Love That Burns

ten

Jean called you down to the lab. When you got there, x-ray's of Logan's were lining the walls and screens. Charles, Scoot, and Ororo were already sitting in front of the screens. You pulled up a chair behind them, studying the x-ray's. You had seen Jam—Logan's metal claws briefly and you knew that Stryker had a big part of that but Logan was never able to explain himself to you.

"The metal is an alloy called adamantium," Jean explained. "Supposedly indestructible. It's been surgically grafted to his entire skeleton."

"How could he have survived a procedure like that?" Ororo wondered.

"His mutation. He has uncharted regenerative capability which enables him to heal rapidly. This also makes his age impossible to determine. He could very well be older than you, Professor. And you, Y/N."

"He's turning 169 this year," you mumbled.

Everyone's heads snapped in your direction.

"And you know that, how?" Scott asked.

You shook your head. "He's— He was—I can't... I'm not ready."

"Who did this to him?"

"He doesn't know," answered Jean, trying to get the pressure off of you. "Nor does he remember anything about his life before it happened."

"Anything?" You squeaked, a tear slipping down your cheek. "He doesn't remember anything?"

"Y/N," Charles called, trying to ground your emotions. "Perhaps it's time to explain."

"No. I'm not ready."

He maneuvered his chair over to you. "I know. But we all deserve to know the truth about who Logan... who James is. Including him."

You took a shaky deep breath. "His name is James Logan Howlett. He was born in 1832. I meant him in 1972 when he joined William Stryker's team, which I was already a part of." You looked up, trying not to let more tears fall. "He saved me from that team... we ran away. Started a life... we... we fell in love." Your voice cracked and you quickly stood up. "I'm sorry... I can't do this."

You rushed out of the lab before anyone could stop you.

~~~

You needed food. You also felt like you needed to finally talk some more about your past with Logan. It had felt like a weight being lifted from you, making your realize you shouldn't carrying this on your own. Exiting your room, you heard voices in the room next door.

"Where's your room?" It was Logan.

"With Scott," Jean replied, "down the hall." You moved closer to the room.

"Is that your gift? Putting up with that guy?"

"Actually, I'm telekinetic. I can move things with my mind."

"Really? What kinds of things?" You heard the closet doors slam shut.

"All kinds of things. I also have a telepathic ability."

"What, like your professor?"

"Nowhere near that powerful. But he's teaching me to develop it."

"I"m sure he is." You peeked around the corner as saw Logan move closer to Jean. "So read my mind."

"I'd rather not."

"Come on. You afraid you might like it?"

Logan's flirting with Jean stung you. You glanced to your side as you heard footsteps, only to see Scott joining you.

"I doubt it," Jean replied to Logan.

You watched as Jean raised her hands on either side of Logan's head. She closed her eyes and entered his mind. Almost as soon as she started, she gasped and opened her eyes. Logan grabbed her hands to steady them.