Reconsider [XMEN AU]

F o u r t e e n

        Dalisay entered the Professor's study with tentative steps, her thoughts centered on Logan, and the grim expression his face had carried after exiting Xavier's presence. She'd seen Logan in his many faces, and wasn't exactly surprised at his attitude, but this particular time, things appeared to be worse than usual. Professor Charles Xavier sat in his wheelchair, almost ominously, in the corner of his study, his attention on Dalisay. 

 "Dalisay," He greeted calmly, his voice almost always in the same stoic tone. 

        "Hi Professor." Dalisay replied shortly, sitting down across from the man. She drummed her fingers gently across her thigh, a nervous habit Dalisay had had for as long as she could remember. A tidal wave of questions could flood from her lips at any moment, so Dalisay decided to keep quiet for the time being, assuming the Professor would tell her in due time. And if he didn't, they she'd pester him until he succumbed. But then again, the man already knew her plan, being able to read minds and all that good shit. Dalisay pursed her lips slightly, almost in attempt to ready herself for the news to come.

        "How was the training simulation?" Xavier asked calmly, as if the world was at peace and there was nothing amiss whatsoever. Typical. Over the past months Dalisay had come to know the elder man's cool exterior well, although not well enough to not be irked by his stoicness here and there.

        "Professor." Dalisay seethed, crossing her arms. "We both know that isn't the reason why you called me in here. What's going on?"

        "You're right, but the world is not so yet in ruin to dispose of all polite conversation." The professor retorted smoothly, his lips taut to reveal a hint of a smile. He was silent for a moment after his witty remark, his body and figure turned to the bay window adjacent to his desk. A gentle haze of cloud had come over the surrounding New York estate, a soft gloom that was almost eerie in its mist. "There is an area in Arizona that I need you, and the others, to investigate." 

        His pause in speech furthered the frown settling on Dalisay's lips, and she chose to remain silent, stubbornly waiting for him to continue instead of asking for the man to elaborate. Although she had known Xavier for less than a year, Dalisay was well versed in his "games", as she put them. The psychoanalytic tricks he would attempt to play on her in even the simplest of conversations and discussions. Usually, Dalisay would play along, because they both knew she knew what he would try to do, but today, Dalisay wasn't having it. 

        "One of our compatriots was apprehended by an anti-mutant group stationed out of the Southwest , and it is vital that we rescue them." Professor Xavier finally continued, turning around slowly to face Dalisay. "We've dealt with this group before, the Church of Humanity. They have no sympathy or care for mutants whatsoever, and what they could harness from this particular young man could be catastrophic."

       Dalisay's eyebrows furrowed at the Professor's words, letting them simmer in her thoughts for a moment before she questioned him further. This "compatriot" was certainly important to Xavier, but he was certainly holding back on her, something that irked Dalisay more than anything. Did he not trust her? She couldn't read him like she could other people, his face always calm, always collected. 

        "Okay." She responded carefully, choosing not to ask. If he wanted her to know the identity and background of this particular "compatriot", he'd tell her. So obviously, he really didn't want to tell her. "When do we head out?" 

        "Tonight. Storm, Logan, Scott, yourself, and Kurt will make up the team for this particular mission." 

        Dalisay's breath caught at the mention of Kurt, and she could feel her heartbeat quicken as she realized what was going on. Kurt was returning from Germany, tonight, and he would be on a mission with her for God knew how long. She rose from her seat silently, giving Xavier a small nod before exiting the study briskly. Kurt probably hated her, or was disgusted by her at the least, and the Professor knew exactly that. Dalisay's fists clenched instinctively as she strode down the halls of the Xavier School, hoping to return to her room and get herself together before having to face Kurt Wagner. There was nothing wrong with him, and she didn't regret helping him with her abilities...however she did regret erasing his memories of her help. The image of him falling, the smooth ridges on his forehead, Dalisay pressing her hands to his face...it was as if it had happened only moments ago. It frightened Dalisay to realize that she had no clue what reaction he'd render at seeing her...or her towards him. 

        As she turned the corner to her dormitory's hallway, she spotted Logan leaning against her room's door, his head down and eyes glued to his scuffed, leather boots. He looked up expectantly, as Dalisay cleared her throat.

        "Kurt's coming back." Was all Dalisay could muster, with a brisk shake of her head. Logan raised an eyebrow, but his lips remained set in a solid frown. "What'd the Professor tell you?" 

        Logan grunted in response, crossing his arms over his chest. "Obviously what he didn't tell you." 

        "Don't be difficult." Dalisay snapped, pursing her lips. "Seriously, what's going on?" She urged, her words tight, as she was practically begging for answer from the burly man.

        Logan remained silent, taking  a moment to scratch his stubbled cheeks before he replied. "An ex of mine is working with the Church of Humanity, and Xavier wants me to only rescue the kid and then keep clear instead of bringing 'em in. Regan Wyngarde. Regan fucking Wyngarde." 

        Today has certainly been full of surprises, Dalisay thought immediately, and mentally flung open the door to her room, causing Logan to stumble back a bit in surprise. "Regan fucking Wyngarde is my fucking mother." She called out tersely, before promptly slamming the door behind her. Dalisay let out a sputtering, heavy sigh, and fell onto her bed dramatically, the weight of the world seemingly on her shoulders.