"Okay, everyone. There's twenty minutes left in class but I'm feeling generous... Why don't you all head to the garden and find something that calls you and we'll all head out again tomorrow to paint. How does that sound?"

"I think she's feeling generous because a certain X-Men came back." One of the students giggled and I rolled my eyes.

"Keep that up and that extra credit project I assigned will end up being worth 30% of your final grade." I smirked and they all groaned. "Class dismissed... and no yelling in the halls! Professor Maximoff has midterms today!"

"You're too nice to them." A familiar voice rung out and I smiled.

"They're fifth graders. Let them live a little." I chuckled, feeling a pair of arms wrap around me. "Hello to you too, red eyes."

"I missed you." Scott mumbled against my neck and I turned around.

"You were gone for three days."

"And in the process I've been beaten more times than I would consider pure coincidence."

"Okay, sit down and shirt off. I have a first aid on my desk." I sighed, pulling back despite his protests and whines. "How bad was it?"

"I have claw marks on my back and it's not the ones I want."

"Not going to entertain that."

"You should."

"You had a fight with a rabid animal or something?" I winced once Scott removed his shirt and sat on my desk.

"Given who it was, I held back."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Trust me."

"Yeah, well however it was clearly wasn't holding anything back. Those scratches will heal but it'll take time and quite possibly leave scars." I hummed, grabbing the bandages and pressed a light kiss to his shoulder. "I hope the other guy is worse."

"Hard to tell, but dragging his entire face through that cage in the rematch had to do something to his ego."

"Mhm... You'll have to sleep on your stomach for a few days and take it easy which means no Danger Room."

"You're killing me."

"You'll live. Gives you time to grade the exams you keep putting off and students keep asking me when you're gonna do it."

"Ugh and I promised the seniors a field trip next week." Scott groaned and I raised an eyebrow. "They convinced me."

"Good luck because Peter failed half of the class yesterday."

"Do I even want to know?"

"Nope." I smirked and tapped his shoulder. "Okay, you're all patched up. Try not to get clawed again anytime soon, okay?"

"Still not the ones I want." He whispered and pulled me into a kiss.

"Still not entertaining the idea. A+ for effort, though."

"Extra credit?"

"Don't push it."

。✯ ＼ ｜ ／✯ 。

"Gambit, I don't know who the new girl is. Stop pestering me about it! I know she's pretty, but quit it!"

"You know everything, petit."

"All I know is that her name is Rogue and she can kill you. Go make something explode and leave me be, please. I have a meeting with the Professor." I sighed, pushing Remy away.

"Come on, we're late as always." Jean grumbled, grabbing my arm and dragged me down the hall.

"What's got your panties in a twist, Red?"

"The new recruit. The Professor asked me to read his mind and I think my migraine came back."

"Tell me about it. All I smell is dirt, an insane amount of whiskey and dried blood." I grimaced and stopped when I saw the rest standing outside Charles' office. "What are we teenagers now?"

"Just waiting for you, Lyla." Ororo smiled and I raised an eyebrow. "The Professor is inside."

"I know that? You're never this happy... It kinda scares me a bit."

"You can't hear anything?" Kurt asked and I shook my head.

"Whatever's happening in there, the Professor blocked me from it. I'm just as clueless as you are." I shrugged, pushing them aside to open the door and froze. "Holy shit..."

"Ah, Logan. I'd like you to meet the X-Men." Charles introduced as Jean and Ororo pushed me inside.

"It can't be..." I whispered and stepped forward. "Daddy?"

"Lyla..." Dad gasped and held my face. "My moonlight."

"Daddy." I cried and hugged him tight. "You're finally home."

"You're all grown up."

"It's been almost six years, Dad... I think we have a lot to talk about."

"Logan, meet Ororo Monroe, also called Storm. That's Kurt Wagner also called Nightcrawler, Peter Maximoff is Quicksilver, Scott Summers is Cyclops and you've already met Jean Grey." Charles said and Scott held out his hand for Dad to shake but he just stared at it and held me tighter. "Your daughter Lyla is called Ravager... You're in my school for the gifted. For mutants. You'll be safe here from Magneto."

"What's a Magneto?" Dad asked and Scott's jaw clenched.

"Calm down and don't say anything." I mouthed, resting my head on Dad's shoulder.

"A very powerful mutant who believes a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity. We've been tracking his abilities for some time."

"Genosha." Was all I said and Charles nodded.

"Lyla, you can take off the sunglasses." He assured and my eyes widened.

"Y-yeah... I was just walking around the gardens with Remy and forgot to take them off." I mumbled and took them off before glancing up at Dad who widened his eyes. "Yeah... we have a lot of catching up to do."

"What the hell happened to you!?" He exclaimed and I took a step back.

"Oh, y'know... The usual shit that comes with being me."

"And what exactly is that, huh?"

"Okay, why don't we calm down?" Jean tried to ease the tension that was growing. "What happened was a long story, but she's perfectly okay now."

"Okay? Her eyes glow!" Dad exclaimed and Scott stepped forward but Kurt clasped a hand over his mouth.

"Logan." Charles warned and moved between us. "Your daughter died six months ago and Jean brought her back with a very powerful cosmic entity which in turn, part of that essence was passed to her... That's all there is to it."

"You got a problem with her looking different?" Scott spat and I gave him a warning look.

"Who the hell are you?"

"The boyfriend."

"Here we go." I sighed, standing next to Jean who placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm her father and remember what I did to you in that cage."

"Who was MIA for almost six years... and we're in my turf now."

"Enough, both of you." Ororo pushed them back and pointed at me. "This is not fair to her."

"It's fine." I waved it off. "I somewhat expected that."

"Bottom line is that she's alive and that's what matters, despite how she's still alive." Jean defended and I looked down at my feet. "Lyla?"

"I... I think I need a moment if that's okay."

。✯ ＼ ｜ ／✯ 。

"Lyla... can I come in?"

"You're already in." I mumbled and heard Dad slip inside before closing the door. "Out of all the ways I wanted this to go, I certainly didn't expect that."

"It's... It's an adjustment." He sighed, sitting next to me on the bed and grabbed two picture frames from my bedside table. "He's really the boyfriend, huh?"

"Scott's a total sweetheart once you get to know him, Dad. You didn't have to beat his ass in that cage match." I rolled my eyes and took the pictures.

"He shot me."

"Y'know, that's between the two of you and I don't even want to get involved in that. Work that out by yourselves and don't involve me... That is, if you're here to stay."

"Why would I leave?"

"You tend to do that." I shrugged and took off the dog tags before handing them to him. "I believe these are yours."

"Not anymore. They're yours now." Dad sighed and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "I'm sorry it took so long for me to come, bub."

"It's fine, I guess... I just expected things to go differently, but I can't blame you."

"It'll be different this time. We'll go back to the cabin and-"

"Wait, wait, wait. You're not suggesting I leave this place!?" I exclaimed and stood up. "I've been here for over a decade which is longer than when I lived in that cabin, Dad!"

"Lyla, I don't want this life for you. All the fighting... I don't want you to turn out-"

"Like you? Oh, trust me, I haven't."

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean? That I can't handle this life even though I've been doing this since I was eleven!? That I don't know what the fuck I'm doing?"

"I'm saying you shouldn't have to!" Dad defended and stood as well. "I don't want you ending up in the same messes I did, Lyla. And this place... these people-"

"Are my family!" I snapped. "I've built a life here while you were out there doing God knows what all over the fucking world! And then you come back and think you know what's best for me?"

"I'm your father, Lyla. I do know what's best for you."

"Yeah? So where the hell were you when I was in a coma for three weeks and the moment I woke up I was back to fighting Sentinels? Where the hell were you when I was going up against the first ever mutant? Where were you when you knew I needed you!?"

"You know damn well what I was doing."

"For almost six years!?"

"I did what I had to do to keep you safe, Lyla!"

"Oh, safe from what? From the world?" I scoffed, crossing my arms. "News flash, Daddy. The world tried to kill me more times than I would ever care to count."

"That's exactly what I'm talking about."

"Maybe you're just afraid I'll turn out like you." I rolled my eyes. "Guess what, Dad? I'm nothing like you! I don't turn my back on people who need me!"

"Lyla..." Dad sighed, his eyes softening as he outstretched a hand for me. "You don't understand what this life will do to you, moonlight. It eats away at you until there's nothing left... I don't want you to end up broken like me!"

"I'm not broken, Dad!" I yelled, wiping away the stray tears and opened the door. "And I certainly don't need you to come here after so long and tell me how to live my life!"

"Lyla, I know I've made a lot of mistakes. But I'm here now... I'm here and I want to make things right."

"I don't think it's that simple anymore... I'm not the little girl you left behind."

。✯ ＼ ｜ ／✯ 。

"Hey..."

"Hey... I thought you needed some space."

"Not anymore." I mumbled and fell face first onto Scott's bed. "I'm overwhelmed and confused."

"I figured." Scott hummed, running his fingers through my hair. "Everyone was scared to come upstairs after the door slammed."

"I'm sorry."

"Do you feel better?"

"No."

"Do I need to get the stuffed bear?"

"I'm not four... but yes." I sighed and outstretched my hand. "Why do I keep leaving it here?"

"Because you spend more time here than in your own room." He chuckled and gently flipped me over. "You went hiding again, did you?"

"On the roof but it started raining."

"Classic." Scott smirked and handed me the stuffed bear.

"Dad's back." I whispered and he nodded. "Everything just feels-"

"Too much?"

"Mhm." I nodded, hugging the bear close and I flipped again to lay on my stomach.

"It's a lot to process, babe. It's been five and a half years and a lot has happened. It's not surprising you're so overwhelmed."

"I'm happy he's back and I'll be eternally grateful that you found him, but I'm so angry too!"

"And you have every right to feel that way. It's the main reason we all decided to leave you be and let you come to any of us when you're ready." He said softly, his fingers lightly tracing my spine and I closed my eyes. "Nobody's expecting you to deal with this overnight, sweetheart."

"I don't know if I can, red eyes."

"One day at a time, baby. You don't have to figure it out tonight."

"I don't want to leave this place... I made a life for myself and it's here with my friends, with the Professor, with you. I have nothing left in that forsaken cabin!"

"It's your home, Lyla."

"My home is here, Scott. I've been here longer than there."

"It's also where we started." Scott pointed out and I opened my eyes to see him smiling softly. "But I get it, I really do."

"But he's my dad." I defeatedly sighed and sat up. "Now, you see why I'm confused!?"

"You're stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"Exactly! I can't just flip a switch and be fine or willingly leave or stay. And I hate that it feels that everyone is expecting me to."

"Nobody's expecting you to make this decision so quickly." Scott assured and tilted my chin up. "We're all just waiting for you to tell us what you need so we can help you, especially me."

"I don't know what I need." I admitted and squeezed the bear tighter. "I don't know how to feel or what to do."

"Then stay here and hide." He whispered and pulled me to his lap. "Let the world keep spinning for a day or two without you. Get your head on straight and do what feels right for you. Not what Logan or any of us want."

"You want me to stay."

"I want you to be happy, Lyla. Whether it's back in Canada or here with the X-Men."

"I wish it was that simple." I mumbled, resting my head on his shoulder. "I don't want to disappoint anyone."

"You're not going to disappoint anyone. You're just trying to figure it out... And we're all still gonna be here for you no matter what you decide."

"I hate that you're so good at this."

"Just comes with the perks of loving you." He chuckled and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "Now, how about we eat something? Because knowing you, you haven't eaten all day."

"Boy, you know me so well." I groaned but smiled nonetheless. "Pasta?"

"Whatever you want, sweetheart."

。✯ ＼ ｜ ／✯ 。

"Oh, we're having Lyla's depression meal! Awesome!"

"Be nice, Maximoff." Jean nudged his side and smiled at me. "I see the bear made an appearance. That bad, huh?"

"Could've been worse." I shrugged as Charles wheeled inside with Dad trailing behind. "And now I'm not so hungry anymore."

"Nope. Sit." Scott ordered and handed a full plate. "Where's the newbies?"

"Scared to come down." Kurt said and I frowned. "But it is not your fault, Ravager! We understand."

"GAMBITO, ROGUE! Family time!" I called out.

"Don't scare the new recruits, Lyla." Charles smiled and gently squeezed my arm. "I know the choice you made. I don't have to be a telepath to know."

"My place is here, Professor. If Dad wants to be in my life, he's gonna have to get with the program." I thought and his smile widened. "Though, don't tell the rest, please. I don't want any fuss."

"Some of us already know." Jean smirked and I rolled my eyes. "Your secret's safe with the telepaths, don't worry."

"This is why I'm learning to block the two of you out!"

"You love me."

"If I didn't, we wouldn't be sisters." I waved it off and sat in between Scott and Kurt. "Can I have someone to substitute my class tomorrow? I have a feeling tomorrow will be full of migraines."

"You teach?" Dad asked, taking a seat next to Gambit and Charles and I nodded.

"We all do, pretty much. Kills time from hunting killer mutants and the government."

"What... What do you teach?"

"Lyla teaches Art, Scott teaches Math, Hank has Physics, Peter's PE, and Ororo is Earth Science." Charles explained and we all nodded. "The rest are not obligated, but encouraged."

"Jean helps in my class sometimes when my students can't find inspiration or anything like that. And this blue furball sometimes acts as a muse because of all his angelic symbols." I hummed and ruffled Kurt's hair with a smile. "And we all find a way to incorporate with other classes. The juniors have a project due next week which is about geometry in art. Midterm project for Scott's class and ten percent for mine."

"Geometry in art?" Dad raised an eyebrow.

"It's all connected." Scott chimed in and gave my hand a squeeze from under the table. "Patterns, symmetry, structures... Plus, her students have been using it in some very creative ways. All of our classrooms are full of their work as well as the hallways!"

"Says the perfect one." Remy teased and I rolled my eyes. "Bet you could teach me a thing or two, petit."

"Watch it, Gambit. You're training with me tomorrow and I just might lose what little self control I have." Scott smirked and I elbowed his side.

"Behave." I warned.

"I didn't know you were teaching here, Lyla." Dad said, not looking up at me. "That's-"

"Surprising? I grew up, Dad." I spat and Charles gave me a warning glance.

"We all find ways to contribute and help the children make sense of the world. Teaching is just one of those ways." He said and we all fell into a tense and awkward silence until two students walked in. "Aren't you two supposed to be in bed?"

"Nope." They giggled and hugged me and Scott.

"Why are you two up? It's past curfew and you have my class first thing tomorrow?" I asked as one of them crawled into my lap.

"Can we go on a field trip tomorrow, please?" The one hugging Scott begged and I rolled my eyes. "We've been good!"

"You broke curfew, Aria. I hardly think that means being good... And if you want a field trip, you're all gonna have to work for it."

"We'll do extra work!"

"Nice try, but breaking curfew isn't exactly extra credit material." Scott chuckled.

"We'll clean the classroom!" Daisy offered and Scott and I glanced at each other.

"If your class can show up on time and help me clean after the day is done, I'll think about it." I caved and they both grinned.

"Deal!" They both exclaimed and hugged us tight.

"Now, bedtime." Jean smiled and lifted them with her powers. "Go on."

"Good night, Professor X!"

"Good night, you two!" Charles laughed.

"You two'd make good parents." Rogue hummed and Dad visibly tensed, making Remy move his chair away from him and closer to Ororo.

"Don't plant that idea in his head because last week, Scott turned into a woman and had the baby dream." I teased and lightly pinched his cheeks.

"Thanks for that, babe. You forgot I share a room with Kurt."

"Which is why I said it." I smirked and Kurt smiled at Scott. "You're enjoying this aren't you, furball?"

"Very much."

"You'd wanna be a momma someday, Lyla?" Rogue asked.

"If the cards are in my favor, maybe."

"Looks like they are, petit." Remy smirked and threw me a charged Ace of Hearts which Jean threw out a window before it could explode.

"You thinking of kids?" Dad asked through gritted teeth.

"It's just talk for now." Scott assured and placed a hand on my back. "We're still young and the X-Men take up most of our time. There's no need to get ahead."

"But you've talked?"

"It's a normal conversation to have... And like I said, if the cards are in my favor and the timing is right, why not? But, no ring, no baby. That's the deal." I added.

"I guess I missed out on a lot."

"You did." I spat and Kurt squeezed my arm. "You're not exactly up to speed, it's... It's fine, I guess."

"All I know is that I can't even take care of a plant, let alone a kid." Peter laughed and Ororo rolled her eyes.

"Six cacti, Peter. You killed six cacti." She pointed out and we all laughed.

"It wasn't six!"

"Did you overwater it again?"

"I gave it the love it deserved!"

"Dude, just give up on the plants." Scott laughed. "Okay, I cooked and Lyla was the one with the depression meal. Who's cleaning the kitchen?"

"Not it!" Everyone yelled, except Kurt.

"Not again!" He groaned. "Someone trade with me!"

"Sorry, bub. You're on your own this time." I chuckled, kissing Scott's cheek before standing up and ruffled Kurt's hair. "And I'm gonna go to bed before I'm put on dish duty for the tenth time."

"I'll be up in a moment because I feel like we need to talk." Jean raised an eyebrow and I nodded. "Ororo, you want in?"

"Might as well since she's gonna tell me eventually." Ororo sighed, standing up as well. "I'll make the coffee."

"Rogue, you might as well join in too. It's girls night." I laughed and walked away. "Dad, I know you're lurking... My senses are enhanced tenfold because of the Phoenix Force. What do you want?"

"I didn't expect you to be so... settled here."

"Why wouldn't I be? Charles became a father figure to me and those idiots are my family. I'm not eleven crying out for my dad while being locked in a cage anymore." I shrugged and leaned against a wall.

"And Scott?"

"What about him?"

"You're serious about him?"

"Why wouldn't I be? He's been nothing but patient and understanding about everything that goes on in my life." I defended and closed my eyes for a brief second. "You can't just come here years later and think you have a say, because you genuinely don't... I made a life for myself and I'm living it how I want to. Not how you, Charles or anyone else wants me to live it."

"But you're so young still." Dad frowned and I sighed. "There's time. You don't have to rush into things, like talking about kids or marriage."

"Dad, I don't even know if I'll live to see tomorrow. I don't have that luxury, and I never truly did... And it's not just the conversation about kids which lasted no more than five minutes and I was more asleep than awake... It's about trusting someone enough to have your back no matter what."

"I didn't mean to-"

"Kurt, stop teleporting all over the kitchen and start cleaning!" We heard Rogue laugh and I smiled softly. "Scott, tie him down!"

"What? No!"

"Afraid he might like it?" Remy teased and Jean screamed.

"Don't say that and leave the furball alone!"

"Typical Wednesday night with the X-Men." I chuckled.

"I'll admit that it's hard seeing you all grown up." Dad sighed and held my face in his hands. "I look at you and I still see the little girl who used to dance on my toes in the kitchen after dinner... And now I have to accept that you're all grown and I wasn't there to see it."

"You're here now. That has to count for something." I shrugged and hugged him tight. "I love you, Daddy... But I have my own life now and you have to accept that."

"I'm trying, moonlight. I just need time."

"We'll work on that."