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Morph lay curled on their side beneath their blankets, staring at the wall. They were alive and the Brood threat was over. But none of it felt like a victory.
They hadn’t even bothered to change out of their uniform. Every time they closed their eyes, they felt it again.
Logan’s claws driving straight through them.
They knew it hadn’t really been Logan. The Brood had been controlling him. They knew that.
But it still hurt.
And then there was the lie. He had told them their teams goal was to destroy the facility. Instead, he’d led them back to Weapon X because he’d wanted the adamantium back. Morph understood why. They really did. But he hadn’t trusted them with the truth.
A quiet knock interrupted their thoughts.
“Morph? You awake?”
Morph hesitated before answering. “…Yeah.”
“Can I come in?”
Morph sighed. “It’s unlocked.”
The door creaked open. Logan stepped inside, already changed into a plain white T-shirt and sweatpants. He closed the door behind him and remained standing awkwardly near the door.
“I’ve been trying to figure out what to say.”
Morph waited. Silence settled between them.
Finally Logan rubbed the back of his neck.
“I’m… I’m sorry.” His eyes stayed fixed on the floor.“For lying. I told myself I was protecting you. Didn’t want you trying to talk me out of it.”
“You knew I would’ve.”
“I know. I know. I should’ve trusted you.”
Morph nodded. “You should have.”
Logan swallowed hard. “And…” His voice nearly disappeared. “…I’m sorry for hurting you.”
Morph instinctively touched the right side of their chest where the wound was long healed.
“I know you weren’t in control.”
“I still did it.”
“You weren’t yourself.”
“I still remember it.”
That made Morph’s heart ache.
Logan finally looked up. “I remember every second.” His eyes shimmered with guilt. “I remember seeing you. I remember feeling relieved that I’d found you. I remember…” His voice cracked. “…putting my claws through you.”
He let out a frustrated breath. “You know why I wanted the adamantium back?”
Morph stayed quiet.
“‘Cause I don’t know who the hell I am without it.” He popped his claws out of one hand. “I spent so many years dreamin’ of getting that that metal outta me…” He laughed bitterly. “…then the second it was gone, I wanted it back.”
“I’m a fighter.” Logan continued. “A soldier. A killer. That’s what I know. That’s what I’m good at. If I can’t do that…” He looked away.“…then what good am I?”
His shoulders sagged. “How am I supposed to protect anyone?” His voice became almost a whisper. “How am I supposed to protect you?”
Morph’s chest tightened.
Logan shook his head. “I… Ilove you. I…” He closed his eyes. “…I wasn’t gonna say that.”
Morph couldn’t help smiling through the tears gathering in their eyes.
Logan gave a humorless laugh. “Guess that ship sailed.” He looked utterly defeated. “I love you. And after everything… The lying, the stabbing, the obsession with getting the adamantium back…”
He shook his head. “…I don’t deserve you.”
Morph threw the blankets aside. Before Logan could react, they crossed the room and wrapped both arms around him.
Logan froze for a moment. Then slowly, he hugged them back. Carefully. As though they might break. As though he wasn’t quite sure he deserved to be holding them.
“You are such an idiot.”
A watery laugh escaped Logan. “Yeah...”
“You think the adamantium is what makes you you?” Morph pulled back to look Logan in the eye. “Its not. It’s the guy who always stays behind so everyone else can escape. The guy who pretends he doesn’t care but somehow remembers everybody’s favorite food. The guy who sits outside my room when I have nightmares because he doesn’t want to wake me, but doesn’t want me to be alone.”
Logan looked away, embarrassed.
Morph gently cupped his face, making him look back.
“You are not a monster.”
Logan’s eyes filled.
“You are not just a killer.”
A tear finally escaped, sliding down his cheek.
“You are a good man.” Morph smiled softly. “And you’re my best friend.”
Logan’s composure shattered.
He buried his face against Morph’s chest. “I was so scared Kev.”
“I know.”
“I almost lost you.”
“You didn’t.”
“I hurt you.”
“You weren’t yourself.”
“I still—”
Morph silenced him by lifting his chin and kissing him.
Logan finally pulled away and placed a hand on their cheek. “I love you.”
“I know.” Morph smiled. “I love you too.”
A little later they settled onto the bed together. Morph lay facing Logan, one arm draped around his waist. Logan held them like they were the safest place he’d ever known.
His breathing gradually slowed. For the first time since Astroid M, the tension left his body. Just before sleep claimed him, he felt Morph brush a hand through his hair.
“You don’t have to earn being loved, Logan. You already are.”