Chapter 8

No POV

A few of the mutants who captured Estelle slipped away, but enough of them were questioned to know what happened and why.

Logan was filled in, but the rage to kill the rest of the survivors was swallowed by the worry he has for the brown-skinned woman.

Anti-mutant Mutants, they hate mutants and hate being a mutant. Hearing of her abilities through channels they weren't able to name, they took her. With the hope to be human again, to be normal again.

Hank, in treating her was able to conclude that her mutant abilities evolved. Answering the question of the unexplained growth of greenery in the forest.

One thing for certain, it's no longer safe for Estelle. She's become a target, someone Logan vows to protect her, that the X-Men vows to protect.

Estelle POV

There's no pain.

The pain is gone.

Memories of the events flood back to me like a crashing wave. Opening my eyes, I wince at the bright light above me.

My hand feels warm, I turn to see Logan, resting soundly in his seat. His grip on my hand is tight but it doesn't hurt, smiling I speak his name softly.

"Logan?"

He snaps awake, relief floods his features, sitting up slowly, I groan as the little aches sink in.

"Hey, don't push yourself."

Helping me sit up, I chuckle, "Thank you."

Standing he lets my hand go, "Let me get Hank."

I nod, watching him rush off, wincing as I try to move my legs. Pulling the covers, I see my bandaged ankle. Unraveling it I remember getting shot, straight through. Snapping my stitches, I hold back a scream. Discarding the tread the blood leaks on the sheets.

The sight is gruesome, but I don't stop, placing my hand over the wound I focus. Groaning softly, I feel the skin fill in and heal leaving behind my smooth brown skin. Not a scratch, bruise or remnant, just the memory.

The door opens, looking at Hank and Logan, I give them a weak smile. They look horrified by the sight. Logan rushes to my side, "Don't push yourself."

Throat dry I answer honestly, "I'm sorry, but I would prefer not to walk around with a gaping hole in my leg."

I try to keep things light-hearted but that doesn't deter his worry or what happened to me.

Hank gives me a checkup, continuing my dose of pain medication. Comfortable, I explain what happened, in detail.

It's hard, I would much rather forget, I would much rather avoid seeing the guilt in Logan's eyes. Placing my hand on his cheek, he clams down, and after a kiss on his lips it's enough to reassure him.

Hank continues, "Thanks to your confirmation, I have concluded that your mutant abilities have evolved due to high amounts of stress. Now being able to perform Regression but now also Progression."

I nod, not particularly excited about the news but thankful it came in handy to defend myself. And after everything that happened one thing is crystal clear.

"That means I have to stay here, I've become a target..."

Hank frowns, nodding slowly.

I squeeze Logan's hand, "My home..."

He answers, "Nothing left."

My heart shatters, taking out the needles from my arm I try to stand.

Hank protests, "Estelle is best to stay in bed you're still healing!"

I shake my head, "I need to go back, I need to see my home!"

Logan speaks up, "We can go tomorrow, you need to rest."

Pushing me to lay down I huff, "Fine."

Hank smiles before leaving, talking with Logan for a bit I drift off to sleep. Waking up in the dead of night the need for water calls out for me. Slipping out of bed, I slowly make my way to the kitchen.

Filling up a glass cup I drink it quickly, relief spreading through my throat.

"Estelle?"

I almost drop the glass, looking over I see Jean step in.

"Did I wake you?"

She shakes her head, "No, I'm here for the same reason."

Walking next to me she fills up a cup of water. Drinking it slowly, she leans against the countertop, "How are you doing?"

Feeling a bit drowsy I smile, "Good, just a bit tired."

She nods, "I'm glad, I hope this place can become a home for you."

Rubbing my eyes I chuckle, "I hope so too, I'm not used to a full house. Strangers who are becoming my friends. But I think I can adjust."

It's no secret that my time spent here was mainly with Logan, swept away by his company or lost in his space.

Looking at Jean's expression, I assume it's just me, but she looks, displeased. My head spikes, "Ow!"

She snaps out of it, "Sorry, lost in thought."

Looking at her my head aches, "Did you just..."

Her eyes widened a bit, making me realize that my assumption was correct.

I speak softly, "I'm still pretty drowsy...I hope I'm wrong and that it doesn't happen again."

People usually like the privacy of their mind, like I do, I hope I'm wrong but something tells me I'm not.

Walking past her I wonder, finding the door I've been seeking out. Closing it behind me, starlight peaks through the window.

His scent fills the air, mumbling his name gently he stirs awake. Walking over to his bed, I feel his hand grip my hip. Pulling me in his embrace he drapes the covers over us.

Calm, I nuzzle in his chest, before returning to a peaceful slumber.