Authors note: I do not own any of the X-Men the only character that is mine is Vesper and her family

Hank and Charles had checked on Vesper a few times throughout the morning but always found her to be still sleeping, and neither man had it in them to wake her. By 12 o' clock, Hank had taken up residence at her bedside and waited for her to wake up. He knew her body was taking advantage of every second it got the chance to heal itself.

Slowly, Vesper began to stir, reaching up she rubbed away the sleep from her eyes. She took a moment to savor the feeling of laying in a plush bed before attempting to sit up. Stretching, she realized that she was no longer attached to an IV. Hank set his book down before turning his attention to her. He tried to speak as soft and gentle as he could.

"Good afternoon Vesper, how are you feeling today?"

"Okay- I guess." she had been surprised by his presence.

"I must apologize. I didn't mean to scare you. We didn't want to wake you this morning. You needed your rest."

"I've never slept on something so soft." her comment brought a smile to his face.

"Would you like to take a bath before you try and eat something?" his question was met with a blank expression on her face.

Hank explained exactly what a bath was and what she had to do. Getting up, he began to draw up her bath and gathered some fresh towels and some clean clothes for the day. Hank added some bubble bath and a little rubber ducky to keep her company, something that was mostly reserved for the younger children of the mansion. Hank came to rest at the side of her bed with his hands held out in front of him so she could take hold of them he wanted to test her range of mobility.

"I'd like to see if you can walk over to the bathroom. Swing your legs out this way, and I will help guide you there. I promise you won't fall, I'll be by your side the entire time."

There was something in his words that made her believe that his words were genuine and true. Doing as he had instructed, she slowly swung her legs to the side of the bed and placed her small hands in his. Gently, he pulled her into a standing position he made sure she felt safe before trying to take any steps forward. Taking each step ever so careful, he sat her down on the closed toilet, Hank shut the water off and made sure that it wasn't going to be too warm for her one last time.

"I will let you get cleaned up, take as long as you need. Once you're done, I'll make you some lunch, and we'll go from there. If you need anything at all, just yell out I'll only be just across the hall."

With that, Hank left to give her some privacy. She looked over at the tub with its bubbles and the small ducky toy he had set in the bath, then back at the door, and waited a second before getting undressed and into the bath. Sitting in the middle of the tub, she pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms tightly around them. The warm water felt fantastic against her sore and tired muscles. She eventually relaxed enough to sit back and soak before getting cleaned up. Getting out of the tub, she quickly wrapped herself in the large towel and dried off, pulling the plug like Hank had told her she watched as the water began to disappear. She got dressed in the clothing that had been laid out for her earlier, opening the bathroom door a small crack she expected an ambush or someone to be there waiting for her but there was nothing of the sorts. Vesper looked out the window and was met with a dark sky and rain. It was something that was so new to her. She wondered what it felt like. Did it hurt? Vesper had so many questions that everyone already knew the answers to, which made her feel like she was going to be left behind and stay there. Sighing, she grabbed the robe that she had been given the night before and wrapped herself in its warmth. Peaking her head out of her room, she called out.

"Um, Mr. McCoy?" her call was answered by a gentle voice.

"How are you feeling now, I trust that helped." he asked as he emerged from his room

"Thank you."she managed to croak out, looking down at the carpet.

"You're more than welcome, my dear. Why don't we go down to the kitchen and I can make you something to eat?" Before she could answer him herself, her stomach spoke up for her."We'll take the chair this time, I don't want to overdo it."

"What's a kitchen?" she felt stupid for having to ask, which Hank easily picked up on.

"It's a place where you make tasty things to eat. I'll make you something called a grilled cheese sandwich when we get there." he walked over to the chair that was left by her bedside and motioned for her to take a seat.

"Can I bring—him?" she looked over to her bed where the stuffed kitty lay, Hank smiled at her pure innocence in this world. He leaned over and grabbed him off the bed, placing him in her lap.

"We should give him and your fish a name, you know."

"Fish?" she looked around the room and realized he must have been referring to his present from the other day."That's a fish?" she asked as he wheeled her over to her friend as he saw it swim about in his tank.

"This is called a beta fish or a fighting fish. They are tough little guys. Just like you are. Think about it over lunch. You don't have to think of something right away, but he will need a name."

"I- I don't really know any names. We weren't allowed them." she hung her head

"It's alright, we will think of something. Let's go make that sandwich. Charles would like to see you in his office after if you feel up to it." Hank headed to the elevator doors he placed a hand on her shoulder when they entered as he remembered her uneasiness last time.

"Okay." she nervously got out.

"Nothing to worry about. He just wants to talk." Hank tried his best to put her uneasiness away.

They made their way to the kitchen. Thankfully, they didn't run into anyone as classes were still in session. Vesper clung to her stuffed animal as if it was her lifeline she had become quite attached to it. Stopping the wheel chair at a small table that was just at the right height for her to use. Hank placed a small glass of juice in front of her and began to make her food. Vesper turned and watched as he made her food she was in awe of it all, really. Even though it was just a simple grilled cheese to her, it was gold. She had become accustomed to the slop that was tried to be passed off as edible. Placing it in front of her, she just stared at it for a moment before taking a small bite. She chewed as a smile appeared on her face it was another hit! Hank chuckled to himself as she continued to nibble at her food he was glad that she was eating and drinking more. Finishing, Vesper pushed the plate forward and sat back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment.

"Thank you for the food." she had forgotten what he called this creation

"Oh my dear, you are more than welcome. Do you feel up to going to see the professor?"

"I guess - Did I do something wrong?" Vesper waited for him to say yes

"Oh no, my dear, he just wants to make sure you are adjusting to things, okay? I've known Charles for years now. He would help anyone who needs it. I know it must all seem scary right now, but please remember we're all here to help you." Hank wanted to make sure she fully understood that this was a safe place for her.

"Okay." she clutched the small little kitty to her chest, and with that, they were off to go see Charles.

Knocking on the office door, they were met with the familiar 'come in.' Hank wheeled Vesper into the office and closed the door behind him. Looking out the window to try to distract herself from her nerves, Vesper saw that the rain was coming down heavier than it was before. Charles seemed to notice the anxiety that was brewing within her and wanted to help lessen it if he could.

"I trust that you've slept well. I hope that you are feeling better and a bit more relaxed."

"I've never had a bed before, thank you."

"You are more than welcome, my child, I know that this is all so new to you. Would you like that tour later on?" Charles asked as the rain continued to beat against the windows.

"What's a tour?" she questioned

"We'd show you around the mansion so you know where things are. This is your home as well if you want it to be." Off in the distance, a low rumble could be heard.

"I'd like that." she paused for a moment before her demeanor shifted."I still don't understand how I'm here... I—" Charles cut her off before she could finish.

"There is a machine called Cerebro downstairs that connects me to every mutant on the planet. That night, your call for help was so strong I couldn't just ignore it. One day I will show you it."

"I don't know- how—" Vesper was unsure how to phrase what she wanted to say.

"Don't worry about that, my dear. Eventually I'd like to introduce you to your teachers here at the school but we can take care of that when you are ready." A flash of lightning illuminated the room in a blue light, Vesper jumped to her feet as she had never experienced thunder and lightning before, and frankly, it frightened her a bit. Hank got up to stabilize her and make sure she was steady on her feet. Both men chuckled at her reaction.

Breathe and relax, it's alright. This is what we call thunder and lightning. You're safe inside, I promise.

I don't like it.

Hank eased her back down, and she pulled her knees up to her chest, almost as if she was trying to protect herself from it. For a minute, it seemed as if Charles was having another conversation before he returned his attention back to Vesper. The rain seemed to be not as loud, and the rumbling seemed to stop.

"I know this may all seem a bit overwhelming, but we will take as long as you need to adjust. Tomorrow, the mansion will be a lot quieter as it will be summer break, and a lot of the students will be away from the mansion." he was careful not to say going home to their family.

"S- Professor, will I ever understand all of this—" Again, she was unable to word exactly what she wanted to get out

"Yes, one day, my dear, but I don't want you to worry about that. I'd like to start those therapy sessions the next day or so, if that is alright. I promise it will just be some training exercises and to see how you are getting along. I can not stress this enough. You will never have to go through any of that again."

Vesper just nodded her head. "What's a half pint?" Both men chuckled at her question. Logan had called her this twice. He wouldn't outright admit it, but he had taken a liking to the kid. He of all people understood where she was coming from.

"Ah, yes, Logan has taken a liking to you. You've earned yourself a nickname. Vesper, believe it or not, but he understands your past more than anyone in this place." his last comment made her lift her head up, looking him in the eye.

"Oh." she was shocked to hear someone else went through similar horrors.

"He may seem gruff, but he's a big softy," Hank joked with her, which earned him a slight smile. It was a small step, but he would take it.

"Hank has told me that you seem to be responding to treatment well. How do you like having your own room?" Xavier was trying his best to gain a bit more trust without pushing things too far with her that she would retreat into herself.

"It's big. I like the—" she paused to remember what it had been called "The fish, I like the fish"

"Have you thought of a name for him yet? It's alright if you haven't. We can figure one out." Vesper had actually been debating on a name, but she wasn't sure if it would be allowed. Her parents had taught her some basic things, and she was thinking of going with something obvious.

"What about, Blue?" she started to shrink into herself, afraid that she would be in trouble for even making the suggestion.

"I think that is a wonderful name!" Charles looked to Hank, who had a smile on his face.

"I approve!" Of course Hank would approve!

Vesper was both elated and shocked that she had been given the right to name her fish now she would have to think of a name for the stuffed animal that Hank had given her. She wanted it to be the right one and not just any name. She sat there with a genuine smile on her face, feeling like she had done something right for the first time it was a weird feeling but one she could get used to.

"Why don't we get you back to your room for some rest before supper, I'll have it brought to your room for you." Xavier suggested to which she nodded her head. "Give it time, and you'll feel more comfortable here, I promise. Hank will take you back to your room and get you settled, I will check in with you later on."

Leaving Charles' office, Hank and Vesper made their way back to the faculty area of the mansion she wondered just how big the place really was. Once she was able to move around without the chair all the time, she would have to go exploring. Once back in her room, Hank helped her get back into bed and tucked her in, giving her a smile to help ease any anxiety she had left. Hank could tell that she didn't want to nap until supper she had done enough of that. Walking over to the small desk, he picked up the coloring book and crayons and asked if she felt like passing the time until then.

"Yes, please." she softly spoke as he handed her the book, and she began looking for a design and settled on a simple kitty design that she would do up like her new friend.

"I'll be across the hall from you if you need anything. I'll let you be for now when I come back. I'll have some supper for you." With that, Hank left Vesper to relax a bit.

Vesper laid out the crayons beside her on the bed from lightest to darkest and picked up the one that was the exact same shade of black as her stuffed friend. Reading the side of it, she figured out that it had said coal black. Looking at her friend, she sounded out the name.

"Co- Coa- Coal." she smiled as she nodded to herself and cuddled the newly dubbed Coal tightly to her chest and continued to color until she was satisfied with her work.

Vesper sat there feeling something that she wasn't sure what it was, but it felt good. She was confused as it felt like it was a warm blanket trying to wrap itself around her, but that blanket was her emotions trying to reward her with the feeling of success and doing something on her own. It honestly made her feel good about herself for one of the first times to be quite frank. Letting a few tears escape, she wiped them away in frustration and pushed away the feelings of being scared and frightened of being punished for showing her emotions. Her eyes stung with fresh tears that threatened to spill over, but she managed to compose herself and lock away those tears for now. Flipping through the book, she settled on a page that was a cute elephant with a butterfly on the end of it's nose, she would wait til bedtime to color this one if she was allowed to Setting the book on her nightstand, she left it open to that page and laid the pack of crayons on it to bookmark it. Getting up, she moved the wheelchair so that it was in front of the fish tank, and she watched as he swam freely about without a care in the world. Vesper sat there with Coal clutched to her chest. She was so lost in watching him swim that she lost track of time and didn't hear the knock on her door. It wasn't until a voice brought her back to reality.

"I take it you like your friend Blue here, I think it's a perfect name for him." Hank slowly entered her room with a tray in hand, setting it down on the beside table he came to rest beside her."I think you two are going to be good roommates."

"Thank you, I've never had a—" she paused to remember the words Charles had said before she was moved out of the med lab "A gift before."

"You are welcome. Are you hungry at all? I've bought you some dinner." Vesper looked up at him before softly speaking.

"I am."

"Alright, where did you want to eat?"

"Huh? Um- I- I get to pick?" she was just so used to eating where and when she could

"Of course you do! Did you want to eat at the desk over there?" he asked, pointing to the desk next to the fish tank."You and Blue can keep each other company." he received a slight little nod in agreement and placed her dinner there, which consisted of fries, corn, and a small slice of ham that had been cut into smaller pieces for her. "Come take a seat if you are still hungry in a bit, and we can see about some desert."

"Desert?" she had no idea what it was but assumed that it was some type of food.

"Desert is usually something sweet and a treat. Take your time, and we'll go from there. If you ever don't like anything on your plate, let us know. Not all foods you will like, I'm not a fan of broccoli myself, but we will figure out what you do and don't like." he now was watching Blue swim about.

"Um, Mr. McCoy, can I call him C-Coal?" Vesper asked as she nibbled on her fries she pointed to her stuffed cat.

"Hmm, Coal would be a lovely name for your cat. That's what he is a cat. How did you come up with the name?" Hank turned his attention back to the young girl who was now pointing to the box of crayons on her night table."Did one of the crayons say coal?"

"Yes!" she excitedly got out. There was that feeling again it was something she could get used to.

"It's settled, then his name is Coal. How are you liking your dinner?" Looking down at her plate, she had eaten most of the fries and was now trying the ham for the first time. She seemed to approve of it.

"What are these?" she asked, holding up a fry.

"Those are french fries. There are different styles and flavors. What do you think of the ham?" she picked up a small piece with her fork and received a nod from Hank.

"I like it, not sure about this, though." she pointed to the corn, Hank made a mental note of it and would try a different veggie next time.

"That's okay. Like I said earlier, it's okay if you don't like something. No one will get mad at you."

"You wouldn't get mad?" she looked up with big, hopeful eyes.

"Of course not. We'd never force anything on you. You've never been able to experience the things in life that we might take for granted. You won't know if you like something without trying it first."

Vesper didn't answer back she just nodded her head slightly she was afraid that if she spoke, Hank would tell that she was starting to become overwhelmed by her emotions. Frankly, she was emotionally spent and just didn't know how to process them properly. It was something Charles was going to have to work at with her over time she would come to realize that it's okay to have these feelings. He would try and find ways to help her cope with them.

"What happens if I- if I cant—what if I'm stuck like this?" she hung her head, expecting him to say tough luck.

"Oh, Vesper, we'd never leave you behind." Hank tilted her head up so she could look him in the eyes."I promise you that we will do everything in our power to help you with this. I know things seem scary, and you may feel lost, but we are all here for you." he wiped away a stray tear that fell. His heart just went out to this young girl.

"I think I'm done." she looked down to her plate and leaned against the back of her chair as she hit a food wall.

"Alright, why don't we get you settled, and Charles will be by shortly for a chat before he does nighttime rounds."

"O—Okay"

"He just wants to check in with you. Make sure you're doing okay."

"Why? I'm nothing special." You could hear the words sting as she spoke them as she got back onto the bed her attention was drawn to the door by another voice as she pulled the covers up close.

"I'd beg to differ little one. You are so much more than you know, and I don't want you to forget that." Charles voice rang out.

"I- Don't even know what my powers are. I don't think I want them." she hung her head as Charles came to rest at her bedside.

"I promise that we will discover what your powers are all in due time, my dear. We know that you are able to control electricity but the extent of that we do not know. We will take it one day at a time and progress from there, however long you need." Charles could feel her emotions beginning to bubble over. It's alright to feel like this. Please don't shut us out. I promise that you are protected.

"My parents, we're the only ones that cared for me. It's hard – I don't. Others don't care"

"I know this world must seem scary and strange to you, but there are good people out there that just want to help. I can assure you that we care very much about you, Vesper." Hank could tell she was getting near a breaking point and decided the switch topics."We have a name for our stuffed animal, Vesper came up with this one while she was coloring. She's decided to go with Coal." he flashed her a smile and a wink.

"Perfect name for him! Coal it is." Xavier offered her the same smile hoping to put her fears at ease."Vesper, no one here will intentionally cause you pain. We just want to see you safe and taken care of. If you let us we will do just that for you." her eyes welded up with tears that stung and threatened to fall. "Hank, do you mind if we have a moment alone, please?" Hank excused himself for the moment and stood outside in the hallway.

Charles placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder, Vesper didn't want to meet his gaze as he would know right away that she was beginning to crumble, and she didn't want him getting inside her head. Looking down at her, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before he spoke softly and calmly.

"Vesper, please don't fight these emotions you are feeling, I know it is overwhelming, but we are here to guide you through this. There is something that you've been shielding from me since we've rescued you. You're exhausting yourself trying to protect yourself. There is nothing to fear, my dear. You are in a safe environment. Would you allow me to place a shield around the wall you've built? I promise that I don't have to see anything." Charles hoped that she would agree to his request as it would be another step in gaining her trust.

"I-I. I'm scared." she softly admitted.

"That's understandable, though I can tell you're exhausting yourself trying to keep up the wall you've built. I wish to simply put a shield to reinforce the wall you've built. That way, you don't have to use that much energy to keep it from falling. I will not push you to do this if you are uncomfortable in doing so." Charles placed her hand in between his two to help drive home his point.

"Would it be like last time?" she inquired.

"More or less, yes. I promise that all I am doing is placing a shield around the wall you've built. It takes someone of great strength to create what you have." Xavier waited for her response, hoping she would trust him enough to do what he had to.

"You won't see..." her words trailed off.

"I won't see anything. I will be just putting another shield in place. I promise it won't hurt. I want you to know that if one day you wish to share or talk about it, there will always be someone there for you." Xavier wanted to make sure she honestly understood that.

"I- I, okay. If it will help, what do I have to do?" she didn't want to admit how emotional spent she was, but Xavier knew, and he wanted to help lessen that burden for her.

"I promise to be quick, lean back, and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and hold it for a second." Xavier waited for her to follow his instructions before quickly placing his hands on either side of her head and placing the shield around the wall Vesper had built in her mind it instantly wrapped itself around it to keep anything from crumbling "Slowly let out that breath and open your eyes."

Vesper slowly let out the breath she had been holding and gave herself a minute before she opened her eyes. Looking down at her hands that were folded into her lap, she kinda felt like there had been some kind of invisible weight that had been lifted off of her shoulders. To Vesper, that feeling felt like a million bucks to her as she had been carrying it for the better part of a year. She sat there not looking up because she could feel the tears burning at her eyes, yelling at her that she was going to be in no control of this wave of emotion. Charles could feel the absolute tidal wave that was building up in front of him, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder in an effort to help calm the brewing storm.

"Please let it out, Vesper. I can feel the weight that's been lifted. Your emotions are what has kept that wall from falling. You've been strong for far too long. I won't let anything happen to you. It's okay to cry. You've been through so much in your life." he could hear her thoughts as she was projecting due to the swell of emotions. Why does he care about me so much? Maybe I really can trust him. "Vesper, you are part of this large family now. No matter what, we will be here for you and take care of you." his last words broke her, and she just crumbled onto the bed and sobbed, something she hadn't done in a long time.

Clutching Coal tightly to her chest, Vesper closed her eyes and just sobbed her poor heart out she just didn't know what to do with these pesky emotions. All she could do at them moment was just cry. She wasn't quite ready to fully open up to them, but this emotional outburst was surely progress in the right direction. Hank could hear her just on the other side of the door and it honestly just broke his heart to hear the pain she had been keeping inside, he knew what would make it better and left for the kitchen. Charles let her just cry and placed his hand on her back instead on her shoulder and began to rub small circles. He would let her get out of the emotions she had been using to keep a part of her mind walled up. For someone with no psychic powers to be able to do that on their own showed incredible strength and will, he would let her cry until he needed to intervene if at all. Slowly she felt the sobs that wracked her small body subside into the occasional sniffle, using his powers to calm her down was not at the top of the list of thing he wanted to do at the present moment but he didn't want her to make herself sick either. Giving her a moment to gather herself, he was the first to speak.

"I'd like you to rest now, I believe that Hank is on his way up from the kitchen with something to make you feel better." his comment peaked her curiosity as she wiped away the evidence of what just happened.

Before she could ask what it could be, there was a knock on the door. Xavier opened it, revealing Hank, who entered carrying a bowl and spoon and a smile on his face. Setting the bowl on her night stand he looked down at her and her red and puffy eyes met his, crouching to her level he resisted the urge to reach out and hug her instead he handed her the bowl from the night stand that was filled with a bit of ice cream. If he couldn't physically comfort her just yet, he would show her that food can make you feel better, too. Taking a small spoonful, she was delighted at the taste despite its coldness, which had taken her by surprise.

"Am I in trouble for what happened?" she asked as she dug her spoon around the bowl idly.

"You'll never be in trouble for showing your emotions. Eat your ice cream before it melts. This is desert but also works for making people happy." Hank gave her a reassuring smile before getting up to stand next to Charles.

"Thank you for the... ice cream. Is it always cold?" she genuinely had no idea. Her question made both men realize how much there was for her to learn.

"Yeah, but on a nice hot summer day, nothing beats a nice cold ice cream." he explained as she finished the last bit taking the bowl from her he let Charles tuck her back into bed.

"I'm sure you must be exhausted. Why don't you try rest for the night?" she wanted to argue and try and color that page, but she just didn't have it in her.

"Can we do the tour thing tomorrow?" she sleepily asked.

"Once the students leave tomorrow and you have some breakfast, I promise we will give you that tour, for now I'd like you to rest up." Charles and Hank made sure that she was comfortable before leaving her to rest for the night."Sweet dreams, Vesper."Charles called out as he pulled the door to but leaving it open just a crack in case she needed something during the night. Both men said their good nights to one another before turning in themselves.