HOME | DD

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

During the night David and Aislinn had returned home with Morpheus, David peaking into Landon’s bedroom noticing the door ajar. He laughed quietly to himself before going to his room with Aislinn for some much needed sleep knowing morning would be chaos in the Haven. Morpheus swooped into the room and nestled onto Landon’s side just below Rose’s. He tried to move her arm wanting to have Landon to himself, but Rose’s arm wouldn’t budge so he gave up and rested his beak on her arm. Morpheus had always been an odd bird being a seeing eye raven, but when Solangel linked his life to Aislinn’s it changed him even more than they could imagine. He looked at the children as if they were his and tonight he’d seen his Lan-don bleeding and didn’t like it. So instead of following Aislinn and David to their room to sleep in his nest he wanted to be close to Lan-don just in case.
News of Wolverine’s return and the battle against Scarlet Witch spread like wild fire after Gabriel, Hope and Bianca returned to the institute. They had informed Gabriel’s father Warren when he picked them up about the nights events which of course he reported back to Duncan to find that Jean was already telling him the vivid details as Landon had accounted to her. To say Duncan was upset that his team leaders had dug this deeply and nearly gotten themselves killed would have been an understatement. If not for his wife suggesting he let the children sleep off their adventure before seeking them out he would have shown up pounding on the Haven door in the wee hours of the morning. But instead he waited, impatiently for morning. Duncan wasn’t the only X-Men wanting to drive straight to the institute. Sadria returned home to find the messages from David and fretted till she saw a car pull up outside and ran out thinking it was her precious twins but instead it was Warren dropping off her niece. Blaire told her the vague details and that the twins were crashing at the Haven with the others. Azriel convinced her to wait till morning to get the exact details of what happened and just rest knowing that the twins are safe.
Morning came and Aislinn and David were the first to wake in the Haven. Aislinn heading downstairs to start brewing coffee and get breakfast ready knowing she had eight teenagers asleep upstairs that would probably be starving when they woke. David went to check on them again and leaned in the doorway crossing his arms looking at the eight sleeping teens and then spotted Morpheus and shook his head. “Silly bird. He’s not going anywhere…”, David said softly to which Morpheus opened his eyes to look at David, but didn’t raise his head. The look basically said ‘Shut up human’. David rolled his eyes and headed down the stairs, Morpheus closing his eyes content to sleep in his old age. David was barely down the stairs when there was a knocking at the door. “Serious people? It’s seven in the damn morning…”, David grumbled taking his time going to the door. “I’ve got the door!”, David called so Aislinn would know he was there. Aislinn nodded and continued her breakfast preparations. David swung the door open and wasn’t surprised at the faces staring at him. Duncan Fearbirgh, Sadria Delaney and Azriel Delaney all stood on his porch red cheeked from the cold.
“It’s New Years day people. You are soo fucking lucky I don’t spend my New Years Eve trashed and my New Years morning hung over anymore.”, David greeted shaking his head. “Where are they?”, Duncan demanded his Scottish accent coming out thick with his annoyance. “Oh don’t take that fucking tone with me shit for brains. You’re decision to cover the truth up got my boy hurt last night. So let’s alter that tone before I alter your iron levels.”, David said pointing at Duncan. Duncan glared with his visible eye at David not sure if David really meant the threat or not given this was Haven property. Sadria shoved past Duncan and walked into the Haven taking off her jacket. “Where are my children? Are they safe? I couldn’t bare…I couldn’t…to lose them like I…like I lost Tanner..”, Sadria asked getting emotional. Azriel stepped in around Duncan and put a reassuring arm around his wife. “Blaire already told us they are okay.”, Azriel reminded. David sighed he couldn’t get mad at Sadria she at least had two kids like he did upstairs and every right to be upset and worried. “They are fine Sadria. The eight are still sleeping upstairs in Landon’s old room.”, David said. Sadria’s shoulders relaxed but instead looked confused counting in her head. Duncan also did the math stepping inside and closing the door. “What do you mean eight? I only have six team leaders.”, Duncan questioned. “I didn’t count wrong. I’ve got my two, Sadria’s two, Rose, Lily, and the Maximoff twins asleep in my son’s room. So unless you need a calculator for simple addition Duncan that’s eight. Go back to the kitchen, Aislinn’s got coffee brewing.”, David suggested.
“Maximoff twins?!”, Duncan and Sadria questioned. “Kitchen. I’m not explaining shit. This is Landon’s deal not mine. So you all can either sit in my kitchen and drink some hot coffee and wait till my kids wake up or you can leave and I’ll call you when they wake up. They did after all take on Wanda by themselves last night and WIN, so they deserve the rest.”, David answered pointing down the hall to the kitchen. He used ‘my kids’ as a collective term since two were his another his cousin then the others spent most of their time in his house for daycare and if the Maximoff twins were going to live there they became his responsibility too. Azriel nodded tightening his arm around Sadria. “Come on Sadria. Let the kids sleep before we talk to them. Coffee sounds good about now.”, Azriel said ushering her down the hall Sadria nodding in compliance. Duncan just glared at David and looked at the stairs. David shook his head. “You don’t get to go upstairs bucko. You’re here as a guest that’s fine, you take one step to go up there and wake my kids, I’ll kick you off my property.”, David warned. “Those kids are X-Men Team Leaders not Haven.”, Duncan countered. “Landon and Cora Lee were BORN Haven, Lily claimed Haven before your school was rebuilt and the Maximoff boys have claimed Haven as of last night. So I don’t care what authority you think you have over them but let’s make this clear. On this property you have no authority, I do. And I say they sleep. I’ll wake them when their breakfast is ready. Now kitchen or front door. Decide now because I haven’t had my coffee and I’m getting edgy here.”, David questioned. “Fine coffee till they wake.”, Duncan agreed heading to the kitchen with David following him.
So in the kitchen Aislinn poured glasses of coffee as she started mixing batter for pancakes. It was sort of her tradition since moving into the Haven, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash for new years breakfast. While the others sat at the kitchen table drinking their coffee impatiently waiting for the kids to wake up David walked up behind his wife resting a chin on her shoulder and his arms loosely around her. “If Duncan steps out of line even once when the kids are up I’m gonna kick his ass.”, he whispered. Aislinn nodded in agreement. “And I will not stop you luv. Those kids may have done a seriously dangerous thing last night but it was also valiant and they should be commend not reprimanded.”, Aislinn whispered back so the three guests wouldn’t hear her. David kissed her cheek. “And this is why we are good together, same page.”, David whispered. Aislinn smiled and nodded in agreement. When it came to protecting the kids there was nothing for them to disagree about. “Do you need help with breakfast? Anything I should be chopping or fetching you? Given that your eyes are upstairs sleeping on our son?”, David offered his voice no longer a whisper since this wasn’t part of their private conversation. “No I’m good. You’ll get in my way kitchen isn’t built for two chefs. Go drink your coffee.”, Aislinn instructed. David nodded gave her another kiss before grabbing his cup of coffee to sit at the table and wait. “So when are you going to wake them?”, Duncan asked. David sipped his coffee and raised his pierced brow his blue eyes narrowing on Duncan. “When I’m damn good and ready to. So stop asking.”, David said setting his cup down.
Upstairs Landon was the first to stir, the smell of coffee and bacon coming up through the vent in his room which was above the kitchen. “Mmm..”, he grumbled trying to move but realized he was trapped. “What the..”, he wondered his mind still hazy as his blue eyes partially opened to see his black bedroom wall. He turned his head a little to see Morpheus sleeping on his side. “Alright that’s issue one…”, he said groggy. He went to move his arms and noticed there was a hand on his abdomen just under his torn dress shirt. He checked “Left hand, right hand. So who’s holding my stomach?”, he pondered. He was starting to remember that they all ended up sleeping in his room but he didn’t remember who got into the bed next to him. He reached down to touch the hand based on the delicate structure it was one of the girls, but which one. He could feel someone pressed close his back and feel breath on his neck. As he listened he could hear Cora Lee snoring but it wasn’t from the person right behind him so that ruled his sister out. He remembered Lily was on the other bed with Tommy. So that just left the two girls he wasn’t related to. It could be Ashley, which he could deal with since she was dating Xavier now. But it could also be Rose. Which when his mind questioned if it was Rose’s hand on his stomach he was conflicted. Part of him liked the idea that it was her cuddled up against him holding him like this but it was countered by the part reminding him he had a death sentence. But he had to find out who was behind him.
He carefully lifted the hand and arm and rolled to face the intruder of his personal space. The movement caused Morpheus to fly up giving Landon a dirty look, but once Landon had rolled Morpheus settled back down. Landon’s eyes went wide as he was now able to see it was Rose who’d been snuggled up against him holding him close. His movement had only briefly disturbed her but not enough to wake her. He let her arm go, but she brought it back over him now holding his back. As he tried to figure where he should move his arms she cuddled up against his chest, so he quickly moved his arms before they got caught between them. ‘Seriously? Do you hate me or something god?’ Landon questioned in his mind looking up at the ceiling. He chose to move his left arm up under the pillow they were sharing which left his right arm the problem. Morpheus had settled back down onto his side so putting his right arm along his side wasn’t going to happen but putting his arm over her would have its own effects. He stopped arms hung in mid air as he heard her murmur but just burry her face into his chest bringing her right hand to rest over his heart. Having to place his arm somewhere he chose to disturb Morpheus and rest his arm on his side, Morpheus grumbling at the disturbance but settled back down.
‘Are you looking for a better invitation?’ a voice, he liked to call Crow which was that little devil side of him. ‘She’s snuggled up to you, an arm already around you. She kissed you last night. So make a move before you die.’ The voice added. Landon shook his head trying to ignore the voice. ‘He’s in a room with his sister and best friends. His sister and a best friend are literally in the same bed.’ A second voice, that he called Demitri which was the little angel side of him, spoke. ‘So what? He’s already got her snuggled up to him and morning wood will get noticed sooner than later. If they don’t get too loud or rowdy the others won’t even know what’s happening.’ The Crow voice replied. Which made Landon suddenly and awkwardly aware of his normal morning condition made worse by a girl he liked pressed against him. Landon started to try and think of anything but Rose to alter his condition before she woke up and noticed. He tried thinking about that Sherry girl who always hit on him, but thinking about Sherry brought the image of Rachel to his mind, his hero who always seemed to be there to keep Sherry at bay. And thinking about Rachel brought the vision of her walking down the stairs in that dress for the ball, and that didn’t seem to be helping his condition just adding to the problem. He shook his head a little trying to rid himself of the thought because something about thinking of Rachel when Rose was so close felt wrong. But thinking of the ball brought him to dancing close with Rose in that low cut dress with the open back, and again not helping his situation. So he tried to focus on the fact that his sister was right behind Rose.
While Landon tried to think about anything but that one of his crushes was laying cuddled against him his breathing was a little off and his heart was racing. Which the breathing and heart racing was actually what started to wake Rose as she was pressed close to his chest. “Hmm…”, she said her blue eyes starting to open seeing a black button up shirt and realizing who she was snuggled against. She smiled a little liking that she was so close to him, that she could smell him, hear his heart beating but then she realized his heart beating wasn’t normal. “Landon? You alright..”, she questioned keeping her voice low. Then she realized something was pressed against her thigh. “Oh um..”, she said realizing it was morning and what that probably was. She tried to move away but found little room to move as Cora Lee was directly behind her. Landon tried to move back as well realizing she was now awake but his back was against the wall. “I’m…alright just..this is awkward.”, Landon admitted doing his best to not blush. Rose however was blushing trying to not look at him. In her mind she couldn’t help but start to wonder was this just a matter of normal morning wood and she just happened to be there or was she part of the reason for the condition.
Rose raised her head to look at him and tried to not smile that he was flustered, he didn’t get flustered.”Yeah awkward just about covers this. I’d move further away but…your sister is right behind me and isn’t budging.”, Rose whispered trying to move a little but ended up just grinding herself up against him. Landon groaned and closed his eyes gritting his teeth at the contact. Again the mental conflict between the Crow and Demitri’s voices about how Landon should react to the situation. Landon shook his head as the Crow voice again insisted he make a move. “Um sorry. Are you okay?”, Rose whispered. Landon nodded. “Yup. Been thinking about anything I could to make this go away and any progress I made…you just killed…but I’m fine..”, Landon whispered back still shaking his head trying to think of other things. He tried even thinking about his biological mother and her stupid husband which was starting to help. “I’m sorry. I’m…not used to waking up to…well that.”, Rose explained moving again trying to give more space but instead just brushed her exposed thigh, as her dress had ridden up during the night, against him. Landon grimaced taking a sharp breath. “Please..for the love of god..stop moving.”, Landon pleaded eyes still closed shaking his head trying to not think about her or that it was her thigh that just brushed against him. Rose couldn’t help but find the situation funny, Landon never got flustered and here he was his neck by his collar turning red and knowing that her movements were having the effect on him. She held back a laugh which Landon heard and opened his eyes and looked at her. “You finding this funny? Cause I’m not finding this funny.”, Landon said looking at her. Rose shrugged. “You never get flustered and I didn’t know you were capable of being embarrassed.”, Rose admitted her voice low so to not wake anyone else up.
“Well apparently waking up with someone else’s hand on my stomach, under my shirt I might add, then rolling over to find a girl snuggled up to me, added to my normal morning situation adds up to me being embarrassed.”, Landon explained. He was back to trying to think of anything else to resolve the condition but now that he could look at her he could see her face he saw she was red in the face. “And you’re one to talk about being embarrassed? You’re cheeks are as red as your hair.”, Landon added. Rose hit his chest with her left hand in response. “Excuse me but I’m not accustomed to waking up to a ‘hey is that a candy bar in your pocket or you just happy to see me’ scene.”, Rose countered. “Candy bar? I’m not sure what level of offended I should be at that.”, Landon countered. Rose shook her head, turning redder if possible. “Sorry I didn’t reach down and try to take a measurement. Should I?”, Rose asked partially joking and mostly to see how embarrassed she could make him. ‘Oh please if that wasn’t her coming on to you I quit, I will just shut up forever if I’m wrong on that.’, the Crow voice said. ‘Do SOMETHING!’ the voice added. Landon closed his eyes and shook his head trying to tune out the voice. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Why do you keep doing that? Closing your eyes and shaking your head? I was just messing with you.”, Rose questioned. Landon sighed. “I’m just having internal mental argument is all. I’m just trying to think of anything unappealing to resolve my problem. And you moving and talking dirty aren’t helping me.”, Landon explained. Rose smiled a little trying to hide the smile with her right hand, so she was a factor maybe the ship hadn’t sailed. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop. What’s the mental argument about?”, Rose questioned. Landon shook his head. “That’s between me and my Crow voice.”, Landon explained.
Rose raised an eyebrow. “You have a voice that you called Crow, like your dad? And you’re arguing with the voice you named for your dad?”, Rose questioned. Landon sighed. “Yes. You know how everyone has that metamorphic angel and devil that acts as the balance to their conscious? Well my ‘Crow’ voice is the devil. He’s full of bad, stupid, dangerous, and inappropriate ideas.”, Landon explained. Rose nodded. “And that’s why you named him Crow for your dad. Alright.”, she said. “Well why don’t you just make a run for the bathroom?”, she asked. “And how am I supposed to do that? I’ve got a wall behind me and then you, my sister and Ashley in front of me. You expect me to shimmy down under the covers and out the bottom of my bed? Because somehow I don’t think my face…”, Landon said stopping his sentence as the thought hit him. The idea of him going down under the covers which would pin his face against her chest and lower didn’t help his situation. Rose blushed as she also considered what parts of her body his face would have to be against to go out the end of the bed.
“So um..have you tried thinking about things that would make you feel anything else?”, Rose asked. “Yes I’ve thought about terrifying things. Sherry, Candy Girl and Mark which were working till you decided you needed to agitate the situation.”, Landon explained. “Alright well what about Cora Lee with her mystery date from the ball?”, Rose suggested. Landon narrowed his eyes. “So your suggestion is to make me angry?”, Landon questioned. Rose nodded. “I figured you weren’t the type to have an angry erection.”, Rose explained. Landon nodded. “This is true…”, Landon said glad that this was actually working. Rose was glad something was at least working. “So now what?”, she asked. Landon sighed and smelled the air again. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. And I can smell coffee, bacon, pancakes, and hash. So..excuse me..but I’m waking the others up.”, Landon explained as he moved to lean over Rose. Rose found herself pushed back slightly under Landon, and blushed again enjoying the situation of him half on top of her. Landon didn’t notice her blushing but instead shoved his little sister. “Cora Lee, move! Breakfast.”, Landon said no longer whispering.
Cora Lee jumped and as she did so it pushed Ashley off the bed and to the floor. “Jesus!”, Cora Lee shouted. “OUCH!”, Ashley yelled landing on the floor. “What the fuck guys!? I was asleep.”, Ashley argued standing up and fixing her dress. She raised an eyebrow seeing Landon half on top of Rose. Lily was startled by the yell and crash and fell out of the bed as well. “God damn it! I was sleeping and soo damn comfy.”, Lily whined. Tommy, Atif and Billy all bolted up in the bed at the clatter and yelling. Landon noticed the look Ashley gave him and quickly moved off Rose to just sit up in the bed. The movement had offended Morpheus he was flying up in the air above the bed cawing. Billy blinked looking at the bird. “Umm why is there an omen of death in the room where we were all just sleeping?”, Billy asked. The others all turned to look up at Morpheus Cora Lee started laughing. Morpheus swooped down and landed on Landon’s knee and pecked him. “Bad..Lan-don.”, Morpheus cawed. “And he talks…”, Billy said now nervous. “He’s Morpheus, our mom’s seeing eye bird. And he’s not an omen of death that I know of.. Morpheus are you here to tell me I’m going to die? That why you slept on me all night?”, Landon asked jokingly to the bird. Atif didn’t find it very funny giving him a stern look from his bed. Lily got up and sat on the edge of her bed and looked at the clock. “It’s not even eight why the hell are we all up?”, Lily demanded. Rose sat up and pointed to Landon. “Ask him.”, Rose stated. “Because I can smell breakfast. And I haven’t eaten a damn thing since like 8 last night. Don’t know about you guys but the amount of power I used last night I need some carbs.”, Landon answered. “Well we are all awake now. You going to get out of bed or just stay in bed with Rose all morning? Or was that the end game? Get your little sister and Ashley out of your bed? Should the rest of us leave the room too?”, Lily teased knowing her cousin liked Rose and doubted greatly the kiss Rose gave him the night before was a ‘thank you’.
Landon narrowed his eyes at his cousin. “Oh that reminds me Lily got a gift for you.. hold on.”, Landon said pretending to his left hand had a crank and slowly raised his middle finger. “Oh there it is and I think I have a second too…”, he said raising the middle finger on his right hand. “Look at that matching set.”, Landon said with a laugh. Rose tried to not blush about the idea of being alone in a bed with Landon specially after the morning they had before he woke the others up. Lily stuck her tongue out at him. “Save those for a girl not related to you that’d appreciate the offer.”, Lily joked back. Landon rolled his eyes and put his hands down. Tommy sat up and rested his head on Lily’s shoulder while the others all laughed about the situation. “You guys are…weird.”, Tommy said. Billy nodded. “I agree.”, Billy added. Landon started to laugh. “Wait you mean at the Academy you guys didn’t have sleepovers? You don’t joke around with each other pushing the other’s buttons?”, Landon asked. Billy shook his head. “Oh heck no. We have our roommates and sometimes Malcolm would crash in our room and the three of us would hang out as cousins. But no there would never be a mixed company scenario allowed in the bedrooms. At the academy our mother would have freaked about decorum at the sight of me and Tommy in bed with Atif and Lily and lord I think she’d lose her mind at the idea of one boy in bed with two girls, when excluding the blood relative.”, Billy explained. Landon raised an eyebrow. “Decorum? From the woman with three kids from a man she never married? Sorry. And really what would she think’d happen?”, Landon asked. “I know pot calling the kettle black. Basically she’d worry that the boys would get frisky without a thought that others were in the room let alone the bed too.”, Tommy explained. Rose glanced at Landon but quickly looked away. “Well that wasn’t going to happen. And my parents know that which would be why we didn’t get disturbed.”, Cora Lee said.
Downstairs in the kitchen the thuds and yells were heard easily Sadria, Azriel and Duncan all looking up. David shrugged. “Kids are awake. Based on the thumps and the yells Ashley and Lily fell out of the beds.”, David said calmly sipping his coffee while Aislinn continued on breakfast. Duncan went to stand up and David held a hand up motioning him to sit back down. “I told you, you aren’t allowed upstairs. I’ll go get the kids, they are still in their party clothes from last night so give them a chance to get changed.”, David said standing up from the kitchen table and heading upstairs. He stopped in the doorway looking at the kids with a raised pierced brow. “You eight alright? We heard people crashing to the floor.”, David asked looking around the room. Tommy jumped taking his head off Lily’s shoulder and brought his hands from around her seeing David in the doorway. David covered his mouth before starting to laugh. “Kid I don’t care that you were snuggling my little cousin. If I had an issue with it you think I’d have let her sleep in the same bed as you? She’s not my daughter.”, David said shrugging. He then looked over to Landon sitting still close to Rose in the bed and gave Landon a look, also knowing his son had a crush on the red head. Landon looked at his dad giving a look of ‘don’t even start’. “So you said ‘we’ you mean you and mom?”, Landon asked. David shook his head. “I wish it was just your mom and I downstairs. Wouldn’t have cared about the crashing around up here.”, David answered the Bryant smirk on his lips. Landon rolled his eyes and covered his face. “Oh gawd dad, let’s not traumatize the twins before they have even settled in. Keep your hands to yourself in public areas of the house.”, Landon requested.
Billy and Tommy raised their eyebrows looking at each other. Rose looked at Landon and just laughed thinking back to their little talk about his ‘Crow’ voice. “So who’s downstairs then?”, Ashley asked. “Well justifiably your parents are downstairs worried about you and Atif. And well news spreads fast Duncan’s here too wanting to talk to you kids. I’ve been keeping him at bay. If you all want to talk to him you can, but he starts something or makes any of you feel intimidated or anything speak up I’ll toss his Scottish ass out my front door happily.”, David said. “But I would suggest getting some clean clothes on. Cora Lee and Landon still have some clean clothes here figure it out. Then come downstairs, your mom has breakfast ready.”, David said walking away to leave them to get ready. Everyone looked to Landon. “Don’t worry about it guys. We aren’t getting in any trouble…just me if there’s trouble to be in. It was my plan and I’m the leader so I take responsibility.”, Landon assured. “But doesn’t Duncan have that whole memory erasing power? What if he uses it on us?”, Tommy asked. “Oh he isn’t going to use his powers on any of us, especially not on Haven property. Just don’t worry about it guys. I’ll deal with Duncan.”, Landon explained moving to climb out of the bed. Rose grabbed his wrist before he could move and she looked at him seriously. “Are you sure you want to face Professor Fearbirgh alone?”, Rose asked. Landon smiled and patted her hand. “I got this. No fear no worries.”, Landon said with a wink before pulling his arm away and getting off the end of the bed. Morpheus flying up and sitting on his dresser. “Alright girls to Cora Lee’s room so we can get dressed. Cause two of you are family and I’m not stripping for Ashley and Rose.”, Landon joked pointing to the door.
Cora Lee rolled her eyes getting up and heading for her room to find some clothes that she and the others could fit into. Lily gave Tommy a quick kiss before getting up and hitting Landon’s arm on her way out of the room. Ashley shook her head and followed the others out. Rose climbed out of the bed and adjusted her dress before heading for the door she stopped at the door way and looked to Landon who was opening his dresser looking for clothes she thought to say something but didn’t and walked out closing the door behind her and going to Cora Lee’s room. It took a few minutes but eventually they all found clothes to wear, mostly exercise stuff like track pants and t-shirts. Billy and Tommy both felt odd wearing training shirts with the institute logo but they were all Landon had that would fit them. The girls had better luck but still mostly gym clothes Rose was the odd one out having to send Lily to get a t-shirt from Landon for Rose to wear since she had a larger chest then the other girls. Once they were all dressed they followed Landon down the stairs. Aislinn having already set the formal table to seat the eight kids and was putting the serving plates out as the heard the rumble of the feet going down the stairs. Morpheus swooped past the kids to land on the plate rail of the dining room.
Duncan moved from his chair in the kitchen to stand in the doorway to look down the hall to see the kids start to come around the corner from the stairs. Landon stopped mid-stride seeing Duncan at the end of the hall. He took a deep breath and kept walking stopped at the dining room and kept looking down the rest of the hall to Duncan. The others stopped behind him not sure what they were doing given Duncan was at the kitchen door. “Get ya butts in here and eat dis breakfast I made.”, Aislinn instructed. Cora Lee nodded and ducked into the dining room glad to not be in Duncan’s vision. “Thanks mom.”, Cora Lee said taking a seat. Rose, Ashley, Atif, and Lily followed taking seats. “Thank you Missus Aislinn.”, they said in unison. Tommy and Billy stopped behind Landon looking past him to the stern face of Duncan Fearbirgh. Duncan raising an eyebrow seeing the Maximoff twins wearing Xavier institute t-shirts. He moved to take a step forward, Landon held his arms up to block the hallway to protect Tommy and Billy from Duncan if needed. Duncan stopped and folded his arms now staring Landon down. “Go eat breakfast guys. My mom will be eager to meet her new wards.”, Landon instructed nodding his head to the dining room. Tommy and Billy nodded ducking into the dining room taking two available seats. “Thank you Mrs. Bryant.”, they greeted as they sat down. The others starting fixing their plates and Aislinn just stood back using Morpheus’ eyes to look at the kids specially the Maximoff twins and smiled. She walked over placing her hands on Tommy and Billy’s shoulders. “You boys eat up, you earned it. Let me know if you kids need anything else.”, Aislinn said excusing herself and taking the door back to the kitchen that she knew Duncan wasn’t standing in.
“So we going to just have a staring contest, sir? Because I’m good at those.”, Landon asked with a smile trying to lighten the mood. Duncan let out an exasperated breath. “How about you not joke around Prime, this is after all a very serious situation you’ve gotten us all into.”, Duncan said sternly. Landon kept him smile. “I know it’s serious sir. I’m the one who saw his young life flash before his eyes when a hex ball was pointed at him. I never thought this was a joke or a game.”, Landon said not moving. “Then let me talk to the others, specifically the Maximoffs…”, Duncan requested though his tone was more an order. “No. You want someone you get me. The rest of the team leaders, my team in this case, are off limits. And as for the Maximoff twins they are also off limits as they are Haven members now. So I would suggest, respectfully, you take what you are being given, sir.”, Landon said folding his arms. Duncan chose to yield knowing as a Bryant Landon was too stubborn to be deterred. And something about the way the kid, even at his age, was unyielding, no fear and how the others all followed him into the most dangerous situation out there. Even the Maximoff twins obeyed Landon, it just proved to Duncan that if Landon could learn to think more clearly about his actions he’d make a great leader of the X-men to take his place. “Fine. You want to take the full responsibility of what happened last night?”, Duncan questioned. Landon nodded. “Yes sir. I’m the leader therefore it’s on my shoulders.”, Landon answered. Duncan nodded. “Spoken like a true leader. Then why don’t you and I talk in the living room?”, Duncan suggested. “Later, sir. Respectfully you will need to wait longer. I haven’t eaten since 8pm yesterday and I used a lot of my energy last night so I’m going to load my stomach up till it bursts with my mom’s cooking. You can wait in the living room for me.”, Landon suggested before ducking into the dining room wanting the final word in that conversation. Duncan shook his head and walked past the dining room looking in and the eight teenagers eating but said nothing going straight to the living room to wait.
The group filled their stomachs, mostly in silence. All having heard what was said in the hall between Duncan and Landon. Landon tried to ignore the fact that the others at the table kept looking to him worried. He wasn’t sure if they were more worried for him having to talk to Duncan or when he faced Wanda. Which thinking about Wanda reminded him he wasn’t done with her yet. He still had another battle to prepare for. He’d be uping the intensity of his danger room sessions and program her into them. Maybe he could talk to Logan and get some extra training. Logan was the only person to take one of Wanda’s hex balls and live. Not to mention he’d been told by X-Men like Jean and Mikali that Logan was hardcore when he was their survival trainer. He cleared his third plate of food and sighed. “Alright guys I’m going to go talk to Duncan. Stay here, though I’d suggest Atif and Ashley go to the kitchen I’m sure Sadria and Azriel would like to see for themselves I didn’t get you hurt last night.”, Landon said standing up. The group looked at him but stayed silent just nodding knowing there wasn’t any talking him into letting them take some of the blame. As he walked by Cora Lee grabbed his wrist. “Just..don’t like at his other eye okay.”, Cora Lee said. Landon laughed and took his arm back and messed up her purple hair. “I’ll be fine.”, Landon said flashing a smile. Rose frowned watching him walk out of the room.
Landon walked into the living room and Duncan was seated in the arm chair waiting growing impatient. “Alright sir. Let’s talk.”, Landon said walking forward and standing in front of Duncan. Landon clasped his hands behind his back, standing with his feet slightly apart and shoulders back as one would expect of a soldier about to talk to a commanding officer. Duncan took note of the stance Landon took and gestured to the sofa next to him. “Take a seat.”, Duncan suggested. Landon shook his head. “I’ll stand. So you want the whole story?”, Landon questioned. Duncan nodded. “That would be a good idea. So start from the beginning.”, Duncan requested sitting back and waiting. Landon nodded. “Alright fine. It starts when I was a kid and I couldn’t figure why my dad stopped talking to Kim. She’s family and Bryants don’t give up on family. Plus the way my grandparents talk Kim and dad were more siblings than cousins. So to cut her out like that, to me is like me cutting Cora Lee from my life. Meaning not possible. Bryant curiosity, as people keep calling it, got me. I started asking questions and getting shut down. Because I asked questions the others followed suit.”, he started shrugging a little. “But as we asked more questions sometimes the way adults tried to cut us off hinted there was something big going on that we weren’t trusted with. My dad, my mom, Uncle Demitri, Aunt Solangel they have never lied to me. So when I asked I could see it made them nervous and they had to talk around lying to me. We started researching. Found news articles about Mr. Worthington being indicted for treason just before the day the school was attacked. Over the years I’ve looked through every piece of data in the Institute’s database.”, Landon continued. Duncan raised a brow. “What do you mean every piece? We have security that would not let a student into certain files.”, Duncan said.
Landon smirked. “Sir I’m damn good with computers. Codes are crackable. But anyways our digging brought us to the conclusion something fishy happened the night the school was attacked because how could that be tied to my dad and Kim not talking. Billy Maximoff actually was the key to linking it all together. Because of his powers he saw Logan in limbo. Once when we were kids and last night when we were at the club. Logan gave Billy a message…orders for us to find a danger room video under Tanner Alston’s codename Creature from the night the school was intact and then to take that to his brother John. Billy told Atif who rushed to tell the rest of us. I for one am not going to ignore orders from The Wolverine, and certainly not when it would get us answers. So we ended our gig and rushed out for my van.”, Landon explained. “Logan gave you orders? There should be no videos from the night of the attack at least that would show the truth. And so you’re saying it was John how broke the gag order on this?”, Duncan asked. Landon smiled. “Respectfully sir, you’re wrong and your gag order takes a backseat to the life of his brother. We found a video alright, it was gruesome to watch as Pyro and soldiers attacked the school, taking Sadria and killing Tanner. I wish the Alston twins hadn’t seen it, but they needed to. They needed the truth about who really took their dad from them. Professor Aurelia tried to stop us, I say I’m impressed that you have managed to keep so many formidable people in line this long, but the promise of Logan being returned to her over ruled whatever fear she had of you. Then it was a matter of talking to John. He and Mrs H. gave us all the details of the attack, which Acolytes attacked who, that Blake and Adien took my mom, about the rescue missions, how Wanda altered reality to make it so her team never attacked but Aunt Solangel’s power saved your memories so you all knew the truth.”, Landon said pausing for comments.
Duncan sighed. “Alright so you got all the facts. Want to explain what happened next then?”, Duncan requested. Landon smiled. “We left John’s house thinking we left Professor Aurelia behind, I’d made it clear that this was our fight and we’d take care of it. The others followed me out, I sent Cora Lee and Rose to get Solangel because we needed the extra power for what Billy had planned. The rest of us met Billy and Tommy at the park. Billy had planned for a blackout at the Academy to allow his brother time to get in and steal their mother’s spell book. I don’t know how they accomplished the power outage, but they did. Cora Lee and Rose brought Solangel, Tommy got the book with no resistance. I called the play. Billy needed Solangel and Rose for his spell, so I had Atif put a shield over them to protect them for whatever might come. The rest of us went on defense. Wanda showed as we expected. I got slammed into a tree. She tried to go after Billy, Solangel and Rose but the force field protected them. Ashley forced her out of the area with a blast of water. Wanda came after me with a knife, I shocked everyone most importantly her by changing her knife into some daylilies.”, Landon started explaining. Duncan went wide eyed at the idea that Landon’s power had exceeded his known limits. “Cora Lee and Lily managed to pull Wanda off me. Ashley bandaged my wounds. Wanda blasted us all, I protected Ashley getting slammed into the tree again. Tommy protected Atif from his own mother even tackling her to the ground. Professor Aurelia dragged her away. But it didn’t last. She came back ready to take out Atif to remove the shield. I got between her and Atif. Before she could launch her hex ball the spell was finished and Logan’s claws were against her back. She was given a choice to walk away or die. She walked away, disowning her sons. Now they are Haven and cannot be harmed by either side. I was healed by Mikali and explained the whole story to my parents, Uncle Demitri, Aunt Jean, Uncle Mikali and Aunt Annai. Played a final set at the club then the eight of us crashed here to wake up to you waiting downstairs. Happy now?”, Landon asked.
“Not happy. Not in the least. This was kept under wraps for a reason. Beyond our own memories we have no proof of what they have done. And you just opened a can of worms that I’m not sure I can contain.”, Duncan said standing up and looking Landon in the eyes. Landon didn’t flinch like some would knowing what the eye behind his bangs could do. “We have proof sir, we have video evidence of Pyro and military soldiers attacking our school. And you don’t need to contain anything sir. We deserved to know and so do the Acolytes and the academy kids. The other Acolytes don’t even remember what they did. Perhaps they’d feel remorse for their actions.”, Landon replied. “Scarlet Witch will never allow her people to know the truth. She will come after you Landon. For what you’ve done. And for what she thinks you could do.”, Duncan said with a sigh. “Her name is Wanda sir. Don’t give her the power by using her codename, a name she chose to strike fear into others. And she’s not going to have a choice in her people knowing the truth. I’m aware she’ll come for me, and when that day comes I’ll be ready and I handle her my way. What do you mean thinks I could do? Last night she raged at me saying I’d die a martyr.”, Landon questioned. Duncan sighed. “Because of every student in this generation you are the one who could lead the X-Men. And when you’re ready I will step down and you will be in charge of the X-men and the Institute. She probably sees the same thing I see in you. Unlike me who encourages and has hope she fears it and wants to stop you.”, Duncan explained. Now it was Landon’s turn to be taken by surprise. He blinked stepping back. “What? Lead? Lead the X-Men? Be headmaster? Me? But…but why? There are about a dozen X-Men who could take over if you wanted to retire. Why look at me? I’m just a stubborn teenager. I don’t have what it takes to be in charge like that.”, Landon said shaking his head.
The other seven had gathered in the hallway listening to the conversation. Tommy, Billy and Atif were the only ones not surprised by what Duncan was saying. Tommy and Billy knew that their mother feared Landon coming to power and Billy had explained it to Atif already. “Because of every student I’ve ever seen since joining the X-Men you are the one most like Charles Francis Xavier. You have the same spark and ability to inspire all around you.”, Duncan said placing his hands on Landon’s shoulders. “It’s true there are those from the last generation who could do well in my title, but they would not be able to command the respect of this new generation as you do. You are the one who should lead the X-Men when you’re ready for it.”, Duncan said. Landon gulped shaking his head and removed Duncan’s hand. “I…but sir. I’m not Charles Xavier. I’m the punk rocker son of The Crow. I’m not a leader of men, of a movement like Charles Xavier was.”, Landon denied. “Landon you are. You have led and inspired others to follow you for years. You have your own quest and own movement, you believe in truth and that it can set people free. Last night despite the dangers you led Cora Lee, Lily, Ashley, Atif and Rose to fight against Wanda Maximoff. They followed you knowing they were going against her and that they’d also be going against the wishes of their parents and of me. You even have the Maximoff twins following you. You walk the halls of the institute and even my daughter Ororo, who’s but six, knows your name and looks at you with admiration.”, Duncan explained. Landon just kept shaking his head. “I…I can’t.. lead the X-Men. I don’t even know what I really want out of life. I know I want to teach history, to learn everything I can about the past. But…no. I couldn’t lead the X-Men. My friends follow me because..I don’t know. And the twins..it was just coincidence is all.”, Landon said closing his eyes still denying. In his mind he was thinking he wasn’t even sure he’d have a life to live much longer.
The seven looked at each other. They’d never known Landon to put himself down or think anything was out of his reach. Rose stood up from where she was crouched behind Cora Lee and gulped before walking into the living room. She walked to Landon and took his right hand. Cora Lee shrugged and followed and took her brother’s left hand. Lily and Ashley walked in next placing their hands on his left shoulder. Atif followed placing his hand on Landon’s right shoulder. All of them trying to encourage him. Billy took a deep breath and looked to Tommy who shrugged and they followed and stood next to Atif a hand on Landon’s right shoulder. Duncan watched with arched brow as they all piled in showing Landon their support. Landon opened his eyes. He looked to his right and saw Rose holding his hand, he looked over his shoulder to see Atif and the Maximoff twins. When he looked to his left he saw his sister holding his hand and at his shoulder Lily and Ashley. “What are you guys doing?”, Landon asked. “We’ve been eavesdropping.”, Cora Lee admitted. “Apparently. But what are you guys doing?”, Landon questioned again. “You just looked like you need some support. We aren’t saying take the offer to be head of the X-Men, but it’s something to think about. Professor Fearbirigh is right about you though. And you need to know that from us.”, Rose said squeezing his hand. Landon looked around at the faces.
“But why? I’m reckless and do seriously stupid shit that gets us all in trouble and almost killed.”, Landon questioned. Cora Lee laughed. “You aren’t as reckless as you think. We all know you’d do anything and everything to protect us. Weather the trouble was your fault or our own. You stepped in front of a shotgun for me and Rose.”, Cora Lee said. “You stood between Wanda and me last night. You were willing to take a hex ball to save me.”, Atif said. “You put yourself between her blast and me last night, getting your ribs broken so I didn’t get hurt.”, Ashley added. “You’ve stood up against everyone that’d dare harm us in our lives Landon.”, Lily stated. “You barely know us, yet you trust us without question and this morning you moved to block your headmaster from us when you didn’t have to.”, Billy and Tommy said. “But all of that is different. I mean with the exception of Billy and Tommy, I love you guys and would die for any of you. Billy and Tommy you earned my trust last night and now that you’re Haven I’ll protect you too.”, Landon said shaking his head. “But leading the X-Men is sooo different.”, Landon added. “We’re not saying you have to take the position. We’re just saying we know you could do it. All the new generation looks to you about things. Even younger students on our teams go to you. You have their respect and like us, their loyalty.”, Atif explained. Landon thought about it, he did get a lot of the younger kids who’d come to him with things. He just figured it was because he was the oldest. “I’ve never done anything to earn that kind of respect or loyalty. Last night was the first time I’d done anything big.”, Landon protested. “It’s not about anything you’ve done Landon. It’s about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, how you carry yourself. You have the vibe of someone who should be respected and because you also make yourself approachable and never turn someone away the younger kids all feel safe talking to you.”, Rose explained. “Our…mother..even saw it Landon. She saw how this new generation looked to you. And she fears that you’ll become a great leader like Xavier was.”, Billy said.
Duncan folded his arms and looked at the eight and smiled a little. “I’ll think about it. I’ve still got…other things on my plate.”, Landon said remaining vague as he glanced to Atif. Duncan nodded. “And that’s fine you still have school to finish before I’d consider stepping down. Now about this can of worms you eight opened. You said something about Scarlet Witch not being able to stop her people from knowing the truth. What did you mean?”, Duncan asked. Landon lifted his head and looked Duncan dead on. “I’m going to at the very least tell Kim. She deserves to know why my father hasn’t talked to her in fifteen years.”, Landon said firmly. “Wait what? You can’t just go there and talk to Pretender.”, Duncan argued. “Can and will. Besides the twins need to get their things to move in.”, Landon said smiling that ever familiar Bryant smile. “I’m not going to talk you out of this.”, Duncan said. Landon shook his head. “Nope.”, Landon said simply. Duncan smiled. “You are such your father’s son. That damn smile on your lips when you’ve set your mind to doing something.”, Duncan said shaking his head. “Don’t worry we’ll all go with him.”, Rose said. Landon shook his head. “No. Not this time. The twins and Lily are coming with me. That’s it. The rest of you can hang back as back up if we need it, but only the four of us will approach.”, Landon said.
Rose growled a little at being left out of the possible fight, again, but stopped herself mid growl and nodded. “Fine. But they make one move to attack you I’ll show them just how like my dad I can be.”, Rose said relenting. Landon chuckled and squeezed her hand. “Thanks. Besides I’ll feel safer having you, my baby sis, and the Alston twins as back up if shit hits the fan.”, Landon explained. Duncan sighed and shook his head. “I do not think this is a good idea. However I learned a long time ago not to try and argue with a Bryant. I will see you all back at the institute. Be safe and Landon, think about my offer.”, Duncan said before exiting the living room and grabbing his jacket. “Thanks for the coffee.”, he called down the hall before leaving the Haven. Landon let out a sigh glad that was over. Billy and Tommy took their hands back but the others all just hugged Landon. “Alright guys. Going to suffocate here. I think you’ve hugged me more in the last twenty-four hours than my whole life.”, Landon said trying to get free. The others laughed and let him go, Rose still lingering holding his hand. She have his hand a final squeeze before letting him go. “So..”, Landon said looking to Lily and the Maximoff brothers. “You three ready to face Kim?”, Landon asked grinning. Lily nodded. “Yes, fuck yes. I’m ready to confront my mother.”, Lily said. Tommy took her hand and nodded. “Let’s do this then.”, Landon said grabbing his jacket. “Mom! Dad! We’re heading out. We’ll be back in a little while.”, Landon called down the hall as he walked out the door followed by the others. David and Sadria raced for the door. “Where are you guys going?”, Sadria yelled from the porch. “Don’t worry mom! Lily just wants to talk to her mom!”, Ashley called climbing into the van. Before they could be stopped Landon quickly pulled out and headed for the Academy.

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

During the night David and Aislinn had returned home with Morpheus, David peaking into Landon’s bedroom noticing the door ajar. He laughed quietly to himself before going to his room with Aislinn for some much needed sleep knowing morning would be chaos in the Haven. Morpheus swooped into the room and nestled onto Landon’s side just below Rose’s. He tried to move her arm wanting to have Landon to himself, but Rose’s arm wouldn’t budge so he gave up and rested his beak on her arm. Morpheus had always been an odd bird being a seeing eye raven, but when Solangel linked his life to Aislinn’s it changed him even more than they could imagine. He looked at the children as if they were his and tonight he’d seen his Lan-don bleeding and didn’t like it. So instead of following Aislinn and David to their room to sleep in his nest he wanted to be close to Lan-don just in case.
News of Wolverine’s return and the battle against Scarlet Witch spread like wild fire after Gabriel, Hope and Bianca returned to the institute. They had informed Gabriel’s father Warren when he picked them up about the nights events which of course he reported back to Duncan to find that Jean was already telling him the vivid details as Landon had accounted to her. To say Duncan was upset that his team leaders had dug this deeply and nearly gotten themselves killed would have been an understatement. If not for his wife suggesting he let the children sleep off their adventure before seeking them out he would have shown up pounding on the Haven door in the wee hours of the morning. But instead he waited, impatiently for morning. Duncan wasn’t the only X-Men wanting to drive straight to the institute. Sadria returned home to find the messages from David and fretted till she saw a car pull up outside and ran out thinking it was her precious twins but instead it was Warren dropping off her niece. Blaire told her the vague details and that the twins were crashing at the Haven with the others. Azriel convinced her to wait till morning to get the exact details of what happened and just rest knowing that the twins are safe.
Morning came and Aislinn and David were the first to wake in the Haven. Aislinn heading downstairs to start brewing coffee and get breakfast ready knowing she had eight teenagers asleep upstairs that would probably be starving when they woke. David went to check on them again and leaned in the doorway crossing his arms looking at the eight sleeping teens and then spotted Morpheus and shook his head. “Silly bird. He’s not going anywhere…”, David said softly to which Morpheus opened his eyes to look at David, but didn’t raise his head. The look basically said ‘Shut up human’. David rolled his eyes and headed down the stairs, Morpheus closing his eyes content to sleep in his old age. David was barely down the stairs when there was a knocking at the door. “Serious people? It’s seven in the damn morning…”, David grumbled taking his time going to the door. “I’ve got the door!”, David called so Aislinn would know he was there. Aislinn nodded and continued her breakfast preparations. David swung the door open and wasn’t surprised at the faces staring at him. Duncan Fearbirgh, Sadria Delaney and Azriel Delaney all stood on his porch red cheeked from the cold.
“It’s New Years day people. You are soo fucking lucky I don’t spend my New Years Eve trashed and my New Years morning hung over anymore.”, David greeted shaking his head. “Where are they?”, Duncan demanded his Scottish accent coming out thick with his annoyance. “Oh don’t take that fucking tone with me shit for brains. You’re decision to cover the truth up got my boy hurt last night. So let’s alter that tone before I alter your iron levels.”, David said pointing at Duncan. Duncan glared with his visible eye at David not sure if David really meant the threat or not given this was Haven property. Sadria shoved past Duncan and walked into the Haven taking off her jacket. “Where are my children? Are they safe? I couldn’t bare…I couldn’t…to lose them like I…like I lost Tanner..”, Sadria asked getting emotional. Azriel stepped in around Duncan and put a reassuring arm around his wife. “Blaire already told us they are okay.”, Azriel reminded. David sighed he couldn’t get mad at Sadria she at least had two kids like he did upstairs and every right to be upset and worried. “They are fine Sadria. The eight are still sleeping upstairs in Landon’s old room.”, David said. Sadria’s shoulders relaxed but instead looked confused counting in her head. Duncan also did the math stepping inside and closing the door. “What do you mean eight? I only have six team leaders.”, Duncan questioned. “I didn’t count wrong. I’ve got my two, Sadria’s two, Rose, Lily, and the Maximoff twins asleep in my son’s room. So unless you need a calculator for simple addition Duncan that’s eight. Go back to the kitchen, Aislinn’s got coffee brewing.”, David suggested.
“Maximoff twins?!”, Duncan and Sadria questioned. “Kitchen. I’m not explaining shit. This is Landon’s deal not mine. So you all can either sit in my kitchen and drink some hot coffee and wait till my kids wake up or you can leave and I’ll call you when they wake up. They did after all take on Wanda by themselves last night and WIN, so they deserve the rest.”, David answered pointing down the hall to the kitchen. He used ‘my kids’ as a collective term since two were his another his cousin then the others spent most of their time in his house for daycare and if the Maximoff twins were going to live there they became his responsibility too. Azriel nodded tightening his arm around Sadria. “Come on Sadria. Let the kids sleep before we talk to them. Coffee sounds good about now.”, Azriel said ushering her down the hall Sadria nodding in compliance. Duncan just glared at David and looked at the stairs. David shook his head. “You don’t get to go upstairs bucko. You’re here as a guest that’s fine, you take one step to go up there and wake my kids, I’ll kick you off my property.”, David warned. “Those kids are X-Men Team Leaders not Haven.”, Duncan countered. “Landon and Cora Lee were BORN Haven, Lily claimed Haven before your school was rebuilt and the Maximoff boys have claimed Haven as of last night. So I don’t care what authority you think you have over them but let’s make this clear. On this property you have no authority, I do. And I say they sleep. I’ll wake them when their breakfast is ready. Now kitchen or front door. Decide now because I haven’t had my coffee and I’m getting edgy here.”, David questioned. “Fine coffee till they wake.”, Duncan agreed heading to the kitchen with David following him.
So in the kitchen Aislinn poured glasses of coffee as she started mixing batter for pancakes. It was sort of her tradition since moving into the Haven, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash for new years breakfast. While the others sat at the kitchen table drinking their coffee impatiently waiting for the kids to wake up David walked up behind his wife resting a chin on her shoulder and his arms loosely around her. “If Duncan steps out of line even once when the kids are up I’m gonna kick his ass.”, he whispered. Aislinn nodded in agreement. “And I will not stop you luv. Those kids may have done a seriously dangerous thing last night but it was also valiant and they should be commend not reprimanded.”, Aislinn whispered back so the three guests wouldn’t hear her. David kissed her cheek. “And this is why we are good together, same page.”, David whispered. Aislinn smiled and nodded in agreement. When it came to protecting the kids there was nothing for them to disagree about. “Do you need help with breakfast? Anything I should be chopping or fetching you? Given that your eyes are upstairs sleeping on our son?”, David offered his voice no longer a whisper since this wasn’t part of their private conversation. “No I’m good. You’ll get in my way kitchen isn’t built for two chefs. Go drink your coffee.”, Aislinn instructed. David nodded gave her another kiss before grabbing his cup of coffee to sit at the table and wait. “So when are you going to wake them?”, Duncan asked. David sipped his coffee and raised his pierced brow his blue eyes narrowing on Duncan. “When I’m damn good and ready to. So stop asking.”, David said setting his cup down.
Upstairs Landon was the first to stir, the smell of coffee and bacon coming up through the vent in his room which was above the kitchen. “Mmm..”, he grumbled trying to move but realized he was trapped. “What the..”, he wondered his mind still hazy as his blue eyes partially opened to see his black bedroom wall. He turned his head a little to see Morpheus sleeping on his side. “Alright that’s issue one…”, he said groggy. He went to move his arms and noticed there was a hand on his abdomen just under his torn dress shirt. He checked “Left hand, right hand. So who’s holding my stomach?”, he pondered. He was starting to remember that they all ended up sleeping in his room but he didn’t remember who got into the bed next to him. He reached down to touch the hand based on the delicate structure it was one of the girls, but which one. He could feel someone pressed close his back and feel breath on his neck. As he listened he could hear Cora Lee snoring but it wasn’t from the person right behind him so that ruled his sister out. He remembered Lily was on the other bed with Tommy. So that just left the two girls he wasn’t related to. It could be Ashley, which he could deal with since she was dating Xavier now. But it could also be Rose. Which when his mind questioned if it was Rose’s hand on his stomach he was conflicted. Part of him liked the idea that it was her cuddled up against him holding him like this but it was countered by the part reminding him he had a death sentence. But he had to find out who was behind him.
He carefully lifted the hand and arm and rolled to face the intruder of his personal space. The movement caused Morpheus to fly up giving Landon a dirty look, but once Landon had rolled Morpheus settled back down. Landon’s eyes went wide as he was now able to see it was Rose who’d been snuggled up against him holding him close. His movement had only briefly disturbed her but not enough to wake her. He let her arm go, but she brought it back over him now holding his back. As he tried to figure where he should move his arms she cuddled up against his chest, so he quickly moved his arms before they got caught between them. ‘Seriously? Do you hate me or something god?’ Landon questioned in his mind looking up at the ceiling. He chose to move his left arm up under the pillow they were sharing which left his right arm the problem. Morpheus had settled back down onto his side so putting his right arm along his side wasn’t going to happen but putting his arm over her would have its own effects. He stopped arms hung in mid air as he heard her murmur but just burry her face into his chest bringing her right hand to rest over his heart. Having to place his arm somewhere he chose to disturb Morpheus and rest his arm on his side, Morpheus grumbling at the disturbance but settled back down.
‘Are you looking for a better invitation?’ a voice, he liked to call Crow which was that little devil side of him. ‘She’s snuggled up to you, an arm already around you. She kissed you last night. So make a move before you die.’ The voice added. Landon shook his head trying to ignore the voice. ‘He’s in a room with his sister and best friends. His sister and a best friend are literally in the same bed.’ A second voice, that he called Demitri which was the little angel side of him, spoke. ‘So what? He’s already got her snuggled up to him and morning wood will get noticed sooner than later. If they don’t get too loud or rowdy the others won’t even know what’s happening.’ The Crow voice replied. Which made Landon suddenly and awkwardly aware of his normal morning condition made worse by a girl he liked pressed against him. Landon started to try and think of anything but Rose to alter his condition before she woke up and noticed. He tried thinking about that Sherry girl who always hit on him, but thinking about Sherry brought the image of Rachel to his mind, his hero who always seemed to be there to keep Sherry at bay. And thinking about Rachel brought the vision of her walking down the stairs in that dress for the ball, and that didn’t seem to be helping his condition just adding to the problem. He shook his head a little trying to rid himself of the thought because something about thinking of Rachel when Rose was so close felt wrong. But thinking of the ball brought him to dancing close with Rose in that low cut dress with the open back, and again not helping his situation. So he tried to focus on the fact that his sister was right behind Rose.
While Landon tried to think about anything but that one of his crushes was laying cuddled against him his breathing was a little off and his heart was racing. Which the breathing and heart racing was actually what started to wake Rose as she was pressed close to his chest. “Hmm…”, she said her blue eyes starting to open seeing a black button up shirt and realizing who she was snuggled against. She smiled a little liking that she was so close to him, that she could smell him, hear his heart beating but then she realized his heart beating wasn’t normal. “Landon? You alright..”, she questioned keeping her voice low. Then she realized something was pressed against her thigh. “Oh um..”, she said realizing it was morning and what that probably was. She tried to move away but found little room to move as Cora Lee was directly behind her. Landon tried to move back as well realizing she was now awake but his back was against the wall. “I’m…alright just..this is awkward.”, Landon admitted doing his best to not blush. Rose however was blushing trying to not look at him. In her mind she couldn’t help but start to wonder was this just a matter of normal morning wood and she just happened to be there or was she part of the reason for the condition.
Rose raised her head to look at him and tried to not smile that he was flustered, he didn’t get flustered.”Yeah awkward just about covers this. I’d move further away but…your sister is right behind me and isn’t budging.”, Rose whispered trying to move a little but ended up just grinding herself up against him. Landon groaned and closed his eyes gritting his teeth at the contact. Again the mental conflict between the Crow and Demitri’s voices about how Landon should react to the situation. Landon shook his head as the Crow voice again insisted he make a move. “Um sorry. Are you okay?”, Rose whispered. Landon nodded. “Yup. Been thinking about anything I could to make this go away and any progress I made…you just killed…but I’m fine..”, Landon whispered back still shaking his head trying to think of other things. He tried even thinking about his biological mother and her stupid husband which was starting to help. “I’m sorry. I’m…not used to waking up to…well that.”, Rose explained moving again trying to give more space but instead just brushed her exposed thigh, as her dress had ridden up during the night, against him. Landon grimaced taking a sharp breath. “Please..for the love of god..stop moving.”, Landon pleaded eyes still closed shaking his head trying to not think about her or that it was her thigh that just brushed against him. Rose couldn’t help but find the situation funny, Landon never got flustered and here he was his neck by his collar turning red and knowing that her movements were having the effect on him. She held back a laugh which Landon heard and opened his eyes and looked at her. “You finding this funny? Cause I’m not finding this funny.”, Landon said looking at her. Rose shrugged. “You never get flustered and I didn’t know you were capable of being embarrassed.”, Rose admitted her voice low so to not wake anyone else up.
“Well apparently waking up with someone else’s hand on my stomach, under my shirt I might add, then rolling over to find a girl snuggled up to me, added to my normal morning situation adds up to me being embarrassed.”, Landon explained. He was back to trying to think of anything else to resolve the condition but now that he could look at her he could see her face he saw she was red in the face. “And you’re one to talk about being embarrassed? You’re cheeks are as red as your hair.”, Landon added. Rose hit his chest with her left hand in response. “Excuse me but I’m not accustomed to waking up to a ‘hey is that a candy bar in your pocket or you just happy to see me’ scene.”, Rose countered. “Candy bar? I’m not sure what level of offended I should be at that.”, Landon countered. Rose shook her head, turning redder if possible. “Sorry I didn’t reach down and try to take a measurement. Should I?”, Rose asked partially joking and mostly to see how embarrassed she could make him. ‘Oh please if that wasn’t her coming on to you I quit, I will just shut up forever if I’m wrong on that.’, the Crow voice said. ‘Do SOMETHING!’ the voice added. Landon closed his eyes and shook his head trying to tune out the voice. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Why do you keep doing that? Closing your eyes and shaking your head? I was just messing with you.”, Rose questioned. Landon sighed. “I’m just having internal mental argument is all. I’m just trying to think of anything unappealing to resolve my problem. And you moving and talking dirty aren’t helping me.”, Landon explained. Rose smiled a little trying to hide the smile with her right hand, so she was a factor maybe the ship hadn’t sailed. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop. What’s the mental argument about?”, Rose questioned. Landon shook his head. “That’s between me and my Crow voice.”, Landon explained.
Rose raised an eyebrow. “You have a voice that you called Crow, like your dad? And you’re arguing with the voice you named for your dad?”, Rose questioned. Landon sighed. “Yes. You know how everyone has that metamorphic angel and devil that acts as the balance to their conscious? Well my ‘Crow’ voice is the devil. He’s full of bad, stupid, dangerous, and inappropriate ideas.”, Landon explained. Rose nodded. “And that’s why you named him Crow for your dad. Alright.”, she said. “Well why don’t you just make a run for the bathroom?”, she asked. “And how am I supposed to do that? I’ve got a wall behind me and then you, my sister and Ashley in front of me. You expect me to shimmy down under the covers and out the bottom of my bed? Because somehow I don’t think my face…”, Landon said stopping his sentence as the thought hit him. The idea of him going down under the covers which would pin his face against her chest and lower didn’t help his situation. Rose blushed as she also considered what parts of her body his face would have to be against to go out the end of the bed.
“So um..have you tried thinking about things that would make you feel anything else?”, Rose asked. “Yes I’ve thought about terrifying things. Sherry, Candy Girl and Mark which were working till you decided you needed to agitate the situation.”, Landon explained. “Alright well what about Cora Lee with her mystery date from the ball?”, Rose suggested. Landon narrowed his eyes. “So your suggestion is to make me angry?”, Landon questioned. Rose nodded. “I figured you weren’t the type to have an angry erection.”, Rose explained. Landon nodded. “This is true…”, Landon said glad that this was actually working. Rose was glad something was at least working. “So now what?”, she asked. Landon sighed and smelled the air again. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. And I can smell coffee, bacon, pancakes, and hash. So..excuse me..but I’m waking the others up.”, Landon explained as he moved to lean over Rose. Rose found herself pushed back slightly under Landon, and blushed again enjoying the situation of him half on top of her. Landon didn’t notice her blushing but instead shoved his little sister. “Cora Lee, move! Breakfast.”, Landon said no longer whispering.
Cora Lee jumped and as she did so it pushed Ashley off the bed and to the floor. “Jesus!”, Cora Lee shouted. “OUCH!”, Ashley yelled landing on the floor. “What the fuck guys!? I was asleep.”, Ashley argued standing up and fixing her dress. She raised an eyebrow seeing Landon half on top of Rose. Lily was startled by the yell and crash and fell out of the bed as well. “God damn it! I was sleeping and soo damn comfy.”, Lily whined. Tommy, Atif and Billy all bolted up in the bed at the clatter and yelling. Landon noticed the look Ashley gave him and quickly moved off Rose to just sit up in the bed. The movement had offended Morpheus he was flying up in the air above the bed cawing. Billy blinked looking at the bird. “Umm why is there an omen of death in the room where we were all just sleeping?”, Billy asked. The others all turned to look up at Morpheus Cora Lee started laughing. Morpheus swooped down and landed on Landon’s knee and pecked him. “Bad..Lan-don.”, Morpheus cawed. “And he talks…”, Billy said now nervous. “He’s Morpheus, our mom’s seeing eye bird. And he’s not an omen of death that I know of.. Morpheus are you here to tell me I’m going to die? That why you slept on me all night?”, Landon asked jokingly to the bird. Atif didn’t find it very funny giving him a stern look from his bed. Lily got up and sat on the edge of her bed and looked at the clock. “It’s not even eight why the hell are we all up?”, Lily demanded. Rose sat up and pointed to Landon. “Ask him.”, Rose stated. “Because I can smell breakfast. And I haven’t eaten a damn thing since like 8 last night. Don’t know about you guys but the amount of power I used last night I need some carbs.”, Landon answered. “Well we are all awake now. You going to get out of bed or just stay in bed with Rose all morning? Or was that the end game? Get your little sister and Ashley out of your bed? Should the rest of us leave the room too?”, Lily teased knowing her cousin liked Rose and doubted greatly the kiss Rose gave him the night before was a ‘thank you’.
Landon narrowed his eyes at his cousin. “Oh that reminds me Lily got a gift for you.. hold on.”, Landon said pretending to his left hand had a crank and slowly raised his middle finger. “Oh there it is and I think I have a second too…”, he said raising the middle finger on his right hand. “Look at that matching set.”, Landon said with a laugh. Rose tried to not blush about the idea of being alone in a bed with Landon specially after the morning they had before he woke the others up. Lily stuck her tongue out at him. “Save those for a girl not related to you that’d appreciate the offer.”, Lily joked back. Landon rolled his eyes and put his hands down. Tommy sat up and rested his head on Lily’s shoulder while the others all laughed about the situation. “You guys are…weird.”, Tommy said. Billy nodded. “I agree.”, Billy added. Landon started to laugh. “Wait you mean at the Academy you guys didn’t have sleepovers? You don’t joke around with each other pushing the other’s buttons?”, Landon asked. Billy shook his head. “Oh heck no. We have our roommates and sometimes Malcolm would crash in our room and the three of us would hang out as cousins. But no there would never be a mixed company scenario allowed in the bedrooms. At the academy our mother would have freaked about decorum at the sight of me and Tommy in bed with Atif and Lily and lord I think she’d lose her mind at the idea of one boy in bed with two girls, when excluding the blood relative.”, Billy explained. Landon raised an eyebrow. “Decorum? From the woman with three kids from a man she never married? Sorry. And really what would she think’d happen?”, Landon asked. “I know pot calling the kettle black. Basically she’d worry that the boys would get frisky without a thought that others were in the room let alone the bed too.”, Tommy explained. Rose glanced at Landon but quickly looked away. “Well that wasn’t going to happen. And my parents know that which would be why we didn’t get disturbed.”, Cora Lee said.
Downstairs in the kitchen the thuds and yells were heard easily Sadria, Azriel and Duncan all looking up. David shrugged. “Kids are awake. Based on the thumps and the yells Ashley and Lily fell out of the beds.”, David said calmly sipping his coffee while Aislinn continued on breakfast. Duncan went to stand up and David held a hand up motioning him to sit back down. “I told you, you aren’t allowed upstairs. I’ll go get the kids, they are still in their party clothes from last night so give them a chance to get changed.”, David said standing up from the kitchen table and heading upstairs. He stopped in the doorway looking at the kids with a raised pierced brow. “You eight alright? We heard people crashing to the floor.”, David asked looking around the room. Tommy jumped taking his head off Lily’s shoulder and brought his hands from around her seeing David in the doorway. David covered his mouth before starting to laugh. “Kid I don’t care that you were snuggling my little cousin. If I had an issue with it you think I’d have let her sleep in the same bed as you? She’s not my daughter.”, David said shrugging. He then looked over to Landon sitting still close to Rose in the bed and gave Landon a look, also knowing his son had a crush on the red head. Landon looked at his dad giving a look of ‘don’t even start’. “So you said ‘we’ you mean you and mom?”, Landon asked. David shook his head. “I wish it was just your mom and I downstairs. Wouldn’t have cared about the crashing around up here.”, David answered the Bryant smirk on his lips. Landon rolled his eyes and covered his face. “Oh gawd dad, let’s not traumatize the twins before they have even settled in. Keep your hands to yourself in public areas of the house.”, Landon requested.
Billy and Tommy raised their eyebrows looking at each other. Rose looked at Landon and just laughed thinking back to their little talk about his ‘Crow’ voice. “So who’s downstairs then?”, Ashley asked. “Well justifiably your parents are downstairs worried about you and Atif. And well news spreads fast Duncan’s here too wanting to talk to you kids. I’ve been keeping him at bay. If you all want to talk to him you can, but he starts something or makes any of you feel intimidated or anything speak up I’ll toss his Scottish ass out my front door happily.”, David said. “But I would suggest getting some clean clothes on. Cora Lee and Landon still have some clean clothes here figure it out. Then come downstairs, your mom has breakfast ready.”, David said walking away to leave them to get ready. Everyone looked to Landon. “Don’t worry about it guys. We aren’t getting in any trouble…just me if there’s trouble to be in. It was my plan and I’m the leader so I take responsibility.”, Landon assured. “But doesn’t Duncan have that whole memory erasing power? What if he uses it on us?”, Tommy asked. “Oh he isn’t going to use his powers on any of us, especially not on Haven property. Just don’t worry about it guys. I’ll deal with Duncan.”, Landon explained moving to climb out of the bed. Rose grabbed his wrist before he could move and she looked at him seriously. “Are you sure you want to face Professor Fearbirgh alone?”, Rose asked. Landon smiled and patted her hand. “I got this. No fear no worries.”, Landon said with a wink before pulling his arm away and getting off the end of the bed. Morpheus flying up and sitting on his dresser. “Alright girls to Cora Lee’s room so we can get dressed. Cause two of you are family and I’m not stripping for Ashley and Rose.”, Landon joked pointing to the door.
Cora Lee rolled her eyes getting up and heading for her room to find some clothes that she and the others could fit into. Lily gave Tommy a quick kiss before getting up and hitting Landon’s arm on her way out of the room. Ashley shook her head and followed the others out. Rose climbed out of the bed and adjusted her dress before heading for the door she stopped at the door way and looked to Landon who was opening his dresser looking for clothes she thought to say something but didn’t and walked out closing the door behind her and going to Cora Lee’s room. It took a few minutes but eventually they all found clothes to wear, mostly exercise stuff like track pants and t-shirts. Billy and Tommy both felt odd wearing training shirts with the institute logo but they were all Landon had that would fit them. The girls had better luck but still mostly gym clothes Rose was the odd one out having to send Lily to get a t-shirt from Landon for Rose to wear since she had a larger chest then the other girls. Once they were all dressed they followed Landon down the stairs. Aislinn having already set the formal table to seat the eight kids and was putting the serving plates out as the heard the rumble of the feet going down the stairs. Morpheus swooped past the kids to land on the plate rail of the dining room.
Duncan moved from his chair in the kitchen to stand in the doorway to look down the hall to see the kids start to come around the corner from the stairs. Landon stopped mid-stride seeing Duncan at the end of the hall. He took a deep breath and kept walking stopped at the dining room and kept looking down the rest of the hall to Duncan. The others stopped behind him not sure what they were doing given Duncan was at the kitchen door. “Get ya butts in here and eat dis breakfast I made.”, Aislinn instructed. Cora Lee nodded and ducked into the dining room glad to not be in Duncan’s vision. “Thanks mom.”, Cora Lee said taking a seat. Rose, Ashley, Atif, and Lily followed taking seats. “Thank you Missus Aislinn.”, they said in unison. Tommy and Billy stopped behind Landon looking past him to the stern face of Duncan Fearbirgh. Duncan raising an eyebrow seeing the Maximoff twins wearing Xavier institute t-shirts. He moved to take a step forward, Landon held his arms up to block the hallway to protect Tommy and Billy from Duncan if needed. Duncan stopped and folded his arms now staring Landon down. “Go eat breakfast guys. My mom will be eager to meet her new wards.”, Landon instructed nodding his head to the dining room. Tommy and Billy nodded ducking into the dining room taking two available seats. “Thank you Mrs. Bryant.”, they greeted as they sat down. The others starting fixing their plates and Aislinn just stood back using Morpheus’ eyes to look at the kids specially the Maximoff twins and smiled. She walked over placing her hands on Tommy and Billy’s shoulders. “You boys eat up, you earned it. Let me know if you kids need anything else.”, Aislinn said excusing herself and taking the door back to the kitchen that she knew Duncan wasn’t standing in.
“So we going to just have a staring contest, sir? Because I’m good at those.”, Landon asked with a smile trying to lighten the mood. Duncan let out an exasperated breath. “How about you not joke around Prime, this is after all a very serious situation you’ve gotten us all into.”, Duncan said sternly. Landon kept him smile. “I know it’s serious sir. I’m the one who saw his young life flash before his eyes when a hex ball was pointed at him. I never thought this was a joke or a game.”, Landon said not moving. “Then let me talk to the others, specifically the Maximoffs…”, Duncan requested though his tone was more an order. “No. You want someone you get me. The rest of the team leaders, my team in this case, are off limits. And as for the Maximoff twins they are also off limits as they are Haven members now. So I would suggest, respectfully, you take what you are being given, sir.”, Landon said folding his arms. Duncan chose to yield knowing as a Bryant Landon was too stubborn to be deterred. And something about the way the kid, even at his age, was unyielding, no fear and how the others all followed him into the most dangerous situation out there. Even the Maximoff twins obeyed Landon, it just proved to Duncan that if Landon could learn to think more clearly about his actions he’d make a great leader of the X-men to take his place. “Fine. You want to take the full responsibility of what happened last night?”, Duncan questioned. Landon nodded. “Yes sir. I’m the leader therefore it’s on my shoulders.”, Landon answered. Duncan nodded. “Spoken like a true leader. Then why don’t you and I talk in the living room?”, Duncan suggested. “Later, sir. Respectfully you will need to wait longer. I haven’t eaten since 8pm yesterday and I used a lot of my energy last night so I’m going to load my stomach up till it bursts with my mom’s cooking. You can wait in the living room for me.”, Landon suggested before ducking into the dining room wanting the final word in that conversation. Duncan shook his head and walked past the dining room looking in and the eight teenagers eating but said nothing going straight to the living room to wait.
The group filled their stomachs, mostly in silence. All having heard what was said in the hall between Duncan and Landon. Landon tried to ignore the fact that the others at the table kept looking to him worried. He wasn’t sure if they were more worried for him having to talk to Duncan or when he faced Wanda. Which thinking about Wanda reminded him he wasn’t done with her yet. He still had another battle to prepare for. He’d be uping the intensity of his danger room sessions and program her into them. Maybe he could talk to Logan and get some extra training. Logan was the only person to take one of Wanda’s hex balls and live. Not to mention he’d been told by X-Men like Jean and Mikali that Logan was hardcore when he was their survival trainer. He cleared his third plate of food and sighed. “Alright guys I’m going to go talk to Duncan. Stay here, though I’d suggest Atif and Ashley go to the kitchen I’m sure Sadria and Azriel would like to see for themselves I didn’t get you hurt last night.”, Landon said standing up. The group looked at him but stayed silent just nodding knowing there wasn’t any talking him into letting them take some of the blame. As he walked by Cora Lee grabbed his wrist. “Just..don’t like at his other eye okay.”, Cora Lee said. Landon laughed and took his arm back and messed up her purple hair. “I’ll be fine.”, Landon said flashing a smile. Rose frowned watching him walk out of the room.
Landon walked into the living room and Duncan was seated in the arm chair waiting growing impatient. “Alright sir. Let’s talk.”, Landon said walking forward and standing in front of Duncan. Landon clasped his hands behind his back, standing with his feet slightly apart and shoulders back as one would expect of a soldier about to talk to a commanding officer. Duncan took note of the stance Landon took and gestured to the sofa next to him. “Take a seat.”, Duncan suggested. Landon shook his head. “I’ll stand. So you want the whole story?”, Landon questioned. Duncan nodded. “That would be a good idea. So start from the beginning.”, Duncan requested sitting back and waiting. Landon nodded. “Alright fine. It starts when I was a kid and I couldn’t figure why my dad stopped talking to Kim. She’s family and Bryants don’t give up on family. Plus the way my grandparents talk Kim and dad were more siblings than cousins. So to cut her out like that, to me is like me cutting Cora Lee from my life. Meaning not possible. Bryant curiosity, as people keep calling it, got me. I started asking questions and getting shut down. Because I asked questions the others followed suit.”, he started shrugging a little. “But as we asked more questions sometimes the way adults tried to cut us off hinted there was something big going on that we weren’t trusted with. My dad, my mom, Uncle Demitri, Aunt Solangel they have never lied to me. So when I asked I could see it made them nervous and they had to talk around lying to me. We started researching. Found news articles about Mr. Worthington being indicted for treason just before the day the school was attacked. Over the years I’ve looked through every piece of data in the Institute’s database.”, Landon continued. Duncan raised a brow. “What do you mean every piece? We have security that would not let a student into certain files.”, Duncan said.
Landon smirked. “Sir I’m damn good with computers. Codes are crackable. But anyways our digging brought us to the conclusion something fishy happened the night the school was attacked because how could that be tied to my dad and Kim not talking. Billy Maximoff actually was the key to linking it all together. Because of his powers he saw Logan in limbo. Once when we were kids and last night when we were at the club. Logan gave Billy a message…orders for us to find a danger room video under Tanner Alston’s codename Creature from the night the school was intact and then to take that to his brother John. Billy told Atif who rushed to tell the rest of us. I for one am not going to ignore orders from The Wolverine, and certainly not when it would get us answers. So we ended our gig and rushed out for my van.”, Landon explained. “Logan gave you orders? There should be no videos from the night of the attack at least that would show the truth. And so you’re saying it was John how broke the gag order on this?”, Duncan asked. Landon smiled. “Respectfully sir, you’re wrong and your gag order takes a backseat to the life of his brother. We found a video alright, it was gruesome to watch as Pyro and soldiers attacked the school, taking Sadria and killing Tanner. I wish the Alston twins hadn’t seen it, but they needed to. They needed the truth about who really took their dad from them. Professor Aurelia tried to stop us, I say I’m impressed that you have managed to keep so many formidable people in line this long, but the promise of Logan being returned to her over ruled whatever fear she had of you. Then it was a matter of talking to John. He and Mrs H. gave us all the details of the attack, which Acolytes attacked who, that Blake and Adien took my mom, about the rescue missions, how Wanda altered reality to make it so her team never attacked but Aunt Solangel’s power saved your memories so you all knew the truth.”, Landon said pausing for comments.
Duncan sighed. “Alright so you got all the facts. Want to explain what happened next then?”, Duncan requested. Landon smiled. “We left John’s house thinking we left Professor Aurelia behind, I’d made it clear that this was our fight and we’d take care of it. The others followed me out, I sent Cora Lee and Rose to get Solangel because we needed the extra power for what Billy had planned. The rest of us met Billy and Tommy at the park. Billy had planned for a blackout at the Academy to allow his brother time to get in and steal their mother’s spell book. I don’t know how they accomplished the power outage, but they did. Cora Lee and Rose brought Solangel, Tommy got the book with no resistance. I called the play. Billy needed Solangel and Rose for his spell, so I had Atif put a shield over them to protect them for whatever might come. The rest of us went on defense. Wanda showed as we expected. I got slammed into a tree. She tried to go after Billy, Solangel and Rose but the force field protected them. Ashley forced her out of the area with a blast of water. Wanda came after me with a knife, I shocked everyone most importantly her by changing her knife into some daylilies.”, Landon started explaining. Duncan went wide eyed at the idea that Landon’s power had exceeded his known limits. “Cora Lee and Lily managed to pull Wanda off me. Ashley bandaged my wounds. Wanda blasted us all, I protected Ashley getting slammed into the tree again. Tommy protected Atif from his own mother even tackling her to the ground. Professor Aurelia dragged her away. But it didn’t last. She came back ready to take out Atif to remove the shield. I got between her and Atif. Before she could launch her hex ball the spell was finished and Logan’s claws were against her back. She was given a choice to walk away or die. She walked away, disowning her sons. Now they are Haven and cannot be harmed by either side. I was healed by Mikali and explained the whole story to my parents, Uncle Demitri, Aunt Jean, Uncle Mikali and Aunt Annai. Played a final set at the club then the eight of us crashed here to wake up to you waiting downstairs. Happy now?”, Landon asked.
“Not happy. Not in the least. This was kept under wraps for a reason. Beyond our own memories we have no proof of what they have done. And you just opened a can of worms that I’m not sure I can contain.”, Duncan said standing up and looking Landon in the eyes. Landon didn’t flinch like some would knowing what the eye behind his bangs could do. “We have proof sir, we have video evidence of Pyro and military soldiers attacking our school. And you don’t need to contain anything sir. We deserved to know and so do the Acolytes and the academy kids. The other Acolytes don’t even remember what they did. Perhaps they’d feel remorse for their actions.”, Landon replied. “Scarlet Witch will never allow her people to know the truth. She will come after you Landon. For what you’ve done. And for what she thinks you could do.”, Duncan said with a sigh. “Her name is Wanda sir. Don’t give her the power by using her codename, a name she chose to strike fear into others. And she’s not going to have a choice in her people knowing the truth. I’m aware she’ll come for me, and when that day comes I’ll be ready and I handle her my way. What do you mean thinks I could do? Last night she raged at me saying I’d die a martyr.”, Landon questioned. Duncan sighed. “Because of every student in this generation you are the one who could lead the X-Men. And when you’re ready I will step down and you will be in charge of the X-men and the Institute. She probably sees the same thing I see in you. Unlike me who encourages and has hope she fears it and wants to stop you.”, Duncan explained. Now it was Landon’s turn to be taken by surprise. He blinked stepping back. “What? Lead? Lead the X-Men? Be headmaster? Me? But…but why? There are about a dozen X-Men who could take over if you wanted to retire. Why look at me? I’m just a stubborn teenager. I don’t have what it takes to be in charge like that.”, Landon said shaking his head.
The other seven had gathered in the hallway listening to the conversation. Tommy, Billy and Atif were the only ones not surprised by what Duncan was saying. Tommy and Billy knew that their mother feared Landon coming to power and Billy had explained it to Atif already. “Because of every student I’ve ever seen since joining the X-Men you are the one most like Charles Francis Xavier. You have the same spark and ability to inspire all around you.”, Duncan said placing his hands on Landon’s shoulders. “It’s true there are those from the last generation who could do well in my title, but they would not be able to command the respect of this new generation as you do. You are the one who should lead the X-Men when you’re ready for it.”, Duncan said. Landon gulped shaking his head and removed Duncan’s hand. “I…but sir. I’m not Charles Xavier. I’m the punk rocker son of The Crow. I’m not a leader of men, of a movement like Charles Xavier was.”, Landon denied. “Landon you are. You have led and inspired others to follow you for years. You have your own quest and own movement, you believe in truth and that it can set people free. Last night despite the dangers you led Cora Lee, Lily, Ashley, Atif and Rose to fight against Wanda Maximoff. They followed you knowing they were going against her and that they’d also be going against the wishes of their parents and of me. You even have the Maximoff twins following you. You walk the halls of the institute and even my daughter Ororo, who’s but six, knows your name and looks at you with admiration.”, Duncan explained. Landon just kept shaking his head. “I…I can’t.. lead the X-Men. I don’t even know what I really want out of life. I know I want to teach history, to learn everything I can about the past. But…no. I couldn’t lead the X-Men. My friends follow me because..I don’t know. And the twins..it was just coincidence is all.”, Landon said closing his eyes still denying. In his mind he was thinking he wasn’t even sure he’d have a life to live much longer.
The seven looked at each other. They’d never known Landon to put himself down or think anything was out of his reach. Rose stood up from where she was crouched behind Cora Lee and gulped before walking into the living room. She walked to Landon and took his right hand. Cora Lee shrugged and followed and took her brother’s left hand. Lily and Ashley walked in next placing their hands on his left shoulder. Atif followed placing his hand on Landon’s right shoulder. All of them trying to encourage him. Billy took a deep breath and looked to Tommy who shrugged and they followed and stood next to Atif a hand on Landon’s right shoulder. Duncan watched with arched brow as they all piled in showing Landon their support. Landon opened his eyes. He looked to his right and saw Rose holding his hand, he looked over his shoulder to see Atif and the Maximoff twins. When he looked to his left he saw his sister holding his hand and at his shoulder Lily and Ashley. “What are you guys doing?”, Landon asked. “We’ve been eavesdropping.”, Cora Lee admitted. “Apparently. But what are you guys doing?”, Landon questioned again. “You just looked like you need some support. We aren’t saying take the offer to be head of the X-Men, but it’s something to think about. Professor Fearbirigh is right about you though. And you need to know that from us.”, Rose said squeezing his hand. Landon looked around at the faces.
“But why? I’m reckless and do seriously stupid shit that gets us all in trouble and almost killed.”, Landon questioned. Cora Lee laughed. “You aren’t as reckless as you think. We all know you’d do anything and everything to protect us. Weather the trouble was your fault or our own. You stepped in front of a shotgun for me and Rose.”, Cora Lee said. “You stood between Wanda and me last night. You were willing to take a hex ball to save me.”, Atif said. “You put yourself between her blast and me last night, getting your ribs broken so I didn’t get hurt.”, Ashley added. “You’ve stood up against everyone that’d dare harm us in our lives Landon.”, Lily stated. “You barely know us, yet you trust us without question and this morning you moved to block your headmaster from us when you didn’t have to.”, Billy and Tommy said. “But all of that is different. I mean with the exception of Billy and Tommy, I love you guys and would die for any of you. Billy and Tommy you earned my trust last night and now that you’re Haven I’ll protect you too.”, Landon said shaking his head. “But leading the X-Men is sooo different.”, Landon added. “We’re not saying you have to take the position. We’re just saying we know you could do it. All the new generation looks to you about things. Even younger students on our teams go to you. You have their respect and like us, their loyalty.”, Atif explained. Landon thought about it, he did get a lot of the younger kids who’d come to him with things. He just figured it was because he was the oldest. “I’ve never done anything to earn that kind of respect or loyalty. Last night was the first time I’d done anything big.”, Landon protested. “It’s not about anything you’ve done Landon. It’s about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, how you carry yourself. You have the vibe of someone who should be respected and because you also make yourself approachable and never turn someone away the younger kids all feel safe talking to you.”, Rose explained. “Our…mother..even saw it Landon. She saw how this new generation looked to you. And she fears that you’ll become a great leader like Xavier was.”, Billy said.
Duncan folded his arms and looked at the eight and smiled a little. “I’ll think about it. I’ve still got…other things on my plate.”, Landon said remaining vague as he glanced to Atif. Duncan nodded. “And that’s fine you still have school to finish before I’d consider stepping down. Now about this can of worms you eight opened. You said something about Scarlet Witch not being able to stop her people from knowing the truth. What did you mean?”, Duncan asked. Landon lifted his head and looked Duncan dead on. “I’m going to at the very least tell Kim. She deserves to know why my father hasn’t talked to her in fifteen years.”, Landon said firmly. “Wait what? You can’t just go there and talk to Pretender.”, Duncan argued. “Can and will. Besides the twins need to get their things to move in.”, Landon said smiling that ever familiar Bryant smile. “I’m not going to talk you out of this.”, Duncan said. Landon shook his head. “Nope.”, Landon said simply. Duncan smiled. “You are such your father’s son. That damn smile on your lips when you’ve set your mind to doing something.”, Duncan said shaking his head. “Don’t worry we’ll all go with him.”, Rose said. Landon shook his head. “No. Not this time. The twins and Lily are coming with me. That’s it. The rest of you can hang back as back up if we need it, but only the four of us will approach.”, Landon said.
Rose growled a little at being left out of the possible fight, again, but stopped herself mid growl and nodded. “Fine. But they make one move to attack you I’ll show them just how like my dad I can be.”, Rose said relenting. Landon chuckled and squeezed her hand. “Thanks. Besides I’ll feel safer having you, my baby sis, and the Alston twins as back up if shit hits the fan.”, Landon explained. Duncan sighed and shook his head. “I do not think this is a good idea. However I learned a long time ago not to try and argue with a Bryant. I will see you all back at the institute. Be safe and Landon, think about my offer.”, Duncan said before exiting the living room and grabbing his jacket. “Thanks for the coffee.”, he called down the hall before leaving the Haven. Landon let out a sigh glad that was over. Billy and Tommy took their hands back but the others all just hugged Landon. “Alright guys. Going to suffocate here. I think you’ve hugged me more in the last twenty-four hours than my whole life.”, Landon said trying to get free. The others laughed and let him go, Rose still lingering holding his hand. She have his hand a final squeeze before letting him go. “So..”, Landon said looking to Lily and the Maximoff brothers. “You three ready to face Kim?”, Landon asked grinning. Lily nodded. “Yes, fuck yes. I’m ready to confront my mother.”, Lily said. Tommy took her hand and nodded. “Let’s do this then.”, Landon said grabbing his jacket. “Mom! Dad! We’re heading out. We’ll be back in a little while.”, Landon called down the hall as he walked out the door followed by the others. David and Sadria raced for the door. “Where are you guys going?”, Sadria yelled from the porch. “Don’t worry mom! Lily just wants to talk to her mom!”, Ashley called climbing into the van. Before they could be stopped Landon quickly pulled out and headed for the Academy.