Inner Conflicts

Inner Conflicts -- Part 13 Inner Conflicts Part 13 Logan wrinkled his nose at a distinct smell. He shot Kurt a sharp glance, but the blue mutant passed by, unaware of the scrutiny. He smelled sex.  A raw scent of the person it came from. He also detected a faint smell of someone else, a familiar person, but it was too faint to determine who it was.  Although. . . he did have a good idea of who it could be.  The same person that left an overwhelming stench of sex on Kurt the night of the attack. The same little nobody who claimed to "love" a certain girl enough to try to hang out with them. If only that girl knew what the adults knew. But they were tied up on this one.  Until Kurt stepped forward, they couldn't go out and arrest the little punk.   And he knew better than to try to beat up the kid responsible for all this mess.  Him being a minor and all. . . police officers wouldn't exactly listen to any explanations. Logan watched as Kurt made his way to the kitchen, where the others were waiting. If he were the Professor, he'd force the kid to tell and report the delinquent. But Xavier had too high morals. And judging from the look on his face when he suggested "persuading" the squirrel to tell, he had already tried that. And was probably blocked. All the times that they watched out for one another, why wasn't Kurt asking to be helped this time. X Kurt quietly ate his meal. He chewed at a steady pace, and the clinking of the spoon was set at a steady rhythm. He was unaware of the looks that Jean, Scott, Logan, and Xavier were giving him. Jean and Xavier could sense that something was wrong with him. Logan just glared. Scott only felt like something was wrong. The other X-teens weren't aware enough of the tension.  They were too busy joking. Rogue was trying to keep her sanity from the loud and rambunctious kids on her side. Dinner continued on, without much words exchanging on the older mutant's end. And Kurt remained lost in thought. X Kurt stared over the land, perched on his balcony, his tail slowly swinging like a pendulum. A soft knock barely caught his attention. "Come in," he said softly. He heard the door open behind him, and listened as the person made her way up to him. The faint scent of a perfume caught his nose. "What is it, Jean?" he asked. Jean stepped into view, placing her arms on the balcony, and stared out into the darkness. "How are you feeling?" she asked. Kurt closed his eyes.  "Mostly tired," he said. Jean nodded.  That wasn't what she meant. . . but she'd play along.  "Maybe because you should eat a little more." "I'm getting there," responded Kurt with a small smile.  "Soon you von't have anything in the fridge and you'll be sorry for asking me to eat more." Jean forced a small chuckle. He was trying so hard to act normal.  But that was a dangerous sign.  It was wrong to act normal.  She wanted Kurt to be his old self again. But each time it looked like he would start. .. something seemed to drive him back. And there was that one awful night when she swore she felt such a state of depression coming from him.  It woke her up and almost sent her running to the bathroom.  But then it was gone, replaced by something . . .less dangerous.  . . but, heartbreaking nonetheless. She stayed awake for the rest of that night. And standing next to Kurt now. . . she was finding it difficult to pick up on feelings without actually using her powers.  It was like he had blocked her out. But he wouldn't do that. . . would he? Shame. She would catch a glimpse of shame from time to time.   Something shameful kept him from talking. "You know we'll always be here for you, right?" she finally said. Kurt turned to look at her, his eyes almost vacant looking. "I know," he finally said, his tone dismissing her. Jean tried to swallow the tight knot that formed in her throat.  She nodded. . . then left. X Despite gloomy feelings, the sky was incredibly bright and cheery. "Man, this carnival is going to be the break we need," exclaimed Evan, piling his plate with eggs. "Like, yeah," agreed Kitty, grabbing a slice of toast and some fruit. Kurt slowly chewed on a piece of sausage as the other students piled in for breakfast.  "Vhat carnival?" he asked. "Didn't you hear?" asked Jamie. Well. . .one of them.  "There's posters everywhere!  There's going to be a carnival flea market type deal. Just for this weekend." "Maybe you can stay out of trouble and go with us this time," said Evan, nudging Kurt. Kurt just offered a weak smile. "It's in two days.  Surely you can't get into any trouble by then." "Nein. Between school and tutoring, there's no time. . .I. . . there. . . I don't see myself getting into any t-trouble." Evan and Kurt missed the glance that Scott threw at the blue mutant when he suddenly stammered. "Then it's settled, my man.  You are I are going to the carnival." "I don't know," said Kurt, doubtfully. Evan looked at him in shock.  "But, dude! You like fun!" "I'm not. . . in a real fun mood." Besides. . . Lance might be there. X "Food!" shouted Freddy, as Tabitha laughed. "Yeah, there'll be food, too. So? Everyone agreeing that we go and have some fun?" "So long as you don't explode anyone's hotdogs," muttered Freddy, losing his excitement. "Aw, I'm sorry big guy," said Tabitha, her voice completely insincere.  "But it's fun! How about I don't explode you guys' hotdogs." "Whatever," said Lance.  "You guys can go.  Gives me time to myself." "Yo, man, but it won't be the same if the Brotherhood ain't all t," i," interjected Toad. "Yeah," squeaked Tabitha, sitting on the arm of Lance's chair. Lance just stared at her. "Aw, come on, man," said Pietro, speaking in his speedy voice.  "The X-geeks will probably be there and we can have fun tormenting them and stuff." Lance froze. Tormenting, huh? Lance's lips twitched.  "Well, I'll think about it," he said, drawling out his voice.  His mind quickly began to formulate a plan. tbc. . .