As soon as you had entered the church, you had sensed something wasn’t quite right. As soon as you saw the mutant responsible for the White House attack, you definitely knew you had gotten something wrong.
“Please don’t kill me. I didn’t mean to harm anyone,” the mutant stammered as Jean held him aloft. You frowned and reached out to touch her arm, shaking your head. Jean reluctantly lowered the stranger to the floor and you approached him carefully.
“What’s your name?” you asked softly, crouching in front of the frightened mutant.
He blinked at you, yellow eyes flashing with fear as they darted between the faces of you and your companions. At last, he stammered out, “Kurt. Kurt Wagner.”
You dipped your head, “My name is [f/n].”
Kurt stared at you, his gaze uncertain, “I didn’t want to hurt anyone,” he mumbled.
You nodded, “I know. I can feel that you mean what you say. I’m an empath.”
Jean and Storm exchanged a look, moving forwards to crouch next to you. “What are you talking about?” Storm asked, her confusion evident. “The Professor told us this was the mutant who attacked the White House.”
You shook your head, “He may have done it, but he wasn’t in control.” You cast Kurt a sympathetic look, “He wasn’t responsible for this.”
Kurt nodded eagerly, shifting so he was closer to you. You could still sense the fear and confusion pouring off of him in waves but it was a little less potent. You straightened, offering him a hand and he winced as you pulled him up. You frowned, seeing the bloody stain on his shoulder. “You’re hurt.”
He shied away from your touch and you felt your heart ache for the scared young mutant. “Don’t worry. We just want to help.”
Reluctantly, Kurt let you examine the wound and you could feel his fear subsiding. You caught him looking at you more than once while you and your companions treated the injury and did your best to offer him a smile each time. When Jean and Storm had gone off a little ways to discuss the next course of action you should take, you sat with Kurt.
“Thank you,” he whispered, glancing up at you shyly. “For believing me.”
You gave his hand a careful squeeze, “You’ve been through a great deal.”
He dipped his head, staring at where your fingers touched his. “Still, your kindness means a great deal.”
“I’m not in the business of hurting innocent people.”
He smiled, “You are an angel.”
“You give me too much credit.”
“No. I do not.”