Fondue
Father’s Support

Back at the campfire, Logan had a sad smile on his face. "Just because you're a parent, doesn't mean you don't make mistakes. If you are lucky, you'll still have your own parent to help you... Set you straight, if necessary." He glanced at Charles.

Charles smiled at Logan and moved his chair close enough to lightly squeeze his son's shoulder.

Ikaris handed Logan the microphone, so that he could share his story.

Logan took the microphone, leaning toward Charles and reaching over to take Laura's hand. "When I first met Laura, I didn't believe she was my daughter. I'm sterile... A side effect of my mutation... And it was very difficult for me to accept that someone had somehow gotten my DNA and made a child from it...."

****

"They called them clones. She's obviously female, so I don't think she fits that term strictly..." He was talking to Charles, trying to wrap his mind around the fact there was someone else with his DNA in the world.

"Not a clone, exactly, but perhaps an embryo implanted with your DNA." Charles might not have had anything to do with genetic engineering himself, but he was fully aware it did happen. Erik was one of those who proved that.

What probably didn't help was that Charles knew Laura wouldn't speak to Logan. He believed she was mute, but Charles had connected to her child mind. He knew that she and other children were on the run from the lab that had created them. Logan at least knew the danger to the girl, even if he wouldn't accept that she was, for all intents and purposes, his daughter.

"Everyone always says it... Just because you provided the DNA doesn't make you a parent," Logan said gruffly, with a hint of frustration. "I'm bad news. Have been for centuries. She could do much better than me... Hell. You should be a father to her. She actually likes you!'

"She's a scared child who was created by people who only wanted to use her," Charles said. "You're a better person than you give yourself credit for, Logan. She shares your abilities along with your DNA. You could teach her how to control them. And you could teach her how to defend herself, so no one can use her again."

Logan winced. "You always seemed to think I was a great teacher..." he muttered, shaking his head. "I can protect her. I can help her learn how to use her abilities. None of that makes me father material. I..." He glanced away. He wouldn't admit it, though he was certain Charles already knew, but he was afraid to take on that role. People who he cared about almost always ended up hurt if he stayed with them.

"I never thought it. I know it," Charles said. "You know what she's going through better than I ever could. Do you think the scientists who created her made any attempt to understand her? To them, all she's ever been is a weapon. Not even a child."

"I don't know if I can be what she needs... I'm rough... I have a temper... I have bad habits that I really don't want her to pick up, but I am so used to them, I don't know if I can change them..." Logan sighed. "There are still parts of my memory that are gone. What if something from my past shows up and hurts her and I miss it because I don't remember?"

"I'm not expecting you to handle things on your own," Charles said. "I'm more than willing to help you learn how to parent her. How to be a father to her. But you've done a good job with the students here," he added. "I don't think you'll find it as difficult as you think."

Logan swallowed hard. "You'll... You'll be her grandpa? If... If she has you to run to when I inevitably screw up, maybe I can try...."

"I really don't think you're going to screw up, son. But yes. I'll be her grandpa," Charles promised.

Logan visibly relaxed; both at Charles' agreement, but also at being called son. He smiled faintly. "If I have you for my role model, maybe I won't be as hopeless at it as I fear...."

"I'll be right here to support you, but you're not going to be hopeless," Charles said. "And even if you make a mistake, it's a part of being a parent. You learn from that and move on."

"I... I guess... Maybe we can go to the mansion. It would be good for her to be around other kids. And have more adults to protect her..." Logan suggested.

Charles nodded. "She needs time and space to be a child," he said.

"I'll call her in, then. Let her know the plan." Logan nodded.

Charles nodded. "You're doing the right thing, son," he encouraged gently. "I'm proud of you."

Logan relaxed at hearing the pride in his father's voice. He didn't have the confidence in himself, but Charles made him feel like he could actually do this. He could actually be what his daughter needed.  "Laura. Come here for a minute, sweetheart...."