Chapter One

The Past

Heaven's gift to me just the way you are,

A new aged child from a distant star.

It feels so good just to be

So close to your love. You are heaven's gift to me.

You are so sweet and pure just the way you are.

Mama's precious jewel. Daddy's rising star.

There's so much in life for you to see.

And so much to be. You are Heaven's gift to me.

La la la la la la, la la la la la,

La la la la la la la, la la la la la la la,

La la la la la, la la la la,

La la la la la, la la la la la la la

Tightly clutching the small music box within delicate hands the cloaked individual sat quietly listening to the song that issued from it. Solely fixated on the two swans which twirled around the surface of the music box they paid little heed to the world around them; the swaying of the carriage and rhythm of the wheels not entering into their notice. The only sigh that they were paying any attention to the outside world being the times when they rewound the key to the small music box, thus beginning the song again.

"Все будет хорошо, я обещаю, я не позволил бычто-нибудьслучится с вами." (Everything will be alright, I promise, I wouldn't let anything happen to you.)

Although they heard the words that were spoken they couldn't bring themselves to acknowledge not only the speaker, but the idea of safety they spoke off. Trying to take comfort in the familiar song they offered no resistance as they felt their companion gather them to them; still making no sound even as silvery tracks made their way down their face.

Present Day

Although it was only mid-afternoon the rising temperature was quickly making the day feel like an inferno; feeling more like midsummer than early spring, while the slight breeze brought no relieve. In a vain attempt to seek some sort of protection from the unforgiving heat Kurt had sought shelter underneath the leafy canopy of one of the few oaks dotted around Bayville High. Although the canopy did cut out the warming rays of the sun it offered no shelter against the heat.

With his usual yellow shirt already lying forgotten at his side Kurt tugged at the neckline of his T-shirt in a vain attempt at cooling himself down. Looking out from under strands of navy hair Kurt watched his fellow students going about their daily lives, each of them having nothing more to worry about than the amount of homework they got. Leaning back against the oak behind him Kurt found himself shifting uncomfortably as he felt his fur begin to stick to his skin, the thin sheen of sweat doing nothing to help him.

Looking down at his hands Kurt could only give a sigh as he took note of their normal human like appearance, yet no matter how normal he appeared to the outside world he would never be normal. Deep down Kurt knew that the disguise the image inducer offered was for his own protection, yet despites that he couldn't help but wish at times that he didn't need it.

Watching a smiling couple walk by Kurt's mood only lessened as he saw them fawning over one another. Knowing that he'd been feeling down lately Kurt couldn't help the ache he felt inside, despites the best efforts of the others to find out what was bothering him Kurt found he just couldn't bring himself to tell them. Caught up in his thoughts Kurt didn't realising he was no longer alone until he heard Scott's familiar voice.

"Hey Kurt. So this is where you've been hiding, missed you at lunch today?"

"Hey Scott, didn't see you there. What's up?"

Taking in the one before him Scott couldn't help the concern he felt as he took in his navy haired friend. Yet, it wasn't only himself that had noticed their blue furred friend hadn't been himself lately, in fact the whole team had picked up on it. Although Kurt had still been acting like the clown he'd been come to known as it was hard to tell that there something wrong, yet for those that had come to know him could see past the act.

"That's what I was about to ask you Kurt. Is there something bothering you? You've seemed a little preoccupied lately."

"It's nothing really; I've just had a lot on my mind lately."

Looking upwards towards his friend Kurt flashed him a grin, quickly putting on his joker face not wanting his friend to worry. Sparing a glance at his watch Kurt was glad to see that lunch was about to end and he wouldn't have to answer any more of Scott's questions. Pushing himself up from where he sat Kurt quickly put on his discarded shirt before grabbing his bag.

"Listen Scott I know that you and the others are just looking out for me, but I'll be fine. I just have some things that I need to figure out, I promise when I'm ready to talk I will."

"Ok then Kurt, I wouldn't hassle you, just remember when you're ready to talk I'm here."

"I know thanks."

Giving his friend one last crooked grin Kurt left his friend behind as he hurried off to his next class.

Later that day

Patiently watching time slip by Scott gave a quick glance to his watch before leaning back against the hood of his car. Observing the commotion around him as the whole of Bayville High student's population rushed to get about their lives now that the school day had ended. Feeling the sun disappear for a moment behind a blanket of clouds Scott was at least thankful that the heat wave which had been plaguing them all day was finally coming to an end. Although it was still warm as least the temperature was now at a bearable level. Silently pondering things over Scott quickly lost his trail of though at the calling of his name, scanning the crowd Scott gave an answering wave as he recognised the approaching figures.

Seeing that he caught Scott's attention Evan once again adjusted the shoulder strap on his backpack before saying farewell to the group he was with. Leaving his friends behind Evan quickly made his way over to the one waiting for him; Kitty standing patiently to one side for him to join her. Falling into side the two made their way across the yard to where Scott was waiting.

Tossing her bag into the back seat Kitty practical fell in beside it, giving a most heartfelt sigh as she did.

"Like I can't believe how much homework I've got; and what's with the assignment Mr Johnson gave us, it's like so unfair."

"You don't have to tell me, there's no way Johnson can expect us to have an essay on the Civil War done by tomorrow."

Listening to the younger teenagers complain about the unfairness of homework Scott hid the grin he was wearing as he adjusted his rube tinted glasses; remembering the days when it was him complaining about the Civil War. Coming back to the here and now Scott gave another quick glance at the thinning crowd as he realised that they were still awaiting the final member of their group.

"Hey Evan, you haven't seen Kurt around have you?"

Looking upwards at Scott's question Evan spared a quick glance with Kitty before answering the question directed at him.

"Yeah just a few minutes ago, I asked if he was getting a lift with us, but the fussy dude said to go on with him as something had come up. He wouldn't say what, but to be totally honest the dude look down."

"Kurt's going to be alright isn't he? Maybe someone should go find and like maybe talk to him."

Noting the concern in both their voices and faces Scott knew that Evan and Kitty shared his own worries regarding Kurt's wellbeing. However, remembering his earlier encounter with the blue furred mutant Scott realised that crowding Kurt was the last thing they should do. Kurt had made it clear that he wanted his space and Scott was willing to honour that request, at least until he had a better idea of how to help his friend and right how the only person he could think off who might be able to help was the Professor.

"Listen guys I know you're worried, I'm even a little worried about Kurt, but right now Kurt just needs his space. Just give his time, he'll come around."

Hearing the sense in Scott's words both Evan and Kitty accepted his proposal, knowing right now it was the best they could do. Giving one yard one last glance Scott gave a sigh before getting into the car himself, starting the engine in one smooth motion before putting it into gear.

Later that day

Watching as both Evan and Kitty ran ahead of him Scott had no choice but to close the door as everyone went their separate ways. Not really paying any attention to the world around him as he closed the door behind him Scott nearly jumped out of his skin as he turned, finding now other than the Professor before him.

"Professor don't do that, it scares the heck out of me."

Chuckling slightly at his young ward Professor Xavier regained his composure as he took in the one before him.

"I am sorry Scott; I didn't mean to startle you. However, I feel there are more serious matters at hand we have to discuss, like what's been bothering you lately."

"No use hiding things from you is there Professor. To be honest Professor it's not me I'm worried about its Kurt, he's not been himself lately and it's got us all a little worried."

Resting his hands together in front of him as he gathered his thoughts Xavier found his hunch regarding Scott worries confirmed. Meeting the gaze of his student Xavier set out to ease his mind regarding the issue that was bothering him.

"It has come to my attention that Kurt seems preoccupied lately, I was hoping that he would come to us on his own. However, I do believe that your right Scott, I feel it's time Kurt talked to someone about what had been bothering him. Therefore once he returns I will try to get to the heart of the matter."

"Thanks Professor, if anyone has a chance of getting though to him it'll be you."

Excusing himself from the Professors presence, Scott headed off to deal with other things his mind now more at ease than it had been. Watching Scott leave Xavier turned his attention to the task which awaited him, hoping that he could indeed get to the heart of the matter which had been bothering Kurt.

To Be Continued.