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blue-devil-of-the-lord · 4 months

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Voice of an Angel

Kurt Wagner x OFC (Emily Reynolds) Words: 14.5K Warnings: Killing, injuries, bloody stuff , bad cheesy flirting, criticism regarding religion/ God. A/N: Everybody lives, I don't care about canon it jumped out of the window

As Emily pushed open the grand doors, a rush of nostalgia flooded her senses along with that familiar scent that had clung to the building for decades. Despite the years that had passed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging wash over her, accompanied by a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Amidst the bustling corridors, she caught glimpses of students darting about, some offering nods in her direction while others remained absorbed in their own world. Emily understood their indifference; after all, it had been years since she roamed these halls, and she wasn't one to draw attention to herself. Yet, amidst the crowd, there were a few who recognized her, their gazes lingering just a moment longer.

" Emy!" A familiar voice cut through the bustling noise, and Emily's smile widened exponentially as she spotted the figure of her old friend making her way towards her. "Storm." With genuine warmth, she enveloped her friend in a tight embrace, the years melting away in an instant. "God, how long has it been? Three years, four Breaking away from the embrace, Emily kept her hands on Storm's shoulders, the bond of friendship palpable between them. "Add three more, and we're getting closer," she replied with a chuckle.

"I'll never forgive Charles for sending you to Colombia," she muttered, the resentment evident in her tone. Emily's gaze softened. "But you know why I went," Emily replied gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Storm's arm. "There was a surge in mutant appearances. Someone had to lend a hand, and at that moment, I had nothing better to do." A fleeting smile tugged at Storm's lips, despite her lingering frustration. "And I suppose your Spanish is impeccable now," she remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

Emily couldn't resist a playful grin. "You bet. My Spanish has never been sharper, mi amiga." Storm snorted, a mix of exasperation and genuine amusement dancing in her eyes. "I guess you didn't come here just for small talk?" Emily could see a small glimmer of hope in her eyes and was relieved not to have to stifle it. "No, not at all. I've come back home." An honest, broad smile slowly spread across Storm's face. "Does that mean-?"

Emily interrupted with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, waggling her eyebrows for emphasis. "I'm back. And you'll have a hard time shaking me off anytime soon."

Storm burst into laughter, her previous tension melting away as she pulled Emily into another tight embrace. "Come on, we've kept your room untouched. Let's catch up properly."

Emily's heart swelled with warmth at the realization that her friends, her family, had preserved her space, a silent testament to their unwavering belief in her return. Despite the overwhelming urge to accept Storm's invitation and immerse herself in the familiar comfort of her old room, she knew she had to decline.

"I'd love nothing more than that, Storm," she began, her voice tinged with regret as she shook her head gently and placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder, "but I'm afraid I'll have to speak with Charles first." A soft sigh escaped Storm's lips, and Emily observed a subtle slump in her friend's posture, but she was met with a small, understanding smile.

"Of course. Come with me," Storm replied, her voice gentle as she gestured for Emily to follow.

Contrary to Emily's expectations, Storm veered away from the typical paths leading to Charles' office or the classrooms, guiding her instead towards the basement. Towards the danger room. Emily's brow furrowed in confusion, but before she could voice her question, Storm sensed her gaze and shot her a knowing look, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

" The professor doesn't partake in the training sessions himself, silly," Storm explained with a chuckle, glancing at Emily from the corner of her eye. "He simply oversees and supervises."

Emily's lips twitched with a mixture of amusement and faux indignation. "Well, excuse me for assuming the great Charles Xavier might don his superhero cape and join in the action," she quipped, though a telltale blush crept up her cheeks. She knew full well the limitations Charles faced with his wheelchair, but the mental image of him engaged in combat training was too absurd not to entertain.

The doors to the monitoring room smoothly slid aside, revealing Charles Xavier seated in front of the console, his presence commanding even from behind the safety glass that separated them from the danger room.

Though his appearance hadn't changed—still bald, still in his wheelchair—his aura of wisdom and compassion remained as strong as ever. Emily's smile widened as Charles turned to greet her, his own expression gentle and welcoming. "Emily. It's good to see you."

" Likewise, Charles," she replied, her voice incredibly soft as she closed the distance between them. With a warmth that transcended mere words, she enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace, which he returned with equal tenderness. In that fleeting moment, tears welled in her eyes.

Charles Xavier had been her guiding light since she was just a frightened ten-year-old, alone and adrift in a world of uncertainty. He had plucked her from the darkness, offering her not just refuge, but a home and a family. To Emily, he had been more than a mentor or a teacher; he had been the father figure she had lost too soon.

As they parted from their embrace, Charles gently took Emily's hands in his own, his gaze lingering on her with a sense of fondness and pride. "You've grown up, my dear," he remarked, his tone reflective."

" I was already grown up when I left," Emily countered with a small smile, meeting his gaze.

Nevertheless, Charles's eyes traced over her features, as if trying to commit every detail to memory—every wrinkle, every freckle—as if seeing her anew. "Still. You've changed," he observed. " Emily's smile softened, touched by his perceptiveness. "And you haven't changed at all," she replied, a fondness coloring her words. Charles chuckled softly, releasing her hands as he turned his wheelchair to face the glass once more.

"Believe me, I've gained a few wrinkles in the last few years," he admitted with a self-deprecating smile, casting a brief glance over his shoulder at Emily. "Come on. The simulation is almost over. We'll have plenty of time to catch up afterward."

Emily stepped closer to Charles, peering through the glass pane into the room below. Familiar faces greeted her sight—Scott, focused as he honed his skills with precision, and Hank, dangling from the ceiling with a mixture of grace and agility. Yet, there were others whose identities eluded her.

"Logan," Charles offered as he followed Emily's gaze to the muscular, dark-haired man below. With each movement, he extended three metal claws from each hand, dispatching his opponents with ruthless efficiency. " He's lent us his aid on occasion when we've needed it," Charles continued, his gaze thoughtful as he observed Logan's relentless onslaught.

"He's a complex individual, and we're not entirely certain if he'll choose to remain. But he's got his heart in the right place. Most of the time."

For a few moments, Emily watched Logan's movements, however, her attention was drawn away when she noticed Storm step closer, her expression filled with concern as she scanned the room below. Who are you looking for?" Emily inquired, turning to face her friend, curiosity piqued by Storm's searching gaze.

"Kurt," Storm replied, her focus still fixed on the activity below. "He's a recent addition, and I wanted to ensure he's adapting well," she explained.

"There you are," Storm's voice broke through Emily's concentration, drawing her attention once more to the swirling black cloud of mist below. Emily furrowed her brow, trying to discern any trace of Kurt within the nebulous veil, but her efforts proved fruitless. Turning back to her friend, Emily found Storm's gaze now fixed on another corner of the room. Following her friend's line of sight, Emily squinted, only to find another ominous cloud—this one tinged with hints of black and blue, hovering over a defeated opponent.

After a few more futile attempts to locate Kurt amidst the obscure mist, Emily turned to Charles.

" That's something new," she remarked, her gaze shifting back and forth between Storm's determined expression and the enigmatic phenomenon in the danger room below.

Charles's laughter filled the room and he shook his head with amusement. "Not quite. Look closely," he urged, gesturing towards a seemingly empty space amidst the projected enemies. Frowning in concentration, Emily scrutinized the area, trying to discern any hidden details.

Before she could formulate a response, the air around the targeted enemy shimmered, and a dense black cloud of mist materialized out of thin air. The opponent staggered, collapsing under the weight of the unseen force, as another cloud of mist emerged, swirling and merging with the first.

" What the-?!" Emily's exclamation was cut short as Charles raised a hand, urging her to remain silent. " Watch carefully," he instructed, his gaze intent on the unfolding spectacle below.

Once more, Charles pointed to a specific spot, and as if in response to him, the black mist reappeared. Emily's eyes widened in realization as she finally saw what Storm and Charles had been observing all along.

Through the dense smoke and the distorted reflection on the glass pane, Emily strained to discern the figure hidden within the swirling mist. Gradually, the outline of a person, presumably a man, emerged, materializing out of thin air to swiftly incapacitate his opponent before vanishing once more.

"Teleporting. He's a teleporter!" Emily exclaimed, her eyes widening with a mixture of awe and excitement. "I've never seen anything like it, and I've dealt with a lot of them. Holy shit." Storm's smirk hinted at a hidden amusement as she cautioned, "Don't say that too loudly. Our dear Kurt is a very devout man."

"I'll be as gracious as ever," Emily replied with a chuckle. Storm's snort of amusement was accompanied by a comforting pat on Emily's shoulder. "Come on, the simulation's as good as over. I'll introduce you. Besides, Scott and Hank will be happy to see you."

Emily glanced at Charles, seeking reassurance, and found it in his nod of approval. With a grateful smile, she briefly touched his shoulder before following Storm out of the room. As they approached the door to the Danger Room, Storm offered her a brief heads-up. "A little heads up," she explained in a low voice, "Logan's often in a bad mood. Always, actually. So don't take it too personally."

"I'll do my best." With that, the doors slid open, revealing the familiar yet unpleasant scent that greeted them. Emily wrinkled her nose in distaste as they stepped inside.

Staying on the sidelines to allow the others a moment to catch their breath, Emily watched as Hank recovered more quickly than the rest, his eyes lighting up with recognition as he spotted them.

"Emily, it's good to see you," Hank greeted her with a broad smile. Knowing his discomfort with physical affection, Emily refrained from offering a hug, instead returning his smile with a nod of acknowledgment. Scott, however, had no such reservations. "You're still alive," he exclaimed with a grin, enveloping her in a tight embrace that squeezed the air from her lungs.

"Scott," Emily croaked softly, teasingly. "You stink and you're wet. Go away, old man." Despite her playful protest, there was a warmth in her voice.

Scott released her from the embrace with a playful scoff. "I'm three months older than you."

" Emily shot back with a smirk, "Judging by your reaction time in training, you'd think you'd have been around when Socrates wasn't even being planned." She could almost envision Scott rolling his eyes behind his glasses, but her attention was drawn away by a low, throaty laugh. Surprised, Emily turned to find Logan, who had lit a cigar and was regarding her with a mixture of amusement and approval, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "I like the little girl," he remarked.

Emily couldn't help but grimace at the nickname. "I'm not little," she retorted, a touch defensively. Logan chuckled and turned away towards the door. "Sweetheart, you're like, a meter fifty. Tops." It wasn't exactly mature to stick out her tongue, but Emily couldn't resist the urge, before turning back to the others.

"Forget Logan," Scott interjected, his expression turning serious as he draped an arm around Emily's shoulder. "The guy's never in a good mood. By his standards, this was just a wedding proposal." Emily grimaced. Sure, Logan was undeniably attractive, but from what she'd already observed, she could tell for sure that he was definitely not her type.

"Please don't." Scott laughed and finally released her from his grasp, prompting a grateful sigh from Emily. She genuinely loved her friend, but he was definitely in dire need of a shower.

As her gaze swept over the faces gathered in the room, something caught her attention, and she furrowed her brow in thought. "Wait, there's someone missing here, isn't there? Where's the cloud guy? What was his name again, Kain?" Emily mused aloud.

A voice behind her, tinged with an unfamiliar accent, responded to her query. "Kurt. Kurt Wagner."

As Emily turned around, her eyes fell upon the figure standing next to Storm—a man who instantly captured her attention. He was undeniably the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on. Yet, as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she blinked in confusion.

Taller than her, yet slightly shorter than Scott or Hank, he possessed a lean, muscular build that spoke of athleticism. However, it was not the sculpted physique of someone who meticulously trained for aesthetic reasons, but rather the natural result of physical activity. Emily couldn't help but surmise that he might have been involved in acrobatics or gymnastics, given his slender yet defined form.

These physical attributes alone didn't give her pause. It was everything else about him that left her momentarily speechless, caught off guard by the sheer magnetism he exuded.

His skin bore a striking hue of deep indigo blue, adorned with intricate, if unfamiliar, symbols that seemed to dance across his surface in mesmerizing patterns. His blackish-bluish hair cascaded in untamed curls, framing a face that held an otherworldly allure. Emily couldn't help but notice his pointed ears peeking through the tousled locks, a subtle yet unmistakable feature.

As far as she could tell, he had only three fingers and three toes, the latter clad in matching shoes. His smile revealed a set of sharp fangs, adding to the enigmatic charm that surrounded him. A tail, adorned with a spade-like tip, swayed gently behind him. Despite these striking features, it was his golden eyes that held her captive, their intense gaze locking onto hers with a depth that seemed to penetrate to her very soul.

By all conventional standards, he wasn't attractive, but in that moment, Emily knew she had never encountered anyone more compelling, more captivating, than the man before her and she'd be damned if she'd ever meet anyone more attractive.

With a warm smile, Emily extended her hand towards Kurt, which he accepted in a firm yet surprisingly gentle grip. Despite the unfamiliar sensation of his touch, she found his hand pleasantly soft and warm, a stark contrast to his otherworldly appearance. She couldn't help but feel a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she met his gaze.

" Emily Reynolds, it's a real pleasure," she introduced herself, her voice tinged with genuine warmth as she exchanged a handshake with the enigmatic man before her. As she allowed her eyes to roam over him once more, she noticed a slight shift in his demeanor, a subtle fidgeting that betrayed his unease under her scrutiny. Emily couldn't help but feel a surge of amusement at his reaction.

"German, I guess?" she ventured, directing the question towards Kurt. He nodded in affirmation, prompting a knowing smile from Emily. Turning to Storm, she couldn't resist teasing her friend with a playful remark. "You know, if you'd told me you'd picked up such a good-looking bloke, I'd have come up from Colombia a lot sooner," she quipped with a wink.

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Emily turned back to Kurt, her smile widening as she addressed him directly. "Am I right, handsome?" she teased, her tone light-hearted yet genuine.

Emily couldn't suppress her delight as she watched Kurt's cheeks darken in embarrassment. He stammered out an apology before vanishing in a puff of smoke, leaving Emily amused by his sudden departure. Turning to the others, who wore expressions ranging from astonishment to amusement, Emily raised an eyebrow defiantly.

"What?" she challenged, crossing her arms defensively across her chest. "He is handsome."

~**~

With a resigned sigh, Emily gently closed the book she had been perusing and carefully returned it to its place on the shelf. It had been three weeks since her return, and while the lessons had been demanding enough, it was another matter altogether that weighed heavily on her mind.

Unintentionally, Kurt had taken up residence in her thoughts. What had begun as fleeting musings about the teleporter had gradually evolved into a persistent presence in her mind. At first, she had dismissed it as a passing curiosity, but as time went on, his image seemed to intrude upon her thoughts more and more frequently, making it increasingly difficult for her to focus on her duties.

Despite his unconventional appearance and the initial awkwardness of their encounter, Emily had come to realize that Kurt was genuinely sweet and honest—a rare find in their line of work. Yet, his unexpected hold on her thoughts only added to her frustrations, complicating her already demanding responsibilities.

As she closed her eyes and leaned against the bookshelf, Emily couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to become so captivated by someone she barely knew. And though she tried to push him from her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that Kurt had somehow managed to find a permanent place in her thoughts, whether she liked it or not.

With a resigned sigh, Emily acknowledged the unreciprocated nature of her flirtations with Kurt. Each attempt seemed to result in either a shy blush from him or his sudden disappearance, leaving her feeling frustrated and uncertain of where she stood.

Deciding that she wasn't in the mood to read her class's French essays that day, Emily craved a change of scenery. The weather outside was pleasant, and with most of the students still in class, she could seize the opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet in the garden. Leaving the confines of the classroom behind, Emily made her way to the tranquil garden, where the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds welcomed her.

Ever since she was a little girl, Emily had felt a deep affection for the school grounds—the wide green fields, the tranquil woods, and especially the meticulously tended gardens. Among the lush foliage, there was a particular bench tucked away amidst the fragrant rose hedges—a sanctuary she had often sought out when the pressures of life became overwhelming.

However, as she approached her cherished retreat that day, she discovered that someone else had claimed it before her. Kurt sat there, engrossed in his notepad, seemingly lost in thought.

" Hello, handsome," Emily greeted him with a mixture of surprise and warmth, her heart fluttering as he looked up from his writing to meet her gaze with those captivating golden eyes. It had become a habit for her to address him in such a manner, and to her delight, he had never protested.

"Emily. I wasn't expecting you," Kurt greeted her, his voice soft and filled with genuine surprise. She chuckled lightly and looked down at him gently. Kurt sat cross-legged, dressed in simple attire, a drawing pad resting in his lap and a pencil poised in his hand.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you too much? If so, can I go?" Emily inquired, her concern evident in her tone. He shook his head tentatively, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and gestured for her to join him. "Please, sit down," he invited warmly.

Without hesitation, Emily accepted his offer and nestled herself beside him on the bench. "I didn't realize you could paint," she remarked, her curiosity piqued as she observed his sketches. Kurt shrugged modestly, his attention returning to the paper before him. "It's nothing special, though it helps to calm the mind," he explained softly, his fingers deftly moving across the page as he continued to work on his creation.

Emily hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting over the serene surroundings of the garden. "Whenever I was overwhelmed as a pupil, I came here. It was my safe space, so to speak," she reminisced softly.

Kurt's gaze lifted from the paper to meet hers, a playful sparkle entering his eyes.

"Then I really hope my presence doesn't—destroy that security," he quipped, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone.

Emily smiled, understanding the reference to Kurt's past exploits. Storm had filled her in on the incident at the White House, expressing her concerns for Kurt's well-being. But as she looked at him now, his smile reassuring and genuine, she felt a sense of certainty that her friend had nothing to fear. It doesn't. I feel more than safe in your presence, my dear," she assured him sincerely.

A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. After a moment, Emily spoke again, her tone gentle and earnest. "May I have a look at them?" she asked, her curiosity genuine as she gestured towards his sketches.

Kurt blinked, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features as he glanced down at his work. Emily noticed the telltale sign of anxiety in the way his tail wrapped around his leg, but she offered him a reassuring smile. "It's nothing special."

" I don't care about that," Emily replied softly. "I don't have any other friends who are artistic, and I really can't paint myself. The fact that someone can is very fascinating to me." Sensing his uncertainty, she added, "But you don't have to if you don't want to. It's up to you.“

"No, it's fine," Kurt replied tentatively, offering the drawing pad to Emily with a nervous gesture. Almost immediately, he withdrew his hand and began to fidget with the hem of his shirt, his uncertainty palpable.

Emily accepted the pad with care, her fingers tracing over each page as she studied the sketches with genuine interest. After a moment, she turned to Kurt with delight shining in her eyes, her admiration for the talented teleporter growing with each passing moment.

"Kurt, these are fantastic! Really, absolutely beautiful," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration and affection.

A tentative smile graced Kurt's lips as he accepted the pad back from her. "Thank you," he murmured softly. With a grin, Emily rose from the bench, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Although I have to say that the artist is still a lot more beautiful," she teased, blowing him a kiss before turning to make her way back to the building.

As she walked, Emily felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through her veins. The encounter with Kurt had lifted her spirits, leaving her eager to tackle the task of reading the French essays with newfound enthusiasm.

~**~

"They look good."

Emily knew better than to cry out. It was the middle of the night and even though it was vacation and the kids who weren't home visiting were on a field trip with most of the teachers, leaving the house more or less empty, it felt wrong to scream out loud just after midnight. Still, she couldn't stop the sound rising in her throat and fumbled with a knife she'd meant to put in the sink.

Cautiously, she turned to find Kurt crouched opposite her on the kitchen island, his form illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window. He was dressed in light clothes, a slight smile playing on his lips as the tip of his tail curled up in a gesture of amusement.

Despite her initial surprise, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at the sight of him. She had grown accustomed to his unexpected appearances over the past few weeks, finding comfort in his quiet presence.

"Kurt!" Emily's attempt at sounding stern was overshadowed by the sheer relief evident in her voice as she called out his name. "I’m sorry, meine Liebe. I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized, his smile carrying a hint of mischief despite the apologetic tone.

Emily couldn't help but snort at his apology, though she appreciated the sentiment. Placing the knife on the counter, just out of reach, she chuckled softly. "Why are you still awake at all?"

Kurt tilted his head, shifting from a crouch to a more relaxed cross-legged position on the kitchen island. His tail swung lazily back and forth behind him as he regarded her with playful curiosity. "I could ask you the same thing. Or is it a tradition with you Americans to bake cookies in the middle of the night?"

His gaze flicked towards the oven, where a batch of chocolate cookies was in the midst of baking, before returning to her with a raised eyebrow, teasingly provocative.

Emily couldn't deny that she had observed a change in Kurt over the past few weeks. Gone were the days when he would linger alone in the corners of rooms, withdrawn into the shadows and blushing at every compliment she offered. Instead, he seemed to have grown bolder, spending more time with others, engaging in playful banter and offering pointed responses that often left her at a loss for words.

Admittedly, Emily found herself feeling a twinge of jealousy at times when she witnessed Kurt interacting with other women who seemed captivated by his charm. Yet, she couldn't help but feel genuinely happy for him, recognizing that he deserved to find companionship and connection with others just as much as anyone else.

Yet, she couldn't fault these women for being drawn to Kurt's magnetic personality when she herself found him equally captivating. Despite her occasional bouts of jealousy, she knew that she had no right to judge others when she was just as guilty of harboring feelings for him.

"I needed to let off some steam," Emily explained, her fingers absently wiping flour on her trousers as Kurt's gaze wandered around the kitchen, taking in the sight of dozens of cookies already baked, with more waiting in the oven and a bowl of fresh dough ready to be shaped.

"Lots of steam," she added with a wry smile, reaching for a plate and carefully placing some freshly baked cookies on it before pressing it into Kurt's hand. "Here you go, handsome. I guess this is what you came for."

With a grateful grin and a wag of his tail, he accepted the plate. "Well, I wasn't expecting such fresh delicacies, but yes." Emily watched with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction as Kurt selected one of the cookies, his movements deliberate as he brought it to his nose, taking in its aroma before finally taking a bite.

A few crumbs tumbled to the floor, but she paid them no mind, too captivated by the enraptured expression on Nightcrawler's face as he savored the treat. Now it was Emily's turn to grin, a sense of warmth spreading through her as she witnessed Kurt's enjoyment.

"Good?" Emily inquired, her gaze shifting back to Kurt as he took another bite of the cookie

"Better," he replied instantly, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth. Chuckling softly, Emily turned her attention back to her pastry. "Good to know my frustration baking tastes good after all." For a few moments, silence enveloped them, broken only by the sound of Kurt's chewing and Emily's rhythmic chopping of chocolate. Eventually, Kurt broke the quietude with a question.

" May I ask why you're baking in the middle of the night?" With a sigh, Emily pushed the freshly chopped chocolate into the dough and then pressed it into Kurt's somewhat perplexed hand. "School work. Stir, please," she instructed, her voice tinged with weariness but also a hint of determination.

As Kurt stirred the dough, still a little bemused by the late-night baking session, Emily busied herself with removing the trays of fresh cookies from the oven. "You'd think science would be hard to teach, but try teaching Spanish to a class of American kids who almost never have to conjugate or adapt adjectives. Or French. Or God forbid Latin," she explained, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she added, taking the bowl from him with a grateful smile.

Kurt hummed softly. "The professor said you speak a lot of languages." Emily nodded slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Always came easy to me. A lot easier than biology or chemistry," she admitted with a wry smile.

"How many?"

Emily put the bowl down and leaned back against the kitchen counter, meeting Kurt's gaze with a thoughtful expression. "About ten? English, as my first language, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin and Ancient Greek fluently. Arabic, Portuguese and Swahili more or less confidently. Mandarin and Russian..." She paused, tilting her head slightly as she considered.

"Let's put it this way, I wouldn't be completely helpless in a conversation, but I'd prefer to either continue the conversation in English or look for an opportunity to escape after five minutes." Kurt, who had been about to take another bite of a cookie, froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in astonishment as he processed her revelation.

Emily felt a hint of self-consciousness creeping in under his intense scrutiny, and she shifted uncomfortably, about to turn away when Kurt caught himself.

"You're fantastic," Kurt declared, his voice laced with genuine admiration and affection. Emily felt a warmth spread through her cheeks at his words, and she turned away slightly to hide the blush. "Says the guy who can teleport," she replied with a hint of self-deprecation, trying to deflect the attention away from herself.

There was a soft rustle, and when Emily turned back around, she found Kurt standing right behind her, his eyes earnest as he set aside the plate of cookies. "Don't," he murmured, reaching out to brush a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "Please don't belittle your achievements."

Emily found herself frozen in place, her gaze locked with Kurt's as his fingers continued to stroke her cheek with gentle reassurance. His eyes held such warmth and admiration that it left her feeling both vulnerable and electrified, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to form coherent thoughts.

"I was just a curious child. Which Charles encouraged," she finally managed to croak out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kurt's expression softened even further, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. "And today you are a brilliant woman whose intelligence should not be underestimated," he replied, his words carrying a weight of sincerity that sent a shiver down Emily's spine.

She thought she could feel the tension, but didn't dare do what she wanted to do (grab him by the collar and kiss him senseless).

Instead, Emily chuckled lightly and playfully pushed Kurt aside, placing her hand on his chest as she moved past him to reach the trays of cookies. "Someone sure knows how to make a girl swoon, huh?" she teased, trying to inject a light-hearted tone into the atmosphere.

"Aber nur du zählst*," Kurt muttered softly, prompting Emily to turn back to him with a quizzical expression. "Excuse me? German isn't really my strong suit," she admitted, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Kurt smiled sheepishly, hopping back onto the counter as he evaded her question. "You and the professor get on well. How long have you known him?" he asked, deflecting the conversation away from his previous remark.

Emily knew he was avoiding her question, but she was happy to take the way out as long as it meant he couldn't see her red cheeks or hear her beating heart.

"He raised me," Emily confessed, her voice soft but tinged with deep gratitude as she worked to evenly distribute the cookie dough on the tray. "I lost my family when I was ten. Charles took me in, fostered me and treated me like I was his own flesh and blood. I owe him more than I can ever give back."

She paused for a moment before smiling and putting the tray in the oven and, with that last load done, turning to Kurt. "He's like a father to me, as stereotypical as it may sound." Kurt's tail swayed slightly back and forth as he looked at her.

"I never got to know my parents. Instead, I grew up in the Munich circus," Kurt revealed, his tone tinged with a mix of nostalgia and resignation. "They may not have been related to me, but they gave me a home and accepted me for who I am when no one else did. More or less."

His expression softened. "Just because they aren't your blood doesn't mean any less. Sometimes those who aren't related to us are more important and more family than our real one." Emily cast her gaze down. A constricting feeling spread through her, a familiar feeling that she did her best to suppress.

"Storm told me that you grew up in the circus, but I could never imagine it," Emily admitted, her curiosity piqued. "What was it like, if you don't mind me asking?"

All at once, Kurt's face seemed to light up, his eyes sparkling as his tail started wagging back and forth, a gesture that Emily found incredibly endearing. "It was an indescribable feeling. The adrenaline, the ring, the audience." A dreamy look came over his face. "They didn't know that this -" he pointed to his face "- wasn't make-up, wasn't an act. I was able to teleport and received thunderous applause. It was a real magic trick for them. I was happy. I was free."

Emily couldn't help but hang on every word, captivated by Kurt's recounting of his circus days. The passion and joy in his voice resonated deeply with her, and she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "It sounds wonderful," she remarked sincerely, her heart swelling with happiness for him.

Kurt's eyes met hers and a wide, genuine smile came across his face. "It was."

As the night wore on, the cookies long since cooled, Emily found herself still seated in the kitchen, utterly captivated by Kurt's stories of his time in the circus. Mesmerized, she sat opposite him on the kitchen ledge, her gaze fixed on his lips as he spoke, hanging on to every word with rapt attention.

Kurt's storytelling had a magnetic quality to it, drawing her in completely. His voice, neither too quick nor too slow, held a certain cadence that was soothing yet compelling. With passion, wit, and charm, he painted vivid pictures of his experiences, bringing each memory to life in exquisite detail.

Listening to him, Emily felt as though she were right there beside him, experiencing every exhilarating moment firsthand.

Kurt had a way of speaking that left no room for distraction, his words casting a spell that held her in thrall. Despite the late hour, Emily found herself completely absorbed in his tales, grateful for the opportunity to share in his memories.

"Thanks for keeping me company and venting frustration," she murmured softly after they'd stowed all the cookies together and he'd walked her up to her room. Not teleported, they had walked while he had continued talking, encouraged by her inquiries.

Kurt smiled down at her, his eyes warm with gratitude. "I thank you for listening," he replied, lifting his plate with a cheeky smile. "And for the cookies."

Returning his smile, Emily leaned against her doorframe, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. "It's been more than a pleasure listening to you. You have a very soothing and pleasant voice, my dear." A pleasant silence descended between them for a few moments before Kurt broke it with a question, his curiosity evident in his expression.

"Can I ask you something?" Emily laughed softly. "I've been pestering you with questions all night, of course you can."

Kurt tilted his head curiously, his golden eyes searching hers. "What are your abilities? I know you have some, the others call you 'Siren'. I haven't figured it out, though." Emily hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts, but ultimately she made a decision.

Pushing herself slightly away from the doorframe, she positioned herself directly in front of Kurt. He instinctively moved to back away, but before he could react, she reached out and grabbed the collar of his T-shirt, pulling him closer to her.

With a sudden boldness that surprised even herself, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, feeling the unique texture of his indigo-blue skin beneath her lips. In that moment, she didn't care about anything else but the warmth of his presence.

As she pulled back, she met his astonished gaze with a playful wink, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of nerves and excitement. "I'm afraid that's a story for another night, handsome," she teased, pressing another brief kiss to his cheek before releasing him.

"Good night and sweet dreams."

As quickly as she could, Emily scurried into her room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment, and her heart was pounding so loudly she could hear it echoing in her ears.

Where had she gotten the courage to do that? In the silence of her room, she strained to listen for any sound from the hallway, her senses heightened by the rush of adrenaline.

It seemed like an eternity before she finally heard the familiar sound of Kurt's teleportation, the 'BAMF' that signaled his departure.

*Aber nur du zählst ~ But only you matter /count.

~**~

Just in the nick of time, Emily agilely sidestepped, narrowly evading what could have turned her into a human kebab. However, her relief was short-lived as she collided with one of the training props meant to serve as shields. How these would aid her in such a predicament remained a mystery.

“ Practice with swords," she muttered, recalling the advice given earlier, as she retrieved the fallen weapon, now wielding one in each hand. "It can't hurt to broaden your horizons.”

Not so pessimistic, Emily, Charles chimed in, his voice echoing inside her head.

Shut up Charles. She glared up angrily at the pane of glass behind which he was crouching. He seemed unfazed, content to watch from his vantage point as Emily grappled with the swords, feeling increasingly like she was the only one struggling while her training partner flourished.

When Charles had proposed a training session with Kurt, Emily had eagerly accepted. However, her enthusiasm waned when she realized she wouldn't be wielding her usual weapons. Still, being ambidextrous provided a slight advantage against the monstrous creations Hank had concocted this time.

A whirring noise snapped her attention behind, and she swiftly pivoted, just in time to parry an attack from one of the holoimitations. She couldn't help but lament the advancement in technology here, longing for the simplicity of dodging basic projectiles.

"Son of a bitch," she muttered, swiftly dispatching her assailant by severing its head. With grim satisfaction, she observed as the body dissolved into particles of light until it vanished entirely.

Another buzz jolted her into action, but she realized she wouldn't be able to swing her swords in time. Bracing for impact, she was suddenly yanked aside by a firm hand. Startled, she let out a squeal, only to witness her assailant dissolve with a metallic clink and a faint glow.

Turning to face her savior, she found Kurt, his expression etched with concern. "Are you okay? Did it get you?" he asked, scanning her for any sign of injury. She couldn't help but smile faintly, placing a hand on his bicep, which tensed with effort under her touch.

"I'm fine, Kurt. Thank you," she reassured him, gratitude evident in her voice.

For a moment, Kurt simply held her gaze, then nodded with a sheepish smile. "Be careful," he cautioned before vanishing, leaving behind only a dissipating black cloud. Instantly, Emily spun around, peering out from behind the wall, searching until she located him.

And oh, she could curse the training all she wanted, but moments like this made it worth it.

Seeing Kurt in action stirred something within her, a mix of admiration and undeniable attraction. When she had first stepped into the danger room, she had thought her proficiency with two swords was impressive.

That was until Kurt entered, effortlessly wielding one blade in each hand and another clutched in his tail. His presence alone was striking, but watching him in combat … God help her.

She had caught glimpses of his fighting prowess when they first met, though back then he seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. Now, however, he chose to stay visible, and she couldn't be more grateful.

Kurt moved with a grace and agility that left her breathless. Each strike was calculated, precise, and lethal. Engaging multiple opponents at once, he danced through the air, his swords a blur of motion as he emerged victorious. His movements were a testament to his skill, fluid and elegant, reminiscent of his circus days.

Emily had always admired his flexibility, a reminder of his past as an acrobat, but today she truly appreciated it. His fencing style appeared flawless to her inexperienced eyes, his motions so natural and fluid that she could easily picture him on the trapeze, captivating an audience high above.

EMILY!

Charles' voice reverberated loudly in her mind, but it was too late. A sudden blow to her stomach sent her crashing to the ground with a groan of pain. "Motherfucker," she cursed, reaching out instinctively, only to have someone else intervene and dispatch the assailant before she could react.

Before the body even touched the ground, Kurt was by her side, concern etched on his features as he crouched beside her, his arm supporting her back. "Are you hurt? Emily, what happened? You froze!" His gaze shifted to her forehead, widening in alarm. "You're bleeding."

A wry smile tugged at her lips. "It's not my fault. When you look impossibly gorgeous in combat, you leave me no choice but to freeze and get hit." But Kurt didn't return the smile. "Now's not the time for jokes," he admonished, his worry evident in his voice.

Emily's realization dawned as she found herself clinging tightly to Kurt's neck in panic, desperate not to tumble from his grasp. "Kurt!" she called out, but he remained silent, his hold on her tightening in response. "Hold on, this could get a little uncomfortable," he warned.

In that moment, as they disappeared into the unknown, Emily couldn't help but feel a mix of coldness and strangeness enveloping her. Yet, strangely, it also felt undeniably familiar, like a comforting embrace from Kurt himself.

Later, if asked, Emily would struggle to describe the sensation, but one thing was certain—it felt like home.

“ Whoa," Emily blinked, finding herself suddenly in a hospital room, still cradled in Kurt's arms as he made his way towards one of the beds, calling out for Hank. Gently, he lowered her onto the bed, his concern evident as he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Forgive me. I know teleporting is unpleasant, but I wanted to make sure you got fixed up quickly," he explained, his gaze filled with worry. Emily offered him a reassuring smile. "You're cute, handsome," she teased lightly, but before Kurt could respond, Hank entered the room, causing Kurt to step back.

Hank's eyes landed on Emily, his expression a mix of exasperation and concern. "One day, you won't end up in this room covered in blood after a workout," he sighed, shaking his head.

Emily winked at him. "Then it wouldn't be me. Besides, it's not that bad," she quipped, but the seriousness in Hank's gaze silenced her. Without another word, he set to work on treating her injuries, with Kurt never straying far from her side.

~**~

Emily collapsed face-first onto her bed, muffling her frustrated scream into her pillow. Don't get her wrong, she loved her job, but there were days when she felt like jumping out the window after accidentally setting the classroom on fire.

Unfortunately, this entire week seemed to consist of such days. First, she had lost her keys to the classrooms.

Then, the classwork for her French class had mysteriously gone missing, only to be discovered two hours later in the fridge.

As if that wasn't enough, one of the children had managed to kick a ball through her classroom window after class, and she hadn't realized it until the next day when she unlocked the room for her students, only to find everything submerged in water from the overnight thunderstorm, along with her teaching materials.

On top of everything else, there were the usual classroom mishaps. Students conveniently forgot their homework, offering the most implausible excuses imaginable. Then there were the pranks—like the time someone spread liquid glue on a classmate's chair, resulting in an unexpected trip to the infirmary.

Someone had clogged the drains, causing a pipe to burst in the middle of class, and as if that wasn't enough, a child with fire skills accidentally triggered the fire alarm, causing a school-wide evacuation of panicked mutant children.

It was a miracle, really, that no one had been seriously injured or worse.

As if her plate wasn't already overflowing, the situation with Kurt seemed to spiral further out of control with each passing day, reaching a point where even her friends couldn't help but notice and tease her endlessly about it. Charles, ever perceptive, had also picked up on the tension, leading to what was undoubtedly the most awkward conversation of her life.

To top it all off, she had been battling through days of excruciating pain from her period, yet still had to soldier through her lessons and contend with the unpredictable antics of her mutant students. Chasing after kids who couldn't quite control their powers often ended with her accidentally soaring across the room.

The next person who dared to suggest that teaching was an easy job clearly hadn't spent a day managing a classroom full of mutants. If anyone had the audacity to say it to Emily's face, they'd find themselves at the bottom of the ocean in no time.

But it wasn't just the chaos of the school that was driving her to the brink of madness.

As if her burdens weren't heavy enough, the approaching anniversary of her family's death loomed over Emily like a dark cloud. Every year, it brought with it a tidal wave of dread and sorrow that she struggled to bear. Nearly twenty years had passed, and yet the weight of guilt and grief remained as potent as ever, threatening to overwhelm her at any moment.

Despite knowing that she needed time to grieve and reflect, Emily dreaded the thought of taking the day off, especially knowing that Charles disapproved of her withdrawal. With a weary groan, she forced herself to sit up, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her.

She didn't really feel the urge to get up, but she had no choice. There were essays to correct for four classes, and if she had any hope of finishing them, she needed to start, even if it meant taking it one step at a time.

With heavy steps, Emily made her way to her desk, her weariness palpable. However, her fatigue melted away as she halted in surprise. There, on the tabletop, sat a small, meticulously arranged basket adorned with a delicate pink bow. A smile tugged at her lips as she approached, curiosity piqued. Gently lifting the basket, Emily's smile widened at the sight of sunflowers—her favorite—nestled within.

Alongside them lay a stash of her beloved candies, a box of chocolates, and a tin filled with homemade cookies. But it was the small note that slipped from the tin that captured her attention.

In elegant calligraphy, the note conveyed a simple message, yet its contents stirred something within her, igniting a flutter of anticipation in her chest, making her heart beat faster.

I've noticed that you haven't been feeling very well recently and that you seem very stressed. Hopefully it will help at least a little.

Kurt.

P.S. I can't promise the cookies will be as good as yours, but I tried.

With each word from Kurt's note, Emily felt her heart swell with a mixture of gratitude and affection. She couldn't hold back the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks as she absorbed the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind his gesture.

"Oh, Kurt," she murmured softly, the tin pressed tightly against her chest as if seeking solace in its warmth, whispering a silent thank you to the universe for blessing her with someone as caring and compassionate as Kurt. "You truly are a gem in this world”

~**~

“Hey, you okay?” Scott's voice cut through the drone of the jet engines, filled with a subtle concern that Emily could detect even in the dim cabin. She turned to him, unable to see his eyes, but she knew they held worry. “ Yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Emily's voice was steady, but she could feel the slight tremor in her hands betraying her calm facade.

The jet jolted, and Scott steadied himself against the wall, his presence looming over her.

“It's just... You've been out of action for a while. Are you sure you're ready to jump back in?" Scott's concern was palpable, despite his attempt to mask it.

Emily arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her lips. “ a bit late for second thoughts now, don't you think?" She gestured towards the window where the dark clouds loomed ominously. "Storm said we're landing in ten minutes. Time to roll with the punches.”

It really was too late to turn back. Intelligence reports had sounded the alarm, warning of mutant extremists poised to unleash unprecedented havoc across the eastern seaboard. Their weaponry outstripped even the military's advancements, casting a daunting shadow over the cities they threatened.

Charles hesitated to include her in the response, but Emily had fought for her place, determined to stand alongside her team. Yet, throughout the flight, Scott's gaze remained fixed on her, his concern palpable.

She appreciated his worry, his unwavering friendship, but she couldn't bear the added weight of his scrutiny. She needed to focus, to steel herself for what lay ahead.

Despite her outward strength, inwardly, Emily trembled with nerves. It had been years since her last mission, her time abroad in Colombia marking a lengthy hiatus. No amount of training could fully prepare her for the surge of fear that gripped her now.

Emily recognized the protective brotherly mantle Scott had assumed, a role he’d taken on like a second skin, ready to shield her from harm at any cost. She understood that if she dared to confess her inner turmoil, he'd whisk her away from the danger in an instant. So instead, she mustered a confident facade, rising to her feet and offering him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“ Don't worry, big guy. I've got this. Nothing's going to happen to me." Her words were laced with a determination she hoped would quell his concerns. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go check on the new recruit. You might want to save your worry for him.”

Emily's diversionary tactic wasn't entirely fair to Kurt, who had shown more composure than her that morning. But in the delicate dance of emotions, it seemed to do the trick.

Scott reluctantly relented, allowing her passage with a hint of reluctance in his demeanor.

Kurt sat at the back of the jet, his hands folded in his lap, a picture of serene concentration. As Emily drew closer, she discerned the soft murmur of his prayers, a tranquil ritual amidst the impending storm Approaching him, she observed the snug fit of his uniform, tailored to accommodate his acrobatic talents.

She knew he and Hank had labored tirelessly to enhance the fabric's flexibility, ensuring it matched Kurt's need for unrestrained movement.

Patiently, Emily waited until he completed his devotions, watching as he lowered his hands and opened his eyes. There was no startle, only a warm smile that greeted her, which she mirrored with similar warmth and affection.

“Are things looking so bad for us that you need to pray?” Emily teased gently as she settled down beside Kurt. He chuckled softly, his golden eyes holding hers. "I always pray when I'm nervous about something," he explained, his tone calm and assured. "Before every performance, before every training session, I pray and ask God for his protection and guidance.”

Emily smiled softly, her gaze drifting to where his tail swayed gently. "You're not a believer, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "No, I'm sorry Kurt. I'm an atheist," she admitted, a hint of apology in her tone. “No, I'm sorry Kurt. I'm an atheist.”

“Why are you apologizing for that?" Kurt's response was gentle, devoid of judgment.

Emily shrugged, her shoulders lifting in a slight gesture of uncertainty. "I know how important your faith is to you, Kurt, and how much it means and helps you, but I can't bring myself to believe. That's something a lot of religious people take personally.” With care, Kurt reached for her hand, his touch warm and comforting.

"Faith is something you can freely choose. So what would be the point of trying to force you to believe?" His words were tender, infused with understanding. "Faith is about voluntary, unconditional love for God and his for you. You can't force it.”

Her heart warmed at his response, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "So I'm not a sinner damned to hell for you just because I don't believe?" she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.

Kurt met her gaze with unwavering kindness. "Do you hate God and believers?" he countered gently. Emily shook her head immediately. "No, of course not. I admire them. I admire you," she confessed, her tone genuine as she clasped his hand in hers. The connection felt right, comforting in its simplicity.

"The fact that you have such a strong faith, such a strong belief in something that there's no evidence exists, is incredible to me. I see how much it helps you and gives you strength, and there are moments when I truly regret not being able to believe.”

Kurt squeezed her hand gently, his touch reassuring. "You don't have to," he assured her, his voice soft but resolute. "I'm praying for both of us, meine Liebe.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, a flutter of emotions swirling within her. Though she may not share his faith, the sincerity in his admission struck a chord deep within her. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world around them faded, leaving only the connection between them.

Their gaze held, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Emily felt the tension between them, sensing Kurt drawing closer, their proximity almost palpable. But before anything more could transpire, their moment was shattered by Storm's announcement, signaling their imminent descent.

With a gentle touch, Emily cupped Kurt's cheek, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. "Be careful. Please don't die. I don't know how I could live without you," she whispered, her voice laden with a vulnerability she rarely showed.

Kurt nodded slightly, his gaze holding hers with unwavering intensity. Tenderly, he turned his head, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her hand. The gesture sent a surge of warmth coursing through her, her heart quickening in response.

„You too.“

~**~

“Emily!“

Kurt's voice cut through the chaos, a desperate plea as he lunged forward. He barely managed to reach her in time, his hand wrapping around her arm just as a bullet whizzed past. With a swift movement, he teleported them both out of harm's way, the world blurring momentarily before solidifying again behind the safety of a nearby pillar.

Kurt could feel Emily's tension as she stumbled, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist for support.

Taking cover, they crouched behind the pillar, the cacophony of gunfire and flying debris echoing around them. Kurt could sense Emily's unease, her body tense from the sudden teleportation.

"Kurt, we talked about this," she groaned, her hand pressed against her stomach as she tried to steady herself. “ Sorry," Kurt replied, his smile strained with apology. He lowered himself to her eye level, his expression serious. "There wasn't time for a heads up.”

As Emily steadied herself, Kurt's attention shifted to the chaos unfolding below. Peering down one of the pillars to the platform where the battle raged, he felt a surge of dread. They had been forewarned about the size of the opposing group, but the reality far exceeded their expectations.

The enemy forces swarmed, overwhelming in number, and Kurt couldn't shake the sinking feeling in his gut. With a heavy heart, he watched as Scott found himself dangerously outnumbered. Surrounded on all sides, he fought valiantly, but it was clear that even his formidable abilities wouldn't be enough to ensure his safety.

His gaze shifted back to Emily, noting her recovered composure as she stood by his side, her eyes scanning the tumultuous scene below. Kurt could pinpoint the exact moment she realized Scott was in danger. Her blue eyes widened and she clung to his arm almost painfully.

"Help him," Emily's voice was no more than a whisper as she looked up at Kurt and she so close that he could feel the warmth of her breath, see the faint flutter of her eyelashes against her skin. “Please, Kurt, you can get there faster than I can.”

For a heartbeat, Kurt hesitated, but the urgency in Emily's eyes spurred him into action. With a nod, he vanished from her side, reappearing in an instant behind Scott. “Watch it, Scott.”

Effortlessly, he leaped into the air, executing a spinning kick that connected with one assailant's chin, while his fist met another's face with a resounding impact. His tail snaked out, coiling around the leg of a third opponent, sending them crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

Within moments, Kurt found himself surrounded by a circle of defeated mutants, their groans of pain mingling with the chaos of battle. Scott's grateful nod spurred him into action, but before Kurt could fully savor the moment, his attention was drawn to Logan, buried under a pile of adversaries.

With a wry grin, Kurt imagined the inevitable grumbling from Logan if Scott ended up saving him, but there was no time to dwell on it as a formidable opponent charged towards him.

With reflexes honed by years of combat, Kurt dodged at the last possible moment as the charging figure suddenly split into two. "Wundervoll," he growled softly, a mix of admiration and determination as he shifted into an offensive stance.

To his astonishment, the twin assailants proved to be formidable opponents, matching his speed and agility with surprising grace. Each dodge and counterattack was met with equal ferocity, forcing Kurt to remain on high alert.

He narrowly avoided several strikes, feeling the impact of punches and kicks against his own body. With calculated precision, he danced through the flurry of blows and finally, the towering adversary lay unconscious on the ground, once again whole.

Kurt gasped for breath, his body protesting with each inhale as he felt the sharp pain of broken ribs and the dull throb of a head injury. Despite his desperate need for rest, there was no respite to be found as Emily's panicked voice pierced through the haze of his exhaustion.

“Kurt!” He turned around, slightly disoriented, and saw Emily running towards him. “Move!” Without hesitation, a strange energy surged through him, a primal instinct compelling him to obey her command without question. In the blink of an eye, Kurt found himself teleported away from danger, the world spinning around him until he landed on solid ground once more.

The sudden exertion left him drained, confusion clouding his mind as he struggled to comprehend his own actions. Why had he acted so impulsively, so recklessly? Turning to look back at Emily, his heart plummeted as he took in the sight before him.

Where he had stood just moments ago, Emily now lay motionless on the ground, a small pool of blood seeping from beneath her head.

“No!”

In a flash, he found himself kneeling beside her, his hands gripping her shoulders with urgency. "No, no, no, no, no," he repeated softly, his voice a desperate mantra. With swift determination, Kurt wrapped his arms around her and teleported them away from the chaos, seeking refuge against a nearby wall shielded by stacked crates.

Breathless with fear, he pressed his trembling hand to her neck, relief washing over him as he felt the faint pulse beneath his fingertips, a silent prayer escaping his lips. Only when he withdrew his hand did he notice it smeared with blood. His gaze flickered to her left shoulder, where a bullet had pierced her flesh, its impact sending her crashing into a nearby table.

His eyes brimmed with worry as they returned to Emily's unconscious form. Leaning closer, he gently pressed his forehead against hers, a silent apology echoing in his mind. She had rushed in to protect him, and in that moment, he had obeyed her without hesitation. Now, she bore the consequences of his actions, taking the bullet intended for him.

A surge of primal rage surged through Kurt, igniting something dark within him. His head snapped up, eyes scanning the room with intensity. High above on one of the upper floors, he finally spotted the culprit—a man wielding a sniper rifle, his sights trained on the chaos below. Kurt's lips curled into a feral snarl. The angle was right.

In an instant, he vanished into a swirling cloud of darkness, reappearing behind the sniper.

Before the man could react, Kurt struck, knocking the weapon from his grasp and ensnaring him with his tail, tightening the coil around his neck with ruthless force.

The man struggled fruitlessly, clawing at Kurt's tail in a desperate bid for escape, but it was futile. “How dare you?” Kurt's voice dripped with venom, barely more than a menacing hiss as he advanced, dragging the man closer to the edge.

“How dare you shoot at them? How dare you shoot at her?!”

The man dangled precariously over the precipice, his face contorted with panic and oxygen deprivation, but Kurt showed no mercy.

Kurt tilted his head, an almost sadistic smile on his face. “I hope you've finished saying your last prayer.” Without a moment's pause, he released his grip. The man plummeted with a scream, the impact echoing through the air, silencing him forever. Though the darkness within Kurt lingered, he surveyed the scene below with cold detachment. His eyes found Emily, untouched and safe, a wave of relief washing over him.

"Fear not, my dear," he murmured softly, his gaze shifting to a red-haired woman hurling energy balls at Storm. "No harm will hurt you, not under my watch.”

The next moments of Kurt's life slipped by like fragments of a dream, blurred and hazy. He couldn't recall the precise duration of the battle, whether it spanned minutes or stretched into hours. All that mattered was ensuring that these perpetrators endured the suffering Emily had endured, if not more.

In the end, however, he stood witness as some managed to flee aboard a plane. Despite Storm's valiant efforts, they vanished into the distance beyond her reach. Scott, meanwhile, had realized what had happened to Emily and was kneeling by her side with Kurt. With gentle care, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, the weight of responsibility evident in every movement. Kurt didn't need to see his eyes to understand the self-blame that consumed him.

“I should have taken better care of her," Scott whispered, enfolding Emily in his arms. Kurt shook his head solemnly. "No, if blame must be placed, it falls on me. That bullet was meant for me, but she intercepted it.” He buried his face in his hands, grappling with remorse. "I don't understand how it happened. She yelled for me to move, and I... I obeyed without question. I could have stayed, taken the bullet—anything—but I chose to teleport!”

“ You couldn't have done different, Kurt," Scott's voice was unexpectedly gentle, a touch of compassion softening his features as he spoke. "Did she ever tell you why we call her Siren?" Kurt shook his head. "I asked once, but she said it wasn't the time. Should I have pressed her for answers?”

Scott shook his head, his attention shifting to Emily's wound. "No. Even if you had, it wouldn't have changed a thing. Her power... it's her voice. She commands obedience with a word. You, me, anyone—under her control, without hesitation.”

He regarded Kurt with sympathy. "Even the professor struggles against her at times. And if she had chosen to protect you? There's nothing in this world that could have kept you rooted in place.” Kurt was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Relief flooded through him, knowing it wasn't solely his fault for moving. Yet, guilt gnawed at him, a nagging sense that he could have intervened somehow.

Anger and fear pulsed within him, juxtaposed with a tender affection that threatened to overwhelm him as he beheld her motionless form cradled by Scott. Before Kurt could utter a word, Logan approached. Crouching beside them, he addressed Scott with an unexpected calmness, almost gentleness—a side of Logan Kurt wouldn't dare to acknowledge aloud.

"Scott. We've gotta keep going. We can still catch them." The turmoil within Scott was palpable, evident even to Kurt without the need for telepathy. On one hand, the instinct to stay and care for the woman who was like a little sister to him tugged at his heartstrings. On the other, the weight of leadership duty pressed upon him, reminding him of his indispensability to the mission. Kurt knew he himself was not.

“Go, Scott. They need you. I'll take care of her.” Scott looked at him doubtfully and Kurt could only imagine how the man must be feeling right now. “Are you sure?”

Kurt's nod was resolute, his conviction unwavering. "Her wounds seem superficial. I can handle them. And if she doesn't awaken soon, I can get her to a hospital faster than anyone else here.” Even without meeting Scott's gaze, Kurt could sense the turmoil within him, the silent battle waged beneath the visor.

Finally, Scott relented, his surrender evident as he bowed his head. "Okay. But not here. There's a safehouse nearby, rarely used, but it should still be intact." He rose to his feet, swiftly outlining the route to Kurt, while Logan's agitation simmered in the background.

“If her condition doesn't improve, or worsens, you're taking her to the hospital within twenty-four hours at the latest," Scott instructed, his hand finding its place on Kurt's shoulder. "Take care of her, please.” Kurt nodded solemnly. “I'll protect her with my life if I have to.”

A thin smile came to Scott's lips. “I know you will. Thank you.”

~**~

Emily's senses stirred back to life with a cruel jolt of pain. It engulfed her, rendering her momentarily breathless. She attempted to vocalize her distress, but her parched throat yielded no sound, leaving her trapped in silence. Darkness shrouded her, and it took an eternity for her to realize that her eyes were closed.

Tentatively, she tried to shift, only to be met with a searing agony that eclipsed the previous torment. A soft whimper escaped her lips, despite the desert-like dryness of her throat.

Panic clawed at her as she struggled to piece together her surroundings, the events leading to her current state shrouded in darkness. The inability to pry open her eyes amplified her fear, a relentless reminder of her vulnerability. Suddenly, a cascade of footsteps shattered the silence, followed by a gentle voice, its timbre laced with comfort and familiarity.

“Take it easy, Emily. Everything is all right. You're safe. Sleep.”

Though unable to place the voice, its soothing cadence enveloped her, washing away the edges of her anxiety. Surrendering to the reassurance it offered, Emily surrendered to the embrace of sleep, devoid of dreams.

---

The next time Emily woke up, the pain was still there, but duller and less sharp With a determined effort, she coaxed her heavy eyelids open, each fluttering attempt a battle against exhaustion. At last, her vision cleared to reveal a scene of unexpected warmth and coziness.

An open, friendly room stretched out before her. It was small, but comfortably furnished with floral curtains in front of the windows and a fluffy carpet on the wooden floor. She herself was lying in a bed, soft and comfortable, but one she had never seen before, let alone slept in. How the hell had she ended up here?

With a cautious shift, she attempted to rise, only to be met with a searing agony that coursed through her shoulder and down her arm, leaving her gasping in its wake.

As her focus settled on the pristine bandage encasing her wounded shoulder, a flood of memories crashed over her.

Emily hurtled down the stairs with a singular purpose driving her forward, her heart pounding in her chest as adrenaline surged through her veins. Relief washed over her as she saw that Kurt and Scott, as well as the others, seemed to be okay. Kurt had just wrestled the mutant who could make copies of himself to the ground and appeared out of breath but mostly unharmed.

As she tried to avert her gaze, however, she noticed something that stood out clearly on the man's blue skin: a small, red, moving dot. Her gaze flew to one of the upper levels, where she spotted the sniper, but her legs had already started moving before she realized what was going on. She was acting on pure instinct and her mind had only one thought.

Not him.

Her muscles strained with exertion as she raced towards Kurt, every fibre of her being focused on one imperative goal: to shield him from harm at any cost. With each passing moment, her strides quickened, propelled by a determination that brooked no opposition.

“Kurt! Move!“ The urgency in Emily's voice reverberated through the chaos, a silent plea that echoed across the room until it reached its intended target. For a fleeting instant, their gazes locked in a shared understanding, the blue of her eyes meeting the golden depths of his before he vanished in a cloud of smoke.

But far too slowly for her taste. Before he could carry out her command, Emily lunged forward, her instincts overriding all rational thought as she propelled herself towards Kurt. In a blur of motion, she collided with him, her outstretched arms shoving him out of harm's way just as he vanished into the safety of the shadows, just barely after loosing physical contact with her.

A bang sounded and a sharp pain shot through her body.

Then - nothing.

Emily eased herself back onto the pillow, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as she attempted to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. Had she succeeded? Was Kurt unharmed, safe, alive? Before she could dwell on her thoughts any further, the door creaked open, heralding Kurt's entrance. A book dangled loosely from his grasp, forgotten in the wake of the startling sight before him.

His eyes widened in disbelief, the book slipping from his fingers to clatter to the floor below. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, his arms enveloping her in a tender embrace that caught her off guard.

Relief flooded through her at the warmth of his touch, dispelling the lingering shadows of doubt that had clouded her mind. “Thank God you're awake!”

For a few seconds, Emily was overwhelmed by the warm feeling of his body pressed against hers. The familiar scent of pine, tinged with a hint of sulfur from his teleportation, enveloped her, sending her senses reeling in a dizzying whirl. Before he could withdraw, her instincts took hold, guiding her to pull him closer until she was enveloped in the comforting warmth of his embrace, her face nestled against the curve of his neck.

“You're alive," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breathless murmur and Kurt slowly pulled back, but only far enough for him to look at her. She could discern the delicate flutter of his eyelashes, feel the gentle caress of his breath against her skin.

“Only because of you," he replied, his voice soft and earnest. With a tenderness that bordered on reverence, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead. “You scared me. All of us.”

Emily cast her eyes down. “I'm sorry.” Kurt just shook his head and his hand travelled from her cheek to the back of her neck. “Don't be. You saved my life. You shouldn't apologize for something so selfless.” Despite his comforting words, a wry smile tugged at Emily's lips as she lifted her hand to gently caress his cheek.

“I'm afraid my intentions weren't as selfless as you might hope.”

Kurt's eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze fixed on Emily with an intensity that spoke volumes. The air between them crackled and the tension was almost palpable, but Emily pulled back at the last moment, head bowed, trying to appear as unaffected as possible.

“Where are we? And where is the rest? You can't tell me Scott just left me here without a fight.”

Her attempt at humour succeeded as Kurt chuckled softly and shook his head, backing away slightly. Momentarily she missed his presence, but she did nothing to get it back. “He didn't. However, some mutants have escaped. The others are trying to chase them, but you couldn't come with them in your condition, let alone stay there alone.”

“So you sacrificed yourself to play babysitter?" she teased, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. Kurt's lips curved into a wry smile, his amusement evident. “I wouldn't consider it a sacrifice. But yes," he admitted, his grin growing more mischievous by the second. "Someone had to pray for your health."

Emily couldn't help but snort in response. “I don't think He was listening.”

Kurt reached for her hand. “And yet you're awake," he observed, his tone gentle yet steadfast. Emily had no retort to offer.

“Why don't you believe, Emily?” Kurt's question hung in the air, laden with genuine curiosity. Her heart constricted at the sincerity reflected in his eyes, compelling her to look away. For a few moments she thought about how to phrase her words, but in the end she decided that it would be best to just tell the truth openly.

“How can I believe in a God who allows so much ... bad to happen?" she began, her voice laced with a poignant blend of frustration and anguish. "There's war, disease, poverty, persecution for any ridiculous reason. What kind of God can say He is 'kind' when He turns away when we need Him? What kind of God can say He is all-loving and forgiving when He sends people who have not acted as He wishes to eternal punishment?”

Now it was up to her to take his hand. “I know you believe in Him, but I just can't. Not after everything I've been through. Or you or anyone else in this world," she confessed, her voice tinged with a raw vulnerability that she rarely allowed herself to reveal. Averting her eyes, she allowed herself to sink back into the comfort of the pillow.

“Besides, should He exist after all? I'm afraid of that thought," she admitted. In the periphery of her vision, she caught sight of Kurt's tail swaying gently. “Why would you be afraid?" he pressed gently, his voice laced with genuine concern. Emily hesitated, her thoughts racing.

“Because I almost certainly wouldn't go to heaven," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Kurt began to protest, but she silenced him with a solemn shake of her head. “I'm not a good person, Kurt. I've done things that are unforgivable, that deserve eternal damnation," she admitted, yet, Kurt's response was swift and unwavering

Kurt just shook his head. “No. I don't think so.”

Emily snorted. She hadn't intended to tell him, but she felt she had reached a point where he deserved to know. She knew the longing that was visible in his eyes, she was pretty sure she looked like that herself when she looked at him. “I take it you've been explained what my mutation is?” she inquired, her tone tinged with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. Kurt nodded slightly, his expression a blend of curiosity and confusion, uncertain of the direction the conversation had taken.

“I only found out very late that I have this mutation. Of course, I noticed that I was better at persuading people than others, but it never got to the... extreme of being able to command or control someone. Until I was invited to my best friend's tenth birthday party.” As the memories threatened to overwhelm her, Kurt's comforting touch served as an anchor, grounding her in the present moment.

His encouraging gaze spurred her on, a silent reminder that she wasn't alone in her struggle. She knew that she had the option to stop talking, to keep her demons buried deep within, he wouldn’t judge her, but she also understood that this was her moment of reckoning. If she didn't speak now, she might never find the courage to do so again.

“My best friend wanted to celebrate her birthday at an amusement park. She was from a wealthy family, whereas I came from ... a more modest background. So the thought of going to a real theme park made me ecstatic," she confessed, her voice tinged with a bitterness.

“My parents weren't. You have to know, I had a little sister, she was four years younger than me, six at the time and she obviously wasn't invited. My parents thought it was unfair that I could go and she couldn't and wanted to forbid me. We argued, a lot and more intensely than ever before. In the end, it became too much. My parents shouted at me for being stubborn, my sisters cried... It was too much.”

Tears welled up in her eyes and her attempt to stifle the sobs failed. “ Shhhh," Kurt murmured softly, his comforting embrace enveloping her in a cocoon of solace and understanding. With a gentle sweep of his arm, he drew her close, his tail curling protectively around her waist in a silent gesture of solidarity and support. With a gentle touch, he brushed away her tears, offering what little solace he could.

“It - it was just so loud," she whispered, her voice barely more than a fragile thread of sound. Her hands clawed at her own arms, as if seeking to anchor herself. “I just wanted it to stop, wanted it to be quiet. So I shouted back. It wasn't much, just one word, but it was one word too many.”

Tears streamed openly down her cheeks, her pain laid bare for all to see as she leaned into Kurt's comforting embrace, seeking refuge from the relentless onslaught of her memories. With a tender gesture, he held her close, his touch a silent reassurance that she was not alone in her suffering.

“Stop. That was all I said. And they stopped. Both their crying and their hearts.” Emily felt Kurt's grip on her tighten. By now, she was crying openly and unabashedly, her tears flowing freely, yet neither of them cared. “I killed them. My parents. Amy, my sweet little sister. I killed them all.”

Her voice was no more than a whisper, barely audible despite the silence in the room, but Kurt heard her. He always did. “No,” he murmured. With a gentle touch, he lifted her chin, urging her to meet his gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering compassion. “No, do you hear me? You didn't kill them.”

“It was my voice that killed them," she protested, her words a desperate plea for absolution. Yet Kurt remained steadfast in his conviction, refusing to let her drown in the depths of her despair.

“No, Emily. It was an accident, nothing more," he insisted, his voice firm yet laced with tenderness. But Emily's laughter, devoid of any semblance of joy. “Do you think it makes a difference? Dead is dead. My voice was the cause, and whether it was intentional or not, it's my fault.”

She gave him a pained look. “I'm not a saint. I'm nothing but a monster. You can't redeem me, I'm damned for all eternity. I've probably committed one of the greatest sins your god has told you about," she confessed, her voice cracking with anguish.

Emily waited with a breaking heart for him to push her away, to leave her alone, but the opposite was the case. Kurt pulled her closer so that her head was tucked under his chin and he ran his hands over her back as his tail wrapped tighter around her waist.

“Emily.”

That was all he said, just her name, but with such compassion, affection and love that she burst into tears. For how long she cried into the curve of his neck, Emily couldn't say. But when she finally pulled away, tears still shimmering in her eyes, Kurt met her gaze with a tender smile, his hand gently stroking her cheek. “You're not irredeemable. You're not a monster. You are not a murderer. You were a child and it was an accident. A terrible accident, yes, but still an accident.”

Emily's voice faltered, her heart heavy with disbelief as she gazed into Kurt's unwavering eyes.

“How can you still look at me like that?” Her voice broke in between, but she refused to cry again. “How can you still look at me like that, like I'm the best person you've ever met?” A tender smile graced Kurt's lips, his expression suffused with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

Slowly, his tail unwound from her waist, the tip trailing delicately over her cheek in a gesture of gentle reassurance. “It's not really hard, my dear. It's because you are the best person I've ever met.” Emily opened her mouth to protest, to refute his assertion, but he silenced her with a gentle shake of his head.

“I know you might not believe me, but it's the truth. I see the way you treat other people. Your patience with the students, even when they drive you crazy. Your affection for Scott and Storm, no matter how bad-tempered or annoyed they are you always bring a smile to their faces. Even Logan laughed at your jokes.”

He paused for a moment and the tip of his tail travelled slowly from her cheek, over her shoulder to her hip where it nestled close. “I see the way you look at me, like I'm the most precious and valuable thing there is. I notice how you get flirtier and more confident when I play along and I can feel how much you value me.”

With a tender touch, he placed his hand on her collarbone, his touch a gentle caress against her skin. “You're fantastic, wonderful and a completely outstanding person and I'm incredibly grateful that I was able to get to know you. You're not a monster. You are an angel.”

Emily didn't know what she was thinking at that moment. Probably nothing, she was so overwhelmed with emotion, but one thought clearly floated above all others:

She may not have deserved this man, but she wouldn't let him go.

With a surge of determination, she acted on impulse, her injured shoulder protesting but her heart overriding any physical discomfort. Grasping the collar of Kurt's shirt with as much strength as she could muster, she pulled him towards her, closing the distance between them with a suddenness that took them both by surprise and finally - finally! - placed her lips on his.

It wasn't a long or deep kiss, just a quick peck, but it made her body rejoice and butterflies dance in her stomach. Emily's veins. As quickly as she had invaded his space, she pulled back, her gaze meeting Kurt's with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, while his golden eyes shone with something she had never seen before. “Kurt-”

He didn't let her finish, leaning forward and closing the distance between them once more, his lips seeking hers with a newfound urgency. She was surprised for a moment, but quickly regained her composure and closed her eyes.

Emily wrapped her arms around Kurt's neck, drawing him closer despite the protests of her injured shoulder. His hands found purchase on her waist, pulling her closer still, while his tail wrapped around her hips, drawing her into his embrace until she was practically seated on his lap.

Their kisses grew more fervent, fuelled by months of unspoken longing and suppressed desire. Emily's hand tangled in Kurt's hair, pulling him closer as she lost herself in the heady rush of sensation. When his teeth grazed her lower lip, a soft moan escaped her lips, muffled by the fervour of their embrace.

As they broke away, breathless and exhilarated, Emily leaned into Kurt, resting her forehead against his, a smile lingering on her lips. His tail gently drew her closer until their chests met, a comforting warmth spreading between them.

“I really hope for your sake that this isn't a sin,” she whispered, her voice light with playful teasing, “because I won't be able to hold back when I'm around you.” Kurt's chuckle rumbled softly, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at her.

“If this is a sin,” he said, his tone tender, “ would gladly damn myself as long as I get to keep holding you in my arms.” Emily was speechless, overwhelmed by the intensity of her feelings.

Without hesitation, she leaned in again, capturing his lips with hers. In that moment, she didn't care about sin or salvation; all that mattered was the bliss of being with Kurt.

Let them be damned, she thought, for she already felt like she was in heaven.

#kurt wagner x oc #nightcrawler x oc #x oc #x men #kurt wagner #nightcrawler #x men united #x men movies #alan cummings kurt wagner #xmen 2003 #kurt wagner x reader #xmen

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hans-hargan · 30 days

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Blue elf babies 💙

Biscochito, I'm going to have another baby

Meine Liebe...

mmm... what's going on?

Let's have a baby.

#nightcrawler #nightcrawler x oc #xmen nightcrawler #x men oc #x men 97 #hargans ocs #hargans art #xmen #kurt wagner #marvel xmen #x-men

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dysfunctional-cryptid · 2 months

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Beach Episode with the X-Family. Arin, Finn, Milo, and Kurt. ~

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switchingfandomslikecrazy · 4 months

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Kurt is having some war flashbacks.

Every german speaking person I know read that book at some point.

By the way, I finally created an OC for XMen (I still have to write her full story) but she is austrian like me (thats about the only thing we have in common 😂)

#nightcrawler x oc #kurt wagner x oc #kurt wagner #nightcrawler #x men 97 #my art #childhood trauma #anyone remeber this book?#nightcrawler x julia #kurt wagner x julia

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nicsnort · 4 months

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Cafe p2 (Nightcrawler/Fem!OC fanfic)

Cross-posted on Ao3 - same title same username

Part 1

_______

Anna stared at the spot where Kurt had disappeared. She was in shock. She thought he was...but he was actually…she had…and he had…

Hurriedly Anna went over to the table. She set the cloth down on the puddles to soak up the coffee. There were a couple of tears in her eyes as she sopped up the spilled beverage. It was then that she noticed a phone lying on the table. Kurt’s phone. It was in a wallet case containing his credit card, a Gutburger loyalty card, and his driver’s license. The breath left her lungs as she stared at the driver’s license or more appropriately both driver’s licenses. One was Kurt in the form that she had come to know him in; the other in the natural blue form she had seen.

And now that she was better able to look at the mutant form she recognized him. “Nightcrawler.” Breathing in deeply Anna ran out to her car.

The drive was longer than she would have thought. Thirty minutes. Had he really been coming all this way for just coffee and cake? Pulling up the impressive front gates she paused at the intercom outside. Rolling down the window of her car she pressed the buzzer of the intercom. There was a long pause in which the pit that had been forming in her stomach on the way over grew even deeper. Maybe this was a bad idea.

She was about to just pull out Kurt’s phone and set it on one of the pillars when there was another buzz and the gates started to open. The gates opened all the way for her but Anna found she couldn’t move to drive forward. A part of her was scared but mostly she was nervous.

“It is alright Anna,” an older male voice said inside her mind. “Please, come in.”

Anna gasped her heart jumping to her throat. She’s never had a telepath speak inside her mind before. It was...disconcerting. Yet the voice’s tone was welcoming and it put her enough at ease that she made her way through the gates and up to the front of the manor. Stopping in front of the steps she parked her car and got out. The doors at the top of the steps opened and three men came out.

One she recognized instantly. Wolverine. The other she could only guess to be Cyclops, given the glasses. And the other… “Hello, Anna,” the man in the wheelchair said with a smile on his face. “I am Charles Xavier. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

His voice was the one that had been in her head. She smiled at them, the nervousness evident in her expression. “A pleasure. I am here because Mr. Wagner skipped out on his bill at my cafe but left his cell phone with his driver's license. Which led me here. Is he around? He needs to pay.”

“You came quite a ways to chase down an unpaid bill,” Wolverine gruffly said. Anna looked at him with a bit of surprise, the nervousness still predominating.

“It’s a family business, every bit counts towards keeping us in the green. If Mr. Wagner is not here then I shall leave his phone with you. His car is still at the cafe so I will simply hold that hostage until he comes to pay...or I shall wait until next week when he returns for coffee and cake as is his schedule. This certainly loses him his preferred customer discount though.”

All three of the men smiled and gave a short chuckle. Xavier reached into his suit coat breast pocket and pulled out his wallet. “I will pay for him, Anna. I believe Kurt needs some time.”

“Thank you for the offer, sir, I--” Anna cut herself off with a sigh. Although she wanted to speak to Kurt she knew that this was something that would have to be on his terms. “Thank you.”

Going up the stairs she took the cash that the man handed her. She looked down her eyes widening at the multiple crisp Benjamins. “Yeah, you know this is way too much.”

Xavier smiled, “I must ask that you forget about this place.”

Anna gave a disbelieving laugh. “Yeah…no. Here’s his phone, forget about the bill. I’m going to “forget” about this place because it’s the right thing to do not because you bribed me.”

She tossed the money back, taking a few steps backward and holding up her hands. Xavier’s smile grew. “I know, Anna. I just wanted to be sure. Please, why don’t you come in? Logan, go drag Kurt from his room if you would.”

As though knowing she would follow - as a telepath perhaps he did - Xavier turned his wheelchair around and went inside. Anna did follow with the two men shutting the doors behind them. Wolverine headed upstairs and Cyclops excused himself leaving Anna alone with Xavier. A couple of seconds of silence passed, uncomfortable for Anna though Xavier looked at ease, and then the bald telepath spoke. “So you are Anna. I can see why Kurt has been going to see you nearly every week for the past four years. You are a very good woman, Anna.”

Anna gave an awkward smile. She wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. “Thank you,” she replied simply.

“There is no need to be nervous, Kurt told me about you. It is how I knew your name. I only reached out to you mentally to get you to come in. Your mind is unread.”

There was a wave of relief that came over to her when she heard that. “That is good to know. Thank you.”

Xavier nodded before handing Kurt’s phone back to her. “Here you should give it to him. He’ll be here momentarily.”

A few seconds after she took the phone back, from up above them, there was a cry of pain. “Austch! Logan! Stop!”

“Then stop making me use force, elf.”

There was another sharp cry of pain along with a complaint of “mein tail”, before Logan and Kurt came into view. The gruff Wolverine was pushing Kurt forward as the other cradled a long blue devil’s tail in his hands. “Just leave me alone to pick up the bits of my heart. The Professor will understand, he--”

“Shut up, elf,” Logan growled, grabbing his friend’s head and forced him to look down into the foyer at Anna.

“Anna,” Kurt whispered to himself, staring at her. Down below Anna smiled at him. He may have been blue but he still looked like the man she had come to know.

“Guten tag, Herr Wagner. You skipped out on your bill.” Kurt continued to stare at her, his mouth opened a fraction. Discontent with the silence Anna continued. “You also left your phone. It had your driver’s licenses in it.”

There was a sudden noise - not a bang or a pop but softer, a bamf - and Kurt appeared in front of Anna. “Anna,” he said again this time with more belief in his tone. “You...I cannot believe you are here.”

She smiled, handing him back his phone. Taking her own from her pocket she attached the ‘Square’ and opened up the app. “We take our dine and dashes very seriously, Herr Wagner…now that will be ten sixteen after tax.”

Holding out her hand for the card she waited for him to hand it over. Slowly the look of surprise on his face disappeared and a half-smile took its place. Kurt pulled out his card and handed it over to her. “The second coffee vas free?”

“I did not charge you for it as you never got to enjoy it.” She told him, swiping the card. In a couple of moments, the transaction was put through. “Would you like a receipt emailed to you?”

“Nein, I am fine.”

“Then thank you for your patronage, Herr Wagner. Please tell your friends and family about our cafe; and we hope to see you again soon.” Anna tucked her phone away. Looking up at Kurt she gave him a small smile, her eyes searching his face.

“Anna, I…” He started before trailing into silence, unsure what should come after.

Her smile grew slightly. “Yes, Kurt?”

Kurt’s slight smile grew in turn. “Vat happened to Herr Wagner?”

“Well, your bill is paid and we aren’t in the cafe shop right now so you aren’t a customer...is there somewhere we can speak privately?” Although both Logan and Xavier had left the foyer already it was an open space. Anyone could walk in on them.

“Ja,” Kurt told her with a nod. Stepping forward he reached out and lightly took Anna’s hand. Her gentle smile never leaving her face Anna turned her wrist so that they were holding hands. Though his two fingers felt strange in her hand Anna did not flinch at the sensation. His hand was warm, his skin tough but not rough, and she could feel the strength in it.

There was another bamf and Anna’s body tensed for just a moment before she realized they were in another room. She had just teleported! Her amazement overrode the lingering smell of sulfur and a stupid grin appeared on her face. “That’s amazing!”

Anna looked around the room confirming that she really had just teleported with Kurt. After a few seconds, she looked back at him, her eyes sparkling with joy and a wide smile on her face. “You’re amazing, Kurt.”

Her wonder and excitement over his power made Kurt smile broadly as well. Her compliment made his tail flex behind him happily. “You are amazing, Anna,” Kurt told her, taking her other hand in his. “You are the most amazing person I have ever met.”

Smile turning from her large joyous expression to a smaller sweeter one Anna looked into Kurt’s eyes. Their golden depths were strange but entrancing. They weren’t the beautiful blue-grey eyes that she had known for the past four years, yet she found that they fit him well. Their golden depths were soulful. “I find that hard to believe,” she told him, “you’re a superhero and you’re teammates with superheroines. That Storm is pretty amazing. I’m just a boring human.”

“They are just my friends, Frauline, you are...you are something more, Anna. You are not boring. Every time I go to the cafe I...und ven I think of you... meine liebe wächst von tag zu tag. Du machst mich so glϋcklich .”

Anna blinked at the German. He had said it so fast in his nervousness that she did not fully understand what he said. Something about love and day to day, then something involving happy...him being happy…? Then it clicked. I fall in love with you more every day. You make me so happy. “Kurt, I believe I have been falling in love with you too...but I know that you’ve been going around like this for a bit now. Trying to normalize mutants with physical mutations. So why did you continue to hide yourself at the cafe?”

At her confession, Kurt’s expression lit up with utter joy but at her “but” his heart froze. How to tell her? How could he tell her that he did not trust her? Should he lie? No. He’d already lied enough to her. “I did not vant to scare you away, Anna. You had come to know me as Kurt Wagner, just a man who taught at a school for gifted children. Und I looked normal. I didn’t vant to ruin vat ve had, the simplicity of it. Und I thought you vould hate me for lying to you or ven you saw me that you vould...I am sorry I did not have faith in your good heart, Anna.”

At his words, Anna’s heart twisted. Of course, she had no idea how hard it must be for him to look the way he did. Of course, he just wanted to feel normal as a person, be treated like everyone else. He was a superhero, after all, it must be difficult for him to walk down the street in his true form just as it would be for any celebrity. So naturally, he would want someplace where he could just be at peace and feel like everyone else; even if it meant hiding his true appearance. Anna’s heart gave another twist when she realized that he thought that she might not like him after she knew the truth.

“I’m sorry that you thought that I wouldn’t accept you, Kurt.” She told him sincerity in her tone but no hurt. “Is that why you ran - teleported - away when I saw you?”

Kurt hung his head. “Ja, I saw you step back und I thought you vere disgusted by me. I am sorry, Anna. Please forgive me.”

Freeing one of her hands Anna placed it on his cheek lifting his head so she could look into his face. “I admit I was shocked. It isn’t every day that the man you’ve had a crush on for four years suddenly turns blue in front of your eyes. But I can understand why you would think that I would...react negatively. There is nothing to forgive.”

Kurt’s own hand covered Anna’s. He would never forget how her skin felt against his fur, how soft and warm her palm was. “Thank you, Anna.”

There was a moment of silence as they moved past their explanations and apologies into new territory. Naturally, Kurt’s hand wrapped around Anna’s and he moved it away from his cheek as they looked at each other. The air around them began to shift. Anna’s breathing shallowed as Kurt’s hand drifted up her arm to touch her own cheek. His touch was gentle, feather-light, as though any further pressure would cause her presence to shatter, all of this turning out to be a dream.

With her free hand, she reached up again placing her hand, this time, on Kurt’s shoulder. The touch, this renewed acceptance, brought Kurt back into the moment to the position that they were in. His tail, which had unconsciously hovered around Anna, he now slowly brought closer until it touched her lower back, pressing her towards him. At the touch, Anna moved towards him closing the gap. Simultaneously, Kurt leaned down so that their faces were only a few inches apart. “Anna,” he breathed out his breath caressing her face.

Anna wetted her lips as she tilted her head backward to better look at him. To be at the right angle. She knew what was going to happen and she wanted it more than anything at the moment. “Kurt,” she whispered leaving her lips parted invitingly.

“Can I kiss you, Anna?” He asked, his voice as gentle as the hand that was resting on the side of her head.

“Please,” she replied so softly that she could barely hear herself over the pounding of her heart. Kurt swallowed thickly at her answer, his eyes darting to her lips. The pressure of his hand on Anna’s head increased just a bit as he bent his head down. As he drew closer Anna’s eyelids fluttered shut. Time ticked by in heartbeats as she waited for the moment. One. Two. Three. Then her breath was stolen away as his firm lips met hers.

Anna hadn’t known that fireworks were actually possible when kissing someone, she thought it was just a romance novel fabrication. But when Kurt’s dark blue lips pressed against her pale pink ones Anna felt bursts of excitement rise in her. Their lips parted but only to readjust and within a moment they came back together, the magnetic pull too great.

Kurt’s tail wrapped around Anna’s waist pulling her against him. The hands that were still holding each other now broke apart. Anna’s hand went to join her other on Kurt’s shoulder; Kurt’s settled on her back between her shoulder blades. Their kiss deepened at these actions. As their lips moved against each other Anna felt fissions of heat form in her lower gut.

Her lip was caught briefly between Kurt’s teeth and she gave a little gasp and moan of pleasure. Moving her hands up to his neck Anna pulled Kurt further into the kiss. His arms tightened around her, one hand on the back of her head the other holding her tighter against him. Anna was losing herself to the sensation. Her body pressed itself against Kurt’s leaving no space between them.

Suddenly, they broke apart as if the sensation had overwhelmed them. Kurt and Anna stared at each other, their breathing heavy and irregular. As she stood there, Anna realized that she was shaking. There was so much adrenaline and other hormones rushing through her that she was actually shaking.

Slowly, as their breathing returned to normal, they loosened their grip on one another. Still, they did not let go of the other. Kurt was the first one to regain the ability to speak. “Anna,” he said with a smile growing on his face.

Her expression, in turn, became a smile as they continued to gaze into the other’s eyes. “Kurt,” she sighed before giving a little laugh. Biting her lower lip she released it after a second and spoke again. “You never answered my question.”

A slight look of panicked confusion came over Kurt’s face as he hurriedly thought back to what question she could be talking about. Anna smiled at him, her thumb unconsciously stroking the fur of his neck, before explaining. “If I gave you my number would you call me?”

“Oh,” Kurt replied shortly before a large smile came over his face. “Of course, Anna, of course, I vill call you. I might even talk to you after I call you.”

Both of them laughed lightly. The smiles remained after the laughter had faded. “Your eyes are beautiful, especially ven you laugh. They light up und shine like gems,” Kurt told Anna.

“Thank you.” A light blush came over her cheeks. She stared into his eyes for a couple of moments before speaking. “I used to think your eyes were like a storm over the ocean. Seeing them like this is...different. It will take some time for me to fully get used to it. But you’re not off-putting - what I mean to say, is that you’re very handsome like this - that you are handsome...sorry.”

Anna looked away embarrassed but Kurt was still smiling. “I understand, Fraulein. I am not conventional by many standards in my natural form. Thank you for giving me a chance...tonight vould you like to have dinner?”

“I was planning on it, I have some spaghetti I was going to reheat,” Anna told him with a sly smile; before acting as if she had come to the realization of what he had meant. “Oh you mean together...yes, I think I would like that.”

“Little minx,” Kurt scolded with a chuckle. “I vill pick you up ven the cafe closes? At seven?”

“Not going to give me time to change?”

“Vhy? You look lovely in this. Besides I don’t care about your clothes.”

“Because you want them off me?” Anna asked with another sly smile. Under his fur, Kurt blushed deeply, though the only sign of his embarrassment that could be seen was how his body stiffened.

“Nein, nein,” he said hurriedly. “Nicht das will ich nicht...irgendwann...wenn du willst...aber nicht jetzt!” As he defended himself he released her, both hands and tail, and stepped away. Perhaps, he had been too forward. Kurt never meant to make her feel like that was all he wanted.

“Es tut mir leid,” Anna quickly apologized. Without his nearness, his tail around her, she suddenly felt cold. “It was just a joke...I am glad to know you would respect my boundaries.”

Kurt calmed at her apology and gave her a charming smile instead. “Of course, Anna. I vould never force you into anything, though I can be very persuasive.”

He gave her a wink and Anna grinned at him. “I have no doubts...seven is perfect. I don’t need to change.”

Stepping closer to Anna once again Kurt’s fingers hooked around hers gently. “I look forward to seven then.”

“You’ll be coming as yourself, right?” Anna asked with a gentle smile on her face as she enjoyed his nearness once again.

“Ja...if that is vat you vant.” He added that last part giving her a choice. Kurt was aware that even if she accepted him in his natural form she still may not want to be seen in public with him as such. All the hate and stares that he received regularly she would now be receiving too. Perhaps even more so. There were some humans that thought humans and mutants, especially ones like Kurt, should not date. And, of course, there were mutants that thought they were superior and should not date “lesser” humans.

“I would very much like that,” Anna told him. “And from now on at the cafe, if you would be so inclined.”

“Are you sure? I do not vant to scare away your customers.”

“If they are scared away by you I don’t want their money and my parents would feel the same. Besides I just finished...well when you pick me up you’ll see.”

Kurt gave Anna a curious look but then smiled. “Then I cannot vait to pick you up tonight! I love surprises.”

“She actually needs to leave for you to pick her up Kurt,” a voice said from behind him. Both Anna and Kurt looked around to see a young woman leaning through the door.

“Kitty! Ve came in here for privacy!” Kurt complained his tail flicking in annoyance.

“Sorry, Kurt, but I forgot my homework here and I need to head to class. Besides, you know there is no real privacy in this place. Now, aren’t you going to introduce me?” The girl entered the rest of the way through the solid door.

“Uh, yes, of course. Anna, this is Kitty, Shadowcat, my teammate. Kitty, this is Anna she vorks at the cafe I go to.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” Anna said with a smile, holding out the hand that was not being held by Kurt.

Kitty took her hand and shook it, a large smile on her face. “I knew he was going to that cafe for more than just coffee, but I can’t believe Scott and Logan were right that it was a worker. All this time and now he’s just asking you out. With all his flirting, I’d never thought he would have trouble with that.”

“Kitty!” Kurt complained again, his tail flicking once more and his ear tilting back like a cat’s. “I thought you had to get to your class.”

“Right, right, I’ll be going now. Have fun, love birds.” With a wink Kitty sunk through the floor leaving Kurt and Anna alone again.

Kurt chuckled and rubbed the back of his head looking at Anna. “Sorry about Kitty, Anna. Ve have known each other for a long time, she likes to tease me.”

Anna giggled and smiled up at him. “Don’t worry. As long as all the flirting is only done with me from now on.”

“Of course, Anna,” he confirmed with a big grin. “You are the rumtopf of my eye. I vill show how German is the true romance language.”

“I can’t wait,” Anna told him with a laugh. Before looking a bit regretful. “I suppose she is right though. I should get back to the cafe. Keeping it closed unexpectedly for a long time isn’t good for business.”

“Right, right. I vill take you to your car. Hold tight.” Kurt pulled Anna into his arms with a flourish. She gasped in surprise, her hands flying to his shoulders. His hands wrapped around her waist and, grinning down at her, Kurt teleported them to the front of the manor.

“Here ve are, Fraulein,” he told her, not letting go of her quite yet. Anna was in no rush to let go of him either. After four years of liking each other from a distance finally being together was a sensation that neither wanted to banish quickly.

“Be prepared for me to be amazed every time we do that,” Anna told Kurt with a smile.

“Vell I am the Incredible Nightcrawler,” Kurt replied with a smirk. “It is only natural for you to be amazed.”

“Don’t be getting a big ego,” she warned playfully.

“Ach, schade, I have a big ego already! I have kissed the loveliest voman in the vorld und she is going to dinner vith me! I am the luckiest man in the vorld!”

A blush entered Anna’s cheeks and she looked down with an embarrassed smile. When she looked back up the blush was still there. “I should get going or else I’ll never leave.”

“Ja, I will see you at seven then.” Kurt told her with a smile releasing her. He was a bit worried that he had said too much. Anna’s blush still wasn’t fading.

Using his shoulder to stabilize herself, Anna went up onto her toes and placed a kiss on Kurt’s cheek. Then she leaned in and spoke into his ear, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “Perhaps, tonight you’ll be even luckier.”

Her face even more scarlet than before, Anna ran to the driver’s side of the car. Face beat red but smiling with excitement, Anna left the manor grounds.

__________

Part 3

Fanfic Masterlist

#nightcrawler #xmen #kurt wagner #fanfic #long reads #romance #Yes communication for the win #is this too long of a post? never really used tumblr before f it #cafe-nightcrawler-fanfic #xmen fanfiction #Nightcrawler x OC

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the-girl-who-walks-with-faeries · 4 months

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For all those who follow me for my cool occult/vintage aesthetic, I'm so sorry, but I've written my first fanfiction in nearly 10 years! For the Kurt Wagner lovers out there (of which I know there are many), I'm doing an KurtxOC fanfiction rewrite of Claremont's X-Men run (with hopes to continue all the way to Krakoa - wish me luck). The first THREE chapters are up, so take a look and leave a kudos and a comment!

Here's the summary:

In 1963, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby debuted their band of merry mutants, the X-Men! But what if there was a sixth gifted youngster? How would the story change? How would relationships form and dynamics diverge? Enter the Indelible Icon!

Beginning with Giant Size X-Men #1, follow the story of Adrian Grey aka Icon, the youngest founding X-Men member. With an ability to read emotions, Adrian's story is one of love, loss, and overcoming obstacles, from dastardly villains to personal demons in classic X-Men, soap opera style. Along the way, see her find her closest friends amongst the newest recruits to the team and, perhaps, love with our favourite fuzzy blue elf!

Whether you're a fan of the Claremont run, a lover of Nightcrawler, or just need something to fill the X-Men '97 void, Adrian's story is sure to be... Iconic!

Also includes some amazing art from @lazywrites, which should be reason enough to check it out!

#kurt wagner #kurt wagner x oc #mutant oc #fanfiction #x men fanfiction #nightcrawler #nightcrawler x oc

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fandom-blackhole · 5 months

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How come a small lil self portrait VERY quickly spiraled into making an OC and some of the best fanart I've ever made???

I also have been awake all night so I know for sure I will never meet this level of skill ever again.....

For those curious, art beneath the cut 🫣

Self Portrait (she looks way better than me)->

OC Info:

Like nothing 🤦‍♀️

Mutantation-> touches someone can see their past

Her mutation often overwhelms her so she wears gloves alot or just keeps her arms crossed with hr hands tucked close

She bonds with Rogue over not wanting to touch people

Went to school for psychology and graduated with a Masters in clinical psych

Was only 3 months into her first post-graduation job when her powers first manifested (she shook hands with a client at the hospital she worked for and seen all the mutants he'd murdered, aka serial killer)

it fucked her in the head before she used all her saving to fly to see Dr. Xavier who took care of the man and then offered her a job working with those who lived at the mansion and attended the school under his care

She tried to decline before he offered to pay for her doctorate

Kurt/Nightcrawler was one of her first friends (aka typical friends to lovers trope)

She isn't technically a part of the X-Men team, I made her a suit bc I could and I liked the angsty pose, I'm sure I'll come up with a backstory for it

ANDDDDD she's literally pretty much me guys 🤷‍♀️

But uhhhh yeah this is gonna be my hyperfixation for a minute so if you wanna bring me character questions for her in an attempt to flesh her out I'd love that :))

I mean this started as a self portrait bc I was bored and SPIRALED

Edit: More info on my OC here

Edit numero dos: I have decided that with that in an traumatic/stressful event post living at the mansion she kinda snaps and through her anger unlocks a new ability and finds that she can "trap" someone within their own worst memory :)

#i mean ignore the OC #LOOK AT HIMMMMM #im down bad #i love him more than life itself #only man id return to catholicism for 🫶🫶#annnnyyyyywaaaayyyy #xmen #nightcrawler #kurt wagner #kurt wagner x oc #nightcrawler x oc

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the-girl-who-walks-with-mutants · 3 months

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Uncanny Icon Chapter 3: Second Genesis

Kurt Wagner x Original Female Character (Adrian Grey)

Rating: M

Chapter Summary:

The Professor has collected the team and now, it's time to meet everyone!

This is our first proper Giant Size X-Men 1 chapter, part two will be out next week! Not much else to say this week, so dive right in and enjoy Adrian finally meeting all her new teammates, including a very adorable, fuzzy blue elf.

[this is chapter is extra special thanks to MORE fantastic art by @lazywrites of our Indelible Icon!]

Adrian stares at herself in the mirror, rubbing her temples to try and tune out the growing hustle and bustle of the mansion below. When she was little, she picked out one of the two attic rooms for a reason, to give herself enough distance from the main areas of the house and let herself rest without constant emotional outpour entering her mind from her fellow students. But so many new sounds and minds, so much excitement, nerve, and anticipation… it was impossible to block out.

The new team has been arriving the past few hours, greeted one-by-one by the Professor, shown to temporary rooms and given their uniforms. Unstable molecule suits, that’s what the Professor called them. Apparently, they were a gift from Reed Richards, the same material used in the Fantastic Four suits. They were certainly an upgrade from the little uniforms that Adrian grew up in. Those still hang in her closet, unused. The black and yellow training uniform was a classic, a bit of nostalgia to look at and remember how small she used to be, how young. The other is a thing of nightmares. When each of the X-Men had to pick their own designs, Adrian was the last to get a colour scheme. As a result, she was stuck in an ugly yellow and pink number, perhaps to show everyone that she was still a girl despite the pants and the short hair she wore, compared to her sister’s green mini-dress. No matter what, Adrian despises it, happy to let it rot in the dark corners of her closet.

Looking back at the mirror, the sounds of her teammates’ emotions slowly beginning to dull as they were called one-by-one to the living room for the mission debrief, Adrian knows that she’s going to choose a costume that is simply and unequivocally her. Adrian Grey, the Icon.

She thinks of what she wants, watching the molecules begin to react to her desires, shaping themselves to her specifications. A sleeveless bodysuit, starting with yellow to match her powers. A bit boring, she thinks, and a red section is added to the chest, from the neckline and descending down into a point by her navel. Turning, she adds the same shape to end at the small of her back. Then red, thigh-high boots, the tops ending in a point as well. Looking down at the shoes, she keeps the heel low and comfortable, but adds a little curve to the tip of the toes.

Almost there…

Two red belts across her hips, angled to form an X, red fingerless gloves attached to gold bangles around her wrists. Finally, she adjusts the knot of a long red scarf around her neck, letting it hang behind her down her back. Doing a little spin, she shakes out her hair. It was far too long for her tastes, now reaching past her collarbones, but that isn’t something that can be adjusted by unstable molecules. Maybe after all this, she’ll cut it again. Maybe to her chin, maybe ear, maybe shorter.

‘Icon, to the living room please,’ the Professor’s telepathic voice calls to her mind. She gives an affirmative thought back. Despite years of not enjoying leadership, avoiding the boring, administrative parts of heroism, all of it is now thrown in her lap. Icon, co-leader of the X-Men.

With that, she walks out of the room.

XXX

‘You will tell us why you have dragged us here, Professor!’ a voice snaps from the living room as Adrian approaches. ‘I, for one, am swiftly losing my patience!’

Stepping just beyond the doorway, she can hear the Professor answer calmly, never one to raise his voice in the face of conflict, ‘Sunfire, I assure you, it is not my intention to waste your time. I merely wanted to wait until all our members were present before beginning.’

Adrian feels the push in her mind, giving her the cue to enter the room as the Professor continues, ‘My friends, allow me to introduce Adrian Grey, the psychic Icon. She will be co-commander on this mission.’

Before she can answer, wanting to give some sort of quip to show herself as both experienced but still humble or something of that nature, there’s a sudden BAMF! sound, the smell of smoke and brimstone filling the room. In a blink, she feels her hand grabbed and a soft kiss placed on the back of it. Her eyes snap down to see the blue, demon-looking mutant – Kurt Wagner, a.k.a. Nightcrawler. From the photo in his file, she recognises the black curls, golden eyes, the hand which has only three digits instead of five.

He's giving her a little bow, saying in a soft, lilted tone, perhaps a bit lower in pitch than she expected, ‘It is a pleasure to have such a beautiful Fräulein as a commander, Meine Dame.’

Adrian is flustered, a small blush forming on her cheeks. She clears her throat, trying to look away from those eyes, ‘Oh, well, aren’t you the sweetest little thing...’

‘Hey, furball, leave the lady alone,’ a gruff voice barks out from further in the room. Wolverine. It makes Adrian suddenly all too aware that there are seven pairs of eyes watching this scene. Nightcrawler smiles at her once more with his elongated canines, pressing a second kiss to her hand before teleporting away back to his original spot across the room. Adrian clears her throat once more, saying with a much more serious tone, ‘I’m only second-in-command on this mission, I’m not the one who will be giving orders, that would be –’

‘That would be me.’

Heads turn to see Scott enter, his ruby quartz glasses traded for a visor made of the same material which gives him total control over his powers. The Professor gestures to Scott, saying ‘And may I present Scott Summers, known as Cyclops. Now that we are all here, he will fill you in on the details of your mission.’

This is the point where Adrian stops listening. She knows the score, she knows the plan. Before the arrival of the new team, Scott asked Adrian to watch the mutants during his speech, to give him feedback on any members that may be cause for concern or any particularly suited for heroism. She leans back against the wall next to him, her eyes scanning over the seven faces, a unique cast of characters to be sure. All so different and yet all so open. The original team began to learn how to close off their minds, to leave some of their deeper emotions hidden from Adrian’s subconscious readings. But these minds and hearts were open to her.

Her eyes are first drawn back to Nightcrawler, crouched up on the coffee table, tail swaying gently. She can feel his dedication, and a genuine kindness in him, though there is a fading sadness, something that happened before he arrived, something terrible��

But then her mind is drawn sharply away, overpowered by an extreme passion from the big Russian, Colossus. Despite how intimidating his physical form is, his face is sweet, his heart good, and his motives pure.

The rest are a bit more difficult to get a particular read on. While she can hear everything, empathic telepathy is not quite as straightforward as its thought-based cousin. Humans are complicated creatures, mutants more so. And that’s maybe why Adrian prefers to be around mutants, as that complexity makes it easier to tune out the emotions as white noise. Her powers aren’t based on precision. She can’t hear exact words or ideas, but the themes, the pressures, the heat and chill and neutrality that is unique to each emotional trigger and output.

Of the others, they each have a trend to them that she can key in on relatively easily. Storm presents herself as a mightier-than-thou being, truly believing herself the goddess she is known as. Banshee is tired, blasé about the idea of heroism but having enough loyalty to the Professor to come back for one last ride. Both Sunfire and Thunderbird seem displeased, but for very different reasons. Sunfire is angry at the idea of being forced to help those he doesn’t know and thinks a mission like this is the commodification of his abilities.

The anger that bristles around Thunderbird catches her attention for a moment and she initially thinks that maybe he is like Sunfire. And yet… she can feel pain. Its hidden, buried deep in him, beneath the anger, beneath the displeasure, beneath everything. She would be tempted to think that he didn’t even know that it was there if not for the steady beat of it like a drum, timed to his own heart, panging with each move, each breath. Adrian knows what trauma feels like, she knows the knots that are formed trying to piece yourself back together, the ties that continue to unwind each time you think you’re fixing things, letting more and more slip through the cracks. She has to look away as the pain begins to gnaw at her too, joining the two together for a moment so brief that he doesn’t even notice… but Adrian, now more than ever, regrets her initial dissatisfaction at his inclusion.

And Wolverine?

Adrian has never encountered a mind like his before. It feels… hollow, in some way, like a book bored through with holes by bookworms. The pieces are all there but the words, the meanings, the plot… were missing. Even with focus, digging deeper, she can’t fit the pieces together, can’t fill the gaps. She has no idea how intensely she’s been staring, the worry marked by a wrinkle between her brows, until her gaze is confronted by a pair of eyes hidden behind a spiked mask. The emotion was clear. Get the fuck out of my head, Red.

He then turns to Scott, who has finished up his story of the missing X-Men. ‘Buncha kids missing, now what?’

‘Simple,’ Cyclops answers, ‘we go back to Krakoa to find the original X-Men and the mutant that defeated us in the first place.’

Adrian feels the fire of anger even before Sunfire pipes up, surging into her mind like throwing gasoline on a blaze. ‘You may return to Krakoa as you wish, Cyclops, but not I. I will take no part in this fool’s errand.’

That makes her engage in the conversation, resting her forearm on Scott’s shoulder to lean forward, her eyes narrowing. ‘That sounds like you’ve come thousands of miles for jack-shit then, Shiro Yoshida. Not interested in an opportunity to finally help your fellow mutants?’

Sunfire’s starfish-like red mask glowers down at her, the heat continuing to rise as he crosses his arms across his chest. ‘I have no allegiance to my fellow mutants, little Icon. And I will not risk my life to help them merely because you, Cyclops, or the Professor ask me to.’ With that, he storms off, though there is no particular destination in his mind.

She turns back to the new team, shifting her weight onto one leg, her hip jutting out. ‘Anyone else wanna leave? No?’ Her eyes scan each mutant, daring them to move. When none do, she smiles broadly, dimples on her cheeks. ‘Well, then on that note, we’ve got a job to do. Welcome to the X-Men, you lot. I hope you survive the experience.’

XXX

The Blackbird is a model of modern technology, a marvel that most governments could not yet dream of… it’s just a shame that Adrian could not give a damn about planes. She sits in the co-pilot’s seat, her feet up on the dash, glancing over at Scott once in a while to see if he needs help with take-off. Of course he doesn’t. He’s done this a thousand times before. His nerves are placed on the mission ahead, not the act of piloting a plane. Adrian doesn’t have that same level of emotional foresight.

‘If Sunfire’s outburst is anything to go on, I do not believe I like what one would call mutant camaraderie.’ The voice is deep and rich, ageless and warm, like honey to soothe the throat. Adrian turns her head, realizing that it is Ororo Monroe. Of course her voice is just as powerful as her mutation.

‘I promise,’ Adrian responds, trying to quell the internal murmurings of disquiet, ‘it’s not always like this.’

But even she isn’t convinced by her statement.

John Proudstar leans forward, his arm on the headrest of Adrian’s seat, ‘Well, it ain’t like we’re here to be a mutant appreciation society. We’ve all got our stupid reasons for being involved in this fiasco… an’ patting each other on the back ain’t gonna be one of them, Ginge.’

Adrian frowns until John moves once more, pointing out the window for Scott. ‘Hey, One-Eye, we got somethin’ followin’ us!’

‘Icon, open the hatch!’ Scott orders and Adrian leaps into action, dropping the hatch with a push of a button, getting out of her seat to greet… Sunfire!

‘Well, I’ll be damned, look who decided to join us!’ She says with a clap of her hands as Shiro lands in the plane, the hatch closing once more. ‘You decided you want to help your kind after all?’

He looks unimpressed, answering only ‘My reasons shall remain my business and mine alone, little Icon. Best to remember that.’

But they both know better.

No matter what Shiro says, he has a deep sense of duty. He’d never have actually let them go off without him, but perhaps his own ego needed to make a show of it. Either way, she lets him sit and returns to her own place at the front of the plane.

‘We have two hours ‘til arrival,’ Scott tells the team.

‘That’s team leader speak for talk amongst yourselves,’ Adrian adds with a smile, ‘Mingle and make friends.’

‘Icon, don’t disrespect my leadership.’

She glances at Scott, hearing his thoughts. The ability to psychically communicate isn’t something Adrian is naturally good at, but comes with a certain level of familiarity with the mind. She huffs. ‘What part about that was disrespectful, exactly?’

‘You’re making jokes. Now isn’t the time.’

‘I’m trying to make sure people don’t turn into dour little pessimists. You want them to work together, they actually have to like each other at least a little bit.’

She sees his shoulders tense out of the corner of her eye.

‘Any intel from the meeting?’

Adrian is almost tempted to share her insights about Wolverine or John, but it feels too personal to tell Scott. So she shrugs. ‘Everyone checks out. Good little boys and girls ready to be thrown into war, just like Xavier expected.’

‘Good.’

The two look at each other for a moment, almost daring one another to say something else. But they are quickly interrupted by the sounds of the team beginning to mingle. Adrian grins, knowing she won the unspoken argument.

‘Icon, I would like to speak to you.’

Adrian turns to see Ororo standing over her. She gives a smile. ‘Of course, what’d you need?’

The taller woman sits in one of the closer seats as Adrian spins hers around. She holds herself with such a grace, a precision, it makes Adrian feel like a tomboy rolling in mud by comparison. But Ororo doesn’t look down on her, at least not any more than she does the others. ‘You said that it is not always like this, I would like you to elaborate for me.’

Adrian blinks, thrown off-guard a bit by the directness, but appreciating it at the same time. ‘Oh, well, I’ve been doing this sort of thing since I was thirteen with the other team, so its… different.’ She realizes that she’s probably sounding like an idiot, so decides to approach the question the way she knows best, with emotion. She leans forward in her seat towards the other woman. ‘Finding out you’re a mutant is one thing, but finding out how many of us there are is another. The X-Men seem disjointed right now, but we’re a family. That’s the beauty of this whole thing, we’re not just here to fight and work together, its… its special.’

‘What a load of bull.’

Adrian’s head whips around towards Wolverine. ‘I wasn’t aware you were listening.’

‘Yeah, seems to be a lot of people listening when they shouldn’t.’ He counters, clearly knowing that she had been in his head earlier.

Adrian goes to respond, but Ororo puts a hand on her own, drawing her attention back. ‘I appreciate your honestly, Icon, and I hope that you are right. It is a dream I would enjoy seeing to fruition.’

[see the rest and to stay on top of new updates, as well as fun facts about references and comic book lore here at my AO3! AO3 gets early access, so make sure to follow the story there as well!]

#nightcrawler x oc #kurt wagner x oc #oc x canon #kurt wagner fic #nightcrawler fic #kurt wagner #nightcrawler #uncanny xmen #adrian grey #x men fanfiction

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weebwholovesuchihasasuke · 4 months

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I colored in the artwork of my oc dina

And dina with kurt💙💜

Thank you @lazywrites for the artwork🥰

#kurt wagner x oc #nightcrawler x oc #x men 97 #xmen fanart #oc drawing request

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unluckiestmember · 2 months

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Hey so I LOVED your X-Men x sweetheart reader and I was wondering if you could do a similar head cannon of X-Men x kind reader but their reaction to you being good with kids. I just feel like they would have various opinions or feeling if they saw you interacting with a child.

Coming right up!

X-Men '97 X Compassionate! Reader

Characters: Nathan Summers/Cable, Scott Summers/Cyclops, Jean Gray, Remy LeBeau/Gambit, Rogue, Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler, Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver, Morph, Logan/Wolverine and Jubilee.

Warning: None. SFW.

A/N: So how did you guys feel about Deadpool and Wolverine?

Cable

“Well would you look at that! Seems someone knows how to get along with the kiddies… Oh don’t mind me, keep playing.”

Cable isn’t used to hanging out with children or being around them due to his workload, but he does enjoy the presence of kids that look up to him. He hasn’t really thought about wanting kids because of his fear that the disaster of a future he’s from would be too harsh for a child to be raised, let alone he is scared that something will happen to them.

However, when he sees you being so compassionate with children, it makes him reconsider a little bit! The sight of you and the kids at the local shelter on his base laughing and playing together makes his heart sour. Whenever he finds himself down in the dumps and needs a good boost or reminder of what he’s fighting for, he will just watch you and the children happily running around and realize why he’s the famous freedom fighter the young ones and yourself admire.

Cyclops

“Huh, you’re a natural at this! Makes me wonder how things would be when you become a parent of your own kid.”

When he sees you taking care of children on and off missions, Scott can’t help but stand and watch you with the biggest smile tugged on his lips. The sight of you all happily living your lives without a care in the world makes him remember the civilians he is fighting for. And more importantly, it makes him think of giving the family thing another shot!

Can you blame him? The way you are with children makes him daydream a perfect life away from the mansion raising a family together and properly being there for your child. Though there is hesitance to it all due to the result of Nathan and his last relationship, if you assure him, then he will definitely try to be a father again. Because with you by his side, can he really fail again?

Jean Gray

“Aww! Are you playing nice? Mind if I join in? I’m sure they would love to see my powers in action.”

Jean has thought of having a family with you when everything is settled down. So before she can have this ideal world of raising a kid with the love of her life, she can get a peek into a potential future in the brief moments of you caring for children, mutant or human. Whenever she sees you taking care of a child, usually during a mission, she will assist you in any way and naturally take up a mother role she’s used to having around the mansion.

The team can always find you two trying to make sad or distraught children on missions turn their frowns upside down with some powers or just speaking to them and making sure they are heard. You and Jean are definitely the go to for young ones, and if you both around children confirms anything, it’s that you two would be great parents someday.

Gambit

“Look at you all go! Mind if Gambit takes a stab at this, mon amour? I’m sure I can win their hearts. I won yours, didn’t I?”

Gambit is used to dealing with the younger folk of the world because of his time around them back home. So when he’s around children, he can easily adapt to them by playing some mindlessly fun games, pulling off tricks with his cards or telling some jokes. That’s not surprising though. What’s really surprising is him finding out you’re a pro when it comes to little kiddies!

When he found out you were a natural, he was beyond impressed by you and even let his mind wonder on a more intimate possible future down the line for the both of you. Around children, he’ll have you both as a package deal with you as the caring caretaker and him as the funny guy who will not hesitate to flirt and send signals your way in front of the kids. With how much he’s flirted with you, the kids always mistake you two for a married couple! A married couple… That doesn’t sound half bad.

Rogue

“You got these kids all excited, running and screaming like a bunch of baby banshees! You’re a natural, babe!”

Rogue wasn’t a big kid person on missions. She simply gets the job done and if there are children that need assistance she leaves it to someone who can be more intimate without fearing they’ll hurt them. She stayed this way until you showed off innocently how well you were with younger civilians.

At first when the mission called for dealing with kids, Rogue watched you from the sideline in silent awe of your tender love and care for children that were distraught or needed a distraction. Yet with time, simply watching you gave her the courage to join in and actually help out by giving out free rides on her back or showing off her immense strength. Together you two are a happy fun couple kids love to be around as much as Rogue just loves being around you. Now whenever there’s a mission with the young ones, she’s more than excited to tag along with you and live in the moment.

Nightcrawler

“May I cut in? I can play a mean game of tag!… Really?! Then round up the kiddies because I’m it!”

Because of Genosha, Nightcralwer is just as good with children as you are! He enjoys his time with the little ones around town or during stakeouts because of how accepting they are of him and how much their laughter fills his heart with joy. Now mix your own laughter in because of your handling with them and the blue devil was sure he was getting a slice of heaven.

The both of you are so well together and with others that the team delegates you both to taking care of the children on missions and making sure they’re okay. Around you both, the kids can expect a bunch of games to be played and a lot of memories to be made. Whenever a mission calls for babysitting, Nightcrawler knows exactly who to call on to assist him in having a little bit of fun on the job!

Magneto

“The future of mutants is bright if you’re around to bring such laughter and happiness.”

Though Erik has children of his own, he’s pretty subpar for a caretaker let alone a babysitter of mutant children. He tries his best of course, but the lack of fatherhood he was allowed made him a bit rough around the edges. Luckily he can depend on you to pick up where he lacks and he thanks you deeply for that.

Everytime he takes a moment to look at you with kids just minding your own business and being giddy without a care in the world, it makes him wonder if he’d be open to trying to raise a family once again. He knows with age and with the weight on his shoulders, it may be harder for him. But if you’re by his side, he wouldn’t mind giving it another try and stepping up to the plate to be a better father than he ever was for Wanda and Pietro.

Morph

“Hey, if the kids want to see a few tricks, send them my way, alright? I can throw them for a loop and think there’s two yous running around!”

Morph is decent with children, but they mainly leave that kind of work to you. When it comes to the more emotional attachment, they need a bit of work on that, but if you’re talking tricks and jokes? Then they are the right person to work with on missions dealing with kids!

They use your connection with children to playfully throw you for a loop by shapeshifting into someone and tricking you a lot just to get some laughter in the air. Most of the time he succeeds but there have been a few times where both of you just team up in some funny interactions that are bound to leave the children happy in your presence. Honestly, Morph wouldn’t care so much, but since you’re around? They don’t know- You just bring out that side of them! And they kind of love it!

Wolverine

“Of course you’d be good with the children, what did I expect?… Don’t mind me, I’m just keeping watch. Have fun.”

Children and Logan don’t mix that well. He just finds it annoying to babysit when he already does that with the teenagers at the mansion. Add that with some crying, whining and begging and he becomes pretty livid. Which is why he doesn’t like missions that deal with kids. That is, unless you’re there to help him out.

He finds your handling of children to not only be a big help for him but also a nice change of pace. It’s adorable seeing how kids easily gravitate towards you and how you let them do whatever they want. Whenever they have you pinned down in a game or surrounded, Logan can’t help but laugh at the cute little ambush before he breaks everything up. He doesn’t like kids and he still can’t stand them. But you make them more bearable, so there’s always that!

Jubilee

“Hey, babe! Send the kids over here- I’m gonna do a mad fireworks show for them!”

Jubilee is, surprisingly enough, really good with kids! She’s a lot like a cool aunt to your nurturing parent bit! She thinks it’s cute that you’re good with children and even compliments you around them when she’s not busy with other kids on a mission. The firecracker can rely on you to assist her or even stop her from making whacky moves that could get some children hurt out of pure excitement.

It’s not hard for everyone to know you two are a couple because of how much she calls you by pet names or makes fireworks that send signals to you if not make some look like you. It’s awfully sweet of her and it makes you comment that not only is she a great girlfriend, but she’d also make a great mom. Though, it’s highly recommended to hold that because if Jubilee hears you speak of motherhood, she’ll cringe at the thought. She likes kids, don’t get her wrong! But she could never be a mom!

If you got any requests for X-Men '97 or Arcane, send them my way!

Likes and retweets are always appreciated! I love you all, stay hydrated and have a good day! <3

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lazywrites · 4 months

Text

Midnight hour

Kurt Wagnerx reader (3.5k) a fix-it fic of sorts

You had always admired Kurt, admired his bravery and kindness even in the face of terrible obstacles, in a world that has never required you to prove yourself you must pay the price someday, Genosha's midnight hour has arrived.

A chilling whisper on the Wind, your gift was never apparent to the naked eye and it will never be, not in any way that matters.

In this world you are the only thing that matters, it seems, the clock will never strike it’s midnight hour for you, and you know it, did the others know? did he know? That this beautiful place could become hell in just a few moments or better yet, just one moment.

11:58PM

Your happy nation. It was never meant to be.

Something’s off

And it takes you forever to notice, forever, you could stay here forever.

That is your gift, eternity, once upon a time the man your friends called "the professor" came to you, he knew you were a mutant, only he and you could tell for some reason. Your mutation was never apparent, no moving objects with your mind, no extra appendages and no deadly rays coming from your hands or eyes, nothing.

It was in your 16th birthday that you realized then, the day of your birth, the day of your parent’s death, both of them in one fell swoop and you thought that you were about to join them but you were still there, suspended, mid-crash.

That is your mutation, time is always by your side, your only ally after your parents died and before Kurt came along to change your mind, Kurt was never priviledged like you, many would say he got the short end of the stick on his mutation while you were able to live normally, blissfully ignorant of the trials mutants faced, and you regret it now, regret of not even thinking of putting your gift to good use before. You could’ve stopped this, if time were truly on your side.

But i’ts not.

Something’s off

You should by all means be dead, the sentinel’s deadly ray would’ve reduced you to dust, but it didn’t and it never will, still it doesn’t mean it won’t hurt, it hurts and blisters your skin like nothing you’ve ever felt before and still you won’t die, you’ll live, The timemaker demands it. And these poor people, Madelyne, Dazzler, Anna, Katie and poor Kurt, you hope he’s made it or that he’ll make it before you get out. You stay suspended for a few moments, mid explosion, frozen, like a painting on some rich person’s wall, one with a penchant for tragedy that is, before you summon the willpower to actually get your feet on the ground and run towards the exit by the dancefloor, you see Anna and try to pull her with you, so heavy, like a stone in your arms when you try to pull her away, she’ll make it, she’s Strong.

You see Madelyne for the last time that day, you cannot save her, it would be like pulling the Mona Lisa out of its painting with your bare hands, impossible, every time you try to put your hands on anyone at that tragic scene, a chill runs through you like the timemaker himself telling you no, its a dreadful sensation that shocks you every time.

You don’t see Kurt, The first time you’ve seen him was not on genosha, it was a long time ago while you were still wandering the Earth and doing reckless things just to test yourself, you weren’t scared for yourself but he was, he saved you, saved you from even needing to start using your gift that day regardless of the possibility of you hating him just for being how he is, but you could never hate him, you loved him, loved him for having an open heart in spite of what this world did to him, he said things would be better for you both on Genosha and you believed him like always, and now look at you, Goddamit. But you still looked for him, looked until you found him on that crumbling rooftop and making your way down again, he wasn’t hit, Thank God.

His prayers really pay off more often than not.

So now you’re out, you see the terrible mechanical beast still howling after firing off that first shot, and you feel the Wind, hear the whistle all around you and see those poor souls reaching out to the sky for the last time. You stand and just observe it, powerless, your head feels like a terrible weight on your body.

Kurt is there to pull you away towards the rooftop garden, he’s always thinking of you first, that sweet fool.

"Liebling, you’re okay! you are..." Kurt’s concerned gaze is on you even before the trip is done to the rooftop, but then oddly enough he pulls away and takes a step back "what have they done to you? What is this?" You don’t feel hurt, you were hurting under the sentinel’s ray but now, nothing, until you look down and see yourself on the left side, skin partially peeled off around the charred remains of your prettiest dress and on the rest of your body a slightly green hue, as if the sentinel has corrupted you somehow, time’s twisted painting.

"I’ll be fine, go! Save as many as you can!" He’s still looking at you, hesitating, hands up as he’s about to touch you but can’t, reminds you of Rogue that way, these two can be birds of a feather sometimes "Go Kurt, they need you" these few seconds feel like hours to you, as happy as you are that he’s okay, hesitance will only bring regret.

"Go, we’ll save what we can" that’s when you see Remy waving and jogging in the direction of you both "go be a hero".

He glances at you one last time before disappearing in a cloud and leaving you in the care of Remy, But tonight you can see it, something in him has changed and he’s more Gambit than Remy right now.

"How many are there?" you turn back and meet him halfway, Gambit’s dark stare meets yours and he just shakes his head, already defeated "too many to count"

The ground shakes once that thing fires again, like some terrible and repulsive insect crawling around your home and destroying everything in its path, you feel the Wind and the world is peaceful once more, at least for you as you run your hands over your left arm, it’s as smooth as it’s ever been, the dress too is back to how it was. Like none of it has ever happened, you are still untouched by the carnage.

So you can go out there, that’s your conclusion. All the years wasting away wondering what you could have done with yourself, whispered confessions to your lover under the sheets of how you wanted to be more like him, brave and kind like his X-men friends, and Kurt always knew what to say, you might have not saved anyone physically he said, but you’ve saved him, saved him from his loneliness, he’s the best of them in your eyes, and this time you will be more like him. You turn back to Gambit, frozen, of course. But you’re not dying, far from it, you’re supposed to be dead, but now more alive than ever.

You reach out to him and the sentinel fires again before Kurt rolls back into the Garden, it’s devastating to see him like this but you somehow know he is alive, blistered, bruised and bleeding but still alive, there are others kneeling right by your side, Gambit and Magneto together with Rogue. They’re speaking but you don’t hear a thing over the ringing in your ears.

Your wedding was a simple affair, too simple, neither of you had any desire to share it with others, at a monestary’s chapel under the moonlight you and Kurt said your vows and you promised to keep him in your heart for the rest of your life, if you could choose a gift it would be that, to make it so your lover would be safe tucked away right between your palms, in your kiss, in your heart.

Perhaps it is true that Magneto was right, you never paid him much mind, never had any problems of that sort due to being so ordinary, and his reputation was never positive with Kurt anyway, but that’s the phrase you heard on the streets "Magneto was right" even the children were saying it, and this was the reason.

If anyone can figure out how to stop this thing it’s you, you can feel it in your bones, as many times as it fires at you it won’t kill you anyway, and the pain of it burning your skin is nothing compared to the pain of your regret.

"Save as many as you can, we shall not live our days wondering if we could have saved more!" And its your turn to say Magneto’s right, it didn’t take any convincing from you for Gambit to let you go with him, he’s seen you heal like your burns were nothing, and you both nod at each other before mounting the bike.

The streets are more than chaotic, Genosha is truly hell on Earth for you at this moment but There is only one escape, and its not for you.

Rogue and Gambit are there, brilliant, so much you wonder how is it possible that you don’t see them in the News every day, how can the X-men be so underrated for a lack of better word? They’ve saved the world countless times, Kurt has told you so, but seeing it with your own eyes is a whole other story, you have always lived in a world where the word “hero” is used every day like it’s mundane, but they are as heroic as you've imagine them to be, they ARE heroes, and you are unsure if you could ever measure up to that.

The effect of the rays the smaller Sentinels shoot at your people are unsubtle to say the least, death, quick but not painless death, this is what the X-men have been fighting every day, painful fiery death given two legs and a horrific voice. It’s coming towards you, and you see it, Gambit’s hair is no longer blowing back with the Wind, you know what you should do, what you are meant to do. That thing would have hit Gambit before it got to you, if you hadn’t reached out your hand in front of him.

You know what you should do, its centimeters from your hand and it will hit you before erasing Remy from existence in a fiery blast.

You know what to do, and you will, this is your gift.

You reach out.

The timemaker demands it. Doesn’t mean it hurts any less.

It consumes you, until you’re nothing, fearless but still burning.

The moment lasts forever until

"Holy, i’m... Gambit’ll make sure to avoid it mon ami, that does not look like it’s any fun" and it’s so like him to joke about this situation, it brings you back. The Wind is cool and soothing against your body and you can almost forget all about it, the only reminder of your ‘’death’’ is the tremble and rattle of your skeleton, like the sentinel’s energy is still coursing through your body.

“It’s fine, i’ll be fine” You avoid Rogue’s concerned stare, she averts her gaze from Magneto for a moment to look back at you "We’ll just have to keep that one from the furball, i reckon’ he’d be freaking out about it right now" and it’s a good idea, you might have even answered it, but Magneto crashes through another building and redirects all your attention back to the fight between him and the sentinel, between him and Genosha’s doom.

You know you should be looking for the Morlocks, that is the whole reason you are here, to take away their pain if needed. But all the destruction is disorienting.

Magneto beats it over and over again, he’s pulling on anything and everything he can, you can see the sentinel bend but not break. And the moment just stretches on and on before Gambit runs out of the building with those kids. And after that, well, its all over.

"OMEGA LEVEL THREAT DETECTED"

You step back violently like you could somehow run away from yourself, all of your body trembles in horror, disgust, the Sentinel’s terrible face turned towards you, towards all of you standing on the rubble of what used the be a nice and cozy plaza, You, Rogue, Gambit and the civillians, Magneto faces the thing, that skull, no mouth, empty eyes. You know its him, and you know he won’t resist for long.

If you could, you’d run, you’d save him. But you are just you, not a hero yet just someone who tries, a fledgeling barely out of the nest, and you are no match for the vacuum of Wind the clash between these two produce, so you just stand behind Gambit and Rogue, Stand and watch as Anna tries to save her former lover, and how the man who loves her saves her.

"Don’t you dare Erik, you hear me?" Rogue’s voice has never sounded so sad for as long as you’ve known her, your friend, she knows what’ll happen, to Erik and the others around him.

"He’s trying to protect us, Rogue." Gambit defends, even he knows that as troublesome as Magneto could be he held many others in his heart, at that moment he regrets hating the man, he can see Magneto as Erik for the first time, vulnerable, trying.

And you, you’re not in any danger, this moment does not belong to you.

Rogue breaks out of your metal cocoon, not like it would have been difficult considering its maker is gone, and Gambit goes after her as always.

As that thing turns back, you hate it, an uncontrollable urge squeezed your throat so tight you could barely breathe, an imperious desire of beating it, of breaking that face and killing that atrocious reverse of everything good.

It turns back towars the Garden, Kurt is there, your love and your friend. Your other friends as well. Your whole life, everything that’s left of you is there.

You see Gambit, you know what he can do.

You turn to him, and hold out your hand "Anything to wager on?" Remy has always been a fast thinker, its how he survives, he knows the right thing to do to keep himself at those he cares about safe, even in a situation like this he rarely slips up, he knew loving Rogue was the right thing to do from the very beginning, even if it cost him. He knew coming to Genosha was the right thing to do, he could’ve been fine on the X manor, but he is here now, and he is needed, Gambit knows what you mean, it’s terrifying, he’s never done it to another person, it’s a death sentence as far as he knows.

“Are you sure it’s what you want? Chér... this might not even work”

“Look at it Remy, we don’t have a choice, if the cards are truly in your favour, then wager that it'll work" And you’ve never really stopped to look at his eyes, they are truly something else, a gift just as special as him, you can see the hesitance, hesitance will eventually become regret.

He fixes his gaze on you, only you for the first time in the night.

“We have to Remy, we have to"

And reaches out to you.

“Gambit see your bet, and raise it” He holds you hand in a firm grip and you feel it, the heat and energy coursing through you are something else entirely.

“It’s...” Destructive, even more than that sentinel’s death ray, but it is also light, a pink and warm light, you never truly stopped to make much conversation with Gambit, its not like you see each other every day, but he is a friend to you at that moment, and you trust him.

And he trusts you.

He lets go of your hand, and you feel overwhelmed, more than in your whole life your body’s limits are tested, and time slows down to nothing, there is no melody and no whistle.

Even then it doesn’t stop, your brain feels like it could vibrate out of your skull.

You take off then, you know even someone with your gift can’t hold it in forever, you run faster than you’ve ever run before thanks to Remy, thanks to Rogue and Magneto, and to your Love, your Kurt, You would never be here if it weren’t for him.

Your heart beats fast, and you conjure up a memory, it needs to be a good one to work.

You leap up towards that impossible goliath, so so high, it’s terrifying and your heart is beating so fast. Are you going to die? Without even saying Goodbye? And is it going to be Worth it?

You’re flying, for the very first time you’re flying by yourself, your whole body feels electric, bathed in light and about to burst, and it most likely will. The sentinel has no way of reacting to you.

You must be facing it directly, but you don’t even see it, time is frozen and yet it passes by you so fast, it’s time. Gambit’s stronger than you, and his power causes strange effects you cannot describe on your body, its death, it’ll surely end up killing you at some point.

11:59PM

“CAUSE THE CARDS ALWAYS BE IN MY FAVOUR!” you hear him, and this time they are.

Gambit and rogue look up at you, you would only hear of this moment days later, Rogue had tried to fly after you when she realized, but of course, you were moving too fast for her to ever hope to catch up, they didn’t see you, only a vague silhouette emiting a warm light that bathed the ruins of your former home, like a powerful shooting star you leaped towards your goal and then, you were burning out like a real star. They held each other and watched, it felt right, might have been twisted at the time but it truly did feel right for them to be together at that moment, they knew you'd consider that a good thing.

You and Kurt spent a good part of your time together observing the stars, in the dark of the night, just the two of you no matter how cold it was, sometimes you’d both be surprised by snow or rain and Kurt would always just shrug it off and give you his coat, of course, not everyone is fuzzy like him you’d say. That’s the moment you think about, not the death and destruction, but the perfect nights spent with the perfect man.

His confession to you under the stars, it hadn’t been too long after fate had you two meet in a starry night just like this one, this was supposed to be a perfect night, and yet you had barely seen him today. He was so good to you, your hero, even before you got to know him as nightcrawler he had made a point to save you from being mugged, you knew it was a possibility walking around all by yourself, but the moment that mugger even thought about shooting, you’d disappear from his sight, not by just walking out of the alley while time was frozen, but by being pulled away by Kurt.

He had expected you to freak out and run, or to be scared or angered at him but you weren’t, you could have been, but something about him just captivated you, must have been love at first sight. And the moment you stretched out on the grass and invited him to stargaze with you, he was captivated as well.

Once for the explosion. Twice for the fall.

You are buried beneath the rubble where Goliath has fallen, takes a few hours to find you even with Anna digging around the rubble for any trace of you and Remy praying that he hasn’t killed you. Its dawn already and a crowd is forming around the crater formed by the fallen sentinel, the survivors all whispering among themselves trying to understand what is it that took that thing out, the first answer of course, its that it was the X-men, but Kurt is more concerned about your whereabouts, he’s been searching desperately from the moment he recovered consciousness, it took a while for him to find anyone who had even registered that they’ve seen you, but they told him you had been with Rogue and Gambit, and there they were, But no you.

He stands there for a minute, hesitating again, if he approached them he might just have to hear that his worst fear had come true, or not, you could be somewhere else...

Kurt swallows the lump in his throat and approaches the edge of the crater where Rogue is digging around the rubble, looking for something, or rather someone.

And then she unearths the stone right above you, she studies the state of your dress before anything, that’s what Remy has told her to look out for, he’s seen how that dress had been reconstructed a few times whenever you took any damage, It’s in a mostly acceptable state, just dirty from the rubble, no blood to be seen, and then she studies your face next and you’re smiling at her.

You reach out your hand, to your sister in law, she smiles back at you for a moment, and shakes her head. You've gambled and won.

I'll be the first to admit i didn't have much of an idea on how to end it, maybe i'll continue it sometime, i have a few ideas for a reunion with Kurt, this was a request by @please-ignore-me-in-general and @weebwholovesuchihasasuke so i hope they enjoy it even a little bit.

#kurt wagner x oc #kurt wagner x reader #nightcrawler x reader #x men headcannons #x men x reader #oc x canon #fix it fic #nightcrawler x oc #x men imagine #marvel comics x reader

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