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Chapter Text

It was one of those dark stormy nights again. She wasn't at her place though, no. Not in her home, on her less chilly couch nor her bed.
She sat in the car outside a breathtakingly large house or rather school as the sign she drove past said. It was cold outside but least it wasn't raining--

The thought of visiting such place should normally feel exciting or at least cause anticipation for what will wait inside, but to her this was kind off a last minute decision. Come think of it, all she was feeling was nervousness and guilt by the thought of possibly waking everyone inside, just so she could come in and talk to the very man she was hoping to meet.

After everything that's happened or rather not happened- she couldn't remember, which was exactly the reason she sat here in the first place..

Her mind was nonstop spinning around the idea of just turning around. Leaving again before she had a chance to get in. Ever since she got in the car she had doubts. But where else to go? No one could help with her problem except-

//Don't you want to come in?// 

A calm voice.. in her head? The thought did feel incredibly inviting in contrast to the whipping wind between the entrance door and the car. Inside would probably feel better.. and gratefully she wouldn't have to awake anyone, giving that he apparently was still awake. 

The car's clock hit 11:30pm.

--

Her hand hovered just before the ridiculously huge doors after another ridiculous minute of doubt in the car and now she was thinking again. Would she even have to knock?--

//It's alright, just enter. The first door to your right//

Well then.

God forbid the gates were even heavier than they looked, why make them so heavy??
Though inside was actually nicer than her car or a drive back, so who was she to complain. "Professor?", 

//First door to your right, love//. Ah, right.

He sat at his dark oak desk, eyes traveling across the spread out paper work with his sleeves rolled up. Looked like a busy night..
Of course that made her hesitate, again, before walking into what seemed to be his office, trying to make as little noise as possible and stand at a distance to not disturb his work.

"Quite a late hour to visit, I assume you have a reason?". His eyes stayed on the paper with a sudden frown while..trying to sort them? He exhaled exhaustedly and looked up, smiling. "You could say that" she huffed with a smile, "I'm really sorry to be bothering this late, I was just-- if tomorrow morning would be better I could-", "NO-" he shot, somewhat afraid to have made her feel unwelcome. "That won't be necessary, this--" he gestured unenthusiastically at the pile on his table, "Will most likely keep me awake anyway. Please, have a seat", he smiled more welcoming and nodded to the couch next to his desk, before coming from behind it.

She nodded and scurried over to the couch, making herself comfortable. With an expression full of awe, she took in her surrounding, stunned by how beautiful the mansion seemed form what she'd seen so far. 

"Well," her eyes landed back on him, "Yes?", "You are- Your school was the only thing that came to my mind", "I suppose you already know who I am then, Charles Xavier".
"I do, nice to meet you" both smiled widely and she shook the hand he reached out before settling her own back in her lap with the other, looking down.

Charles retracted his hand only hesitantly as his expression turned more puzzled, "Pleasure's all mine, though-- I'm sorry, have we met before? You seem...", "Familiar? Yes, that could very well be, I used to fight in a lot of battles...I think. But I'm certain we've never actually talked".
"You think?" the corner of his lips twitched up while his eyebrows didn't seem to loosen their puzzled frown.
Her smile faded into a more serious manner, "That's kind off why I drove down here", "You're issue?", "Mhm", "Well, go ahead". He seemed so open and welcoming and the way his face turned more and more relaxed calmed her. It didn't completely drown out her nervousness though. She gathered all her strength to recall the fractions of memories still left in her mind within reach. "The thing is--"

"Charles have you seen Erik, he--" a woman came through the ajar door, catching both their attention from over at the couch, "Why the hell didn't you tell me we're expecting someone??" she frowned. 

Before she could blink, the woman's blue skin-ish- are those scales? -form transformed into a stunning- well, human looking form and she tied up the cords of her robe, she was wearing, more neatly. 
The woman over at the couch sat with her mouth and eyes slightly opened, "You're..." she mumbled. Charles softly rolled his eyes at the now not so blue woman, "You KNOW I would've but this was as much of a surprise for me as it is for you, no offense, love", "No, don't worry" she shook her head, still looking fascinated.
Her eyebrow, risen in skepsis, relaxed as she saw how stunned the woman across from Charles looked.
"Really sorry if i startled you--", "No! No you haven't, you're...Mystique!", "Raven, please" she scoffed friendly, now smiling. Not so much at Charles.

Raven's gaze turned to him, "We take off in 3 hours and I can't find that man ANYWHERE", "Have you checked-", "I've checked his room, the library, the kitchen-- even his usual spot in the garden" she counted all the places with her fingers. 

Charles frowned perplexed, "Not even there?" Raven's head shook, disappointed that not even he knew where Erik was. He always knew where he was or where he could be found.
//How big is this house??// The woman sat still on the couch, deeply interested in their discussion of where...Erik was hiding.
//Not that big, really. I could show you around in the morning//, he didn't have to look at her to know a bright smile spread across her face.

"Erik is," Charles closed his eyes, his face looked strained, as if he needed to really concentrate in order to find his friend. But just as quick as his frown came, it disappeared when he focused his eyes back on Raven, "He's been out for a walk, should be arriving any minute".
Raven sighed, "That...God, why would he be ou..." her voice faded the further she continued to walk into the hallway. The attention of him was now, again, turned to the women on the couch.

"If my presence won't be a bother, I'd love to stay! But didn't she mention your flight leaving in 3 hours?", "Their flight leaves in 3 hours. I stay here, you've seen the amount of work" Charles was smiling like a school girl at your decision. "You were saying though?", she'd almost forgotten about the reason behind this whole visit. The feeling caused by the facility would at least work as a brilliant distraction from all that was going on. 

"It's kind of a longe story actually and it's late, I don't want to keep you up" she smiled politely to which Charles shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "Trust me, you won't keep me up longer than my work would anyways", besides that, this thingy of yours already tugged at his interest, so simply waiting until morning would grand him absolutely zero sleep. He'd lay awake, trying his best to stay out of her mind without permission and to just see what's going on for himself. It wasn't for nothing that he swore not to enter others minds without permission.

Warmth replaced her polite smile and so she sat up straighter on the couch, adjusting her leather jacket. Charles did the same but also rested his head in his hand, waiting, focused on her to begin. 

"Well, my problem is that I lost most of my memory, or got it erased...I think.
I guess I kinda still know that what I used to do was fight, given some scars I've noticed and my understanding of strategies on the battle field or in general combat. Feels weird not to remember much but, still be able to defend myself if I get attacked.", she chuckled, switching her gaze between Charles and the room. "Anyways, I get fragments of war and some experiments when I do sleep and--", "Experiments?", he interrupted.
"Some things that happened after I...to be honest I don't remember much about that part".

"Mind if I..take a look?" he asked suddenly, "Well you'd get more information than from me rambling about things I do and don't remember" she laughed, infecting him with a small chuckle, "Probably, but ultimately it depends on if the memories are lost or forgotten". He frowned again, less this time, and placed two fingers to his temple.

War. Pain. Guilt. Fear.

She's running along side others, fighting, killing, trying to mentally distance herself from what she's doing. She knows damn well it's wrong. Hunting her own kind. 
But she's given no chance. 
No choice.

Repressed moments of her being held down, afraid to die, experimented on by-- Stryker.
That part felt familiar..
Running away again with no remembrance of where she comes from or where she's going.

"That jacket," the woman got snapped out of her own frown by Charles's words and the the feeling of tears running down her cheeks. She blinked rapidly, trying to focus her eyes on Charles, wiping her cheeks with a sniff, "a uh, friend gave it to me before he left the group you saw". Charles knew very well it was Logans, though just smiled, deciding not to press further. At least not right now.
"Looks good", "Thanks!" she glanced to her jacket. The sight cheered her up a bit, so she pushed her feeling away with a soft smile. Sunshine personified, Charles thought after feeling her smile reflect on him. 
Thank god she couldn't step into his mind. 

She opened her mouth, about to say something before waiting another second, contemplating her words. "So if...if it wouldn't cause any circumstances-" she began, awfully polite. This was a whole new surrounding, it all felt so serious yet lovely and domestic, she didn't even know how to behave correctly. Definitely different to what she was used to or could remember from all the pieces.

"No of course not, I'd be glad to help! We'll find you some spare room to stay in and then-- I actually think there is one near mine, so at night, if you need anything, you--", "Found him, he's packing his things now. You get your man under control or something!!"- ravens voice rang into the room from outside the door.

He sighed, "That is if you don't mind kids or Raven" with an amused tone. Her held back, polite, smile turned wider and more comfortable by how alive this place really seemed to be. It was a nice change for once and Charles appeared so open and ready to help. 

"Should we?" he asked, "Please".

The halls looked just similar beautiful to what the entrance had already shown. It all looked luxurious but the fact this was a school made the atmosphere radiate positivity, not posh. Like a safe space to shelter from a storm. "How old is this house?" she muttered in awe, eyes roaming over the walls and ceiling as her hand reached out to touch along the wall. Charles, who was following next to her in his wheelchair looked up and chuckled to himself. He let his eyes peered over the same things she was admiring, "I can't tell the exact year but it was established somewhere between late 1700s and early 1900s. I grew up here with my parents". He seemed lost in nostalgia, looking at his surroundings. The furnitures he knew and had known since his childhood, the way it all changed in the best way possible since it became a school. His school.

"Hold on. We're there". She was almost about to pass by the door when he called, too distracted in this place. "My room is right down the hall. The third door on the right from here" he smiled, opening the door for her to step into the room. It held the same vibe as the rest with a beautiful bed right in front of her. 

"Are you sure I can stay here?" doubt filled her voice over again. This was too much to just simply accept, right? "I insist" he simply smirked, a tiny chuckle escaping his lips, "There should be some school merch in the closet, don't be afraid to use them for tonight. I'm afraid there's nothing more I can give you but surely, tomorrow you coul--", "More? With all due respect professor, this is already more than enough," she sank into the soft, dark red, mattress of the bed and leaned herself on her hands next to her knees. Charles looked somewhat glad that she was finde with what he had to offer. But to be fair, anyone would be more than thankful if offered all of this. "It's not self-evident to, just like that, take someone in need in". 

She was right and he knew that.

But Charles's heart was way too big to just send her away and he'd be lying if he said she didn't pique his interest. The background he saw was enough to hook him into her and this situation.

He shook his head, "Please, I'm more than happy to be of assistance", with the sweetest smile, before running a hand through his chestnut hair. "Charles, please" he added.

The woman mirrored his smile and sighed, "Well then goodnight, Charles. Thanks again", "Sleep tight" he was about to leave and close the door before he turned to her again. "Wait, you didn't mention your name". Usually, if someone let him inside ones head, ones name would be sprawled all over ones mind and weirdly enough, that didn't happen. "Right sorry, I-- My name..."
she frowned for a split second, "I don't-".

Charles took another glimpse into her mind, understanding her confusion. 
She couldn't remember. 
Somewhere in the process of erasing her memories, her name disappeared with the rest. "You don't remember, darling?", she shook her head, looking at him with a displeased expression.
His was as calm as silent forest. "We're gonna find that memory, together with the rest, but we do need something to call you by". His voice was in fact so calm, if he would've continued like that, she'd have fallen asleep right then and there. It was a strange feeling of security that his voice brought. Its effect flowed through her body.

"Alright, can we discuss that in the morning?", "Of course, have a good night", "You too professor" he sighed to himself, rather amused than annoyed. Heading back to his office he heard you yell after him; "SORRY, YOU TOO CHARLES".

After that, back in his office, he tried to focus on what he did before she came yet he couldn't quite bring himself to concentrate. He already found himself trying to think of answers or explanations about the state of her.

Chapter Text

What's worse than a nightmare? Forgotten memories that you know are real. Or just bad memories in general. There is no getting away after waking up, no forgetting over the day.

"I don't want to do this any longer. Why can't I just come with you", she was crying out, begging, but he in front of her stood still. "Look, I know you want to leave but I don't even know where I'm going myself. You're safer here than leaving with me", "Bullshit. I don't know how this'll end but I sure as hell don't want to be there when it does", the floor felt muddy under her boots as she took a step towards him. Trying to read his face. The only thing visible was guilt.

The next night, she woke up by someone entering her tent, "What..?", her mind was still clouded by sleep. "Shh- go back to bed", "are you leaving now?", The man looked up after grabbing something from a chest and froze by the sight of her. "Yes..don't hold me back", she shook her head. "Please let me come with you..I can't keep doing all this--", "We've talked about this", he stood up, about to leave, "Please, Logan-". 
Even with the little light there was, provided by a tiny oil lamp, she knew exactly what troubled face he was making
"If you try to follow me-" he began pointing at her, turning around to the camp bed, "I'll kill you myself" and with that tossed his leather jacket to her, "Bye" he sighed. Leaving.
"But.."

She must've fallen asleep in her clothes right after Charles left. The sun casted a warm morning light into the room, even though it was probably freezing outside or whatever temperature a morning in February would have. 

Despite the outside temperature, she was sweating. Rolling over lazily to try and reach the heater next to the bed, under the window, just to almost get burned by how high it was turned up "Ah-- geez".

Great morning; waking up with the room resembling a literal oven. Cool air flowed in once she stood up and opened a window to take a deep breath. "No room should be this warm..who even does that" she mumbled and trots to the small bathroom to fix her hair.

Taking a peak out her room she saw a few kids and teens running around the hall and quickly shut the door again, taking another breath. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad being around people again, but kids? Why do they have to be kids? One thing she could definitely remember is the struggle she had with kids in the past. They weren't really her first choice of company.

With a calculated move she left the room, making sure to memorize the small number engraved above the knob. 223. Everyone was either in a hurry, probably to their next lesson, or deliberately taking their time to get there. A few almost bumped into her on their way and made a quick apology before continuing. She stopped walking for just a second to watch some kids pass by before something- or better someone- suddenly passed right through her? From behind? "I'm like, so sorry but I-" aaand she bumped into the next kid.

Funny how no one seemed to wonder about why she's standing there or who she even is-

//I'm currently in class, why don't you wait in the library? Kurt will show you the way.//

Kurt? "Hey!", "AAh" a fuzzy boy and some fading smoke behind her caught her breath. "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to startle you!" he smiled widely. She had to blink a few times, taking in his blue appearance "I'm Kurt.", he offered his hand. 
Three fingers? There was really no point in trying to guess the move.
This day might as well get more interesting than yesterday..

"Hey" she managed to smile back despite everything was happening so fast. "The Professor told me to show you around and--", "to the library.", he nodded, "exactly".

The halls looked even more astonishing in broad daylight. All the details, that weren't visible the night before only added to the atmosphere.

"So what do you do?" she asked the boy next to her as they walked next to each other. Of course she already had an idea of what gift he posesses but she couldn't stand the silence after the hallways cleared. "What do you mean?", "I mean your mutation", surely his blue appearance wasn't the only special thing about him. "Oh, right" he said before disappearing. She turned around with wide eyes, looking out, searching for him, until he poofed right back in front of her. "I teleport" he grinned, waving his tail proudly. Her smile widened "That's amazing! Why don't we just teleport to the library?". He chuckled, "The Professor told me to show you the actual way. Otherwise you would get lost on your way back, no?", she nodded with a grin before both continued.

He repeatedly glanced up to her, obviously trying to figure something out. "So, what can you do? Only fair now.", she smiled, glancing at the boy to her right. She reached out her hand. "Take it", he did, laying his in hers. "Now try to teleport". He scoffed and got ready before- nothing happened. He tried again and again, without success to dis- and re-appear.
"You're blocking it! You can block mutations?", she nodded. "That and mo-", "Kurt! You'll be late to class" they both heard in front of them and saw a boy with red shades.

"I'm allowed to be! The professor wants me to show .. Uh-I didn't catch your name" he turned his head back up to her, retreating his hand which she was still holding until now. "That's a uh- pretty long story" she awkwardly brushed it off, focusing on the boy with the shades "We'll figure some name out."
"You forgot your own name?" he scoffed with a smile, also offering his hand as a greeting. "Sounds 'bout right" she took his hand, feeling like a fool, but they didn't know the reason behind her memory loss, nor that her memory was lost in the first place. To them it was like she didn't know her own stupid name.

"Well, mine's Scott Summers, nice meeting you" shaking his hand, she returned the freindly smile. "You better hurry Kurt, too late is never good", "don't worry man" Kurt smirked.

The rest of the way to the library was shorter than expected after their little encounter with Scot. Before she knew, Kurt said goodbye to head back to class, leaving her alone at the library. For a house overflowing with people, this place was pleasantly quiet.

No one else there but her. 

One or two hours passed by her scanning through the book shelfs to finde something that would pass time. In the end, trying to find something, and glancing out the window, took longer than to actually deal with a book. Enough time passed anyways until Charles came in.

Through the door??

"Thanks Kitty" she heard the familiar voice utter and turned around, seeing a girl walk straight back through the still closed door. "Did she just-", "Yes she did. We have some incredible students here", "Yeah can I tell" she shook her head, a faint smile spreading on her face, infecting Charles with a pleased smile.

She settled down on the couch that stood in front of a huge bookshelf, waiting for Charles to roll over. "So, how was class?", "Like usual, but that's actually the topic I planned to start with" he answered, looking at her before he stopped close to her. 

"You see, Erik left with Raven and Hank yesterday and even though I have two teachers who cover their classes, we're one short. They can't cover every lesson".
"Which means?", "Which means we need someone to take over Erik's classes". He started his words calmly but seemed to grow nervous towards the end of his sentence, rubbing his hands against his jeans.

"You wouldn't possibly be able to teach them in battle?"

...

"You want me to-", "I wouldn't be asking this usually, I apologise, and often we have L-" he cut himself of to take a deep breath "-someone to jump in if Erik leaves but that person isn't present as well. It would only be 3 or 4 days at most". That's a big thing to take in. After all she came searching for help. After thinking about it, she inhaled slowly, "I guess I could try and gather some memories about strategies and try..to..teach. But I'm not sure-", "Please. Consider it. After all you won't start until tomorrow and could always ask me for help".

//Promise.//

A few more seconds and some skeptic glances from her passed until she exhales in defeat, "I'll try". 

Charles' face lid up, in the slightest, to not come across unprofessional or something. At least that was his fear. Is this request even really that professional? Who cares. She was honestly happy to help and by that, possibly, return the favor of him helping her.

"Now to my second point." Oh here we go.. "Like said; Hank is away with them and he's normally the one who treats and analyses students who's mutation is causing trouble", "So we have to wait until he's back to check me?", Charles nodded, "Indeed we have. But until then, I have several ideas of how we can figure out the whole memory loss aspect". 

She sighed again, remembering the reason she came in the first place. Charles sensed her frustration, feeling his heart clench at her emotions. He wanted nothing more than to just make the 'little' problem disappear, like he wanted for everyone else. But that will require work. It won't just happen from one moment to the other and maybe he was even a little keen on helping her.

"You must know, I won't let this go until we solve your problem. Whatever it is that keeps you from remembering, we'll reach it". She smiled, truly feeling her frustration fade. Comforted by his words she leaned her head back on the couch's headrest. Hopefully he's right! Hopefully that'll be what happens.

Involuntarily, Charles' picked up on her thoughts, her ever-so-slight doubt. "Your amnesia will likely cause trouble but we-" he stopped himself, frowning all of a sudden when his mind picked something else up. "How'd you sleep tonight?", her head shot up, "I remembered something", like she'd almost forgotten about it. "Care to share?" she nodded, explaining her dream or flashback or memory. Whatever it was, it left Charles pondering.

"So you remember Logan and some camp. That's good for starters!", she frowned, "is it? 'cause I don't see how this adds up yet". Charles shook his head, "Trust me it will. Of course we won't be able to create a sensible story from what we know now. Let us just focus on the fragments you get and see where they lead". Somehow his words were oddly comforting. Like yesterday he managed to make it seem so easy, so logical. Charles' eyes remained on hers, no doubt, no uncertainty in his face, just a warm certain smile. Certain he'd be able to help.

But his smile faltered comically at sight of his watch "Great god! We'll continue this later" he uttered, turning his wheelchair, "Next lesson is almost starting, Mutant history". She could sense the smile on his lips. 

The mere mention of his subjects and studies seemed to make him smile like a proud school girl acing her finals.

He stopped in front of the closed door.."Uh- would you be so kind?" he smiled back at her mortefiedly. "Sure", trying to bite back a grin she stood up and opened the door for him. "These doors are the heaviest aside from the main doors.." he mumbled. She could've even noticed there was a teeny tiny blush on the professors face but she was more focused on opening the door. He was used to help others constantly and by now came to terms with needing help. Yet he couldn't help but be slightly emberassed when she opened the door.

Before leaving completely, he turned around again "This is my final class for today, I'd like to catch up on your mutation later if you don't mind", she shook her head "We can do that. Now go on, don't leave your students waiting" she grinned, he returned the smile and left.

"Hi again", "AAAH! STOP THAT!" she almost jumped out the window next to her and threw her hand to her chest at how sudden Kurt appeared in sight. That blue- 

"I'm sorry, it's annoying but it feels natural to me". 

"It's alright" she smiled, calming her racing heart as best as she could.
"I was just wondering if you needed anything! The professor asked me to help while he's busy". Like a personal assistant?

"You his personal assistant?"

"I can teleport" he exclaimed, appearing again behind her.
"That way I can find you quicker if you need anything", makes sense, "I see. But try not to startle me like that again". He smiled awkwardly "Will do."

"Anyways, thanks for checking up on me, but I'm doing fine. Just taking a stroll around to explore all the rooms". The boy nodded, "If you need anything, think about Xavier and he'll send me" Kurt was really too kind for his own good. Kind but inconsiderate towards his powers.

"Will do" she chuckled and with that he poofed away again. She actually didn't mind though; not the teleporting that is. She certainly could do without those jump scares.

Well, with nothing else to do before Charles would be free again, she continued to wander around the place, taking everything in. It still felt a bit intrusive - the whole 'coming here and taking up everyone's time' but this was really the only option she had.

Ever since waking up this morning, the dream she's had stuck with her. While looking around her mind trailed back to Logan. Maybe another plan would've been to find him.. But where to start? He's been gone for quite some time and finding him would probably take longer. Even back then he had a habit of disappearing a few times, which was just normal for him. Still she couldn't help but wonder if he's alright - wherever he is now.

This house really was full of surprises. No point in guessing what the next room might hold. The next few she stepped in were less exciting but certainly not less beautiful. She was just glad not to walk into students or their dormatries on accident. Classes must be different for everyone. While the house, again, bubbled with students, it was much emptier than the first time she got out her room.

The next place she stopped at was behind a, compared to all the other doors, smaller door. Even though the whole estate was massive, to say the least, some places seemed smaller, as if they could easily belong in a normal home. Just like this next one. 

Once she stepped into the room, the smaller door made sense. It was the kitchen. The beauty of everything continued in here, despite the smaller layout. The cupboards held some fancy plates, visible through glass windows, and cups with a variety of cutlery in the drawers. After examining the whole kitchen, she opened the fridge - "What a selection..", she mumbled with an amused smile. The fridge definitely lacked a variety of groceries.

 But that thought was interrupted by a voice appearing at the threshold to the kitchen, "Are you going to cook for us?"
 
 Her head peaked up behind the fridge, seeing a girl with red hair step closer.
 "I- not that I know of" she chuckled, watching the girl sit down at the kitchen Island. The girl had a welcoming smile on her face, "Xavier told me-- well, a lot of us, about you", "He did?".

Her heart skipped a beat at the mention, mostly from embarrassment. 

Obviously most will know about her, she just didn't guess it'd happen so fast. The girl nodded, grinning, "He sounded really enthusiastic in class today. Saying you'd cover for Mr. Lehnsherr's training". 

 Lehnsherr? .. Ohhh probably Erik. 
 
 "That Erik guy, right? Wait, Xavier told you this morning?". If that's true, he must've been certain she'd take over for these few days.. Was it crazy to just trust she'd jump in? He only knew her since yesterday yet the thought of him being so trusting towards her made her lips curled into a tiny smile, kind of.. flattered? Maybe Charles was just being optimistic, but either way it made her smile.

"Yes, you were the first topic he addressed" said- "I'm Jean by the way" -Jean. 
"Wow, seems like I don't really have to introduce myself" she chuckled, finally sitting down opposite to the girl who was shaking her head. "Not quite. He mentioned you didn't really have a name or something", "Yeah some like that." 

She desperately needed some sort of name.. this topic always came up painfully quickly. "If you got any suggestions, I'm open". Just picking some random name felt wrong and strange.
"Hmm", Jean propped up her chin in one hand, "What's your mutation? Maybe we can make something with that". That was a great idea! Either way she lacked a hero name and like that, for now, her real name could be replaced.

"Well-" she began, inhaling deeply, "-long story short; I can sense mutants if they use their powers nearby and by touching, I can suppress them". Jean looked impressed, squinting her eyes as she thought of something. "What about Lockout? Because like you said, you Lock their abilities?", "Lockout.. Or just Lock." Jean smiled, "Ms. Lock" she smiled exuberantly. 

Her eyes shot at Jean "Oh Jesus, don't start calling me 'Miss'. Makes me feel incredibly old" but Jean's comment still put a light smirk on her face. "Then we ought to just settle for Lock" she quiped, crossing her arms on the surface of the island. "Mhm. Sounds great." 

Wow. New day. Plenty new faces and a whole new name. Following up is only Charles and his 'several ideas' later..

Chapter Text

Jean was a delight to be around. She seemed responsible, rational and intelligent, especially emotionally. After helping Lock decide on a new name, she spilled some tea about Charles and the institute, his connection with Erik and overall character. From what she was told, they appeared to be really close to each other - even after everything they apparently went through.

Still, the question of what Erik would be like burned in her mind. With the gathered details of him, from the conversation with jean and a few side notes from Charles, she couldn't fully paint his picture in her mind. Leave alone complete it without knowing what he even looked like. 

The only part missing was meeting him to make her own impression. Thinking about it she actually couldn't wait. There was a certain excitement running through her every time she met someone new.

But for now, it was about focussing on Charles.

"I don't see your point..", "Shh!" he shushed her abruptly.

After Charles' classes had ended, him and Lock met up at the mansions porch - which was really almost as big as a park. This place felt more like a vacation home for rich folks..

"I just don't-", "I said quiet!" he demanded again, opening just one eye to see her sitting on the stone railing right to his front. They've been out for what felt like hours.

"You need to focus. Try to calm your mind. Try to reach every memory, that is possible to reach for you, from before your mind went blank". 

She frowned at him and his demands and closed her eyes yet again. This was easier said than done.. like he already indicated, her mind only went so far back to where she woke up 3 months ago. The rest wiped clean. Rememberable was only a small, dimly lit room and cold walls and with Charles constantly searching with her it was harder to focus.

She could feel him bumping around in her mind while trying to reach every corner.

Her face scrunched up by a memory passing her thoughts - "Home?", "My parents".

She was mumbling, feeling Charles brush against her thoughts again. She sighed, "Would you mind?" feeling slightly annoyed at how noisy he was getting to see her memories.
"I'm helping you look. I need to see myself" he shook his head, laying on a calm voice to not annoy her any further. But who was she to deny his measurements after she came for his help.
 
Back to the faintest hint of a memory.

She was certain it's her parents home. It was almost palpable; the warmth and smell, the spring air flowing though what appeared to be a living room with soft red curtains flowing with ever gusts of wind. Her mumbling continued, "Back then- I think I'm somewhere between 8 or maybe 10.. maybe". He stayed quiet, not wanting to disturb her almost trance like state. All he did was open his eyes again. 

"I'm in the living room"

A plate of freshly baked pie and hot, steaming chocolate placed in front of her on a low, dark brown, wooden coffee table filled her lungs with nothing but pleasant and domestic scents. She sat on the floor just a few inches away from the table, feeling a scratchy rug underneath her legs, but she didn't mind. Curiously, about to stick one finger into the pie, a voice stopped her. Telling her to cut it off. Saying it was still too hot.

Precisely because Charles wanted to stay out of her head, he had nothing to do but to observe. It didn't take long until his gaze lingered on her face, taking in every tiny way it would change. He looked so.. mesmerized by her. He slowly let go of his mental restrain without noticing and unable to stop himself from peeking into her mind again. To feel what she was seeing. 
A warm evening and-

"How lovely"
"CHARLES!"

Aaaand with that the memory was gone.. Lock opened her eyes.

"I- I'm sorry, I couldn't-" She shook her head with a weary exhale, smiling faintly, "Well it's gone now..", "But you did remember something! Even if it wasn't necessarily important, it's an amazing start".

She had nothing against the idea of being stuck in the brief glimpse she just got a little longer.
But seeing just how much he was invested, how his radiant blue eyes sparkled and how happy the discovery made him, filled Lock with an equal amount of happiness.

"I'd say remembering my childhood is pretty important." A chuckle left both of them and some silence settled over the otherwise tranquil area.

It was cold, obviously still February, but today a light jacket was enough. Lock turned her head to the side to stare into the distance. 

All the beautiful trees.. how amazing they must look in the summer. "Tell me why we're doing this outside again?", she broke Charles out of another trance.

"It's calmer out here. Most students prefer to stay inside during winter and I assigned them a project". Charles' heart jumped at the grin forming on Lock's face, "You the kind of teacher who drowns his students in work?", her eyes darted back on him, seeing a slight smirk tugging his lips but mostly he felt like some thief caught in the act. "No, not at all. I merely wanted us to be unbothered", "I see". Just the two.

Another minute of silence passed until Charles' mind went back to their earlier conversation at the library. "Your mutation-" he immediately caught her attention, "Right! You wanted to know". 
She pushed herself off the railing, stepping closer and, just like she did with Kurt, reached out her hand.

"Take it"

Charles stared up at her, then down at her hand. Confused at what she was planning, he took her hand nonetheless. Only seconds passed before he glanced up from their hands again, surprised by how quiet his head went. "I can't hear them.." he whispered in disbelief, she on the other hand scoffed, "I suppose you mean everyones thought?", he nodded.

"I suppress abilities, mutations or whatever you wanna call it.", "That's.. Excuse me- I haven't felt this serene in- I think I haven't felt this peaceful since the 70s". That was weirdly specific, "What happened there?"

//Noth-//
...
//Ah, right//

"Nothing really, just-" he was stunned by the lack of voices in his head of everyone in a 200 mile radius. "Charles?" she grinned amusedly and bend down to meet his level. He didn't react. 

"Charleeees?" she repeated a bit louder. "Right- right sorry. It's just that this feeling is utterly unfamiliar to me", he caught his breath and gazed up at her once more. 

His amazement tugged at her heart. She almost felt proud to provide him with this particular feeling. Not like everyone could just turn off his telepathy like that.

"I'm not done", "There's more?" Charles felt her retreat the hand and unwillingly let go, nodding. "I can sense people when they use their abilities.", Charles put on a light frown. Partially because he had to adjust to every thought of every student return, but he managed.

"Like an aura?", "No, not exactly like an aura. Just a feeling I get when one is using their abilities", "Does sound like a temporary aura, you don't think?".

She took a step back to lean against the railing again with her hands behind her back. "More like their presence". Charles hummed, but how could she even explain the feeling? It was just.. kind of there.

"But like you said, only when it's in use?", "Exactly. You, I can sense almost all the time since you constantly pick up others thoughts". He hummed, "Fascinating." Hihihi

"But now that we mention my gift.. I've had some struggle or weird situations happen since the incident", Charles was back to frowning. "It's hard to explain though. Guess we gotta wait until-" she forgot his name, "your friend, comes back to do whatever he does". "Hank. Yes, it appears so."

Once again, Charles was starting to stare, as he'd call it: fascinated, but anyone- No, everyone would see the underlying affection in his gaze. Usually he didn't stare. Maybe, at most, he zones out or has to concentrate on his telepathy, accidentally forgetting about the poor soul in front of him, who'll be the victim of the professors glare. It wasn't him forgetting about her, on the contrary, he was well aware of her presence. So while drifting off into thoughts about her, well, she was the one in his sight.

Lock met his eyes after the prolonged silence. "So about tomorrow..", "What about it?", his voice and face were so soft and genuinely unaware she meant taking over Erik's classes.
"Me covering for Erik? I don't even know what I'm supposed to do!"

"Well uhm-" he cleared his throat, "I don't want to push you straight into training the students but I suppose if you have knowledge of mutant history or ethics.."- he paused, looking up at her with asking eyes -"do you?". She blinked a few times, not tempted by the idea of teaching history with her.. let's not call it knowledge, about mutant history. With a deep inhale she shrugged, "I could try the combat training part". 

With everything going on, Charles was more than glad she accepted his proposal, and she could tell he was, despite she was hardly here a few days. He had no reasons to durn down her preference in the classes she'll substitute.

But as much as he enjoyed having a taste of an eased mind, it was getting colder as the hours went by so he excused himself and began heading back to the door. Still closely by, he stopped to turn around, asking if doesn't want to get back in as well, but she fancied a short alone-time.
The cold weather made the air feel fresh, almost sharp in her lungs. 

Now that classes were over, the students must be hustling around in there. Charles disappeared into the warmth of the institute, leaving Lock outside for herself. 

She had enough silence to thoroughly let everything that happened today sink in and the view to do that was AMAZING, to say the least. She made a mental note to explore the school grounds sometime the next few days, if the chance presented itself. 

Wait.

TRAINING THE STUDENTS? How'd that go? What even would she say or do or try or- she was overthinking it again. She shouldn't. Maybe it wont be so bad. Besides, Charles offered his help and there was still time until tomorrow, so she could create some kind of plan..

And it was only- she glanced at her watch, 03:49pm- "Huh, still early." Outside was also nothing left to do and she got bored quickly so maybe a bit hustle and bustle might not be a bad thing.

"Hello everyone, my name- No. You may call me- God that's too formal! I'm- but it's not even my nameeee" she groaned.

After deciding it was getting too overstimulating, being around so many kids, she quickly wandered through the halls back in her room to prepare some sort of.. Greeting and plan for tomorrow. She never ever taught anyone anything! She was always the one being told what to do and how to train but never the one to teach. 

For the past 3 hours she grew more and more desperate after every failed idea. 
"Okay so-" She picket up the messily written note from the provided desk.

"First a few words, then ask them what they did and what they wanna do, warm up and a few techniques for some fun. I'd enjoy this class!" Her voice sounded more convincing than certain until she groaned and sank in the chair, "But will they??"

A knock at the door, "Yeah?"

It was Kurt who opened it, leaning in, respectfully not just teleporting into her space. Lock's face easened at the sight of him. "The professor told me to get you for dinner."

How nice of him, she though. But was it already? Lock glanced to the clock above the door- "07:09PM?!", Kurt flinched at her almost falling off the chair by how low she sunk. "I'm, I'll be there in a second". Kurt just nodded, about to poof away right before she stopped him. 

Dinner. Dinner is nice. Dinner is above all not a place for her to wear clothes she'd been wearing since yesterday morning.

For a few seconds she just sat in her chair, pondering about what she should do while Kurt stood there, curiously waiting for her to tell what she stopped him for.

Sure there were some clothes in the closet, but those were basic school merch and probably not her size anyway. She did have some spare clothes in the trunk of her car, she took along just in case. Better prepared than sorry.

It was already dark. Of course it would be in February at 7pm. "Can I ask for a quick favor?" she suddenly, awkwardly smiled up at Kurt, hesitating. "Sure?" he questioningly answered and stepped in a bit more.

"So you need clothes?", "Yep. I took some with me". Both stopped at her dark blue car to quickly get some essentials out of the trunk. Like her shower kit, some clothes and basic utensils for hygiene. As she closed and locket her car, a small kitten came up from underneath it.
"And who are you" she squatted down to softly comb through its fur. "Can we hurry? It's cold out here", "Right" she chuckled and turned to Kurt. How she loved kittens.. And puppies. Everything small and fluffy in general.

sounds almost like Kurt-

Back in her room, he waved and disappeared after telling her dinner was in the kitchen. With the speed of light, she changed into way more comfortable and casual clothes and quickly made her way to get some long needed food. Hopefully that'll be good considering the limited selection she witnessed in the fridge earlier the day.

The long table in the kitchen was filled with lively chatting students and even though the house appeared to be overflowing, everyone fit easily at the table and kitchen island. She was looking around, searching for- "Charles!". He turned his head away from a conversation with a woman, Lock headed over, seeing the free chair next to him.

"Saved this one for me?" she grinned while sitting down. Charles watched with a wide smile as she did, "You could say that". The second when she was sat, a student put down a plate in front of her with still steaming food. A few different vegetables mixed with rice and a sauce she couldn't fully make out filled the plate and even though it was simple, her mouth watered at the sight. Without any further hesitation she jumped right into the meal while Charles and the others just stared.

"I want you to meet Ororo-" Charles placed a hand on her shoulder to grasp her attention which thankfully worked. Lock wiped her mouth and trapped Charles in the handshake with Ororo, the two of them sitting on either of his side, "Pleasure".
Storm returned the gesture, "Pleasure's all mine. I'm one of the teachers here together with Hank, Raven, L-"

//Ororo, don't. She has no clue//

She stopped her words and the apparently never-ending-handshake for a second before clearing her throat and pulling her hand back, "-and Erik. Charles told me the reason you're here"

Lock raised a brow and leaned her arms on the table, "Who else have you told?" -seemingly unaware of Ororo's previous words. "No one else, don't worry. None of the students anyway. I  contacted Hank so we can start with your examination immediately once they return."
She nodded and continued with the food on her plate. Her appetite grew way too big to care about his exact plans.

"Lock" she heard from a few seats away, making her head shoot up to see who it was. Jean waved together with the blue fuzzball and Scott, sitting diagonally a few chairs to her right. 

Lock smiled, swallowed and waved back, "Jean! You three enjoying your meal?", "We are. I helped with the cooking, maybe you could join us next time". Lock scoffed, "Sure let's see. Can't guarantee I won't demolish the kitchen". Jean chuckled and returned to her previous conversation with Scott and Kurt.

Charles overheard their short exchange, totally not on purpose of course as he would never, and nudged her shoulder. "Lock?", "Oh, right-" she smiled proudly, "When I met Jean, we had a conversation about my mutation and decided for some sort of nickname". 

He was growing so unbelievably happy she was already meeting and talking to some of the students that his cheeks briefly turned pink. "I think that's exceptional! And such a good fit.", "Right? She came up with it since I 'Lock-out mutants powers".

Charles glanced at his water to avoid his smile growing further, went through his hair and fought pointlessly against his lips curling upwards. He was behaving and feeling like a school girl and he knew it. All her excitement just got transferred and doubled within him, which didn't go unnoticed by Lock, making her forcefully focus back on the food as well.

Everybody continued enjoying their food and yap about their day until Charles gathered his composure and-

//If I may have your attention// -and he immediately had.

"Alright, everyone I got a little announcement", Charles next to her, didn't fully grab her attention until everyone got audibly quiet. Still with a full mouth, she glanced up and swallowed, confused by the rooms pause of banter, until he continued.

"I assume the word has spread, but if you haven't yet had the pleasure-", he looked at her, "We have a guest to welcome to our institute for the next while so I expect everyone's support and cooperation to make her stay pleasant." Now looking at her with eyes that screamed 'please continue'. He didn't have to tell her that via telepathy..

"Right, so uh- Hello, you all may call me Lock as it is sort of my name, further questions will be answered, but that will have to wait until class be-" she paused for a second, looking at Charles as if she wasn't sure to already confirm tomorrows classes. He just nodded slowly.

"-eecauseee I'll jump in for Eri- Mr. Lehnsherr's classes until he returns." she took a deep breath.
Saying all that in just one breath wasn't the best choice. "Which is only 3 days but I guess we'll have the pleasure!"

For seconds that felt like hours, everyone made sure she was finished and so the first few questions began.

"Will you replace him in mutant history and ethics?", a boy asked her, "I will certainly not replace him in mutant history and ethics. No." A few of them snickered. "Will you stay as a teacher once Mr.Lehnsherr comes back?", Lock shrugged, "That's not decided yet. I will however start tomorrow with training so you better be on time.. or something."

The students seemed satisfied with her information and returned to their own little world, leaving Lock to stare into the crowd, her focus broken by Charles placing a warm hand on her shoulder. 

//You did great. Only positive impressions in their minds//

She placed a hand on his, exhaling a bittersweet smile, "Let's wait see for tomorrow".

After dinner, Xavier and Ororo waited along side Lock for the kitchen to clear so they could discuss tomorrows plan. Erik's training sessions start at 10:50am and always took place in their danger-room downstairs. Ororo promised to make sure Lock finds her way.

After all those newly met people and information she was more than anticipating that fluffy and inviting bed back in her room. This time, she took some of the provided clothes out the wardrobe, which fit decently to her surprise. 

That's it. To much socializing for one day. Off to slumber.