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Landon had put on a smile for the rest of the party and before the night was over he told his fellow team leaders and the Maximoff twins to meet him at the practice space above the garage at the Haven to discuss something rather important. Sure he’d been vague but it got their interests peaked and all agreed to meet there. As soon as he got back to the Institute from the party Landon made his way directly to Forge’s lab. Landon’s mind was spinning with his ideas and he really hoped that Forge would be able to make this reality. He also wondered how long this was going to take to make, because he needed to train the others and hold off Wanda till this could be completed. He paused at the door hearing raised voices inside. He knew it was Karli and Forge, the couple fought often. Landon knew better than to interrupt them because sometimes the fights ended with them making up and if that was happening his plan would have to wait till morning. Last time they were fighting Forge was seen two days later with a black eye but a smile on his face. So Landon wasn’t sure how this was going to end, because he didn’t have days to get this plan in motion. “I can’t believe you Forge! You would seriously rather spend your time held up in this damn lab than with me! You honestly love your inventions more than you love me!”, Karli Fearbhirigh shouted picking up a heavy looking invention from a shelf and throwing it across the room at Forge’s head. Forge was quick and ducked watching his invention smash and turned to glare at Karli. “STOP THROWING STUFF KARLI! You are breaking my inventions! Everything in this lab is my life, it’s my blood, it’s my sweat, it’s me! Technopath genius or did you randomly forget the type of man you’re dating? Building things and fiddling with tech is what I DO! It’s my job! It’s my passion! You knew that from day one! I’m sick of having this fight every few weeks with you. If you can’t deal with the type of man I am then walk the hell away. Get out of my lab and get out of my life!”, Forge said pointing to the door. “This is such crap! After all these years I should be more important that your damn inventions!”, Karli shouted. “Well you aren’t so leave!”, Forge demanded. Karli glared and opened a portal under Forge’s feet, her red eyes glowing with her anger. Forge fell through the portal but using his own magic reappeared behind her. “That trick is getting old Karli. I can counter it every time. And I’m serious we are done now get out.”, Forge said opening the door for her. Karli turned to yell something but stopped seeing Landon on the other side of the door. Landon blinked and stepped out of the way. “Fine have it your way Forge. I’m sure I can find someone else that will be more than happy to occupy my time and more importantly my bed and won’t put stupid electronics above me.”, Karli said with a snort as she moved past Landon.

Forge blinked and looked at Landon as he fixed his ponytail of long thick black hair. “Landon Bryant, what can I do for my favorite student?”, Forge said trying to change focus off his break up. Landon laughed shaking his head as he walked into the lab and closed the door. “And I thought I had women troubles. Granted after tomorrow I might be dodging objects and punches…”, Landon said with a shrug. Forge raised an eyebrow. “What could the golden boy have done so wrong he’d be expecting violence?”, Forge teased. “Long story.”, Landon said pulling up a stool. “I’ve got time.”, Forge commented. “This goes public tomorrow, but given I need your help with my plan guess I can disclose to you early. As far as women trouble I made out with Rachel the other night.”, Landon said pointing out the hickeys. Forge nodded trying to not laugh. “So what your concerned that her dad or uncle are going to kill you?”, Forge asked. Landon shook his head. “No that she will and that Rose will.”, Landon stated. Forge raised an eyebrow. “I made out with Rose the following night, granted not to the same extreme.”, Landon explained. Forge blinked feeling he might turn white and quickly sat down. “You’ve got yourself a death wish young man. Wow. And you plan to tell the girls about the other?”, Forge asked. “I’m not sure how I can help you with that.”, Forge added. Landon laughed. “Yes I’m going to tell them because I feel terrible and I need them to have some real anger at me for my plan. Which I don’t need your help with the girls. No I need your help with Wanda.”, Landon stated. Forge blinked. “What do you mean help with Wanda? What does that psycho bitch have to do with you?”, Forge questioned. Landon sighed. “Years back Atif got a vision of my death. Just a purple light hitting me and I die. At New Year’s eve the vision became clear the person behind the purple light was Wanda. I faced her with the others when we freed Logan. Logan saved me from that night. But the vision didn’t go away. So I still have another fight with her coming. Then tonight she gave me a birthday card threatening me indirectly by saying she’ll see me soon and to enjoy my birthday because I won’t see my next. I haven’t told any of my friends and I have to tell them about this tomorrow.”, Landon explained. Forge gulped taking a seat. “So what am I supposed to do for you? Does Duncan known about this?”, Forge questioned. “Duncan doesn’t know. And like most things I come to you about he doesn’t need to know. This is all off the record. When I tell the others that I’ve kept this from them and tell them about the whole love triangle with the Howlett girls they are going to be angry. I want them to be, I need them to be for my plan to work. I’m going to deceive Wanda and everyone in the Academy. And this is where I need you.”, Landon explained.

Forge raised an eyebrow now intrigued. “What do you need from me, Landon?”, Forge asked with a smile. “First is there anywhere other than our danger room to train people?”, Landon asked. Forge thought. “Um there was an old danger room but I don’t know how to access it. The blueprints to the bunker and such are hard copy only. Only three people I know have that; John Howlett, Duncan, and Jacob. Not sure how much help I could be with getting that. What do you need the old danger room for?”, Forge asked. “I need to be able to train Tommy and Billy Maximoff and the rest of my team in secret and have a data source that can track how we fight as a team to upload into a simulation.”, Landon explained. Forge smiled. “You are getting devious kid. So beyond getting you a program for that what can I help with?”, Forge asked. “How long do you think it would take you to make a mobile danger room?”, Landon asked. Forge blinked. “A mobile danger room?”, Forge asked. “Yes. I’m looking for something compact. Basically something I could carry in my pocket take to a location I choose and start up and it expand to be almost as big as the danger room downstairs and have all the bells and whistles.”, Landon explained. “So you want me to take that thirty by thirty space I built downstairs and make it compact, travel size? What are you going to do with this?”, Forge asked. Landon grinned. “Take down Wanda. I need you to also build a cell, maybe five by six or larger if you want to be accommodating. And this cell needs to be setup to use an inhibitor.”, Landon explained. “You want to capture her? Woman wants you dead and your answer is trick her into a danger room and capture her? You want to trap the Witch?”, Forge asked. Landon nodded. “Can you do it? I’ll give you any help I can to make this happen. I don’t want to kill her, I don’t want anyone to die. Sensei Logan told me if I’m going to win I need to be smarter than her. Well she seems to think she can rattle me, that she’s got the advantage. She believes she’s the ultimate plotter. Well I’m going to prove she isn’t. So yeah I’m going to trap her. I’m going to get her to confess to everything she did to the X-Men. And then it’ll be up to Duncan and authorities what they do with her.”, Landon said. Forge nodded. “Color me impressed kid. You’ve got some devious thoughts. I knew I liked you. It’s going to take me some time to get this working. Might be months. Do I have months?”, Forge said grabbing a paper starting to draw up plans. “I can try to keep my charade up with the team for a few months. How many do you need?”, Landon asked He knew this was a tall order but keeping the appearance of his friends mad at him for months didn’t sound like much fun or really plausible. “I need at least the summer, if you at least can help maybe get Xavier to help me too.”, Forge said scratching his head with his pen before going back to working on his plans. “The summer? Well that might be possible. I’m not looking forward to having to keep everyone hating me that long but alright. I’ll figure it out. You tell me what you need and I’ll make it happen. I don’t think I can get Xavier for you. Unless you bring him on yourself and don’t tell him this is for me. I think Ashley, Rose, and Rachel would collectively kick my ass if I get him involved in this. But alright I gotta head up to my dorm and get sleep before I have to confess my collective sins to the gang tomorrow. Thanks Forge.”, Landon said. Forge nodded engulfed in this new idea. Landon headed up to his room for a not so restful night’s sleep.

Landon woke up before everyone to go to his training with Logan where he planned to explain everything to Logan. “Before we jump directly into training this morning sensei, I need to talk to you about some serious things.”, Landon greeted. Logan raised an eyebrow setting the dual swords down. “Alright what is it Landon?”, Logan asked. Landon took a deep breath and held his ground. “I’ll start with the less bad news. Wanda gave me a threatening birthday card last night. She plans to come for me before I turn 18. I’ve promised Atif and Rachel I would tell the others today. We are meeting later for that purpose.”, Landon stated. “You realize you tell them they are going to be angry you’ve kept the secret and they will want to be part of the fight.”, Logan said eying Landon. Landon nodded. “I know sensei. I want them mad at me. I need them mad at me. You told me I need to out think Wanda to win. So that’s what I’m going to do. I need her and everyone to believe that I’m on the outs with everyone and I’m alone. I want her to think she’s got me where she wants me. And don’t worry sensei I don’t plan to let anyone get hurt. I’ve talk to Forge and he’s getting started on my trap. We are going to capture Wanda and she won’t get to lay a finger on any of us.”, Landon explained. Logan nodded with a smile. “I knew you were a smart kid. So what’s the worse news?”, Logan asked. Landon took a deep breath. “You know how you already knew how I felt about Rose and about Rachel…”, Landon said forcing himself to look at Logan’s eyes. Logan arched an eyebrow. “What happened with my daughter and niece?”, Logan asked calmly. “Well that day you left me and Rachel here…”, Landon started to explain. “We kissed in the danger room and well we made out in my van later.”, Landon explained. Logan nodded. “So the hickeys were Rachel. Alright. What about my daughter?”, Logan asked. Landon gulped a little. “On my birthday…she told me how she felt and… I kissed her and she kissed back. So we kind of made out a little, but I stopped it because well I kept thinking about Rachel.”, Landon explained. Logan took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “So you are telling me that you made out with my only niece, my brothers only daughter and my youngest daughter within the same twenty-four hours?”, Logan questioned his claws starting to peak out between his knuckles.

Landon gulped but didn’t move. “Yes, sir. And I’m telling them both today.”, Landon stated. “So you haven’t told them yet? If Wanda hadn’t given you that card would you be telling them?”, Logan asked claws slipping a little further out. “Yes I would still be telling them. I hadn’t planned to get involved with anyone till this Wanda situation was resolved. But things happened and I can’t change what happened. But I will take responsibility for my actions. And I will take whatever retaliation given. I fully expect them to be mad at me, I’m expecting them to kick my ass. And I’ll stand there and take the beating without even blocking. And I am willing to even deal with whatever you and or Mister Howlett decides to do. However I will defend myself in combat against you and him.”, Landon answered. Logan nodded and tossed the dual swords into the air at Landon before his claws fully popped. Landon quickly grabbed the swords. “After this is over you are going to break one or both of those girls’ hearts. And John will take exception to that.”, Logan said taking a fighting stance but not attacking. “Sensei?”, Landon questioned taking his stance. “I’m mad Landon, I’m full of fucking rage right now. But I knew that no matter what you’d be breaking one of their hearts. Because you’d either go for neither or go for one. Didn’t exactly expect you to go for both.”, Logan explained lunging starting the training session. Landon countered and just missed getting clipped. “I didn’t expect it either sensei. But it happened. And I’m not exactly proud of it. Never took myself to the type of guy that could do something like that, and certainly not when the girls mean as much to me as they do.”, Landon said as he striked. And so the session went on without words from that point as they made strikes and counters. Landon using the dual swords and Logan utilizing his claws. It wasn’t how Landon had expected telling Logan to go. He had fully expected to be sent to the infirmary dead as a doornail. So he was actually thankful that Logan didn’t kill him. Though telling Logan was probably the less scary thing he was going to face that day. He quickly got ready and drove in mostly silence with the gang, stopping and picking up Rachel and going straight to the Haven. Everyone but Atif and Rachel wondering what Landon needed to talk to them about.

The seven walked in through the front door to get Tommy and Billy who had been sitting in the living room playing video games with Merrick, Sebastian and Malcolm. Malcolm having come over to hang out on neutral territory with his cousins and Merrick. Landon leaned into the living room and raised an eyebrow at Malcolm sitting there but instead looked to the twins. “Alright let’s do this guys. I’ll return the twins in a bit guys.”, Landon said before heading for the back door and the garage. The twins shrugged standing up. “Be back.”. Tommy said following Billy as they walked out. Cora Lee closed the front door and froze seeing Malcolm sitting in her family’s living room. She looked to the others who’d continued down the hall then she looked to Malcolm she smiled a little but headed a little further down the hall stopping out of view her brow furrowed trying to figure out what Malcolm was doing there. “Hey I’m going to grab some drinks. Bastian take over and don’t die just make sure you kick Merrick’s virtual ass.”, Malcolm said tossing the controller to Sebastian to play as he got up from the sofa. He ducked out into the hall hoping to catch Cora Lee. Cora Lee jumped a little as he came around the corner. Malcolm smiled and did a quick check to make sure there wasn’t anyone watching, including that bird he’d been warned about. Cora Lee was checking the same thing as she leaned against the wall. Not seeing anyone around Malcolm leaned down and kissed her cupping her face with his hands holding the kiss for a couple moments before pulling back resting his forehead against hers. “What are you doing here? Did you leave?”, Cora Lee whispered softly. Malcolm shook his head. “No. I haven’t left. Haven is neutral ground so I’m allowed to come see my cousins and my friend. Though I’m mostly here because the twins said something was going down and wanted me close.”, Malcolm explained keeping his voice soft to avoid being heard by Merrick. Cora Lee sighed having hoped he’d say yes. “Do you know what’s going on?”, Malcolm asked. Cora Lee shook her head. “No. Landon hasn’t said a word since last night when he said we needed to meet. I’m kind of worried.”, Cora Lee answered. “Well we’ll find out soon enough. You should go catch up with the others before they get worried about where you are.”, Malcolm whispered kissing her again. Cora Lee sighed a little into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around him wanting to just keep him close. Malcolm pulled back and rested his head of her shoulder. “Go catch up with your friends. I’ll talk to you soon.”, Malcolm whispered against her ear before softly kissing just below the earlobe avoiding the metal of her earrings. Cora Lee sighed and nodded moved away from the wall and from him heading to the garage while he went to get the drink he told the Bryant-Frost brothers he was getting.

Cora Lee climbed up into the practice space above the garage and found everyone already sitting. Landon was sitting on his drum stool he’d pull out with Aitf sitting on a beanbag to his right and Rachel on a chair to his left. Billy was sitting on the floor leaning against Atif while Tommy sat on the sofa arm around Lily with Ashley. Rose had pulled a chair over and was sitting in the little circle looking at Landon, like the others wondering what was going on. Cora Lee went and quickly grabbed a chair and sat by Rose and looked to her brother. Landon could feel his heart racing like it was going to jump out of his chest. He looked to his right and Atif gave him a nodded then he glanced to Rachel who softly smiled trying to be there for him. Landon took a deep breath and stood up. “Alright, so none of you are going to like what I have to say today. And I’m expecting a lot of backlash. You all have had your own suspicions that I’ve been keeping things from you. And it’s true I have. I don’t like that I have, but I’ve had my reasons. None which you will consider valid. Anything I have done up has been because I wanted to protect you guys.”, Landon started. This opening got him weird looks. “What’s going on Landon?”, Rose asked concerned. “The reason I’ve been distant and training so much lately.”, Landon started sighing heavy. “I’ve told you all it’s been for personal reasons, explained it’s because I don’t feel strong enough. Those true. I’ve been training because I’m basically a selfish shithead who wanted to handle this myself and not get any of you hurt. I’ve been training to fight Wanda.”, Landon explained. The room went silent for a moment. “What the FUCK do you mean to FIGHT WANDA!?”, Cora Lee shouted in rage. “Atif had seen a vision, of me dying at her hands. In the vision I die because I choose to be your shield. Because I chose to protect you from her, all of you. That’s why I haven’t wanted to get you involved. I hoped that if I face her one on one she can’t hurt any of you and I don’t make that sacrifice play.”, Landon explained not able to even look at his sister. “What do you mean had? How long ago did he see this?”, Rose questioned looking from Landon to Atif anguish in her eyes. Atif looked down knowing this was partially his fault. “Why didn’t you tell any of us Atif? Just because Landon wants to go solo on this you should have said something.”, Lily said outraged. “Back off Atif, Lily. I asked him to not talk. Figure my death is my business. I know that if it comes true it effects you all. And Atif had the vision the first time back when I was thirteen. I went to Texas that final year knowing how I was going to die. Granted back then the vision didn’t tell us it was Wanda, that was newer. It’s part of why I didn’t think twice about protecting you and Cora Lee from Mark. Because end of the day I would give everything I have up to and including myself to keep you guys safe.”, Landon explained managing to look at Rose. “YOU’VE KNOWN FOR YEARS! My brother has known for years he is going to die at the hands of that fucking bitch and I’m just being told!”, Cora lee shouted. “When we faced her at New Years I thought it was over. Logan stepped in and he saved my ass. But the vision didn’t change it didn’t go away. So I’ve dedicated myself to getting stronger to be able to take her on.”, Landon explained.

“What exactly do you mean by take her on? Because this is still the woman who gave my brothers and I life.”, Billy questioned. “No offense Billy or Tommy, but if it’s between my cousin and your mom’s life my cousin is the one that’s gonna live even if that means I kill the bitch myself.”, Lily said. “Whoa alright stop. No one is going to die.”, Landon said. “That includes me. I’ve got no intention to letting her kill me or hurt anyone of you. And I don’t plan on killing her either.”, Landon said holding up his hands to try and get everyone to chill. “So you’ve kept this from us this long. Why are you telling us now?”, Ashley asked. Landon sighed and took out the card. He handed it first to Cora Lee. “Because I got this card yesterday at the party. Wanda intends to come for me before my 18th birthday. Atif saw the card, and basically made it clear I needed to tell you or he would. And so I’m telling you. Because with my timeline getting moved up I need your help.”, Landon explained. Cora Lee turned a little red with anger before handing the card to Rose. Rose growled claws starting to form from her finger tips before handing the card to Lily and Ashley. “So you have a plan. What is it? Cause right now it just sounds like you want to get us all angry.”, Ashley asked leaning forward on the sofa. “I do have a plan and getting you angry is part of it.”, Landon explained. “Between remembering something Logan told me in training and then talking to Rachel last night about this I came up with my plan.”, Landon explained. Rachel blinked being brought up and looked at him as suddenly everyone was looking at her. “You talked to Rachel about this? Rachel knew about this before I..I mean we did?”, Rose asked. “Rachel was the only one that noticed I went and sat by myself last night turning an apple into different things including a dagger. She’s the only one that noticed something was wrong with me. So she came over to find out what. I showed her the card. And during our talk she reminded me I have people and access to help that Wanda could on dream of.”, Landon explained. “Right you have all of us. Stupid that it took you this long to realize that. I don’t get why you couldn’t tell us.”, Cora Lee said. “Because I wanted to protect you from this. Cora Lee you are my little sister. Since the day mom announced she was expecting I was told and I knew my job as a big brother was to always keep you safe.”, Landon answered. “And what about me? I’m sure the fuck not your little sister? What about any of us? We aren’t your siblings.”, Rose asked the look of pain and worry still in her eyes. “I know you aren’t my little sister Rose. You are damn well aware of how well I know that. But you guys are still the most important people in my life as good as family. We are getting off track. What I’m getting to is that I’ve got a plan on how to capture Wanda and none of us get hurt.”, Landon said with a sigh running his hand through his hair.

Rachel resisted the urge to reach out and hold his hand and give him her reassurance in this. All she could do was sit there. “So what is the plan?”, Ashley asked again. “Before I get into that I need to know, of the nine of us in this room who doesn’t have a mental block from telepaths?”, Landon asked looking around the room. Rachel, Atif, and Ashley raised their hands. “Alright so immediately after we get done talking I need you three to see Aunt Jean and get one. Because the only way my plan works is if no one sees it coming. Tommy does your inside guy have a mental block?”, Landon asked looking to Tommy. “Um no. But Billy can handle that. Why? Should I have asked him to come today?”, Tommy asked. Landon shook his head. “No. I don’t want to know who’s on the inside. Safer that the rest of us don’t know. That way if we get into anything with the Academy we don’t have to fake a fight. But I need whoever your insider is to have that mental block and be in on this. He’s going to be a key player in make this deception work.”, Landon explained. Now he had them their interest was perked. Cora Lee knew who the inside guy was and was a bit worried now that Malcolm might be getting involved more than he should. “Why do I need a mental block? I could just leave and not know the plan.”, Rachel questioned. Landon shook his head. “No, I need you. You’re part of this.”, Landon stated though there was a softness to how he said he needed her. Rachel blinked but nodded. “Alright. I’ll stay and help however you need me to.”, Rachel agreed. “You need Rachel?”, Rose questioned not sure how she felt about that. Landon nodded. “Yes. She’s not just here for decoration. She came originally as moral support because telling you guys might be scarier than fighting Wanda. But she’s going to be more than that. She’s rather important to the plan.”, Landon answered. “So here’s the plan. Rachel either from your dad or probably easier from Uncle Jacob we need the original blueprints of the institute. Attached to the old bunker that the X-Men had hidden in after the attack is an old danger room. And there are no electronic copies, I asked Forge. So with the blueprints we can find that danger room and reactivate it. Forge and I are writing a program to use in it.”, Landon explained. Rachel nodded. “I can get them. Jacob will be easier to get them from than dad.”, Rachel agreed. “So why do we need this old danger room when we have a shiny new one?”, Lily asked. “Because we need to train in absolute secret and Tommy and Billy need to be in training with us.”, Landon explained. “I thought you said our mom wouldn’t actually get a chance to hurt any of us? Plus we are Haven fighting her would kind of violate that no fighting rule of your dad’s.”, Billy questioned. “We aren’t going to fight her.”, Landon said with a smirk. “Then why are we training?”, Rose demanded. “So that the program Forge and I write can properly asses the eight of us and how we fight as a team to be used in the fight.”, Landon explained. He looked around and just saw confused faces. “Alright so I have Forge making a mobile danger room, or MDR for short. I’ll upload the program to this danger room and will trick Wanda into the danger room her figuring it’s just an old building I’ve chosen to ‘die’ in. Really it will be a danger room with the realistic graphics that Forge can muster. She’ll fight us, but they will be danger room drones of us using our moves and fighting styles and even our powers. And inside this danger room is when the real trap will be spring and she’ll be trapped in a containment cell that using a power inhibitor. So none of us get hurt and neither does she and we take her out of circulation. For everything she did fifteen years ago Duncan or the cops can take her I don’t care. I just know we are removing her from power.”, Landon said.

Billy blinked at this plan. “Wow…”, Billy said. Landon smiled. “Oh I’m not done yet. Your inside guy needs to plant seeds of mistrust and doubt. I need her to have no backing from the others. I want her alone. And this next part you guys are possibly going to have the most trouble with. When we walk out of here and anytime we are in public and it’s not just the nine of us or any combination thereof I need you angry at me. And I need you to keep it up for the summer till the MDR can be completed.”, Landon stated. “Okay so I’m confused. What the hell?”, Atif asked. “So we just keep reminding ourselves that you are a jerk who’s lied to us about this pending fight with Wanda for years and draw on that anger.”, Rose said with a shrug. Landon smirked. “So it’ll be easier for some more than others.”, Landon commented. In the back of his mind he knew once he had his private conversations with Rose and Rachel them being angry at him won’t be too much of a stretch. “So why are we putting on the angry façade?”, Tommy asked trying to follow. “Because I want your mom to think she’s in control. She wants me and only me. She wants me to be scared and alone. So we let her think she’s done that. If for any reason you can’t fake being pissed at me just avoid me. I want her to think I’m alone therefore I’m vulnerable. So can you guys do this?”, Landon asked looking around the room. “Yes. We can.”, Cora Lee said standing up and punching him in the arm. “You fucking asshole. See I’m starting already. Meeting adjourned?”, Cora Lee asked. Landon laughed and nodded. “Yeah. I’ll text you guys details of when we’ll start training after we get the blueprints. Rachel, wanted to talk to you some more. I’ll give you a ride home. That alright?”, Landon asked. Rachel nodded. “Um alright. But how does that play with me being angry at you?”, Rachel questioned. “We’ll figure it out.”, Landon said heading downstairs from the garage. “I can’t believe him, keeping something like that from us. Landon you are a complete asshole.”, Rose said loudly as they walked along the driveway and she shoved him a little. The others didn’t even look at Landon as they pushed past him. Merrick peaked out the window with Malcolm and Sebastian confused why everyone seemed mad at Landon. Rachel even put on her best angry face as she thought about all the times he wouldn’t ask for help and pushed past him. “Rachel? You too? Christ can’t win here. You forgetting I’m still supposed to drive you to work.”, Landon called after Rachel adding to the illusion. “I’ll walk!”, Rachel called back not even looking at him. The others kept walking Billy and Tommy going inside slamming the door as the others went in their own directions. “And what get in trouble with John? Fuck that. I’ve got enough Howletts mad at me. Just get in the van. You don’t have to talk to me.”, Landon said opening the passenger door. “Fine….”, Rachel said with an exasperated sigh as she got into the van. Merrick raised an eyebrow he’d never seen Rachel mad at Landon, hell he didn’t think that girl knew how to be angry with Landon. Landon sighed hanging his head as he headed to the van and pulled out. Rachel tried to not smile or laugh till they were out of sight of the Haven and reached over taking hold of his hand giving in a gentle squeeze. “Think Merrick, Sebastian and Malcolm bought that we were all angry at you?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded and squeezed her hand back. “Yeah I think they did. Thanks for being here today, for when I had to tell them.”, Landon said letting her hand go to hold the steering wheel. “I told you I’d be there for you. “, Rachel said softly. Landon drove for a while before pulling over.

“Alright so look we need to talk.”, Landon said parking the van unfastening his seat belt and turning to look at her. Rachel turned to look at him worried what more he could want to discuss. “I’ve got the blueprints under control. Jacob is generally distracted with work so he will easily let me take them if I say I’m there for dad. I won’t like lying to him, but he won’t even probably realize it.”, Rachel assured. Landon nodded. “I didn’t want to talk to you about the blueprints. I know you’ll be able to get them, Uncle Jacob wouldn’t really see reason to question your motives. There’s something…more personal I need to talk to you about.”, Landon said with a heavy sigh looking down. “What is it? You can talk to me about anything, Landon.”, Rachel said gently touching the side of his face. Landon closed his eyes wanting to lean into her touch but knew he shouldn’t given the conversation he needed to have it wouldn’t be appropriate so he pulled back from her hand. Rachel took her hand back looking down feeling a bit rejected. “Remember how I’ve told you that there is someone else that I like?”, Landon started. Rachel nodded. “Yeah…let me guess she’s the one you want to be with and what happened between us was… a mistake.”, Rachel spoke softly. “Rachel…it’s not like that. I don’t know who is and who isn’t the one. And as far as what happened between us, I don’t regret it. I made a big mistake. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make up for my mistake.”, Landon explained considering reaching for her to assure her but knew it wouldn’t be right. “Um..okay. What mistake? What is going on Landon?”, Rachel asked. “The other girl is…well she’s Rose. And my mistake is that I acted on how I feel about the two of you and I probably should have just kept my mouth shut and more importantly to myself.”, Landon stated not being able to bring himself to look at Rachel’s face. Rachel blinked and looked down. “Oh…so you’ve…her…and me?”, Rachel said trying to full get a handle on what she was just told, running a finger over her lips. She wondered who’s lips he’d kissed first. Landon sighed. “Yeah. I kissed you that night in the danger room and made out with you in the van that night. And on my birthday I kissed Rose, it didn’t go as far or get as intense as with you. I stopped it because I thought of you and I just couldn’t. I hate myself right now for even being capable of being that guy. And I hate myself even more because I’ve now managed to screw everything up. Not just what might have been with you or with Rose but more importantly what I already had with you guys, friendship. Which I hadn’t said or done anything this long because I didn’t want to risk friendships. I’ll understand if you want to hit me and never talk to me again.”, Landon said. “I’m mad at you…so mad at you right now Landon. If you had told me, for the beginning like at the dance for example that it was Rose you liked. I wouldn’t have…”, Rachel said shaking her head clenching her fists on her lap. “You wouldn’t have tried?”, Landon questioned. Rachel nodded. “Because she’s Rose. I mean I don’t exactly compare. She’s got the mutant powers, she’s the x-men, she’s known you the longest, and she’s close to you on levels I’m not.”, Rachel said. “You’ve been honest with me about all things so why weren’t you honest with me at the dance about Rose?”, Rachel asked. “Having powers, being an x-men those aren’t factors. Yes she’s close to me, she’s my best friend. But you… you have known things about me she hasn’t. As for why I didn’t tell you up front at the dance that one of the girls I liked was your cousin…well..”, Landon said. “Well what?”, Rachel asked. “Did you see you in that dress?”, Landon questioned with a smile.

Rachel blushed a little. “I’m still mad at your Landon. That was…I just didn’t think you could be that type of guy.”, Rachel said shaking her head. Landon nodded. “I know. I’m sorry and if I come out of this fight with Wanda I will be doing whatever I can to make up for what I did.”, Landon said with a sigh. Rachel sighed and reached back over and touched his face. “When you come out of this battle. I just want you to decide what you want and who you want. Because even if it’s not me I want to still be your friend.”, Rachel said. “I will. When this is over I’ll figure out what I’m doing and no matter the outcome I will be happy to just have you as my friend Rachel. I just don’t look forward to the next person I have to talk to…that I think is going to physically hurt.”, Landon said. Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Oh…right you have to tell Rose about me.”, Rachel said taking her hand back. “Good luck with that.”, Rachel said with a laugh. “Yeah thanks. You may not have hit me, Rose will. And I’ve trained in combat against her, that punch is going to hurt.”, Landon said fastening his seatbelt and pulling back onto the road to drive her home. He pulled into the drive way and sighed. “The next three months are going to suck so hard.”, Landon commented. “The wait for battle?”, Rachel asked. “No having everyone be mad at me for that long.”, Landon admitted. Rachel laughed a little shaking her head. “It’s just an act. So keep that in mind.”, Rachel said quickly giving him kiss on the cheek. Landon sighed shaking his head. “Kissing my cheek doesn’t exactly uphold that act.”, Landon said. Rachel nodded. “Right I’m supposed to treat you like the jerk face that you are.”, Rachel said playfully slapping his face. Landon laughed shaking his head. “God you’re adorable when you try to talk shit. Get out of the van and just try to hate me a little.”, Landon teased. Rachel laughed but nodded getting out of the van heading inside her house. That was one hurdle down and one more to go. Landon was not looking forward to telling Rose. But he knew he had to. He headed back to the institute and headed up to Rose and Cora Lee’s dorm and leaned in the doorway giving a soft knock on the doorframe to get Rose and Cora Lee’s attention. The girls both looked up at him questioningly. “Cora Lee give me a few minutes with Rose please.”, Landon requested with a sigh. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow looking from her brother to Rose. “Anything you need to talk to her about you should be able to say to me. Especially if this is about what we just talked about at the Haven.”, Cora Lee argued. Landon sighed shaking his head. “It’s not about we just discussed. This is different and it’s private. So it’s an A and B conversation.”, Landon said pointing to Rose and himself. “So please C yourself out.”, Landon said pointing to Cora Lee then over his shoulder to the hall. Cora Lee glared a little and looked to Rose. Rose shrugged. “I think she should be able to stay.”, Rose said. “No she shouldn’t. I need to talk to you about my birthday….”, Landon said giving Rose a hint. Rose nodded. “Oh. Right. Okay yeah Cora Lee give us some time alone, please.”, Rose said realizing that neither her or Landon were ready for Cora Lee to know that they kissed. Cora Lee grumbled and got up. “Fine.”, Cora Lee said shoving past her brother. Landon sighed and closed the door once she was out.

Landon moved away from the door ready to have this conversation, or at least as ready as he could be. Rose got up from her bed and pushed him back against the door with a smile having made her own interpretation of what he meant about them needing to talk about his birthday. “Whoa…”, Landon said finding himself against the door. Rose smirked and leaned up to try and kiss him but Landon side stepped out of the way. Rose frowned and looked at him. “Alright so I misread what you meant by talking about your birthday. You actually meant you want to talk. This can’t be good.”, Rose said stepping away and sitting back on her bed. Landon sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m here to actually talk not to make out. I’m done with secrets, so I need to talk to you about the other girl.”, Landon said sitting down on Cora Lee’s bed across from Rose. Rose sighed and nodded. “Alright…”, Rose said bracing herself for this. “I am not proud of myself and how I’ve behaved this week. To have made out with her one day and then kissed you the next. It was a dick move and I will do whatever I can to make it up to you and to her.”, Landon started with apologizing. “Yes well I knew you made out with a girl the night before and still chose to kiss you back.”, Rose countered. Landon nodded. “Yeah but what is going to probably change your opinion is who the girl is.”, Landon explained. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Who?”, Rose asked. Landon sighed and prepared himself to be punched. “Rachel.”, Landon answered. Rose blinked any color in her face fading before the rage welled up. She didn’t think she just got up and punched him in the face. “Of course…of course it was Rachel. God I feel like such an idiot! The way you always jumped to defend her, the asking her to the dance, the way you were with her at the dance. God why didn’t I see it before?”, Rose yelled pacing the floor. Landon groaned and held his nose which he knew was broken, a few drops of blood hitting Cora Lee’s bedding. He tilted his head back and pressed on his nose to put it back in place. “Deserved that. Totally deserved that. I defended Rachel because she needed it, she seemed to just back down to Merrick and I wasn’t going to let him hurt her. I asked her to the dance because she’s my friend and I wanted Merrick to back off. As for how I was with her at the dance….yeah that’s about the time I realized I liked her.”, Landon said using the sleeve of his shirt to wipe away the blood from his nose. Rose sighed and looked at him and grabbed some tissues and swatted his hand away and grabbed his chin looking at his nose. “Hold still you big baby…”, Rose said as he flinched while she pressed on his nose. She sighed and used the tissue to clean up the blood and then rolled up a fresh tissue lodging it into his nostrils to help the blood. “I’m helping you because I want to become a doctor. Not because I’m forgiving you. That was seriously the most douchebag move ever. I’d expect something like that from Tristan or even Merrick but….”, Rose explained shaking her head. Landon sighed. “Great I’m being compared to the rodeo clown and the man whore. Low blow, deserved but low. Look I get it, to a point..”, Landon said.

“TO A POINT!? Landon you made out my cousin then while her hickeys were still and fuck, still are visible on your neck you kissed me! What is there to not understand in that? If I had known those were from Rachel I wouldn’t have told you about how I felt.”, Rose shouted. “So because the person has a name and a face it changes things? When you thought it was just some random townie you didn’t care at all. I get that it being Rachel makes it personal and hit home. My point is that you can place blame on me for this all you want, but you made your own choices in this too. You chose to use me as a bed, straddle me, tell me how you feel about me. I reacted, probably not in the best manor, and kissed you. But I also stopped that kiss and I explained that there is someone else that I like too. I believe your words were you didn’t mind competition and then there was your tongue in my mouth. Which I stopped that kiss too. So yes I’m to blame for that first kiss and sure I should have told Rachel before I kissed her that the other girl I liked was you and vice versa. Those are on me. But both of you kissed back knowing full well that there was someone else. And when this with Wanda is all said and done you can decide if you ever want anything to do with me, be as friend or more. Either way I’ll be doing anything I can to make this up to both of you. If I lose either of you as friends, well fuck I’d rather lose to Wanda.”, Landon countered. Rose sighed. “Yes I know I can’t blame you fully, just on the part of not telling me the other girl is my cousin. But yeah I chose to let what I wanted override the thought that someone else was involved.”, Rose admitted. “I don’t think you’ll lose either of as friends. You may never get that kind of affection from either of us anytime soon.”, Rose said punching his arm. “I think I’ve gotten myself in enough trouble kissing the both of you. So I’ll survive without getting any affection, for a while.”, Landon said getting up and taking the tissue from his nose and checking for any more blood. “At least my nose isn’t bleeding anymore and it set back in place.”, Landon commented. Rose shook her head. “Yeah well next time you think about keeping a secret from me and telling me later remember that broken nose. Because I won’t be so nice next time.”, Rose warned. “I’ll keep it in mind. Guess I’ll see you around.”, Landon said with a small wave leaving her dorm.

Once Landon had closed the door Rose sank down to the floor and wrapped her arms around her legs debating if she should cry or how she should feel in that moment. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t seen it sooner, how he felt about Rachel. And she was still angry that he didn’t tell her sooner and let this go as far as it had. But then she had her own pains of guilt because till she was told it was Rachel she really didn’t care who the girl was. Cora Lee was quick to get back into the dorm as she watched her brother leave holding a bloodied tissue. She stepped inside and looked at Rose who had slumped to the floor. “What the hell just happened?”, Cora Lee questioned. Rose sighed and looked up at Cora Lee. “Might as well tell you. It’ll get out eventually plus knowing might make the whole being public angry with Landon easier.”, Rose said with a heavy sigh. “What do you mean? What happened?”, Cora Lee asked. “I like your brother. I’ve liked him for a long time. And on his birthday I told him.”, Rose started to explained. Cora Lee blinked but smiled. “But that’s awesome, I mean kind of gross because he’s my big brother and you’re my best friend. Seriously you two would be good together and if you did date you could possibly become my sister.”, Cora Lee said all for this relationship. “yeah, well don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”, Rose said shaking her head. “What he doesn’t like you back? He’d rather be with whoever it was he hooked up the day before?”, Cora Lee questioned. “No he likes me back. He kissed me that night, but also reminded me that there was someone else out there he liked too. I didn’t want to think about who the other girl was and so we kept kissing till he put on the brakes. And well he just told me who the other girl is….and I don’t know who I’m more mad at him or me.”, Rose said burying her face into her legs as she hugged herself. “Rose?”, Cora Lee said crouching down putting an arm around her best friend. “The other girl is Rachel.”, Rose said thought he words were muffled. Cora Lee blinked and sat down. “Rachel? Wow. I mean I would not have thought my brother would…or could be a player. Guess we all like to keep secrets when it comes to matters of the heart…”, Cora Lee said thinking about the fact she was keeping her own secrete. Rose nodded. “Yeah apparently. I should..I should call Rachel. Go talk to her. I want her to know if I’d known it was her I’d never have gone for Landon.”, Rose said getting up to her feet grabbing her jacket. “You going to be okay?”, Cora Lee asked. Rose nodded. “I’ll survive. But I need to make sure my cousin and I are still good.”, Rose explained leaving.

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Landon had put on a smile for the rest of the party and before the night was over he told his fellow team leaders and the Maximoff twins to meet him at the practice space above the garage at the Haven to discuss something rather important. Sure he’d been vague but it got their interests peaked and all agreed to meet there. As soon as he got back to the Institute from the party Landon made his way directly to Forge’s lab. Landon’s mind was spinning with his ideas and he really hoped that Forge would be able to make this reality. He also wondered how long this was going to take to make, because he needed to train the others and hold off Wanda till this could be completed. He paused at the door hearing raised voices inside. He knew it was Karli and Forge, the couple fought often. Landon knew better than to interrupt them because sometimes the fights ended with them making up and if that was happening his plan would have to wait till morning. Last time they were fighting Forge was seen two days later with a black eye but a smile on his face. So Landon wasn’t sure how this was going to end, because he didn’t have days to get this plan in motion. “I can’t believe you Forge! You would seriously rather spend your time held up in this damn lab than with me! You honestly love your inventions more than you love me!”, Karli Fearbhirigh shouted picking up a heavy looking invention from a shelf and throwing it across the room at Forge’s head. Forge was quick and ducked watching his invention smash and turned to glare at Karli. “STOP THROWING STUFF KARLI! You are breaking my inventions! Everything in this lab is my life, it’s my blood, it’s my sweat, it’s me! Technopath genius or did you randomly forget the type of man you’re dating? Building things and fiddling with tech is what I DO! It’s my job! It’s my passion! You knew that from day one! I’m sick of having this fight every few weeks with you. If you can’t deal with the type of man I am then walk the hell away. Get out of my lab and get out of my life!”, Forge said pointing to the door. “This is such crap! After all these years I should be more important that your damn inventions!”, Karli shouted. “Well you aren’t so leave!”, Forge demanded. Karli glared and opened a portal under Forge’s feet, her red eyes glowing with her anger. Forge fell through the portal but using his own magic reappeared behind her. “That trick is getting old Karli. I can counter it every time. And I’m serious we are done now get out.”, Forge said opening the door for her. Karli turned to yell something but stopped seeing Landon on the other side of the door. Landon blinked and stepped out of the way. “Fine have it your way Forge. I’m sure I can find someone else that will be more than happy to occupy my time and more importantly my bed and won’t put stupid electronics above me.”, Karli said with a snort as she moved past Landon.

Forge blinked and looked at Landon as he fixed his ponytail of long thick black hair. “Landon Bryant, what can I do for my favorite student?”, Forge said trying to change focus off his break up. Landon laughed shaking his head as he walked into the lab and closed the door. “And I thought I had women troubles. Granted after tomorrow I might be dodging objects and punches…”, Landon said with a shrug. Forge raised an eyebrow. “What could the golden boy have done so wrong he’d be expecting violence?”, Forge teased. “Long story.”, Landon said pulling up a stool. “I’ve got time.”, Forge commented. “This goes public tomorrow, but given I need your help with my plan guess I can disclose to you early. As far as women trouble I made out with Rachel the other night.”, Landon said pointing out the hickeys. Forge nodded trying to not laugh. “So what your concerned that her dad or uncle are going to kill you?”, Forge asked. Landon shook his head. “No that she will and that Rose will.”, Landon stated. Forge raised an eyebrow. “I made out with Rose the following night, granted not to the same extreme.”, Landon explained. Forge blinked feeling he might turn white and quickly sat down. “You’ve got yourself a death wish young man. Wow. And you plan to tell the girls about the other?”, Forge asked. “I’m not sure how I can help you with that.”, Forge added. Landon laughed. “Yes I’m going to tell them because I feel terrible and I need them to have some real anger at me for my plan. Which I don’t need your help with the girls. No I need your help with Wanda.”, Landon stated. Forge blinked. “What do you mean help with Wanda? What does that psycho bitch have to do with you?”, Forge questioned. Landon sighed. “Years back Atif got a vision of my death. Just a purple light hitting me and I die. At New Year’s eve the vision became clear the person behind the purple light was Wanda. I faced her with the others when we freed Logan. Logan saved me from that night. But the vision didn’t go away. So I still have another fight with her coming. Then tonight she gave me a birthday card threatening me indirectly by saying she’ll see me soon and to enjoy my birthday because I won’t see my next. I haven’t told any of my friends and I have to tell them about this tomorrow.”, Landon explained. Forge gulped taking a seat. “So what am I supposed to do for you? Does Duncan known about this?”, Forge questioned. “Duncan doesn’t know. And like most things I come to you about he doesn’t need to know. This is all off the record. When I tell the others that I’ve kept this from them and tell them about the whole love triangle with the Howlett girls they are going to be angry. I want them to be, I need them to be for my plan to work. I’m going to deceive Wanda and everyone in the Academy. And this is where I need you.”, Landon explained.

Forge raised an eyebrow now intrigued. “What do you need from me, Landon?”, Forge asked with a smile. “First is there anywhere other than our danger room to train people?”, Landon asked. Forge thought. “Um there was an old danger room but I don’t know how to access it. The blueprints to the bunker and such are hard copy only. Only three people I know have that; John Howlett, Duncan, and Jacob. Not sure how much help I could be with getting that. What do you need the old danger room for?”, Forge asked. “I need to be able to train Tommy and Billy Maximoff and the rest of my team in secret and have a data source that can track how we fight as a team to upload into a simulation.”, Landon explained. Forge smiled. “You are getting devious kid. So beyond getting you a program for that what can I help with?”, Forge asked. “How long do you think it would take you to make a mobile danger room?”, Landon asked. Forge blinked. “A mobile danger room?”, Forge asked. “Yes. I’m looking for something compact. Basically something I could carry in my pocket take to a location I choose and start up and it expand to be almost as big as the danger room downstairs and have all the bells and whistles.”, Landon explained. “So you want me to take that thirty by thirty space I built downstairs and make it compact, travel size? What are you going to do with this?”, Forge asked. Landon grinned. “Take down Wanda. I need you to also build a cell, maybe five by six or larger if you want to be accommodating. And this cell needs to be setup to use an inhibitor.”, Landon explained. “You want to capture her? Woman wants you dead and your answer is trick her into a danger room and capture her? You want to trap the Witch?”, Forge asked. Landon nodded. “Can you do it? I’ll give you any help I can to make this happen. I don’t want to kill her, I don’t want anyone to die. Sensei Logan told me if I’m going to win I need to be smarter than her. Well she seems to think she can rattle me, that she’s got the advantage. She believes she’s the ultimate plotter. Well I’m going to prove she isn’t. So yeah I’m going to trap her. I’m going to get her to confess to everything she did to the X-Men. And then it’ll be up to Duncan and authorities what they do with her.”, Landon said. Forge nodded. “Color me impressed kid. You’ve got some devious thoughts. I knew I liked you. It’s going to take me some time to get this working. Might be months. Do I have months?”, Forge said grabbing a paper starting to draw up plans. “I can try to keep my charade up with the team for a few months. How many do you need?”, Landon asked He knew this was a tall order but keeping the appearance of his friends mad at him for months didn’t sound like much fun or really plausible. “I need at least the summer, if you at least can help maybe get Xavier to help me too.”, Forge said scratching his head with his pen before going back to working on his plans. “The summer? Well that might be possible. I’m not looking forward to having to keep everyone hating me that long but alright. I’ll figure it out. You tell me what you need and I’ll make it happen. I don’t think I can get Xavier for you. Unless you bring him on yourself and don’t tell him this is for me. I think Ashley, Rose, and Rachel would collectively kick my ass if I get him involved in this. But alright I gotta head up to my dorm and get sleep before I have to confess my collective sins to the gang tomorrow. Thanks Forge.”, Landon said. Forge nodded engulfed in this new idea. Landon headed up to his room for a not so restful night’s sleep.

Landon woke up before everyone to go to his training with Logan where he planned to explain everything to Logan. “Before we jump directly into training this morning sensei, I need to talk to you about some serious things.”, Landon greeted. Logan raised an eyebrow setting the dual swords down. “Alright what is it Landon?”, Logan asked. Landon took a deep breath and held his ground. “I’ll start with the less bad news. Wanda gave me a threatening birthday card last night. She plans to come for me before I turn 18. I’ve promised Atif and Rachel I would tell the others today. We are meeting later for that purpose.”, Landon stated. “You realize you tell them they are going to be angry you’ve kept the secret and they will want to be part of the fight.”, Logan said eying Landon. Landon nodded. “I know sensei. I want them mad at me. I need them mad at me. You told me I need to out think Wanda to win. So that’s what I’m going to do. I need her and everyone to believe that I’m on the outs with everyone and I’m alone. I want her to think she’s got me where she wants me. And don’t worry sensei I don’t plan to let anyone get hurt. I’ve talk to Forge and he’s getting started on my trap. We are going to capture Wanda and she won’t get to lay a finger on any of us.”, Landon explained. Logan nodded with a smile. “I knew you were a smart kid. So what’s the worse news?”, Logan asked. Landon took a deep breath. “You know how you already knew how I felt about Rose and about Rachel…”, Landon said forcing himself to look at Logan’s eyes. Logan arched an eyebrow. “What happened with my daughter and niece?”, Logan asked calmly. “Well that day you left me and Rachel here…”, Landon started to explain. “We kissed in the danger room and well we made out in my van later.”, Landon explained. Logan nodded. “So the hickeys were Rachel. Alright. What about my daughter?”, Logan asked. Landon gulped a little. “On my birthday…she told me how she felt and… I kissed her and she kissed back. So we kind of made out a little, but I stopped it because well I kept thinking about Rachel.”, Landon explained. Logan took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “So you are telling me that you made out with my only niece, my brothers only daughter and my youngest daughter within the same twenty-four hours?”, Logan questioned his claws starting to peak out between his knuckles.

Landon gulped but didn’t move. “Yes, sir. And I’m telling them both today.”, Landon stated. “So you haven’t told them yet? If Wanda hadn’t given you that card would you be telling them?”, Logan asked claws slipping a little further out. “Yes I would still be telling them. I hadn’t planned to get involved with anyone till this Wanda situation was resolved. But things happened and I can’t change what happened. But I will take responsibility for my actions. And I will take whatever retaliation given. I fully expect them to be mad at me, I’m expecting them to kick my ass. And I’ll stand there and take the beating without even blocking. And I am willing to even deal with whatever you and or Mister Howlett decides to do. However I will defend myself in combat against you and him.”, Landon answered. Logan nodded and tossed the dual swords into the air at Landon before his claws fully popped. Landon quickly grabbed the swords. “After this is over you are going to break one or both of those girls’ hearts. And John will take exception to that.”, Logan said taking a fighting stance but not attacking. “Sensei?”, Landon questioned taking his stance. “I’m mad Landon, I’m full of fucking rage right now. But I knew that no matter what you’d be breaking one of their hearts. Because you’d either go for neither or go for one. Didn’t exactly expect you to go for both.”, Logan explained lunging starting the training session. Landon countered and just missed getting clipped. “I didn’t expect it either sensei. But it happened. And I’m not exactly proud of it. Never took myself to the type of guy that could do something like that, and certainly not when the girls mean as much to me as they do.”, Landon said as he striked. And so the session went on without words from that point as they made strikes and counters. Landon using the dual swords and Logan utilizing his claws. It wasn’t how Landon had expected telling Logan to go. He had fully expected to be sent to the infirmary dead as a doornail. So he was actually thankful that Logan didn’t kill him. Though telling Logan was probably the less scary thing he was going to face that day. He quickly got ready and drove in mostly silence with the gang, stopping and picking up Rachel and going straight to the Haven. Everyone but Atif and Rachel wondering what Landon needed to talk to them about.

The seven walked in through the front door to get Tommy and Billy who had been sitting in the living room playing video games with Merrick, Sebastian and Malcolm. Malcolm having come over to hang out on neutral territory with his cousins and Merrick. Landon leaned into the living room and raised an eyebrow at Malcolm sitting there but instead looked to the twins. “Alright let’s do this guys. I’ll return the twins in a bit guys.”, Landon said before heading for the back door and the garage. The twins shrugged standing up. “Be back.”. Tommy said following Billy as they walked out. Cora Lee closed the front door and froze seeing Malcolm sitting in her family’s living room. She looked to the others who’d continued down the hall then she looked to Malcolm she smiled a little but headed a little further down the hall stopping out of view her brow furrowed trying to figure out what Malcolm was doing there. “Hey I’m going to grab some drinks. Bastian take over and don’t die just make sure you kick Merrick’s virtual ass.”, Malcolm said tossing the controller to Sebastian to play as he got up from the sofa. He ducked out into the hall hoping to catch Cora Lee. Cora Lee jumped a little as he came around the corner. Malcolm smiled and did a quick check to make sure there wasn’t anyone watching, including that bird he’d been warned about. Cora Lee was checking the same thing as she leaned against the wall. Not seeing anyone around Malcolm leaned down and kissed her cupping her face with his hands holding the kiss for a couple moments before pulling back resting his forehead against hers. “What are you doing here? Did you leave?”, Cora Lee whispered softly. Malcolm shook his head. “No. I haven’t left. Haven is neutral ground so I’m allowed to come see my cousins and my friend. Though I’m mostly here because the twins said something was going down and wanted me close.”, Malcolm explained keeping his voice soft to avoid being heard by Merrick. Cora Lee sighed having hoped he’d say yes. “Do you know what’s going on?”, Malcolm asked. Cora Lee shook her head. “No. Landon hasn’t said a word since last night when he said we needed to meet. I’m kind of worried.”, Cora Lee answered. “Well we’ll find out soon enough. You should go catch up with the others before they get worried about where you are.”, Malcolm whispered kissing her again. Cora Lee sighed a little into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around him wanting to just keep him close. Malcolm pulled back and rested his head of her shoulder. “Go catch up with your friends. I’ll talk to you soon.”, Malcolm whispered against her ear before softly kissing just below the earlobe avoiding the metal of her earrings. Cora Lee sighed and nodded moved away from the wall and from him heading to the garage while he went to get the drink he told the Bryant-Frost brothers he was getting.

Cora Lee climbed up into the practice space above the garage and found everyone already sitting. Landon was sitting on his drum stool he’d pull out with Aitf sitting on a beanbag to his right and Rachel on a chair to his left. Billy was sitting on the floor leaning against Atif while Tommy sat on the sofa arm around Lily with Ashley. Rose had pulled a chair over and was sitting in the little circle looking at Landon, like the others wondering what was going on. Cora Lee went and quickly grabbed a chair and sat by Rose and looked to her brother. Landon could feel his heart racing like it was going to jump out of his chest. He looked to his right and Atif gave him a nodded then he glanced to Rachel who softly smiled trying to be there for him. Landon took a deep breath and stood up. “Alright, so none of you are going to like what I have to say today. And I’m expecting a lot of backlash. You all have had your own suspicions that I’ve been keeping things from you. And it’s true I have. I don’t like that I have, but I’ve had my reasons. None which you will consider valid. Anything I have done up has been because I wanted to protect you guys.”, Landon started. This opening got him weird looks. “What’s going on Landon?”, Rose asked concerned. “The reason I’ve been distant and training so much lately.”, Landon started sighing heavy. “I’ve told you all it’s been for personal reasons, explained it’s because I don’t feel strong enough. Those true. I’ve been training because I’m basically a selfish shithead who wanted to handle this myself and not get any of you hurt. I’ve been training to fight Wanda.”, Landon explained. The room went silent for a moment. “What the FUCK do you mean to FIGHT WANDA!?”, Cora Lee shouted in rage. “Atif had seen a vision, of me dying at her hands. In the vision I die because I choose to be your shield. Because I chose to protect you from her, all of you. That’s why I haven’t wanted to get you involved. I hoped that if I face her one on one she can’t hurt any of you and I don’t make that sacrifice play.”, Landon explained not able to even look at his sister. “What do you mean had? How long ago did he see this?”, Rose questioned looking from Landon to Atif anguish in her eyes. Atif looked down knowing this was partially his fault. “Why didn’t you tell any of us Atif? Just because Landon wants to go solo on this you should have said something.”, Lily said outraged. “Back off Atif, Lily. I asked him to not talk. Figure my death is my business. I know that if it comes true it effects you all. And Atif had the vision the first time back when I was thirteen. I went to Texas that final year knowing how I was going to die. Granted back then the vision didn’t tell us it was Wanda, that was newer. It’s part of why I didn’t think twice about protecting you and Cora Lee from Mark. Because end of the day I would give everything I have up to and including myself to keep you guys safe.”, Landon explained managing to look at Rose. “YOU’VE KNOWN FOR YEARS! My brother has known for years he is going to die at the hands of that fucking bitch and I’m just being told!”, Cora lee shouted. “When we faced her at New Years I thought it was over. Logan stepped in and he saved my ass. But the vision didn’t change it didn’t go away. So I’ve dedicated myself to getting stronger to be able to take her on.”, Landon explained.

“What exactly do you mean by take her on? Because this is still the woman who gave my brothers and I life.”, Billy questioned. “No offense Billy or Tommy, but if it’s between my cousin and your mom’s life my cousin is the one that’s gonna live even if that means I kill the bitch myself.”, Lily said. “Whoa alright stop. No one is going to die.”, Landon said. “That includes me. I’ve got no intention to letting her kill me or hurt anyone of you. And I don’t plan on killing her either.”, Landon said holding up his hands to try and get everyone to chill. “So you’ve kept this from us this long. Why are you telling us now?”, Ashley asked. Landon sighed and took out the card. He handed it first to Cora Lee. “Because I got this card yesterday at the party. Wanda intends to come for me before my 18th birthday. Atif saw the card, and basically made it clear I needed to tell you or he would. And so I’m telling you. Because with my timeline getting moved up I need your help.”, Landon explained. Cora Lee turned a little red with anger before handing the card to Rose. Rose growled claws starting to form from her finger tips before handing the card to Lily and Ashley. “So you have a plan. What is it? Cause right now it just sounds like you want to get us all angry.”, Ashley asked leaning forward on the sofa. “I do have a plan and getting you angry is part of it.”, Landon explained. “Between remembering something Logan told me in training and then talking to Rachel last night about this I came up with my plan.”, Landon explained. Rachel blinked being brought up and looked at him as suddenly everyone was looking at her. “You talked to Rachel about this? Rachel knew about this before I..I mean we did?”, Rose asked. “Rachel was the only one that noticed I went and sat by myself last night turning an apple into different things including a dagger. She’s the only one that noticed something was wrong with me. So she came over to find out what. I showed her the card. And during our talk she reminded me I have people and access to help that Wanda could on dream of.”, Landon explained. “Right you have all of us. Stupid that it took you this long to realize that. I don’t get why you couldn’t tell us.”, Cora Lee said. “Because I wanted to protect you from this. Cora Lee you are my little sister. Since the day mom announced she was expecting I was told and I knew my job as a big brother was to always keep you safe.”, Landon answered. “And what about me? I’m sure the fuck not your little sister? What about any of us? We aren’t your siblings.”, Rose asked the look of pain and worry still in her eyes. “I know you aren’t my little sister Rose. You are damn well aware of how well I know that. But you guys are still the most important people in my life as good as family. We are getting off track. What I’m getting to is that I’ve got a plan on how to capture Wanda and none of us get hurt.”, Landon said with a sigh running his hand through his hair.

Rachel resisted the urge to reach out and hold his hand and give him her reassurance in this. All she could do was sit there. “So what is the plan?”, Ashley asked again. “Before I get into that I need to know, of the nine of us in this room who doesn’t have a mental block from telepaths?”, Landon asked looking around the room. Rachel, Atif, and Ashley raised their hands. “Alright so immediately after we get done talking I need you three to see Aunt Jean and get one. Because the only way my plan works is if no one sees it coming. Tommy does your inside guy have a mental block?”, Landon asked looking to Tommy. “Um no. But Billy can handle that. Why? Should I have asked him to come today?”, Tommy asked. Landon shook his head. “No. I don’t want to know who’s on the inside. Safer that the rest of us don’t know. That way if we get into anything with the Academy we don’t have to fake a fight. But I need whoever your insider is to have that mental block and be in on this. He’s going to be a key player in make this deception work.”, Landon explained. Now he had them their interest was perked. Cora Lee knew who the inside guy was and was a bit worried now that Malcolm might be getting involved more than he should. “Why do I need a mental block? I could just leave and not know the plan.”, Rachel questioned. Landon shook his head. “No, I need you. You’re part of this.”, Landon stated though there was a softness to how he said he needed her. Rachel blinked but nodded. “Alright. I’ll stay and help however you need me to.”, Rachel agreed. “You need Rachel?”, Rose questioned not sure how she felt about that. Landon nodded. “Yes. She’s not just here for decoration. She came originally as moral support because telling you guys might be scarier than fighting Wanda. But she’s going to be more than that. She’s rather important to the plan.”, Landon answered. “So here’s the plan. Rachel either from your dad or probably easier from Uncle Jacob we need the original blueprints of the institute. Attached to the old bunker that the X-Men had hidden in after the attack is an old danger room. And there are no electronic copies, I asked Forge. So with the blueprints we can find that danger room and reactivate it. Forge and I are writing a program to use in it.”, Landon explained. Rachel nodded. “I can get them. Jacob will be easier to get them from than dad.”, Rachel agreed. “So why do we need this old danger room when we have a shiny new one?”, Lily asked. “Because we need to train in absolute secret and Tommy and Billy need to be in training with us.”, Landon explained. “I thought you said our mom wouldn’t actually get a chance to hurt any of us? Plus we are Haven fighting her would kind of violate that no fighting rule of your dad’s.”, Billy questioned. “We aren’t going to fight her.”, Landon said with a smirk. “Then why are we training?”, Rose demanded. “So that the program Forge and I write can properly asses the eight of us and how we fight as a team to be used in the fight.”, Landon explained. He looked around and just saw confused faces. “Alright so I have Forge making a mobile danger room, or MDR for short. I’ll upload the program to this danger room and will trick Wanda into the danger room her figuring it’s just an old building I’ve chosen to ‘die’ in. Really it will be a danger room with the realistic graphics that Forge can muster. She’ll fight us, but they will be danger room drones of us using our moves and fighting styles and even our powers. And inside this danger room is when the real trap will be spring and she’ll be trapped in a containment cell that using a power inhibitor. So none of us get hurt and neither does she and we take her out of circulation. For everything she did fifteen years ago Duncan or the cops can take her I don’t care. I just know we are removing her from power.”, Landon said.

Billy blinked at this plan. “Wow…”, Billy said. Landon smiled. “Oh I’m not done yet. Your inside guy needs to plant seeds of mistrust and doubt. I need her to have no backing from the others. I want her alone. And this next part you guys are possibly going to have the most trouble with. When we walk out of here and anytime we are in public and it’s not just the nine of us or any combination thereof I need you angry at me. And I need you to keep it up for the summer till the MDR can be completed.”, Landon stated. “Okay so I’m confused. What the hell?”, Atif asked. “So we just keep reminding ourselves that you are a jerk who’s lied to us about this pending fight with Wanda for years and draw on that anger.”, Rose said with a shrug. Landon smirked. “So it’ll be easier for some more than others.”, Landon commented. In the back of his mind he knew once he had his private conversations with Rose and Rachel them being angry at him won’t be too much of a stretch. “So why are we putting on the angry façade?”, Tommy asked trying to follow. “Because I want your mom to think she’s in control. She wants me and only me. She wants me to be scared and alone. So we let her think she’s done that. If for any reason you can’t fake being pissed at me just avoid me. I want her to think I’m alone therefore I’m vulnerable. So can you guys do this?”, Landon asked looking around the room. “Yes. We can.”, Cora Lee said standing up and punching him in the arm. “You fucking asshole. See I’m starting already. Meeting adjourned?”, Cora Lee asked. Landon laughed and nodded. “Yeah. I’ll text you guys details of when we’ll start training after we get the blueprints. Rachel, wanted to talk to you some more. I’ll give you a ride home. That alright?”, Landon asked. Rachel nodded. “Um alright. But how does that play with me being angry at you?”, Rachel questioned. “We’ll figure it out.”, Landon said heading downstairs from the garage. “I can’t believe him, keeping something like that from us. Landon you are a complete asshole.”, Rose said loudly as they walked along the driveway and she shoved him a little. The others didn’t even look at Landon as they pushed past him. Merrick peaked out the window with Malcolm and Sebastian confused why everyone seemed mad at Landon. Rachel even put on her best angry face as she thought about all the times he wouldn’t ask for help and pushed past him. “Rachel? You too? Christ can’t win here. You forgetting I’m still supposed to drive you to work.”, Landon called after Rachel adding to the illusion. “I’ll walk!”, Rachel called back not even looking at him. The others kept walking Billy and Tommy going inside slamming the door as the others went in their own directions. “And what get in trouble with John? Fuck that. I’ve got enough Howletts mad at me. Just get in the van. You don’t have to talk to me.”, Landon said opening the passenger door. “Fine….”, Rachel said with an exasperated sigh as she got into the van. Merrick raised an eyebrow he’d never seen Rachel mad at Landon, hell he didn’t think that girl knew how to be angry with Landon. Landon sighed hanging his head as he headed to the van and pulled out. Rachel tried to not smile or laugh till they were out of sight of the Haven and reached over taking hold of his hand giving in a gentle squeeze. “Think Merrick, Sebastian and Malcolm bought that we were all angry at you?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded and squeezed her hand back. “Yeah I think they did. Thanks for being here today, for when I had to tell them.”, Landon said letting her hand go to hold the steering wheel. “I told you I’d be there for you. “, Rachel said softly. Landon drove for a while before pulling over.

“Alright so look we need to talk.”, Landon said parking the van unfastening his seat belt and turning to look at her. Rachel turned to look at him worried what more he could want to discuss. “I’ve got the blueprints under control. Jacob is generally distracted with work so he will easily let me take them if I say I’m there for dad. I won’t like lying to him, but he won’t even probably realize it.”, Rachel assured. Landon nodded. “I didn’t want to talk to you about the blueprints. I know you’ll be able to get them, Uncle Jacob wouldn’t really see reason to question your motives. There’s something…more personal I need to talk to you about.”, Landon said with a heavy sigh looking down. “What is it? You can talk to me about anything, Landon.”, Rachel said gently touching the side of his face. Landon closed his eyes wanting to lean into her touch but knew he shouldn’t given the conversation he needed to have it wouldn’t be appropriate so he pulled back from her hand. Rachel took her hand back looking down feeling a bit rejected. “Remember how I’ve told you that there is someone else that I like?”, Landon started. Rachel nodded. “Yeah…let me guess she’s the one you want to be with and what happened between us was… a mistake.”, Rachel spoke softly. “Rachel…it’s not like that. I don’t know who is and who isn’t the one. And as far as what happened between us, I don’t regret it. I made a big mistake. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make up for my mistake.”, Landon explained considering reaching for her to assure her but knew it wouldn’t be right. “Um..okay. What mistake? What is going on Landon?”, Rachel asked. “The other girl is…well she’s Rose. And my mistake is that I acted on how I feel about the two of you and I probably should have just kept my mouth shut and more importantly to myself.”, Landon stated not being able to bring himself to look at Rachel’s face. Rachel blinked and looked down. “Oh…so you’ve…her…and me?”, Rachel said trying to full get a handle on what she was just told, running a finger over her lips. She wondered who’s lips he’d kissed first. Landon sighed. “Yeah. I kissed you that night in the danger room and made out with you in the van that night. And on my birthday I kissed Rose, it didn’t go as far or get as intense as with you. I stopped it because I thought of you and I just couldn’t. I hate myself right now for even being capable of being that guy. And I hate myself even more because I’ve now managed to screw everything up. Not just what might have been with you or with Rose but more importantly what I already had with you guys, friendship. Which I hadn’t said or done anything this long because I didn’t want to risk friendships. I’ll understand if you want to hit me and never talk to me again.”, Landon said. “I’m mad at you…so mad at you right now Landon. If you had told me, for the beginning like at the dance for example that it was Rose you liked. I wouldn’t have…”, Rachel said shaking her head clenching her fists on her lap. “You wouldn’t have tried?”, Landon questioned. Rachel nodded. “Because she’s Rose. I mean I don’t exactly compare. She’s got the mutant powers, she’s the x-men, she’s known you the longest, and she’s close to you on levels I’m not.”, Rachel said. “You’ve been honest with me about all things so why weren’t you honest with me at the dance about Rose?”, Rachel asked. “Having powers, being an x-men those aren’t factors. Yes she’s close to me, she’s my best friend. But you… you have known things about me she hasn’t. As for why I didn’t tell you up front at the dance that one of the girls I liked was your cousin…well..”, Landon said. “Well what?”, Rachel asked. “Did you see you in that dress?”, Landon questioned with a smile.

Rachel blushed a little. “I’m still mad at your Landon. That was…I just didn’t think you could be that type of guy.”, Rachel said shaking her head. Landon nodded. “I know. I’m sorry and if I come out of this fight with Wanda I will be doing whatever I can to make up for what I did.”, Landon said with a sigh. Rachel sighed and reached back over and touched his face. “When you come out of this battle. I just want you to decide what you want and who you want. Because even if it’s not me I want to still be your friend.”, Rachel said. “I will. When this is over I’ll figure out what I’m doing and no matter the outcome I will be happy to just have you as my friend Rachel. I just don’t look forward to the next person I have to talk to…that I think is going to physically hurt.”, Landon said. Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Oh…right you have to tell Rose about me.”, Rachel said taking her hand back. “Good luck with that.”, Rachel said with a laugh. “Yeah thanks. You may not have hit me, Rose will. And I’ve trained in combat against her, that punch is going to hurt.”, Landon said fastening his seatbelt and pulling back onto the road to drive her home. He pulled into the drive way and sighed. “The next three months are going to suck so hard.”, Landon commented. “The wait for battle?”, Rachel asked. “No having everyone be mad at me for that long.”, Landon admitted. Rachel laughed a little shaking her head. “It’s just an act. So keep that in mind.”, Rachel said quickly giving him kiss on the cheek. Landon sighed shaking his head. “Kissing my cheek doesn’t exactly uphold that act.”, Landon said. Rachel nodded. “Right I’m supposed to treat you like the jerk face that you are.”, Rachel said playfully slapping his face. Landon laughed shaking his head. “God you’re adorable when you try to talk shit. Get out of the van and just try to hate me a little.”, Landon teased. Rachel laughed but nodded getting out of the van heading inside her house. That was one hurdle down and one more to go. Landon was not looking forward to telling Rose. But he knew he had to. He headed back to the institute and headed up to Rose and Cora Lee’s dorm and leaned in the doorway giving a soft knock on the doorframe to get Rose and Cora Lee’s attention. The girls both looked up at him questioningly. “Cora Lee give me a few minutes with Rose please.”, Landon requested with a sigh. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow looking from her brother to Rose. “Anything you need to talk to her about you should be able to say to me. Especially if this is about what we just talked about at the Haven.”, Cora Lee argued. Landon sighed shaking his head. “It’s not about we just discussed. This is different and it’s private. So it’s an A and B conversation.”, Landon said pointing to Rose and himself. “So please C yourself out.”, Landon said pointing to Cora Lee then over his shoulder to the hall. Cora Lee glared a little and looked to Rose. Rose shrugged. “I think she should be able to stay.”, Rose said. “No she shouldn’t. I need to talk to you about my birthday….”, Landon said giving Rose a hint. Rose nodded. “Oh. Right. Okay yeah Cora Lee give us some time alone, please.”, Rose said realizing that neither her or Landon were ready for Cora Lee to know that they kissed. Cora Lee grumbled and got up. “Fine.”, Cora Lee said shoving past her brother. Landon sighed and closed the door once she was out.

Landon moved away from the door ready to have this conversation, or at least as ready as he could be. Rose got up from her bed and pushed him back against the door with a smile having made her own interpretation of what he meant about them needing to talk about his birthday. “Whoa…”, Landon said finding himself against the door. Rose smirked and leaned up to try and kiss him but Landon side stepped out of the way. Rose frowned and looked at him. “Alright so I misread what you meant by talking about your birthday. You actually meant you want to talk. This can’t be good.”, Rose said stepping away and sitting back on her bed. Landon sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m here to actually talk not to make out. I’m done with secrets, so I need to talk to you about the other girl.”, Landon said sitting down on Cora Lee’s bed across from Rose. Rose sighed and nodded. “Alright…”, Rose said bracing herself for this. “I am not proud of myself and how I’ve behaved this week. To have made out with her one day and then kissed you the next. It was a dick move and I will do whatever I can to make it up to you and to her.”, Landon started with apologizing. “Yes well I knew you made out with a girl the night before and still chose to kiss you back.”, Rose countered. Landon nodded. “Yeah but what is going to probably change your opinion is who the girl is.”, Landon explained. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Who?”, Rose asked. Landon sighed and prepared himself to be punched. “Rachel.”, Landon answered. Rose blinked any color in her face fading before the rage welled up. She didn’t think she just got up and punched him in the face. “Of course…of course it was Rachel. God I feel like such an idiot! The way you always jumped to defend her, the asking her to the dance, the way you were with her at the dance. God why didn’t I see it before?”, Rose yelled pacing the floor. Landon groaned and held his nose which he knew was broken, a few drops of blood hitting Cora Lee’s bedding. He tilted his head back and pressed on his nose to put it back in place. “Deserved that. Totally deserved that. I defended Rachel because she needed it, she seemed to just back down to Merrick and I wasn’t going to let him hurt her. I asked her to the dance because she’s my friend and I wanted Merrick to back off. As for how I was with her at the dance….yeah that’s about the time I realized I liked her.”, Landon said using the sleeve of his shirt to wipe away the blood from his nose. Rose sighed and looked at him and grabbed some tissues and swatted his hand away and grabbed his chin looking at his nose. “Hold still you big baby…”, Rose said as he flinched while she pressed on his nose. She sighed and used the tissue to clean up the blood and then rolled up a fresh tissue lodging it into his nostrils to help the blood. “I’m helping you because I want to become a doctor. Not because I’m forgiving you. That was seriously the most douchebag move ever. I’d expect something like that from Tristan or even Merrick but….”, Rose explained shaking her head. Landon sighed. “Great I’m being compared to the rodeo clown and the man whore. Low blow, deserved but low. Look I get it, to a point..”, Landon said.

“TO A POINT!? Landon you made out my cousin then while her hickeys were still and fuck, still are visible on your neck you kissed me! What is there to not understand in that? If I had known those were from Rachel I wouldn’t have told you about how I felt.”, Rose shouted. “So because the person has a name and a face it changes things? When you thought it was just some random townie you didn’t care at all. I get that it being Rachel makes it personal and hit home. My point is that you can place blame on me for this all you want, but you made your own choices in this too. You chose to use me as a bed, straddle me, tell me how you feel about me. I reacted, probably not in the best manor, and kissed you. But I also stopped that kiss and I explained that there is someone else that I like too. I believe your words were you didn’t mind competition and then there was your tongue in my mouth. Which I stopped that kiss too. So yes I’m to blame for that first kiss and sure I should have told Rachel before I kissed her that the other girl I liked was you and vice versa. Those are on me. But both of you kissed back knowing full well that there was someone else. And when this with Wanda is all said and done you can decide if you ever want anything to do with me, be as friend or more. Either way I’ll be doing anything I can to make this up to both of you. If I lose either of you as friends, well fuck I’d rather lose to Wanda.”, Landon countered. Rose sighed. “Yes I know I can’t blame you fully, just on the part of not telling me the other girl is my cousin. But yeah I chose to let what I wanted override the thought that someone else was involved.”, Rose admitted. “I don’t think you’ll lose either of as friends. You may never get that kind of affection from either of us anytime soon.”, Rose said punching his arm. “I think I’ve gotten myself in enough trouble kissing the both of you. So I’ll survive without getting any affection, for a while.”, Landon said getting up and taking the tissue from his nose and checking for any more blood. “At least my nose isn’t bleeding anymore and it set back in place.”, Landon commented. Rose shook her head. “Yeah well next time you think about keeping a secret from me and telling me later remember that broken nose. Because I won’t be so nice next time.”, Rose warned. “I’ll keep it in mind. Guess I’ll see you around.”, Landon said with a small wave leaving her dorm.

Once Landon had closed the door Rose sank down to the floor and wrapped her arms around her legs debating if she should cry or how she should feel in that moment. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t seen it sooner, how he felt about Rachel. And she was still angry that he didn’t tell her sooner and let this go as far as it had. But then she had her own pains of guilt because till she was told it was Rachel she really didn’t care who the girl was. Cora Lee was quick to get back into the dorm as she watched her brother leave holding a bloodied tissue. She stepped inside and looked at Rose who had slumped to the floor. “What the hell just happened?”, Cora Lee questioned. Rose sighed and looked up at Cora Lee. “Might as well tell you. It’ll get out eventually plus knowing might make the whole being public angry with Landon easier.”, Rose said with a heavy sigh. “What do you mean? What happened?”, Cora Lee asked. “I like your brother. I’ve liked him for a long time. And on his birthday I told him.”, Rose started to explained. Cora Lee blinked but smiled. “But that’s awesome, I mean kind of gross because he’s my big brother and you’re my best friend. Seriously you two would be good together and if you did date you could possibly become my sister.”, Cora Lee said all for this relationship. “yeah, well don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”, Rose said shaking her head. “What he doesn’t like you back? He’d rather be with whoever it was he hooked up the day before?”, Cora Lee questioned. “No he likes me back. He kissed me that night, but also reminded me that there was someone else out there he liked too. I didn’t want to think about who the other girl was and so we kept kissing till he put on the brakes. And well he just told me who the other girl is….and I don’t know who I’m more mad at him or me.”, Rose said burying her face into her legs as she hugged herself. “Rose?”, Cora Lee said crouching down putting an arm around her best friend. “The other girl is Rachel.”, Rose said thought he words were muffled. Cora Lee blinked and sat down. “Rachel? Wow. I mean I would not have thought my brother would…or could be a player. Guess we all like to keep secrets when it comes to matters of the heart…”, Cora Lee said thinking about the fact she was keeping her own secrete. Rose nodded. “Yeah apparently. I should..I should call Rachel. Go talk to her. I want her to know if I’d known it was her I’d never have gone for Landon.”, Rose said getting up to her feet grabbing her jacket. “You going to be okay?”, Cora Lee asked. Rose nodded. “I’ll survive. But I need to make sure my cousin and I are still good.”, Rose explained leaving.