan answered, pouring himself a large cup of coffee. "Oh yeah, what brought this about sugar?" Rogue asked. "We…" Kurt fumbled for the right words. "Came to an understanding?" Logan offered. "Yes, we came to an understanding. Danke." Rogue narrowed her eyes, watching them shrewdly. "What kind of an understanding?" "Jesus kid, mind your own business. I don't poke into your life do I?"
Rogue and Kitty glanced at each other, realization dawning at the same time. They turned near identical semi evil smirks on Logan and Kurt. Logan's gaze hardened slightly, knowing he wasn't going to like what was coming. Kurt backed up until he hit the counter. Bobby groaned and hung his head, feeling sorry for the cornered pair. Rogue pulled her glove off, tossing it on the table. "What're you doing kid?" Logan asked. "Getting proof," she answered, reaching out to touch her fingertips to his arm. He couldn't help but flinch, feeling her power starting to leech his. Flushing, Rogue pulled away, jerking her glove back on. She'd gotten a glimpse inside his mind, and seen flashes of the night previous. "Well?" Kitty asked eagerly. "Oh yeah." "Little invasive don't you think darling?" Logan sipped from his coffee, shaking off the effects of Rogue's absorption power. "So-rry, but we've been wondering about you two for forever," Rogue retorted. "You coulda just asked." "Would you've told me?" "If you asked nicely, might've." Kurt looked between the two, obviously confused. "Don't ask. Trust me," Bobby advised, putting his empty cup in the sink.
The three students left to their classes, leaving Logan and Kurt to scavenge something for breakfast. Kurt perched on the counter, digging through the cabinets and jumping down with a box of granola bars. "Was dieses ist?" he snagged one, tearing through the wrapper. "Granola bars. Like horse chow in a bar," Logan helped himself to one. Kurt bit off a bite, and his eyes widened. "It's delicious." "You sound surprised," Logan chuckled. "Well, it doesn't look that appetizing. But, like you said, it's horse chow in a bar, and I've learned to trust the opinion of horses." "Oh?" Kurt nodded, "I've made friends with the horses in the barn. Especially a pony by the name of Rhys. Would…would you like to come with me to see him? I try and visit him with an apple every day." Logan finished his coffee, "Sure. You have an apple?" Kurt tossed one from the fridge to him. Grinning cleverly, Logan unsheathed his claws and sliced it, popping a slice in his mouth.
The horses whinnied softly, ears perking at the sight of Kurt with an apple. He offered a few to the other horses, before going into to Rhys's stall. The pony nickered and nuzzled Kurt's hand, taking the offered snack. "You can pet him, he won't bite," Kurt said from where he sat on the straw. Logan carefully held out his hand to Rhys, who eyed him warily before allowing him to scratch behind his ears. Kurt smiled, leaning against the wall. "Can I come in, or will he not like that?" Logan asked. He waited while the elf spoke softly in German to the horse, stroking his neck. "You can, just be careful," he finally answered.
Logan opened the gate, moving slowly so as not to startle Rhys. The horse huffed and lay down, lulled to sleep by Kurt picking up a brush with his tail and brushing along Rhy's flanks. "So, this is where you disappear to besides the attic," Logan folded his arms behind his head and leaned back. "Ja. I like it here, it's quiet, and the horses don't mind me," Kurt slid down the wall, stretching his legs until they nudged against Logan's. "Were you talking to this one a minute ago?" Logan couldn't tell by sight, but he would've sworn Kurt was flushing. "I vas. I know they can't understand, and I of course can't understand them, but it makes me feel better if I'm feeling unhappy, to think that Rhys is listening and it seems to calm them," Kurt shrugged. Or it could just be the calming air Kurt exuded, but Logan kept that to himself, choosing instead slide further down the wall, getting comfortable.
The sun made its circuit across the sky, without Kurt and Logan moving from the barn. They stayed there the whole day, talking occasionally, but mostly enjoying the peace. Kurt only moved to hesitantly sit closer to Logan, though he wasn't sure how close to sit or where, and fidgeted for a good five minutes before Logan rolled his eyes and tugged him over so his head was resting against his shoulder. As the hours passed, Kurt eventually relaxed, and dozed, cuddled next to Logan, who had Rhys drooping against him as well and was sleeping. "Do you think we should go back inside? It's getting late and Storm vill wonder where we went," Kurt's voice was thick and drowsy. "Yeah maybe. It'll probably be dinner soon, and 'Ro won't know to look for us here. Which could be useful." Kurt rolled his eyes up to see the tiny grin on Logan's face. He lightly punched his in the ribs, "Ze horses would not like that Logan. Nor would I, hay is itchy." "I'll give you that. And I don't want to be the one to spook the horses and end up kicked in the ass." "Better than having your tail trampled." "I don't have a tail though, so not a big deal." Kurt nodded, "But if my tail gets trampled in such a situation, it vould be your fault. Do you vant that?"
Of course Logan didn't, and so put aside that vague idea. He got easily to his feet, offering Kurt a hand up. They left the barn quietly, trying not to wake the horses. Rhys looked up at the sound of the gate closing, and snorted softly before lying back down. Logan brushed hay from his shirt and pants, and pulled a few bits that were stuck in Kurt's curls. "I vould offer to 'port us back to the mansion, but I'm sure you wouldn't like it much," Kurt said over his shoulder. "Damn right I wouldn't. How do you stand it?" "It's vhat I was born to do. It's not so bad if you're used to it." Logan let out a non-committal sound, "It's nothing personal though. I don't like flying much either. Especially with Slim behind the wheel." "Slim? Professor Summers?" "Yeah, thinks he's some sort of fly boy. I'll grant he's pretty good, but he likes to do barrel rolls. In the sky. For fun." Kurt smiled impishly, "You're afraid of flying." "Not afraid, just don't like it. I prefer my feet on the ground." "Of course, vhatever you say Logan," he humored him. He sensed Logan about to make a grab for him and ducked, bounding away on all fours before leaping. At the height of his leap, he 'ported into a nearby tree, where he sat, sticking his tongue out at Logan.
Logan rolled his eyes at the immaturity, and continued walking up the gentle incline towards the mansion. A weight settled on his shoulder, as Kurt 'ported onto him, tail curling around his arm. "You didn't vait for me." "I knew you'd catch up." "Do you vant me to get down?" "Nah, you're not that heavy, just don't move around too much," Logan paused and let Kurt situate himself so he was balanced on his shoulder. He perched there rather like an overgrown blue parrot, and Storm raised an eyebrow when the pair entered the mansion like that.
"Do I want to know?" "Doubt it. When and where do I start classes?" "We found an empty room for you. Probably next week. Are you still up for it?" "Sure. Just art and the occasional shop class right? Nothing I can't handle," Logan pulled a plate in front of him and started serving himself, piling his plate high. Kurt glanced at him, bluish black eyebrows raised. In all the time he'd known Logan, which albeit wasn't that long, he hardly seemed like one to handle a group of teenagers in a class. And that brought up the question of who would be brave enough to take a class from Logan? No doubt Rogue, Bobby, and Kitty, but who else? "Might wanna stop thinking so hard elf, I can smell your hair burning," Logan drew him from his musings. Kurt shook his head as if to clear it and returned to his meal.
"Since someone," Storm looked pointedly at Kurt, who grinned embarrassedly, "ate all the ice cream, I made cookies if anyone wants any. They're in the kitchen." "What kind?" Kitty asked. "Chocolate chip of course. Fresh from the oven." At those words, there was a mad dash by nearly all the student body for the kitchen. Kurt ended up seeking shelter in the rafters, watching the kids jostle each other for first dibs on the cookies. "At this rate, there won't be any left for us," he sighed, leaping down and landing nimbly on his feet. "I planned for that," Storm grinned, "and there's an extra plate on the top shelf of the pantry." Logan trailed after Kurt as he bounded into the kitchen in search of cookies. He nearly trampled his tail when Kurt stopped short, looking at the ceiling high pantry. He glanced back at Logan, and seemed to come to a decision. Without a word, he moved Logan around until he was where he wanted him. "Elf what in the hell are you doing?" "Getting cookies. Now hold still. I don't vant to hurt you." Kurt stepped back a ways, before running at Logan and using his back as a spring board so he could grip the top of the pantry door, grab the plate, and land without dropping a single one. "You couldn't just climb up there and get them. You had to make a production out of it." "Vell, I vas in the circus Logan. Old habits die hard," Kurt munched on the cookie, offering the plate to Logan.
They brought them back to the dining room, where Storm, the Professor, and Scott were sitting and talking. The students drifted around the mansion, the younger ones heading to bed early, the older ones trying to push the limit of the curfew until the teachers made the rounds to ensure they were in bed. Kurt followed Logan down the hall when the other man got up to go to his own bed. He paused, turning part way around to see Kurt had stopped at his bedroom door. "You, uh, wanna come with me?" Logan offered. Kurt looked thoughtful for a moment, before shaking his head. "Well why not?" "Because, mein freund, it takes more than one night of heartfelt confession and carnal pleasure for me to feel as though I have a permanent spot in your bed, as you claim. It is nothing personal, I swear. Besides, you know what they say, that separation makes the heart grow fonder, or something like zhat." Before he lost his nerve, Kurt leaned forward, pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of Logan's mouth and disappeared into his own room.
Logan blinked, waving the remnants of Kurt teleporting from his face. So what was the elf saying, he had to woo him or something? Take it slow? Well hell, he could do that. At least it wasn't personal, he though wryly, going to his room.
The weather turned chilly in the next week, despite being springtime. Logan strolled down the hall; well aware he was being followed, but deciding to humor his shadow by pretending he had no clue. As Logan rounded the corner into the foyer, Kurt dropped from the ceiling, where he'd been clinging to beams and lurking in the shadows, baring his teeth and doing his best to be startling. Logan simply cocked an eyebrow and affected a bored air. "Couldn't you at least act like you were surprised?" Kurt complained, shoulders sagging. "I could," Logan answered. "But you won't." "Well, if I didn't hear your heart hammering away up there, getting louder the closer you got…" "I forget sometimes, how good your hearing is," Kurt sighed. "Why're you so big into scaring me anyway?" "To show I can. Vhy not?" he pushed back the sleeves of his over large dark purple sweatshirt so his hand s were uncovered. The shirt hung nearly to his knees, and over his tail, yet he loved wearing it, insisting it was incredibly soft and comfy. His jeans looked just as comfortable, fitting him like a second skin, a faded blue and worn soft with age. He managed to look winsome while peering at Logan through his lashes, though his grin and the look in his eyes was anything but. Logan sighed, shaking his head, "Can take the elf outta the circus-'' "But not the circus out of the elf," Kurt finished, beaming now.
After breakfast, Logan followed Storm down the hall to his new classroom, Kurt pacing alongside. It was nice, all things considered, with a good many easels with stools in front of them and small tables holding painting materials. Along the wall next to them were cabinets stocked with all an art class room could need, and in the far corner sat three pottery wheels. The far wall was made up mostly of wide windows, letting the early spring sunlight through. "So, what do you think?" Storm asked. "I like it," Kurt answered before Logan had a chance to. "So do I actually. It's nice 'Ro," Logan nodded his approval. "Who's in my class anyway?" "That'd be us sugar," Rogue phased through the wall behind Kitty, who had linked arms with her and Bobby to pass through. "That's just what I need," Logan muttered. "A few others too. I think…Artie, Jubilee, Jones, Pete. I'm sure there's more," Bobby answered. "So, you'll be teaching every other day, 1:30 to 2:30, starting in two days. Gives you time to get a lesson plan," Storm finished. Logan nodded, only half listening as he wandered around, checking everything over. Storm rolled her eyes. "Make sure he makes some kind of lesson plan, will you Kurt?" she whispered to him on her way out. "Of course," he said, just as quietly. "Thanks."
Kurt leaned against the desk in front of the classroom, idly tracing a path with his tail tip along the polished surface. He watched Logan spin one of the pottery wheels as though testing it, before moving on to thumb through the paper set up on an easel. "I can live with this," he finally said, coming to lean next to Kurt. "That's all well and good, though vhat are you going to teach them?" "Can you teach art?" "Interesting point, but, I'm not sure Storm would like that answer." "Nah, probably not. I guess just the basics, how to use the paints and everything. Maybe do units, like paint, pottery, sketching. You could even help out, if you need something to do," Logan glanced sideways at Kurt. "Like model for you," Kurt said, grinning suggestively. "Not in class elf, not like that." "Perhaps, I may. Storm also asked me to assist in Danger Room training, gymnastics, things of that nature. Put my years in the circus to good use, and keep up exercise. I don't want to go soft of loose my edge." "Course not. Just don't hurt yourself," Logan answered.
They spent the better part of the day in the classroom, Logan trying to write out a lesson plan while Kurt sat on the table, peering over and trying to be helpful. Every now and then he 'ported into the kitchen and grabbed more granola bars, until more than a dozen wrappers littered the table. He stretched on his back, legs dangling over the side, and his tail clutching a granola bar as he snacked on it. "So vhat do you have so far?" "Basics for two weeks, then moving into working with charcoal and graphite, then painting, then pottery, with some sub units in there. I'll go from there." "I think it will work. You're not nervous are you?" "No." "I vould be. Only a little though. What about the other class in the garage?" "That's more sporadic. Sort of as I'm needed. This is more stable." "So no lesson plan?" "Nope."
A week later found Logan gazing at his full classroom. Rogue grinned deviously at him from behind her easel in the front of the room. Kitty was on her left, Bobby on her right. Behind them were all the other kids Rogue had mentioned, each staring at Logan expectantly. Sighing, and telling himself it was just a bunch of kids, the brand new art teacher passed out a scrap of paper so that he could keep roll call. Once the makeshift attendance came back to him, he handed out sketch books and charcoal and pencils. He found that teaching came easily, as he showed them how to look at what they saw around them, and how they could translate it onto the paper, as well as how best to use the materials given. An hour passed surprisingly fast, and a few of the students jumped when the bell rang. Rogue stayed behind as her classmates drifted through the door, chattering happily.
"So? How'd I do?" Logan asked. "Pretty good I'd say. It was a fun class." "You think so?" "Yeah, I don't think anyone will drop it. If only for the novelty of seeing you teaching something. Now, I'll bet you've got a certain someone out waiting for ya. Why don'tcha go and find him?" With that, Rogue left, smirking to herself. And though he would never admit it, Logan did have to resist the urge to practically dash from the room in search of Kurt. As it was, he jogged; in a very manly, dignified and contained sort of way.
A/N: Sorry about the wait. I had a slight case of writer's block, and I was working on some other stuff, plus I had graduation recently. I'll try not to go so long between updates again.