[ By the time Logan catches up to the rest of the mutants, they've already changed camp three times. That's pretty impressive in its own right, given how many kids they're trying to move safely, and it's relieving to know that at least someone's got an idea of where to go.
If he can track them, though, then other people might be able to, too. Skill can be made up for in tech, and these days all the bad people seemed to have tech in spades.
Having had to go on foot for the last two days (it wouldn't do anyone any good if he attracted attention on a motorcycle), Logan arrives on the new campsite with nary a sound. God knows one or two of the tracking mutants probably sensed him, but he's not exactly a stranger.
His first move is to head to where the fire has died down, sitting by it and flicking about the ash to get it back up. His second is to pull his phone out and type a quick message to Rogue along the lines of I'm back. ]
[She's tries to let him know as they moved, but the first time they have to leave is because of a security breach. It's safer to just leave. She knows they are working on making the school safe again, but no one knows if they'll be going back any time soon.
But things have mostly been quiet on her end. She knows he's coming, but it's safer if he simply finds them. She's got her phone in her pocket, laying in one of the makeshift tents they've set up for now. There's only a few dozen of them now, trying to find safe places for the younger mutants. When her phone buzzes, she's already popping up. She doesn't send him a reply. Giving a half response to Bobby, she's outside and looking for his figure in the dark.]
[ Logan gets the fire up and crackling just as Rogue calls for him, illuminating him well enough in the darkness. He turns to her, already reaching into his jacket for a cigar, and then offers a crooked smile. ]
Hey.
[ Every time they see each other again he thinks it's been too long, but Rogue is growing up faster than an immortal man like Logan can comprehend. ]
[She doesn't think she looks any different, still in a dark green cloak, gloves, and the telltale streak in her hair. But things have definitely changed in the amount of time since she's seen him. Doesn't mean she doesn't grin just as wide and go in for a hug like old times.]
[ The hug is familiar, and one that Logan returns easily. She might be the only person he's hugged in, what, forty years? But that just makes it a little bit nicer that she's willing to do it -- that she hasn't ever really been afraid of him. ]
You okay? [ And he doesn't just mean it in the physical sense. Sure, he's worried about the whole school, but Rogue herself is on a pedestal in his heart above them all.
Logan thinks it must be some semblance of humanity. ]
[She steps back so he can actually see she’s okay.] Yeah, banged up a bit. They caught us off guard, but we got everyone out.
[Not that it was easy, but no one was taken in or really hurt. It’s the best outcome for this kind of situation. She supposes that’s why they train though. It’s starting to get more and more dangerous for mutants. Which leads her to ask:]
[ There's no use lying to her, so he won't. Logan's hands end up on Rogue's shoulders for a moment as he says, ] I'm fine as I'll ever be. [ And then he releases her, and he finally takes his place seated close to the fire.
[Being a mostly affectionate person, she notices when his touch is absent. He looks rough-- well rougher than normal which is saying something. She tries to give him a heartfelt smile though it's pretty weak even for her.]
Run into anyone? [Because it wouldn't be a surprise, and while he's smart enough to lose a tail, it's still worth noting.]
I said I got a hold'a you, but didn't when you'd find us.
Thanks, Rogue. [ The corner of his mouth tilts into a small smile. He pats the space beside him so she can sit, and if she decides she wants to lean on him, he's not going to push her away.
He's covered in layers, anyway, as he always is, even if he never gets cold. ]
[ Quiet is good. Logan spares a glance to the tents all gathered about the area, and not for the first time, he wonders how the hell they've managed to move an entire school like this. Leave it to the X-Men, he supposes. ]
They adjusting to the outdoors all right?
[ And then, tone more serious now: ] Where's Charles planning on going?
[ It's the first time Logan's heard of anything like that, but it's not like he keeps tabs on the community like Charles does. And having been away for so long, well. ]
Yeah, [She replies back. She's a little surprised by it, too, but at the same time if Professor X has been doing this for so many years and so many mutant kids have come through those doors, it's not altogether a shock.]
At least for short term. I don't know what's going to happen with the school long term. I think we're just working on keeping us all safe for now.
I don't know, [She admits, not entirely sure if Charles is keeping anything from them.] I'm sure there has to be some contingency plans, but I can't tell ya what they are.
[It's not like she's been doing this for very long.]
They didn't identify themselves, but they moved more like military, if ya ask me. It was quick. I was tryin' to get the kids out though. I didn't have much of an opportunity to see'em.
[ Logan sounds considerably bothered by it, but who wouldn't be? He frowns, and his brows knit together as he continues to think about it. ]
Any new kids come in with [ he pauses, tries to think of a word ] world-breaking powers?
[ Already he's thinking of ways to look into this, ways to investigate, ways to interrogate and intimidate and how he can put his strength and his claws to use.
It's probably obvious on his face. Logan's no good at hiding his emotions, not at all. ]
[His guess is as good as hers, and she looks back at him with a 'you've got me' kind of look. Her best guess is they are trying to weaponize mutants or kids. The tech they were using on them was more advanced than she'd seen.]
Yeah, pair'a siblings. Charles' been working with them. Somethin' 'bout movin' energy in things. [Kitty could probably explain it better.]
We think they want to use that energy? Or just use the kids. [Because they wouldn't put it past the government.]
So why aren't you taking the two of them somewhere else?
[ Logan knows the risk that presents, of course, but it's the first thing to come to mind. ]
Take them into hiding. Let the rest of the kids stay somewhere safer than... [ Looking around, it's hard not to miss the scent of fear lingering over the campsite. ] Here.
I think that’s the plan, [She looks from the fire to Logan with a half grin, somehow not surprised that he’s offering though. He’s always been a softy when it comes to kids. Her of all people know that.] Gettin’ them out of here.
Think we found a group’a one of the Professor’s students that can look out for’em. Storm is tryin’ to contact some people she knows, but with most of the kids here in hidin’, it’s hard to do both. [It’s not like getting from one part of the country to another is easy with dozens of kids, some kids having no where else to go. It seems heartbreaking to think of it, but really if this is legitimate it’s not like she has anything else either. The school and the X-men have become her life.]
It’s a good idea. Best I’ve heard, yet. Not sure if the Professor is still up— or if anyone is, but you should talk to him.
[ Charles' telepathy means that he's probably already aware Logan is here. By extension Logan supposes Charles is giving him the brief reprieve of talking to Rogue; she is, after all, his favourite (and that's a fact he doesn't even bother hiding). But it's hard for her not to be, given how she'd trusted him so easily even when they first met.
He wonders if it's selfish, this next bit that he wants to say. Logan stews over the words for a few moments, and then finally lets them out, hoping against all hopes that he doesn't sound as awkward as he feels. ] Think you'd be willing to come with us?
[She’s not sure what she’s expecting to come out of his mouth, but it wasn’t that. Maybe because she still felt that she had to prove herself to the rest of them, but the fact he’s asking her actually makes her smile and nod her head before sticking her hands in her pockets.]
Yeah. I could do that. [That was something she could definitely do.]
Okay. [ He catches her smile, the way she tries to push it back with her hands disappearing into their pockets. He likes that she tries to keep her cool -- the perfect blend of a kid's joy at being recognised and the grace that comes with adulthood.
Logan's spent so much time away that every time he sees Rogue again there's something new to take in. ]
I'll see if Chuck'll let me take you away, then. [ He chuckles, but the sound is brief. Short. ] You're probably useful as hell out here.
After taming the Wolverine, [ because they can't even lie about that being thanks to anyone else but her ] I can only imagine how good you are with the kids now.
[She’s earned this silently proud moment, Logan. Let her have it. She’s still smiling when he says that.]
Guess it’s good I don’t have anything to pack.
[His comment did have her leaning into him playfully, having always been comfortable around him. Plus she in a black form fitting suit, not exactly an X-suit, but still pretty covering. There wasn’t any chance skin would touch. It helped that he was probably the only one she didn’t overly worry about that with. It was a testiment to how close they were.]
Don’t think anyone would say you’re tamed. Guess I’m just lucky ya always have a soft spot for scared, mutant kids. But don’t worry, I won’t tell. [She isn’t a kid any more, but it’s no surprise Logan wants to help get the kid to a safe house across country.]
[ It's impossible not to huff a laugh at that -- a soft spot for scared, mutant kids, was he really that obvious all those years ago? -- but Logan brings a hand up to wipe the expression off before it lingers too long. He isn't kidding anyone when he pretends to be aloof, but it's been a force of habit for so long that he forgets he's even doing it. ]
Yeah, yeah, thanks for keeping your mouth shut. [ He snorts, and with the arm furthest from her, Logan reaches over to pat the top of Rogue's head with his sleeved elbow. ] Can't have anyone taking advantage of me the way you do.
[ Not that she ever has, at least not in ways that counted. But man, if Rogue's big eyes can't get him to do anything. ]
Look, [ and he brings the arm back down, lips still twitching around the smallest hints of a fond smile ] you should go back to sleep. Rest up 'till we gotta leave.
When it's just you and me out there, we won't have a lot of breaks like this.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@glovedtouch
If he can track them, though, then other people might be able to, too. Skill can be made up for in tech, and these days all the bad people seemed to have tech in spades.
Having had to go on foot for the last two days (it wouldn't do anyone any good if he attracted attention on a motorcycle), Logan arrives on the new campsite with nary a sound. God knows one or two of the tracking mutants probably sensed him, but he's not exactly a stranger.
His first move is to head to where the fire has died down, sitting by it and flicking about the ash to get it back up. His second is to pull his phone out and type a quick message to Rogue along the lines of I'm back. ]
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But things have mostly been quiet on her end. She knows he's coming, but it's safer if he simply finds them. She's got her phone in her pocket, laying in one of the makeshift tents they've set up for now. There's only a few dozen of them now, trying to find safe places for the younger mutants. When her phone buzzes, she's already popping up. She doesn't send him a reply. Giving a half response to Bobby, she's outside and looking for his figure in the dark.]
Logan?
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Hey.
[ Every time they see each other again he thinks it's been too long, but Rogue is growing up faster than an immortal man like Logan can comprehend. ]
Sorry it took a while.
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Hey, you found us. That's all that matters.
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[ The hug is familiar, and one that Logan returns easily. She might be the only person he's hugged in, what, forty years? But that just makes it a little bit nicer that she's willing to do it -- that she hasn't ever really been afraid of him. ]
You okay? [ And he doesn't just mean it in the physical sense. Sure, he's worried about the whole school, but Rogue herself is on a pedestal in his heart above them all.
Logan thinks it must be some semblance of humanity. ]
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[Not that it was easy, but no one was taken in or really hurt. It’s the best outcome for this kind of situation. She supposes that’s why they train though. It’s starting to get more and more dangerous for mutants. Which leads her to ask:]
You been holdin’ up okay?
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[ There's no use lying to her, so he won't. Logan's hands end up on Rogue's shoulders for a moment as he says, ] I'm fine as I'll ever be. [ And then he releases her, and he finally takes his place seated close to the fire.
He's tired. Rapid healing doesn't exactly equate to unlimited stamina. ]
You tell the others I was coming?
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Run into anyone? [Because it wouldn't be a surprise, and while he's smart enough to lose a tail, it's still worth noting.]
I said I got a hold'a you, but didn't when you'd find us.
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He's covered in layers, anyway, as he always is, even if he never gets cold. ]
But, uh... no. Everyone I met was a civilian.
Guess God's nice sometimes, huh.
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Good. It's been mostly quiet here. Just tried to get all the kids safe.
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They adjusting to the outdoors all right?
[ And then, tone more serious now: ] Where's Charles planning on going?
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As well as they can, I guess. Easier for some. [Like the kids they found on the street.]
He's talkin' about some kinda underground. Not sure where exactly.
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[ It's the first time Logan's heard of anything like that, but it's not like he keeps tabs on the community like Charles does. And having been away for so long, well. ]
For mutants?
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At least for short term. I don't know what's going to happen with the school long term. I think we're just working on keeping us all safe for now.
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[ Because, much as Logan trusts his mentor with his life, he knows his style, too. It's not necessarily the best kind.
But Rogue's an X-Man now, isn't she? (It's amazing how quickly the years pass.)
If Charles knew, Logan'd be angry on her behalf. ]
What was it -- what did you say about the team that came in the house? You learn anything else about them?
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[It's not like she's been doing this for very long.]
They didn't identify themselves, but they moved more like military, if ya ask me. It was quick. I was tryin' to get the kids out though. I didn't have much of an opportunity to see'em.
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[ Logan sounds considerably bothered by it, but who wouldn't be? He frowns, and his brows knit together as he continues to think about it. ]
Any new kids come in with [ he pauses, tries to think of a word ] world-breaking powers?
[ Already he's thinking of ways to look into this, ways to investigate, ways to interrogate and intimidate and how he can put his strength and his claws to use.
It's probably obvious on his face. Logan's no good at hiding his emotions, not at all. ]
sorry for slow!
Yeah, pair'a siblings. Charles' been working with them. Somethin' 'bout movin' energy in things. [Kitty could probably explain it better.]
We think they want to use that energy? Or just use the kids. [Because they wouldn't put it past the government.]
we can be slow 2gether
[ Logan knows the risk that presents, of course, but it's the first thing to come to mind. ]
Take them into hiding. Let the rest of the kids stay somewhere safer than... [ Looking around, it's hard not to miss the scent of fear lingering over the campsite. ] Here.
I can take 'em, even.
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Think we found a group’a one of the Professor’s students that can look out for’em. Storm is tryin’ to contact some people she knows, but with most of the kids here in hidin’, it’s hard to do both. [It’s not like getting from one part of the country to another is easy with dozens of kids, some kids having no where else to go. It seems heartbreaking to think of it, but really if this is legitimate it’s not like she has anything else either. The school and the X-men have become her life.]
It’s a good idea. Best I’ve heard, yet. Not sure if the Professor is still up— or if anyone is, but you should talk to him.
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[ Charles' telepathy means that he's probably already aware Logan is here. By extension Logan supposes Charles is giving him the brief reprieve of talking to Rogue; she is, after all, his favourite (and that's a fact he doesn't even bother hiding). But it's hard for her not to be, given how she'd trusted him so easily even when they first met.
He wonders if it's selfish, this next bit that he wants to say. Logan stews over the words for a few moments, and then finally lets them out, hoping against all hopes that he doesn't sound as awkward as he feels. ] Think you'd be willing to come with us?
I can't do this alone.
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Yeah. I could do that. [That was something she could definitely do.]
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Logan's spent so much time away that every time he sees Rogue again there's something new to take in. ]
I'll see if Chuck'll let me take you away, then. [ He chuckles, but the sound is brief. Short. ] You're probably useful as hell out here.
After taming the Wolverine, [ because they can't even lie about that being thanks to anyone else but her ] I can only imagine how good you are with the kids now.
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Guess it’s good I don’t have anything to pack.
[His comment did have her leaning into him playfully, having always been comfortable around him. Plus she in a black form fitting suit, not exactly an X-suit, but still pretty covering. There wasn’t any chance skin would touch. It helped that he was probably the only one she didn’t overly worry about that with. It was a testiment to how close they were.]
Don’t think anyone would say you’re tamed. Guess I’m just lucky ya always have a soft spot for scared, mutant kids. But don’t worry, I won’t tell. [She isn’t a kid any more, but it’s no surprise Logan wants to help get the kid to a safe house across country.]
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Yeah, yeah, thanks for keeping your mouth shut. [ He snorts, and with the arm furthest from her, Logan reaches over to pat the top of Rogue's head with his sleeved elbow. ] Can't have anyone taking advantage of me the way you do.
[ Not that she ever has, at least not in ways that counted. But man, if Rogue's big eyes can't get him to do anything. ]
Look, [ and he brings the arm back down, lips still twitching around the smallest hints of a fond smile ] you should go back to sleep. Rest up 'till we gotta leave.
When it's just you and me out there, we won't have a lot of breaks like this.
(no subject)
scene end ?? sobs so proud of us