This is my take on the Marvel Comicbook 'Quitting Time' which will be released in March this year. A short scene between two friends.

Thank you, tinkcph for the beta!
Crossposted to logurt, xfiction and my own journal.



Quitting Time

“So that’s it? You’re leaving?” Logan leaned against Kurt’s doorpost, one hand holding a half empty beer bottle the other stuffed nonchalantly into his jeans pocket.

“Yes, Logan, I’m leaving.” Kurt proceeded to pack his suitcase; pants, shirts, underwear, stubbornly ignoring the red on black uniform at the end of the bed.

“This got something to do with Mystique?”

Kurt looked up at Logan and saw his best friend gripping the bottle a little tighter. His mother had always been a sore spot between them. “No, it has nothing to do with her… or you, for that matter.”
A look of relief passed, quickly followed by an all familiar frown. “So, what is it then? San Francisco too hot for ya?”

“No, I like San Francisco. Nice atmosphere, beautiful city. I love the hills.” He opened his sock drawer and transferred its contents to his suitcase.

“You haven’t answered my question.” Logan entered his room fully now, his presence almost taking up the entire space.

“I did, actually.”

Logan crossed his arms in front of his chest warningly. “Elf…”

Kurt stayed silent.

“Fine then. Is this about you having to spring me from jail every now and then? ‘Cause if that’s it, I hereby promise to try and not get caught in the future.”

Kurt sighed exasperatedly and turned around to face Logan. “It has nothing to do with you, Logan, it’s just me, okay? Mein Gott. I feel like I’m breaking up with you or something!”

“So. What. Is. It? Shit, Elf you can’t just leave without an explanation.”

“You’re one to talk.”

“And you are deflecting again.” Logan sat down in the large chair in the far right corner.

The room stayed silent for a while, Kurt staring at the pile of clothes in front of him, Logan staring at Kurt. It was Kurt who broke the spell and started moving again. After all, his suitcase wouldn’t pack itself.

“I miss her too, Kurt.”

Kurt tried to swallow the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. His Kätzchen. Gone.
He stubbornly blinked away tears and tried to focus on packing again.

“It’s time to do something different with my life. Kitty, she’s gone, lost in space while saving the planet. Banshee… you were there with me Logan, he died saving so many others. It’s unfair. Is this supposed to be my life? People, friends, loved ones dying?”

“What do you want me to say to that?” Logan stood up again and walked to the window. Outside the sun shone brightly and several students were enjoying the warm rays.
“People die, Kurt. It’s part of the job. You want no risks? Become a desk clerk. Fact is; you have this power, you have an obligation to the world. Like I told Hank before; you can’t quit.”

He turned to face Kurt again.

“Is that what you want to hear? You want the superhero speech? ‘Cause I ain’t feeling it, Kurt. Just like ya said; it’s unfair. Kitty, Halfpint, she didn’t have to die. Banshee, Thunderbird, Jean… Don’t you think I want to quit?” The last part sounded strained; Logan was trying to keep his cool.

“Only reason I’m still here is ‘cause I have no place else to go. You guys are all I’ve got left.”

Kurt looked down, feeling guilty somehow.

“I’m not asking you to stay for me. I’m not that selfish.”

He walked to the door again, hand on the doorknob.

“I just wish you’d reconsider.”