By the time you had cleaned your teeth and face, and dressed in something comfortable, everyone was bickering over breakfast - except for Jubilee, who was glued to the radio. 

“That was all the peanut butter we had,” Bobby snapped at Remy, who was eating a large mouthful of toast. 

“I’m sure there’s cereal,” Logan responded, pouring two coffees. He handed you the second cup. 

“That’s not really the point,” Bobby protested. 

“I know,” Logan answered. “But it’s too early for your squabbling.”

“Everyone shut up a second!” Jubilee yelled. “They’re announcing the first question.”

“Okay, get your thinking caps on. What group released the album No Strings Attached in 2000, going on to-”

“NSYNC!”

“Jubilee, you have as much chance of winning as I do of marrying Justin Timberlake,” Kitty commented. 

“Stranger things have happened.”

“What is the plan for the danger room this morning anyway?” Rogue asked.

“Scott thinks I might be some good for you lot to have some field medical training,” Logan answered. 

“I did that yesterday,” Jubilee said. “Does that mean-”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re off this morning, kid. So Rogue, Half-Pint, Cajun and Tough Guy, you have an hour.”

“You do know they have names, Logan,” Jean commented as she came into the room. “Has anyone seen the Pepto-Bismol?”

“I have it,” you answered, holding out the pink bottle. “You okay?”

“Just a bit nauseous. There was something off about that chicken the other night.”

You were about to probe further when you looked at the clock; you were running late for your session with Charles. You downed your coffee, placed your empty mug and bowl in the dishwasher, kissed Logan on the cheek and left the chaos of the kitchen. 

For five months, you had been working with Charles to gain more control over your powers, especially when it came to involuntarily seeing memories. Despite some hiccups at the start, where some memories flashed before you like pictures in a slideshow, you had been making steady progress. 

Today, it seemed that there was a harder test. 

“A bullet?” you asked, looking at a tiny metal sphere on Charles’ desk. 

“There’s a lot of emotional weight attached to that ballistic,” Charles explained. “It might reveal some things that alarm you.”

“I’ll try to keep focused then.” 

You exhaled deeply, trying to keep your mind clear. You picked up the bullet, and a warm crackle burst in the back of your head. You closed your eyes, straining to fight the feeling building in your optic nerve. It was just beginning to dissipate when a stabbing pain hit around your navel. Before you could recover your focus, an image of a beach covered your eyes. 

Then your body went paralytic. “Focus on my voice; I’ll bring you back.”

You opened your eyes and took deep breaths, trying to ignore the throbbing in your stomach. You sat down in the chair, breaths still shallow. 

“Forgive me, I might have pushed you beyond your limits,” Charles said, handing you some water. 

“No, I nearly had it. It was just a bad case of indigestion,” you answered. “Thanks for getting me out of that.” You blinked away the pain. “I think I am ready to go again.”

“I think that we shouldn’t over-exert ourselves, especially if you are feeling… under the weather.”

While you could have pushed yourself, you knew Charles was right. Besides, the indigestion was making you feel slightly nauseous. 

When you arrived in the lounge, Jubilee was still attached to the radio and bouncing her foot up and down in anticipation of the next question. 

“You finished early,” Ororo commented, looking up from her book. 

“If I ever eat another jalapeño again, it will be too soon. I am usually fine with spicy food; I don’t know why my stomach is in bits.” 

“Maybe it was the meat in the burrito. I know Jean said her chicken was a bit off. Maybe it’s the same thing.”

“No, it was a vegetarian one. Trying to eat less meat,” you answered. You turned to Jubilee. “Sweetheart, have you moved from that radio since breakfast?”

“Nope,” Jubilee answered, not even turning to look at you. 

“She really wants to go to the show,” Ororo commented.  

“Can’t blame her. When I was her age, I really wanted to see Duran Duran. I had to beg, borrow and steal to get those tickets.”

“Really?”

“I paid my father back. After I was grounded.”

“Okay, question number two: which band is known for having the lyrics ‘Just like that river twisting through a dusty land?’ Might be one to ask your parents, kids.”

You and Ororo looked at each other, slightly stunned at the question. 

“The hell?” Jubilee asked, almost defeated. 

“We literally were just talking about it,” you responded. 

“I wasn’t listening.”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s Duran Duran.”

“Old people are awesome,” Jubilee squeaked as she wrote down the answer. 

“Hey, I wasn’t even in middle school when that song came out.”

“And you may be eighteen, but you can still be grounded,” Ororo added. 

“Sorry, thank you, you’re the best.”

-o-

“Not like you to be taking a nap this early,” Logan commented as he walked into his room. You were curled up on the bed, slightly dozing. Your eyes flickered open and adjusted to the sound of the radio playing Britney Spears’ ‘Lucky’. “You feeling any better?”

“I’m not sure it’s indigestion anymore. My stomach feels like there is a brick inside it,” you complained, rolling onto your back. “I’m just frustrated more than anything. I got distracted during my session with Charles and let my mind slip.”

Logan sat on the bed and laced his fingers with yours. “You’ve made so much progress. One setback should not do much damage.”

“I know. It’s just annoying.” He leaned down and kissed your head. “How was the danger room?”

Logan sighed, “Well, thanks to Bobby, the girls managed to complete the field medical training successfully.”

“What happened?”

“He and Remy were bickering so much that Scott nearly got decapitated by a flying ice shard. Luckily, it was only a graze, but if that happened out in the field…”

“They’ve got to get over this animosity sooner or later. You and Scott did.”

“Eh, I just about tolerate him.” 

“Okay, here it is: our final question. Get those fingers ready. Dazzler has released six albums since her self-titled debut in 1994. Which album does the song ‘Moonlight’ appear on? The lines are now open.”

“Jubilee will no doubt be using all available phones,” you commented. 

“As well as half the teenage population of this state.”

“And New Jersey. And probably most cities from here to DC.”

“And we have our caller. Tell us your name and where you’re from.”

“Jubilation Lee, but everyone calls me Jubilee. I’m eighteen and from Westchester, New York.”

You sat up and looked at Logan in bewilderment, “I’ll be…”

“Fantastic. Take it you’re a huge Dazzler fan.”

“Does a mall baby eat chilli fries?”

Logan pinched his eyes shut and shook his head. “She’s on public radio.”

The host laughed, then began, “Jubilee, you ready for this? Question one: which pop group released the album No Strings Attached-”

“N-sync!”

“That is correct. How confident are you about question two? A little before your time.”

“I live in a boarding school. There are a lot of ol- I mean adults to help out.”

“The little…” you whispered in disbelief. Without hesitation, Jubilee cleared the second question. “She owes me one of those tickets if she gets this last one.”

“Two questions down, are we ready for the third?”

“Hit me.”

“Which album does the song ‘Moonlight’ appear on?” 

“That would be Blue.”

“Congratulations, Jubilee! You and four friends are off to Madison Square Garden tonight-”

“Jubilee, a word now!”

“Of course, Summers is around to spoil the fun,” Logan commented and got off the bed. “I guess I should go down. You stay here and rest.”

“I need to get a drink anyway,” you responded as you turned off the radio and followed him out. 

When you both arrived in the lounge (you sipping on a mint tea), Jubilee was sitting whilst Scott stood with his arms crossed, a large plaster covering the graze on his neck. It seemed like a team meeting as Jean, Ororo, Kurt and Morph had congregated, though you could tell it was not out of choice.

“So… I am grounded?” Jubilee asked. 

Scott sighed, “No. You won the tickets fairly.”

“Why are we all here then?” Morph asked. 

“We were going to hit the basketball court,” Kurt added. 

“We just need to know who she’s taking,” Jean explained. 

“Well, Rogue, Kitty, Bobby and Remy,” Jubilee said as though it was the most obvious explanation in the world. 

“Yeah, Bobby and Remy… That’s not happening,” Logan said. “Not after the stunt they pulled this morning.”

“And you’re going to need at least one of us to join you,” Jean added. 

“I’m eighteen,” Jubilee protested. “I don’t need a chaperone.”

“Kitty’s not eighteen yet,” Ororo explained. 

“I can be responsible.”

“Jubilee, you burnt a batch of cupcakes last week,” Scott argued. 

“But I passed the field medical training without fault.” Scott turned to Logan, who nodded in confirmation. “See.”

“It’s still part of the rules,” Kurt explained. “So you might be able to take a fourth person and one adult. It seems fair.”

“Well…”

“Well, what?” Logan asked. 

“I wouldn't have been able to win had it not been for [y/n]. Would that be okay?” 

You were stunned. You had joked about her giving you a ticket, but did not necessarily think she would offer you one. “Seriously?” 

“That’s fine, but she's not staff. You still need one more adult,” Scott said. “Pass me the chaperone rota.”

“You have a chaperone rota?” you whispered. 

“The idea was to make it fairer on who takes the kids to things,” Logan whispered back. 

After a couple of seconds, Scott said, “Ah, perfect, it's Logan.” 

“What?” 

“It was me last time, so it has to be you,” Ororo explained. 

“Does anyone want to swap?” 

“No, we all agreed to this,” Jean answered firmly. 

Morph could not contain their amusement, “Logan at a pop concert. I wish I could be there to see his face.” 

Logan grumbled and rubbed his face, “Fine, but you’re going to need to extend the girls’ curfew. I can't get back all the way here by 23:00.” 

“To be honest, you would be lucky if you got back by 01:00,” you added. “Madison Square Garden will be gridlocked, and trains will be irregular if non-existent.” That gave you an idea. “They can stay at mine if they want. It's not a million miles away from the arena.” 

“Really?” Jubilee asked. 

“Really?” Logan echoed. 

“I have a couch and some sleeping bags. They can have the television and play the games console. Might be fun.” 

“Okay, fine, deal, but make sure they’re back before 12:00 tomorrow,” Scott said. 

Jubilee let out a squeal that pierced even your ears, and she fled out of the room and up the stairs before anyone could catch a breath. 

“Now I know how The Beatles felt,” you commented. 

“You sure about this?” Logan asked. “You have been off all morning.”

You shrugged, “Trust me, a broken ankle didn’t stop me from going to parties in college. A stomach ache is nothing.”

“You had a broken ankle?” Morph asked.

“Gymnastics practice. I landed a vault wrong.” 

-o-

“Oh. My. God,” Jubilee exclaimed as she walked into the VIP lounge, followed by an equally awestruck Rogue and Kitty. The room was laid out with a buffet of sliders, fries, pizza and nibbles, as well as soft drinks. 

“Take it that I will need to stick to the soft stuff tonight,” Logan muttered. 

“Could be worse,” you said. “To be honest, I don’t feel like drinking.”

“Really?”

“Yeah… I thought I was past the worst of the stomach ache, but I feel a little nauseous. Maybe it’s just the excitement.”

“And you haven’t eaten much this afternoon.”

“True. I may have some fries and see if the salt settles my stomach.”

“You can see the whole stage from here!” Kitty yelled. 

You grabbed some fries and looked out at the arena. The spotlights danced around in pinks and blues, the key shape stage was stretched out to nearly half the court, and there was a general buzz of tween and teen excitement. The adults who had been clearly dragged were less enthusiastic but were doing a decent job of keeping up appearances. 

“Cheer up, Logan,” Rogue said. “It’s only three hours.”

“Three… hours.” You didn’t have to be a telepath to know that Logan was planning something that might involve Scott’s head actually being decapitated. “I need a drink.”

You followed him inside. “Hey, come on. I know this is not your thing, but you love those girls. At least try…”

Logan sighed, “Sorry. Just with these senses, everything…”

“Oh… You’re overstimulated.”

“If that’s the word.”

You sometimes wondered what it would be like to see things through Logan’s eyes: what if everything was sharper or deeper? That said, you really did not want to imagine having to smell everything. However, his hearing was something you could help with. You reached into your pocket. “Here. I thought since I am getting older, I should put in some earplugs to stop hearing loss, but you need these more than I do. It might help drown out the bass.” Logan instantly put them in, and his posture instantly softened. “Better?”

“Yes,” he answered, pulling you in for a hug. You smiled and hugged him back. He put his lips to the top of your head and frowned. “[y/n], you’re burning up.”

“Am I?” You pulled back and felt your head with the back of your palm. “Oh… It is a little warm in here.”

“No, it’s like you have a fever.”

“I’m fine, honestly. I’ll get an ice-cold drink and be back to normal. Besides, we can’t leave the girls.”

“I can call Scott if needed.”

“I don’t think you’re allowed to swap the tickets.” The lights outside the room dimmed. “Come on, the support act is on.”

You took Logan’s hand and pulled him back to the balcony. The teenagers were already cheering and waving their neon light sticks around as the supporting band joined the stage. 

“GOOD EVENING, NEW YORK CITY!” the lead singer shouted. “WE’RE THE MADISONS. ARE YOU READY TO KICK SOME ASS?”

“ONE TWO THREE FOUR!” the drummer added, and the first electric guitar notes blasted out of the amps, followed by a roaring drum beat. 

The band was good, excellent in fact. Despite the music being more on the poppy end of the Pop-Punk spectrum, you could see Logan was getting a little into it. Maybe the earplugs were helping drown out the background noise. 

The second song was a cover of Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’, which did get the crowd ramped up, cheering and singing, “Don't wanna be an American idiot! One nation controlled by the media! Information age of hysteria! It's calling out to idiot America!”

After a couple of originals, the final song was a cover of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’. Logan wrapped his arms around you as you swayed along. 

“Though I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more.”

“You have to admit that you are having fun,” you said to Logan when you went to the bar. 

“They’re decent guitarists,” he answered, sipping on his whisky. “You still look a bit flushed.”

“I’m alright.” You took a sip of your sparkling water, which did seem to quell the dryness in your throat. “A few more hours and I can get some rest at home.”

“You really think you’re going to be resting tonight with those three in your living room?”

“I will need those earplugs back.”

About fifteen minutes later, you were back on the balcony overlooking the arena. The lights dimmed, and the screens behind the stage changed to show a sea of blue, silver and pink glitter. The dancers assumed their first positions, and a cacophony of euphoric, excited screaming filled the room. 

Dazzler appeared on stage wearing a sparkling blue bodysuit and began the opening song ‘Blue Wave’. 

You had to blink for a moment. For some reason, your head was starting to pound. You masked it the best you could, especially when Jubilee, Rogue and Kitty were having the time of their lives. 

“And we shall ride the blue wave!” the audience sang and chanted along.

While you did not feel like singing, you were swaying and bopping along to the beat. However, you felt your stomach twist and went lightheaded. You put the back of your hand to your mouth. “Sorry. I just need to go to the bathroom.”

You walked to avoid suspicion, but as soon as you were out of sight, you made a small run to the bathroom. As soon as you entered the cubicle, you crouched down and hurled. As soon as you felt the contents of your stomach were empty, and all that was left was bile, you took some deep breaths. 

“[y/n]?” 

“Door’s open,” you yelled back. Logan came in and crouched by you. “I think this may be food poisoning.”

“You think?”

“It makes sense. I have been dealing with stomach cramps all day, the mild fever and sickness…”

“Okay, what do you want to do?”

“Honestly? I don’t know how much I'll enjoy the concert if I am feverish and running here every five minutes. And I don’t want to ruin it for Jubilee, especially after she earned those tickets.”

“Do you want me to take you home?” 

“No, you need to stay with the girls. I’ll get a cab.”

Logan helped you to your feet. Your head spun as you tried to make your way back to the lounge, and only settled when you sat on one of the chairs. Logan went to the bar to get you some water. Suddenly, it felt like someone had driven a knife into your stomach, and you hunched over and whimpered. 

“Shit,” Logan said, running to you. “You need me to get you to the bathroom?”

“No,” you cried. “I think…”

Your vision went white, and you slumped to the floor. You could hear yelling and movement, but everything felt distorted. Logan was calling your name, telling you to stay with him, and for a brief moment, you felt some relief from the pain. The last thing you remembered was pressure on your hand before you blacked out. 

-o-

Your eyes adjusted to the harsh, cold white lights as you blinked awake. You could not make out where you were, your brain foggy. Then your other senses came into focus. The clinical smell of antiseptic and bleach hit your nose. The rhythmic beeping rang in your ears. You felt the slight pressure of a hand on yours. 

You turned your dazed head towards the hand and saw Logan sitting in a chair, sleeping and covered only in a blanket. 

“Hey,” another voice said, coming in through the doors. “I had to pull a few strings to get you a private room here. Thought you would be more comfortable.”

“Claire?” you asked, your vision still blurry as it adjusted to the image of your best friend, dressed in teal scrubs. “Where am I?”

“St. Luke’s-Roosevelt. Where I usually work. Have they given you too many drugs or…”

“Oh, that’s not good.”

“Why?”

“John Lennon died here.”

“I mean, he was already dead on arrival so you can’t blame the hospital for that.” You started giggling. “Okay, I think I might need to tell them to lower the dose on the painkillers.”

“Sorry. I haven’t felt like this since I broke my ankle. It's kinda nice.” You swallowed to alleviate the dry throat. “What happened?”

“You had appendicitis. Luckily, they got it just before it ruptured, and they wheeled you into surgery. Hence why you feel like you have been hit by a car.” She put a bag at the foot of your bed. “Thought I would bring some stuff from home. You might be here for a few days.” 

“Thanks.”

You felt your hand being squeezed, and Logan grumbled as you saw his eyes try to fight sleep. Claire placed a coffee and a paper bag on the small table. “This is for him. You can’t eat anything other than clear broths for twenty-four hours.”

“I hate it when you do your job properly.” Claire shrugged. She squeezed your other hand and left the room. You turned your head back to Logan, and he blinked awake. “Hey.”

He rubbed his face and sat up. “How long have you been awake?”

“About three minutes, I think. You should tell them to keep these painkillers coming. They gave me some good shit.”

Logan huffed out something resembling amusement before he shifted to sit on the edge of the bed. “Did Claire tell you that you needed an appendectomy?” You nodded. “I should have picked it up.”

“You wouldn’t have known.”

“Doesn’t matter. I should have taken you down to the labs and had you looked at.”

“I would have ended up in surgery anyway.”

“Not borderline septic though.”  

You tried to sit up, but your abdomen was too tender. Logan pressed a button on your bed so that it rested you on an incline. “It’s not your fault, Logan. Besides, you got me here before it could rupture.”

“Yeah, fortunately, there were some EMTs downstairs. The girls were much more level-headed than I was. Guess that field medical training paid off.”

“Did they…”

“Watch the show? No. They were too worried about you. They got in a cab and followed us. Scott and Jean picked them up just after you came out of the operating room.” He sighed. “Don’t know what I would have done without them. The EMT was asking me all sorts of questions that I could not answer. I felt useless.”

“You’re not useless. You held my hand and never let go. Even subconsciously, I felt safe.” 

You gave a small, tired smile, and Logan leaned down and kissed your forehead. “Also, don't kill me, but I called your mother.”

“Surprised she's not here by now,” you replied. “She would have been on the first flight out of LAX, even if it was the red eye.” 

About an hour later, while you were forcing down the blandest broth known to mankind, there was a knock at the door. 

“Oh, you're awake at least,” your mother said, coming into the room, carrying a small bag. “Logan, honey, do me a favour and get me a coffee, please. From the cart outside, not that horrible stuff they put in the vending machines.” 

“Mom-” you began to protest. 

“It’s fine, I think I need one myself, and I could do with a smoke.” Logan stood up and pressed a quick kiss to your lips. “I won’t be long.”

As soon as Logan left, your mother put the bag down and immediately started fussing with your bedsheets. Some things never change. “I don’t know how you ride the subway to work every day. I got lost three times on the way from Newark. I did not even know that it’s not even in New York.”

“I’m sure I told you this years ago,” you muttered. It might have been the painkillers and lack of food, but you were not in the mood for your mother’s complaining. 

“Sorry, sweetheart, I’ve been on edge since I got off the phone with Logan. How are you feeling?” 

“Hungry,” you answered honestly. The broth was barely touching the sides. “Can’t eat anything other than this for the next day.” 

“Any pain or discomfort?”

“I had open abdominal surgery, Mom. What do you think?” 

“Well, I brought some things for a couple of weeks, so you don't need to-”

“Wait, what do you mean?” 

“I'm staying to help you recover, sweetheart.” 

“Oh… I mean, thanks, but Logan’s already got that covered.” 

“I don't know how that is going to work. He lives in a different town and has a busy job. If you were living together, maybe, but-”

“We'll make it work. We always do.” Your mother exhaled, resigned to the compromise. “Did you tell Dad?” 

“He sends his love. He would have come too, but he doubted you would want to see him.”

“I don’t know. I am so drugged up I might be more amiable.”

A little later, after you suggested to your mother that if she wanted to help, she could clean your apartment ready for you to come home (not that it was messy or filthy but cleaning was the last thing you wanted to do after surgery), there was another flutter of visitors in the form of Jubilee, Rogue and Kitty, accompanied by Scott, much to the chagrin of the duty nurse. 

“You have ten minutes, she needs rest,” he commented. 

“Could you have bought a larger bunch?” Logan asked as he took the huge bouquet of yellow tulips, solidago and sweet williams, as well as white stocks and Peruvian lilies. 

“Yeah, this is the last time I trust Morph with making the purchases,” Scott replied. 

“They’re lovely, thank you,” you commented. “I’m sorry, Jubilee. I know you really wanted to see the show.”

“It’s only a concert,” she answered. “I’m sure there will be another chance someday.”

“We wouldn’t have felt comfortable anyway having fun while you were possibly dying,” Kitty added. 

“I mean, you’re practically family now,” Rogue said.

“I heard you three did a lot before the EMT arrived,” you said. 

“It’s a good thing we did the training, even if Scott looks like a vampire attacked him,” Jubilee replied. 

“Take it the boys are still in deep trouble.”

“I still think we should stick them in a wood somewhere and let them sort it out,” Logan muttered. 

“And have them kill each other, are you nuts?” Scott asked. 

“It would give me some peace and quiet,” Rogue murmured, just enough for you to hear. It seemed like she was exhausted by the bickering more than anyone. 

“Okay, time's up, everyone out except the boyfriend,” the nurse ordered. 

The girls hugged you gently and then left you and Logan alone for the first time in hours.

“Tired?” Logan asked, stroking his thumb over your hand.

You nodded. “Painkillers are making me drowsy.” You smiled softly and cupped his cheek. “You’ll still be here when I wake?”

“Not leaving your side for anything.” He kissed you softly and lowered the bed. “I love you. Get some sleep.”

-o-

After three days of antibiotics, resident rounds and bland food, you were discharged with strict instructions to take it easy and return in two weeks to check the stitches. You could have a short, gentle walk to get some fresh air, but nothing too strenuous. 

“I can carry my bag, you know,” you said as Logan opened the door to your apartment. 

“You heard the doctor, no heavy lifting,” he replied. 

Your mother was standing at the stove, stirring something in a pot. The apartment was spotless, though you could not help but wonder if your mother had also organised all the kitchen drawers and cupboards. 

“What are you cooking?” you asked. 

“Pastina chicken soup. It's meant to be good for digestive issues. Quite frankly, I don't think they fed you well enough.” 

“It's normal to give bland food after an appendectomy,” you replied, wincing a little as you sat down. 

“You okay, do you need a pillow?” Logan asked. 

“Just behind my back,” you answered. When you were finally comfortable, Logan sat down and read through the aftercare notes. “Thanks, Mom, for cleaning and making dinner.” 

“Just as well, those shelves really needed dusting.” You had to remind yourself not to react, or you were going to end up injuring yourself. “Now, Logan, are you sure you have everything covered?” 

“We'll be fine,” Logan answered. 

“Okay, well, my flight is in four hours. I decided to take a cab this time.” 

“Probably for the best,” you said. She kissed the top of your head. “See you soon.” 

When your mother left, you aimed to reach the remote but hissed. “Fuck.” Logan picked it up and handed it to you. “Thanks.” 

“Do you need some Tylenol?" 

“I'm alright,” you answered. “I am hungry, though.”

Logan nodded and put some of the soup in a bowl. He handed it to you. At least the soup had some flavour from the chicken broth and texture from the pasta and chicken. 

“Anything you want to do? Take a nap? TV?” 

“TV. If I have a nap now, I won't be able to sleep later.” You switched on the television. “Maybe a movie.” 

“Sure.” Logan stood up and looked at your DVD collection. “What were you thinking?” 

“Roman Holiday?” 

Logan found the DVD and put it in. He grabbed his bowl of pastina and joined you on the sofa. “So what is this about?” 

“Audrey Hepburn is a princess who is fed up with the insane amount of duties she has to do so she escapes one night. She's found by Gregory Peck, a journalist who realises he can get an exclusive scoop from her. However, they spend the day together exploring Rome.” You settled in as the movie began with large sweeping shots of Rome coming into view. “This movie is why I want to go to Italy one day.” 

“Maybe we should. We've never done an international trip.” 

“Two weeks of nothing but carbs and wine. Sounds like heaven.” 

“Maybe when you're better, it's something we can think about.” 

“Really?” 

“Well, other than danger room drills, there isn't going to be a lot of teaching. Besides, if Jean and Scott had one at the start of the year-” 

“That was their honeymoon.” 

“Point stands.” You laughed softly. “I just realised how much I want to do with you.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your free hand. “Okay, let’s do it.” 

-o-

After a week of being in the apartment, you were starting to develop cabin fever. Even though you were aware your body needed the rest and you could get out for a small walk, you felt like the walls were getting smaller and smaller each day. 

And, as much as you hated to admit it, Logan was starting to get on your nerves.

It seemed that any minor task you wanted to do, he would be there to take over. While you were okay with him helping change your dressing and doing the bulk of the housework, you were less thrilled when you wanted to grab a piece of fruit to snack on, and he would intervene to do it for you. 

By the eighth day, you had reached boiling point. 

“Hey, princess, sit down, I’ll get you that tea,” he said, coming up behind you while you stood at the kitchen counter. 

“I can do it myself, Logan,” you responded shortly. “I’ve been sitting all day.”

“Yes, but what if you tear your stitches?”

You sighed, “You need to calm down. I am literally moving ten steps from here to the couch.” You poured the tea and walked back to the couch, where you pulled a blanket over you. “When was the last time you hit the gym?”

“Not since the day before the concert. Why?”

“Just think you could use it to take your mind off things.”

“I’m fine. Look, how about I make you some soup for-” 

“I swear if you give me soup, I will march all the way downstairs and pour it over your car seats.” 

Logan blinked. “Have I done something to piss you off?”

“I just don’t like being treated like a china doll. Yes, I had a serious surgery, but I don’t need you to wait on me hand and foot every second of the day. It's been a week. I can start building up my strength again. I don’t think much can happen when boiling the kettle.”

“Could burn yourself.”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s not funny. You’re not the one who has lost her independence. I’m sick and tired of not being able to do anything by myself. I need to take a nap. Alone.”

You stormed out of the living room and into the bedroom, perhaps slamming it a tad hard to emphasise how much you were agitated. 

Logan stared at the door, baffled. 

-o-

“Yeah, you need to stop coddling her,” Claire said later that afternoon. You had not come out of the room for a few hours, and Logan - despite his regenerative healing - was worried you would castrate him if he disturbed you. So he decided to bring in some reinforcements, if only to allow you to see a different face. “It’s bad enough she can’t do the things she enjoys without feeling like she can’t do a basic task.”

Logan handed her a coffee. “She hissed in pain the first time she tried to get the remote by herself. I’m just trying to help.”

“And she knows that. But you’ve met her mother and know how smothering she can be. So, yeah, I think she subconsciously feels undermined when you step in for something she could very easily do herself - appendectomy or no.”

“So what do I do?” 

“Now? Give her a little space for a few hours. I know you have a life outside of her. Take your friends out for a drink or two. I can stay with her and watch some dumb movies and TV shows.”

Logan sighed. “Okay.”

About an hour later, you decided to leave the bedroom, only to be shocked to find your best friend standing by your kitchen island, unbagging what looked like Thai takeout. 

“Where’s Logan?” you asked. 

“Thought you could do with a break from each other for a couple of hours. And you’ll be delighted to know that I did not order soup.” You snorted. You took the Pad Kee Mao and sat down on the sofa, Claire following you. You switched to something mindless on HGTV.  “How are you feeling?”

“Bored and restless. I’m sick of being inside this apartment.” You sighed. “I might have snapped at Logan.”

“Yeah, he told me. That’s why I’m over here.”

“Do you think I overreacted?”

“No. I explained to Logan that you value independence and that his hovering undermines that. I think he got the message.”

“He is genuinely being so helpful, but I’m stuck in this small-ass apartment, and there isn’t even an escape for me to breathe. Don’t get me wrong, I love living here, but it’s not conducive to two people living together. It doesn't… feel like a home anymore.” 

“You have to admit that going back and forth to Westchester is exhausting.”

“Could be worse. Could be Poughkeepsie.”

“So, what are you two going to do? He can’t move in here because it’s too far from the school, and I don’t think you two will want to live with so many other people.”

“I suppose you have a point. There is a compromise somewhere.”

“Would you move out of the city?”

“Well, I work not far from Grand Central. If it were somewhere with good train access, it would work. But I don’t know if I am at a point where I want to live in suburbia again.”

“I say take it one step at a time.”

“We’re not exactly known for rushing things.”

“I know. Reality has already set in, though.”

“Yeah, I suppose it has.” 

-o-

It was around 20:30 when Logan ambled into your apartment. You were reading Never Let Me Go (a book Logan bought while you were in the hospital, thinking you would be interested in it, given you had some other Kazuo Ishiguro books on your shelf). You looked up from your page to see him. He looked uncharacteristically sheepish with his hands in his pockets. He pulled something out and handed it to you. “Peace offering?” 

You looked at the item; it was two tickets to see Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith the next day. You put the bookmark inside your book and moved the cushion to allow him to sit down. “Thank you.”

“It seemed something non-strenuous, but not in this apartment.” He took your hand. “I know I've been overbearing, and I'm sorry,” he said. “I knew what I had to do when you collapsed, but everything froze, and I blacked out. I’m your partner, [y/n]. I should be able to be there for you in a medical crisis.”

You shuffled closer to him and let him put his arms around you, your head resting in the crook of his neck. He smelt like he had drunk a few whiskies and smoked a couple of cigars, but you felt comforted by it. Most people would have been repulsed, but Logan was not one to hide things. “You don’t need to do anything other than be there. That’s all I need. I will need your help, but let me ask for it first.” You laced your fingers with him. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. You didn't deserve it.” 

Logan kissed the top of your head. “I guess it made me realise your mortality. I was so scared I was going to lose you.”

“More things like this are going to happen. I’m not invincible.”

“Might have to dress you in bubble wrap then.” You rolled your eyes but smiled softly. Logan leaned down to kiss you. It was gentle and sweet and what you needed at that moment. “That bourbon tastes good.” Logan kissed you again, deeper this time and shuffled to lay you down on the cushions. “Wait, I haven’t been medically cleared yet.”

“I know. Don’t need to be for what I have planned.” He pulled off your NYU sweatshirt and lowered his lips to take a nipple into his mouth. You whimpered softly as he flicked the bud, and it hardened under his tongue. It never took much for you to become putty in his hands. “Let me take care of you,” he breathed into your solar plexus. 

“Yeah,” you gasped as Logan moved his lips to kiss your neck. 

He kissed lower, reaching the plaster-covered skin of your surgery wound. “Does it still hurt?”

“Odd twinge.”

“I’ll be gentle.” Subconsciously, you lifted your hips so he could pull down your sweatpants and underwear. He knelt on the floor and put your legs over his shoulders. “I’m gonna take such good care of you, princess.”

The moment his mouth made contact with your warm, dampening folds, you had zero doubts about his ability to take care of you. 

-o-

“I really needed that,” you commented, coming out of the cinema, holding onto Logan’s hand. 

“Think I could have picked a more cheerful movie,” Logan replied. “Did not think there would be a whole scene of genocide.”

“Well, it was always going to end tragically. It was about Anakin’s descent to the Dark Side. Ironically, he tried to do it for Padmé, and he lost everything but only gained rage that he will spend the next twenty-five years taking out on the galaxy. But you know, there is that new hope at the end.” You tried not to laugh at Logan’s pained reaction to your joke. “You get my point.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” He stopped for a moment and put his arms around you. “It's good to see your spark back.” 

“Who knew that three hours outside the apartment could have done me some good?” 

“So you definitely enjoyed it?” 

“It's the first time I have come out of a prequel movie and not felt the need to rewatch it to form a certain opinion.” You put your arms around his neck. “Thank you. I know I was annoyed at you yesterday, but I don’t think I could have gotten through the last week and a half without you by my side. However, I have been thinking, and we could, maybe, think about living together.”

“You serious?”

“You called me your partner; it sounds more grown-up than boyfriend and girlfriend. As much as there have been some times here that I have loved, it feels different to how I am now.” 

“You love it here.” 

“But I love you more. It's going to be an adjustment, but hasn't everything we've done so far been one?” 

“It will be a huge step for me too. End of the nomadic life.”

“With a house, a garden and a dog…”

“Why do you want a dog so much?”

“I always wanted one, but my sister’s allergic, and I have rental agreements.”

“Okay, we can get a dog.”

-o-

A week later, you were deemed to have recovered sufficiently and could return to normal activity. You were thrilled, especially as it coincided with the graduation ceremony for the Xavier Institute senior class. While everyone had been down to see you in drips and drabs, it felt nice to see everyone all at once. 

“I am shocked that Bobby and Remy managed to get through that forest without killing each other,” you commented, taking the first blessed sip of wine in two weeks. 

“Scott threatened them that they would be repeating the year if they didn't buckle up,” Jean answered. Unusually, she was drinking water. “Think that knocked some sense into them.”

“They still hate each other,” Ororo clarified. “But it’s at least positive that they can put their differences aside for a larger picture. So, I hear you’re stealing Logan from us.”

You snorted, “Nearly. It’ll be a long process for us to find somewhere close by with a decent train link. But we will make it work. We even planned a vacation in Italy while I had the time off.”

“Italy, wow, is Logan going to cope with the flight?” 

You shrugged, “Find the highest dose of sleeping pills you can, and he might be able to sleep through the whole thing.”

“That’s going to be one hell of a sleeping pill,” Jean laughed. 

Someone called for everyone to get into their places. A small sea of yellow caps and gowns formed at the front of the crowd while you sat next to Logan. He looked so much like a proud father as he watched Kitty ascend the stage as the Valedictorian. She stood in front of the podium and began the address, “I came here only a few years ago, right when some weird things started happening. It was hard to explain how I managed to fall through a ceiling, especially in the middle of dinner. However, since I came here and was able to not only control and embrace the new abilities, I met the greatest friends anyone could ask for, who would never let me down or oscrocise me. I became the best version of myself, and I know I am going to be able to face anything, whether it’s a group of sentinels or a college thesis, whichever is worse.” The joke got a small laugh out of everyone. “All I can say, in the words of Dazzler, ‘So here’s to all mutants who feel they’re on their own. You’re not defined by powers or battles you have known. Stand tall, embrace your truth, let your colours show. For in unity and in strength, our powers start to grow.’ To the Class of 2005!”

A round of applause broke out, along with some yellow and blue confetti covering the cohort. 

“They really do grow up fast, don’t they?” you asked. “I mean, I have only known them a few months, but it seems like it’s been a lifetime.”

“I’ve been through many cohorts,” Charles said. “The pride never dampens.”

“I secretly still think we were his favourite,” Jean commented as Charles moved away.

“I never have favourites, Jean.”

“These kids are the lucky ones,” Scott added. 

“Okay, we have a surprise,” Rogue said, coming up to you. You looked at everyone, a little confused. “So, it turns out Dazzler was an ex-pupil, something someone completely forgot to mention.”

“Wait, Dazzler’s a…” It made complete sense. The lights looked too natural and perfect to be made by graphics and pyrotechnics. “Wait, you never mentioned this whole time you were in school with her.”

“Yeah, technically she was part of our first cohort of trainees,” Ororo explained. “Alison’s a great person, and a very competent fighter.”

“She was just more of a lover, not a fighter,” Kurt explained. “A sentiment I admire,”

“Okay, so back to the story,” Jubilee interrupted. “She heard what happened at the show and felt bad we all missed the main part.”

“So, she gifted us five tickets to the Philadelphia show as a graduation present,” Kitty said. 

“And we won’t need a chaperone this time. Unless [y/n], you want to go as well?”

You smiled and wrapped your arm around Logan’s waist. “I'll try not to cause a medical emergency this time. You coming, Lo?”

“You were getting into it last time,” Kitty teased. 

Logan frowned at her. “Suppose I can drive you all. You're lucky, red, since it's your turn to chaperone.”

“I think I might be off the rota for a while,” Jean responded. “I'm pregnant.” 

After a moment’s stunned silence, everyone began a chorus of congratulating Jean and Scott. 

“Oh my god, a baby, that’s so cool. Dibs on godmother,” Jubilee said. 

“I think we already have it decided,” Scott answered in slight amusement. “Don’t worry, we’re going to be sticking around, just one extra on our hips.”

Later, in the midst of the afterparty, Logan took you out for a walk around the grounds, if only to get some air and reduce the overstimulation on his part. He kept your hand laced with his as you reached the lake. 

“You feel alright, do you need to sit down?” Logan asked. 

“I'm good,” you answered. “I really needed this today after being cooped up for two weeks.” 

“I actually brought you out here because I found something.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out several folded papers. “It's just a few houses - they are close by and within walking distance to the train station. There's no rush but..” He handed them to you, and you opened up the options. They were really nice houses, all perfect and pristine. Perfectly ready to move into. “They’re probably way out of our budget. I might be able to build you a house for far less.” 

“You would do that for me?” 

“Yeah.” He pulled out another paper. It was a rough sketch of a two-story house. “Jean said that open plan was the thing, so I put an open plan kitchen, dining room and living area downstairs. Upstairs, we have our room, with an en-suite. Two smaller bedrooms as well. You know, in case Jean being pregnant has given you ideas.”

You laughed, “No, I can still hold off on that. I love it, Lo.” He pulled you closer and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips. He pulled back and rested his head on yours. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

The night drew colder, and the celebrations continued in the marquee. He took you back to his room and undressed you slowly, his lips decorating each piece of exposed skin. 

He made love to you that night, slowly and deeply. It wasn’t about chasing release but reaffirming the bond that tied you both to each other, and only you two could create. 

His love for you was so strong, you could feel it flowing in your veins.