This was ridiculous; he was seventeen - almost an adult - and here he was, seeking comfort in the arms of his teacher like some child. Part of him hated it, while the other half told him to accept the consolation as it was being offered. The caressing of his hair eased some of the built up anxiety, ceasing the shaking of his shoulders and stuttering of his breath for the moment.

Kurt wanted to point out that there would be no possibility of Charles knowing what would happen in the future, but he decided against it and further hid his face in the other mutant's shoulder when Charles' head rested against his own. There was a split second where an image darted through his mind: his tiny arms clutching to Margali's legs, face buried into her side as she gently stroked his hair and whispered sweet words to calm him.

He clung to Charles in the same manner, afraid to let go and fall back into the painful nightmare, although he knew he was awake. His thoughts drifted to his roommate, wondering if Peter was all right, if he had been frightened, if he would continue to share a room with him ...

They didn't linger long because once Charles spoke again, he cringed at the question then hesitantly pulled back to look at him from beneath his dual-toned bangs. No reason for him to lie, right? "... about three times a week."