Winds of Change

Posted on Mon Jul 22nd, 2024 @ 1:23am by Charles Xavier & Scott Summers & Connor Bruin & Iris Walker & Elias Buckley & Bliss Hawkins & Levi Rousseau & Shinobi Shaw & Ethan Hale & Aurora Summers & Jean Grey & Hank McCoy & Kennedy Kelly & Maeve MacKenna & Bianca Mathew & Hayden Davis & Max Herrera & Mara Ricci & Kayleigh Marshall

Mission: Episode 5: Days of Fortune Past
Location: X-Mansion | Ground Floor Parlor
Timeline: October 10th, 1990

It had been over two weeks since the X-Men had returned from the Savage Land. The world to which they returned did not resemble the one they'd left. Political landscapes had shifted. Threats had emerged both old and new. Even the residents of the Mansion had changed.

Professor Xavier had put it off for long enough. It was time to have a house meeting. This time it wouldn't be limited to just the X-Men in the War Room. There were several junior students whose lives were bound to be impacted, not to say their very futures as well. No more secrets, no more hiding the hard facts. Today was a day for candor.

"Thank you for coming," Xavier said to Scott and Jean who had already arrived. Their input would be invaluable when their time came to speak.

Connor entered the room first, slurping a soda can through a straw. His eyes dodged between everyone. ~What?~

~You're slurping~ Xavier said. ~It notable, so people noticed and looked~

~Oh~ Connor slurped harder.

"Please take a seat," the Professor said aloud to Connor and those who had entered the parlor behind him. "Squeeze in. We're bound to have a full room."

Aurora arrived amongst a group of students who were gathering in the room as well. “Good morning Professor” her smile faded some at the sight of Jean & Scott, but she cheered up again as she greeted Connor, before looking around to see if Bobby had entered the room yet.

Towards the back Kayleigh was sitting waiting to see what the Professor had to say. Things were changing and all the students knew it, the world had become a more dangerous and unwelcoming place for mutants. Right now the Mansion was the only place she truly felt safe, the only place she called home.

Bliss came from another direction, having been training hard to become more skilled with her new flying ability. She wore black and gold tights with a matching halter top. It was a cool day outside, but she showed no signs of discomfort. She offered a wave to people as she passed by, but her expression was still one of focus. Since the return from the Savage land, Bliss had been training with the fierce intensity that rivaled none other than Scott Summers in his heyday. She took up a spot in the back of the room leaning against a wall and folding her arms over her chest.

Hayden was excited to have everyone back. Not that things around the mansion had been boring without them, but just less exciting. She walked into the parlor and took a seat halfway up to the front. A thought nagged the back of her mind and she wondered if any of this would have do with the stuff the rumor mill was grinding out.

Jace came in, still rather solemn and withdrawn after yesterday's events, and stood against the wall in the back. A position he hadn't occupied since he first came to the school. He'd taken the whole day and night yesterday to calm down and think about some things.

Much like Jace, Kennedy had been in a rather sour mood after what had happened yesterday. That is until a dozen roses had been left outside her bedroom door along with a card from Jace. He had promised to make up for the disaster that was yesterday and the early morning flower delivery had been a nice touch. So Kennedy arrived with coffee and croissants from the coffee shop in town for both of them, her own act of forgiveness over what had happened.

Leaning against the wall next to Jace, Kennedy examined his split lip and bruised jaw before offering him his cup of coffee. They were silent in their public greeting but the tension from yesterday was gone.

Taking a sip from her own cup of coffee, Kennedy recognized Scott from the last house meeting. That meeting had announced his departure and her arrival and it had been awkward as hell. The woman next to him was unknown to Kennedy and she only hoped today’s meeting would be less terrible… but she doubted it.

Mara stood near Hank, unsure why she had been invited as she was only a temporary resident. She didn’t think she rated being at a school meeting, but she had shown up even so. Far be it from her to question the Professor’s judgment. The two chatted quietly- adding to the soft murmur of the room- while they waited for the meeting to officially begin.

Max and B sat together on the floor as there was not quite enough seating for everyone and they didn’t mind sitting on the floor. The mood of the room was slightly tense due to the unknown, but they, like most of the students, were occupying their time before the meeting started. B was attempting to teach Max how to play cat’s cradle and he was getting the hang of it slowly but surely.

Iris stood off to one side. She hadn’t bothered revealing herself to anyone- the Professor would know she was here- and vaguely wondered if anybody knew there was a small umbrella tree behind where she stood or if she hid that, too.

Maeve still being the newest face within the school didn't push to the front, or make waves when entering. Instead she took up a small place at the back where she could hear what needed to be said without getting in the way, whilst almost remaining anonymous. Not always easy to do with someone with hair as fiery as hers but she tried. She had put on a blue jumper with arms just long enough to nearly hide her hands as she gripped the edges to have some comfort from tactile touch.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming, and for making room for one another." Professor Xavier projected a bright smile. There were some heavy topics to be discussed, but he wanted to start light. "Most of you know Scott Summers already, but it's my great pleasure to introduce you to Jean Grey. Together they are establishing a sister organization to this school which will provide advocacy in the political realm. What is most relevant today is the benevolence programs they're establishing. But I'll allow Jean to elaborate more on that."

Nodding to Jean, the Professor indicated the floor was hers.

Aurora rolled her eyes at the sight of Jean taking centre stage, she was finding it difficult keeping her emotions in check where Scott & Jean were concerned but she wasn’t going to cause trouble either. She took a deep breath and did her best to wait it out.

“Thank you, Professor,” Jean said with a nod and a smile before she uncrossed her legs and stood up to better address the student body. Her green eyes scanned the room, her gaze was warm and inviting. She made it a point to look at everyone in an attempt to acknowledge them. “There are so many new faces around here and for a multitude of reasons I’m so happy to finally meet all of you.”

Anyone who had spent time roaming the halls of Xavier’s or had sat in the Professor’s office would have recognized her face. Jean was a member of the First Class and her history around the school was documented throughout its walls. Her scarlet red hair was her most distinctive feature but Jean was a blend of gentle curves and striking angles that photographs failed to capture. Her smile was genuine and her presence instilled a sense of welcome that made a person feel valued. She was Xavier’s telepathic protégé and his tutelage was felt in the way she greeted them.

“As the Professor mentioned, Mr. Summers and I are starting a new organization in the city known as X-Factor. While Xavier’s School is geared towards teaching and training mutant students, we are focused on continued advocacy and assistance to the mutant community as a whole. With the Mutant Registration Act just days away from becoming a law, the landscape of America is going to change dramatically for its mutant citizens in ways we fear are alarmingly dangerous. At X-Factor we hope to provide aid and relief through whatever means necessary.”

The students of Xavier’s had learned to read between the lines and understand what was said about their school and what wasn’t said about their school. At face value they were all receiving an education but they also took action as X-Men. X-Factor seemed to hold itself by similar standards.

“Recently,” Jean continued with her explanation, “we’ve learned of an underprivileged group of mutants in the inner city. Most of them are teenagers much like you, and they go by the alias of 'The Fallen Angels'. Their base of operations is a bar in East Harlem known as the Beat Street Club. And while I commend them for attempting to survive and take care of themselves, their means have not always been legitimate. I’ve become friends with the leader and predecessor of the Fallen Angels, a young man by the name of Tyrone Johnson. Thankfully he is in agreement that the Beat Street Club and the Fallen Angels could use some assistance in getting on a more structured path. Incarceration was always a high possibility for the Fallen Angels and with the Mutant Registration Act going into effect much worse could happen to them.”

Jean spoke with conviction and dedication, she was living proof that an X-Men could continue to do good and help the community even after their time at the school had passed.

“That’s where all of you come into play.” She smirked at them, Jean appeared to be excited about her proposal. “I need help in renovating the Beat Street Club from a bar into a community outreach center along with handing out donation items such as clothing or food. Everyone is invited to attend and participate, we’ll head to Harlem first and assist with the Beat Street Club and afterwards we’ll go to Central Park and have dinner at Tavern on the Green. My hope is that as a school, we can provide some much needed community service before getting to enjoy the city.”

Jean took a few steps back to where she was sitting next to Scott. “If you have any questions about the trip into the city or X-Factor, please see me after the meeting. Thank you, Professor, I’ll return the meeting back to you.”

Jean sat down next to Scott and they shared a brief but fond glance with one another. A short telepathic conversation over her introduction occurred but their attention quickly returned to Xavier and the additional information that needed to be shared at today’s meeting.

"Two points of clarification on that topic," the Professor said. "First of all, I regret to inform everyone that the Mutant Registration Act will not be passed into law in a few days, as I received news that it was, in fact, signed this morning by the president. According to the legislation, there is a 90 day window before registrations become mandatory. My attorneys have assured me that the class action lawsuit against the federal government has been filed in federal court. Ninety days may seem a long time, but the big gears of state turn slowly, so the sand is pouring through the hourglass in getting before a judge in that time."

Not wanting to let that grievous news linger too long, the Professor quickly continued. "The second point I wished to make on the matter of Jean's presentation is that due to the controversial nature of present circumstances and future fortunes, I will not be making this a mandatory project, however, anyone who chooses to support X-Factor's Fallen Angel initiative will be awarded extra credit up to the amount of a full point on their GPA, depending on the length, duration, and risk associated with your contribution."

It was a tantalizing reward particularly for any students struggling with their grades. Bribery was in poor taste, but Xavier's school was predicated on the necessity of extracurricular activities being of equal importance to core subjects where fully-rounded members of society were concerned. Moreover, it was a very difficult time in the world, and the best solution to fear was service to others in direct defiance of the worst of human nature. All who served the less fortunate in this manner were precisely the student leaders that the Professor wanted to promote, foster, and recognize.

“I’d be happy to help with the renovating,” Aurora offered a brief smile. “I know what it’s like to live on the streets, so anything I can do I’ll do. As for registration, they can go shove it!”

“I agree with you on that one,” Kayleigh nodded. “I’d like to help with the beat street club too, I’m okay with a paintbrush, I can help with decorating.”

Ethan and Levi stood in the back and said nothing, though likely for different reasons.

“I’m in, too,” agreed Max enthusiastically as B merely nodded in assent. He didn’t need the extra credit, but a chance to get out of the school was always welcome.

Kennedy perked up at the mention of community service. She had countless hours that she still needed to perform in order to fill her sentencing and thanks to her time in the Savage Land she was already behind.

“If I go, will you sign my paperwork?” Kennedy raised her hand into the air like she was asking a question in class, a habit that so many of them performed unintentionally.

Jean looked at the willowy blonde standing in the back and Kennedy watched as the confusion lifted from her face as questions were silently answered by the Professor for Jean.
“Yes Ms. Kelly, see me after class and I can make arrangements with your caseworker. I could also use some more routine help too.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Summers,” Kennedy replied as she returned to a leaning position against the back wall. The idea of doing something other than tediously stuffing envelopes for her community service was appealing.

Hayden shook her head at all of it. If the Mutant Registration Act was on the table again, she wanted to stay at the mansion. She was going to need all the training she could get if she wanted to do more than what she did at the Juggernaut battle. Plus...she felt safe here.

Maeve wouldn't have even classed herself as a peripheral figure in this band of mutants that she saw in front of her. She too had experienced many years on the streets, mostly in the UK and then some in New York, so she knew how it felt to be treated as if she was beneath people and even with fear if her powers flared up without warning. She bit her lip at the mention of the MRA, not sure about what it truly was as her exposure to such things had been limited if not non-existent. She kept quiet at the moment but the idea of getting out with the group, having 'people' and making connections did sound like a good idea and she felt a strange push from the earth beneath her. Almost as if the world was saying 'do it'.

---

"With that said, there are some general housekeeping matters that need addressed." Xavier's face turned more neutral, though a smile still kept him pleasant. "You may recognize a few new faces in the past couple weeks. Allow me to formally introduce, in the event that you haven't already made their acquaintance, Miss Maeve MacKenna and Miss Mara Ricci."

He waved at both of them. "Maeve has come to our school as a student and has already shown great promise in her studies. Mara has been our long-term IT Support Specialist and is responsible for the computer systems throughout the Mansion. At my request, she has agreed to offer private tutoring for anyone who has interest in the burgeoning field of computer science. Please make them feel welcome."

Aurora offered a polite nod and a smile to both new arrivals, as did Kayleigh.

Mara smiled nervously and offered a little wave. She hadn’t realized the Professor had planned on introducing her now, and the sudden attention made her nervous.

Bliss offered a nod and a wave to the newly introduced teammates.
"Welcome to the party."

Maeve could feel her cheeks flush as all heads seemed to swivel in both Mara's direction and her own. Her face reddened by the rush of blood and the sudden attention she raised her hand, half of it still inside her jumper, and have a small wave. "Hi," was all she could say as a slight rumble rippled through the ground.

"I also regret to announce that we have had some departures as well." The Professor bowed his head for a moment before lifting it to keep his spirits up. "Cameron Hood left us on a personal errand with every intention to return. That turned into an offer for a permanent posting which he has accepted... as has Jade Farwynd's stay upon Asteroid M. I wish the both of them the best of luck on their new paths." He dry-swallowed as he came to the point that he had not wanted to share. "Additionally... our dear Bobby has taken his leave of the Mansion as well."

Scott had remained silent the entire time, yet he visibly stiffened at the announcement. Anybody could see it was not news to him. There was still a modicum of discomfort in his posture.

"Although he is not here today to discuss the X-Factor initiative, Bobby has nonetheless elected to join them on a more permanent basis as well." Professor Xavier looked squarely at Scott for the first time. "Robert Drake has served the X-Men well. I'm sure that success will follow him into this new venture as well."

~Take care of him, you two~ The Professor's mind projected the thought to Scott and Jean, though it was not hidden from anyone sensitive enough to pick it up.

Scott and Jean nodded together in acknowledgement but said nothing.

"BOBBY LEFT WITHOUT TELLING ANYBODY." Connor signed away with his gloves while his face looked distraught. "WHY WOULD HE DO THAT?"

“Because he was struggling, he was losing himself here, he wanted to be with Scott.” Aurora sighed. “So much for Bobby saying people leave, now he’s the one whose left us.” She had to admit it hurt that Bobby hadn’t said goodbye.

“And he didn’t want us to try to talk him out of it,” Iris added. “He needs to make his own way and we need to let him.”

Bliss tossed her hair back with mild annoyance.
"Frosty has issues to work out. I'm more upset about Connor taking off. He owed me money."

Kennedy shifted nervously against the wall as Bobby’s departure had been announced. Yesterday had been bad but it hadn’t been worse than any other interaction she had with Bobby. She looked over to Jace with a guilty side eye to see if the news of Bobby leaving unnerved Jace as much as it bothered her.

Jace looked at Kennedy and smirked before whispering to her. "Hey, meet me in my room after this meeting and we'll talk, okay? I have to take a little trip into the city for a while...sort through some things. I'm not leaving you, Kennedy. I promise."

Kennedy’s expression dropped as Jace whispered to her. The only consultation was at least it was a temporary leave. “Yeah, okay.” She muttered in agreement before she gazed down at her coffee.

"Professor," said Jace as he came up of the wall, coffee cup in hand, "I need to take a temporary trip into the city for a while...get some things sorted out. So I'll be heading out soon, as well." Jace left it at that. No more, no less. And technically, he was going to be there for several weeks getting lots of stuff sorted.

"Dang, people come and go outta here like crazy," said Hayden. "Up to Asteroid M, though? That's rough. What's Magneto got that we haven't?"

"Misanthropy," Scott cut in.

Professor Xavier chuckled at that. "Indeed," he agreed. "The path of destruction is alluring with the power and instant gratification it offers, but there has yet to be anyone who put stock in Magneto's agenda that did not rue the day they did so. Hubris and rage blinded him long ago, so he can do no other but to lead others into pitfalls." He stopped himself with a sigh. Jade's departure was affecting him more than he wanted to admit. The ideological clash between the two Omega level mutants had been a defining one for ages with no visible end in sight.

Bliss muttered, "only space has enough room for an ego as massive as Magneto's."

"Let us move on to a happier matter..." Professor Xavier smiled at them all. "It is said that when one door is shut, another one is opened. With our departures, the team has been left with some holes which I hope to fill. Maeve has been training diligently in the Danger Room ever since her arrival. I have given her the codename Morrigan in honor of the mythical Phantom Queen and defender of her homeland. The courage and resolve she has displayed thus far will be a great boon to our team."

Maeve was still sore from all the training. She was the fittest she'd ever been with easy access to food and training/gym facilities. She felt more in control of her abilities even if sometimes her emotional state caused them to flare up every now and then. "Thank you, Professor. I'll try and not let anyone down." she said with a sheepish smile.

"Yet with so many departures, we find our team without leadership. It is a heavy burden, one that cannot be taken lightly or for transient reasons. A leader is not made or appointed, but recognized as forged from the trials and tribulations of adversity, someone who is courageous to stand in front but humble to serve from beneath. I spent significant time considering whom to ask and there was one individual whose mind and heart were big enough for the task."

Turning to Connor, he then said, "I have asked Caveman to assume the role of team leader, and after the requisite time for him to consider it, I am proud to announce that he has accepted." Xavier began to applaud. "Congratulations, Connor, and thank you for stepping forward as you have."

“Congratulations Connor!” Aurora gave her friend a big smile. “You’ll be a fantastic leader.”

“Brilliant!” agreed Iris. Everyone liked Connor. Plus, he would do a good job of leading them, she was sure.

Hank nodded in approval. Connor was a good choice to lead the new class. Vaguely, he was aware of a few eyes on him and he realized they may have expected him to take the lead, but he was no leader. He had always known this. He had not only never desired to lead, he actively avoided it when he could. He hadn’t even wanted to take the lead in class projects. No, his place was not to lead. He was much better at research and development. Connor was a much better choice. “Congratulations, Connor,” he said with a wide smile. “I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job.”

"THANK YOU," Connor said through his device. "I WILL DO MY BEST. WE WILL RESUME DRILLS NEXT WEEK. I WILL ASSIST YOUNGER STUDENTS IN TRAINING IF THEY WISH. WE WILL BE READY FOR ANYTHING."

That last part made Xavier arch his brow. "That sounds wonderful, Connor," he said, duly impressed with the initiative. "I'll upgrade your Danger Room authorization from user to trainer."

Bliss had been silent in the immediate aftermath of Connor's coronation as team leader. She offered a smile to him, but her words of congratulations were lost in the chorus of supporters.

That should have been me, she thought. Clearly the Prof doesn't think I've got what it takes to lead the team, especially after the Savage Land. And because of that weakness, Connor will be placed in even more situations of risk to his mental and physical well being. Nicely done, Bliss, you couldn't have fucked up more if you had tried.

Connor was the right one for the job. He was the smartest of the group by leaps and bounds. Bliss can fulfil her role as the blunt instrument for the team. She's the physically strongest and the most durable. And now that she could fly she can do all the things that are going to need to be done in the light of the registration act.

Bliss pushed herself off the wall to meet Connor. She patted him warmly on the shoulder with hér best toothpaste commercial smile.
"You're the best choice by far. Congratulations."

Jean’s brow furrowed at the self-deprecating thoughts that Bliss was projecting. She had caught a glimpse of it when speaking with her and Connor the last time she was here. Jean looked over at the blonde and made sure they locked eyes before she spoke. ~* ‘My offer still stands Bliss, if you’d like to talk. I’m here for you.’ *~

Bliss nodded yes to Jean, whipping herself for exposing her feelings to the point where one of the zillion telepaths picked up on her anger. At least Jean cared enough to offer help. She returned to her spot against the wall and glowered at her feet with enough self recrimination to melt her boots.

Jace just stood there. Nothing. No reply. No nod of a head. Not even a 'don't let the door hit you on the way out.' This would definitely change his plans a little. No more waiting until tomorrow for a taxi. If he had to hitchhike to Salem Center this afternoon, that's what he would do. To hell with them.

Then Jean couldn’t help but pick up on the indignation that was brewing in the back of the room. She had forgotten how mentally exhausting a room full of teenagers could be. It wasn’t actual thoughts being presented by Jace but a rolling cloud of dissatisfaction. She found it hard to ignore amidst the congratulations flying through the room.

“I hope you come back soon Jason. A brief hello isn’t enough time, so I look forward to seeing you again.” Jean offered an olive branch of acknowledgment to his negativity.

Kennedy offered Jean a weak smile, she could see what she was trying to do. Jace was visibly upset by the lack of consideration from the rest of the room. She didn’t blame him for feeling slighted. Kennedy placed a hand on Jace’s shoulder in reassurance, the meeting would be over soon enough.

The reassurance from Kennedy eased any emotional outburst or tension. "Thanks," Jace said to Jean. "We'll have to see, I guess."

Not wanting to ignore the topic at hand. Kennedy chimed in with her own response. “Nice work Connor, you’ve definitely helped me better understand my powers.”

“In addition to Connor’s training in the Danger Room, Scott and I will also be available for additional training sessions.” Jean casually placed her left hand on Scott’s knee while she spoked. “There are a large number of you with kinetic abilities, I can offer additional training with honing those skills as well as how to better use your abilities in a combat situation. Scott will be taking over the one-on-one training that Cameron had once provided.”

“Of course Connor’s notes from drills and time in the Danger Room will help us with your training.” She smirked at Connor as Jean spoke about him more as a peer than a student. “But we’ll all work together to assist you. Does anyone have any questions for us about your training?”

As much as Aurora had been trying to avoid time spent around Jean she knew Jean’s training would benefit her where her telepathy and Telekinesis were concerned. “I err...I’d like to learn better control, I’m willing to take extra classes.”

“Of course Aurora.” Jean nodded her head in acknowledgment of her request and the irony of it wasn’t lost on her. But there was no contempt or disdain in voice, only the gentle sincerity that Jean was known for. “It would be my pleasure to train you.”

Aurora nodded doing her best to be as civilised as Jean was being to her. “Thank you.”

"Mrs. Summers," said Hayden, as she approached the group and addressed Jean. "I'm not sure how much of mine is brain, body, or mind or if it's some weird combination of both. But I wouldn't mind some training as long as you guys are here. Oh, um, water manipulation. Sorry."

“I personally find it’s a little bit of both.” Jean smiled at Hayden as she confessed her own habits “I use a lot of big sweeping gestures when using my telekinesis, I swear it helps. I can help you with water manipulation. I once parted all of Breakstone Lake to look for a pair of lost glasses.” Jean squeezed Scott’s knee with that comment and it produced one of his lopsided smiles in return.

Seeing that he had already lost the room, Professor Xavier raised his voice one last time. "Thank you all for coming. If anybody has further questions, my office will be open until dinner. Otherwise, please take the day and enjoy it. And special thanks to Scott and Jean for their gracious offer for tutelage. Good day." With that, the Professor excused himself and released the others to mingle, chat, and make arrangements as they saw fit.

As the meeting ended and everyone was dismissed, several of the junior students walked out along with Ethan and Levi. Bliss didn't linger with Connor, immediately moving on. She moved on to Jace. The last thing she wanted to do at the moment was marinate in the moment with Connor. It was his. He did not need her internal negativity.

"So, Jace...."
Bliss sighed and shrugged. She tried to remember if they had ever said anything outside the danger room to one another. But he was a good enough guy.
"Sucks that you're leaving. I hope whatever you got coming up works out for you. So if you get a chance come back and say hey, I'll even take you to my secret hideout."
She offered him a hand to shake.

Jace shrugged. "Such is life. But it should only be temporary. I don't yet. Too many variables to say either way." Jace looked at Bliss's hand for a moment and paused. He remembered what Hogarth said about being careful whose hand he shook. Instead of shaking it, he gave it a sideways high five. "Skipped the 'up high' and 'down low' parts, huh? I guess it works either way. A secret hideout...sounds pretty cool. We'll see." Post-statement pity comments.

Maeve had seen all the students and staff alike move into what she would call cliques. It was natural when people spend as much time together as they all do that smaller groups form of people that are like minded or get on well. At the moment she was still navigating that world. She had been home-schooled for lack of a better term and her educational experience had never been like this. She had spent time with the people in her village, the 'tribe' if you like, but it was interesting to see the different types of people and how they acted with each other.

"JEAN, THAT IS THE BIGGEST DIAMOND I HAVE EVER SEEN." The monotone coming out of Connor's device was a disservice to the expression on his face. "IT WAS BLINDING ME DURING THE MEETING. I HAD TO LOOK AWAY."

“Nothing gets past you Connor.” Jean feigned some embarrassment over his comment but the grin that lit up her face said otherwise. She looked down at the green diamond on her finger, its novelty still enraptured her.

“Scott and I have reconciled since my return. We are going to get married.” There was a lot more to that simple summary but Jean attempted to address it as graciously as possible. Secrets were impossible to keep around the mansion, especially with someone like Connor around.

This, of course, caught Mara and Hank’s attention and they both crossed the room to congratulate their friends. How they had missed the ring themselves was beyond either of them, a sentiment they shared through exchanged looks of embarrassment at one another. But sometimes even the most observant among us can miss the most obvious things. That’s why detectives take pictures.

"Thank you, Hank," said Scott, smirking at their approach and mumbled congratulations. That they were hung up on one another seemed obvious to everyone but them. "That means a lot coming from you. I'm just glad we're finally setting things right."

Aurora hadn’t noticed until she overheard Connor, the sight of the ring Jean was wearing was like a knife digging into her chest. She clamped down on her emotions, turning and heading out of the room as rapidly as she could get. She felt sick, and angry all at the same time, and she needed to get as far from Scott and Jean as she could before she lost control altogether.

Hayden was happy to be able to get some training from Jean at some point. Her immediate advice was also helpful. But then she saw Aurora turn around and head out of the room. She would give her congratulations to Jean later on...maybe right before a training session. But for now, she let the rest of the team have their turn and slipped out the door after Aurora.

When she was out of earshot from the everyone else but within range of Aurora, she called out. "Hey! Hold up, huh. So," she began as she caught up to her, "I've been around her for a while and mainly just focusing on classes and training. But I've been around...." She trailed off and looked down at her feet, not knowing what to say to Aurora. Rather, she just gave her a hug. It wasn't much of a stretch as she was only an inch taller than the other girl.

Hayden let go and offered some water. "If you're thirsty, I can pull some humidity out of the air. Room temperature water and stuff, but still." She held out her hand as if she was holding a globe and watched as mist begin to swirl around and form a small ball of water. She waggled the index finger of her other hand and the water formed an arc. "Think of it like drinking from a water fountain."

While Aurora sipped and muttered her thanks, Professor Xavier addressed her from down the hall.

"Aurora, would you be so kind as to come to my office at the top of the hour?" He kept a kindly smile on his face despite the sensitivity of the subject. "We have that appointment to keep, if you remember."

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Aurora said nothing, just nodded as she went off to go collect herself.