Musing about the mechanics of claw problems.
Logan's claws are operated by muscles that push them out, of course, but there is an undeniable emotional element that affects his physical response.
Adrenaline, danger, anger. Those usually get the claws out, no hesitation. Even when he isn't operating in fight-or-flight, he can usually get them out. Mostly, when he'd calm and collected, when there isn't pressure and he isn't thinking too hard about it.
Wade's seen it. Logan will sometimes push them out and cut open a package or slice off a zip tie. They've driven outside of the city and fought each other to release steam once or twice. Laura and Logan compared theirs over dinner once.
But it's different when there's pressure. Expectations.
He didn't choose the claws for himself, nor did he choose the healing factor, but yet, those things were inherently tied to the way he'd been perceived his whole life.
You were made for this, Logan. How many times had someone uttered those words?
There are always expectations, like heavy fucking weights on his shoulders. Every group of people that welcomed him into their lives had done so with the assumption that he had something to give, whether it was intentional or not.
The claws, the healing factor, the animalistic side of him. Those were often more important than Logan.
So he's anxious, always worried someone is going to need the weapon, The Wolverine, and he develops an anxiety response, freezing up, unable to force his claws out.
But with Wade, things are different. Wade doesn't have expectations for The Wolverine. Logan's just his fucking boyfriend.
But there are times where Logan wants to use the claws, when he wants to join Wade on a job. Wade learns that fucking the claws out works, realizing that it's a distraction, but both he and Logan know it can't always be the solution.
So Wade starts to try different things to help. He gives Logan massages, pulls Logan into a firm hug, holding him close. Wade makes Logan a playlist of grounding songs, runs him baths, forces Logan to drink water and eat good meals. He cuddles Logan like he fucking means it, wraps around him, holds Logan close for as long as he can manage.
Wade loves on him, treats Logan like he's worthy to exist even if all he wants to do is sit his ass on the couch and read the newspaper like he's fucking ninety.
And lo and behold, that's all Logan really needed to begin with.
