The two boys sat quietly on the bed as their foreheads touched and they stared unblinkingly into each other's eyes. They had been talking telepathically for an hour believing no one would hear them should someone happen to pass their room.
Suddenly the professor’s voice interrupted their conversation. *Hello boys. I don’t mean to intrude but it’s dinner time and this was the only way to get your attention.*
Leo and Ty broke away from each other and looked to the door simultaneously, as if they were twins. When they saw Logan standing casually in the doorway, each reacted differently. Ty quickly got up, his cheeks hot and red with embarrassment, while Leo narrowed his eyes and growled, “Get out! You can’t just barge in our room without knocking!”
“Leo hush, he probably did knock, but we didn’t hear him because we were talking. Apologize to him now.” Ty said as he placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“No! I’m not apologizing. Why should I?” Leo growled again. He turned to look at his brother and his eyes went wide as he saw a flash of gold.
Logan watched and was about to say something to the younger boy when he saw Ty calmly turn to his brother and just stare at the boy silently. He thought he saw the older boy’s eyes turn gold but wasn’t sure when he looked again and saw they were still blue.
Leo quietly turned back to Logan and said, “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’ll try to be better.” His eyes remained downcast as he waited for approval from his brother.
Ty nodded and waited to see if it was acceptable to Logan. His heart began to race, as Logan remained silent. He was about to apologize himself when Logan spoke.
“I’ll accept it this time, but mouth off to me again kid and you won’t like the consequences. Let’s go dinner’s ready.” Logan told them both as he left the room.
Ty laid a hand gently on his brother’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. He gave his brother a gentle shove towards the open door and both boys left the room and went downstairs to the dining room. “Good evening boys. Please have a seat.” The Professor said kindly as the boys entered the dining room. He noticed how the boys moved closer to each other as they looked at everyone.
Ty was relieved when he saw two open seats next to Scott. When they were seated, they still felt uncomfortable as they felt everyone’s eyes on them. A few minutes later the kids began to talk amongst themselves leaving Leo and Ty feeling like they had room to breathe.
Scott and Ty talked a little, but Ty concentrated mostly on the meal before him. He didn't see the concerned and almost pained look that passed over each of the adults' eyes as he closed his eyes every once in a while and savored the bite in his mouth.
The friendly and calming atmosphere of the room had Ty relaxing in his chair a bit as he ate and began to look around at the different students chatting. His lightened mood was immediately crushed when he heard a small “uh-oh” at his side. Ty looked over at his brother and his widened in fear as he saw the milk running over the edge of the table, pooling on the floor and soaking into his brother’s jeans.
The other kids looked up for a moment before going back to their separate conversations. Ty bolted from the table and raced into the kitchen. He came back carrying paper towels, and began to clean up the mess as he apologized profusely. He was oblivious to everyone staring at him now.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve watched him better. It won’t happen again, I’m…” He began but stopped short when he felt a large hand upon his shoulder. Ty stood slowly and turned his head a bit and saw Logan standing behind him.
Logan grabbed the towels as they fell from Ty’s trembling hands and handed them to Leo. “Take these and clean up your mess.” He told the boy in a calm voice.
Leo cautiously took the towels, but didn’t move from his spot as he watched to see what Logan planned on doing to his brother.
Turning Ty so that the teen was facing him, Logan looked into the boy’s frightened face and said, “Let’s you and me take a walk.” He immediately felt Ty tense under his hand that was still on the teen’s shoulder.
Scott suddenly stood up blocking Logan’s intended path and said, “I’ll go walk with him Logan.” He had seen the panicked look that had crossed Ty’s face and wanted to reassure the younger teen.
“Sit down Slim. You just keep an eye on the kid here and make sure he cleans his mess.” Logan said and watched Scott slowly sit back down.
Nodding at the older mutant, Scott turned to Leo, who had stood up and was still glaring at Logan.
Logan turned to Leo, pointed at the floor and said, “Clean and then go change.” He turned back to Ty and said, “Come on.” Logan turned and headed for the kitchen with Ty following.
When they reached the back porch, Ty darted over to the railing and immediately released the contents of his stomach over the side. As he began to retch again, he felt his hair barely move and then a large hand rubbing comforting circles on his back. Tears sprang to his eyes as he retched again. He waited a couple of minutes breathing heavily and hoping he was done.
Logan ran his hand over the trembling back again as he waited for Ty to finish. He could hear Ty mumbling something, but couldn’t quite make out what it was. “Hey kiddo, you feeling better now?” Logan asked as he released Ty’s hair when he was sure the boy was done.
“A little. I-I’m sorry about Leo. I know I should’ve watched…” Ty started as he turned and faced Logan.
“Stop right there. It wasn’t yours, or your brother’s fault, it was an accident plain and simple." Logan told him and sighed softly when he reached up to touch Ty's shoulder and the teen flinched slightly.
Ty looked down a moment and then looked back up and said softly, "I'm sorry, I tried not to flinch, but I can't help it."
"I know kid I know." Logan said feeling the anger building inside him at what the kid must've gone through at the hands of his father. He lifted his hand slowly, brought it to Ty's face and used his thumb to wipe away the tear slipping down the teen's face. "You ready to go back in and finish dinner or is your stomach still bothering you?"
"I'm okay. I just get like that sometimes." Ty said and then looked at Logan and asked, "Logan, the others, the kids I mean, they aren't going to say anything are they?"
“Nope, not with the adults around anyway. They might ask later on what happened. It’s up to you whether you want to tell them anything or not.” Logan said as he walked over and held the backdoor open.
Ty nodded at Logan’s comment and went inside. He walked back into the dining room and noticed that several of the students were gone, his brother included.
Scott noticed the confused look on Ty’s face and said, “Leo went upstairs with a few of the others. A few of us are going to movies in a bit, do you want to go with us?”
Excited at the thought of going somewhere, Ty nodded immediately, then stopped and looked over at the adults. “Can I go?” He asked looking at Charles, Ororo and Logan.
Charles looked at the other two adults and nodded his agreement. The other two nodded as well. “Have fun children, make sure you’re home by curfew.” Charles said as he nodded at Ty.
“I can go? Oh wow, thank you.” Ty said, his excitement causing the adults to grin. Scott and Ty left and went in search of their fellow moviegoers.
“The boy seems extremely pleased about going. From what you’ve told us Charles he hasn’t gotten to do such a thing before. He did seem quite upset though by the small accident at dinner though, Logan did you find out why he was so upset?” Ororo asked.
“Kid thought it was his fault, because he wasn’t watching his brother. Makes me wonder why and I get the feeling I ain’t going to like the answer." Logan said still leaning against the doorway connecting the kitchen and dining room. He went into the kitchen for a moment and came back with a beer.
"Logan I thought we agreed you wouldn't drink that with the kids around." Charles said as he watched Logan take a drink.
Logan looked around, took another drink and said, "I don't see any kids around do you?" He looked over at Ororo, who was trying to hide the smile starting to form on her face.
Ororo caught Logan's look and said, "Charles is right Logan, if the children knew there was beer in the fridge, they might be tempted to try it. What type of beer is that anyway? That doesn't look like any beer I've seen."
"You can’t find this type of beer here in the states. This is good beer it's Grizzly Canadian Lager Hamilton. Canadian beer is the best..." Logan and the other adults jumped when they heard a scream from upstairs and then the sound of several kids running.
"Come on Ororo, let's go see who's killing who up there." Logan said as he pushed off the door, finished off his beer and threw it in the trash before heading for the stairs.
Ororo followed and as both adults headed up the stairs, two kids came flying down the stairs, and they both heard the familiar sound of Kurt teleporting behind them.
Logan and Ororo both caught one of the kids coming down the stairs and turned with their squirming charges to face the third. "What's going on? Cajun quit squirming or were both going to fall." Logan growled. He could smell the fear coming from the kids and looked at Ororo.
Wrapping her arms around Rogue, thankful none of the girl's clothes exposed any bare skin, Ororo sat down on the steps bringing Rogue with her.
All three kids were trying to explain at once what happened and none of them were making sense.
Logan growled as the noise was agitating his hearing and finally yelled, "Quiet!" He noticed that both Rogue and Remy had stopped squirming and Kurt had sat down during the yell. "Now, what happened? And don't all of you talk at once again."
"Well ve vere playing hide n' seek vith Leo..." Kurt started but was stopped by a sudden gasp.
"Kurt we left Leo upstairs with that thang." Rogue blurted out.
“What thing would that be? I don’t smell anyone else in the house.” Logan asked as he sniffed the air.
“Ve vere playing hide n’ seek and I heard somezing in ze closet. I thought it vas Leo, so I began to open ze door, but all I saw vas golden eyes and sharp claws. I heard a low growl and quickly shut ze door.” Kurt explained.
“Oui I saw de eyes Logan. Some t’ing is up der in de closet.” Remy said, feeling the need to add his own insight.
Logan and Ororo exchanged glances over the top of the kids’ heads and decided that they’d better go find out what was supposedly upstairs in the closet. “Alright we’re gonna go upstairs and check it out. You three stay here.” Logan ordered as he stood up and sat Remy back down on the steps. He headed up the stairs with Ororo trailing behind him.
“Should we split up or start with the closet?” The white haired woman asked when they reached the top of the staircase.
“Split up. I’ll check the closet, but if there is something lurking around, I doubt it’s still there waiting patiently for us to find it. Go check down that way.” Logan said pointing down the opposite hall. He turned towards the direction of the closet and padded quietly over to it.
Soft breathing could be heard from inside and Logan slowly unsheathed his claws. He opened the door and said, “ Okay, come out real slow and nobody’ll get hurt…much” He muttered the last part softly as he heard someone moving around. He stopped himself from using his claws though when Leo emerged looking less than pleased.
“What are you doing? I’m playing a game with Remy, Rogue and Kurt and they’re gonna find me because of you. Go away maybe they haven’t seen or heard us yet.” Leo growled as he attempted to push Logan back and close the door.
Logan raised an eyebrow at the young boy at his feet. He put a hand on the door and easily kept it from shutting. He noticed that this angered the little spitfire at his feet.
Leo jumped up, stomped his foot and yelled, “GO AWAY!! YOU’RE WRECKING EVERYTHING!!” He grabbed the door with both hands this time and attempted to slam himself in.
His patience having been used up at Leo’s outburst, Logan picked the angry little boy up by his waist and calmly closed the door. He walked down the hall to Leo and Ty’s room, entered the room and shut the door. If he noticed the three gaping children who had watched the whole scene from the top of the steps he didn’t give any acknowledgement.
“Ah can’t believe Leo talked to Logan like that. Ah think that boy has a death wish.” Rogue said as she recovered her ability to speak first.
“I t’ink maybe we ought to go find somet’ing to do downstairs. You two know what happened to us earlier when de Professor caught us eavesdroppin’” Remy said as he turned to head for the stairs.
The other two winced and simultaneously rubbed their backsides. The three kids crept downstairs and into the rec room and discussed what movie they wanted to watch.
Logan put the growling, struggling child down and immediately blocked his way out. “You’re not going anywhere kiddo. I’ve put up with your attitude long enough and I warned you earlier that if you mouthed off at me again, you wouldn’t like the consequences.” Logan said as he leaned against the door and crossed his arms. Leo looked back at the Canadian mutant, crossed his arms, and said, “If you do anything to me, Ty will hurt you when he gets back. He’s the only allowed to punish me.”
“Think again kiddo. Your brother heard what I said earlier and if he objected, he would’ve said something.” Logan said as he pushed himself off the door and headed towards Leo.
The blond little boy saw Logan’s movements and immediately darted around the bed placing it between him and Logan.
“Kid we can do this the easy way or the hard way, but either way it’s getting done. Your choice.” Logan said as he sat on the bed.
Leo sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and tried to frantically think of what to do. He had to get Ty to come and rescue him. He closed his eyes and mentally screamed for his brother to come and help him.
Jean dropped to her knees and clutched her head a few minutes after she walked into the study. Her headache began to gradually ease up and she realized someone was helping her to put her stronger shields up. She looked up and saw the professor next to her. “Professor, what was that?” Jean asked as she stood up slowly.
“That, Jean, was our newest student, Leo. I don‘t think he realizes that his brother isn‘t here nor that he‘s shouting in our heads as well. We shall have to test them both tomorrow in a danger room session. I’m quite surprised at the strength of their power. Normally mutants Leo’s age haven’t yet received their power, and they usually aren’t that strong with their mind powers. Ty’s telepathy is strong but I’m not sure if it’s as strong as Leo’s. We also haven’t seen what they transform into, though I’m beginning to have my suspicions.”
“Why is Leo screaming in our heads though? He sounds upset.” Jean asked glad of the strong shields when Leo screamed again.
Charles was quiet for a moment then said, “He is with Logan and not at all happy with what Logan has planned for him. He is trying to call for his brother who is out with Scott, Bobby and Warren. They went to the movies about half an hour ago.”
“I’m surprised John didn’t go with them.” Jean said when she heard who went.
“John has been confined to his room this weekend for the disaster in the kitchen last night. I’m sure you noticed the ceiling this morning.” Charles told the teenage girl.
Jean nodded, indicating she had seen the ceiling but still had a look of confusion on her face. She looked down, her brow furrowed as though she were in deep thought.
“Is there something wrong Jean? You seem troubled by this news about John.” The Professor said, confused by Jean’s apparent concern.
“Not troubled Professor, confused. I thought…I could’ve sworn it was Bobby and Jubilee in there. Jubilee was sending her sparks up at the ceiling and Bobby was trying to freeze them before they reached it. Logan came in and told them to cut it out. I left then and assumed they did. I guess they didn’t and the ceiling is what happened.” Jean said calmly as she sat on the couch in the study.
The professor had been quiet as Jean spoke. He raised an eyebrow though when she spoke of who the real culprits might be. “I see. Well this does change things. I shall speak with John and Jubilee now. I will talk to Robert when he comes home.”
Click. Snap. Click. Snap. The lighter clicked open and shut as the youth that was holding it sighed heavily again and swiped at the angry tears forming in his eyes. ‘It’s not fair. I go into the kitchen to get something to drink and I get blamed for burning the ceiling. It’s not fair. I should just up and leave and never come back.’ He was about to continue his thought when another voice filled his head at the moment.
*John would you please come to my study. I have something I wish to discuss with you.* Charles thought it wise not to mention that he had heard the teen’s thoughts as well given the way the boy was feeling at the moment.
John scowled a moment then gave his mental answer. *You told me I was grounded to my room for the entire weekend and I was not to step one foot out of it unless it was to eat, shower or pee. Since I don’t have the urge to do any of those things at the moment and your study doesn’t meet any of those needs then I’m entitled to stay in my room.*
Charles pinched the bridge of his nose and had to force down the urge to laugh. Finally he spoke to John again. *John, I’m sure those were not my exact words but I would still like to speak with you in the study.* He didn’t want to give away that John might not be in trouble at all. He wanted to be sure first. He sighed with relief when John finally agreed to be there in a few. He only hoped that when he asked Jubilee to come to the study she would just agree and not give him a smart-alec answer.
Fifteen minutes later one scowling teenager and one mildly annoyed teenager sat on the leather couch in the study. Snap. Click. Snap. Click.
“John. Please.” Were the only words Charles spoke to the boy, but they were enough as he watched the lighter find it’s way into the teen’s pocket even though the boy’s hand hovered close to his security item. “I want to talk about what happened in the kitchen last night. Someone told me that John had charred the ceiling and he was punished for it. I just recently found out from someone else that I may have misplaced my trust. Jubilee, do you know how the ceiling came to look like it had fire and water damage done to it?”
The fifteen-year-old Asian girl squirmed slightly as she started to glance at John.
“Jubilee, eyes on me please. I asked you not John. Now answer me, how did the ceiling come to look like an after effect of a small fire being watered down?” Charles asked again his voice becoming hard and stern at the end.
“Uhm, well, I’m not the fire expert around here.” She said softly looking towards John again.
Charles slammed his palm down on the desk. “Jubilation Lee! Eyes on me now child! I asked how the ceiling got damaged. I didn’t ask if you were a fire expert nor did I ask John anything. Do not look at him again in an attempt to turn the conversation from yourself.” Charles lashed out though he became a little calmer at the end. He noticed now that John’s hand was clutching at his pocket where his lighter was, but amazingly enough, he hadn’t taken it back out.
Dark brown eyes stared at the professor as she swallowed hard. “I…I might know what happened. It…it could’ve happened when me and Bobby were in there.”
“Really? And what were you and Bobby doing in the kitchen that would’ve caused the ceiling to look like that?” The professor asked as he steepled his hands on the desk.
“Well…we uhm that is I sorta uhm would send my sparks up at the ceiling and uhhh Bobby he would uhh uhm try to see if he could uh stop them from reaching the ceiling by uhm freezing them. Wolvie came in and told us to cut it out and we did…after about five more tries.” She said adding the last part softly.
John was now looking at the professor with an astonished look on his face. “You…I mean…am I?” John stammered trying to put his thoughts into words.
“Yes John, you are free to go and you are not grounded anymore. I apologize for my lack of trust in you and I hope that you can forgive me for it.” Charles said as he looked sorrowfully at John.
“Yeah I’m alright. I can still sit so nah I don’t have any hard feelings. I’m outta here.” John said as he stood quickly and removed his lighter from his pocket. He hurried from the room and shut the door behind him.
Jubilee squirmed slightly as she watched John leave and then turned slowly back to face the professor. “Professor, I…I didn’t mean for John to get into trouble. I didn’t even know he got in trouble for it.” She finally said after a few long silent minutes.
“I know Jubilee. I know you would not deliberately get a fellow student in trouble or lie about them being at fault instead of yourself.” Charles said calmly though his eyes held his anger at the situation. He knew his words would sink in and impact on Jubilee in a minute.
Jubilee ducked her head immediately at the words. She knew why they had been said. “I’m sorry Professor. I…I thought that…I had hoped if you thought it was John I would be able to leave.”
Charles pinched the bridge of his nose and decided that the girl before him was so nervous that she didn’t realize what she was saying. “Jubilee, I had already stated that John had been deemed the guilty one and had been punished for it. I already knew it wasn’t John. I think what you were trying to do is try to keep me believing it was John because you wanted to leave and not think about what could’ve happened to the kitchen had Logan not came in and gotten you and Bobby to quit your game. Correct?” He finally said.
A nod, followed by a soft, “Yes Professor. We…we didn’t think anyone else would get in trouble. We didn’t think anyone would notice the ceiling for a few days.”
“That’s not an excuse Jubilee. What if instead of just burning the ceiling a bit you two had caused a fire and couldn’t control it? You could have cost a lot of people their lives. I’m disappointed in your actions young lady.” Xavier said as he regarded the girl across from him.
Jubilee sighed and hung her head. She swallowed and looked up after a few minutes, tears sparkling in her brown eyes. “I’m sorry Professor. Are you going to give us the same punishment as John?” She asked after a few minutes.
“I don’t believe so Jubilee. Had you come forward and confessed about the game you and Bobby were playing, I probably would’ve given you the same punishment, but you tried to throw it back on to John. Go up to your room and wait. I’m going to have a talk when Bobby gets home and then I will be deciding on your punishments.”
The dark haired girl nodded and got up. “You want me to go now?” She asked.
Charles nodded and watched as the girl left his office. He sighed and mentally checked on Logan and Leo to see if he had gotten anywhere with the boy.
“Kid you are not making this any easier on yourself.” Logan said. His patience was normally used up by now, but seeing as the boys had only arrived today, he was trying to be more lenient. In truth, had the boy just came over to him, he would’ve scolded him, given him a swat on the backside and considered it done, but it seemed that the kid wanted to do things the hard way.
“I’m waiting for my brother. If you touch me, I’ll scream.” The boy stated as he stayed by the window as far as he could get from Logan.
Logan shrugged, then made himself comfortable on Leo’s bed, leaning against the headboard and stretching out on the bed. He suppressed the grin at the shocked look on the boy’s face at what he had done. “Have it your way kiddo.” Logan said as he closed his eyes but stayed awake, knowing once the boy thought he was asleep, he’d make a run for it.
The movie was just letting out and the four boys we’re heading to Scott’s car. Bobby suddenly stopped and got a grin on his face. “Hey guys, instead of going home, why don’t we go do something else?”
The other three boys looked at Bobby. Warren grinned and said, “Hey sounds good by me. What do you got in mind?”
“I thought the adults were told that we were only going to the movies. Wouldn’t they be angry if we went somewhere else?” Ty asked as he regarded Bobby and Warren with concern. He looked at Scott to see how he had reacted to the other boys comments.
Scott could feel Ty’s eyes on him, looked at the newer student and smiled a little. “Bobby, Warren, it’s a half an hour before curfew and besides I’m driving. We’re going home. You two in the backseat. Ty you can ride up front with me, unless you want to sit in back with one of them?” Scott said as he headed over to the driver’s side.
Warren was about to ask Ty to sit in the back with him, when Bobby piped up. “Nah me and Warren will sit in the back.” He said as he took Warren by the arm and pulled him towards the backseat when Ty opened the door.
Once on their way home, Warren turned to Bobby and asked quietly, “Why did you do that? I would’ve liked to sit with Ty a bit and talk to him. I haven’t had a chance to really get to know him yet.”
“You can talk to him at home. I’m sure you’ll find lots of opportunities. I wanted you in the back with me because you still wanna go out right?” Bobby asked in a hushed whisper.
Warren nodded. “Yeah of course I do, but how are we gonna manage that. You know they won’t let us go back out with curfew being only half an hour a way, though that’s probably less now.” He asked wondering how Bobby was going to pull this off.
“Don’t worry I have a plan. Just meet me in my room after lights out.” Bobby whispered as he darted his eyes up to see what Scott was doing. Seeing that Scott was paying more attention to the road and Ty, he whispered something else to Warren whose eyes got very big at what was whispered to him.
Leo had his hand on the doorknob of his room as he kept an eye on the man in his bed. He turned it slowly moving his body so that he could get out the door, keeping his eye on Logan. The child froze as he backed into someone as he was coming out of his room. He looked up slowly and breathed a sigh of relief as he saw his brother. “Ty, you’re home!” He exclaimed happily as he hugged his brother around the waist.
“Yeah I am. What are you doing?” Ty asked as he wrapped one arm around his brother and pushed the door to their room open. He spied Logan lying on Leo’s bed, then looked down at his brother and quirked an eyebrow. “Leo, what have you been up to while I was gone?” He asked putting one arm on his brothers back while he stroked his hair with the other.
“I was playing with Rogue and Remy and Kurt. We we’re playing hide n’ see, and he came along and ruined it. He wouldn’t get away from my hiding spot so I yelled at him and told him to go away.” Leo said glancing towards Logan.
“Oh Lionheart. I know you were playing kiddo, but you should’ve told Logan that calmly and not been mean about it. What happened afterwards?” Ty asked knowing there had to be reason on why Logan was still in their room.
“I hauled his skinny little butt in here to talk to him and swat him once, but the kid there had other ideas. Seems he wants things done the hard way.” Logan answered from the bed as he sat up and moved to the edge of the bed.
“He was gonna try to punish me Ty. I told him that was your job not his. That he couldn’t do anything to me because you would be mad at him.” Leo informed his brother while he gave a smirk at Logan as if saying see I told you nothing would happen till Ty got home.
Ty saw the look Leo was giving and lightly tapped his head, then looked up at Logan contritely. “I’m…” He started but was cut off.
“Kid don’t apologize for him. He needs to learn to take responsibility for himself. He doesn’t need you taking up for him when he’s done wrong. Why don’t you go downstairs and get something to drink or a snack. Let me and Leo here have a talk.” Logan admonished gently.
The teen stood there with his brother still clinging to him, unsure of what to do. His hands still on Leo’s back and head.
Leo clung to his brother tightly at Logan’s words. “No Ty don’t go! You promised Ty you promised. I’m sorry I’ll be good! Please Ty!” Leo said squeezing Ty harder.
Logan could see the indecision in the teen’s eyes and knew he’d have to step in if he or any of the adults were gonna have any chance of getting Leo to listen to them. He stood up and walked over to the boys. He gently pried Leo from around his brother’s waist and was rewarded with a swift kick to his knee. He looked swiftly at Leo, then realized that it hadn’t come from the youngest but from his brother. When Logan looked up at Ty, the boy was quite pale and had a deer caught in the headlights look on his face.
“I-I-I…” Ty started but couldn’t finish, turned and ran downstairs.