New Teams, Old Problems

Chapter 10: I Don't Want to Be a Mutant

Logan's birthday weekend had been an interesting one, to say the least. In light of the nasty climate that they were seeing, the little family had elected to head out and hide out to enjoy the quiet. But on the way out, Laura and Gabby had shown up — with Laura looking more stressed and concerned than Logan had seen her before.

"Where are you going?" Laura asked, the strain evident in her voice.

"Out for the weekend," Logan answered, frowning deeper when she didn't seem to relax on hearing it. "What's the problem?"

"She's afraid you're not going to come back, and she'll miss the chance to say goodbye. Again," Gabby said, though it was clear that Gabby wasn't exactly relaxed either.

Logan and K shared a look as Logan readjusted the way Elin was situated on his hip. "I don't know what to tell you," Logan said after a moment. It wasn't like he could predict the way the wind was going to blow on this one — and the fact was, he didn't think it was looking very good, all things considered.

Laura looked more distressed for an instant, though before she could get herself worked up too much further, K cleared her throat.

"If you're not set on being here, we could all go together," K suggested. "Spend a weekend as a group ... just a little cabin time?"

Logan smirked at her before he pulled her over to kiss her temple, and Gabby broke into a massive grin. "I think that's the best idea," Logan said. "All things considered."

"Perfect," K said. "You girls grab your bags, and we'll all head out together."

K pulled away from Logan to grab her jacket when Laura darted into her path. "You don't have to invite us," she said quietly.

"Of course I do" K replied with a little frown. "You're his daughters. And if this goes as badly as you suspect, this might be our only chance to have a birthday get-together as a group." She shrugged lightly. "I don't think this is our only shot. But that's me."

For an instant, Laura hesitated before she took an awkward step forward and then pulled K into a hug that only lasted until Gabby bounced over and joined them — trying to tackle the pair of them as Logan passed them by to load up in the jeep.

And for their part that weekend, the little group had a good time, so much so that when it was finally time to return to Xavier's, none of them really wanted to go. But when Scott called and reminded them that there was an important switch out with the Avengers, the little couple had to let out a sigh, share a kiss, and simply pack up to go.

The trip back was quiet, and Elin slept for most of it, but when they got back, the quiet seemed to simply disappear.

Bobby was watching the news as usual with his feet up and a sandwich in one hand — not really paying attention to what he was eating while the anchorwoman gave her report on a new bill being considered.

"The Senate is expected to vote on the new bill requiring all mutants to be tagged with tracking devices before they break for the end of the year and the holidays," the reporter was saying. "This controversial bill has gained support recently with the increased scrutiny of mutants, particularly those of the allegedly more dangerous varieties. The bill would roll out in what lawmakers are calling a 'priority of security' manner — with ferals and other high security risk mutants first on the list to be implanted."

Bobby scowled at the TV before he glanced over at the mansion's resident ferals and tipped his head pointedly at the television. "They're talking about you guys again. It's been pretty much nonstop all weekend — the thing went out of committee while you were gone."