The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!ooc: I think Chris’s second trip inside a mall will be something that may bring up a few things Logan might notice, so I’m going to go for posting it, just in case something fundamental to Chris’s character and history comes up that Logan might be able to add to his collection of clues and guesswork.
“Thanks” To be honest, Chris wasn’t entirely sure what he was being thanked for… he assumed it was just in reply to what he had just said, but that still seemed like an odd reply to him, then again, a lot of what he heard around the school seemed odd to him for the simple fact he wasn’t sure to their kind of talk. His mother and his uncles all talked differently, all more simply… or in the case of people like Uncle Martin, really confused and scattered. “You’re right. Monsters are always stronger when you can’t see them. Now…. put the kittens in the back and the strap yourself in… we’ve got some serious shopping to do.’ So it was about what was said before, though it was still odd for Chris to be thanked for saying such things. People didn’t say thank you where Chris grew up unless a compliment had been made, or something nice had been done… or even the opposite, sometimes thank you was just said in spite and sarcasm. None of those situations matched this one though, so Chris smiled slightly confused but taking it in his stride as something he should be glade of.
The meowing kittens inside the shifting back were restless at first but by now had quietened down slightly, only one still pawing at the fabric and wanting to be let loose. They were so tiny, so delicate that Chris almost worried he might hurt them if he wasn’t care with how he held the bag. So carefully the boy followed Logan’s instructions and out them in the back, looking back at the older man as he hoped into the drivers seat at the front, Chris wondered if he was supposed to sit at the back with the kittens or join him in the front. While the kittens were tempting, Chris was lured up beside Logan with the simple pleasure of curiosity and comfort, he’d not been in cars and on bikes or any sort of motor vehicle until lately and it was still all so strange and exciting!
Logan buckled himself in, a habit not yet installed upon Chris, but who followed suit when he saw Logan’s actions and Chris remembered people liked it when they were strapped to their seats. He didn’t know why, he didn’t understand they were a safety feature, and he wasn’t able to figure it out for himself and no one had bothered to tell him the last couple of times, it just seemed like a really weird thing to have to do. Aside from the weirdness of it, he didn’t like how the strap rubbed against his neck, it felt rough and made his skin sore if he moved about too much. Young eyes turned to watch Logan as he set about taking the van under his control, he was so much different from the men Chris had grown up with, Logan’s hands were stronger then Joseph’s, they didn’t tremble or struggle to keep their hold of things. And Logan seemed to be really smart like Henry, parental too… but troubled by past mistakes, Henry had told Chris a little bit about the life led before he became a homeless man. How he drunk to dull his misery and gambled to try and win it big, make up for all the pain he felt and in turn was putting his wife through, ending up losing everything he had without realizing he had so much left to lose till it was too late. Henry was nice, out of all the uncles Chris felt closest to Henry but he loved them all, Martin can get a bit much at times, but it never really bothered Chris to hear him prattle on about strange men being after him. Because sometimes it seemed as if all Martin wanted was for someone to listen to his fears and take him seriously, Chris had been told not to believe the propaganda, but around uncle Martin Chris always played along and listened. It was always hard to see him get stressed and upset when people turned their cheek to the scarred man as he babbled and fretted away, but no one could calm Martin down as uncle Joseph could! Even if it was merely by carrying on about how god would protect him and strike down any who harm Martin, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but for that reason and many more, it was always interesting being around the three men.
And yet Logan seemed to be as different to them as they were all to each other, and Chris wondered if that was because of where he lived, how he lived… then again, Chris wasn’t even able to pinpoint what it was that made Logan so different. He just was… Logan spoke differently to Chris, treated him differently, aside from giving Chris more then Chris was ever used to getting, there was more to it then that, Chris was sure, and although he couldn’t name it entirely, he knew it was nice to have Logan around for that reason.
There was a stage in life where kids went through they’re ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ in a hunger to know things that their minds were able to swiftly absorb, Chris never really got that chance in the same extreme, so there was so much he still wanted to prod and question, but was always hesitant in case he annoyed people. There were a few things Chris wanted to ask Logan, sometimes he didn’t because he wasn’t sure how to put them forward, or he wasn’t sure if it would be considered rude or not to ask certain things… like why were mutants thought so badly of? They seemed really nice so far, so it seemed unfair that so many people didn’t like them… and what made someone a mutant? Was it because they had powers? Chris was pretty certain of that, but was that all? As the thought arose again during the drive, Chris spent a moment watching all the other drivers of all the other cars and wondered how one could tell a mutant from a non-mutant… and did it really matter in the end?
A few questions did arise however as they travelled the rest of the way to the mall, like when an oddly shaped building came into view, Chris just had to ask what it was for, why it looked like that, and if there were lots of others like it. He didn’t see a lot of buildings based on ‘modern’ creativity, but had to admit he found it pretty weird looking and out of place. There were some questions about the kittens, what Logan had planned for them, how people looked after them, what needed to be done in general and if there was anything he ought to know to prepare himself for handling them properly or anything.
But as they approached the large centre, Chris went from inquisitive to curious as he stared at the many groups of people making their way around the car park, some with loaded trolleys and heading away from the shop, others making their way towards it, some with young eager kids in tow. Some of the woman were really old, but held the hand of a really young child, Chris didn’t grow up with the idea of grandparents so he stared in awe at how old looking their apparent ‘mothers’ were. While the car park was filled it wasn’t over packed, so spaces were available, especially the further away from the prime locations drivers preferred parking. Last time Chris had been here, and the only time he had been here, had been his brief trip down here with Connor and Sarah the day Logan had first appeared… Connor had gotten Chris computer games which till now Chris had honestly completely forgotten. Connor had packed them away somewhere when Chris first arrived and it had totally slipped the boys mind since he just wasn’t accustomed to having toys and with all the new things going on he had too much on his mind to keep him busy to think about it. Now Chris wondered about the games again, he never played computer games before so he wasn’t sure how exactly they worked, but Connor had made it seem as if it would be a fun pastime…
"Will the kittens be ok?" They had no food or drink in the van so Chris wondered what would happen if they got thirsty or hungry… maybe they already were! Before Chris could ponder too much on it, he found himself struggling with pulling the buckle free of where it had clicked in earlier. Connor had been so swift every time he unbuckled Chris after the first time Chris got stuck that Chris was free of his seatbelt before he realized it… though one of the cars they were in it was unlocked by lifting a latch (that time he had seen Connor do it easily) but Chris’s fingers couldn’t find anything to pull at as in that car, and the lightly engraved words of ‘push’ written across the button went completely ignored due to the lack of ability to read. While the button may seem obvious to move, Chris had figured since he had just slipped it in easily enough, he just had to slip it out, but it didn’t seem to be working.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
The boy did as he was told, releasing the kittens into the safety of the van before climbing in beside Logan and fastening the seatbelt securely round himself. Wolverine had been expecting the stream of questions to continue but somehow that hadn’t happened, the two of them sinking instead into a silence that didn’t feel particularly awkward as these things often did, but more like a pause before conversation started up again. As it undoubtedly would once they got to the mall.
Logan was a bit unsure as to how all this would pan out, with him and Chris. Things had obviously had to be rearranged to include had the previously unplanned but now somehow all too necessary trip to the pet store, but even so the original motive for this little particular outing remained the same. If the boy was to remain with them then he needed his own space every bit as much as Connor needed to have his. But while Logan’s son was driven by imperatives of behaviour far beyond his control! Chris on the other hand….. Well he simply needed to be told that he belonged with them. That come what may he had his place in this particular family, even if his own called him home.
Logan wasn’t trying to win over the child’s affections. Unfortunately Connor had already done that. Like it or not Chris loved him and Connor returned his affection and that wasn’t going to change even if and when Chris’s parents did emerge to claim him. Logan’s own sentiments on the other hand didn’t enter into account, or so he tried to tell himself. Sure he liked the kid and wanted him to be happy. And if that meant he had got too close then that was his own problem. It would hurt like hell when he went away but then again it would be far from being the first time Wolverine had had to deal with it.
But Chris and Connor! That was different. They weren’t ready to be torn apart. In fact if they were it would screw both of them up and that wasn’t something Logan was simply prepared to stand back and let happen. They were brothers now, no matter what twisted means had been called upon to make them so. And he was damned if he would treat them as anything less.
Besides, whether he liked it or not, it felt nice to be here with Chris, preparing this surprise for him. It could all go wrong of course but then from Logan’s point of view that was always the way with those you, cared for. He wouldn’t say loved. He couldn’t say it. Hell it had only been a few days. He knew better than that! The kids parents would come and if they had any sense they would let him keep this room Logan was planning for him as a drop off point. A place he could spend a couple of days in every month. If they were lucky! If the very though of a school for mutants didn’t send them running for the hills.
Which was all too likely! Logan sighed. Damn it all, he wouldn’t have wanted his own kids to spend any time in Xavier’s if he had had the choice. It was just too dangerous and any sane mother or father was bound to see that. That didn’t stop him from trying though. Wolverine he had been named and although he himself couldn’t remember why, it wasn’t, as many people thought, because of his ferocity, but rather because of his persistence. He took hold and didn’t let go. Which was why it was all too ironic that his actual children believed he had let them down when it mattered most.
Chris though, he had no expectations. Just as Logan had no obligations! Yet here they both were heading towards commitment. A child picked up like the kittens at the side of the road but already loved by the time it had been brought home. And the adult who realised the responsibilities that such an adoption required, as well as the heartaches it could entail. Yes you bought the basket and the toys and the food and everything else it took to make the little cat feel at home. But if the real owner turned up!
Chris hadn’t in all probability been discarded and abandoned like the kittens. Even if there were some signs that could have indicated to the contrary. *How selfish is that* Logan thought bitterly as he caught himself half wishing that Chris was in fact alone in the world.*” Lets all hope he’s had a crappy life up till now rather than a nice one, just so we can get to keep him! Yeah that’s real mature. *
Logan shook his head slightly as they pulled into the parking space. One day at a time. That’s how they would have to play it and see what happened. And today they were going to get Chris’s room sorted out. No matter how long he ended up needing it for. Wolverine could feel the boy’s excitement building as the engine stopped and Logan reached for the door. That didn’t stop him thinking about the new arrivals though. "Will the kittens be ok?" he asked anxiously, fumbling with the seat belt and singularly failing to get it to unbuckle. Logan leaned across and released him gently saying “Yeah kid of course they will. The van is designed not to get too hot so there’s no worry there. And we can leave them some water.
Reaching under the drivers seat Logan produced a plastic bottle and proceded to un cap it before drinking down some of its contents. You want some? he said offering it to the boy and waiting till he had drunk his fill. Then he took it back and unsheathed his claws once more using them to cut away most of the bottle till only a shallow dish like portion remained.
“See.. we can improvise till we get what they need” he said twisting round and placing the ‘bowl “on the floor next to the kittens. “Just like we’ve been doing at home with you! Now though I reckon its time get all the newest members of the family sorted out, you included. What do you say Chris..”he asked with a grin “shall we do some serious shopping?”
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
Small arms raised slightly to allow Logan’s own to pass across and unclip the belt, Chris’s eyes following the process of Logan’s fingers intently to see what they did. It looked pretty simple enough! But then again, if you knew what to do then it was of course more easy and simple. An eager face looked back at the elder man, flinching slightly from surprise as the belt was drawn back into its unused position. "Yeah kid of course they will. The van is designed not to get too hot so there’s no worry there. And we can leave them some water." Water! That was a good idea, and before Chris could really try and figure out where they’d possibly get water from, Logan effortlessly lifted one into view. Clean fresh water, at ones finger tips in a moments notice! It was a simple basic luxury, but one, like many, that Chris wasn’t accustomed to at all, and the boy watched as Logan drank without the slightest bit of concern shown towards worrying over drinking too much or even rationing it out in any degree.
"You want some?" There was no real hesitation over the offer, Chris was hardly squeamish over ‘other peoples germs’ and a rule of survival meant you usually take what you’re given or what you can get, lest you be left behind and suffer more for it. Once Chris had taken his mouthful or two, the bottle was handed over to Logan once more, young eyes staring in curious wonder as the metallic claws pierced through the other’s skin. They were so strange! Did they hurt? How did he get them inside his arm? How did Connor get them inside his arm… everyone seemed to have claws, though Arisa did mention at one point in a brief conversation to Connor that her claws weren’t metallic like the others, just bone. Chris still really didn’t understand the whole mutant thing, he didn’t get why they could have all the strange abilities and yet he never would. Without any force needed Logan’s blades sliced through the plastic and left the base of the bottle with the remainder of the liquid, at first Chris was rather clueless on what he was doing all that for.
"See.. we can improvise till we get what they need" Still Chris stared blankly, though when he placed the makeshift dish next to the kittens it all so clearly dawned on the boy who grinned with sudden understanding. "Just like we’ve been doing at home with you! Now though I reckon its time get all the newest members of the family sorted out, you included. What do you say Chris.. " Newest members of the family? …Including him! Was Logan treating him as part of their family? It wasn’t like Chris didn’t have his own mother, but as much loyalty as Chris had towards her, Logan had been more of a parent to him in the last few days then Missy had been…well… for most of Chris’s memory. Was that a bad thing to think? "shall we do some serious shopping?" It was difficult to feel both guilty and thrilled at the same time, Chris bit down on his inner lip lightly, but the inner turmoil was short lived for the moment as a grin burst with a flurry of excitement. It wasn’t really at the prospect of shopping even, just the idea that Logan wanted to do something with him, and while Chris was rather unknowing on what exactly they would be doing, it didn’t dim the thrill of the excursion.
Once they had left the van, Chris had rounded the vehicle and settled right beside Logan, who’s strides took him further then the boy’s smaller ones but the pace was pleasant enough that Chris didn’t have to exert any effort to keep up. Small fingers seemed to have a tendency of fiddling with the front of the shirt Chris wore, or the jumper, pinching at the fabric in an absent-minded manner as attention was jutted out in all directions and hardly kept focused on any one particular stream of thoughts. A look was thrown back towards the van, maybe it would have been better if he had stayed with the kittens so they didn’t get lonely… why did someone throw them away? Why did Logan take them in? Why wasn’t Connor with them on this trip? Did Logan really think Chris could fit in with his family? What would his mother do if she found out he thought the sort of things he had back when Logan had said such a thing? Where was she right now? Why was the mall so huge? Did people get lost inside? What happens if you do get lost? Why do people buy so many things?
Fingers pulled away from the front of the black t-shirt it had been pinching at, the hand moving over to allow the fingers to instead rub his earlobe, a small finger occasionally scratching absently just behind his ear as thoughts turned more serious and contemplation set in. Chris looked up at Logan, a hundred things buzzing around inside the boys mind and yet which one to ask first, which ones to actually not even ask at all, and which were just too silly to bother with, it all left the youth rather disorientated as far as conversation went.
"What does improvise mean?" Going over the words in his mind that Logan had said in the van, chris found out he was a little unsure of some of the meanings behind them, even the idea of being a part of the family was a strange enough concept that Chris wasn’t sure how to take it and what exactly that entailed. "And what happens when I should leave… can I really still come and see you and Connor?" It wasn’t any sort of ‘if’ he happens to leave, or ‘when he has to’ leave, it was merely the point where he knew he’d stayed more then long enough and the time had come for when little option was left but to return back to his mother and back to where he belonged… But it was so hard to think about leaving all this, what if his mother didn’t want him to come back and see them, she never really liked Chris staying elsewhere if she was around and not out with some other guy. Missy was very much the type of misery that loved company kind of person and she’d rather her son be with her instead of with even his uncles who could offer a distraction from the hunger or other problems. But if she wasn’t around then maybe Chris could sneak off for a few days or so just to see Connor and Logan… and Madison and Arisa too if they were around and not doing their own thing as seemed to often be the case. Chris could hide his good clean clothes away and wear other things and before he visited he could go down to the park where they have the public showers to wash off the much that smeared the sport players who frequented the area. The toilets and showers offered an occasional chance to wash and clean, but you’d always have to be careful not to go in at busy hours or then trouble could occur.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
Chris’s smile said it all, lighting up his small face with an enthusiasm that Logan didn’t even try not to catch. Damn it all life was too full of bad things not to seize the good ones when they came your way and with a bit of luck, today he and Chris would be able to do just that.
So it was true to say that there was a certain spring in the usually taciturn Wolverine’s step as they headed through the crowded mall towards the brightly lit shops that he usually avoided as much as possible. The noise wasn’t something he particularly appreciated even if he had become accustomed to working through the pain it caused him and as for the smells…. Logan reminded himself to give the aromatherapy shop a wide berth this time round even if its perfume still assaulted his senses no matter how much he tried to avoid it.
But in the end all that didn’t matter. Ok was as annoying as a mosquito buzzing round his head, and one that he could never swat to boot, but that barely even dented the anticipation he felt as he walked through the milling families with Chris in tow. He hadn’t been sure how all this would go down but now he had to admit that he had a good feeling about it. As if for once he was about to get something right! And god knows that in itself would be a welcome change.
There really were a lot of people out around. Instinctively Logan moved closer to the boy not yet sufficiently sure of himself or their relationship to offer a hand to be held but careful not to lose track of him for an instant. This was a nice stress free outing, or at least that’s what it was meant to be, but he was still Wolverine and his children had been taken far to often, even if never on his watch, for him ever to get complacent But then again didn’t all parents do the same?
"What does improvise mean?" Chris asked suddenly looking up at Logan questioningly. Had he been wondering about that all this time. He really was a funny kid. Bright as a button, that was clear. Spontaneous in his affection. But when it came to questions…….. They were slow to come and sometimes oddly mature when they did. As if he was half afraid to ask but in the end realised that he couldn’t do otherwise. Though this one at least was innocuous enough! Unlike the one that followed it. "And what happens when I should leave… can I really still come and see you and Connor?"
That was something he had to have been worrying about, it stood to reason. Indeed it was because he knew both Chris and Conner were concerned about the answer that he had decided to make this journey today. To make the he had made promise a little more real. To let them know that he at least was committed to keeping them in each others lives no matter what happened in the search for Chris’s parents. “Improvise, Chris, Logan began “means…… well its like we did back there with the bottle.. The kittens needed something to drink out of and we didn’t have anything. So I used what came to hand and made them one. Its…… he hesitated again thinking it out… making something up when you have to.
Take you living with us for example. Logan went on seriously When you came we didn’t have a room for you so we improvised. We put a bed in with Connor and that’s all well and good but it’s hardly a permanent solution. And we need one, since you’re one of the family now .. even if that doesn’t mean that your not part of your own family as well.
“That’s why I brought you out here, he told Chris with a smile “so that we can buy you your own things. And when we get back, well, if all goes to plan there should be some changes in the apartment. Maybe even a room waiting, beside Connors. One that will be all yours forever, whether you’re staying with us or coming to visit! Now,” Logan reached out and tousled Chris hair gently as he had used to do with Connor when he was little ” would we do that if we didn’t want you around?”
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Improvise, Chris," Connor’s father began, "means…… well its like we did back there with the bottle.. The kittens needed something to drink out of and we didn’t have anything. So I used what came to hand and made them one. Its……" Realization dawned as it suddenly made so much more sense, the answer was there right in front of him and he hadn’t noticed! Words and phrases could be so complicated at times but so simple as well! Logan didn’t mind too much in answering the questions that came so easily to Chris’s lips, all Chris had to do was make sure he didn’t ask something that would be something he’d definitely should know… something only a homeless child couldn’t possibly know, but a ‘privileged’ one as his mother called them would undoubtedly know for sure… If only Chris knew how to tell between what one would definitely know and what one wouldn’t. "making something up when you have to." Making it up? … Was Chris improvising then in playing Connor’s brother? A serious game of dress up wearing different cleaner clothes and pretending to be someone entirely different, at least as far as pretending he wasn’t really from where he was, personality wise, Chris wasn’t sure he knew how to be anyone else other then himself. Although he hadn’t gotten into any serious trouble like when he was on the streets, Chris didn’t like taking from people, but sometimes the only food you could find was that left on tables and more often then not it was being abandoned anyway.
"Take you living with us for example." Thoughtful eyes lifted to Logan’s, inquisitive thoughts moving from one set to another and leaving the boy full of curious considerations. "When you came we didn’t have a room for you so we improvised. We put a bed in with Connor and that’s all well and good but it’s hardly a permanent solution. And we need one, since you’re one of the family now .. even if that doesn’t mean that your not part of your own family as well." The nine year old felt… he wasn’t sure how he felt, sometimes it made kids seem insensitive or emotionless when in truth they were all still just getting used to some of the more extreme emotions. How do you react to a comment like that? To be given a full fledged family, father figure and siblings included with little family pets added into the mix?
"That’s why I brought you out here," The reasoning didn’t really make a lot of sense to Chris, why was coming here some sort of sign of all that was going on? Well… families did this sort of thing didn’t they? "so that we can buy you your own things. And when we get back, well, if all goes to plan there should be some changes in the apartment. Maybe even a room waiting, beside Connors. One that will be all yours forever, whether you’re staying with us or coming to visit! Now," A room of his own? A whole room just for him!! To stay or to visit… if Chris never told them about where he lived, then he could live with them? But… chris couldn’t leave his mother, what would happen to her? It was his job to be around when she returned, she had to have someone to return to or she’d be lonely. But the offer was there… that made him feel… really important right now. "would we do that if we didn’t want you around?" …The boy supposed not… people didn’t usually do such things for strangers, the boy gave a smile up at Logan, the ruffled hair just another thing that screamed for Chris to realize he really liked just how things were right there and right then.
"..Thank you." It seemed the only thing Chris could possibly conceive to say, nothing else seemed fitting but then neither did that. What more could be said or done? "You don’t need to spend anything on me, I don’t need much." And what he did need Chris could easily find scattered around like he’d always done, if a new bed was needed then somewhere in the city was an old couch or the like being tossed away, or something else just as soft, on the rare occasions one might even be lucky enough to find a mattress! "I can… improvise!" The youth added with a proud grin, using the world to fit his own abilities of doing so.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
As he had been speaking Logan had picked up on the boy’s reactions. “He’s like a wolf cub” Logan thought suddenly , sensing Chris’s tentative approach to things that should have come naturally to a child who had been raised with all the advantages modern life now offered them. Sniffing round the territory! Waiting for some trap to spring! But still open to the idea of delight and happiness!
And it seemed that Chris, whatever his history might have been, or how badly Almarie had messed with his head, was willing to give this new life he had inexplicably fallen into a chance. No matter how transitory the present living arrangements might turn out to be. Still by making a concrete place for him in their home Logan was at least offering him a tangible promise of commitment. And, unlike his own children , Chris had no layers of family history to fight his way through before accepting.
"..Thank you." the youngster said simply before adding “You don’t need to spend anything on me, I don’t need much.". There wasn’t any inferiority complex lurking behind the words. That was something Logan, even with his less than prefect communisations skills could detect. The boy wasn’t being self effacing. He was just stating a fact. Chris was a survivor. Maybe that was what made him such a perfect fit for Connor. And for Logan too, for that matter!
Indeed the boy was more than economical with everything except his emotions .Those he offered freely, spreading a wave of enthusiasm and devotion across Wolverine’s clan that had been sadly lacking for too long. If they only knew how to take advantage of it that was. Well maybe they would if he stayed long enough. Though that was far from being the only reason that Logan found himself wanting this inoffensive cuckoo in the nest to hang around!
Chris was bright. His next words only went to confirm that, showing that he had not only assimilated the meaning of this new word he had encountered from what Logan had tried to explain, but also that he had the wit to use his newly acquired knowledge . !
“I can… improvise!" Chris announced with the same smile that had, against his better judgement won Logan’s heart already. This time it showed as Wolverine joined in with his own laughter. “Of course you can“ he told Chris with a warm smile that somehow looked as comfortable upon his face, once you knew it could be found there that was, as any savage snarl.” But this time you don’t have too.
“I don’t want you to just make do Chris.” Wolverine went on as they neared the furniture shop with its window displays of comfortable sofas and themed bedrooms. “I want you to get things you really like, so that you feel at home. That’s what would make me happy Ok? .
“And besides…” Logan added frankly “it would help Connor a lot if you did. He’s so worried that you might suddenly disappear from his life. Seeing you set up with your own things would go a long way to putting his mind at rest. So let’s have a look inside, shall we. Wolverine said smiling at the boy. “and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy. ”
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Of course you can" Laughed the older man, a smile continuing to linger contently upon the often rugged features, "But this time you don’t have too." This time? Chris wondered if Logan new how often in Chris’s past that he had indeed needed to make do or suffer both disappointments and discomforts. "I don’t want you to just make do Chris." He continued, trying to explain something to Chris that seemed very important, so even as they neared the store whose windows displayed bright and colourful set ups, to more toned layouts and so distracting to the eyes, Chris fought to look once again up at Logan. "I want you to get things you really like, so that you feel at home. That’s what would make me happy Ok?"Something I really like? Chris pondered the comment and looked back towards the store, What would make me feel like home? How did something make a home feel like home? He just wanted to make them all happy, he didn’t want to get in their way or upset them, But it’ll make him happy, Came another thought as chris stared over the displays they were approaching.
"And besides…" Young eyes looked back up at Logan as they moved, "it would help Connor a lot if you did. He’s so worried that you might suddenly disappear from his life. Seeing you set up with your own things would go a long way to putting his mind at rest. So let’s have a look inside, shall we."He thinks I’ll disappear? Chris felt sad at hearing that, to know that Connor was worried and that there was little Chris could say against Connor’s fear’s, because Chris wasn’t any more certain about it all. The idea that both Logan and Connor would somehow be happier because Chris gets things here today with Logan seemed to make this outing even more important, it was now a mission of mercy more then anything! "and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy." The smiling face of the young boy peered brightly at Logan, a cheerful "Ok!" coming through before attention was focused towards the shops and all those inside it.
Chris almost felt his jaw drop slightly inside the store, so many beds, so many countless beds! It was like one of those special shelters that offered protection on the really cold nights, like during Christmas! But those beds had more often then not just been old foam mattresses thrown on the ground, with old sheets, some of which had been stained or torn despite the attempts of keeping them clean over the years. Everyone was looking over the various displays, some were walking along the walls where things were neatly stored away, some were looking at shelves and others were examining books, which Chris couldn’t see had images of display set ups to help people pick and choose from more variety then what was shown on the actual store displays. Brown eyes moved from one ground of people nearby to another, one family in particular seemed to be causing a slight disturbance in one of the nearby displays, two kids were climbing over it and their parents were picking each of them off the now disturbed bed setting and carrying their protesting forms back to their prams.
While Logan led Chris into the store, Chris himself was more curious at watching the others directly around them then at the items on display. One girl not too far in front of them was ducking through people who were crowding around one of the front baskets holding a few reduced to clear items, he’d noticed she’d gotten split up from the adult with her. Chris just assumed it was the girls mother, who held out her hand and allowed the girl about Chris’s age take hold of it, it was just like outside in the car park, with that girl and that older woman, both who held hands. It wasn’t uncommon of course, Chris never really thought about it much, his mother was never one to drag him from place to place, so he couldn’t really remember many times he’d needed to be guided safely like that. Connor had held Chris’s hand once or twice, but usually it was brief and for a specific reason… it was different, it was impossible to explain, and almost too unfathomable for Chris to put meaning to any of it.
A long moment was then lost with Chris’s eyes staring at Logan’s hand, watching as it moved with every step. There was a mixture of emptiness and thought upon Chris’s face, of curiosity and indifference, a confusing blend that coated his features as raw emotions ran ever deep as always behind his young face. Small fingers lifted slowly, barely hesitating as they carefully slipped themselves into Logan’s palm, taking hold of the larger hand just as a voice called out and caused the youthful face to turn back and look for who called out.
"You can’t go in there,"Is he talking to me? The youngster thought with an air of worry to his inward thought, "Come on, we’re going home," A young boy of about four years was scooped up nearby, the man not seeming as old as Logan but an adult definitely, most likely the boys father, carried the toddler off. Leaving Chris to stare onwards in distant thoughts, "A room for me," Whispered Chris to himself, his thoughts seemed to rush away on their own, leaving only debris for Chris to struggle with as fragments of thoughts came and left, "What else makes a home?" The thought was even softer spoken, trying to figure out if there was an answer somewhere in what little knowledge he held…Is it somewhere warm? Or a place that has a special item inside of it? Chris wondered, Or just somewhere with family? All these few years of his life and Chris was sure that nothing in this store could give him the same comforts that Logan and Connor had already provided. What did they have that Chris didn’t have… but that was so many things! What did they have then that seemed really important? I know! Chris thought back to the very first thing Logan had done with Chris and Connor when arriving… photos! They looked at photos! As if the photos were all the proof one needed to know everything, to show their life, to remind what was forgotten… yes, they were important! Where do photo’s come from?"You have photos in all your rooms… could I have a photo in my room? If I had a photo, it would become my home, won’t it?"
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
There were kids everywhere, laughing, getting into mischief , doing all the things that kids usually did even if their parents didn’t want them too. Normal families with normal lives. Maybe even too normal for some of them. Maybe they went to bed at night wishing for something extraordinary to happen. Some great gust of excitement to suddenly sweep in and shake things up a bit. If only they knew that what they had was every mutants dream. And perhaps, Logan thought as he felt Chris’s hand slip into his own, it was at least one little non mutants dream as well.
Wolverine gave the boys hand a gentle squeeze to let him know it was exactly where it should be and continued holding it reassuringly as they passed through the crowd, watching the young father and his child make their exit. Knowing that to anyone who saw them they probably looked as much of a family as they did. Though, Logan thought with rueful acceptance, he sure as hell didn’t look as respectable.
"A room for me," he heard the youngster say softly as if it was some wondrous idea he could not come to terms with. "What else makes a home?" Ah now that was one question Logan wasn’t sure he could answer.. though he would have given it a shot. In the end he realised the answer though was probably different for each person. For Wolverine, who had for so long lived without one there were some fundamental ingredients. People you loved. That above all else. Then.. safety! Being able to close the door at night and know that you could sleep without fear either for you or your family. Memories!
Those were what gave a place its soul. All the things you had done there. Everything that had happened to you, both good and bad. Material things could sometimes hold those memories for you and that in turn made them precious. Connors first football. An old stuffed toy of Arisa’s. The ribbons Madison used to let him tie in her hair all those long years ago. Oh god, an old jumper of Michelle’s that even now held her scent! That was, in Logan’s mind, the smell of home.
Chris would have to find his own definition and at his age that wasn’t always easy. Though from what he said next Logan was sure their vision wasn’t too far apart. “You have photos in all your rooms… could I have a photo in my room?” Logan gazed down at the boy with understanding. The memories that were so important to him were indeed made visible by those snapshots, moments of his familiy’s life caught in the cameras eye for all time. Without them, no matter how hard he tried to hold on to it, Logan knew that he would have lost Michelle’s smile forever. Just as he would have lost the vision of those seemingly few moments of grace he had shared with his children.
“If I had a photo, it would become my home, won’t it?" the boy asked him earnestly and Logan didn’t hesitate to reply. “ Sure it would Chris. That’s a great idea. But you’ll need some new ones of course. Ones with you in them as well! And others that you’ve taken yourself. “ Wolverine grinned at the youngster. “ Looks like we should add a camera to that shopping list! “
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Sure it would Chris. That’s a great idea. But you’ll need some new ones of course. Ones with you in them as well! And others that you’ve taken yourself." The older man looked down at Chris with such a kindness that inevitable questions were stilled in the youths mind as he stared up curiously. "Looks like we should add a camera to that shopping list!" A camera? Like Connor’s? The boy’s lips parted slightly in awe, staring at Logan as if he were discussing some almost absurd topic that left Chris torn between uncertain wonder and disbelief. He wouldn’t reply to that, he couldn’t, if he agreed, was that being selfish and if he said no… was that being rude?
Instead Chris allowed his eyes to quickly get distracted by the display beds, a focus devoted on the main goal of this mission and trying not to let Logan get carried away… Chris had heard about people who get all excited about new kids and new pets and spoil them and love them and then get bored and tired and while Logan didn’t seem the type… Chris wasn’t sure what the type usually looked like; it was best not to take advantage, he couldn’t say yes to everything he was offered.
But imagine if he had something like a camera! He’d never seen a camera before, not like Connor’s, at least not that he remembered, maybe briefly in the shops windows… though if he showed his mother she’d take it from him, Chris knew she would, she’d take it and trade it for something else, like money so she can buy things. The thought almost upset Chris, it wasn’t hers to trade away, but Missy had said if he ever got hold of something he had to give it to her so she could try and get money or food or something better with it. Sometimes people left things laying around, sometimes Missy got hold of things and told Chris that the people it belonged to didn’t need it like they needed it. But once Missy had taken a phone, and it had rung and rung while she was off finding food and Chris finally answered even though Missy told him not to play with it, usually she turned things off. The girl on the other end sounded so relieved that someone answered and was saying how much she was freaking it was lost and asking if they could meet up somewhere to hand her the phone.
Missy had found him and hanged up on her and told him over and over about how she’d have a new one given to her soon enough and that he shouldn’t feel bad because they needed it and the spoiled kid didn’t. Sometimes when Missy spoke she made everything sound so right when part of Chris knew they were wrong, wrong but necessary, he could tell by her voice and behaviour, perhaps because she was guilty he didn’t get so angry with her.
There was a very sporty set up, popular for young boys, though when Chris stared at it his eyes saw not the fun shaped racer bed with side panels to make it like one of the speeding cars like what was pictured on the blankets and pillows. Instead Chris saw the white van, tatty and rusted, unkempt and cold, sometimes Missy called it a tin coffin when she was angry, but it was warmer then the cardboard homes some of the others lived in, and Missy had to fight for it, that van had been where Chris was born… but sometimes a drunk or worse slithered inside and stayed for a night or for days before vanishing off once again. Despite the dazzling looks another boy was giving the set up, Chris eyed it wearily, he didn’t mind not sleeping in a car, or on a mouldy mattress, or in a pile of dirty old sheets thrown together. He furrowed his brow, looking away to some other displays, some were colourful, some were bland, Chris wasn’t sure which he preferred. The earthy colours were nice, the reds and blacks were nice too, so where the brown and golds… some seemed far too rich for him, some were so basic that seemed almost disappointing to the eyes.
While Chris occasionally commented on his thoughts towards on thing or another, he didn’t seem to really give much, it was clear the boy wasn’t sure what he was looking for, all he knew was what impressions he got from whatever he saw. Some impressions were strong, some were good, and some weren’t special at all, it was easier just to walk around and poke through the different designs. There was one based on African animals, with zebra’s, giraffes and elephants, none of which Chris had ever seen before, he decided it was one he liked, all with earthy hues save for the tones of the animals, the grey of the elephant, the black and white of the zebra and the oranges of the giraffe. Next to it sat a bed with similar sandy tones, but with wisps of sand caught on a wind, the centre of the blanket started to darken into deep misty velvet blue to depict a night sky smeared with a pale brownish white fog and stars and a moon, with the head of a howling wolf obscuring a part of the scene and covering half the lower blanket. It was finely details, with faint web like patters faint in the background, the frame running along the outer doona had running wolves, with small feathers hanging from the frame separating the small running wolves from the rest of the picture, their hues like that of autumn and reminded Chris of the leaves once they lost their green lustre.
"I like those dogs," Pointing to the wolves, clueless as to the theme based lightly on an Indian influence, Chris then hesitated, looking over to another set he had eyed before. "But I’m not sure," Came the thoughtful consideration as Chris eyed them both, the other wasn’t as detailed, the main colour was red in the doona, with black Japanese symbols, random in their choosing, scattered neatly over the fabric. The base sheet was black, and one of the pillows was black and the other red with an oval outlined with two thin black lines that had a large symbol in the centre meaning ‘dreams’. It was more mature then the other one, yet he seemed strangely drawn to it regardless, he seemed to find the red and black set appealing, just as he was drawn to the earthy colours… but how to choose? Chris wasn’t used to colours, not like that, though a lot of muck came in various hues of brown, red and black was strange and new and crispy clean and neat and… Cool… yet warm at the same time, soothing and inspiring, Chris looked back at the wolves, he liked the animal, but… there was something comforting he found in the other one the more he thought about it. A small finger pointed out towards the Asian styled set up as Chris decided.
"I think I like that one… is that a good one?" Of course Chris didn’t know what any of the scribbles meant, nor did he realize it was actually another language he’d never seen before. They looked strange and strangely cool, it wasn’t too bright, nor was it full of clutter that made Chris feel as if it was more something to stare at then to actually mess up by sleeping in it. "Will Connor be happy if I have that one? And it’s not so bright so if I get pictures people will see them, they will see all my pictures really well," It would make sense that Chris, as a child, would be drawn to something with pictures, children loved that sort of thing commonly, it was unusual for one so young to be drawn to something more 'mature themed' one could possibly call it... But chris liked the darker colours, it wasn't so intrusive, so bold, yet still held an elegence he wouldn't manage to appreciate till he was older. It was strange and alien just as most of the stuff around him, but it was dark and comforting and gentle as well as crisp. It was like nothing he had ever seen before, and part of the youth could see Connor at home in a similar set up, which made it feel all the more comforting. Only none of the other kids seemed interested in it, which had Chris wondering, they all liked the brightly coloured displays, splattered with animals and characters that chris had little hope of knowing or associating with as the other children did, all of the other youngsters seemed delighted by the flare of colours. It was alright, Chris supposed, but in the end it was too much... he'd be scared of touching things that looked so over the top, if he dirtied it people could tell, unlike where he grew up, it was hard to see fresh dirt when something was already filthy.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
Chris’s eyes opened so wide at the thought of a camera that Logan thought the rest of his face might disappear altogether and yet he didn’t say a word. Logan understood him though. This was a biggie for the kid. And when something was that big sometimes words just got in the way. So the sudden switch of attention was to be expected. He was starting with something small so that he could work up to taking it all in. And that was just fine with Wolverine.
Not that choosing the bed was all that small in itself. Chris gave it his full attention, his young face set in serious lines as he walked through the display looking at the coloured bedding. "I like those dogs, . "But I’m not sure," he announced as he passed a romanticised depiction of a wolf howling at the moon. “I like those dogs too* Wolverine thought with a grin.*Sometimes I like them better than humans. Thankfully though, not always* Still the wolves were disregarded in favour of something equally striking if very different. "I think I like that one… Chris said pointing towards a Japanese ensemble, the ideogram for ‘dream’ for once accurately reproduced on the pillows. “is that a good one”
Logan wasn’t a great believer in omens, he preferred to make his own destiny but even he couldn’t help but be struck by the fact that this child had been attracted to things which represented the two major poles of his own existence. The wilderness where he had run with his own pack and the eastern land that had given him his training as a samourai!
Will Connor be happy if I have that one? “ the boy asked anxiously “And it’s not so bright so if I get pictures people will see them, they will see all my pictures really well,"So they will Logan said encouragingly. “and I’m sure Connor will like it too. Now all we have to do is find the right bed to put it on. It had been obvious enough that the boy had only been taking the linen into consideration never thinking of what exactly he would be sleeping on. Logan looked round the store his eyes coming to rest on a combination bed that made him grin at least. “Hey Chris what about this one over here.”
It was apart from the traditional beds, over by the rest of the bedroom furniture. The bed itself sat high where a top bunk would have been in bunk beds but underneath instead were bookshelves and a settee that could be pulled down to form a double bed. Built into the side was a desk complete with chair and some drawers for the inevitable paper and pencils that would no doubt accumulate and also the ladder to get up to bed safely. It was stylish and compact and.. hell it was fun! Or at least Logan thought so.
As they stood looking at it a shop assistant wandered over asking if there was anything she could do to help them. “Yeah” Logan told her “We’re looking for some new bedroom stuff and my son here would like to climb up and see if this is comfortable. If that’s ok with you? “ Sensing the very real possibility of a sale the young woman was of course only to happy oblige so Logan turned to Chris with a smile and said Ok Chris.. up you go and let me know what you think!
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"So they will" It was an agreement that swelled Chris with a sense of pride, "and I’m sure Connor will like it too. Now all we have to do is find the right bed to put it on." In all honesty, Chris had expected that the bed would come with the sheets and covers, so he seemed surprised that the search wasn’t yet done. For a moment he wondered guiltily about the kittens back at the car, they had water but what if they were getting hungry? For a moment he stared at the bed and thought, it was nice hanging around with Logan, and surely Logan wouldn’t stay so long and forget about the little kittens, but before Chris could ask about them Logan’s voice pulled the youth from his ponderings. "Hey Chris what about this one over here." Soft doe eyes turned curiously towards where the elder man had pointed, and while Chris had seen few beds in his life, the one singled out was far different to even the few he had seen.
The ladder was stared at, a small thoughtful smile curved Chris’s lips as he remembered all the ladders he had ever scaled trying to find somewhere warm to spend the night. The smile slowly faded, usually his mother followed closely behind him, but she wasn’t here now, she’d never follow him up that ladder. They were closer and closer and Chris suddenly found himself staring up at it, taking the set up in and eyeing all that it had to offer. It’s always safer up high, he thought, thinking back to what his mother used to say when winter chilled the air and frost started to cover everything. Chris was staring over the desk when the woman came, he was thinking of all the things he’d seen on Connor’s desk in the room they had shared, thought about how Connor would sit there to do his homework, scribbling and reading and fussing over papers and books for classes he took.
"Yeah" Only half a mind was listening to the conversation as Chris tried to picture himself laying there, a month before he’d never dare to hold eye contact with it, if you did people thought you’d get up to no good. Sure he could understand that down at the café’s and restaurants, but some of the other places had windows and bars and security, they still got nasty and rude if you stared at their stuff… well… if people like Chris stared at their stuff in any case. "We’re looking for some new bedroom stuff and my son here would like to climb up and see if this is comfortable. If that’s ok with you?" If Logan had realized what he had done or not Chris wasn’t sure, but half way through speaking the boy had stared at Logan, instantly, as if unsure on what was said, as if another language was spitting out from the feral’s lips. All thoughts seemed to scatter, and part of Chris screamed to look away just as Logan turned to face him, and yet his body seemed not to want to obey, leaving an astounded expression staring back up at the other man. "Ok Chris.. up you go and let me know what you think!"Why did you tell her I was your son? He wanted to blurt it out, to look more flustered and confused then he seemed able to right now, but he couldn’t ask that in front of her, not without letting her know Logan had lied. Is that how you think of me… or was it just easier to lie? Sometimes Missy said it was easier to lie to people then to get into the honest details, sometimes people didn’t care, and trying to explain things just annoyed them. A lie made it quick and simple and sometimes people were happier or grateful for it.
"It’s perfect," The words seemed smooth enough, and yet it took so much effort just to get them out. "I like to climb," Though right now his legs felt like they were glued to the floor as he stared at Logan, managing eventually to drop them to his feet so not to be gaping at the man’s face stupidly. It was true though, Chris loved to climb, and he was good too, he could climb trees in the park faster then any of the others he had ever raced, save for this one girl who was almost just as fast as him, he didn’t remember her name, just that her arms and legs were longer. I should climb it like he asked. Again he eyed the desk, suddenly wondering if they’d expect him to read and write and slave over sheets upon sheets of work like Logan’s other kids were doing. For a moment he was suddenly scared on what would happen when they discovered he couldn’t read or write like they could, he couldn’t do the work that Connor or the other girls did. What if they realized where he came from? They’d think he was foul and disgusting and smelly and nothing but a homeless hoodlum, some people had the most horrid of things to say some of which Chris didn’t know what it really meant, just that it was bad and they wanted to be hurtful.
"It’s safest up high." Came the soft whisper of agreement, maybe that’s what Logan thought too, maybe Logan wanted him to be safe? They can’t hurt you if they can’t reach you. Not that anyone in the school ever seemed to try and hurt him, and if they did, Connor and Logan would watch for him, Chris was sure they would. And maybe… once he had a desk, maybe then he could learn to read and write like the others, he could teach himself, he could spend every night teaching himself. It didn’t seem so hard… Chris eyed the bed as if it were an answer to something he’d been seeking, because with his own room and his own desk he could try and learn in secret, no one would have to know, they’d never be ashamed if they didn’t know, and as his mother always said… little lies never hurt.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
"It’s perfect,"*Yeah right! And I’m a top model’Logan thought to himself as he looked at Chris in concern. It was obvious that something was wrong, though for the life of him Wolverine couldn’t think what. Not straight off that was. Though the penny soon dropped, even as Chris managed to rally a little and add I like to climb
How could he have been so stupid! Calling Chris his son! It had just been easier to play along to the shop assistants natural assumption, verbally making them into the family unit she so evidently took them to be. But what about the boy! Here he was lost and separated from any family he may have had, wondering if he would ever get back to them and now Logan wasn’t only setting up house for him but ‘adopting’ him out of hand, as if there was no going back to his old life at all. No wonder he freaked out. Even if he hid it well.
It was of course par for the course. Just when things were going well Logan could always be counted on to put his foot in it! Or so he told himself. Though Chris , to give him his due, hadn’t started yelling or stormed off as Wolverine’s own children would all to readily have done. Instead he stood quietly, coming to terms with what had been said in his own way, still looking at the offered bed as if it was some kind of mystery object in a games show, whose function he had to guess.
The silence was almost becoming awkward, the assistant puzzled and unsettled by the boys reaction , when finally Chris spoke again, his words not exactly reassuring her, even if he did look happier. "It’s safest up high." he said quietly
‘and the winner of the child abuser of the year award goes to……..’ Logan may have been paranoid but still he hadn’t imagined the look of questioning concern that flashed over the girls face at Chris’ comment. ‘Nightmares’ he whispered softly to the waiting assistant. “Monsters under the bed and all that. Part of the reason that we’re changing the room around.” Logan gave her a smile which thankfully she returned , his explanation apparently having soothed any suspicions she might have had sufficiently for him to add. That I want to be extra sure we get the right bed, and since he’s a bit shy…. would you mind if we looked at it a bit on our own. I’ll get back to you as soon as we make a decision one way or the other? ”
The young woman nodded in understanding and moved away to give them some space. As soon as she had Logan sat down on the couch and faced Chris saying. “I’m sorry Chris I shouldn’t have said that. About you being my son I mean. I know you’re not and that you have your own family out there somewhere. And we will get you back to them I promise. Its just that…. “
Had Chris’s parents explained about things like this to him. The whole ‘don’t get into cars with strange men speech?’ Logan guessed he was about to find out as he continued with a sigh. “ people might think its weird , me buying a bed for a boy whose not a relative. And while you and I know that you're safe with me and Connor they might not understand why you're stating with us.So.... this way they wont ask questions and we can go on having a nice day. And hopefully buying some nice things as well. ”.
“Like this” Wolverine gestured towards the bed unit “if you really want it. Or any other one you like better. Though “ Logan tried to lighten the mood again “This sofa is seriously comfy. You really should check out the bed and see if it is as well!” .
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Nightmares" the word just caught Chris’s hearing, and the youth chewed his lip awkwardly, wondering how Logan knew he sometimes had bad dreams, then again everyone had bad dreams, even Connor was having bad dreams lately! "Monsters under the bed and all that. Part of the reason that we’re changing the room around." Monsters under the bed? Were there monsters under the bed? That seemed silly… then again so did being able to copy the super powers of mutants like Connor and Madison, that was strange too, so maybe monsters under the bed was just as possible? Chris stood a moment perplexed with the idea, ignoring what else was said between Logan and the other woman, keeping a distracted focus until Logan went to sit on the couch. If Chris’s mother had tried to sit there, Chris was sure she’d have been screamed at and chased from the shops by now, Logan looked instead so very comfortable in his right to be there… even if he didn’t look comfortable about whatever had him take a seat.
"I’m sorry Chris I shouldn’t have said that. About you being my son I mean. I know you’re not and that you have your own family out there somewhere. And we will get you back to them I promise. Its just that…."He shouldn’t have said it. The words echoed hurtfully inside, Chris couldn’t even look at Logan for a moment, staring down at the group really focused and hoping he would just break apart into tears. He wasn’t a baby, Logan wasn’t his father, of course Logan wouldn’t want to call him a son, he couldn’t do half of what Connor could, in fact there was very little Chris could do that the others could, even Lily-Rose could read and write, even if it was messy she could still write, she was younger then him! Would Missy even know he was gone? Sometimes she was gone for weeks, it depended if she found someone really nice or not, and how much they didn’t like kids, most of her friends didn’t seem to like kids, she never let Chris meet any of them. And his father, the guy either didn’t know Chris was alive or didn’t care, and it was hard to choose which one was more upsetting.
"people might think its weird , me buying a bed for a boy whose not a relative. And while you and I know that you're safe with me and Connor they might not understand why you're stating with us.So.... this way they wont ask questions and we can go on having a nice day. And hopefully buying some nice things as well." Brow furrowed slightly with inward protest, what did it matter what other people though; he was tired worrying about them! He didn’t care about them, they were never nice anyway! You just had to put up with it and get on with things, you end up curled away crying so much your eyes turn red and puffy! What if Chris asked Logan not to buy anything more? Would that change anything? Would that make it better? Maybe his mother wouldn’t mind if Chris let Logan calling him son, maybe then it wouldn’t be awkward for Logan, because Chris’s mother would have to give permission, Chris would beg her till she agreed. Though for Logan to get the permission he’d need, then Connor’s father would have to go see Missy and then Logan would see where Chris was from and then Logan would never want to see him again.
"Like this" Chris glanced up, distracted by his own thoughts and eyeing the bed only briefly. "if you really want it. Or any other one you like better. Though" It was difficult to think about it, the bed was nice enough, but… " This sofa is seriously comfy. You really should check out the bed and see if it is as well!" Slowly Chris shuffled himself towards the couch, taking a seat beside Logan and seeming to half-heartedly examine it… It was hard to say something wasn’t comfortable when your bed was usually nothing more then collected rags or the hard floor. "It’s better then anything I remember having before," It was evasive enough not to be a lie without having to be super honest either, though worry etched its way thoroughly into his thoughts, if Logan felt it wrong to call him son but do it anyway in public.. Then what about Connor? "…Is that why Connor still calls me his brother, just because it would be weird if he didn’t?"
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
This really wasn’t going the way he had hoped it would. When he had planned the outing he had imagined a happy Chris by his side, not one who looked as if he was on the verge of tears. The situation was so damned awkward though, not knowing where the boy was from or what exactly he had to go back to. If anything, that was!
Sometimes Logan was convinced that the boy had been as much a stray as the kittens they had just found. But then there were other times, like a few moments ago when Chris’ reactions had him convinced that there was really a loving family out there waiting to get their son back. If only Chris would open up a little! Give them some clue that they could work with. Logan was convinced that he could., if he really wanted too
Things he said. Questions he asked. They all set off little alarm bells in Wolverine’s head, telling him that perhaps the amnesia Chris was supposed to be suffering from had either lessened or disappeared completely. But if that was true then it raised the issue of why he didn’t want to talk about his past. Logan sighed. Awkward didn’t even begin to describe the situation. And he was probably the least qualified person to try to work his way through it. Hell he couldn’t even buy the kid a present without it turning into major drama.
Even now, Chris was looking at the proffered bed with about as much enthusiasm as a vegetarian in a butchers shop. "It’s better then anything I remember having before," he announced finally in a subdued little voice. And there it was again. That reference to memory that set Logan’s instincts tingling. It was so nearly a confession that Chris’s past was there and ready to be revealed and yet at the same time it was just ambiguous enough to stop Logan from seizing on it. Not that here and now was the ideal time and place to do that anyway. Even he wasn’t that insensitive. And besides the boy was upset enough as it was, though once again Logan didn’t know why.
He found out soon enough though. "…Is that why Connor still calls me his brother, just because it would be weird if he didn’t?" Chris asked him sadly. “Lord kid no..” Logan answered, turning towards him in concern. “that’s not it at all. Connor does and always will consider you to be his brother. We all do. Like I said before” Wolverine went on “ you’re part of the family now and that’s not going to change. No matter what. Its just that” Logan hoped for once that he had found the right words for the situation. “You’ve got two families now. The one you had before and this one. With me and Connor.
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Lord kid no.. " It seemed as if Chris had asked the most silly of serious questions, one whose answer should have been obvious and relief was already settling in even as Logan continued to explain. "that’s not it at all. Connor does and always will consider you to be his brother. We all do. Like I said before" The feral insisted, "you’re part of the family now and that’s not going to change. No matter what. Its just that" At this point Chris was once again looking at Logan, a sense of silliness feeling as if it was washing over the boy and yet relief still evident as any fears of paranoia were brushed aside so effectively. "You’ve got two families now. The one you had before and this one. With me and Connor." There was a pause in which Chris appeared to be thoughtful, brief and swiftly brushed aside, but noticeable and the instant it passed the boy’s arms seemed to be thrown about Logan in a firm hold.
"I think you have to be one of the best dads ever," If it was true or not, Chris didn’t have the needed info to truly tell, and yet none of that mattered, not only was Logan strong as he was kind, scary as he was loving, the guy was also as assuring in his own confusion as one would be when knowing all the facts. And that helped make everything seem so much better when assured of how much you really have, even when deep down Logan knew as little about Chris as Connor and the others. When Chris pulled away his attention was thrown back towards the newly offered gift about them, the boy’s eyes examining swiftly over the framework and all it offered. "Would I get to try sleeping in this tonight or would it take a while to get it back there?" He wanted to show Connor and see what Madison had to say about it and Arisa if she came by, she had promised to help make him comfortable in the place, she might like to know he had his own bed!
"I don’t mind," The youth added almost too quickly to make sure it wasn’t taken as impatience but solely as curiosity, "I want to show Connor," A slither of excitement crept into the words even as Chris tried to keep it all in check, last thing he wanted to do was bounce around on a high like some of the other kids seemed to do occasionally and get told off for. The thoughts raced his mind again wondering if Connor would be happy Chris got his own bed, Logan’s son had always suggested he really wished chris did so that Chris would feel more at home and now he did! So it was really a good thing, and no matter how strange it seemed or how bad he felt for Logan getting all this stuff, in the end, it was still a really good thing. "Thank you,"
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
The boy was in his arms before he knew what was happening. And for someone with Logan’s’ reactions that was a rare event. Even so.. this was something he hadn’t expected. This sudden display of emotion! But he had to admit that it felt good. "I think you have to be one of the best dads ever Chris told him, the compliment only heightening Wolverine’s belief that the boy hadn’t had the most traditional of upbringings. Otherwise why would that though even have crossed his mind? Still he held Chris close until it was time to let him go, savouring the moment. Drinking in the feeling that for once he might not have been the complete let down his own family had always considered him to be. .
"Would I get to try sleeping in this tonight or would it take a while to get it back there?" Chris asked the excitement Logan had hoped would be there finally echoing in his voice. "I don’t mind, I want to show Connor,"That makes two of us Logan thought to himself, though to be honest Connor’s happiness had become secondary somewhere along the way. Important yes! But not the overriding motivation for this outing!
Chris .. he was.. he had.. taken hold of Logan’s heart. All by himself! Not because Amlarie had made him believe that he was a member of his family. That had been a cruel stunt she had pulled on his son. Did she even know that it would turn into a blessing? Logan doubted it, at least as far as his own implication was concerned that was. After all, if in her eyes he wasn’t a fitting father for his own children, how could she have suspected that he would become attached to a stray?
Wolverine sighed. It just showed how little she really knew about him. For after all hadn’t he proved his dedication again and again. With Jubilee! With Rogue. With Trade! And yet somehow he had never invited them directly into his family as he had with this boy. Ok at first he hadn’t really had a family to invite them into but still, with none of them had he ever assumed the role of father.
Chris was different though. Younger! Already primed to fall into the role of Conner’s brother! And. sad as it may have been to say, with none of the sexual ambiguity that was a by product of living seemingly forever! God, Logan didn’t even want to get into that. It hurt too much. The whole, watching people get older while you stayed the same, thing!
It would happen here. And not just to him. Conner and his daughters hadn’t lived long enough yet to realise what their unnatural longevity actually meant, but they would all too soon And maybe this boy, looking at him with renewed joy, would be the very one to teach them how hard that could be.
It hurt like hell. But what hurt even worse was standing back. Letting life pass you by! Logan had tried both methods and here and now he knew, weighing up all the consequences, what his choice would have to be. So the boys’ thank you ‘ could have been echoed by Logan himself. And for far deeper reasons! “Think nothing of it” he replied gruffly ”And Im sure the vans big enough to take all this stuff back to the apartment.. if they have it in stock that is.”
It didn’t take long to find out that they did, the sales assistant who had been hovering nearby was more than eager to take their order. The bed was safely purchased ,along with a matching wardrobe and chest of drawers not to mention the bed linen that Chris had picked out. previously. It came to a tidy sum but one that Logan’s credit card could easily afford. And it seemed a small price to pay for Chris’s happiness. Arrangements were made for the pick up,the half hour required to get things round to the delivery point not a problem as Logan and Chris still had other things to buy..
“Right” Logan told the boy at his side. “Now we should get the kittens sorted.. and get you that camera we were talking about. It would be fun to take pictures of them settling in, don’t you think? It was clear he was talking about more than the little cats when he added. “I really want them to like ibeing in the appartment. Because its their home now. And I want them to be happy in it. “
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!
“Think nothing of it” It seemed so silly a thing to say, and Chris just smiled as if he were the adult staying down at a boy who's words seemed childish but sweet. Of course Chris would thinks something of this, it was one of the best things he's ever been given aside from Connor....Kittens, beds, new and fresh clothing! It was all so willing sent his way and all the boy could do was gape in confusion over what might be a worth while in form of payment... he'd have to find something, something wonderful. ”And Im sure the vans big enough to take all this stuff back to the apartment.. if they have it in stock that is.” Today? To be honest Chris wasn't sure how it would feel to have all these things to himself, and as he followed Logan in a slight daze of awe the boy seemed a touch closer to Logan then previously. What could Chris possibly find that would make up in wonder for all this? It wasn't like he could hunt the nicer cafes along the road and stalk the tables till someone left some decent leftovers... Logan ate well and so did his family, they lived well and seemed to have all the things they could want as far as possessions went.
“Right” A look of distracted concentration seemed interrupted as Chris looked up at Logan, offering a distracted smile as the boys mind remained too scattered to focus, it was all happening so fast! “Now we should get the kittens sorted.. and get you that camera we were talking about. It would be fun to take pictures of them settling in, don’t you think?” Camera... he really was going to get one? Like one Connor had? Were there different kinds of cameras? It meant that Connor could teach him how to use it and yet the idea also seemed a little wrong...... just because Connor was the one that had the camera, Chris didn't need one, he didn't really deserve it, he hadn't done anything to get all this. But a camera... a chance to capture a memory forever!! “I really want them to like being in the appartment. Because its their home now. And I want them to be happy in it.” For a moment Chris just stared ahead at the motion about them, though once again the youthful eyes peered up at Connor's father, something a little more thoughtful in them as he stared thoughtfully towards the man.
"They'll be happy," The assurance was sincere, Chris would make sure they were ok if the others had to be out doing something, he knew they had duties outside of the apartment but Chris so far didn't have much more to do other then keeping out of trouble and making sure he didn't stray too far from sight. "Connor thinks you try really hard to make it feel like home," He smiled, throwing the hint of kind words Connor had expressed, though Chris really wanted to see where they were going next, he wanted to spend more time outside of the school, he liked Xaviers... but it was nice to get out of the tall walls for a while.... the knowledge he could walk right back in there however did give a great comfort, no doubt. "Are we going to get food for the kittens? What else do we need to find for them?" There was a pause, a brief pause, as if allowing Logan to brace himself and yet giving no warning for the spill of questions to come. "Are you really getting me a camera? A real one? Are you going to show me how to use it? Can I take pictures of anything I want? Could I take a photo of you?"
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!They’ll be happy! This time Logan did get the answer he had been hoping for and with no ‘but’ tacked on to qualify its cheerful affirmation. "Connor thinks you try really hard to make it feel like home," The feral wasn’t quite sure how to react to that comment, though from the smile the boy gave him it was obvious that Chris meant it as a compliment Who knows, maybe Connor really had as well. It would be nice to think that anyway. Nicer still to let go of the nagging voice that always looked for the downside where relations between himself and his children were concerned. The one telling him for example that he shouldn’t have to work hard for the apartment to feel like home, it just should!
*To hell with it* Logan shook himself and grinned down at the boy, deciding that, at least this time, he wasn’t going to let any paranoid self doubt ruin the sweet thing Chris had just told him.And in any case he didn’t have time to dwell on it as the last vestiges of Chris’ shyness fell away and left a barrage of questions in their place. . "Are we going to get food for the kittens? What else do we need to find for them?" the boy asked, before his excitement bubbled over and he added "Are you really getting me a camera? A real one? Are you going to show me how to use it? Can I take pictures of anything I want? Could I take a photo of you?"
“Whoa there”Logan said laughing at Chris’ enthusiasm, You’ll have to go a bit slower if you want any answers! Yes.. food for the kittens is the next stop.. along with something for them to eat it out of, something for them to sleep in and something to carry them around in.. not to mention collars and name tags and such! Logan pointed over at the nearby pet shop with its glitzy show of all things animal related. Reckon we should find what we need over there. And then when we’ve got them sorted out we will go in there
The feral’s finger moved towards the electrical shop a little further along the mall.. “And get you that camera. A real one. Which I will show you how to use, if you want, though you’d be better off asking Connor. He’s the expert in the photography department after all.Wolverine laid his hand on the boys shoulder and smiled again. “And afterwards, kid , you can take as many photos as you like. Even of my ugly mug.. if that’s what you really want”
Re: The Foundations of a New Life.. and a new room!"Whoa there" Called out Logan with a laugh, leaving Chris’s flattering heart to bubble away with slight restrain as the boy silenced himself to listen to what Logan was saying, "You’ll have to go a bit slower if you want any answers! Yes.. food for the kittens is the next stop.. along with something for them to eat it out of, something for them to sleep in and something to carry them around in.. not to mention collars and name tags and such! " It was amazing, so many things that Chris never knew were involved with owning a pet... the stray dogs and cats on the streets never had all this and they seemed fine enough, though often the cats were too wild to get close to Half the things Chris didn’t even know what they’d be for, and he had no idea what a tag was, but it all sounded so important! " Reckon we should find what we need over there. And then when we’ve got them sorted out we will go in there" Youthful brown eyes peered towards the pet store with an eager stare, the boys mind filled with curiosity. He’d seen pet stores at a distance before.. but he’s never been allowed inside one! His mother said it was forbidden to go into the stores lining the streets around where they lived. Stores weren’t for their kind, she always said it as if the people inside were from another world entirely.
"And get you that camera. A real one. Which I will show you how to use, if you want, though you’d be better off asking Connor. He’s the expert in the photography department after all." A hand rested down on Chris’s shoulder, and his eyes drifted from the stores being pointed out to the face looking down at him, leaving Chris to offer an eager awed smile, torn between staring at a distance and wanting to run ahead to see what was finally on the inside of a pet store. "And afterwards, kid, you can take as many photos as you like. Even of my ugly mug.. if that’s what you really want" Anxiously, Chris eyed the store, weighing up the chance he might do something wrong inside to the prospect of getting to see what was inside, and Logan wanted him there to get things for the kittens, and surely Logan would let anyone hurt him in there... some shopkeepers got very defensive of their stores if any of the homeless wandered in. Only.... for now Chris wasn’t homeless... he had Logan’s home, and he had a bedroom in that home, and if he had a bedroom that meant he had a place to call home for now, his mother always did say home was where your head rests... And Chris had his own bed with pillows and blankets to sleep in every night!
"Connor would like that... we could go everywhere together and take photos.." Up until he had to leave... Chris had stayed here for a while... at some point he had to go back to his mother, she’d be getting worried by now, surely, she’d think he was lost or taken or hurt somewhere... Then again, she more likely thought he was off with his uncles, for now he didn’t want to think about it, there was time later to think about all that, for now his mother was probably with her friends... "Photos of everything so it’s never forgotten," The boy added quietly, pushing all thoughts of what he might lose once he leaves here, how would he even tell them? Maybe he shouldn’t... but then Connor might try to look for him, and if they find him... they’d know them, Logan found Connor, maybe Connor would find him, and then everyone would know Chris never had a home, and what if they turned into all those other people on the streets who treated him differently? His mother said it happened all the time to her, she was so well liked if she was clean enough, but then they’d find out she was homeless and they’d have little more to ever do with her. Maybe it wouldn’t be the same here with Logan and Connor... but could he take that risk. Chris’s small hand reached for Logan’s sleep and his other hand motioned towards the pet shop, "Kittens first?" Quizzed almost rhetorically due to the fact that the boy seemed to be drifting towards the pet store anyway with Logan in tow, "They shouldn’t be left alone too long, they’ve had a big day today," So had he, but it was always so much easier to see the plight of others, at least for Chris the kittens seemed more important than any promise of further gifts. There was still a few things that needed to be done and the sooner they did it all, the sooner they’d get back to the cats.. and the sooner they’d get home so Chris could tell Connor all about it.
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