X-Men: (Young)Xavier&OC (Just Another Mutant)

Chapter three

         Chapter three

   I open my eyes to find myself lying flat on a bed - possibly the most comfortable bed I've ever laid on. The sheets feel like silk.

   I blink hazily, slowly sitting upright - and the light-headedness hits me like a slap in the face. I sway slightly before flopping back down. I feel like crap - beyond crap. I feel groggy and tired - and my head feels like it's about to explode. I let out a soft sigh and run a hand through my hair. It feels disgusting - greasy and tangled. When was the last time I had a shower? God, I must stink.

   It takes me at least several minutes of internal struggling before I can sit upright - and even then, it's more effort than I'd ever like to truthfully admit. I suddenly realise that my right wrist has a rope tied tightly around it - the other end wrapped around the bed post. I jerk on it and the rope tightens painfully.

   "It's just a precaution," a familiar voice murmurs.

   I whip my head around to find the door open and a young man leaning against the doorway. I take his appearance in in a matter of seconds. He's not necessary tall. but he's not short - he's somewhere in the middle. A lithe body, a head of thick black hair and bright blue eyes.

   "A precaution for what?" I ask softly, giving another uncomfortable tug.

   "To make sure you don't hurt yourself. Or anyone else," he replies with a shrug, shutting the door and moving towards me.

   I scoot backwards, pushing myself against the bed's headboard. He pauses by the bed, raising a hand in front of me, moving slowly.

   "I'm not going to hurt you," he says softly, sitting on the edge of the bed.

   "Like I believe you," I pull my knees up to my chest, wrapping my around around my legs.

   "If I wanted to hurt you, I would have done it already."

   I don't respond, instead turn my face away from him, looking toward the bedside cabinet.

   "How are you feeling?"

   "Like crap."

   "The drugs are mostly out of your system by now. You just need to gather your strength a little - maybe actually eat something? You could use gaining a little weight." he says quietly, with a soft sigh.

   "Do you plan on keeping me tied up the entire time I'm here?" I question, yanking on my bindings.

   "If I untie you will you run off?" He asks.

   I don't reply, just refuse to look at him - I keep my eyes trained on the one thing that may help me escape. A pen. Sitting there oh so innocently. It would take but a second to grab it and twist around to him.

   With a slight hesitation, he moves forward and leans over me. His close proximity makes me flinch away slightly. It takes a few moments for him to work away the knots, but when he finally does and the ropes fall lose - my other hand darts across and snatches the pen up. I grab him by his shirt, flip him over and the moment he hits the floor, I press the pen against his throat.

   He doesn't look surprised - actually he looks slightly amused. "You plan on using a pen, really?"

   "It's all I've got."

   "And what about the other thing you've got?" He asks, eyebrows raised.

   "I do't know what you're talking about," I growl, pressing the point against his throat.

   "I know you have a power Ash, I just wish I knew why you've blocked it off and refuse to use it."

   I swallow hard, eyes against his, unwavering. "Don't push me."

   "I'm not."

   "Then shut up," I take a shaky breath. "What's the best way out of here?"

   "I have several mutants waiting nearby, keeping a close eye on this room. You won't get far."

   "And what if I take you hostage?"

   "You still won't get far," he laughs softly.

   "I can damn well try," I growl.

   I climb to my feet, grab his arm and haul him up. I continue to press the pen against his throat, knowing that it's unlikely to do any kind of real damage - even if I could stabd him with it - I doubt it would break the skin.

   We reach the door and he jerks away from suddenly, whirls me around and shoves me against the wall. My face presses against the cold wall as he easily pins my arms behind my back. The pen lies on the floor.

   "Now, I just want you to listen, okay?" He says softly, easily pinning me without hurting me.

   I protest, struggling hard against him, but he refuses to let go.

   "I'm telepathic. I know that you have a power of some kind - but for some reason, I can't find it. And usually, finding out what Mutants powers are is one of my specialties."

   "I don't have a power," I growl, feeling sicker and sicker the longer I stand here.

   "You don't have to be ashamed," he replies softly, his words soothing.

   "I can't be ashamed of something I don't have," I reply weakly.

   He pauses. "If I let go, this time will you not try and attack me?"

   I bite my lip and close my eyes, trying to hold back a sudden wave of tears. He steps back and hesitantly lets go of my arms. I turn around, pressing myself hard against the wall, eyes on his.

   "Just hear me out, okay?" He asks quietly.

   I don't respond, instead just keep my eyes trained on his, a familiar jittery need coursing through my veins and causing a horrible sense of weakness.

   "Stay here for a week. Just one week. And at the end, if you've enjoyed your stay and feel better - stay longer," he pauses, eyes warm and yet concerned. "No one wants you back on the streets, living the way you were. You have a safe place to live here - well protected, a warm bed and at least three meals a day. It's entirely your decision. Do we have a deal?"

   "Do I have a choice?" I reply huskily, crossing my arms over my chest.

   He sighs and moves to the door suddenly, holding it open. "If you want to go, go. I mean it though. You'll be safe here."

   My eyes dart from the opened doorway to him and I hesitate. The thought of going back to the streets, living in the cold and constantly hungry is enough to make me pause. But I know that I can easily get some cash together so that I can pay for more drugs - which means I'll be able to block it out.

   Without another second, I dart forward and out.