Chapter Text
Thick blood congealed across Logan's shaking hands. He stared up at the wide-eyed drunkard looming over him. His dark eyes swirled with fading shock as his face softened, slacking with every gush of sticky heat that trickled from where the mutant’s claws stuck from.
Everything smelled of gunpowder. Copper heat pooled around the mutant's claws and he held his dripping fists together in a plea.
There were bodies limp on the floor surrounding him. Did he do this?
He glanced back up at the man. The older man’s mouth moved, lips sluggish and lids drooping that Logan couldn't hear- just the pounding rush of his own blood.
Panic slammed through his chest as a hand tugged him back. A boy locked eyes with him, tall enough to have him tilt his head upward. They weren't afraid like he was. Calm pale eyes, sparkling with an icy coolness that clasped around his shaking fingers.
They spilled through the oak doors into the biting air. Clouds hung heavy across the black sky, silvered by the full moon that his mother loved to tell him tales about.
He shut his eyes and imagined he was back in bed. Mom would smile and brush the hair from his warm forehead, cradling his weak body as she dampened his brows with a wet cloth.
“ Why is the moon so alone? “ She cooed.
The boy blinked the night sky away. He could still see the moon when he closed his eyes, goosebumps prickling as the air seemed to grow colder.
He mumbled and shook his head, shivering as a stray droplet slipped down and tickled the hairs on his neck. Perhaps he was sicker than he thought.
His mother squeezed the rag, fingers shaking. She opened her mouth but there was nothing.
And when he met her eyes, there was nothing. Emptiness. The damp rag slid from his face as he sat up. He pressed his small hands against the indent in his blankets.
A loud bang startled, turning his attention around the bedroom. Darkness swamped the other half of the room, and he fumbled for the candle on his nightstand.
He strained for a better look it felt as if his heart tumbled to his stomach.
The light glinted just barely in a pair of eyes. A large figure stared back at him. He tried to call for Mom- but it was nothing but a trapped gasp.
Darkness shifted. Pale skin stretched into view. A large, strong hand reached from the corner and settled against the floor. The boy couldn't tear his eyes away from the curved nails that tapped tempo into the wood.
Another bang sounded and screaming erupted from somewhere in the house.
He gathered his blanket in his arms and hugged it close, swinging his legs over the bed. A low growl made him freeze. The boy held back a noise of terror, tucking his hands below his chin.
Something warm smeared over the skin but he couldn't bring himself to look away from the monster. If he looked away, it would get him. He knew it in his heart.
He pleaded with the monster.
A low rumble filled the room and it chilled his stomach when he realized it was laughter.
Logan jerked awake sucking in breath through his clenched teeth. It was quiet. Quiet enough for the deep rasp of the monster to still echo in his head. His heart pounded in his chest as he blinked away the remnants of his dream.
Gray daylight pressed through the blinds. Distantly he wondered if he was still dreaming. He ignored the sweat cooling against his neck and held a fist out, slowly unsheathing a metal claw. Dull pain kicked in and a bubble of blood oozed from the split skin.
Logan heard laughter and sprinting footsteps before a loud set of bangs rattled his door, followed by the excited voices of students. “ Breakfast, Logan! “
Logan let his head fall back against his pillow with a deep sigh. Definitely not dreaming. And he was definitely subbing in for PE today.
He rolled out of bed with a grumble. His shirt decidedly smelled fine and he pulled it over his head, shucking on his pants and boots. The dream from earlier was already forgotten by the time he had spat toothpaste into the sink and combed his hair.
A few kids meandered past his bedroom door, still in their pajamas and rubbing sleep from their eyes. Warmth blossomed in Logan’s chest and he inhaled the smell of the mansion- wood, wax, and the overwhelming odor of the lemon scent they used to wash the floors. The aroma of breakfast caught in his nose as he made his way down the halls, stomach grumbling.
Marie and Bobby waved good morning when he passed by the television. The screen flickered and switched to a channel to with an ocean life documentary.
“ I was watching that! “ Bobby pointed at the screen and glanced down at the younger boy sitting beside him. The boy blinked but didn't look at the teen. Instead, sounds of horses galloping spilled into the air, much to Marie's amusement.
Logan snickered and shot them an easy smile before he made his way into the kitchen.
Sunshine lit up the island, gracing a few plates smeared with ketchup and sprinkled with crumbs. Scott and Ororo stood in front of the stove, loudly discussing the mess left in the kitchen.
“ They’re just children, Scott. “ Ororo cracked an egg into the frying pan, shooting the other man with a look.
Scott raised a trash bag with one hand and rested the other on his hip. “ I’ve repeatedly told them to put their dirty plates in the sink. “
“ Maybe they don’t care. “ Logan offered as he grabbed a plate from the cabinet. “ You ain’t their parent, Summers. Last thing you want to do is start tellin’ them what to do. “
When he turned around, the brunet was facing him with lips drawn tight. It was Logan’s favorite look. Brows tense, tongue bit, a small frown tugging on his lips.
“ It’s a matter of respect. “ Scott shrugged. Logan got the sense it was one of those days.
Logan poured himself a cup of coffee. “ Okay, dad. “ He watched Scott’s pinched expression flash in the microwave's reflection.
“ The kids made you some breakfast, Logan. “ Ororo interjected and threw another eggshell into the trash. She handed a tin-foil covered plate to Scott. The taller man raised a brow but walked it over.
Logan raised the cup to his lips with a hum. “ Thanks. “
“ Yeah. “ Scott crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. Logan glanced at him and unwrapped the foil.
Tiny, asymmetric pancakes stacked over each other and blanketed a row of bacon and eggs. Small pieces of cut fruit were delicately placed over the pancakes to make a range of different faces- except one at the end which he couldn’t figure out.
“ How was your trip to Alkali Lake? “ Scott tilted his head. He seemed genuinely curious.
Hank had been the first one to inquire about it after the Professor had mentioned it offhandedly during a debrief. Logan had waved him off and shoved a prickly feeling through Charles’ telepathic connection. It was his business and his business alone. It took all of his willpower not to roll his eyes at the patient smile that was returned.
Logan took a bite from his luke-warm bacon. “ There was nothing there. “
Scott stared at him for a moment before he nodded and looked away.
Logan glared at him. “ What’s up with you? “
“ What? “ The other man frowned at him.
“ Why do you care? “ He elaborated with a point of his bacon.
Scott stared at him for a moment. It was hard to tell what exactly the other man was thinking, but it pissed Logan off anyway.
“ Well, " Scott scoffed and got to his feet, " Because you’re part of the team. “
Logan turned his attention back to his coffee and sipped a sour remark down. He almost felt bad when Scott walked away. The other man waved Ororo away and started gathering used plates and silverware.
Logan nibbled his bottom lip while he stared down at the pancake on his plate.
Now that he really looked at the mush of berries, it looked like a sad attempt at a ladybug. The blueberries were smushed and the strawberries bled out onto the surface of the cake. He picked a berry up and popped it into his mouth.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
“ We’ll only be away for a few days. “ Jean set a stack of folders down on the Professor’s desk.
“ There ain’t anyone else to watch the kids? “ Logan turned to catch Hank’s eye. The scientist readjusted his glasses and gave him a toothy smile.
“ Sorry, Logan. You’ll have to make do for the weekend. “ McCoy stood up and threw his suitcase over his shoulder. “ It’s important for the nation to recognize the X-Men as a positive force for change. “
Logan leaned against the wall with a cross of his arms. He'd be lying if it didn’t sting, just a little bit, that they decided to keep him home. Not that he'd have much to add. Then again, it wasn’t like he was going to have a hard time babysitting. The kids were self-sufficient enough and enjoying their fall break.
Scott popped his head into the office. “ Jet’s ready in ten. “
Charles piped up and squeezed past his star pupil, “ This will be a nice break for you and the children, Logan. Don't hesitate if you do need to contact us. “
“ It’ll be fine. “ Logan shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked the X-Men to the Blackbird.
Jean and Scott whispered excitedly to the side while Hank and Charles lead the charge, talking about policies that went over Logan's head.
“ Call me if anything goes wrong. “ Ororo stopped beside him to pat his shoulder. “ I doubt it, but sometimes the students get a bit rowdy when we're not here. “
He snorted and came to a stop beside the ramp leading into the jet. “ Have a good time. If it goes well maybe there’ll be more mutant babysitters out there. “
She smiled at him, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked into the jet.
Logan stepped back as it lifted and closed shut. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it as the engines whirred to life.
Jean and Ororo waved goodbye from the cockpit. He bit back a smile and waved back at them. The ceiling groaned open to reveal the blue sky, scattered with puffs of clouds.
He looked back one more time before heading out the doors. Maybe he should try to make more of an effort to get along with the rest of the team. But it would be a cold day in hell if he found himself pretending to enjoy one of Scott’s board games.
Excitement tingled in Logan’s stomach as he stepped into the elevator. He imagined what it must have felt like being a kid and being left alone for the first time, free to do whatever he wants. He was sure the actual students must have felt the same, because as he stepped off of the elevator it looked more like a slumber party than a school.
Kids were still in their pajamas, laughing and leaving unfinished sodas behind as they went. The smell of popcorn permeated the air and when Logan checked, there was a large group huddled on the couches. A horror movie played on the screen. One of the boys stared wide-eyed at the screen, mouth hanging open in horror while their popcorn spilled in their lap.
Logan grinned to himself and continued to peruse the manor. The kids hardly seemed to notice when he stopped by, entranced in chatting or whatever activity they were partaking in.
Good.
Logan meandered back to his room and pulled out a bottle of whiskey from the bottom of his sock drawer. Alcohol was higher on the list of prohibited items to have on school grounds. He imagined the Professor's disapproving stare but threw it to the wind as brought the bottle to his lips and swigged a few mouthfuls, letting out a sigh as warmth rushed through his limbs.
Two days of unrestrained fun and no bedtime. What else was there to do?
Logan set the bottle beneath his bed and shut his bedroom door as he left.
A few kids still sat around the television, shoulders tense. Marie and Bobby cuddled close to each other as the man on screen screamed and chopped off an alien's fingers.
He couldn’t help the grin on his face when a mean idea nestled in his head and he softened his footsteps.
He paused at the edge of the couch. Was it a good idea to scare a couchful of mutant children? Probably not.
But the repercussions were both temporary and lost to him when he shook the back of the couch with a roar. Their screams quickly morphed into indignant cries while Logan burst out laughing.
“ You asshole! “ Marie shook her fist like she wanted to strangle him. Bobby’s shock tempered into an embarrassed set of chuckles, rubbing his neck while Marie chucked a pillow at the Logan. “ Don’t do that. “
“ Sorry. “ Logan clamped his jaws when a snort came out, holding the pillow to his chest in defense when she gave him a dirty look.
The characters on screen were wearing tinfoil hats as she scooted over, patting the couch expectantly. “ Sit. There’s still another hour left. “
His gaze flickered between them, before casting out to the younger kids. He supposed he’d be a pretty shitty nanny if he didn’t at least supervise. Right? He tucked his hands beneath his elbows and sat down.
“ Idiot. “ Marie flicked his ear. Logan smiled and guided the bowl of popcorn into his laps.
The movie itself wasn’t the most terrifying thriller. Something about aliens and their greatest weakness being water. He opened his mouth to state that it was pretty stupid to pick Earth, but was shushed promptly. Still, it held the room's attention- and he'd be lying if he didn’t hold his breath at parts.
By the time the movie ended the sun had dipped beneath the mountains. Kids shuffled past the living room, yawning and mumbling as they turned in for the night.
Logan tapped Bobby’s shoulder, where Marie was was cuddled into his side, lightly dozing.
The boy blinked his eyes open and cleared the sleep from his throat, “ Going to bed? “
Logan nodded and threw a blanket he found over the pair, “ Gonna check on the kids. “
Bobby hummed out an affirmative and shut his eyes, relaxing back into the cushions.
Logan set the stale popcorn bowl down and observed the passed out kids around him. He half considered waking them up and sending them to their own beds, but he didn’t have the heart to wake them.
Logan clicked the screen dark and wandered toward the hallway, flicking the light switch off as he passed.
The quiet whine of the television turning back on gave him pause. Bright light lit the living room up.
“ I was watching that. “ The boy with the glasses spoke up from a pile of blankets. His lenses were smudged with butter and flecks of salt as he shot Logan an indifferent look.
“ Sorry, “ Logan scratched the back of his neck. “ Aren’t you tired? “
The boy blinked and the channel changed. A dinosaur stomped across the screen, followed by the low growl of a cat as yellow eyes flashed across the screen. “ I don’t sleep. “
“ Right. “ Logan mumbled and turned down the hallway.
The rooms were dark and empty, aside from a few stragglers. He picked a kernel from his teeth, checking the locks one last time before heading up to his room.
His bedding was amess and pulled half-assed into something sightly. The air smelled of stale sweat, traced with alcohol. He tossed his jacket across the room and face planted into the mattress. The bottle beneath his bed vied for his attention as he toed his boots off. He fell asleep daydreaming about draining the rest of it.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
A thud snapped Logan from his sleep. Moonlight pooled across the floor, bright despite the dark clouds that drifted over the crescent moon outside.
The swell of worry in his stomach roused him to his feet. Bumps and noises were common place, but what if one of the kids were hurt? The impact sounded plenty heavy enough. Maybe it was just his over active mind. Still, Logan opened his bedroom door.
Silently he padded into the dark hallway. Logan stood for a moment, breathing in the silence. It was almost too quiet.
He crept further down the hall, gaze darting about. He was in the midst of waving his worried thoughts away when the silence was interrupted by a metallic click splitting through the corridor.
He pressed his back against the wall when a footstep creaked the floorboards. A black boot silently pressed down- followed by the end of a gun.
Logan lunged forward, ramming his claws through kevlar. A scream filled the hallway and he lurched up, shoving a man into the wall. They were soldiers- suited in body armor and armed with weapons that stunk of chemicals. He grit his teeth and drove forward to the next. Warm blood sprayed across his forearms and wet snaps filled his ears.
One of the soldiers stumbled away, pressing a finger to their earpiece, " Bottom floor. Left side. "
Logan snarled and tossed the man aside, bolting down the hall to utter chaos. Soldiers were herding kids up- terrified and huddling against one another.
A small pair of glasses were shattered against the wood floor. The kid, once glued to the television, now lay unmoving beside the knocked-over TV. His eyes rolled, fingers twitching with a reedy groan as one of the soldiers picked him up.
Rage burned and blurred Logan's vision. He blinked and he was prying the boy from a mess of armor and muscle. He cradled the kid to his chest as he sliced through another soldier.
“ Logan! “ Marie's voice cut through the scent of metal and sweat hanging in the air. He lifted his chin and dropped the soldier he'd pinned to the floor. Her white bangs poked from a cubby-sized door in the wall. Bobby leaned out beside her.
“ There’s more students over here, Piotr! “ The teen called and one of the older students lumbered from the tunnel.
Piotr jogged and knelt down, plucking a set of metal probes from the unconscious boy's chest.
" Anyone missing? " Logan waved a few more panicked children down the hall.
Piotr shook his head. “ We’ll be safe in the passages. It leads out to the forest. “
“ Take the kids to safety. “ Logan ushered the teens to the tunnel.
“ What about you? “ Marie gripped his wrist before he could close the door. He took a breath to quell the quivering in his chest and met her eye.
“ I’ll be fine. You kids go, I’ll be right behind you. “ He nodded at Piotr, shutting the door behind them as they disappeared down the passage. He pushed away the image of her crest-fallen expression and bounded up the stairs.
Glass shattered as he rounded the bend and leapt onto the landing. Then the screaming started and his heart lodged in his throat.
It felt like he was failing these kids every step he took. Every blink in the wrong direction felt like another precious second shaved off the timer.
“ Code 30! “ Someone shrieked and suddenly a soldier was flung out of an open door- belly caved in and blood pooling beneath them.
Logan crashed through the door and slammed it shut behind him. He froze at the small figure opposing him.
A young girl crouched behind her bed, wide-eyed. She raised her hand and a something jagged lodged in the doorframe only a few inches from his head.
“ Woah! " A few hairs were yanked from his scalp. A spearhead lodged in the door and he wondered if it wasn’t just the soldiers who were in over their heads.
The girl dipped out of view and shuffled beneath her bed. Logan whispered out a curse and locked the door.
“ I’m not going to hurt you. " He knelt beside the bed with his hands flat on the floor.
Footsteps outside. Seconds slipping away. He offered an open hand beneath the bed.
“ Promise? “ She whispered.
“ On the Professor’s life. “ That seemed to work. She grabbed his hand and he pulled her out. Her dark hair, once perfectly braided and pulled up into little buns, was frazzled. Her dark eyes were wet with tears as he body shook.
“ Is there anyone else up here with you, kid? “ Logan scooped her up.
She shook her head. “ There was a kitty, but not anymore. “
He opened his mouth but stopped at the sound of something ramming the other side of the door. A burst of dread shot through his chest and he glanced about the room.
A set of pink drapes drifted over the cracked window as a helicopter landed outside. A swarm of those black-ops bastards jumped out.
“ Hang on, kid. “ He lifted and settled her on his shoulders. Her arms tightened around his neck and he could feel her frantic heart as he hurried across the room. He sank his claws into the wall. He yanked down again and again before kicking the plasterboard the rest of the way in. He ducked through and sprinted away from the alarmed voices ratting them out.
It was a rush down to the passage, adrenaline blurring anything that wasn’t an immediate threat. He jumped the last few steps and punched his fist into the sliding door until it opened.
“ You'll be okay. “ He felt like he couldn’t catch his breath as he set her down. She stared back at him, brows permanently stuck to her hairline.
“ Logan! “ Bare footsteps slapped against the concrete as Marie, Bobby, and John came to a stop. The pyro stepped forward, guiding the young girl in.
“ Get out of here. “ Logan spared a glance down the hall. A set of heavy, unhurried footsteps stomped down the stairs.
Marie clenched her sleeve, “ Come on! “
“ You'll be safe. “ Logan reached up to shut the door but Bobby shoved it back open.
He stared up at the older mutant like he’d never see him again. “ Not by yourself. “
Logan shook his head. “ I’ll be fine. “
“ We won’t be. “ Marie argued and he hesitated. As much as he wanted to teach these people a lesson, doubt tugged at him. Once the kids made it out, then what? Would they be okay without him?
The little girl suddenly gasped out with wonder and pointed up at him. “ Kitty. “
Logan furrowed his brows, and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.
A hulking figure slammed into his side. The breath left his lungs. He hit the wall and everything sputtered, vision going dark for a moment as he struggled to sit up.
Claws grabbed the back of his neck slammed his head into the wall. “ Hey, runt. “ Hot breath purred into his ear.
Logan lashed out, letting out a gasp when the claws carved into his spine.
“ Look at you, playing hero. “ Sabretooth purred. Iron tang hit the roof of his mouth.
“ Get off him! “ Marie cried out.
Desperation got Logan moving. He rolled to his knees and launched himself forward, digging his claws into Sabretooth’s knee. Bone cracked beneath his hand.
Footsteps crowded around him followed by the clicking of rifles. Pops filled the air and needles stabbed into his neck. The world slowed down. The larger mutant grabbed him by his throat, digits digging into his jaw.
“ Run, “ Logan kicked the wall with a gasp. The kids stared back at him, wide-eyed and frozen as the the door slid shut.
His satisfaction was short lived.
Nails pierced the soft spot beneath his jaw. He grappled with the fingers pressing around his neck.
It was when the world tilted that Logan realized something was wrong. The rough hands disappeared and let him fall to the floor. He pulled something sharp from his flesh, reaching to pull a few more out. Every movement was heavier than the last as the strength sapped from his body.
“ Enough to kill an elephant. “ Sabretooth stuck one of the needles back into the meat of his neck. His triumphant voice lingered in his ears. “ Go to sleep, Jimmy. “
Logan's vision dimmed and he growled, " No. "
He tried to raise his fist, clawing at the ground once before darkness swallowed him whole.