The Dreamweaver Chronicles -- Part IX

They were enjoying a rare quiet Saturday at the Institute. Roberto and Bobby were in the common room, fighting over control of the television. Rogue would occasionally roll her eyes but otherwise ignored the boys’ behavior. Chloe gave the other girl a grin as she headed past the room.

Kurt met her in a hallway. “You’re not going to the kitchen, are you?”

“Yeah, I was thinking about a snack. Why?”

“Trust me.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, steering her in the opposite direction. “You don’t vant to go in there.”

“Why not?”

“Kurt, like there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Fear flashed across the blue boy’s face. “Did you need something, Kitty?”

“Well, duh. You’re my taste-tester.” The brunette brandished a plate of muffins. “It’s a new recipe. Try one.”

Eying the baked goods suspiciously, he reluctantly took one from the tray. Kitty pushed the plate towards Chloe as a silent invitation to try one as well. She took one but Kurt’s behavior was bothering her. He usually inhaled any food in sight.

“Well, take a bite.”

With a sigh, the boy complied. He managed three chews before he began to choke, dropping his muffin. Chloe couldn’t help but notice its funny bounce on the floor.

“What’s wrong?” Kitty asked, whacking him helpfully on the back. “Too much nutmeg?”

“They’re just horrible! No one can eat this stuff!”

“Kurt!” Chloe hissed.

“I’m sorry! Kitty, you know I didn’t mean it. They’re much better than your last batch.”

“Like that’s saying a lot,” Kitty grumbled. “How am I ever going to pass home ec if I can’t even make muffins?”

“I’m sure you just need more practice,” Chloe said.

“That’s the problem. I’ve been practicing. Kurt’s the only one who will even dare to try my cooking.” She looked down at the plate of muffins in disgust. “I don’t know why I keep trying.”

Chloe felt her heart clutch in sympathy. Kitty had gone out of her way to make the new girl feel welcomed at the Institute, and Chloe had never really thanked her. “Hey, Kitty, are you doing anything today?”

She glanced at Chloe sorrowfully. “Other than cleaning my mess in the kitchen, no.”

“I’ve got an idea but I have to ask the professor first. I’ll see you in the kitchen later, okay.”

“Um, okay.” Kitty watched the other girl walk away. “You know sometimes I totally don’t get her.”

“Come on, Kitty. I’ll help you vith the kitchen.”

* * * * *

Twenty minutes and some creative pleading later, Chloe arrived in the kitchen. “Okay, everything’s set. Kitty, ready to go?”

“Go? Go where?”

“I’ve got everything arranged. We’re going to go to the grocery store for more supplies. Then, I’m going to teach you how to bake.”

“And just how vere you planning to get there?” Kurt asked. “Fly?”

Chloe shook a set of keys in his face. “Jean let me borrow her car. Come on, Kitty. You’re not going to waste this chance, are you? You can come, too, Kurt.”

“No thanks. I’m not spending the rest of my Saturday in the kitchen. You ladies enjoy.”

“So, are you coming, Kitty?”

The brunette smiled. “Like how can I say no? I just wish I could drive.”

* * * * *

“Can’t we just use the cake mix? It would be totally easier.”

“It would be easier, but you should try to make a cake from scratch at least once. We can use a mix for the other ones.”

Kitty sighed. “And why are we making so many cakes anyway?”

“You’ve seen Kurt eat. This way guarantees that everyone has some cake.”

The two girls worked quietly. Soon the oven was full and Chloe set the timer. She glanced at Kitty. “All we have to do now is wait.”

“Thanks for doing this, Chloe.”

The blond girl grinned. “Anytime.”

* * * * *

He glanced quickly around the kitchen. The girls’ cakes were set out on the counters, decorated to perfection. The colorful, sweet icing seemed to beckon him.

‘No one will ever know,’ he thought. He was still sucking the icing off his finger as he left the kitchen.

* * * * *

Kitty ignored the several apprehensive looks as she and Chloe each carried a cake into the dining room. Everyone was going to be in for a big surprise. The cakes were prefect.

“Kitty cooked?” Scott asked, not quite masking the nervousness in his voice.

The professor smiled. “They look lovely, Kitty.”

“Chloe helped a lot.”

“No, this was Kitty’s project. I just drove to the grocery store.” She tossed Jean her keys. “Your car’s fine.”

“It had better be.” But Jean was smiling.

“Vell, vhat are ve vaiting for! Cut the cake!”

Everyone laughed. With a flourish, Kitty cut a generous piece and handed it past Kurt to the professor. Ignoring his puppy-dog expression, she turned the cake to cut more slices.

“Oh, Kurt, how could you!” Kitty suddenly cried, her face contorting into fury.

“Vhat! Vhat did I do!”

Chloe tried to grab the girl’s shoulder but she was already phasing through the table. Kurt quickly disappeared in a puff of sulfur. He reappeared on the other side of the room, watching the angry brunette warily.

“Vhat did I do!” he demanded again.

“Like you don’t know! You just had to go and mess with the cakes. Couldn’t your sweet tooth wait until dinner?”

“I didn’t touch the cakes! I swear!”

“You’re the only one who would leave blue fur!”

A motion at the end of the table drew Chloe’s attention. Storm was staring at Hank, her jaw hanging open. However, he was staring at the table cloth, turning an interesting shade of purple.

“Hank, you didn’t!”

The purple color deepened.

“Mr. McCoy?” Kitty momentarily forgot Kurt. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve always had a weakness for cake. I couldn’t resist, but I didn’t mean to ruin anything.” He glanced up at Kitty. “I’m terribly sorry, Kitty. I realize how hard you worked this afternoon.”

Kitty looked stunned. “It’s okay.”

“Oh, it’s okay for him, is it!” Kurt huffed.

“Nothing’s ruined.” Chloe put a huge piece, which included the offending finger marks, on a plate and handed it to Hank. “So, who wants the next slice?”

* * * * *

Logan wasn’t surprised to find the girl outside. Chloe usually retreated to the grounds or to her room after dinner, depending on the weather. The Indian summer must have made up her mind. He saw the flute was laid across her lap, unused for the moment.

Even weeks after her arrival, Chloe was still reserved, friendly but reserved. Xavier had said that the girl was cautious by nature. She was warming up to Kitty, which everyone took as a good sign.

“You’re getting good.”

Chloe’s eyes followed him as he moved to stand beside the bench. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to the grazing deer. “What gave it away?”

“We’re downwind but there’s no smell.”

The girl frowned. “I’ve never thought about how deer smell.”

“Most people don’t.”

“I guess so.”

“Look, just don’t wear yourself out too much.”

“I’m learning my limits. Out here I can work on my stamina without much risk to the others. Besides, I can feel the professor from time to time. He’s keeping an eye on me.”

“It’s for your own good, kid.”

“I know, and that’s why I try not to mind.”

The deer vanished. She wiped the sweat off her face with her shirt sleeve. However, she wasn’t pale and didn’t appear dizzy, indicating that her stamina was indeed improving.

“That was a nice thing you did for Kitty today.”

She smiled slightly. “Not really. I like to cook. If I was really being altruistic, I would have offered to help her with her history. Besides, Kitty can do anything. She just needed someone to help her believe it.”

They fell into silence, listening to the crickets. Chloe glanced at him and realized that he wasn’t going to say anything for a while. “Was there something else, Mr. Logan?”

“You’ll be starting a new series of training sessions in the Danger Room after school on Monday. Thought you might want a heads up.”

“What kind of training sessions?”

Logan grinned. “You'll see.”

Chloe watched him stroll back toward the Institute, fighting the urge to peek inside his mind. ‘Mr. Logan does like his surprises,’ she thought. ‘I just hope I’m ready for whatever he has planned.’


Cake They were enjoying a rare quiet Saturday at the Institute. Roberto and Bobby were in the common room, fighting over control of the television. Rogue would occasionally roll her eyes but otherwise ignored the boys’ behavior. Chloe gave the other girl a grin as she headed past the room. Kurt met her in a hallway. “You’re not going to the kitchen, are you?” “Yeah, I was thinking about a snack. Why?” “Trust me.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, steering her in the opposite direction. “You don’t vant to go in there.” “Why not?” “Kurt, like there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Fear flashed across the blue boy’s face. “Did you need something, Kitty?” “Well, duh. You’re my taste-tester.” The brunette brandished a plate of muffins. “It’s a new recipe. Try one.” Eying the baked goods suspiciously, he reluctantly took one from the tray. Kitty pushed the plate towards Chloe as a silent invitation to try one as well. She took one but Kurt’s behavior was bothering her. He usually inhaled any food in sight. “Well, take a bite.” With a sigh, the boy complied. He managed three chews before he began to choke, dropping his muffin. Chloe couldn’t help but notice its funny bounce on the floor. “What’s wrong?” Kitty asked, whacking him helpfully on the back. “Too much nutmeg?” “They’re just horrible! No one can eat this stuff!” “Kurt!” Chloe hissed. “I’m sorry! Kitty, you know I didn’t mean it. They’re much better than your last batch.” “Like that’s saying a lot,” Kitty grumbled. “How am I ever going to pass home ec if I can’t even make muffins?” “I’m sure you just need more practice,” Chloe said. “That’s the problem. I’ve been practicing. Kurt’s the only one who will even dare to try my cooking.” She looked down at the plate of muffins in disgust. “I don’t know why I keep trying.” Chloe felt her heart clutch in sympathy. Kitty had gone out of her way to make the new girl feel welcomed at the Institute, and Chloe had never really thanked her. “Hey, Kitty, are you doing anything today?” She glanced at Chloe sorrowfully. “Other than cleaning my mess in the kitchen, no.” “I’ve got an idea but I have to ask the professor first. I’ll see you in the kitchen later, okay.” “Um, okay.” Kitty watched the other girl walk away. “You know sometimes I totally don’t get her.” “Come on, Kitty. I’ll help you vith the kitchen.” * * * * * Twenty minutes and some creative pleading later, Chloe arrived in the kitchen. “Okay, everything’s set. Kitty, ready to go?” “Go? Go where?” “I’ve got everything arranged. We’re going to go to the grocery store for more supplies. Then, I’m going to teach you how to bake.” “And just how vere you planning to get there?” Kurt asked. “Fly?” Chloe shook a set of keys in his face. “Jean let me borrow her car. Come on, Kitty. You’re not going to waste this chance, are you? You can come, too, Kurt.” “No thanks. I’m not spending the rest of my Saturday in the kitchen. You ladies enjoy.” “So, are you coming, Kitty?” The brunette smiled. “Like how can I say no? I just wish I could drive.” * * * * * “Can’t we just use the cake mix? It would be totally easier.” “It would be easier, but you should try to make a cake from scratch at least once. We can use a mix for the other ones.” Kitty sighed. “And why are we making so many cakes anyway?” “You’ve seen Kurt eat. This way guarantees that everyone has some cake.” The two girls worked quietly. Soon the oven was full and Chloe set the timer. She glanced at Kitty. “All we have to do now is wait.” “Thanks for doing this, Chloe.” The blond girl grinned. “Anytime.” * * * * * He glanced quickly around the kitchen. The girls’ cakes were set out on the counters, decorated to perfection. The colorful, sweet icing seemed to beckon him. ‘No one will ever know,’ he thought. He was still sucking the icing off his finger as he left the kitchen. * * * * * Kitty ignored the several apprehensive looks as she and Chloe each carried a cake into the dining room. Everyone was going to be in for a big surprise. The cakes were prefect. “Kitty cooked?” Scott asked, not quite masking the nervousness in his voice. The professor smiled. “They look lovely, Kitty.” “Chloe helped a lot.” “No, this was Kitty’s project. I just drove to the grocery store.” She tossed Jean her keys. “Your car’s fine.” “It had better be.” But Jean was smiling. “Vell, vhat are ve vaiting for! Cut the cake!” Everyone laughed. With a flourish, Kitty cut a generous piece and handed it past Kurt to the professor. Ignoring his puppy-dog expression, she turned the cake to cut more slices. “Oh, Kurt, how could you!” Kitty suddenly cried, her face contorting into fury. “Vhat! Vhat did I do!” Chloe tried to grab the girl’s shoulder but she was already phasing through the table. Kurt quickly disappeared in a puff of sulfur. He reappeared on the other side of the room, watching the angry brunette warily. “Vhat did I do!” he demanded again. “Like you don’t know! You just had to go and mess with the cakes. Couldn’t your sweet tooth wait until dinner?” “I didn’t touch the cakes! I swear!” “You’re the only one who would leave blue fur!” A motion at the end of the table drew Chloe’s attention. Storm was staring at Hank, her jaw hanging open. However, he was staring at the table cloth, turning an interesting shade of purple. “Hank, you didn’t!” The purple color deepened. “Mr. McCoy?” Kitty momentarily forgot Kurt. “What’s going on?” “I’ve always had a weakness for cake. I couldn’t resist, but I didn’t mean to ruin anything.” He glanced up at Kitty. “I’m terribly sorry, Kitty. I realize how hard you worked this afternoon.” Kitty looked stunned. “It’s okay.” “Oh, it’s okay for him, is it!” Kurt huffed. “Nothing’s ruined.” Chloe put a huge piece, which included the offending finger marks, on a plate and handed it to Hank. “So, who wants the next slice?” * * * * * Logan wasn’t surprised to find the girl outside. Chloe usually retreated to the grounds or to her room after dinner, depending on the weather. The Indian summer must have made up her mind. He saw the flute was laid across her lap, unused for the moment. Even weeks after her arrival, Chloe was still reserved, friendly but reserved. Xavier had said that the girl was cautious by nature. She was warming up to Kitty, which everyone took as a good sign. “You’re getting good.” Chloe’s eyes followed him as he moved to stand beside the bench. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to the grazing deer. “What gave it away?” “We’re downwind but there’s no smell.” The girl frowned. “I’ve never thought about how deer smell.” “Most people don’t.” “I guess so.” “Look, just don’t wear yourself out too much.” “I’m learning my limits. Out here I can work on my stamina without much risk to the others. Besides, I can feel the professor from time to time. He’s keeping an eye on me.” “It’s for your own good, kid.” “I know, and that’s why I try not to mind.” The deer vanished. She wiped the sweat off her face with her shirt sleeve. However, she wasn’t pale and didn’t appear dizzy, indicating that her stamina was indeed improving. “That was a nice thing you did for Kitty today.” She smiled slightly. “Not really. I like to cook. If I was really being altruistic, I would have offered to help her with her history. Besides, Kitty can do anything. She just needed someone to help her believe it.” They fell into silence, listening to the crickets. Chloe glanced at him and realized that he wasn’t going to say anything for a while. “Was there something else, Mr. Logan?” “You’ll be starting a new series of training sessions in the Danger Room after school on Monday. Thought you might want a heads up.” “What kind of training sessions?” Logan grinned. “You'll see.” Chloe watched him stroll back toward the Institute, fighting the urge to peek inside his mind. ‘Mr. Logan does like his surprises,’ she thought. ‘I just hope I’m ready for whatever he has planned.’


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