Marvel: Reader Inserts

The Library ~ Part 6 ~ Logan Howlett x Reader

 Logan worked hard to make sure you were comfortable while you were taking a break from the library. And it wasn't easy by any means. At first, it was hard to get you out of the routine of going to the library after meals and in the morning and to close it up at night. Logan made sure he always had his hand in yours when you walked the halls. When you turned or paused near the library, he would either gently guide you in the other direction or held your hand a little tighter. He hated since the light dim from your eyes in this way, different from when you slipped.

One afternoon, he found you sitting beside his window. You were curled up in a blanket, watching the light rain hit the window. There was an untouched book sitting in front of you. He pause dint he doorway, watching you. You weren't slipping— he knew the signs too well by now— but there were something just as heavy in the slump of your shoulders and the hollow way you stared past the glass. Logan stepped in slowly, careful not to startle you.

"Hey," he said, voice softer than the rain.

You blinked, his voice pulling you present. Your gaze dropped to the book in front of you. "I picked it up," you murmured. "But I couldn't open it."

He nodded, crouching in front of you. "That's okay."

"I want to. More than anything."

"I know." He reached up and tucked the blanket around your legs more. "But you don't have to push it. Not today."

"But what if I never get to again? What if this is it, Logan? What if I never get to love books again without being afraid of losing myself?"

He reached for the book, picking it up carefully. "I'll read to you. Come here."

Logan wrapped an arm around you and pulled you into his lap. He opened the book and held it with one hand then began reading. His voice wasn't polished or theatrical. It was gravelly, halting at times— but steady, warm, and safe. You curled tighter into him and the blanket. Logan could feel you begin to relax as he read. He finished the page and looked down to check on you. Your eyes were closed.

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head and whispered "one page at a time, sweetheart. We'll get there."

And then he kept reading. So that your heart could hold the words your mind wasn't ready to hold yet.

~~~

Weeks go past, you still had moments were you slipped but they were getting less and less frequent. It had almost been two months since you had been in the library. You had talked to Charles before you brought it up to Logan, but you wanted to try to spend small amounts of time in the library. Charles agreed, though Logan took a little bit more persuasion. Eventually he agreed, though you had to promise that he'd be with you most of the time.

Now, you were paused inside the library doorway. The familiar scent of old paper and warm wood hit you like a memory too sharp at the edges. The golden light filtering through the tall windows dances across the spines you once knew by heart. Your fingertips twitched at your sides. Logan stood behind you— close, but not crowding, with one hand gently brushing against yours.

"You don't have to go in," he said softly. "Not today."

You took in another deep breath. "I want to."

He nodded once, eyes scanning the shelves before they shifted back to you. "Okay. We go in together."

The floor creaked beneath your boots as you stepped in, with Logan right behind you. You trailed your fingers along the edge of a table. You end up walking back to the corner table you kept clear for Logan. It was still clear. You sat down slowly and for a moment everything felt right.