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“Drop that hex ball or we all get a good look at your spine…”, a gruff and rather impatient voice growled from behind Wanda. Wanda froze feeling pressure of six ‘blades’ against her back. The hairs on the back of her neck and her arms stood on end as she heard a voice she’d long forgotten speak. Her eyes narrowed in anger glaring at Landon, but the hex ball disappeared from her hands. “Now what Wolverine?”, Wanda said saying his codename with utter distain in her tone. Hearing her say the word ‘wolverine’ Landon let out the breath he didn’t even realize he’d been holding and collapsed to his knees. He’d been spent since changing her knife to the daylilies and what strength he’d left was used to dare to stand between her and Atif. Knowing they were now safe Atif removed his shield and moved forward hugging his best friend. “You are the biggest, stupidest, most moronic…and brave person I have ever known Landon.”, Atif said shaking his head cursing yet complimenting his best friend. Cora Lee’s hands came to her face covering her mouth of complete shock and awe as not only did she see Rose’s father standing behind Scarlet Witch having saved her brother, heck saved them all probably, but she felt him there. Her dad had told her vaguely what it was like to know Logan was near. The immense density of the adamantium that laced his bones was really a feeling that till know she couldn’t have imagined. She’d never felt a metal like it, at least to this extent. It was different that the feeling of the thin band that Professor Aurelia wore.

Lily stayed frozen, her breathing slow and soft as she tried to get her heart back under control. Tommy looked from his mother’s face to Lily and chose to move to Lily’s side and grasp her left hand tightly into his right. He didn’t have words left for his mother. She’d made it clear she would have gone through him to hurt the institute kids. So now he would make it clear where his loyalty lay by standing his ground next to the girl he loved so dear. Ashley sighed in relief and rushed to her twin, hugging him and Landon both tightly. She kissed her brother’s cheek and then Landon’s. “Never do anything like this again.”, Ashley warned as she held back tears. Her heart and stopped when she saw Wanda approach and aim to kill her twin, the death of a twin was something she didn’t think she could bare. It was a pain her Uncle Iver and Aunt Kisa were still haunted by to this day. And then when Landon moved to protect Atif it didn’t help her heart because Landon was like a second brother to her, the leader of their group. The thought of losing Landon she felt might have equated to how her mother had felt when Professor Xavier died. Landon was their leader, he inspired them and they believed in him and thus they followed him much like how her mother described Professor Xavier. Thinking of Professor Xavier brought her mind round to her boyfriend, who’d been given the name Xavier in honor of the fallen leader of the X-Men and long standing friend to his grandfather. Which as her mind drifted to the idea of Xavier’s grandfather her head turned to look around Wanda and see the man himself standing behind her.

Rose wanted to move. She wanted to rush to Landon. She wanted to rush to Logan, even if in her mind she still feared she wasn’t truly his and he’d reject her as Cero and Kirra had. But instead she sat frozen with doubt listening to her heart beat, to the fast beating of all her friends’ hearts. Just outside of the clearing Aurelia had gotten back to her paws and was heading to the clearing to try and stop Wanda, but froze. A familiar scent wafted to her sensitive nose, along with a familiar sound. She could feel her heart skipping beats and then when she heard his voice she shifted from wolf to woman. She stayed there on her knees, hands to her face as she cried having been overcome with sheer joy at the sound of Logan’s voice. She managed to gain enough composure to bring herself, unstably, to her feet and inch closer to the clear and stop again as she saw his profile. Other than his clothes not being tattered and no bruising or blood on him, he looked no different than the last she’d seen him. Not that it should surprise her that he didn’t look like a day had gone by. Between his powers at whatever effect that other dimension had he didn’t age. Aurelia forced herself to look away from him, she began to count heads. “Landon, Atif, Ashley, Cora Lee, Lily, Rose, Solangel, and then there’s Tommy and Billy. Good they are all there.”, Aurelia whispered a small mental sigh of relief. Though as she looked to Landon she could see he was only not collapsed on the ground because the Alston twins were hugging him. Her green eyes the shifted to Billy and Solangel both collapsed to the ground but she could see the subtle rising and falling of their chests and knew they were okay.

“Now you get a choice. One I might add I was not given fifteen years ago.”, Logan spoke in his deep growl trying to contain his own anger in front of all the kids. “And what might those choices be?”, Wanda asked trying to be casual but a slight tremor in her voice gave away any calm she conveyed. Her eyes looked to her first born laying, just breathing on the ground. A moment of motherly concern filled her but was pushed back when she remembered he was only in this condition because he betrayed her. Then her eyes looked to her middle son Thomas who was holding hands with the turn-coat Lily. “Simple. You walk away, you never even look at any of these kids again let alone think of harming them. Or I show them all the stories about me..”, Logan spoke pressing his claws firmly against her back. “The stories about being the best at what I do and what I do best isn’t very nice are all true.”, Logan finished. “So you’re choice Scarlet Witch. Do you live or do I exact my revenge here and now for everything you did to me, did to my friends, did to my family and everything you took away from me?”, Logan questioned. He kept his eyes focused on Wanda, he wanted to look at Rose or even turn his head smelling Aurelia just to his right but he couldn’t. No he couldn’t look to his red haired girls, not yet. Not till he knew Wanda was either going to leave or die. There was a part of him deep inside that wanted Wanda to choose death. But he knew the killing Wanda wouldn’t fix anything it wouldn’t give him peace, peace for the death he’d seen in that other world.

“Fine. Then I shall leave.”, Wanda stated. She looked to Tommy and glared. “I will tell you this and you can tell William when he wakes, you are no longer welcome at the Academy. And from this day forth when asked how many children I have my answer shall be one son named Tyler.”, Wanda scorned before stepping away from Logan’s claws, taking him at his word of not killing her and walking away pushing past Aurelia as she did so. There was a heartache in Tommy’s jade green eyes. Lily squeezed his hand tightly, she knew how he felt. It was the same way she felt when her mom chose to make no contact with her after her decision to not side with the Acolytes. Aurelia growled a little watching Wanda walk away. As a mother she couldn’t believe what had happened. To just disown the boys like that. What kind of mother could do that to the children she’d brought into the world and raised? Logan lowered his hands, unclenching his fists as his claws slide back into his forearm. It had taken every bit of him to not just end her right then and there, but he couldn’t bring himself to do that at least not in front of children, children he’d watch grow, children he owed his life to. He took a breath and looked directly at Landon who was somewhat conscious being hugged tightly by Atif and Ashley. A small smile spread across Logan’s lips thinking about the fact that he was real again, he was there and it was all because of Landon’s persistent nature and the combined bravery of all the children present.

The trance that had held Cora Lee seemed to disappear as Wanda walked away. She now became fully aware of the fact her brother was still injured and bleeding, but at least alive. Cora Lee rushed to join Atif and Ashley in hugging her brother. “I will never let you down like that again Landon. I’ll never let someone that close to you with a blade again.”, Cora Lee promised tears forming in her aqua eyes, the Bryant eyes that she shared with her brother. Landon groaned at the additional hug. “It’s alright…I’m alright right Cora Lee.”, Landon managed to speak. Hearing his voice seemed to have a similar affect on Lily who tore her hand from Tommy and rushed to her cousin joining the group hug. “Never scare us like that again Landon. You’re way to important to us.”, Lily added trying to have her shaking voice sound stern. Landon smirked a little his eyes still closed, but the smirk could faintly be seen above the shoulder of his sister. “I’ll… take… it under…advisement”, Landon joked his words broken as he struggled to breath under the pile of his friends and family. Rose looked to the group, Landon in the center and then briefly to Logan still torn on where to rush to first. But she made her choice and got to her feet and managed to slump by Cora Lee joining the group hug. “If you ever do anything this stupid again and live, I’ll kick your ass Landon.”, Rose said shaking her head. Tommy watched the group curiously. There was no sense of comradery like this among the students of the Academy. But his jade eyes moved to the still unmoving form of his twin and rushed to his side. “Billy…”, Tommy said grabbing his brother’s hand. “Come on Billy open your eyes.”, Tommy urged.

Aurelia couldn’t hold herself back any longer. She rushed from her spot just on the edge of the clearing and flung herself at Logan wrapping her arms tight around him, her hands shaking as she was able to at last feel his solid flesh under them. “Logan..”, she managed to speak voice shaking as much as her hands. “Is this real? Are you real?”, Aurelia asked burying her head into this shoulder, slumping against him. She didn’t dare open her eyes incase this wasn’t real. Logan didn’t even grunt or show a sign of movement which any other man would have having the full weight of a grown woman five inches taller than themselves flung at them. The benefit of his adamantium made him hard to stumble. He felt himself start to shake a little as Aurelia was pressed tight to him and for the first time in so many long years he brought his arms up and wrapped them tightly around Aurelia an audible sigh of relief as his hands rested on her sides and didn’t pass through them. “Yes. This is real. I’m real. And I’m not ever letting you go again pup.”, Logan spoke softly to her as he leaned his head against hers his eyes closing for a moment. He could feel his shoulder starting to become damp as Aurelia stopped trying to hold back tears, but at least this time he knew the tears weren’t of the pain and anguish he’d had to watch all these years, but joy this time.

Landon managed to open his eyes enough and see just past his friends at the reunion of Aurelia and Logan. He sighed a little a smile on his lips, they’d done it. They had brought Logan back to this world and learned the secret. “Rose..you..you should be hugging him not me…”, Landon managed to say under the pile of friends. Rose turned her head slightly to look at her mother and Logan. She saw how tight her mother held him and how tight he held her back. She couldn’t help but smile and feel tears starting to form. They really did love each other. But she still held back. She didn’t want to let go of Landon and the others but it wasn’t just that she was still replaying in her mind the private conversation her mother had with her about a drunk night of regret in an attempt to forget that had resulted in a one night stand within the time frame that physicians had given as the wide margin of error of conception. Rose wasn’t sure she belonged in that hug. What if she wasn’t really a Howlett? As if he somehow knew what she was thinking Logan’s eyes opened and locked on Rose’s. She gulped a little now under his gaze. He was shorter and shaggier than her Uncle John but the similarities were undeniable. Logan brought his left hand away from Aurelia and extended it out to Rose.

“My sweet little Rose. I’ve waited since before your mother even knew she was expecting to hold you. So please..do this tired old man a favor and hug your father.”, Logan requested. Aurelia turned her head slightly opening her eyes to look at him and then to look at Rose. In her mind she replied the phrase ‘before your mother even knew’ in her head. How could he have known she was pregnant before she even did? But then to hear him declare himself Rose’s father Aurelia wanted to weep again. She didn’t know if it was just Logan’s way of accepting Rose no matter what she’d done in his absence of not. Rose blinked in surprise as he called her his sweet Rose and referred to himself as her father. Landon managed to free one hand from the pile, as none of the group seemed willing to release him, and shoved Rose toward her parents. Rose cautiously stood up and without a second thought rushed to the welcoming arm of Logan and buried her face into the other crook of his neck her right arm wrapped to hug his waist and the left wrapped to hug her mother. Logan sighed in relief and tucked his left arm tight around Rose. “I’ve waited so many years and finally I get to hold my girls. Two of the most important women in my world.”, Logan said hugging them both tightly. He kissed Aurelia’s forehead and then Rose’s.

Solangel groaned a little, but didn’t get up. “Brownie do good?”, she asked her voice faint. “Aunt Solangel…”, Cora Lee exclaimed releasing her brother and moving to hold Solangel’s hand. “You did fantastic! Take a look.”, Cora Lee said Lifting Solangel’s Head slightly so she could see. Solangel smiled seeing the short Logan sandwiched between Aurelia and Rose. “Debt repaid..”, Solangel said with a sigh of relief. Tommy looked to Solangel and then back to his brother wondering when he’d start to stir. “Alright get off me before I can’t breathe. I love you all too now can we check of Aunt Solangel and Billy please?”, Landon grumbled. Atif blinked realizing that his beloved Billy was laying but a couple feet from him. Atif let go as Landon insisted and moved to Billy, raising his head and placing it on his lap. “Billy…come on. Wake up please?”, Atif asked sweetly leaning over and kissing Billy’s forehead. Ashley released her hug next and moved to rest a hand on her brother’s shoulder as he waited for Billy to stir. Lily gave Landon a final tight squeeze. “Get over it cuz, we can’t help it that we all love you our fearless leader.”, Lily teased standing up and ruffling his hair before going to put her arm around Tommy’s shoulder as he waited on his twin. Landon sighed shaking his head before going to the other side of Solangel and holding her hand. “You rock Aunt Brownie.”, Landon commented squeezing her hand.

Solangel smiled and looked from Cora Lee to Landon before sitting up more and hugging them both tightly. “Aww my peachy babies. Let’s not do this again or your mom will kill me.”, Solangel said with a laugh kissing Landon’s cheek and then Cora Lee’s. their attention turned as Billy grunted. “Is it over? Did we do it? Did we free him or are we dead?”, Billy asked his voice shaky. Atif nodded. “We did it. He’s free and currently holding Aurelia and Rose in a hug I’m not sure we’ll break them from.”, Atif said lifting Billy’s head just enough to see. Billy smiled and nodded. “Good. Where…where’s mom?”, Billy asked looking to Tommy. Tommy shook his head. “Wolverine was freed just in time to stop her…to stop her from killing Landon and then probably all of us. She took the choice to walk away from the fight, but we aren’t allowed back. She’s disowned us as her sons. So street urchins together it shall be brother.”, Tommy said forcing a smile. Billy sighed and nodded. “We knew it was coming at least. We’ll figure something out at least we’ll have each other for family.”, Billy said weakly. Logan looked over and was hit with guilt that it was his fault these two boys now had no home. But really what could he do for them? He could offer them shelter in his and Aurelia’s place but it wouldn’t protect them from any future attempts from Wanda and the other Acolytes for their actions tonight.

“You have me too Billy.”, Atif said sweetly running his hand gently over Billy’s hair smoothing back the dark brown tendrils. “And you have me Tommy.”, Lily said hugging Tommy around the shoulders. Landon nodded. “You have all of us guys. You won’t be street urchins. Not if I have a say in it.”, Landon said with his signature devious smirk. Tommy and Billy turned their attention to Landon with arched brow. Logan knew that smirk rather well from watching over Landon and all the kids these past years. Logan knew a plan was forming in Landon’s brain. “What do you mean?”, Tommy asked. “Simple. You two are going to the Haven.”, Landon said mater-o-factly. The brothers blinked at Landon in confusion. “But we can’t. I mean your dad wouldn’t let us. We’re Maximoffs.”, Billy protested. Landon shrugged. “So what? My dad can’t say no is my point. Doesn’t matter if you are Maximoffs or not. You are now lone mutants in need of refuge and protection. The Haven charter forbids my dad, even as the head of it, from refusing anyone in need that wishes to claim sanctuary. And if you two are at the Haven you are safe. Even if your mom or any of the Acolytes try to retaliate for what you’ve done to help us here, they can’t touch you if you are Haven. Not without starting war with my dad, Solangel, Demitri and my mom. And based on what we’ve all learned about what happened fifteen years ago that’s a war they don’t want.”, Landon said with a smile.

“So..well I guess we become Haven then.”, Billy said looking to Tommy. Tommy nodded. “Apparently. At least now we can be public about who we love.”, Tommy said reaching up to run his hand along Lily’s arm that wrapped around his shoulders. “You two can have mine and Nate’s old bedroom. I’m rarely there anymore and it’s already got two full size beds in there. Plus our mom hates how empty the house has been without me and Cora Lee living there and most of the kids from daycare being in school. She’ll be thrilled for two foster sons. Though I warn you that you never move anything in that house without putting it directly back where it was.”, Landon said. Tommy raised an eyebrow. “Our mom is blind.”, Cora Lee explained. Billy and Tommy nodded. “Um alright. That works for that then. Guess we’ll have to sneak into the Academy to get our stuff out. Didn’t have the fore thought or time to pack like Lily did.”, Billy commented. Landon nodded and extended a hand to Tommy and Billy. “Welcome to the family then.”, Landon said. Tommy looked apprehensive for a moment but shook Landon’s hand and Billy followed suit. “Thanks.”, they said. Solangel grunted as she moved to a standing position.

The kids looked up at her while the Howlett family continued their embrace. “Where are you going?”, Cora Lee asked. “Well if there are going to be two new residents at the Haven I’m going to go back to the man I left half naked and enjoy what quiet time I have left.”, Solangel teased. As she was about to talk away she paused and ruffled Billy and Tommy’s hairs. “Welcome to the Haven family peachies.”, Solangel said. “Thank you…um Solangel…”, Billy said. Solangel smiled down at them. “If you are joining the Haven and intend to keep seeing these two.”, Solangel said pointing to Atif and Lily. “You can either call me Aunt Solangel and Aunt Brownie. And just remember joining the Haven means you become my family and we protect our own at the Haven.”, Solangel said before walking away from the clearing knowing she had a lot of explaining to do to Jacob though she made up her mind the explanation would come after she had her way with Jacob in the bedroom. With Solangel gone the group turned to look at the Howletts.

Logan sighed and reluctantly let go of Rose and Aurelia. He walked over to the kids and squatted down since they were all kneeling or in Billy’s case laying on the ground. “You kids are far and away the most insane, determined, and fearless bunch I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for the lot of you. So thank you.”, Logan said extending his hand. The others, even Billy and Tommy, all looked to Landon. Landon nodded and took Logan’s hand feeling the rather firm grip the man had. “Thanks for being the only adult to have the faith in us. We’re glad your back and to see the smile on Professor Aurelia and, more importantly, Rose’s faces.”, Landon responded. Logan smiled a little and nodded. “For being Crow’s kid...you aren’t half bad. I put my faith in the right kid.”, Landon said with a nod before standing up. He walked back to Rose and Aurelia. He sighed and looked at Rose and hugged her again. “I know what’ve been worried about. And I want you to know that without a single doubt that you are mine as much as Cero, Raziel, Kirra, or Hudson are mine.”, he said softly so only she and Aurelia would hear him. Rose nodded quietly. “I just can’t believe you’re here. I have..I have a dad. Oh god when everyone finds out you’re back.”, Rose beamed. Logan nodded. “I’ll have a lot of people wanting to see me and to talk to me. And I’ll oblige them, when I’m damn good and ready. Are you staying at the institute tonight?”, Logan asked. Rose thought for a moment. “Umm yeah…”, Rose said uncertain. Logan nodded. “Good. Because I have about fifteen years I plan to make up for and you are best staying at the institute.”, Logan stated taking hold of Aurelia’s hand.

Rose Covered her mouth to say what came to her mind and to hide her own laugh. Aurelia shook her head softly trying to not be embarrassed by Logan. “Good night Rose. You and your friends should go back to the club. Tell your cousin and my grandson I’m back and I’ll see them soon.”, Logan said giving Rose a kiss on the forehead. Rose nodded. “I will. Good night.”, Rose said. Landon looked to his watch, it was past midnight but he smiled and fell back in triumph. “HAPPY NEW YEAR! A tad late but still! We got the mission done before 2023 started.”, Landon said raising his fists in victory. Atif shook his head to laugh at Landon but was stopped with Billy sat up and kissed him. “Happy New Year Atif.”, Billy said after he pulled back smiling. Lily leaned over Tommy’s shoulder more and kissed his lips. “Happy New Year Tommy.”, she said smiling at him. Logan looked to Aurelia and grinned. Aurelia returned the smile but was then caught by surprise as he pulled her to him, picking her up off the ground to height no longer mattered and kissed her firmly. She’d almost forgotten how strong he was and how good it felt to have his lips against hers even the stubble on his face brushing hers, all memories she’d locked away too afraid to remember for fear of falling apart. But now he was here, he was real, he was back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with urgency and a once dormant desire.

Rose and the others looked down covering their eyes. “Ick and I thought our parents were bad.”, Cora Lee said making a face at Landon. Landon tried to not laugh but did anyways but stopped when it hurt. “Ow. Alright no making me laugh. Getting slammed into a tree twice has done a number on my back.”, Landon said wincing in pain. Logan pulled back from the kiss. “Happy New Year, pup.”, He said before looking to the kids. “Get your butts back to the club. Your parents are probably worried to death and at least then Mikali can look at Landon’s injuries. I’m going to head home, god that feels good to say, with Aurelia. I’ll see you in maybe a week.”, Logan said smiling walking away still cradling Aurelia in his arms. Ashley rose to her feet and helped Atif back up who then helped Billy. Lily helped Tommy up as Cora Lee helped Landon to his feet. Rose watched her parents walk away before turning to the group. She looked at each of them, their party clothes were dirty and torn but overall no one looked too bad off. That is till her blue eyes landed on Landon. His black dress shirt and pants had rips and mud on them. His white tie was warped on each of his palms and stained deep red with his blood. He looked a tad paler than normal but blood loss could do that. As she looked at him Rose thought about just how close she’d come to losing him tonight all because he risked everything to bring her dad back and to protect all of them from Wanda.

Rose decided it was now or it was never. So without a word she walked over to Landon and grabbed the sides of his face and kissed him firmly on the lips. Landon’s eyes went wide with surprise and he blinked not really sure what he was supposed to do. Of course there was the voice in his head, his ‘Crow’ brain saying to kiss her back but the logic side said this was just because they’d saved her dad and lived or maybe for New Years and way back in his mind he thought about Rachel and how she’d react to this moment. But he could hardly stand on his own, leaning on his little sister for support. This just didn’t seem like the moment for a first kiss with Rose. The rest of the group just blinked in awe and confusion at what was happening. Realizing he wasn’t kissing her back she pulled back and decided to play the whole thing off. “Thank you. Thank you for getting my dad back. Thank you for risking your life, like the stupid hero asshole you are, to save Atif and therefore save me, Billy and Solangel.”, Rose said taking her hands from his face. Landon nodded. “Um. You’re welcome Rose. You know..”, Landon said looking to the others. “All of you know that no matter what I’m always going to do whatever it takes to protect you.”, Landon said. “Yes we know you stupid prick. Come on. Let’s get out of here and drive back to the club so Uncle Mikali can heal you.”, Cora Lee said.

“Alright I’m driving.”, Landon said starting to lurch forward to find his jacket but stumbled a little. Cora Lee grabbed him again and Rose took up to support his other side. “I’m driving cuz.”, Lily said grabbing her shoes along with Landon’s jacket and keys. Cora Lee held out her free hand and her and Rose’s metal studded shoes flew to their hands. Tommy grabbed his jacket along with Billy and Atif’s before pausing to look at the blood stained daylilies that had been his mother’s prized blade. He picked them up and tucked them into Billy’s jacket before moving to help Atif get Billy to the fan, Billy still being drained from the power he exhorted. Ashley grabbed her shoes and followed the others to the van. Landon was shoved into the front sitting between Lily and Cora Lee while the others climbed into the back. They mostly drove in silence back to the club. Billy slowly regaining his strength and the bleeding on Merrick’s palms having slowed he was starting to feel a little better, but knew he’d still have to be attended to by Mikali upon returning to the club.

Across town at John and Sarael’s house the ringing in of the New Year was not like what they’d planned. John had paced the living room floor so many times Sarael thought for sure that he would wear an oval pattern into the dark hardwood floor. Sarael had tried to get him to sit or calm in any way, but knowing that his brother was alive and that his niece and a bunch of teenagers were out there risking their lives to save him didn’t settle well with him. It was past midnight before finally he received a phone call from Rose. “Rose? Is everything alright? What happened?”, John instantly demanded seeing the caller id. Rose was in the back of the van holding for dear life since Lily was, at best an erratic driver. “Hi Uncle John. Yes everything is fine, everything is actually pretty damn fantastic all things considered.”, Rose answered. “What happened then?”, John asked. “The Maximoff twins came through. Tommy got his mom’s book and Billy did the spell with Solangel’s added power and me as a link to dad. The others and mom held Wanda off. And in the end Landon decided to be a hero and get between Wanda and Atif, who was using his shield to defend Billy, Solangel and I.”, Rose started to explain. “Oh lord don’t tell me that boy got himself killed. You said everything was fantastic.”, John interrupted. Sarael’s face tensed with fear. “You didn’t let me finish Uncle. The spell worked and Dad stopped Wanda and made her take off.”, Rose finished. John visibly relaxed and so did Sarael. “So he’s here? Is he with you? When will I see him?”, John asked. “He’s with mom. Something about fifteen years to make up for. So your guess is as good as mine to when he’ll leave their bedroom.”, Rose answered. John chuckled. “You’re assuming my brother waited to reach their bedroom. But I’m relieved to know you are all safe then. Where are you headed now?”, he asked hearing what sounded like an engine. “We are going to the club. I need to tell Xavier and Rachel. Landon needs a to see Mikali and probably answer to his dad.”, Rose explained. John nodded. “Alright well I guess I’ll see James when he’s good and ready to be seen. Good night Rose.”, John said. “Good night Uncle John.”, Rose said hanging up.

Sarael looked up at John an eyebrow raised waiting to be told news. John put his phone down smiling. “James is back. My little brother his home! I believe this is the second best January I’ve ever had.”, John said his smile not fading. “Second best January?”, Sarael asked. “Yup the best was the January Rachel was born. But having my little brother back is a great start to this year and a pretty fantastic belated Christmas gift.”, John explained still beaming. Sarael stood up and smiled hugging John. “That is wonderful news. I’m sure Aurelia is happiest of us all.”, Sarael said. “Oh I’m sure. Knowing my brother…yeah they probably didn’t wait to get to their apartment to start making up for their lost time.”, John said shaking his head. “Ah yes..”, Sarael said shaking her head not wanting to think about it. “Which now that I know James is okay… I believe I have some obligations I’ve neglected this last hour.”, John said wrapping his arms around Sarael. “Oh really?”, Sarael inquired looking up at him. John simply smiled and without a word gripped her from the ass lifting her up and kissing her as he carefully found his way to the stairs and up to their bedroom. Sarael had let out a small gasp when his hands grabbed her posterior but it had been muffled by the kiss.

Upon entering the bedroom he paused and held out his arm and without a word or a pause in the kiss Bubbles jumped off John’s arm and grew to the size of a small dog and curled up in the hall as John kicked the door closed. John gently laid Sarael upon the center their king size bed, not breaking the kiss as he joined her. Sarael wrapped her arms tighter around his neck wanting to be as close as she could to him to deepen the kiss further as she brushed her tongue against his lips. John understood the unspoken command and opened his mouth, his tongue venturing out to greet hers. One of the things John had always enjoyed about being intimate with Sarael was the small noises she made. The subtle and soft ‘mmm’ as their tongues rubbed against each other exploring the familiar territory with no less vigor than the first time. His right hand moved up from her buttocks to cup the back of her neck, his fingers twirling at her thick black locks giving subtle tugs the more he enjoyed the kiss. His left hand also started to move north, but as it moved his hand went under her shirt rubbing at her side as he brought her shirt up higher and higher. As his hand reached her bra it stopped and reached around to her back and with a quick motion unhooked it before sliding back forward to move the loosened brazier and began to massage the exposed breast, rubbing circles with his thumb of her responsive areola. Even now sixteen years later her moan into his mouth and the arching of her back pressing herself closer to him still drove him mad.

Sarael was just as eager to touch and feel her husband close to her. Her hands moved from his neck down his back and then around to the front moving slowly up, unbuttoning hand remaining buttons she’d not torn off earlier in the evening during their interrupted couch time. With each button undone his chest became further exposed and with the final button resolved she eagerly ran her hands along his chest tracing out the muscles that were just as firm and defined as the day she met him. She tried to not think about the fact that his body would not probably show any signs of aging for perhaps past her life span. No those thoughts were shoved deep into the back of her mind by her primal desire to touch him, to be touched by him, and to be made love to by him. John ‘mmed’ against her mouth enjoying her touch his skin. John brought his hand from her breast and pulled his left arm from the sleeve of his shirt before bringing his hand back to massaging her breast once again, then he brought his right hand from her neck to finally fling the dress shirt across the room landing on the floor. He shifted slightly to be more on top of her, a knee gently encouraging her legs to part, which they obliged and he shifted to kneel between them. He pulled back from the kiss, to a slightly frown of Sarael. He propped himself with his hands on either side of her looking down at her with a smile before sitting up to just kneel there between her legs looking at her.

Sarael smiled a little seeing the same amount of desire she felt being reflected back at her in his deep blue eyes. She moved to sit up, the height difference being slightly evident as she left butterfly kisses on his pectorals. John closed his eyes for a moment enjoying the soft kisses as he reached around her his hands taking hold of her shirt and bra pulling them up. It was unspoken, Sarael brought her lips back from his chest and raised her arms up as he pulled her top and bra off and watched as he tossed them aside. John was typically and orderly man, everything had its placed and should be there. But when it came to removing clothes for love making, he didn’t seem to care where the clothes landed. Once he’d tossed a dress aside and broke a vase, spilling water and flowers to their bedroom floor and he didn’t even care till long after their love making was done and even after they’d laid there enjoying the post bliss in each other’s arms. The fact that when they were together like this he let go all inhibitions made her smile, to know that she could take such a formal and orderly man and change him into this passionate man before her. With her shirt removed, didn’t matter it was a sight he’d seen thousands of times over the years, his head tilted to the side a smile on his lips as his eyes moved to take in every inch. Sarael rolled her eyes a little her own self conscious body issues flaring up. “And why are you smiling like that? It’s certainly not the sight you saw when we got engaged, age and time taking its toll.”, Sarael questioned shaking her head.

John laughed very lightly at the question and her excuses. “I smile because what I see is the most amazing and beautiful woman and I smile even more because I know you’re mine. You will never look any different in my eyes.”, John said softly as his hands gripped at her hips. His hands slowly started to move up her sides to her shoulders then moved in and slowly moved down her chest his fingers giving brief attention to her nipples as they moved down to the top of her pants. “And you still feel the same, like the softest velvet.”, John added as his hands started to work at unbuttoning her pants. “You’re just being kind and flattering me. I’ve had two children my body is far from what it was.”, Sarael tried to counter but still her eyes closed as his touch sent shivers through her body. “I never flatter nor say anything I don’t mean. Yes you’ve carried and birthed our two amazing children, but that doesn’t change how much I love you and how much I want you.”, John said as he finished with the unbuttoning and unzipping of her pants. His hands moved to grip her waist and in one fluid motion he had her back on her back. “And I am going to prove just that.”, John said his hands moving to grip the top of her pants and include her panties as well. Sarael yelped a little as she found herself back against the bed, but couldn’t help but smile at his words. John moved to kneel on her right and slowly he slid her pants and panties down over her supple buttocks, then hips, then thighs and finally over her calves and feet and tossed them aside with all the other clothes.

His left hand slowly ran its way up from her ankle to her calf, turning to the inside of her tight griping it firmly before moving further up his thumb rubbing counterclockwise circles against the lips of her womanhood. Sarael closed her eyes enjoying the feel of his hand moving up her leg, and as his thumb began its patterned movements she took in a shuttered breath biting down on her bottom lip enjoying the attention. John moved to lay down along side Sarael, his left hand still paying its attention to below her waist. He brought his right arm under her neck holding her shoulders as his lips began kissing her neck just below her ear. She moaned again her hips rising up against his hand. He smiled against her neck, his breath warm against her skin he could feel her shiver but knew it wasn’t from cold. “Before I’m done tonight, my love, you will understand that no matter your age or how many years since we first made love that for me nothing will change. I will always love you and I will always desire you. Because to be with you each time is as good as the first.”, John whispered against her ear. “Joh..”, Sarael began to whisper but she was cut short taking a quick breath as two of John’s fingers pressed themselves into her and began to slowly but firmly move in and out. She moaned gripping the bedding as she let the breath out, her hips rising against his hand.

Sarael’s eyes closed tight her hands moving to touch and caress John reaching lower to start unbuttoning and unzipping his slacks. John continued to kiss down her neck, his left hands movements rhythmic enticing her in its efforts to show her just how much he desires her. He moved lower, just as Sarael thought to reach into his pants and return the favor she was being given. Instead her hand just rubbed against his abdomen then his chest as he moved lower. He shifted slightly taking one of her breasts into his mouth suckling at it and his tongue randomly flicking at her perked nipple. He could hear her draw in another breath and shiver it out with a moan. He kissed away from the one breast and brought his attention to the other giving it the same tender care and affection. Once he heard another moan he chose to travel lower, kissing from the space between her bosom down to her navel. Sarael moaned again, arching her back up against his kisses. Her body shivering with anticipation of what her mind she thought may be coming next the lower he kissed.

Sarael’s inklings were not wrong his kisses moved lower as he moved to position himself between her legs. His hand continued its rhythmic movements in her as he kissed along the inside of her thighs. His free hand moved up and roamed her stomach and chest. He brought his hand away from her and he could hear a subtle whimper, and he smiled a little knowing just how bad she wanted the torment to end. And as if able to read his mind he heard her softly speak. “John…please..just..please..just make love me..”, Sarael whispered biting at her bottom lip her hips shifting as if pleading for release to be given. “When I’m ready to. But I told you..I was going to prove to you just how much this body of yours is everything I want. Prove how much I desire you.”, John spoke softly his breath hot against her thigh. He watched her hands grip the sheets and listened to her moan slightly at the feel of his breath on her thigh. He considered briefly giving in to her plea and to his own desire but chose to continue the course he’d set. He brought both hands to rest on her tights spreading them ever so slightly before his mouth and more prominently his tongue took over the task his hand and fingers had once been at. He heard a shuttered breath of a moan escape her and felt her quiver and her hips rise up as he set to work. His hands roamed up when they weren’t gripping her hips as he enjoyed every quiver of her body, every moan of his name from her lips. Once he felt she’d had enough of the pleasurable torture he brought himself back from her to kneel between her legs once again. There was perspiration forming on her body and on his. He looked down just smiling enjoying the sight of her naked on the bed. Sarael took a few short breaths opening her eyes to look at him and returned his smile. “Point..proven..”, Sarael said breathlessly. John smiled and removed his pants and boxers and with no words spoken or needed, as her hips rose to greet him calling out as at last he gave her what she’d wanted and made love to her till neither of them could take it and gave in to their pleasure.

As they drove from the park to the Draven there was very little talking, it seemed like everyone was thinking about the nights events and all kept looking to the middle front seat where Landon sat, his face paler than normal and his eyes closed. Lily drove like her life depended on getting to the Draven, though in her mind it wasn’t her life she was worried about it was Landon’s. He’d lost a lot of blood and used so much of his energy fighting Wanda. Cora Lee kept looking to her brother just happy to hear he was breathing as she worried about his condition. Cora Lee brought out her cell phone and quickly sent a text message to the contact called ‘Sparky’. ‘We are safe. We are heading to the Draven. Meet up?’ was the message she sent. After the fight there was only two things Cora Lee thought about, she wanted to make sure her stupid big brother was going to be alright and she wanted to hug Malcolm tightly and thank him for his secret help. The choice to face Wanda had been easy for his cousins, but Malcolm couldn’t take the risk to go against his aunt not now at least. After he had taken out the power he had to make up a story and it needed to be convincing since the other kids saw him leave with Billy and Tommy from the club. So he picked up a decent sized rock and had bashed himself in the back of the head causing blood to drop down and matt in his brown hair and stain the collar of his shirt. He stumbled to the Academy arriving just before Wanda had. He pausing at the door getting a text. He quickly read it and replied. ‘Glad you are all safe. I can’t come to the club. Too risky.’ Malcolm replied before deleting the conversation. He wanted to go to the club to see for himself that Cora Lee had come to no harm by his Aunt, but he knew having left with Billy and Tommy if he didn’t get into the house and make it very convincing that his cousins had jumped him and he had no clue what had happened his family would be in great danger. So he had to choose between making sure his family went unharmed or seeing the girl he had feelings for. It wasn’t that difficult, he didn’t know what he and Cora Lee had yet so he chose his family. As Cora Lee read the text she frowned and shoved her phone back into her pocket confused and annoyed at the response.

Malcolm stumbled through the door and fell to the ground, it wasn’t hard to act because he’d been losing blood the whole five blocks to get there. “Mom..”, Malcolm managed to mutter his sight going fuzzy but he knew he saw his mother’s face. Lorna rushed from where she was standing talk to Vin, Kim and Christian when she saw Malcolm collapse. “Malcolm!”, she yelled slipping to her knees. She could see blood stains on his collar and as she followed the trail up she saw the gash in his head. “DAMON!”, Lorna commanded calling for their healer. Hearing his name even up in the bedroom where he’d been enjoying some alone time with his wife Geri Damon fell from the bed with a start. He looked up at the bed, his white hair falling over his azure eyes. Geri leaned over the e dove the bed the devious grin he’d fallen for all those years ago on her lips as the tendrils of her long red hair hit in him the face. “Easily spooked Phoenix?”, Geri teased. “Bite me Hotshot. Now I should go find out why Lorna just screamed my name.”, Damon said standing up and grabbing a shirt and button his pants up again. Geri pouted and sat up Indian style on the bed. “You know if you’d just say here a little longer it’d be me screaming your name.”, Geri countered. Damon smirked but shook his head. “There will be time for that later. Lorna wouldn’t yell for me if there wasn’t something wrong.”, Damon said leaning in and kissing Geri. “Now just stay right here, just as you are and I’ll pick up where I left off.”, Damon said looking her over enjoying the sight of her just in a pair of black thongs. “Don’t take too long then.”, Geri teased. Damon nodded and rushed down the stairs.

“What’s…”,he started to ask but seeing Malcolm on the floor bleeding he knew why he’d been called. He rushed over to the other side of Malcolm and looked over the wound. “Something blunt but with a tip hit him with a decent amount of power.”, Damon assessed moving some of Malcolm’s matted hair aside. “A rock since I’m seeing bits of it here in his hair. Alright let’s fix him up and find out what happened.”, Damon said placing his right hand over the wound a gold glow forming on his hand and passing to Malcolm. He brought his hand back wiping away the blood on his pants and rolled Malcolm over. “Alright Malcolm, want to tell us what happened?”, Damon inquired. There had already been a black out and then Wanda stormed out into the night angrier than Damon could ever remember seeing her. Malcolm murmured his eyes fluttering open and he looked up see Damon and his mom over him. He reached for the back of his head and just felt the matted dried mess of blood. “Where are Billy and Tommy?”, Malcolm demanded, now it was time to put on a show. Lorna looked at her son confused. “They haven’t come home yet like the others that went to the Draven. You’re the first home.”, Lorna answered. Malcolm shook his head. “No. Tommy got sick. I was helping Billy bring Tommy home.”, Malcolm explained he took a breath ready to tell the lie to his mother. He felt like a thousand stones were settling in the pit of his stomach he hated to lie to her, but to protect her and their family he had to. “We were almost home and Billy let go of Tommy. I thought he was going to get sick too or something. And next thing I know I’m hearing Billy say ‘sorry cousin’ and a pain in the back of my head. I fell into the snow and when I came to my head was pounding like a jackhammer and Billy and Tommy were both gone. I managed to stumble my way here hoping to find them.”, Malcolm explained. Lorna frowned at the story and hugged him tight. She couldn’t bring herself to imagine her nephews could harm her son.

As Lorna was comforting Malcolm, her mind racing about what he’d just described the door flew open and Wanda came back in and it was easy to see on her face she was furious. Wanda looked at Malcolm and became more angry thinking maybe her sons had helped. She grabbed Malcolm to pull him to his feet, though as she did she realized he stood near a foot taller than her. “Did you help them? Were you part of this betrayal!?”, Wanda screamed. Lorna rose to her feet and pulled Malcolm away from Wanda stepping in front of him. “What are you talking about? Leave my son alone. He just got home after being attacked by your sons. So let’s not start pointing fingers LITTLE sister!”, Lorna shouted her face holding back her rage that her sister would dare touch her son let alone accuse him. “They what?”, Wanda asked. Damon stood up and raised an eyebrow looking between the sisters. “Malcolm collapsed on the floor and was bleeding from the back of the head. He’d been hit by, I’m going to guess a good sized rock. I’ve healed the wound.”, Damon explained hoping up his hand that still had a little bit of blood left that didn’t wipe off on his pants. “From what he told us he was helping Billy bring a sick Tommy home when on the way Billy stopped and said he was ‘sorry’ then hit Malcolm and when he came to the twins were gone. Want to explain why your sons attacked their cousin? Or how about what do you mean betrayal?”, Damon questioned. Wanda fumed and turned shooting a hex ball at a vase shattering it. “The blackout wasn’t a coincidence. Thomas and William have betrayed us all. Thomas is the one that stole my spell book tonight. I traced my book to the park where William was casting a spell to call someone forth from another dimension. He was holding hands with Solangel of the Haven and Rose Howlett. Atif had a protective shield over the three of them while Thomas stood with the other traitor Lily along with Ashley, Cora Lee, and Landon. I just wanted my book back but they fought against me. My own child tackled me to protect Atif.”, Wanda said twisting the story to suit her needs.

Lorna, Kim, Christian, Vin and Damon all looked at her stunned. “Who were they trying to bring forth?”, Kim questioned. “Wolverine.”, Wanda answered. The room went silent before it was Christian that spoke. “Wolverine fell to the Friends of Humanity. How could they have had the power to place him in another dimension? And why would Billy and Tommy want to help?”, Christian asked. Wanda sighed. “I don’t know what kind of power the Friends of Humanity had to accomplish that, but they apparently did. And Thomas explained their traitory simply as an act of love.”, Wanda explained. She was greeted with confused expressions. “Apparently behind all our backs Thomas has been dating Lily and William dating Atif. So they chose to betray us all at the request of Lily and Atif. Not sure I would call asking someone to betray their family love, sounds more of manipulation to me.”, Wanda stated. A laugh came from the stairs and everyone turned to see Pyro. “Oh you should know all about manipulation isn’t that right my pet? I’ve been with you for near twenty years, three children and I still don’t think you know what the meaning of love is. You don’t know how to feel it or how to accept it.”, Jon said taking a sip from a bottle of bourbon. Wanda sighed shaking her head at him. “And you’re drunk. Happy fucking new year. My first born children have forsaken me for high school flings and my lover is drunk.”, Wanda grumbled still shaking her head. “For all you know those ‘high school flings’ could turn into marriages and grandchildren. But let’s not bring up the word marriage shall we. Nearly twenty years and three children and you still refuse to marry me or let our children have my name. And you know what maybe I am drunk but it’s the only way I’m going to suffer through another year with you!”, John shouted throwing the half empty bottle at Wanda, missing on purpose before stumbled and falling down the stairs to be caught by Vin was still there. Wanda looked to John anger building in her eyes. “He’s drunk. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. You know he loves you, always had and always will. Damon, Malcolm, and Christian come help me bring him upstairs to sleep this off.”, Vin suggested. John’s eyes closed as he passed out his body going limp. Vin lifted him off the ground and over his shoulder heading up the stairs. Wanting nothing more than to escape Wanda’s anger the other three men followed Vin without question.

Wanda looked to him. “Call your other children. Tell me and the others still at the Draven to return now. The Academy is in lock down till I say otherwise.”, Wanda decreed. Kim nodded pulling out her cell phone. She quickly called Merrick who when the phone rang moved to a quiet area of the club to answer. “Yes mom?”, Merrick answered. “I need you to get all the Academy kids at the club and come back now. Wanda’s orders the school goes into lock down.”, Kim explained. “But why?”, Merrick asked curious. “Just get your asses home and then I’ll explain.”, Kim answered. “Alright we’ll be there shortly.”, Merrick said hanging up. He rushed out to the dance floor and tugged his sisters away from the townies they’d been dancing with then grabbed Apollo and Artemis from their dance partners before tugging Talia and Alex apart. Talia wasn’t too pleased by the interruption and growled at him. Merrick growled back. “What the fuck is your problem Merrick?”, Talia demanded the others in agreement. “My mom just called. Wanda’s ordered a lock down. We are to get our asses to the Academy now. And before you ask, I don’t know why I just follow orders and if you all want to live to see tomorrow you should too.”, Merrick said grabbing their things from the booth and tossing them as each of them before heading for the door. All wondering what happened but not willing to go against Wanda’s orders following right behind him to get back to the Academy. None were given answers just sent straight up to their rooms. Merrick walked into his room to see Malcolm on his bed his dress shirt hanging on the clothes hamper with blood. Merrick shut the door and took a seat on his bed across from Malcolm just looking at him.

“Is my sister okay?”, Merrick finally asked breaking the silence. He wasn’t the idiot like people took him for. He knew Tommy cared for Lily and Malcolm for Cora Lee. So it was no coincidence that Malcolm and his cousins walked out not long after Lily and her crew ran out. Malcolm blinked and looked at Merrick. “Didn’t Josalyn and Emma come home with you?”, Malcolm asked casually. Merrick snorted. “You know which sister I mean. I doubt it was coincidence that you and your cousins left not long after Lily and her friends ran out of the building. We are in lock down and Billy and Tommy are nowhere to be found and no adult is talking. So just tell me that my sister is safe.”, Merrick said crossing his arms. Malcolm sighed. “Is this between just us?”, Malcolm asked. “Under the same pretenses that I don’t speak the name of who you like, yes.”, Merrick answered. Malcolm nodded. “Yes. She’s fine, they all are if anyone else concerns you.”, Malcolm stated. Merrick nodded. “Do you know why? What this was all about?”, Merrick asked. Malcolm smiled shaking his head. “Careful Merrick you’re curiosity is sounding a lot like a Bryant. And as for the full story I don’t know it all yet, but I’m sure soon we all will.”, Malcolm said stretching out on his bed picking up his phone. Merrick growled at the general comparison to his cousins but changed into his pajamas and crawled in his bed for sleep turning off the light. The only light in the room was the flicker of Malcolm’s phone as he flipped through pictures from the ball and a few from the club that night he’d taken of Cora Lee. He just hoped that no one had been injured during the fight with his aunt, least of all Cora Lee. He fell asleep looking at the pictures his hand still holding the phone even after it had gone into sleep mode.

Description
“Drop that hex ball or we all get a good look at your spine…”, a gruff and rather impatient voice growled from behind Wanda. Wanda froze feeling pressure of six ‘blades’ against her back. The hairs on the back of her neck and her arms stood on end as she heard a voice she’d long forgotten speak. Her eyes narrowed in anger glaring at Landon, but the hex ball disappeared from her hands. “Now what Wolverine?”, Wanda said saying his codename with utter distain in her tone. Hearing her say the word ‘wolverine’ Landon let out the breath he didn’t even realize he’d been holding and collapsed to his knees. He’d been spent since changing her knife to the daylilies and what strength he’d left was used to dare to stand between her and Atif. Knowing they were now safe Atif removed his shield and moved forward hugging his best friend. “You are the biggest, stupidest, most moronic…and brave person I have ever known Landon.”, Atif said shaking his head cursing yet complimenting his best friend. Cora Lee’s hands came to her face covering her mouth of complete shock and awe as not only did she see Rose’s father standing behind Scarlet Witch having saved her brother, heck saved them all probably, but she felt him there. Her dad had told her vaguely what it was like to know Logan was near. The immense density of the adamantium that laced his bones was really a feeling that till know she couldn’t have imagined. She’d never felt a metal like it, at least to this extent. It was different that the feeling of the thin band that Professor Aurelia wore.

Lily stayed frozen, her breathing slow and soft as she tried to get her heart back under control. Tommy looked from his mother’s face to Lily and chose to move to Lily’s side and grasp her left hand tightly into his right. He didn’t have words left for his mother. She’d made it clear she would have gone through him to hurt the institute kids. So now he would make it clear where his loyalty lay by standing his ground next to the girl he loved so dear. Ashley sighed in relief and rushed to her twin, hugging him and Landon both tightly. She kissed her brother’s cheek and then Landon’s. “Never do anything like this again.”, Ashley warned as she held back tears. Her heart and stopped when she saw Wanda approach and aim to kill her twin, the death of a twin was something she didn’t think she could bare. It was a pain her Uncle Iver and Aunt Kisa were still haunted by to this day. And then when Landon moved to protect Atif it didn’t help her heart because Landon was like a second brother to her, the leader of their group. The thought of losing Landon she felt might have equated to how her mother had felt when Professor Xavier died. Landon was their leader, he inspired them and they believed in him and thus they followed him much like how her mother described Professor Xavier. Thinking of Professor Xavier brought her mind round to her boyfriend, who’d been given the name Xavier in honor of the fallen leader of the X-Men and long standing friend to his grandfather. Which as her mind drifted to the idea of Xavier’s grandfather her head turned to look around Wanda and see the man himself standing behind her.

Rose wanted to move. She wanted to rush to Landon. She wanted to rush to Logan, even if in her mind she still feared she wasn’t truly his and he’d reject her as Cero and Kirra had. But instead she sat frozen with doubt listening to her heart beat, to the fast beating of all her friends’ hearts. Just outside of the clearing Aurelia had gotten back to her paws and was heading to the clearing to try and stop Wanda, but froze. A familiar scent wafted to her sensitive nose, along with a familiar sound. She could feel her heart skipping beats and then when she heard his voice she shifted from wolf to woman. She stayed there on her knees, hands to her face as she cried having been overcome with sheer joy at the sound of Logan’s voice. She managed to gain enough composure to bring herself, unstably, to her feet and inch closer to the clear and stop again as she saw his profile. Other than his clothes not being tattered and no bruising or blood on him, he looked no different than the last she’d seen him. Not that it should surprise her that he didn’t look like a day had gone by. Between his powers at whatever effect that other dimension had he didn’t age. Aurelia forced herself to look away from him, she began to count heads. “Landon, Atif, Ashley, Cora Lee, Lily, Rose, Solangel, and then there’s Tommy and Billy. Good they are all there.”, Aurelia whispered a small mental sigh of relief. Though as she looked to Landon she could see he was only not collapsed on the ground because the Alston twins were hugging him. Her green eyes the shifted to Billy and Solangel both collapsed to the ground but she could see the subtle rising and falling of their chests and knew they were okay.

“Now you get a choice. One I might add I was not given fifteen years ago.”, Logan spoke in his deep growl trying to contain his own anger in front of all the kids. “And what might those choices be?”, Wanda asked trying to be casual but a slight tremor in her voice gave away any calm she conveyed. Her eyes looked to her first born laying, just breathing on the ground. A moment of motherly concern filled her but was pushed back when she remembered he was only in this condition because he betrayed her. Then her eyes looked to her middle son Thomas who was holding hands with the turn-coat Lily. “Simple. You walk away, you never even look at any of these kids again let alone think of harming them. Or I show them all the stories about me..”, Logan spoke pressing his claws firmly against her back. “The stories about being the best at what I do and what I do best isn’t very nice are all true.”, Logan finished. “So you’re choice Scarlet Witch. Do you live or do I exact my revenge here and now for everything you did to me, did to my friends, did to my family and everything you took away from me?”, Logan questioned. He kept his eyes focused on Wanda, he wanted to look at Rose or even turn his head smelling Aurelia just to his right but he couldn’t. No he couldn’t look to his red haired girls, not yet. Not till he knew Wanda was either going to leave or die. There was a part of him deep inside that wanted Wanda to choose death. But he knew the killing Wanda wouldn’t fix anything it wouldn’t give him peace, peace for the death he’d seen in that other world.

“Fine. Then I shall leave.”, Wanda stated. She looked to Tommy and glared. “I will tell you this and you can tell William when he wakes, you are no longer welcome at the Academy. And from this day forth when asked how many children I have my answer shall be one son named Tyler.”, Wanda scorned before stepping away from Logan’s claws, taking him at his word of not killing her and walking away pushing past Aurelia as she did so. There was a heartache in Tommy’s jade green eyes. Lily squeezed his hand tightly, she knew how he felt. It was the same way she felt when her mom chose to make no contact with her after her decision to not side with the Acolytes. Aurelia growled a little watching Wanda walk away. As a mother she couldn’t believe what had happened. To just disown the boys like that. What kind of mother could do that to the children she’d brought into the world and raised? Logan lowered his hands, unclenching his fists as his claws slide back into his forearm. It had taken every bit of him to not just end her right then and there, but he couldn’t bring himself to do that at least not in front of children, children he’d watch grow, children he owed his life to. He took a breath and looked directly at Landon who was somewhat conscious being hugged tightly by Atif and Ashley. A small smile spread across Logan’s lips thinking about the fact that he was real again, he was there and it was all because of Landon’s persistent nature and the combined bravery of all the children present.

The trance that had held Cora Lee seemed to disappear as Wanda walked away. She now became fully aware of the fact her brother was still injured and bleeding, but at least alive. Cora Lee rushed to join Atif and Ashley in hugging her brother. “I will never let you down like that again Landon. I’ll never let someone that close to you with a blade again.”, Cora Lee promised tears forming in her aqua eyes, the Bryant eyes that she shared with her brother. Landon groaned at the additional hug. “It’s alright…I’m alright right Cora Lee.”, Landon managed to speak. Hearing his voice seemed to have a similar affect on Lily who tore her hand from Tommy and rushed to her cousin joining the group hug. “Never scare us like that again Landon. You’re way to important to us.”, Lily added trying to have her shaking voice sound stern. Landon smirked a little his eyes still closed, but the smirk could faintly be seen above the shoulder of his sister. “I’ll… take… it under…advisement”, Landon joked his words broken as he struggled to breath under the pile of his friends and family. Rose looked to the group, Landon in the center and then briefly to Logan still torn on where to rush to first. But she made her choice and got to her feet and managed to slump by Cora Lee joining the group hug. “If you ever do anything this stupid again and live, I’ll kick your ass Landon.”, Rose said shaking her head. Tommy watched the group curiously. There was no sense of comradery like this among the students of the Academy. But his jade eyes moved to the still unmoving form of his twin and rushed to his side. “Billy…”, Tommy said grabbing his brother’s hand. “Come on Billy open your eyes.”, Tommy urged.

Aurelia couldn’t hold herself back any longer. She rushed from her spot just on the edge of the clearing and flung herself at Logan wrapping her arms tight around him, her hands shaking as she was able to at last feel his solid flesh under them. “Logan..”, she managed to speak voice shaking as much as her hands. “Is this real? Are you real?”, Aurelia asked burying her head into this shoulder, slumping against him. She didn’t dare open her eyes incase this wasn’t real. Logan didn’t even grunt or show a sign of movement which any other man would have having the full weight of a grown woman five inches taller than themselves flung at them. The benefit of his adamantium made him hard to stumble. He felt himself start to shake a little as Aurelia was pressed tight to him and for the first time in so many long years he brought his arms up and wrapped them tightly around Aurelia an audible sigh of relief as his hands rested on her sides and didn’t pass through them. “Yes. This is real. I’m real. And I’m not ever letting you go again pup.”, Logan spoke softly to her as he leaned his head against hers his eyes closing for a moment. He could feel his shoulder starting to become damp as Aurelia stopped trying to hold back tears, but at least this time he knew the tears weren’t of the pain and anguish he’d had to watch all these years, but joy this time.

Landon managed to open his eyes enough and see just past his friends at the reunion of Aurelia and Logan. He sighed a little a smile on his lips, they’d done it. They had brought Logan back to this world and learned the secret. “Rose..you..you should be hugging him not me…”, Landon managed to say under the pile of friends. Rose turned her head slightly to look at her mother and Logan. She saw how tight her mother held him and how tight he held her back. She couldn’t help but smile and feel tears starting to form. They really did love each other. But she still held back. She didn’t want to let go of Landon and the others but it wasn’t just that she was still replaying in her mind the private conversation her mother had with her about a drunk night of regret in an attempt to forget that had resulted in a one night stand within the time frame that physicians had given as the wide margin of error of conception. Rose wasn’t sure she belonged in that hug. What if she wasn’t really a Howlett? As if he somehow knew what she was thinking Logan’s eyes opened and locked on Rose’s. She gulped a little now under his gaze. He was shorter and shaggier than her Uncle John but the similarities were undeniable. Logan brought his left hand away from Aurelia and extended it out to Rose.

“My sweet little Rose. I’ve waited since before your mother even knew she was expecting to hold you. So please..do this tired old man a favor and hug your father.”, Logan requested. Aurelia turned her head slightly opening her eyes to look at him and then to look at Rose. In her mind she replied the phrase ‘before your mother even knew’ in her head. How could he have known she was pregnant before she even did? But then to hear him declare himself Rose’s father Aurelia wanted to weep again. She didn’t know if it was just Logan’s way of accepting Rose no matter what she’d done in his absence of not. Rose blinked in surprise as he called her his sweet Rose and referred to himself as her father. Landon managed to free one hand from the pile, as none of the group seemed willing to release him, and shoved Rose toward her parents. Rose cautiously stood up and without a second thought rushed to the welcoming arm of Logan and buried her face into the other crook of his neck her right arm wrapped to hug his waist and the left wrapped to hug her mother. Logan sighed in relief and tucked his left arm tight around Rose. “I’ve waited so many years and finally I get to hold my girls. Two of the most important women in my world.”, Logan said hugging them both tightly. He kissed Aurelia’s forehead and then Rose’s.

Solangel groaned a little, but didn’t get up. “Brownie do good?”, she asked her voice faint. “Aunt Solangel…”, Cora Lee exclaimed releasing her brother and moving to hold Solangel’s hand. “You did fantastic! Take a look.”, Cora Lee said Lifting Solangel’s Head slightly so she could see. Solangel smiled seeing the short Logan sandwiched between Aurelia and Rose. “Debt repaid..”, Solangel said with a sigh of relief. Tommy looked to Solangel and then back to his brother wondering when he’d start to stir. “Alright get off me before I can’t breathe. I love you all too now can we check of Aunt Solangel and Billy please?”, Landon grumbled. Atif blinked realizing that his beloved Billy was laying but a couple feet from him. Atif let go as Landon insisted and moved to Billy, raising his head and placing it on his lap. “Billy…come on. Wake up please?”, Atif asked sweetly leaning over and kissing Billy’s forehead. Ashley released her hug next and moved to rest a hand on her brother’s shoulder as he waited for Billy to stir. Lily gave Landon a final tight squeeze. “Get over it cuz, we can’t help it that we all love you our fearless leader.”, Lily teased standing up and ruffling his hair before going to put her arm around Tommy’s shoulder as he waited on his twin. Landon sighed shaking his head before going to the other side of Solangel and holding her hand. “You rock Aunt Brownie.”, Landon commented squeezing her hand.

Solangel smiled and looked from Cora Lee to Landon before sitting up more and hugging them both tightly. “Aww my peachy babies. Let’s not do this again or your mom will kill me.”, Solangel said with a laugh kissing Landon’s cheek and then Cora Lee’s. their attention turned as Billy grunted. “Is it over? Did we do it? Did we free him or are we dead?”, Billy asked his voice shaky. Atif nodded. “We did it. He’s free and currently holding Aurelia and Rose in a hug I’m not sure we’ll break them from.”, Atif said lifting Billy’s head just enough to see. Billy smiled and nodded. “Good. Where…where’s mom?”, Billy asked looking to Tommy. Tommy shook his head. “Wolverine was freed just in time to stop her…to stop her from killing Landon and then probably all of us. She took the choice to walk away from the fight, but we aren’t allowed back. She’s disowned us as her sons. So street urchins together it shall be brother.”, Tommy said forcing a smile. Billy sighed and nodded. “We knew it was coming at least. We’ll figure something out at least we’ll have each other for family.”, Billy said weakly. Logan looked over and was hit with guilt that it was his fault these two boys now had no home. But really what could he do for them? He could offer them shelter in his and Aurelia’s place but it wouldn’t protect them from any future attempts from Wanda and the other Acolytes for their actions tonight.

“You have me too Billy.”, Atif said sweetly running his hand gently over Billy’s hair smoothing back the dark brown tendrils. “And you have me Tommy.”, Lily said hugging Tommy around the shoulders. Landon nodded. “You have all of us guys. You won’t be street urchins. Not if I have a say in it.”, Landon said with his signature devious smirk. Tommy and Billy turned their attention to Landon with arched brow. Logan knew that smirk rather well from watching over Landon and all the kids these past years. Logan knew a plan was forming in Landon’s brain. “What do you mean?”, Tommy asked. “Simple. You two are going to the Haven.”, Landon said mater-o-factly. The brothers blinked at Landon in confusion. “But we can’t. I mean your dad wouldn’t let us. We’re Maximoffs.”, Billy protested. Landon shrugged. “So what? My dad can’t say no is my point. Doesn’t matter if you are Maximoffs or not. You are now lone mutants in need of refuge and protection. The Haven charter forbids my dad, even as the head of it, from refusing anyone in need that wishes to claim sanctuary. And if you two are at the Haven you are safe. Even if your mom or any of the Acolytes try to retaliate for what you’ve done to help us here, they can’t touch you if you are Haven. Not without starting war with my dad, Solangel, Demitri and my mom. And based on what we’ve all learned about what happened fifteen years ago that’s a war they don’t want.”, Landon said with a smile.

“So..well I guess we become Haven then.”, Billy said looking to Tommy. Tommy nodded. “Apparently. At least now we can be public about who we love.”, Tommy said reaching up to run his hand along Lily’s arm that wrapped around his shoulders. “You two can have mine and Nate’s old bedroom. I’m rarely there anymore and it’s already got two full size beds in there. Plus our mom hates how empty the house has been without me and Cora Lee living there and most of the kids from daycare being in school. She’ll be thrilled for two foster sons. Though I warn you that you never move anything in that house without putting it directly back where it was.”, Landon said. Tommy raised an eyebrow. “Our mom is blind.”, Cora Lee explained. Billy and Tommy nodded. “Um alright. That works for that then. Guess we’ll have to sneak into the Academy to get our stuff out. Didn’t have the fore thought or time to pack like Lily did.”, Billy commented. Landon nodded and extended a hand to Tommy and Billy. “Welcome to the family then.”, Landon said. Tommy looked apprehensive for a moment but shook Landon’s hand and Billy followed suit. “Thanks.”, they said. Solangel grunted as she moved to a standing position.

The kids looked up at her while the Howlett family continued their embrace. “Where are you going?”, Cora Lee asked. “Well if there are going to be two new residents at the Haven I’m going to go back to the man I left half naked and enjoy what quiet time I have left.”, Solangel teased. As she was about to talk away she paused and ruffled Billy and Tommy’s hairs. “Welcome to the Haven family peachies.”, Solangel said. “Thank you…um Solangel…”, Billy said. Solangel smiled down at them. “If you are joining the Haven and intend to keep seeing these two.”, Solangel said pointing to Atif and Lily. “You can either call me Aunt Solangel and Aunt Brownie. And just remember joining the Haven means you become my family and we protect our own at the Haven.”, Solangel said before walking away from the clearing knowing she had a lot of explaining to do to Jacob though she made up her mind the explanation would come after she had her way with Jacob in the bedroom. With Solangel gone the group turned to look at the Howletts.

Logan sighed and reluctantly let go of Rose and Aurelia. He walked over to the kids and squatted down since they were all kneeling or in Billy’s case laying on the ground. “You kids are far and away the most insane, determined, and fearless bunch I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for the lot of you. So thank you.”, Logan said extending his hand. The others, even Billy and Tommy, all looked to Landon. Landon nodded and took Logan’s hand feeling the rather firm grip the man had. “Thanks for being the only adult to have the faith in us. We’re glad your back and to see the smile on Professor Aurelia and, more importantly, Rose’s faces.”, Landon responded. Logan smiled a little and nodded. “For being Crow’s kid...you aren’t half bad. I put my faith in the right kid.”, Landon said with a nod before standing up. He walked back to Rose and Aurelia. He sighed and looked at Rose and hugged her again. “I know what’ve been worried about. And I want you to know that without a single doubt that you are mine as much as Cero, Raziel, Kirra, or Hudson are mine.”, he said softly so only she and Aurelia would hear him. Rose nodded quietly. “I just can’t believe you’re here. I have..I have a dad. Oh god when everyone finds out you’re back.”, Rose beamed. Logan nodded. “I’ll have a lot of people wanting to see me and to talk to me. And I’ll oblige them, when I’m damn good and ready. Are you staying at the institute tonight?”, Logan asked. Rose thought for a moment. “Umm yeah…”, Rose said uncertain. Logan nodded. “Good. Because I have about fifteen years I plan to make up for and you are best staying at the institute.”, Logan stated taking hold of Aurelia’s hand.

Rose Covered her mouth to say what came to her mind and to hide her own laugh. Aurelia shook her head softly trying to not be embarrassed by Logan. “Good night Rose. You and your friends should go back to the club. Tell your cousin and my grandson I’m back and I’ll see them soon.”, Logan said giving Rose a kiss on the forehead. Rose nodded. “I will. Good night.”, Rose said. Landon looked to his watch, it was past midnight but he smiled and fell back in triumph. “HAPPY NEW YEAR! A tad late but still! We got the mission done before 2023 started.”, Landon said raising his fists in victory. Atif shook his head to laugh at Landon but was stopped with Billy sat up and kissed him. “Happy New Year Atif.”, Billy said after he pulled back smiling. Lily leaned over Tommy’s shoulder more and kissed his lips. “Happy New Year Tommy.”, she said smiling at him. Logan looked to Aurelia and grinned. Aurelia returned the smile but was then caught by surprise as he pulled her to him, picking her up off the ground to height no longer mattered and kissed her firmly. She’d almost forgotten how strong he was and how good it felt to have his lips against hers even the stubble on his face brushing hers, all memories she’d locked away too afraid to remember for fear of falling apart. But now he was here, he was real, he was back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with urgency and a once dormant desire.

Rose and the others looked down covering their eyes. “Ick and I thought our parents were bad.”, Cora Lee said making a face at Landon. Landon tried to not laugh but did anyways but stopped when it hurt. “Ow. Alright no making me laugh. Getting slammed into a tree twice has done a number on my back.”, Landon said wincing in pain. Logan pulled back from the kiss. “Happy New Year, pup.”, He said before looking to the kids. “Get your butts back to the club. Your parents are probably worried to death and at least then Mikali can look at Landon’s injuries. I’m going to head home, god that feels good to say, with Aurelia. I’ll see you in maybe a week.”, Logan said smiling walking away still cradling Aurelia in his arms. Ashley rose to her feet and helped Atif back up who then helped Billy. Lily helped Tommy up as Cora Lee helped Landon to his feet. Rose watched her parents walk away before turning to the group. She looked at each of them, their party clothes were dirty and torn but overall no one looked too bad off. That is till her blue eyes landed on Landon. His black dress shirt and pants had rips and mud on them. His white tie was warped on each of his palms and stained deep red with his blood. He looked a tad paler than normal but blood loss could do that. As she looked at him Rose thought about just how close she’d come to losing him tonight all because he risked everything to bring her dad back and to protect all of them from Wanda.

Rose decided it was now or it was never. So without a word she walked over to Landon and grabbed the sides of his face and kissed him firmly on the lips. Landon’s eyes went wide with surprise and he blinked not really sure what he was supposed to do. Of course there was the voice in his head, his ‘Crow’ brain saying to kiss her back but the logic side said this was just because they’d saved her dad and lived or maybe for New Years and way back in his mind he thought about Rachel and how she’d react to this moment. But he could hardly stand on his own, leaning on his little sister for support. This just didn’t seem like the moment for a first kiss with Rose. The rest of the group just blinked in awe and confusion at what was happening. Realizing he wasn’t kissing her back she pulled back and decided to play the whole thing off. “Thank you. Thank you for getting my dad back. Thank you for risking your life, like the stupid hero asshole you are, to save Atif and therefore save me, Billy and Solangel.”, Rose said taking her hands from his face. Landon nodded. “Um. You’re welcome Rose. You know..”, Landon said looking to the others. “All of you know that no matter what I’m always going to do whatever it takes to protect you.”, Landon said. “Yes we know you stupid prick. Come on. Let’s get out of here and drive back to the club so Uncle Mikali can heal you.”, Cora Lee said.

“Alright I’m driving.”, Landon said starting to lurch forward to find his jacket but stumbled a little. Cora Lee grabbed him again and Rose took up to support his other side. “I’m driving cuz.”, Lily said grabbing her shoes along with Landon’s jacket and keys. Cora Lee held out her free hand and her and Rose’s metal studded shoes flew to their hands. Tommy grabbed his jacket along with Billy and Atif’s before pausing to look at the blood stained daylilies that had been his mother’s prized blade. He picked them up and tucked them into Billy’s jacket before moving to help Atif get Billy to the fan, Billy still being drained from the power he exhorted. Ashley grabbed her shoes and followed the others to the van. Landon was shoved into the front sitting between Lily and Cora Lee while the others climbed into the back. They mostly drove in silence back to the club. Billy slowly regaining his strength and the bleeding on Merrick’s palms having slowed he was starting to feel a little better, but knew he’d still have to be attended to by Mikali upon returning to the club.

Across town at John and Sarael’s house the ringing in of the New Year was not like what they’d planned. John had paced the living room floor so many times Sarael thought for sure that he would wear an oval pattern into the dark hardwood floor. Sarael had tried to get him to sit or calm in any way, but knowing that his brother was alive and that his niece and a bunch of teenagers were out there risking their lives to save him didn’t settle well with him. It was past midnight before finally he received a phone call from Rose. “Rose? Is everything alright? What happened?”, John instantly demanded seeing the caller id. Rose was in the back of the van holding for dear life since Lily was, at best an erratic driver. “Hi Uncle John. Yes everything is fine, everything is actually pretty damn fantastic all things considered.”, Rose answered. “What happened then?”, John asked. “The Maximoff twins came through. Tommy got his mom’s book and Billy did the spell with Solangel’s added power and me as a link to dad. The others and mom held Wanda off. And in the end Landon decided to be a hero and get between Wanda and Atif, who was using his shield to defend Billy, Solangel and I.”, Rose started to explain. “Oh lord don’t tell me that boy got himself killed. You said everything was fantastic.”, John interrupted. Sarael’s face tensed with fear. “You didn’t let me finish Uncle. The spell worked and Dad stopped Wanda and made her take off.”, Rose finished. John visibly relaxed and so did Sarael. “So he’s here? Is he with you? When will I see him?”, John asked. “He’s with mom. Something about fifteen years to make up for. So your guess is as good as mine to when he’ll leave their bedroom.”, Rose answered. John chuckled. “You’re assuming my brother waited to reach their bedroom. But I’m relieved to know you are all safe then. Where are you headed now?”, he asked hearing what sounded like an engine. “We are going to the club. I need to tell Xavier and Rachel. Landon needs a to see Mikali and probably answer to his dad.”, Rose explained. John nodded. “Alright well I guess I’ll see James when he’s good and ready to be seen. Good night Rose.”, John said. “Good night Uncle John.”, Rose said hanging up.

Sarael looked up at John an eyebrow raised waiting to be told news. John put his phone down smiling. “James is back. My little brother his home! I believe this is the second best January I’ve ever had.”, John said his smile not fading. “Second best January?”, Sarael asked. “Yup the best was the January Rachel was born. But having my little brother back is a great start to this year and a pretty fantastic belated Christmas gift.”, John explained still beaming. Sarael stood up and smiled hugging John. “That is wonderful news. I’m sure Aurelia is happiest of us all.”, Sarael said. “Oh I’m sure. Knowing my brother…yeah they probably didn’t wait to get to their apartment to start making up for their lost time.”, John said shaking his head. “Ah yes..”, Sarael said shaking her head not wanting to think about it. “Which now that I know James is okay… I believe I have some obligations I’ve neglected this last hour.”, John said wrapping his arms around Sarael. “Oh really?”, Sarael inquired looking up at him. John simply smiled and without a word gripped her from the ass lifting her up and kissing her as he carefully found his way to the stairs and up to their bedroom. Sarael had let out a small gasp when his hands grabbed her posterior but it had been muffled by the kiss.

Upon entering the bedroom he paused and held out his arm and without a word or a pause in the kiss Bubbles jumped off John’s arm and grew to the size of a small dog and curled up in the hall as John kicked the door closed. John gently laid Sarael upon the center their king size bed, not breaking the kiss as he joined her. Sarael wrapped her arms tighter around his neck wanting to be as close as she could to him to deepen the kiss further as she brushed her tongue against his lips. John understood the unspoken command and opened his mouth, his tongue venturing out to greet hers. One of the things John had always enjoyed about being intimate with Sarael was the small noises she made. The subtle and soft ‘mmm’ as their tongues rubbed against each other exploring the familiar territory with no less vigor than the first time. His right hand moved up from her buttocks to cup the back of her neck, his fingers twirling at her thick black locks giving subtle tugs the more he enjoyed the kiss. His left hand also started to move north, but as it moved his hand went under her shirt rubbing at her side as he brought her shirt up higher and higher. As his hand reached her bra it stopped and reached around to her back and with a quick motion unhooked it before sliding back forward to move the loosened brazier and began to massage the exposed breast, rubbing circles with his thumb of her responsive areola. Even now sixteen years later her moan into his mouth and the arching of her back pressing herself closer to him still drove him mad.

Sarael was just as eager to touch and feel her husband close to her. Her hands moved from his neck down his back and then around to the front moving slowly up, unbuttoning hand remaining buttons she’d not torn off earlier in the evening during their interrupted couch time. With each button undone his chest became further exposed and with the final button resolved she eagerly ran her hands along his chest tracing out the muscles that were just as firm and defined as the day she met him. She tried to not think about the fact that his body would not probably show any signs of aging for perhaps past her life span. No those thoughts were shoved deep into the back of her mind by her primal desire to touch him, to be touched by him, and to be made love to by him. John ‘mmed’ against her mouth enjoying her touch his skin. John brought his hand from her breast and pulled his left arm from the sleeve of his shirt before bringing his hand back to massaging her breast once again, then he brought his right hand from her neck to finally fling the dress shirt across the room landing on the floor. He shifted slightly to be more on top of her, a knee gently encouraging her legs to part, which they obliged and he shifted to kneel between them. He pulled back from the kiss, to a slightly frown of Sarael. He propped himself with his hands on either side of her looking down at her with a smile before sitting up to just kneel there between her legs looking at her.

Sarael smiled a little seeing the same amount of desire she felt being reflected back at her in his deep blue eyes. She moved to sit up, the height difference being slightly evident as she left butterfly kisses on his pectorals. John closed his eyes for a moment enjoying the soft kisses as he reached around her his hands taking hold of her shirt and bra pulling them up. It was unspoken, Sarael brought her lips back from his chest and raised her arms up as he pulled her top and bra off and watched as he tossed them aside. John was typically and orderly man, everything had its placed and should be there. But when it came to removing clothes for love making, he didn’t seem to care where the clothes landed. Once he’d tossed a dress aside and broke a vase, spilling water and flowers to their bedroom floor and he didn’t even care till long after their love making was done and even after they’d laid there enjoying the post bliss in each other’s arms. The fact that when they were together like this he let go all inhibitions made her smile, to know that she could take such a formal and orderly man and change him into this passionate man before her. With her shirt removed, didn’t matter it was a sight he’d seen thousands of times over the years, his head tilted to the side a smile on his lips as his eyes moved to take in every inch. Sarael rolled her eyes a little her own self conscious body issues flaring up. “And why are you smiling like that? It’s certainly not the sight you saw when we got engaged, age and time taking its toll.”, Sarael questioned shaking her head.

John laughed very lightly at the question and her excuses. “I smile because what I see is the most amazing and beautiful woman and I smile even more because I know you’re mine. You will never look any different in my eyes.”, John said softly as his hands gripped at her hips. His hands slowly started to move up her sides to her shoulders then moved in and slowly moved down her chest his fingers giving brief attention to her nipples as they moved down to the top of her pants. “And you still feel the same, like the softest velvet.”, John added as his hands started to work at unbuttoning her pants. “You’re just being kind and flattering me. I’ve had two children my body is far from what it was.”, Sarael tried to counter but still her eyes closed as his touch sent shivers through her body. “I never flatter nor say anything I don’t mean. Yes you’ve carried and birthed our two amazing children, but that doesn’t change how much I love you and how much I want you.”, John said as he finished with the unbuttoning and unzipping of her pants. His hands moved to grip her waist and in one fluid motion he had her back on her back. “And I am going to prove just that.”, John said his hands moving to grip the top of her pants and include her panties as well. Sarael yelped a little as she found herself back against the bed, but couldn’t help but smile at his words. John moved to kneel on her right and slowly he slid her pants and panties down over her supple buttocks, then hips, then thighs and finally over her calves and feet and tossed them aside with all the other clothes.

His left hand slowly ran its way up from her ankle to her calf, turning to the inside of her tight griping it firmly before moving further up his thumb rubbing counterclockwise circles against the lips of her womanhood. Sarael closed her eyes enjoying the feel of his hand moving up her leg, and as his thumb began its patterned movements she took in a shuttered breath biting down on her bottom lip enjoying the attention. John moved to lay down along side Sarael, his left hand still paying its attention to below her waist. He brought his right arm under her neck holding her shoulders as his lips began kissing her neck just below her ear. She moaned again her hips rising up against his hand. He smiled against her neck, his breath warm against her skin he could feel her shiver but knew it wasn’t from cold. “Before I’m done tonight, my love, you will understand that no matter your age or how many years since we first made love that for me nothing will change. I will always love you and I will always desire you. Because to be with you each time is as good as the first.”, John whispered against her ear. “Joh..”, Sarael began to whisper but she was cut short taking a quick breath as two of John’s fingers pressed themselves into her and began to slowly but firmly move in and out. She moaned gripping the bedding as she let the breath out, her hips rising against his hand.

Sarael’s eyes closed tight her hands moving to touch and caress John reaching lower to start unbuttoning and unzipping his slacks. John continued to kiss down her neck, his left hands movements rhythmic enticing her in its efforts to show her just how much he desires her. He moved lower, just as Sarael thought to reach into his pants and return the favor she was being given. Instead her hand just rubbed against his abdomen then his chest as he moved lower. He shifted slightly taking one of her breasts into his mouth suckling at it and his tongue randomly flicking at her perked nipple. He could hear her draw in another breath and shiver it out with a moan. He kissed away from the one breast and brought his attention to the other giving it the same tender care and affection. Once he heard another moan he chose to travel lower, kissing from the space between her bosom down to her navel. Sarael moaned again, arching her back up against his kisses. Her body shivering with anticipation of what her mind she thought may be coming next the lower he kissed.

Sarael’s inklings were not wrong his kisses moved lower as he moved to position himself between her legs. His hand continued its rhythmic movements in her as he kissed along the inside of her thighs. His free hand moved up and roamed her stomach and chest. He brought his hand away from her and he could hear a subtle whimper, and he smiled a little knowing just how bad she wanted the torment to end. And as if able to read his mind he heard her softly speak. “John…please..just..please..just make love me..”, Sarael whispered biting at her bottom lip her hips shifting as if pleading for release to be given. “When I’m ready to. But I told you..I was going to prove to you just how much this body of yours is everything I want. Prove how much I desire you.”, John spoke softly his breath hot against her thigh. He watched her hands grip the sheets and listened to her moan slightly at the feel of his breath on her thigh. He considered briefly giving in to her plea and to his own desire but chose to continue the course he’d set. He brought both hands to rest on her tights spreading them ever so slightly before his mouth and more prominently his tongue took over the task his hand and fingers had once been at. He heard a shuttered breath of a moan escape her and felt her quiver and her hips rise up as he set to work. His hands roamed up when they weren’t gripping her hips as he enjoyed every quiver of her body, every moan of his name from her lips. Once he felt she’d had enough of the pleasurable torture he brought himself back from her to kneel between her legs once again. There was perspiration forming on her body and on his. He looked down just smiling enjoying the sight of her naked on the bed. Sarael took a few short breaths opening her eyes to look at him and returned his smile. “Point..proven..”, Sarael said breathlessly. John smiled and removed his pants and boxers and with no words spoken or needed, as her hips rose to greet him calling out as at last he gave her what she’d wanted and made love to her till neither of them could take it and gave in to their pleasure.

As they drove from the park to the Draven there was very little talking, it seemed like everyone was thinking about the nights events and all kept looking to the middle front seat where Landon sat, his face paler than normal and his eyes closed. Lily drove like her life depended on getting to the Draven, though in her mind it wasn’t her life she was worried about it was Landon’s. He’d lost a lot of blood and used so much of his energy fighting Wanda. Cora Lee kept looking to her brother just happy to hear he was breathing as she worried about his condition. Cora Lee brought out her cell phone and quickly sent a text message to the contact called ‘Sparky’. ‘We are safe. We are heading to the Draven. Meet up?’ was the message she sent. After the fight there was only two things Cora Lee thought about, she wanted to make sure her stupid big brother was going to be alright and she wanted to hug Malcolm tightly and thank him for his secret help. The choice to face Wanda had been easy for his cousins, but Malcolm couldn’t take the risk to go against his aunt not now at least. After he had taken out the power he had to make up a story and it needed to be convincing since the other kids saw him leave with Billy and Tommy from the club. So he picked up a decent sized rock and had bashed himself in the back of the head causing blood to drop down and matt in his brown hair and stain the collar of his shirt. He stumbled to the Academy arriving just before Wanda had. He pausing at the door getting a text. He quickly read it and replied. ‘Glad you are all safe. I can’t come to the club. Too risky.’ Malcolm replied before deleting the conversation. He wanted to go to the club to see for himself that Cora Lee had come to no harm by his Aunt, but he knew having left with Billy and Tommy if he didn’t get into the house and make it very convincing that his cousins had jumped him and he had no clue what had happened his family would be in great danger. So he had to choose between making sure his family went unharmed or seeing the girl he had feelings for. It wasn’t that difficult, he didn’t know what he and Cora Lee had yet so he chose his family. As Cora Lee read the text she frowned and shoved her phone back into her pocket confused and annoyed at the response.

Malcolm stumbled through the door and fell to the ground, it wasn’t hard to act because he’d been losing blood the whole five blocks to get there. “Mom..”, Malcolm managed to mutter his sight going fuzzy but he knew he saw his mother’s face. Lorna rushed from where she was standing talk to Vin, Kim and Christian when she saw Malcolm collapse. “Malcolm!”, she yelled slipping to her knees. She could see blood stains on his collar and as she followed the trail up she saw the gash in his head. “DAMON!”, Lorna commanded calling for their healer. Hearing his name even up in the bedroom where he’d been enjoying some alone time with his wife Geri Damon fell from the bed with a start. He looked up at the bed, his white hair falling over his azure eyes. Geri leaned over the e dove the bed the devious grin he’d fallen for all those years ago on her lips as the tendrils of her long red hair hit in him the face. “Easily spooked Phoenix?”, Geri teased. “Bite me Hotshot. Now I should go find out why Lorna just screamed my name.”, Damon said standing up and grabbing a shirt and button his pants up again. Geri pouted and sat up Indian style on the bed. “You know if you’d just say here a little longer it’d be me screaming your name.”, Geri countered. Damon smirked but shook his head. “There will be time for that later. Lorna wouldn’t yell for me if there wasn’t something wrong.”, Damon said leaning in and kissing Geri. “Now just stay right here, just as you are and I’ll pick up where I left off.”, Damon said looking her over enjoying the sight of her just in a pair of black thongs. “Don’t take too long then.”, Geri teased. Damon nodded and rushed down the stairs.

“What’s…”,he started to ask but seeing Malcolm on the floor bleeding he knew why he’d been called. He rushed over to the other side of Malcolm and looked over the wound. “Something blunt but with a tip hit him with a decent amount of power.”, Damon assessed moving some of Malcolm’s matted hair aside. “A rock since I’m seeing bits of it here in his hair. Alright let’s fix him up and find out what happened.”, Damon said placing his right hand over the wound a gold glow forming on his hand and passing to Malcolm. He brought his hand back wiping away the blood on his pants and rolled Malcolm over. “Alright Malcolm, want to tell us what happened?”, Damon inquired. There had already been a black out and then Wanda stormed out into the night angrier than Damon could ever remember seeing her. Malcolm murmured his eyes fluttering open and he looked up see Damon and his mom over him. He reached for the back of his head and just felt the matted dried mess of blood. “Where are Billy and Tommy?”, Malcolm demanded, now it was time to put on a show. Lorna looked at her son confused. “They haven’t come home yet like the others that went to the Draven. You’re the first home.”, Lorna answered. Malcolm shook his head. “No. Tommy got sick. I was helping Billy bring Tommy home.”, Malcolm explained he took a breath ready to tell the lie to his mother. He felt like a thousand stones were settling in the pit of his stomach he hated to lie to her, but to protect her and their family he had to. “We were almost home and Billy let go of Tommy. I thought he was going to get sick too or something. And next thing I know I’m hearing Billy say ‘sorry cousin’ and a pain in the back of my head. I fell into the snow and when I came to my head was pounding like a jackhammer and Billy and Tommy were both gone. I managed to stumble my way here hoping to find them.”, Malcolm explained. Lorna frowned at the story and hugged him tight. She couldn’t bring herself to imagine her nephews could harm her son.

As Lorna was comforting Malcolm, her mind racing about what he’d just described the door flew open and Wanda came back in and it was easy to see on her face she was furious. Wanda looked at Malcolm and became more angry thinking maybe her sons had helped. She grabbed Malcolm to pull him to his feet, though as she did she realized he stood near a foot taller than her. “Did you help them? Were you part of this betrayal!?”, Wanda screamed. Lorna rose to her feet and pulled Malcolm away from Wanda stepping in front of him. “What are you talking about? Leave my son alone. He just got home after being attacked by your sons. So let’s not start pointing fingers LITTLE sister!”, Lorna shouted her face holding back her rage that her sister would dare touch her son let alone accuse him. “They what?”, Wanda asked. Damon stood up and raised an eyebrow looking between the sisters. “Malcolm collapsed on the floor and was bleeding from the back of the head. He’d been hit by, I’m going to guess a good sized rock. I’ve healed the wound.”, Damon explained hoping up his hand that still had a little bit of blood left that didn’t wipe off on his pants. “From what he told us he was helping Billy bring a sick Tommy home when on the way Billy stopped and said he was ‘sorry’ then hit Malcolm and when he came to the twins were gone. Want to explain why your sons attacked their cousin? Or how about what do you mean betrayal?”, Damon questioned. Wanda fumed and turned shooting a hex ball at a vase shattering it. “The blackout wasn’t a coincidence. Thomas and William have betrayed us all. Thomas is the one that stole my spell book tonight. I traced my book to the park where William was casting a spell to call someone forth from another dimension. He was holding hands with Solangel of the Haven and Rose Howlett. Atif had a protective shield over the three of them while Thomas stood with the other traitor Lily along with Ashley, Cora Lee, and Landon. I just wanted my book back but they fought against me. My own child tackled me to protect Atif.”, Wanda said twisting the story to suit her needs.

Lorna, Kim, Christian, Vin and Damon all looked at her stunned. “Who were they trying to bring forth?”, Kim questioned. “Wolverine.”, Wanda answered. The room went silent before it was Christian that spoke. “Wolverine fell to the Friends of Humanity. How could they have had the power to place him in another dimension? And why would Billy and Tommy want to help?”, Christian asked. Wanda sighed. “I don’t know what kind of power the Friends of Humanity had to accomplish that, but they apparently did. And Thomas explained their traitory simply as an act of love.”, Wanda explained. She was greeted with confused expressions. “Apparently behind all our backs Thomas has been dating Lily and William dating Atif. So they chose to betray us all at the request of Lily and Atif. Not sure I would call asking someone to betray their family love, sounds more of manipulation to me.”, Wanda stated. A laugh came from the stairs and everyone turned to see Pyro. “Oh you should know all about manipulation isn’t that right my pet? I’ve been with you for near twenty years, three children and I still don’t think you know what the meaning of love is. You don’t know how to feel it or how to accept it.”, Jon said taking a sip from a bottle of bourbon. Wanda sighed shaking her head at him. “And you’re drunk. Happy fucking new year. My first born children have forsaken me for high school flings and my lover is drunk.”, Wanda grumbled still shaking her head. “For all you know those ‘high school flings’ could turn into marriages and grandchildren. But let’s not bring up the word marriage shall we. Nearly twenty years and three children and you still refuse to marry me or let our children have my name. And you know what maybe I am drunk but it’s the only way I’m going to suffer through another year with you!”, John shouted throwing the half empty bottle at Wanda, missing on purpose before stumbled and falling down the stairs to be caught by Vin was still there. Wanda looked to John anger building in her eyes. “He’s drunk. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. You know he loves you, always had and always will. Damon, Malcolm, and Christian come help me bring him upstairs to sleep this off.”, Vin suggested. John’s eyes closed as he passed out his body going limp. Vin lifted him off the ground and over his shoulder heading up the stairs. Wanting nothing more than to escape Wanda’s anger the other three men followed Vin without question.

Wanda looked to him. “Call your other children. Tell me and the others still at the Draven to return now. The Academy is in lock down till I say otherwise.”, Wanda decreed. Kim nodded pulling out her cell phone. She quickly called Merrick who when the phone rang moved to a quiet area of the club to answer. “Yes mom?”, Merrick answered. “I need you to get all the Academy kids at the club and come back now. Wanda’s orders the school goes into lock down.”, Kim explained. “But why?”, Merrick asked curious. “Just get your asses home and then I’ll explain.”, Kim answered. “Alright we’ll be there shortly.”, Merrick said hanging up. He rushed out to the dance floor and tugged his sisters away from the townies they’d been dancing with then grabbed Apollo and Artemis from their dance partners before tugging Talia and Alex apart. Talia wasn’t too pleased by the interruption and growled at him. Merrick growled back. “What the fuck is your problem Merrick?”, Talia demanded the others in agreement. “My mom just called. Wanda’s ordered a lock down. We are to get our asses to the Academy now. And before you ask, I don’t know why I just follow orders and if you all want to live to see tomorrow you should too.”, Merrick said grabbing their things from the booth and tossing them as each of them before heading for the door. All wondering what happened but not willing to go against Wanda’s orders following right behind him to get back to the Academy. None were given answers just sent straight up to their rooms. Merrick walked into his room to see Malcolm on his bed his dress shirt hanging on the clothes hamper with blood. Merrick shut the door and took a seat on his bed across from Malcolm just looking at him.

“Is my sister okay?”, Merrick finally asked breaking the silence. He wasn’t the idiot like people took him for. He knew Tommy cared for Lily and Malcolm for Cora Lee. So it was no coincidence that Malcolm and his cousins walked out not long after Lily and her crew ran out. Malcolm blinked and looked at Merrick. “Didn’t Josalyn and Emma come home with you?”, Malcolm asked casually. Merrick snorted. “You know which sister I mean. I doubt it was coincidence that you and your cousins left not long after Lily and her friends ran out of the building. We are in lock down and Billy and Tommy are nowhere to be found and no adult is talking. So just tell me that my sister is safe.”, Merrick said crossing his arms. Malcolm sighed. “Is this between just us?”, Malcolm asked. “Under the same pretenses that I don’t speak the name of who you like, yes.”, Merrick answered. Malcolm nodded. “Yes. She’s fine, they all are if anyone else concerns you.”, Malcolm stated. Merrick nodded. “Do you know why? What this was all about?”, Merrick asked. Malcolm smiled shaking his head. “Careful Merrick you’re curiosity is sounding a lot like a Bryant. And as for the full story I don’t know it all yet, but I’m sure soon we all will.”, Malcolm said stretching out on his bed picking up his phone. Merrick growled at the general comparison to his cousins but changed into his pajamas and crawled in his bed for sleep turning off the light. The only light in the room was the flicker of Malcolm’s phone as he flipped through pictures from the ball and a few from the club that night he’d taken of Cora Lee. He just hoped that no one had been injured during the fight with his aunt, least of all Cora Lee. He fell asleep looking at the pictures his hand still holding the phone even after it had gone into sleep mode.