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As the kids were heading out Logan has spoken with John who’d assured him he’d handle getting something together for the family to have a reunion that night. With that in John’s capable hands Logan made his way to Isis’ office and knocked. Isis looked up from a file she’d been reviewing to the door. “Enter.”, Isis said letting her eyes return to her work. Logan open the door walking inside closing the door. “Hey kiddo.”, Logan greeted. Isis dropped the folder and looked up remembering that gruff voice from what felt like a lifetime ago. Her eyes lit up as she smiled seeing Logan. “Logan!”, she exclaimed getting up and moving from behind her desk to hug him. “We’d been told you were back but weren’t ready to see people yet.”, Isis said still hugging him. “I’ve missed you, we’ve all missed you Logan. God it’s great to have you back.”, Isis added. Logan smiled and hugged her back. “It’s nice to be back kiddo. I’ve missed all of you as well. I’m actually here on official business though.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow and stepped back. “What kind of official business?”, She questioned moving to sit back at her desk. “Duncan wants me to talk to you to get a little check mark that I am mentally capable to getting back to being active in the X-Men.”, Logan explained taking a seat. “Oh. Alright. Well to be able to give my approval we are going to have to discuss your time away. Probably in detail.”, Isis explained getting out a fresh folder and a note pad. Logan raised an eyebrow and sighed. “I don’t think I can give you much details kiddo. But I’ll tell you what I’m willing to disclose.”, Logan said. Isis sighed. “That probably won’t work, but let’s start there then. Go ahead Logan. Remember everything we discuss is confidential and I won’t even be disclosing what you tell me to Duncan.”, Isis assured holding pen to paper ready to take any notes she might need.
Logan sighed. “Alright. Guess I’ll start at the beginning. I was home on the couch with Aurelia when Pretender and a bunch of military guys crashed in through our windows. We fought back but there was more of them and I couldn’t risk Aurelia getting hurt. I drew their attention and made her leave. I got over taken. Took thirty of the bastards and Pretender to do it, but they got me. All that mattered was they didn’t get Aurelia.”, Logan said with a heavy sigh thinking back to that night. Isis nodded. “Continue as you want Logan.”, Isis said making a simple note in her book that he would risk his own life for Aurelia. Not that everyone and their mother didn’t know Logan would have gone to any lengths for Aurelia. “I woke up later in a cell I was all too familiar with. I knew the smell and recognized my own markings on the concrete walls from my time there before they put the adamantium on me. I was in the prison called the Cage. I realized Warren was in the cell next to me. But I couldn’t move. My body weighed too much for my strength. And I was in extreme pain. That’s when I remembered in the Cage the generated emitted some mutant suppressant. So my body couldn’t heal and it was rejecting the adamantium and my muscles couldn’t repair as they tore any time I moved from the weight of the metal. I came face to face with Colby Delaney who was sent to my cell to haul my ass out for interrogation. He told me he was there to help. He told me that Alison and Mary were also in the Cage with Warren and me. We had to play is safe and I think the kid enjoyed getting to hit me and that I couldn’t hit him back.”, Logan continued.
Isis stayed quiet and nodded taking down some notes. I got brought to a small room and strapped to a chair. Wanda came in to be the one to interrogate me. She found it amusing to have me there. She didn’t find it amusing when I spit in her face. She beat me of course, hit me a few times, cut me up a bit with her knife. Hooked me up to a battery once to see if adamantium conducts electricity. Answer, yes. But every time she asked where the other X-Men would have gone I had a simple answer.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”, Isis asked. “James Logan Howlett, aka Wolverine, 45825243. My name, my codename and the number from my dotages. Followed up by a spit of blood and saliva. She really didn’t like that as my consistent answer. Even if I’d known about the bunker you lot were held up in, I’d have given her the same answer every time. I wasn’t and will never give that little bitch the satisfaction of breaking me. After that first interrogation time just kind of blurred, I only knew the days changed by the faint light coming in through the small bars of my cell. Though sometimes I couldn’t see it just feel it because my eyes were swollen shut. I knew you all were going to come for us, Colby assured me of that. Just like he assured me that Aurelia was safe, and that’s all that mattered. As long as she was safe I could endure whatever I had to so I could get back to her.”, Logan explained.
Isis nodded. “Right. I’m glad to know that despite what has happened she couldn’t break you. Then again your Logan, and I couldn’t imagine someone as strong as you being broken.”, Isis admitted. Logan smiled with a nod. “So what can you tell me about the day they came to rescue you?”, Isis inquired. Logan sighed. “I was done in interrogation when the rumbling started and the power went out. Wanda ran from the room to see what was happening. With the power out the power eliminator was taken out. My powers returned, my healing taking it’s sweet time. But I could start to smell and hear what was going on. I knew that it was John and Aurelia and the blasting was actually Bubbles. I had to get out of there. So I mustered enough strength to get out of my chair. Scared the crap out of the guards left to watch me when I popped my claws. Got one of their guns and started heading for the roof knocking out anyone that got in my way. Almost took out Colby because he was in uniform. He told me where to find Aurelia and John. He kept going deeper into the prison to find the others. I made my way to the roof. Aurelia and John were facing off against Wanda. Wanda was frazzled but she was holding her own. She knocked John off the roof. Enough of my power was back that I got involved to keep her away from Aurelia. We went a few rounds, she cut Aurelia. Got thrown off her game by the fact John wasn’t gone because Bubble caught him. John was checking on Aurelia and I could barely move. I heard a lot of noise, various voices over a radio talking at once. I couldn’t make it out because of the wind nor what Wanda was saying. But I saw her glaring at Aurelia and John then that purple hex glow forming on her hands. I did the only thing I could think of. I used every ounce of energy I had left and I put myself between them and her. Next thing I know My chest feels like it’s on fire as she hit me with her hex and not long after I felt something slam into my back and the world went black.”, Logan explained.
Isis nodded, the everything going black was a common among everyone that was on the missions. “What happened after it went black?”, Isis asked. Logan signed and looked down for a moment. He wanted to be back to active status but how much was he really willing to tell the kid? Some of the stuff he saw in that other place dealt with her. And yes she’d trained to handle all sort of things, but when it’s made personal it’s harder to keep that professionalism. “When the world came back into focus I was..well trapped between worlds. I could see what was happening but no one could see me. The last thing I heard before I was hit was Aurelia yelling my name. I turned around when the light came back and she was crumbled on the ground in John’s arms both looking at me but acting like they didn’t see me. I could see the confusion and anguish in their eyes. I look behind me and I saw something different. That’s how I knew I wasn’t in time proper. Next thing I knew I was at the bunker and Aurelia was yelling at Duncan. Duncan went over the situation, that Wanda changed reality so that it was the Fired of Humanity taking the fall and her team wasn’t. And the only reason her power didn’t affect everyone else was Solangel countering it. Duncan was trying to get everyone to just accept reality as it is and not try and go after the Acolytes since they no longer remembered what they did. I kind of filtered between worlds walking like a shadow. I watched but couldn’t do anything. I remember watching the memorial. See my children coming down the hill. I saw Aurelia wanting to run, to just escape the pain but Hudson took her hand and wouldn’t let her. God love that boy he wouldn’t give up on the woman he called mom. I listened to his speech about me and that he’d not give up hope. He showed in that moment he was more John than me and exactly why he was a King even at his age.”, Logan said with a sigh thinking to that sorrowful day.
Isis made notes about him referencing being between worlds, yet he didn’t talk about the other place. “From there it was a while before I walked this reality. I don’t know how or why but I didn’t have control on which side I was watching or how long I would be there. But then… something happened in that other place and all I wanted was to see Aurelia to know she was safe. I found myself in her parent’s old ranch in Oregon, that her friend Alex had taken over. I remember the amount of relief I had that she was safe, that the baby was safe.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow at that comment. “When Aurelia was in Oregon, I didn’t think she knew she was pregnant. How would you have known?”, Isis questioned. Logan blinked and looked up and shook his head. “Nothing. I mean. Well that other place was still all of you just different from this reality. I knew about the baby because of that place. Anyway. I was glad to see she was okay. I laughed as Alex striked out again trying to make a play. Boy didn’t seem to get dead or alive Aurelia is mine. I watched unable to interfere or interact as she spiraled out of control with drinking. Then she realized it, taking a few tests and even saw a doctor that confirmed she was expecting. She came home then. My brother and your Aunt accepted her back no questions asked and accepted the baby as a Howlett. After all timeline wise it was possible she’d gotten that way before I was captured. Fuck probably happened early that day I was taken. But I know that Aurelia had her doubts because the doctors couldn’t give an exact number of weeks because she couldn’t remember her last cycle. But I knew the baby was mine because of that other place, I had no doubts. And I was glad my brother didn’t either. I was pissed when Cero and Kirra did. First time I was really able to interact with the world was the day Rose was born. I tripped Cero and Kirra who refused to believe that Rose was mine. Still pissed at them for it. For how they treated Aurelia and Rose over these years.”, Logan explained. Isis nodded making a couple more notes.
“It’d killed me to watch Aurelia go through the pregnancy without me, even though I was right there beside her. I didn’t sleep or eat in my time stuck between worlds didn’t need to. I lost count of how many nights I stood by our bedside feeling guilt and like my heart was being ripped out as she held my pillows or my jacket anything that still hand a lingering scent of me and cried. Then after Rose was born. I still had to stand there and be able to do nothing while Aurelia still cried at night. But I would also walk to the nursery and get to see Rose sleeping so peacefully in her crib. I’d not planned more kids. Kirra was the last I’d actively been part of planning. Hudson was kind of dropped on me, though love the boy more than life. But Rose, Rose is special for me. Aurelia and I didn’t plan her, but she was there all the same. A tiny piece of us melded into one. And maybe it was because her name is Rose she hold a place in my heart. So I watched her grow. I saw her crawl, walk and talk all those first moments. I remember being at Hudson’s castle when he was getting married to Teresa Hamilton. I was watching him teach her to ride a bike without training wheels in the courtyard, doing something I should have been doing. It was then I heard someone freaking out. I looked and it was little Billy Maximoff. He could see me. No one had been able to see me. But somehow he could. He freaked out because well I may be a famous here I’m infamous at the Academy. He freaked out so bad his powers shook all of the castle and he disappeared. I knew in that moment if I was going to get out he was my key.”, Logan explained.
Isis tried to not get emotional as he talked about Aurelia and with how he talked about Rose. She couldn’t help it, she knew he wasn’t one of opening up or showing emotions but something about Aurelia and Rose he couldn’t hide them. Isis got up and hugged him tightly. “I don’t think I could have done what you’ve done Logan.”, Isis commented. Logan nodded and patted her arms. “It’s alright kiddo. My mind is good at suppressing and healing over bad spots.”, Logan explained. Isis sighed. “But healing over things doesn’t make it better you never face them and you never get better you just ignore them. We need to face problems head on. Remember you taught me that.”, Isis said moving to sit back down. Logan chuckled. “Using my own lines against me kiddo? Crafty. Anyway. After the incident with Billy I started trying to interact, to be able to roam further from Rose and Aurelia. I realized that if someone was going to try and find the truth and maybe save me I’d need to put my trust into one of the kids. Because all you adults weren’t going to push the issue because of Duncan. That’s when I decided on Landon. I started in small ways interacting, getting him into the mystery. And like the Bryant he is kid went head first into it. I offered help pointing them in the right direction over the years. Then Atif had that vision about Landon getting killed.”, Logan said with a sigh. “You knew about that?”, Isis questioned. Logan nodded. “Yup. I hung close to the kid since I was putting my life in his hands. So I knew when Atif told him. I was there when the kid stepped between Mark’s shotgun barrels and his sister and my Rose. I saw him protect my little girl and use his powers to do it. Which I guess a guy steps up and does something like that, can’t really blame my kid for crushing. I know he had to talk to you after the incident with his step dad and he told you about the vision.”, Logan explained. Isis blinked. “Wait crushing? You, the Wolverine who hates any boy who looks at his daughters, is okay with the idea that his little girl has a…crush on Landon?”, Isis questioned.
Logan chuckled and shrugged. “Being a shadow I know a lot of details no one else does. I know Rose has feeling for Landon. I know she’s not the only one, especially not the only Howeltt. And I know what the boy feels and that he’s going to not say shit till he deals with Atif’s vision. Which I guess I can commend him. He’s a good kid.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow realizing there was only one other Howlett girl and sighed shaking her head not wanting to get into that. This was Logan’s sessions. “Alright so you know about the vision Atif had and still you kept them on this path?”, Isis questioned. Logan nodded. “Yes. I certainly couldn’t help him, save him if I was over there. I needed to get out. And it wasn’t going to be enough for them to know the truth. I needed Billy. He was the only one with the power to get me out. I needed a way that the kids would actually trust him. So I played match maker.”, Logan explained. “What does that mean?”, Isis asked. “I switched the seating chart on Atif and Billy’s science class making them lab partners.”, Logan stated. Isis laughed a little realizing he set the two boys up. “That was devious of you Logan. What if they didn’t end up liking each other?”, Isis questioned. “I have walked this world as a shadow since before they were born. I know them better than anyone and trust me after how long I’ve lived I know what compatible looks straight or not. And it was the only way I could think to get Billy in the good graces of the kids. And it worked. Because of his feelings for Atif that were returned they were able to piece it together and I was able to reach out to Billy a final time on new years. I told them what they needed to do. And like clockwork they did it. Landon lead them on the scavenger hunt to get their answers and then lead them against Wanda. I had to stand back and just wait for the spell to finish so I could prevent Wanda from killing Landon. I would not let that boy die so I could live. And I got out in time to stop her, that time at least. And well since I’ve been back I’ve been held up at the apartment making up fifteen years of being absent to Aurelia.”, Logan concluded. Isis shook her head. “Did she come to the school with you today?”, Isis inquired. “No. Left her in bed to rest. So that’s all I’ve got. Am I good to return to duty?”, Logan asked moving to stand up.
“Not quite that easy Logan. We’ll need a couple more sessions. I need to make sure that your experience isn’t going to send you over the edge if say you come across Kim, whom has sought refuge at the Haven apparently having been told what happened by Landon, or any of the Acolytes for that matter. I need to know you won’t go berserk on them. And this other place you vaguely spoke on. We will need to talk about that place. I need to know you are mentally well enough and that these events haven’t had an adverse affect on you.”, Isis explained. Logan sighed. “I’m not going to go off and kill one of the Acolytes. I had my chance to kill Wanda the night I was brought back. I let her live. I think that speaks volumes. As for that other place.”, Logan said stopping at the door. “That’s something I can’t talk to you about. I know you are a professional kiddo. I’m real proud of how good you did in school and what you do. Couldn’t be prouder if you were one of my own. But there are some things I will always protect you from. And what I saw is something I feel I need to shield you from.”, Logan explained. Isis sighed shaking her head. “I’m not a kid Logan. I don’t need you to protect me. I need to know what happened so I can properly asses your mental condition. And till then I can’t give Duncan my approval.”, Isis explained. Logan nodded. “You do what you need to kiddo and I’ll do what I need to.”, Logan stated. “And if it means not returning to active duty?”, Isis questioned. Logan shrugged. “Then I retire. I spend my days with my wife, my children and my grandchildren.”, Logan said with a shrug walking out of the office. Isis sighed and sat at her desk going over her notes from what he would tell her. He seemed pretty stable but his inability to talk about this other place worried her. What could have happened there that would be worse than what she’d lived through with the attack and all the deaths.
Across two at the Draven David had driven the boys over to the club since he was going to unlock it for hid kids to practice and to meet with Xavier and Rachel. “Alright boys you can help yourselves to water bottles and some snacks if you want. Landon and the kids should be here shortly.”, David said waving a hand to the four boys. “And I will be meeting with some clients while all this is going on about reserving the club for a party. So don’t bother my clients when they arrive.”, David commented walking to his office. Merrick raised an eyebrow. “Why the hell would we want to bother his clients?”, Merrick questioned. Billy shrugged. “Not a clue, we’ll just stay out of his way. No big deal.”, Billy said walking over to the area by the stage and grabbing a seat. Tommy followed and sat down by his brother to wait. Sebastian however was looking around with full wide eyed wonder looking around the club. “This place is awesome. I can’t believe that your brother owns this place.”, Sebastian said walking next to Merrick who was guiding him to the booth with Tommy and Billy. “Yeah yeah yeah come on. It’s also our cousin’s club you know. Take a seat kid.”, Merrick said nudging his brother into the booth next to Tommy yet he just leaned against the booth not wanting to sit down. There was a knock at the doors. Merrick looked to the closed door of David’s office and groaned. “Great he didn’t hear that. And I doubt Lily and them would knock.”, Merrick said walking over to the door pulling it open.
Standing on the other side Xavier and Rachel went from smiles to confused. “Um. Merrick..”, Rachel said raising an eyebrow. It wasn’t really a well kept secret that Merrick had switched sides and went to the Haven with his mother and brother. It was just really odd to find him at the Draven. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Landon isn’t here yet. They are enroute for practice.”, Merrick said looking at Rachel then glancing to Xavier. Rachel still looked confused. “What about Landon? Um. We are here to speak with Mister Bryant.”, Rachel explained. Now it was Merrick that got to look confused. “You are the ‘clients’ David said was coming about renting the club?”, Merrick asked. Xavier nodded. “Yes we are here on behalf of my grandfather and her father. Where might we find Mister Bryant?”, Xavier explained. “Um in his office.”, Merrick said stepping out of the way for them to enter pointing to the office. Rachel smiled. “Thanks Merrick.”, Rachel said cheerfully walking past him. Merrick stood with raised eyebrow, people weren’t generally happy to see him. Xavier shrugged and followed his cousin. He glanced over to the booth and waved. “Hey Tommy! Hi Billy!”, Xavier called. They turned and looked waving back. “Hey Xavier and Rachel! Here to see the band practice?”, Billy called. “Not our original plans. Father and Uncle James want us to talk to Mister Bryant first.”, Rachel explained with a wave of greeting. “Cool see you after!”, Tommy called. Rachel smiled and knocked on the office door. “Come on in kids.”, David said having heard them come in. Rachel and Xavier disappeared into the office and Merrick went to close the door.
Before the door could close Landon’s foot was in the way. “Ouch, cuz.”, Landon said with a smile pushing the door open again stepping inside. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Remind me to slam it harder next time so it can really hurt.”, Merrick commented. Landon chuckled. “You will eventually need to let the hostility go Merrick. We aren’t on opposite sides anymore. And I’m not going to let you bait me. Come on let’s go have some fun. You enjoy music.”, Landon said putting an arm around his cousin’s shoulders. Merrick growled low, but stopped as Lily looped her arm with his sandwiching him between her and Landon. “Come on bro.”, Lily said. Merrick rolled his eyes. Landon laughed at his reaction. “It’ll be alright promise.”, Landon said. Merrick shrugged Landon’s arm. “Don’t touch me Landon. We aren’t friends and we aren’t going to be. So just knock it off, whatever the hell this is.”, Merrick said. Landon sighed. “I’m not going to knock off trying to be your friend. We are family and I’m not going to war with family. Especially not one that made a conscious choice to no longer be involved with the acolytes. Face it you are stuck with me.”, Landon said with a smirk. Rose and Cora Lee came in behind him and Lily along with Atif and Ashley. Cora Lee jumped onto Landon’s back. “To the stage.”, Cora Lee ordered pointing. Landon chuckled. “God your getting big for this.”, Landon said carrying his little sister. “Oh please you carried Rose down the damn stairs earlier. You better not be trying to say I weigh more than her.”, Cora Lee said. Landon laughed. “Maybe you do. You have all those piercing and carrying all the metal around.”, Landon teased heading for the stage. He stopped and turned his back to the stage so Cora Lee could just sit.
Rose chuckled following along with the Alston twins. Lily dragged her brother over to the booth. Sebastian lighting up as she jumped up and hugged Lily before Tommy could get to her. “Lily!”, Sebastian exclaimed. Lily laughed. “Aw I’ve missed you too little Bastian.”, Lily said hugging him back. Tommy pouted. “Kid you standing between me and my girl.”, Tommy teased. Lily laughed. “Oh get over it Tommy he’s my baby brother.”, Lily said. Sebastian turned his head to Tommy and stuck his tongue out. Merrick even laughed at that. Atif slid into the booth next to Billy, Billy putting an arm around Atif. “Hey there.”, Billy greeted turning Atif’s face slightly and kissing him. Tommy rolled his eyes. “Get a room.”, Tommy teams. Atif blushed a little as Billy pulled back and punched his twin in the arm. “Stop embarrassing my boyfriend, granted it’s cute that his face can turn the same shade of red as his hair. But still.”, Billy said. Merrick rolled his eyes and leaned on the booth. Sebastian let go of his big sister and climbed back into the booth to sit. “Sorry…”, Tommy said holding up his hands like he was surrendering. Lily shook her head and get into the booth next to Tommy and wrapped her arms around his neck giving him a solid kiss before pulling back. “Should we find a room too?”, Lily teased. Tommy blushed a little but smirked. “If you know one.”, Tommy answered. Merrick growled a little and Landon shook his head. He walked over to the booth and leaned on the table looked from Tommy to Billy. “Alright so I skipped this last time we saw each other because we’d just been through hell. But I’ll not skip it any longer.”, Landon said. Billy and Tommy raised their eyebrows exchanging a look. “Thomas, the girl you just even jokingly propositioned is my cousin. I love her as I do my own sister. You hurt her you’re speed won’t get you away fast enough before I turn you into a snow globe to add to Aunt Solangel’s collection.”, Landon warned then looked to Billy. “And William, Atif’s my best friend. He’s the brother I never got. You hurt him you will not get to live to regret it.”, Landon warned. Tommy and Billy looked at each other then to Landon and then to Lily and Atif kind of wondering if he was serious. They didn’t know him enough to guess, but his expression looked serious. Atif nodded. “He means it. Landon is a sweet big brother that none of us asked for.”, Atif said patting Billy on the leg. “No worries Landon. My brother and I have no intentions of hurting our gingers.”, Billy said. Landon nodded. “Good because my dad and mom might frown upon me kicking the shit out of two new Haven mutants.”, Landon said.
Rose leaned against the stage just watching, standing by Cora Lee. She sniffed the air. “Rachel and Xavier are here?”, Rose asked out of the blue. Merrick raised an eyebrow and looked to Rose then pointed over his shoulder to the office. “They are talking to David.”, Merrick explained. Rose nodded. Landon looked over to the office door part of him wondering if Rachel was going to hang around after she talked to his dad. He hadn’t seen her since New Years. “Alright so let’s start practice.”, Landon suggested pulling his sticks from his jacket pocket before taking his jacket off and tossing it into an empty booth. Cora Lee nodded tossing her jack with his and getting her bass strapped over her shoulder. “Yeah let’s practice.”, Rose agreed throwing her jacket at Landon. “Catch.”, Rose teased climbing onto the stage and getting her guitar. Landon smirked shaking his head catching her jacket and setting it down with his. “I’m not a coat rack, but if you like I could turn you into one Rose.”, Landon teased jumping onto the stage. Rose nudged him as he walked past with a smirk. Landon rolled his eyes taking his seat at the drums. “Let’s try that new one I wrote.”, Landon suggested. Rose and Cora Lee nodded starting to play.
“I know your insides are feeling so hollow. And it’s a hard pill for you to swallow, yeah. But if I fall for you, I’ll never recover. If I fall for you, I’ll never be the same.”, Landon’s voice filled the club accompanied by his drumming, Rose’s guitar and Cora Lee’s bass. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know where’ only half way there. But you can take me all the way, if you take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about you every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way.”, The trio sang the chorus in unison their voiced blending perfectly to were each was unique but still came together in harmony. “You’re such a hard act for me to follow. Love me today don’t leave me tomorrow, yeah. But if I fall for you, I’ll never recover. If I fall for you, I’ll never be the same.”, Landon sang alone. Merrick watched motionless not wanting to show any interest in the music. The others, even Sebastian were getting into the new song. Back in David’s office they could hear the song. Rachel raised an eyebrow turning her head. “Guess they started practice.”, David commented noticing Rachel turning a little. “Tell John and Logan it’s fine if they want the club tonight. We aren’t open so as long as the Howletts can leave the place they way they found it good. They’ll have to pay the regular $200 fee for using the space.”, David said pulling out contract paper work. “I’ll be here when you guys need to show up. So John or Logan can sign this stuff then and make the payment.”, David said. “So you two can go joint he kids if you want, I can see your anxious to go hear the new song.”, David said with a smile waving the two away. Xavier gave a polite bow and heading out followed by Rachel.
The two made it over to the booths, Xavier sliding in next to Ashley giving her a kiss on the cheek. Rachel sat down at the second booth moving the band’s jackets since the other booth was full. She didn’t care where she was sitting she was still able to see the band, and more importantly see Landon on the drums. Merrick raised an eyebrow and glanced to Rachel and then looked back to stage shaking his head. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know we’re only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about you every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But you can take me all the way, if you can take me all the way.”, the band sang together. Landon’s eyes looked up for a moment and noticed Rachel now watching them practice. He quickly looked back to his drums not wanting to lose his place since this was a new song. “Oh, oh oh, oh oh oh. Oh, oh, oh oh oh.”, Landon said letting his head bob a little to the music. “I don’t know where to start. I’m just a little lost. I wanna feel like we’re never gonna ever stop. I don’t know what to do. I’m right in front of you. Asking you to stay. You should stay. Stay with me tonight, yeah.”, Landon continued. Rachel smiled enjoying the song and a bit enjoying the lyrics even if she knew there most likely had nothing to do with her. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know were’ only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. Oh, oh, oh oh oh. Oh, oh, oh oh oh. Take me all the way, if you take me all the way yeah”, they sang in unison finishing up the song. The group applauded, except Merrick who just shrugged. The band went into their next song getting a few more songs for their practice before they needed to leave Landon and Lily needing to go to work at the flower shop.

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As the kids were heading out Logan has spoken with John who’d assured him he’d handle getting something together for the family to have a reunion that night. With that in John’s capable hands Logan made his way to Isis’ office and knocked. Isis looked up from a file she’d been reviewing to the door. “Enter.”, Isis said letting her eyes return to her work. Logan open the door walking inside closing the door. “Hey kiddo.”, Logan greeted. Isis dropped the folder and looked up remembering that gruff voice from what felt like a lifetime ago. Her eyes lit up as she smiled seeing Logan. “Logan!”, she exclaimed getting up and moving from behind her desk to hug him. “We’d been told you were back but weren’t ready to see people yet.”, Isis said still hugging him. “I’ve missed you, we’ve all missed you Logan. God it’s great to have you back.”, Isis added. Logan smiled and hugged her back. “It’s nice to be back kiddo. I’ve missed all of you as well. I’m actually here on official business though.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow and stepped back. “What kind of official business?”, She questioned moving to sit back at her desk. “Duncan wants me to talk to you to get a little check mark that I am mentally capable to getting back to being active in the X-Men.”, Logan explained taking a seat. “Oh. Alright. Well to be able to give my approval we are going to have to discuss your time away. Probably in detail.”, Isis explained getting out a fresh folder and a note pad. Logan raised an eyebrow and sighed. “I don’t think I can give you much details kiddo. But I’ll tell you what I’m willing to disclose.”, Logan said. Isis sighed. “That probably won’t work, but let’s start there then. Go ahead Logan. Remember everything we discuss is confidential and I won’t even be disclosing what you tell me to Duncan.”, Isis assured holding pen to paper ready to take any notes she might need.
Logan sighed. “Alright. Guess I’ll start at the beginning. I was home on the couch with Aurelia when Pretender and a bunch of military guys crashed in through our windows. We fought back but there was more of them and I couldn’t risk Aurelia getting hurt. I drew their attention and made her leave. I got over taken. Took thirty of the bastards and Pretender to do it, but they got me. All that mattered was they didn’t get Aurelia.”, Logan said with a heavy sigh thinking back to that night. Isis nodded. “Continue as you want Logan.”, Isis said making a simple note in her book that he would risk his own life for Aurelia. Not that everyone and their mother didn’t know Logan would have gone to any lengths for Aurelia. “I woke up later in a cell I was all too familiar with. I knew the smell and recognized my own markings on the concrete walls from my time there before they put the adamantium on me. I was in the prison called the Cage. I realized Warren was in the cell next to me. But I couldn’t move. My body weighed too much for my strength. And I was in extreme pain. That’s when I remembered in the Cage the generated emitted some mutant suppressant. So my body couldn’t heal and it was rejecting the adamantium and my muscles couldn’t repair as they tore any time I moved from the weight of the metal. I came face to face with Colby Delaney who was sent to my cell to haul my ass out for interrogation. He told me he was there to help. He told me that Alison and Mary were also in the Cage with Warren and me. We had to play is safe and I think the kid enjoyed getting to hit me and that I couldn’t hit him back.”, Logan continued.
Isis stayed quiet and nodded taking down some notes. I got brought to a small room and strapped to a chair. Wanda came in to be the one to interrogate me. She found it amusing to have me there. She didn’t find it amusing when I spit in her face. She beat me of course, hit me a few times, cut me up a bit with her knife. Hooked me up to a battery once to see if adamantium conducts electricity. Answer, yes. But every time she asked where the other X-Men would have gone I had a simple answer.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”, Isis asked. “James Logan Howlett, aka Wolverine, 45825243. My name, my codename and the number from my dotages. Followed up by a spit of blood and saliva. She really didn’t like that as my consistent answer. Even if I’d known about the bunker you lot were held up in, I’d have given her the same answer every time. I wasn’t and will never give that little bitch the satisfaction of breaking me. After that first interrogation time just kind of blurred, I only knew the days changed by the faint light coming in through the small bars of my cell. Though sometimes I couldn’t see it just feel it because my eyes were swollen shut. I knew you all were going to come for us, Colby assured me of that. Just like he assured me that Aurelia was safe, and that’s all that mattered. As long as she was safe I could endure whatever I had to so I could get back to her.”, Logan explained.
Isis nodded. “Right. I’m glad to know that despite what has happened she couldn’t break you. Then again your Logan, and I couldn’t imagine someone as strong as you being broken.”, Isis admitted. Logan smiled with a nod. “So what can you tell me about the day they came to rescue you?”, Isis inquired. Logan sighed. “I was done in interrogation when the rumbling started and the power went out. Wanda ran from the room to see what was happening. With the power out the power eliminator was taken out. My powers returned, my healing taking it’s sweet time. But I could start to smell and hear what was going on. I knew that it was John and Aurelia and the blasting was actually Bubbles. I had to get out of there. So I mustered enough strength to get out of my chair. Scared the crap out of the guards left to watch me when I popped my claws. Got one of their guns and started heading for the roof knocking out anyone that got in my way. Almost took out Colby because he was in uniform. He told me where to find Aurelia and John. He kept going deeper into the prison to find the others. I made my way to the roof. Aurelia and John were facing off against Wanda. Wanda was frazzled but she was holding her own. She knocked John off the roof. Enough of my power was back that I got involved to keep her away from Aurelia. We went a few rounds, she cut Aurelia. Got thrown off her game by the fact John wasn’t gone because Bubble caught him. John was checking on Aurelia and I could barely move. I heard a lot of noise, various voices over a radio talking at once. I couldn’t make it out because of the wind nor what Wanda was saying. But I saw her glaring at Aurelia and John then that purple hex glow forming on her hands. I did the only thing I could think of. I used every ounce of energy I had left and I put myself between them and her. Next thing I know My chest feels like it’s on fire as she hit me with her hex and not long after I felt something slam into my back and the world went black.”, Logan explained.
Isis nodded, the everything going black was a common among everyone that was on the missions. “What happened after it went black?”, Isis asked. Logan signed and looked down for a moment. He wanted to be back to active status but how much was he really willing to tell the kid? Some of the stuff he saw in that other place dealt with her. And yes she’d trained to handle all sort of things, but when it’s made personal it’s harder to keep that professionalism. “When the world came back into focus I was..well trapped between worlds. I could see what was happening but no one could see me. The last thing I heard before I was hit was Aurelia yelling my name. I turned around when the light came back and she was crumbled on the ground in John’s arms both looking at me but acting like they didn’t see me. I could see the confusion and anguish in their eyes. I look behind me and I saw something different. That’s how I knew I wasn’t in time proper. Next thing I knew I was at the bunker and Aurelia was yelling at Duncan. Duncan went over the situation, that Wanda changed reality so that it was the Fired of Humanity taking the fall and her team wasn’t. And the only reason her power didn’t affect everyone else was Solangel countering it. Duncan was trying to get everyone to just accept reality as it is and not try and go after the Acolytes since they no longer remembered what they did. I kind of filtered between worlds walking like a shadow. I watched but couldn’t do anything. I remember watching the memorial. See my children coming down the hill. I saw Aurelia wanting to run, to just escape the pain but Hudson took her hand and wouldn’t let her. God love that boy he wouldn’t give up on the woman he called mom. I listened to his speech about me and that he’d not give up hope. He showed in that moment he was more John than me and exactly why he was a King even at his age.”, Logan said with a sigh thinking to that sorrowful day.
Isis made notes about him referencing being between worlds, yet he didn’t talk about the other place. “From there it was a while before I walked this reality. I don’t know how or why but I didn’t have control on which side I was watching or how long I would be there. But then… something happened in that other place and all I wanted was to see Aurelia to know she was safe. I found myself in her parent’s old ranch in Oregon, that her friend Alex had taken over. I remember the amount of relief I had that she was safe, that the baby was safe.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow at that comment. “When Aurelia was in Oregon, I didn’t think she knew she was pregnant. How would you have known?”, Isis questioned. Logan blinked and looked up and shook his head. “Nothing. I mean. Well that other place was still all of you just different from this reality. I knew about the baby because of that place. Anyway. I was glad to see she was okay. I laughed as Alex striked out again trying to make a play. Boy didn’t seem to get dead or alive Aurelia is mine. I watched unable to interfere or interact as she spiraled out of control with drinking. Then she realized it, taking a few tests and even saw a doctor that confirmed she was expecting. She came home then. My brother and your Aunt accepted her back no questions asked and accepted the baby as a Howlett. After all timeline wise it was possible she’d gotten that way before I was captured. Fuck probably happened early that day I was taken. But I know that Aurelia had her doubts because the doctors couldn’t give an exact number of weeks because she couldn’t remember her last cycle. But I knew the baby was mine because of that other place, I had no doubts. And I was glad my brother didn’t either. I was pissed when Cero and Kirra did. First time I was really able to interact with the world was the day Rose was born. I tripped Cero and Kirra who refused to believe that Rose was mine. Still pissed at them for it. For how they treated Aurelia and Rose over these years.”, Logan explained. Isis nodded making a couple more notes.
“It’d killed me to watch Aurelia go through the pregnancy without me, even though I was right there beside her. I didn’t sleep or eat in my time stuck between worlds didn’t need to. I lost count of how many nights I stood by our bedside feeling guilt and like my heart was being ripped out as she held my pillows or my jacket anything that still hand a lingering scent of me and cried. Then after Rose was born. I still had to stand there and be able to do nothing while Aurelia still cried at night. But I would also walk to the nursery and get to see Rose sleeping so peacefully in her crib. I’d not planned more kids. Kirra was the last I’d actively been part of planning. Hudson was kind of dropped on me, though love the boy more than life. But Rose, Rose is special for me. Aurelia and I didn’t plan her, but she was there all the same. A tiny piece of us melded into one. And maybe it was because her name is Rose she hold a place in my heart. So I watched her grow. I saw her crawl, walk and talk all those first moments. I remember being at Hudson’s castle when he was getting married to Teresa Hamilton. I was watching him teach her to ride a bike without training wheels in the courtyard, doing something I should have been doing. It was then I heard someone freaking out. I looked and it was little Billy Maximoff. He could see me. No one had been able to see me. But somehow he could. He freaked out because well I may be a famous here I’m infamous at the Academy. He freaked out so bad his powers shook all of the castle and he disappeared. I knew in that moment if I was going to get out he was my key.”, Logan explained.
Isis tried to not get emotional as he talked about Aurelia and with how he talked about Rose. She couldn’t help it, she knew he wasn’t one of opening up or showing emotions but something about Aurelia and Rose he couldn’t hide them. Isis got up and hugged him tightly. “I don’t think I could have done what you’ve done Logan.”, Isis commented. Logan nodded and patted her arms. “It’s alright kiddo. My mind is good at suppressing and healing over bad spots.”, Logan explained. Isis sighed. “But healing over things doesn’t make it better you never face them and you never get better you just ignore them. We need to face problems head on. Remember you taught me that.”, Isis said moving to sit back down. Logan chuckled. “Using my own lines against me kiddo? Crafty. Anyway. After the incident with Billy I started trying to interact, to be able to roam further from Rose and Aurelia. I realized that if someone was going to try and find the truth and maybe save me I’d need to put my trust into one of the kids. Because all you adults weren’t going to push the issue because of Duncan. That’s when I decided on Landon. I started in small ways interacting, getting him into the mystery. And like the Bryant he is kid went head first into it. I offered help pointing them in the right direction over the years. Then Atif had that vision about Landon getting killed.”, Logan said with a sigh. “You knew about that?”, Isis questioned. Logan nodded. “Yup. I hung close to the kid since I was putting my life in his hands. So I knew when Atif told him. I was there when the kid stepped between Mark’s shotgun barrels and his sister and my Rose. I saw him protect my little girl and use his powers to do it. Which I guess a guy steps up and does something like that, can’t really blame my kid for crushing. I know he had to talk to you after the incident with his step dad and he told you about the vision.”, Logan explained. Isis blinked. “Wait crushing? You, the Wolverine who hates any boy who looks at his daughters, is okay with the idea that his little girl has a…crush on Landon?”, Isis questioned.
Logan chuckled and shrugged. “Being a shadow I know a lot of details no one else does. I know Rose has feeling for Landon. I know she’s not the only one, especially not the only Howeltt. And I know what the boy feels and that he’s going to not say shit till he deals with Atif’s vision. Which I guess I can commend him. He’s a good kid.”, Logan explained. Isis raised an eyebrow realizing there was only one other Howlett girl and sighed shaking her head not wanting to get into that. This was Logan’s sessions. “Alright so you know about the vision Atif had and still you kept them on this path?”, Isis questioned. Logan nodded. “Yes. I certainly couldn’t help him, save him if I was over there. I needed to get out. And it wasn’t going to be enough for them to know the truth. I needed Billy. He was the only one with the power to get me out. I needed a way that the kids would actually trust him. So I played match maker.”, Logan explained. “What does that mean?”, Isis asked. “I switched the seating chart on Atif and Billy’s science class making them lab partners.”, Logan stated. Isis laughed a little realizing he set the two boys up. “That was devious of you Logan. What if they didn’t end up liking each other?”, Isis questioned. “I have walked this world as a shadow since before they were born. I know them better than anyone and trust me after how long I’ve lived I know what compatible looks straight or not. And it was the only way I could think to get Billy in the good graces of the kids. And it worked. Because of his feelings for Atif that were returned they were able to piece it together and I was able to reach out to Billy a final time on new years. I told them what they needed to do. And like clockwork they did it. Landon lead them on the scavenger hunt to get their answers and then lead them against Wanda. I had to stand back and just wait for the spell to finish so I could prevent Wanda from killing Landon. I would not let that boy die so I could live. And I got out in time to stop her, that time at least. And well since I’ve been back I’ve been held up at the apartment making up fifteen years of being absent to Aurelia.”, Logan concluded. Isis shook her head. “Did she come to the school with you today?”, Isis inquired. “No. Left her in bed to rest. So that’s all I’ve got. Am I good to return to duty?”, Logan asked moving to stand up.
“Not quite that easy Logan. We’ll need a couple more sessions. I need to make sure that your experience isn’t going to send you over the edge if say you come across Kim, whom has sought refuge at the Haven apparently having been told what happened by Landon, or any of the Acolytes for that matter. I need to know you won’t go berserk on them. And this other place you vaguely spoke on. We will need to talk about that place. I need to know you are mentally well enough and that these events haven’t had an adverse affect on you.”, Isis explained. Logan sighed. “I’m not going to go off and kill one of the Acolytes. I had my chance to kill Wanda the night I was brought back. I let her live. I think that speaks volumes. As for that other place.”, Logan said stopping at the door. “That’s something I can’t talk to you about. I know you are a professional kiddo. I’m real proud of how good you did in school and what you do. Couldn’t be prouder if you were one of my own. But there are some things I will always protect you from. And what I saw is something I feel I need to shield you from.”, Logan explained. Isis sighed shaking her head. “I’m not a kid Logan. I don’t need you to protect me. I need to know what happened so I can properly asses your mental condition. And till then I can’t give Duncan my approval.”, Isis explained. Logan nodded. “You do what you need to kiddo and I’ll do what I need to.”, Logan stated. “And if it means not returning to active duty?”, Isis questioned. Logan shrugged. “Then I retire. I spend my days with my wife, my children and my grandchildren.”, Logan said with a shrug walking out of the office. Isis sighed and sat at her desk going over her notes from what he would tell her. He seemed pretty stable but his inability to talk about this other place worried her. What could have happened there that would be worse than what she’d lived through with the attack and all the deaths.
Across two at the Draven David had driven the boys over to the club since he was going to unlock it for hid kids to practice and to meet with Xavier and Rachel. “Alright boys you can help yourselves to water bottles and some snacks if you want. Landon and the kids should be here shortly.”, David said waving a hand to the four boys. “And I will be meeting with some clients while all this is going on about reserving the club for a party. So don’t bother my clients when they arrive.”, David commented walking to his office. Merrick raised an eyebrow. “Why the hell would we want to bother his clients?”, Merrick questioned. Billy shrugged. “Not a clue, we’ll just stay out of his way. No big deal.”, Billy said walking over to the area by the stage and grabbing a seat. Tommy followed and sat down by his brother to wait. Sebastian however was looking around with full wide eyed wonder looking around the club. “This place is awesome. I can’t believe that your brother owns this place.”, Sebastian said walking next to Merrick who was guiding him to the booth with Tommy and Billy. “Yeah yeah yeah come on. It’s also our cousin’s club you know. Take a seat kid.”, Merrick said nudging his brother into the booth next to Tommy yet he just leaned against the booth not wanting to sit down. There was a knock at the doors. Merrick looked to the closed door of David’s office and groaned. “Great he didn’t hear that. And I doubt Lily and them would knock.”, Merrick said walking over to the door pulling it open.
Standing on the other side Xavier and Rachel went from smiles to confused. “Um. Merrick..”, Rachel said raising an eyebrow. It wasn’t really a well kept secret that Merrick had switched sides and went to the Haven with his mother and brother. It was just really odd to find him at the Draven. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Landon isn’t here yet. They are enroute for practice.”, Merrick said looking at Rachel then glancing to Xavier. Rachel still looked confused. “What about Landon? Um. We are here to speak with Mister Bryant.”, Rachel explained. Now it was Merrick that got to look confused. “You are the ‘clients’ David said was coming about renting the club?”, Merrick asked. Xavier nodded. “Yes we are here on behalf of my grandfather and her father. Where might we find Mister Bryant?”, Xavier explained. “Um in his office.”, Merrick said stepping out of the way for them to enter pointing to the office. Rachel smiled. “Thanks Merrick.”, Rachel said cheerfully walking past him. Merrick stood with raised eyebrow, people weren’t generally happy to see him. Xavier shrugged and followed his cousin. He glanced over to the booth and waved. “Hey Tommy! Hi Billy!”, Xavier called. They turned and looked waving back. “Hey Xavier and Rachel! Here to see the band practice?”, Billy called. “Not our original plans. Father and Uncle James want us to talk to Mister Bryant first.”, Rachel explained with a wave of greeting. “Cool see you after!”, Tommy called. Rachel smiled and knocked on the office door. “Come on in kids.”, David said having heard them come in. Rachel and Xavier disappeared into the office and Merrick went to close the door.
Before the door could close Landon’s foot was in the way. “Ouch, cuz.”, Landon said with a smile pushing the door open again stepping inside. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Remind me to slam it harder next time so it can really hurt.”, Merrick commented. Landon chuckled. “You will eventually need to let the hostility go Merrick. We aren’t on opposite sides anymore. And I’m not going to let you bait me. Come on let’s go have some fun. You enjoy music.”, Landon said putting an arm around his cousin’s shoulders. Merrick growled low, but stopped as Lily looped her arm with his sandwiching him between her and Landon. “Come on bro.”, Lily said. Merrick rolled his eyes. Landon laughed at his reaction. “It’ll be alright promise.”, Landon said. Merrick shrugged Landon’s arm. “Don’t touch me Landon. We aren’t friends and we aren’t going to be. So just knock it off, whatever the hell this is.”, Merrick said. Landon sighed. “I’m not going to knock off trying to be your friend. We are family and I’m not going to war with family. Especially not one that made a conscious choice to no longer be involved with the acolytes. Face it you are stuck with me.”, Landon said with a smirk. Rose and Cora Lee came in behind him and Lily along with Atif and Ashley. Cora Lee jumped onto Landon’s back. “To the stage.”, Cora Lee ordered pointing. Landon chuckled. “God your getting big for this.”, Landon said carrying his little sister. “Oh please you carried Rose down the damn stairs earlier. You better not be trying to say I weigh more than her.”, Cora Lee said. Landon laughed. “Maybe you do. You have all those piercing and carrying all the metal around.”, Landon teased heading for the stage. He stopped and turned his back to the stage so Cora Lee could just sit.
Rose chuckled following along with the Alston twins. Lily dragged her brother over to the booth. Sebastian lighting up as she jumped up and hugged Lily before Tommy could get to her. “Lily!”, Sebastian exclaimed. Lily laughed. “Aw I’ve missed you too little Bastian.”, Lily said hugging him back. Tommy pouted. “Kid you standing between me and my girl.”, Tommy teased. Lily laughed. “Oh get over it Tommy he’s my baby brother.”, Lily said. Sebastian turned his head to Tommy and stuck his tongue out. Merrick even laughed at that. Atif slid into the booth next to Billy, Billy putting an arm around Atif. “Hey there.”, Billy greeted turning Atif’s face slightly and kissing him. Tommy rolled his eyes. “Get a room.”, Tommy teams. Atif blushed a little as Billy pulled back and punched his twin in the arm. “Stop embarrassing my boyfriend, granted it’s cute that his face can turn the same shade of red as his hair. But still.”, Billy said. Merrick rolled his eyes and leaned on the booth. Sebastian let go of his big sister and climbed back into the booth to sit. “Sorry…”, Tommy said holding up his hands like he was surrendering. Lily shook her head and get into the booth next to Tommy and wrapped her arms around his neck giving him a solid kiss before pulling back. “Should we find a room too?”, Lily teased. Tommy blushed a little but smirked. “If you know one.”, Tommy answered. Merrick growled a little and Landon shook his head. He walked over to the booth and leaned on the table looked from Tommy to Billy. “Alright so I skipped this last time we saw each other because we’d just been through hell. But I’ll not skip it any longer.”, Landon said. Billy and Tommy raised their eyebrows exchanging a look. “Thomas, the girl you just even jokingly propositioned is my cousin. I love her as I do my own sister. You hurt her you’re speed won’t get you away fast enough before I turn you into a snow globe to add to Aunt Solangel’s collection.”, Landon warned then looked to Billy. “And William, Atif’s my best friend. He’s the brother I never got. You hurt him you will not get to live to regret it.”, Landon warned. Tommy and Billy looked at each other then to Landon and then to Lily and Atif kind of wondering if he was serious. They didn’t know him enough to guess, but his expression looked serious. Atif nodded. “He means it. Landon is a sweet big brother that none of us asked for.”, Atif said patting Billy on the leg. “No worries Landon. My brother and I have no intentions of hurting our gingers.”, Billy said. Landon nodded. “Good because my dad and mom might frown upon me kicking the shit out of two new Haven mutants.”, Landon said.
Rose leaned against the stage just watching, standing by Cora Lee. She sniffed the air. “Rachel and Xavier are here?”, Rose asked out of the blue. Merrick raised an eyebrow and looked to Rose then pointed over his shoulder to the office. “They are talking to David.”, Merrick explained. Rose nodded. Landon looked over to the office door part of him wondering if Rachel was going to hang around after she talked to his dad. He hadn’t seen her since New Years. “Alright so let’s start practice.”, Landon suggested pulling his sticks from his jacket pocket before taking his jacket off and tossing it into an empty booth. Cora Lee nodded tossing her jack with his and getting her bass strapped over her shoulder. “Yeah let’s practice.”, Rose agreed throwing her jacket at Landon. “Catch.”, Rose teased climbing onto the stage and getting her guitar. Landon smirked shaking his head catching her jacket and setting it down with his. “I’m not a coat rack, but if you like I could turn you into one Rose.”, Landon teased jumping onto the stage. Rose nudged him as he walked past with a smirk. Landon rolled his eyes taking his seat at the drums. “Let’s try that new one I wrote.”, Landon suggested. Rose and Cora Lee nodded starting to play.
“I know your insides are feeling so hollow. And it’s a hard pill for you to swallow, yeah. But if I fall for you, I’ll never recover. If I fall for you, I’ll never be the same.”, Landon’s voice filled the club accompanied by his drumming, Rose’s guitar and Cora Lee’s bass. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know where’ only half way there. But you can take me all the way, if you take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about you every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way.”, The trio sang the chorus in unison their voiced blending perfectly to were each was unique but still came together in harmony. “You’re such a hard act for me to follow. Love me today don’t leave me tomorrow, yeah. But if I fall for you, I’ll never recover. If I fall for you, I’ll never be the same.”, Landon sang alone. Merrick watched motionless not wanting to show any interest in the music. The others, even Sebastian were getting into the new song. Back in David’s office they could hear the song. Rachel raised an eyebrow turning her head. “Guess they started practice.”, David commented noticing Rachel turning a little. “Tell John and Logan it’s fine if they want the club tonight. We aren’t open so as long as the Howletts can leave the place they way they found it good. They’ll have to pay the regular $200 fee for using the space.”, David said pulling out contract paper work. “I’ll be here when you guys need to show up. So John or Logan can sign this stuff then and make the payment.”, David said. “So you two can go joint he kids if you want, I can see your anxious to go hear the new song.”, David said with a smile waving the two away. Xavier gave a polite bow and heading out followed by Rachel.
The two made it over to the booths, Xavier sliding in next to Ashley giving her a kiss on the cheek. Rachel sat down at the second booth moving the band’s jackets since the other booth was full. She didn’t care where she was sitting she was still able to see the band, and more importantly see Landon on the drums. Merrick raised an eyebrow and glanced to Rachel and then looked back to stage shaking his head. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know we’re only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about you every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But you can take me all the way, if you can take me all the way.”, the band sang together. Landon’s eyes looked up for a moment and noticed Rachel now watching them practice. He quickly looked back to his drums not wanting to lose his place since this was a new song. “Oh, oh oh, oh oh oh. Oh, oh, oh oh oh.”, Landon said letting his head bob a little to the music. “I don’t know where to start. I’m just a little lost. I wanna feel like we’re never gonna ever stop. I don’t know what to do. I’m right in front of you. Asking you to stay. You should stay. Stay with me tonight, yeah.”, Landon continued. Rachel smiled enjoying the song and a bit enjoying the lyrics even if she knew there most likely had nothing to do with her. “I really wanna love somebody. I really wanna dance the night away. I know were’ only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. I really wanna touch somebody. I think about every single day. I know we’re only half way there. But take me all the way, if you can take me all the way. Oh, oh, oh oh oh. Oh, oh, oh oh oh. Take me all the way, if you take me all the way yeah”, they sang in unison finishing up the song. The group applauded, except Merrick who just shrugged. The band went into their next song getting a few more songs for their practice before they needed to leave Landon and Lily needing to go to work at the flower shop.