At Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Lalia Azali hides more than most. She's not just a surgeon-she's this universe's Scarlet Witch, a title whispered with fear and awe, tied to a power she never wanted and a fate she can't outrun.
Logan sees t...
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-Logan
I sat in the meeting room with the team, half-listening to the professor drone on about our upcoming trip to Serbia. We were supposed to find Lia's brother, and I knew it was important, but my mind kept drifting.
I couldn't stop thinking about her, about that kiss. The way her lips felt against mine, soft yet electric, the moment she finally surrendered. All the pent-up emotions between us exploded in that single, breathtaking instant. It was like a floodgate had opened, and every suppressed feeling came rushing out, overwhelming us both.
But when the sun came up, everything became painfully real again. She reverted to the Lia who avoided her feelings, the one who held them back because she was scared. I told her I'd give her space if that's what she wanted, but it was tearing me apart inside not to talk to her. It frustrated me to see her retreat into her shell, knowing she was just as scared of her feelings as I was desperate to confront mine.
The professor's voice was like background noise, fuzz in my brain. I couldn't shake the image of Lia from last night—sleeping at her desk, hair all messy, face soft and unguarded. Cute didn't even begin to cover it. But seeing her like that, overworked, stressed... it made my chest tighten. I wanted to carry her to her bed, tuck her in, but instead, I just stood there, like a damn fool. Watching. Doing nothing.
"Logan, what's your take on the matter?" The professor's voice sliced through my thoughts like a laser. I blinked and realized I'd been zoning out. I looked around, catching the glances of the team, all of 'em clearly aware I wasn't exactly dialed in.
"Uh, yeah, Professor, that's... a good idea." I muttered, trying to cover up my little mental vacation.
The professor's eyes narrowed. Not buying it. Not even close. "Logan," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "You think it's a 'good idea' to assume we'll make it back from the mission if we act like reckless idiots?"
I shot him a smirk, leaning back in my chair. "Well, Professor, if we're reckless, we probably don't deserve to make it back. Seems like solid math to me." I raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool.
Simon, sitting next to me, rolled his eyes, clearly not amused by my distraction. Ororo, on the other hand, chuckled lightly, shaking her head. You could always count on her to find humor in the chaos.
"Focus, Logan," the professor said, pinning me with his gaze. His tone was more serious now. "This mission is critical. We don't know what we're up against in Serbia, and I need everyone on their A-game."
I nodded, forcing myself to pay attention. "Got it. Stay focused."
"Professor," Lalia started, shifting her eyes from mine to the professor. "Last night, I managed to reach Luca using my telepathy. He's being held in a grey-colored facility hidden deep in the woods. The place is heavily guarded."
