Chapter 5

Estelle POV

A few days passed of practicing with the various plants I purchased at the gardening shop. While all of them are at different stages of growth, I've been able to perfect control there stages of life.

I ended up going to the library to see how certain things are made and the process of creation. So I can truly understand what items will revert to without hurting myself. I got lucky with the glass, very lucky.

The summer heat is steadily creeping into my home, leading me to dress in denim shorts and a loose blouse. Not the best for sitting on hard wooden floors but the rug helps.

On the floor with a potted bush between my legs, I watch the thin branches, slipping back into the sleeves they sprouted from. Smiling I feel calm, only to come to a stop at a heavy knock on the door.

Looking at the time, I raise an eyebrow before standing. Stretching my back, I walk over, opening the door and look down at the handsome man.

"Logan? What are you doing here?"

He stares for a moment before answering, "I haven't heard from you for a few days. Just checking in."

I nod, "I see."

Looking into his eyes I snap out of my daze, "Oh! Please come in!"

Stepping aside for him to enter I close the door behind him. Quickly taking notice of how messy my home is I scramble to put the plants in some type of order.

"Sorry about the mess! I've been branching out a bit!"

Holding the potted plant I smile, "Pun not intended."

Now why would I say that.

He walks over to one of the plants, "It looks like you're making progress, that's good."

I nod, looking at him, his gaze is already on me. Feeling a bit nervous I speak softly, "Is that why you came here...?"

"Are you hungry?"

The question is unexpected but I answer promptly, "I could eat."

He makes his way to the front door, "Come on."

Grabbing a few of my belongings I lock the door behind me, turning to see Logan holding out a helmet as he leans against his Harley.

"Ready?"

Excited I put it on, allowing it to consume my thick curls. Taking a seat behind him he starts his engines before riding off. The wind is cool as I wrap my arms around him. Grip tight, he doesn't seem to mind. Looking at the thick green trees, I smile softly, enjoying the moment of summer in full bloom.

Pulling up to a burger joint, he stops parking his two-wheeler. Letting him go, I take off the helmet allowing my hair to bounce back to its former glory.

Noticing his gentle stare I smile softly. Stepping inside we order our food, as we wait I speak up.

"So, are you paying me back for all the meals I made you?"

Not many, but I don't usually have guests to cook for. He smiles sipping his beer, "Something like that."

"I apologize for not contacting you, it slipped my mind."

Logan speaks honestly, "You keep saying sorry when you don't need to. You do that often."

I shrug sipping my sweet tea, "Old habits die hard."

The air is thick between us as we talk, from topic to topic or witty comments, even after our food arrives it doesn't end in silence.

And when our plates get taken away I tease him, "Wonder if I should consider this as a date."

Opening his wallet he leaves cash on the table, "You should."

A bit taken back from his words, my cheeks start to burn. Laughing softly, I stand with him, "You really know how to charm a woman."

Weeks pass by of finding each other between days or moments. Spending hours talking or leaving our worlds behind. Every wit and word pulls me closer to him, allowing me to feel a care that I haven't been able to replicate with another man.

Sure they've come and gone with worlds of love, but this, looking at this man. Holding his hand, lacing his fingers in mine, looking into his eyes makes me adore him in ways I couldn't imagine.

Even as he spills or even hints at the sins of his past I can't seem to find fault in him. Not an ounce of darkness that doesn't end up holding a light in the center of it all.

He is.

Throughout these weeks I've improved my abilities, and with the help of Hank and his exercises, I've been able to expand the capabilities of my powers.

Even now, Hank has called me in for a new task. Looking at the squirrel before me with an injured tail the blue-furred man explains.

"You've gotten a great gasp on your mutant abilities, now I would like to see if they can heal a wound. Please give it a try."

Nodding I pet the small creature, finding his innocence in a world that shows little. Hovering my hand over his tail, I connect with it. Finding the issues I hear the bone snap back into place. The panic in the animal's eyes vanishes, as its injury is no more.

Smiling brightly Hank takes notes, "Amazing!"

"I must give the credit to you, if it wasn't for those exercises I don't think I would ever make it this far."

Before he can continue, an alert blares, "Apologies, duty calls!"

Hank rushes out I follow, watching as the rest flock to deal with a danger far from my reach. Jubilee desires to go but Scott asks for her to stay behind to watch the children.

"I can watch them."

Neither was prepared for me to speak up, but it was enough to allow Jubilee to go with them.

To train and all.

Returning to the living room, I see five children, none older than thirteen. Looking at the time, I smile at them, "Who's hungry?"

This is enough to perk them up as they follow me to the kitchen trying to decide on what they want. I listen to them as they come to an agreement. Working quickly, I start to make a large pizza with the toppings of their desire.

Serving water and juices I snack on a sandwich as they eat away. Once they're done and full, they follow me like little ducklings asking me questions upon questions.

Since they've only seen me in passing, I answer honestly. Even demonstrating my abilities to make them feel comfortable.

Telling them what I do and why I do it, I end up giving them lessons on the art of music. The piano in the school was perfect to do so. Watching their expressions of joy warms my heart making me miss my classroom.

Sitting behind the piano, they shower me with requests for hits and songs they listen to. I pander to them, enjoying as they dance and sing along to the melodies I play.

The space is safe and warm, reminding me why I adore teaching, and why I adore children.

As the finale tune comes to an end, I see the X-Men waiting patiently by the door frame. Meeting Logan's gaze, I stand, smiling at him and the others.

"Glad to see you returned in one piece."

The kids that once surrounded me disperse, along with the X-Men to rest after a long battle. Talking with Scott he continues, "Thank you for looking after the children."

I nod, "Of course, I'm glad I could help."

Jubilee gives me a bright smile, mouthing a simple thank you before running off.

As they leave Logan and I are the only ones that remain. Taking off his mask I smile brightly, "Not a scratch on you."

He smiles, "I'm tougher than I look."

"It's getting late, I should head home."

Walking past him he speaks up, "You can stay the night."

I chuckle a bit, "I don't want to impose."

"Hard for you to do that."

Walking over to him I smile, "Come by tomorrow."

Kissing his cheek I walk off, "Bye Logan."

Leaving the man behind I return home. And when the next day rolls around, sun high in the sky I hear a knock on my door.

Turning the knob, I'm met with a warm pair of lips and strong arms wrapped around me.