Chapter Text
The school year at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters was winding down, and with it, the anticipation for the annual end-of-year celebration buzzed throughout the halls. Professor Xavier made it a tradition to let both students and staff suggest ideas for the event and every year, the teachers would gather in the faculty lounge to vote on the best one.
As both a former student and now a teacher, Scott Summers approached the event with the same level of seriousness he applied to everything. After all, he had a reputation to uphold—his suggestion for the celebration activity had been chosen as the top choice for the last two years, and this year would be no different.
Other teachers were tossing around ideas and reading off students' suggestions while Scott fiddled with his clipboard, notes at the ready. Jean Grey, his nearest and dearest friend, leaned over with a teasing grin. “Got your pitch ready, Mr. Fearless Leader? I’m sure you’ve got it down to a science.”
Scott adjusted his visor, unable to stop the small smile from tugging at his lips. “There is a science to it. It’s important that we pick something everyone will enjoy but won’t cause chaos.” His eyes flicked across the room where Logan was leaning against the wall, half-glowering like he had better places to be and half-focused on picking something out of his nails with a toothpick.
“I’m sure your definition of ‘chaos’ is a little more strict than most,” Jean teased, nudging him with her elbow.
Scott gave a noncommittal hum. He was used to being ribbed for his organized, detail-oriented nature, but it was what made him an effective leader. When it was his turn to pitch, Scott’s suggestion was straightforward and meticulously planned. “A day at the beach. It’s close, easily supervised, and the kids can have fun without getting into too much trouble.”
The suggestion received a number of approving hums. Jean nodded in agreement, always Scott’s cheerleader. “I think it sounds perfect. The students would love it.”
Ororo leaned forward. “The beach could be nice, relaxing even. Plenty of sun and space for everyone.”
Logan’s snort from across the room made Scott stiffen. “If by 'relax' you mean spending the day trying to keep a bunch of mutant teens from accidentally boiling the ocean or blasting the boardwalk, sure. And forget about fun. With Summers running it, I bet it’s all color-coded and scheduled down to the minute.”
Scott resisted the urge to shoot back a sharp comment. “Structure doesn’t mean it can’t be fun,” he replied evenly, earning a grin from Jean and an amused smile from Ororo.
Professor Xavier, seated at the head of the table, nodded approvingly. “A day at the beach sounds like an excellent idea, Scott. Let’s put it to a vote.”
Hands went up around the room, and Scott felt a swell of pride as his idea was unanimously chosen. He allowed himself a small smile, pleased that his careful planning had paid off.
“All right then,” Xavier said, clapping his hands together. “It’s settled. Scott, since it was your idea, I trust you’ll be able to organize the outing?”
Scott’s smile faltered slightly as the responsibility fully settled in. “Of course,” he replied, already mentally making a checklist of what needed to be done. “I’ll handle everything.”
Later that day, Scott was finalizing his plans when Jean wandered into his classroom. She hopped onto one of the desks, swinging her legs and watching him with a knowing smirk. “You’ve been staring at that checklist for half an hour. Let me guess—you’re already anticipating every potential disaster?”
Scott sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just want everything to go smoothly. With the right people helping out, it’ll be fine.”
Jean’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “So, who’s on chaperone duty?”
“Ororo, Hank, and you,” Scott replied automatically, scanning through his notes.
“Good choices,” Jean said, nodding thoughtfully. “Though, if you really wanted things to be interesting, you’d put Logan on the list.”
Scott’s hand froze mid-note. “Logan? Why would I—no. Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” Jean asked, feigning innocence.
Scott gave her a flat look. “You know exactly why not. He’s unpredictable, and he doesn’t follow the rules. The last thing we need is him encouraging the kids to go wild.”
Jean laughed, leaning closer. “You know, if you didn’t have such a giant crush on him, you’d probably get along better.”
Scott blushed furiously and looked away, scowling. “I do not have a crush on Logan.”
“Sure you don’t.” Jean sing-songed, and Scott could hear the grin in her words. “You’ve only been quietly pining over him since, what, last year? I’ve seen the way you look at him when he’s not paying attention.”
Scott’s scowl deepened. “Jean, this isn’t high school. Logan’s… Logan. He’s not interested.”
“Maybe he’s just oblivious. You should try being less subtle,” she suggested, shrugging.
“Subtlety isn’t the problem,” Scott muttered under his breath. “And anyway, I’m not about to let him ruin the trip with his lack of discipline.”
Jean’s teasing expression softened slightly as she tilted her head. “Logan’s rough around the edges, but he cares about those kids as much as you do. He’d be good to have around if things get out of control.”
Scott couldn’t deny that she had a point. He did respect Logan’s protective nature when it came to the students, even if his teaching style was more hands-off than Scott was comfortable with. But he wasn’t about to admit that to Jean.
“We’ll see,” he said noncommittally.
As fate would have it, the choice was made for Scott. He should have known it was too good to be true when everything seemed set.
Three days before the trip, Scott’s phone buzzed with a message from Hank.
Urgent call from Dr. MacTaggart—need to leave for the Mutant Research Center immediately - don’t know when I’ll be back, but it will be at least a week - Sorry!
They stared back at him, and frustration twisted in Scott’s chest. With Hank out of the picture, he was one chaperone short, and Xavier had already made it clear that they couldn’t go forward without enough staff supervision.
Scott leaned back in his chair, slipping off his visor to rub his temples. He needed a replacement, but the options were limited. One name kept surfacing in his mind, even though he’d been actively trying to avoid it: Logan. The mere thought made Scott’s stomach twist—not because he doubted Logan’s capability (he’d seen firsthand how fiercely Logan looked out for the kids), but because of everything else that came with it.
Jean’s voice from their conversation the other day echoed in his mind: You should try being less subtle.
Scott’s lips pressed into a thin line. Jean’s playful nudging about his “not-so-secret” crush was always relentless, and it only made him more flustered.
Before Scott could spiral further into his thoughts, there was a knock on his door. He quickly slipped his visor back on as Jean poked her head in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You look like you’re strategizing for a war, not a beach trip,” she teased, stepping fully into the room.
Scott sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Hank had to pull out,” he said, his tone edged with frustration. “Dr. MacTaggart needs him for some research project, and now I’m down a chaperone. The professor was very clear about needing at least four if we want the trip to happen.”
Jean nodded thoughtfully as she took a seat across from him. “So, who are you thinking of asking?”
Scott hesitated, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed. He could practically feel Jean’s teasing grin coming before she even spoke. “Logan,” he admitted, his voice flat.
“Logan?” Jean’s grin widened, mischief dancing in her eyes. “I’m shocked. But for what it’s worth, it’s the right call, even if it’s not the reason I would normally push you to bring him along.” Her voice dripped with playful insinuation, and Scott knew exactly what she was getting at.
Scott groaned, dragging his hand down his face in mock defeat. “I know.”
“All the girls have been talking about the beach nonstop,” Jean said, a bit more seriously this time. “Especially Rogue, Jubilee, and Kitty. You know he’d do anything for them.”
Jean had a point—Logan would never turn down the chance to be there for Rogue, Jubilee, and Kitty. The girls adored him, and he had a soft spot for them too, even if he’d never admit it aloud.
“That’s what I’m counting on,” Scott muttered, though he still felt a twinge of uncertainty gnawing at him. Was it really a good idea to mix Logan’s unpredictability with his need for order? He could already picture the chaos. But he also couldn’t deny that the girls would be disappointed if Logan wasn’t there.
Jean leaned forward, her expression softening. “Scott, he might not be the easiest person to work with, but you two balance each other out more than you think. Besides,” she added with a wink, “maybe spending some time with him outside of the usual drama will be good for both of you.”
Scott rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. “You mean it’ll give you more material to tease me with.”
“Maybe,” Jean said with a laugh, standing up and heading for the door. “But seriously, ask him. You’ll be fine—promise.”
As she left the room, Scott sat back and stared at the ceiling for a long moment. He knew Jean was right, but it didn’t make it any easier to face the prospect of asking Logan for help. Still, the thought of how excited all the kids were pushed him forward. He wouldn’t let them down—not if he could help it.
Finding Logan was easy—He was painfully predictable about where he spent his time on the mansion’s grounds. Scott found him in the first place he checked: parked in the recliner in the den, hockey on the TV, and a beer in his hand.
Scott approached, clearing his throat to get Logan’s attention.
“What do you want, Summers?” Logan asked without looking away from the TV.
Scott took a deep breath. “I need another chaperone for the beach trip. Hank can’t make it.”
Logan glanced at him, an eyebrow raised. “And you’re askin’ me? Must be desperate.”
“It’s not about desperation,” Scott replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. “The kids have been looking forward to this, especially the girls, and I know they’d be disappointed if we had to cancel.”
Logan exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression unreadable. “So, you’re playin’ the ‘do it for the kids’ card, huh?”
Scott crossed his arms, standing his ground. “If it works, then yes.”
Logan’s brick wall exterior cracked only for a second, something softening in his eyes. “They’ve been talking about it nonstop.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “Fine. I’ll help. But don’t expect me to follow your little schedule.”
Scott tried to hide his combined relief and annoyance. “Just… try not to cause too much trouble.”
“Trouble’s what they’re best at,” Logan said with a smirk. “But I’ll see what I can do.”
As Scott walked away, he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He felt a mix of relief, anxiety, and something else he didn’t want to put a name to. Climbing the stairs back to his room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this beach trip was going to be a lot more complicated than he’d originally planned.