Chapter Text
Logan was a peculiar person. Of course, from a Sapiens' perspective, all mutants would be considered peculiar, but regardless, Logan was unusual beyond just having claws coming out from between his knuckles.
When Charles and Erik were traveling around to find and recruit mutants, Charles would use his telepathic abilities from the start, as it was usually the most efficient method. Unlike Raven, Charles' ability wasn't visible, so there was nothing better than reciting someone's personal information to explain that they were of the same kind without lengthy explanations. By taking a quick peek into their minds, he could also figure out which points to target for persuasion, and, well, gain an advantageous position in various ways.
When Charles and Erik found him, Logan was smoking a cigar in a noisy bar. When Charles recited personal information that Logan hadn't disclosed, Logan wasn't surprised. He didn't even ask Charles who he was. He carefully examined Charles and... asked, "How old are you right now?"
Charles suspected it might be some kind of pickup line. If so—though Charles' own flirting techniques always earned mockery from Raven—it was certainly not a typical opening.
Anyway, Logan followed them quite willingly, and when they moved their base to the CIA headquarters and then to Xavier Mansion, he joined them as if it were the most natural thing. Charles was grateful, but found it somewhat unexpected. Logan wasn't young like the other kids, didn't seem to have a longing for a community of his own kind, and didn't appear to be the type driven by ambition. Despite his always nonchalant attitude and frowning face, Logan was quite cooperative. Charles wondered what he wanted from being here.
It was a night with a bright moon. Charles stood on the balcony with a glass in hand, looking down at the garden. Xavier Mansion was being modified in various places with facilities for training young mutants and Hank's research. Alex was getting better at hitting targets, and Sean had succeeded in his first flight. In the distance, he could see the transmitter tower that Erik had rotated. Everything seemed to be moving forward.
The mansion was quiet. In Charles' mind, he could hear the sounds of sleeping breaths. It was the first time this enormous mansion had been filled with so many people. For a long time, it had just been Charles and Raven. Just six months ago, Charles couldn't have imagined this life.
He heard a presence behind him. Logan came to the balcony with a beer from the refrigerator. "Can't sleep?" he said, opening the cap with his claw. "Logan," Charles turned towards him with a smile. "Just thinking a bit."
Everything was quiet around them. Charles and Logan leaned on the railing, each sipping their drinks. The moonlight shimmered on the surface of the mansion's lake.
"Now that I think about it, Logan," Charles said after swallowing a sip. "Why did you follow us back then?" Logan turned to look at him. His eyes gleamed silver-gray in the moonlight. "You told me to come." Charles blinked. "I mean... I'm curious about what you want from being here." Logan stared at him. Bright irises, dark pupils. Like a big cat. "If I want something, will you give it to me?"
Charles pondered for a moment on how to answer. "...If it's something I can provide." Logan gazed at Charles for a while, then turned his head back. "Well, we'll see." His hair stuck up as always as he tilted the beer bottle. Charles couldn't help but chuckle. He's being difficult.
Logan was looking at the moonlit lake. Charles suddenly wondered what he was thinking. Since Logan rarely talked about himself... It was a bit underhanded, but Charles pretended to rest his chin on his hand while leaning on the railing, subtly touching his temple with his finger.
Ripples on the lake, the lawn, the sun setting through the trees. A large lake led to the sea where waves were rolling. The sun was setting beyond the endless horizon. A red sea, light shattering on the surface, a large ship floating silently in the middle of it all. Charles watched as the sun slowly set beyond that horizon.
Lowering his hand discreetly, Charles tilted his glass and glanced at Logan. Does he like water? Charles turned to Logan. "Do you like the lake?" Logan shrugged while swallowing his beer. "It's not bad." Charles observed Logan's expression as he spoke. "Should we go on a trip sometime later? To a lake, or maybe the sea... If we get a big yacht, we could take everyone."
Logan turned to look at him. "...Is that what you want to do?" Charles smiled. "I'd like that." Logan looked at Charles, then turned away. "Alright." He smirked. "A yacht... I'll need to save up a lot of money."
Charles burst into laughter without realizing it. The sound echoed through the quiet garden. "Logan, I think you've forgotten that I'm quite wealthy. Don't worry about the yacht, I could order one right now if we wanted." Logan's eyes sparkled silver-gray in the moonlight. Looking at Charles' laughing face, Logan spoke softly. "I see."
Logan was truly a strange person. Charles was a powerful telepath, but he knew nothing about him beyond surface-level information. Not only did Logan rarely talk about himself... a quick peek wasn't enough to understand him well. It was as if there were buried memories. But Charles didn't want to rummage through his mind. He hoped that someday Logan would tell him on his own.
As Charles stood up to put down his glass, he stumbled slightly. He seemed to have drunk a bit more than usual. The night breeze felt cool on his heated cheeks. Logan grabbed his arm. "Looks like you've had too much." As he picked Charles up, Logan said, "I didn't know you were this weak with alcohol." Charles retorted, "You're just strong, Logan. No one metabolizes alcohol at your speed." Logan grumbled as he adjusted Charles on his back. "Whatever."
Logan started climbing the stairs. His hair stuck up like cat ears on both sides. Charles pondered why he was so curious about Logan. Perhaps because Charles Xavier had always been able to read people easily if he wanted to. Perhaps because he wanted to know the source of this vague affection. Perhaps because he felt grateful to him...... He wanted to do something nice for him.
Someday, Logan would tell him.
Logan's back was warm. Charles hummed as he wrapped his arms around Logan's neck. "This won't be easy. My room is on the fifth floor." Logan snorted. "You'd have to weigh something for that to matter."
Moonlight illuminated the landing. The mansion was quiet, with only the soft sound of footsteps climbing the stairs. Charles' breath could be felt inhaling and exhaling on Logan's back. You're too light, Logan climbed one step at a time. I could carry you around for a lifetime and it wouldn't matter.