Chance For Reunions

Logan Wins The Bet

After the attack on the mansion, things were finally starting to settle down. Classes resumed that next Monday, which helped to restore more of a feeling of normalcy, and Tyler was sitting in his usual homework spot after classes.

He had more than his usual class load to do, though. He'd taken Kurt's advice and talked to his bishop. Bishop Graham had reiterated most of what Kurt said, though not with the same tone of personal experience with death that Kurt had. But the bishop had emphasized something else — the fact that Tyler was using his God-given gifts to defend his home, family, and friends. And why, Bishop Graham had asked, would he degrade what God had given him by trying to hide it away rather than honing his gifts?

So, Tyler had been given some reading homework. He was supposed to read the parable of the talents in the New Testament, not to mention the story of Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon as well as D&C 98 and 134.

That's what he was doing when Logan found him — reading over his assignment from his bishop.

We believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded.

Tyler was almost shaking his head to himself as he read it; clearly Bishop Graham had been picking his assignments carefully. But he looked up when Logan sat down across from him.

"A little Elf told me you needed a slap upside the head — or somethin' like that," Logan said as he leaned back and watched the tall, blond young man.

Tyler couldn't help but smirk at that. "I'd prefer not to get hit," he said. "Maybe instead you could just ... help me with my control."

"You think it's a problem?" Logan asked, frowning slightly at the way Tyler's body language was screaming guilt.

"I'm still not sure on that front," Tyler admitted. "I'm not sure of a lot of it."

"We've been workin' on that right along, so what's the deal?" Logan asked, sounding a bit more rough. "You don't think it's workin', you want to try somethin' else — or you just need me to hit you real hard?"

"Oh, no — it's working great. I really appreciate it," Tyler told him quickly. "I've just never ... well... Did Kurt tell you what happened?"

"Kinda glossed over it. Said you protected one of the girls, an' some guys got what was comin' to 'em. You wanna elaborate a little so I know what's got a knot in your knickers?"

Tyler set aside his books so he could lean forward with a small frown. "That part — the part where I was protecting Tammy — I'm good with that part. But I didn't know what I was doing, really. I lost control."

"It happens. Usually when you're so pissed off you can't see straight," Logan said. He shook his head and let out a slow breath. "The crash after is rough. But it's part of the deal. I've tried for ... hell. Eighty years or better to not let it happen. All it really does is make it worse when you do snap."

"So you're telling me I can't stop it from happening," Tyler said, sounding down. "Great."

Logan looked at him hard for a moment and carefully considered his answer. "That's not exactly what I said," he replied slowly. "I said the more you try to stop it from happening, the worse it'll be when you can't hold it back. Tell me what you remember."

Tyler took a deep breath. "I just — heard Tammy call for help and saw the guys dragging her off, and I lost my temper. I took it out on anyone in a Weapon X uniform — and I couldn't stop myself."