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The next day went by smoothly for the most part. Landon had his morning training while the others all went to help tear down the rodeo. All was well till Landon went to work and Lily had switched shifts with Rachel. Landon walked into the shop expecting to see his godfather and cousin and instead Rachel was behind the counter. The hickeys on his neck had started to fade, the teeth marks completely gone, but were still visible enough. Landon stopped suddenly looking at her. He was a bit conflicted on how he felt seeing her. There was a twinge of guilt in the pit of his stomach knowing that just last night he’d been kissing Rose. Rachel looked up at him having been counting out the drawer before they open and smiled. “Morning Landon.”, she greeted. Demitri leaned out from the back. “Morn…”, Demitri said stopping looking at his godson and instantly seeing the hickeys. “Do I want to ask?”, Demitri said pointing. Landon rolled his eyes. “Morning Rachel. Morning Uncle Demitri. And you can ask but I’m not going to really tell you anything. Vegas rules apply to that night.”, Landon greeted. Rachel laughed a little trying to not blush, rather happy that Demitri was behind her so he couldn’t see her possible blush. “Uh huh. Apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Either way count out the other register and then I need you to help Rachel with stocking.”, Demitri said. “I thought Lily was working today.”, Landon said walking behind the counter putting on his ‘Flowers of the Nile’ apron that had his name tag. “She was supposed to be called me yesterday wanting to switch schedules, guess she wanted to help at the rodeo to be with Tommy.”, Rachel explained. “Oh alright.”, Landon said starting to count out his drawer. Demitri went back to work in the back with getting arrangements done.
“Did you have a good birthday yesterday?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded. “Yeah, your Uncle let me out of training because of my stitches. The guys let me sleep till around the time I texted you yesterday. I managed to get up before they sent their yearly representative to use my bed as a trampoline with me in it. So didn’t get trampled by your cousin, Rose drew the short straw this year. And otherwise we had a Godzilla marathon in the entertainment room and Ashley made me German chocolate cake. So the six of us just lounged around on the couches till we all eventually headed up to the dorms. My parents stopped by and I got harassed even by mom about these.”, Landon said pointing to the hickeys. Rachel glanced over to him and quickly went back to counting out her drawer with a smile. “Sorry..”, she apologized in a whisper. Landon laughed a little and nudged her with his elbow. “I’m not.”, Landon commented with a smirk. Rachel blushed as she put the money back in her drawer and closed it. She glanced to the curtain and figured Demitri wasn’t paying them any attention so she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I’m not really sorry either.”, she whispered before moving past him and started unboxing some items to put on the shelves. Landon smirked and shook his head finishing up his count. The rest of the shift Landon tried to not be weird around her and to keep his hands to himself resisting the urge to just take her into the break room and kiss her again. Instead he focused on just working and trying to figure out how the hell he was going to tell the Howlett cousins about each other.
They next day it was time for the joint birthday party. Landon was in a way dreading the party, having to spend a whole evening in a building with Rose and Rachel just made the rock of heavy guilt in the pit of his stomach grow in side. He was still trying to figure out how to address that situation. How was he supposed to tell Rachel about Rose and vice versa. Coming between cousins didn’t really sound good. But he couldn’t skip the party and he kept telling himself it wasn’t him alone with the two it would be a whole large group of people there for the joint birthday party. So he dressed and headed over to the club. The DJ was already playing and a lot of people from school were already there along with his friends from the institute. He looked around and spotted parents hanging near the back talking and then at their booths were Rachel and Rose talking with the others. He took a breath and headed over but was intercepted by a group of his school friends. “Landon hey man. Happy Birthday. Come over here for a minute.”, Mike greeted turning Landon away from his booth and off to an area where some of their other friends including Chris, Dean, Justin and Joey were standing. “Um hey guys what’s up?”, Landon asked glancing over his shoulder back to his booth where Rose and Rachel where. Both had noticed him come in along with the others and were looking confused as he’d been escorted in a different direction. He gave a wave to the booth and shrugged.
Rose considered getting up to see what was going on but decided to stay at the booth with the others talking. “Wonder what they want with him.”, Rose commented. Atif looked over and shrugged. “Well they are his friends too. So maybe to say happy birthday, catch up, ask him about the hickeys on his neck.”, Atif suggested. Rachel shook her head. “Why would they want to pry into his personal life? Doesn’t sound seem polite to do that.”, Rachel commented. Atif raised an eyebrow. “We all tried to pry. It’s just curiosity, and Landon’s the one who taught us all to question everything and always be curious. So the idea that he’s keeping a girl a secret peaks curiosity. Don’t you want to know who the girl is?”, Atif asked. Rachel shook her head. “No I don’t. I don’t need to know. It’s his personal life. He shouldn’t have to share that with us unless he wants to.”, Rachel said softly. Rose nodded. “Yeah who cares who Landon is or isn’t making out with. We should just leave him alone.”, Rose agreed. Lily blinked at that comment as she leaned into Tommy. “Whatever you two say.”, Atif said with a shrug. “Rachel want to dance with me? Billy’s foot got hurt yesterday when we were tearing down the rodeo so he can’t.”, Atif asked offering a hand to Rachel. “Um alright Atif.”, Rachel agreed not really thinking anything of dancing with Atif. “Good.”, Atif said leading her out to the dance floor. He had a suspicion and he wanted to confirm it.
“We haven’t seen you in a while. And you turn up with hickeys on your neck. You realize that more than just your institute crew were at the rodeo that night. Those became the talk of everyone from school.”, Mike explained pointing out the fading marks. Landon laughed shaking his head. “Seriously is there nothing better to gossip about than me making out with someone?”, Landon asked. “No. You’ve never had a girlfriend so you going off market is big news with the girls in our school. Which hey we are fine with you going off market because that means we can get a chance to get with some of these girls that have been hung up on you.”, Chris said. Landon sighed shaking his head. “Sorry to tell you this fellas, but I’m not off the market. This was kind of a random occurrence that might happen again or might not.”, Landon said letting them down. There was a collective groan. “Are you kidding us? When that gets out there goes our shots.”, Joey said. “We already don’t stand a chance with the girls in your circle of friends, who are the best looking in school. But the longer you are single the less chance we have with the local girls too.”, Dean said. Landon looked over to his friends and smiled. Ashley was cozy with Xavier kissing at her neck, Tommy had his arms around Lily keeping her close, Gabriel had his arm around Bianca, he didn’t see Blaire but Rose was still solo and then he realized Rachel wasn’t there. He looked around for Rachel and sighed spotting her dancing with Atif. Then he kept looking trying to find Blaire and then laughed a little as he spotted her off near a corner with Tristan kissing like no one was watching. Landon shook his head and looked back to the group.“Well most are spoken for, but I mean Mike took Rose to the dance back in December.”, Landon said looking to them with a raised eyebrow. Mike snorted. “Yeah and I got friend zoned in like a second flat. Rachel shuts down every boy in school and well Blaire doesn’t shut every guy down but she’s been shutting them down this week, like if you aren’t that rodeo kid you aren’t getting looked at.”, Mike answered.
While Landon was talking to the guys Atif was dancing with Rachel. “So I’m going to just kind of ask my question. You can either answer it or not. I won’t push.”, Atif stated. Rachel raised an eyebrow in confusion as they danced. “I know that you like Landon and I don’t mean as just a friend. And I am fairly certain he likes you back.”, Atif started. Rachel looked down for a moment blushing a little. “And your question?”, Rachel asked quietly. “You’re the girl he was with the night at the rodeo?”, Atif said getting to the point. Rachel blushed a little and continued to look down. “That’s a silent yes.”, Atif stated. “It doesn’t matter if I am or not. Landon doesn’t want a girlfriend. So why are you asking?”, Rachel said looking up at Atif. “I know he doesn’t think he wants a girlfriend. Because of that stupid vision I have. But he doesn’t think beyond it. I want him to prove my vision wrong. It’s the only reason I haven’t told the others and forced him to let us help. I can’t play into my vision like that. But vision aside he needs to think about living his life, which includes dating. And I think you are good for him. That stupid smirk on his face that night shows he likes you and that you can make him happy.”, Atif explained. Rachel sighed. “I don’t see why he needs to do that on his own. But either way it doesn’t matter, it’s the only thing he’s focused on. He knows what I want I just don’t think it’s the same thing he wants. And talking about this is just making me feel worse.”, Rachel said. “I don’t know what you mean about feeling worse. And I don’t know how long he was with you before I called but I know he wanted that fifteen more minutes. So it’s a bit obvious at least at that point he wanted you.”, Atif said. Rachel blushed a little and nudged him. “Atif.”, Rachel said. Atif laughed. “Sorry that was crude, but it’s fact.”, Atif defended. “Anyways it doesn’t matter. You said something about you have a reason you are letting Landon do this on his own. What reason would you have to let him face her alone?”, Rachel asked. Atif sighed. “Well if Landon trusts you with this guess I can too. Last time I saw the vision, I saw why he loses. The five of us are in the fight and Wanda has us cornered and beaten. Landon gets between her and us. He dies in the vision to save us. It’s why he doesn’t want us involved and why I haven’t pushed. I don’t want to be the reason he sacrifices himself.”, Atif explained. Rachel took a deep breath and nodded. “Stupid hero…”, she murmured. David walked over and tapped Rachel’s shoulder. “Hey sorry to interrupt. Rachel mind getting Landon, it’s time for the birthday kids to blow out their candles.”, David said. Rachel nodded making her way over to Landon.
Landon sighed. “Alright look I’ll be a hundred percent honest with you since you’re my friends. In regards to Blaire, one Tristan leaves in the morning and lives across the country so that’s a fling. However you still probably don’t have a chance in locking that down because Blaire doesn’t want mundane. Then as far as the Howlett girls, you seriously have no chance in hell at least not with the game you use.”, Landon said being blunt. “Oh don’t sugar coat is or anything.”, Dean joked. “I’m serious. You can’t talk to Rachel or Rose the same way you talk to like Kellie over there. Kellie’s a nice girl and doesn’t really mind when you talk to her as you do. But Rose and Rachel you fools start tripping on your words. You lack confidence as they smell it. You know the saying that girls look for men like their dads?”, Landon said. The guys nod. “You ever met the Howlett brothers?”, Landon asked. The guys shook their heads. “Well let’s put it this way one thing both brothers have in common other than general appearance, mines height, is that they are confident men. So really you letting the fact that Rose and Rachel are both beautiful girls mess with your heads you stammer and sound like fools and you get the ‘no’.”, Landon explained. The guys all kind of coughed and looked a bit scared. Landon raised an eyebrow. “What about my cousin and I?”, Rachel asked. “Hi Rach.”, Landon greeted with a smirk. “Just talking to the guys about the fact that they have a snowballs chance in hell with you or Rose with the approach they have now. Because letting your good looks get the better of their words they just sound like fools stammering when they try to talk to you.”, Landon said simply. Rachel blushed a little. Landon laughed softly. “Oh and being blunt makes Rachel blush, rather adorable.”, Landon commented. Rachel turned a little redder and the guys covered their mouths to not laugh. Landon sighed. “I’m sorry wasn’t my initial intention to embarrass you.”, Landon apologized. “So you come over to join our conversation or did you need something?”, Landon asked. “Your dad said it’s time to blow out the candles.”, Rachel stated. Landon nodded. “Alright lead the way. I’ll catch you guys around.”, Landon said walking away with Rachel.
Landon lightly took Rachel’s wrist as they moved through the crowd to stop her. “Hey I am sorry. I wasn’t trying to embarrass you.”, He apologized. Rachel nodded then elbowed him. “I know but you still did.”, Rachel said. Landon smirked and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “It’s just so easy to make you blush, and you are just too damn cute when you blush.”, Landon whispered before pulling back smiling seeing she was blushing again. “Just like that.”, Landon said with a wink as Atif walked up. “Come on blow out your candles.”, Atif said escorting Landon the rest of the way. He was sat done in a chair between Lily and Rose with Gabriel on the other side of Rose. Rose lightly nudged his left with hers. He looked over and smiled at her. Four cupcakes were sat down in front of the birthday kids each with just one candle. “Alright kids let’s sing the song.”, David said as Logan lit the candles. “Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Landon, Gabriel, Lily and Rose too! Happy Birthday to you! Now make your wishes and blow out the candles.”, David sang. The four birthday kids shook their heads as he sang. Gabriel looked over to parents briefly then glanced to Bianca as he was thinking what he wanted to wish for. He blew out his candle only wishing that life stayed happy as it was now. Lily smiled and blew out her candle her wish that the rest of her family would leave the Academy too. Landon blew out his candle making the same wish he had since he was thirteen, to beat Atif’s vision. Rose looked at her candle trying to think of what she wanted to wish this year. She already got her dad back, so what was left to wish for. Rose blew out her candle only wishing that her friendships never changed.
After cupcakes came presents. Which it was mostly small stuff and cards usually. Landon was casually going through his pile of cards when he came across a heavy black linen envelope with gold calligraphy writing that just said his name. He arched a brow as he opened the envelope taking out a black card of the same heavy linen with the same gold lettering that just said ‘Happy Birthday’ on the outside. “Who the….”, Landon wondered as he opened the card. His expression went to stone as he read the gold words written ever so neatly on the inside ‘Landon, Wishing you a wonderful birthday. I hope you enjoy the day as this shall be your last birthday. See you very soon, Wanda’. Landon looked around quickly to make sure no one had noticed the card and quickly put it into his hoodie’s pocket. Atif did notice the look on Landon’s face and that he put something in his pocket. Atif got up from his seat and walked over to Lean on Landon’s shoulder and quickly grabbed the card opening it. Landon reached to stop Atif but it was too late. Atif read the note and quickly handed it back his face paler than normal. Atif leaned close to Landon to speak quietly. “We have to tell the others. If you don’t tell them I will.”, Atif whispered. Landon silently nodded. And got up from his seat putting the card into his pants pocket for safe keeping. He took a breath and walked away from the group who were still hanging around while the others opened gifts. Landon grabbed an apple and headed to a far booth and sat down.
He sat with the stone serious look on his face staring at the apple watching it change into various objects at his mental command. Everyone else was preoccupied but Rachel noticed that Landon had left the table with unopened gifts. “Where did..”, Rachel wondered looking around and spotting him off alone in a booth. She tilted her head and walked over wondering what was wrong. Rachel stopped looking at him and his serious expression. She frowned getting worried as she watched the apple briefly become a dagger. Rachel sat down in the booth next to him and lightly placed her hand on his arm squeezing a little. “Landon…what’s wrong?”, Rachel asked. Landon continued to stay unblinking at the apple as it kept changing shapes. “Landon you’re scaring me. What is wrong?”, Rachel asked. Landon kept his eyes on the apple as it changed but reached into his pocket and handed her the card. Rachel furrowed her brow opening the card before gasping reading the threat. “Landon…”, Rachel said in a whisper. Landon nodded and kept changing the apple. “Landon look at me please..”, Rachel asked reaching up without hesitation to lightly touch his cheek. Landon blinked a the apple stopped transforming stopping as a day lily the color of Rachel’s eyes. He turned his head leaning into her hand. Rachel looked to the flower and sighed softly rubbing her thumb along his cheek. “I have to tell the others now. Atif saw the card and if I don’t tell them he plans on telling them. I’m not ready to fight her yet and I’m not looking forward to telling them.”, Landon explained in a sigh. Rachel nodded. “I wish it didn’t come to it this way. But I’m glad you are telling them. They’ll want to help you. You are all X-Men. You don’t have to be alone in this. You have people that will help you. And Atif and I will be there when you tell the others if you want.”, Rachel said. Landon softly smiled. “You are brilliant. I have things that Wanda could only dream of having access to.”, Landon said moving to get up. Rachel grabbed his arm. “Landon, what are you doing?”, She asked. “I’ve got get into place before I have to tell the others tomorrow.”, Landon said. “It can wait till after the party.”, Rachel said softly. “But I need to..”, Landon said turning to look back at her. Rose looked up at him concern in her blue eyes. “Please stay…”, Rachel requested. Landon sighed and picked up the day lily placing it gently in her hair. “God you’re beautiful…”, he whispered into her ear. Rachel blushed a little. “I’ll stay because you asked. Now come dance with me.”, Landon said grabbing her hand and heading to the dance floor to try and enjoy the rest of the party.
As the party came to an end Blaire stood outside leaning again the wall of the club with Tristan as he waited for his dad. “This has been a really fun week Blaire. But we did really goo here so I’m thinking dad might want to bring the rodeo back again. So with luck I’ll see you again beautiful.”, Tristan said. Blaire nodded. “Yeah. Hopefully the success of this rodeo will get your dad to bring you back. I had a lot of fun with you this week.”, Blaire said with a sigh. “So even if you don’t find your way back to Bayville.”, Blaire said reaching into her pocked and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to him. Tristan raised an eyebrow and opened the paper and smirked. “Giving me your contact information? Ohh and Skype.”, Tristan teased. Blaire rolled her eyes. “If you’d rather I just take my contact info back..”, Blaire said reaching for the paper. Tristan held the paper away before folding it and putting into his pants pocket. “I didn’t say I didn’t want it. In fact..”, Tristan said taking out a piece of paper of his own and handed it to her. Blaire chuckled opening the paper and seeing his information before tucking it into her pocket. “So call me maybe?”, Blaire said seeing his dad in the truck pull up. Tristan nodded and gave her a final kiss. “Not maybe, definitely beautiful. Bye.”, Tristan said getting in the truck. “Bye…”, Blaire said watching him pull away with a sigh.

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The next day went by smoothly for the most part. Landon had his morning training while the others all went to help tear down the rodeo. All was well till Landon went to work and Lily had switched shifts with Rachel. Landon walked into the shop expecting to see his godfather and cousin and instead Rachel was behind the counter. The hickeys on his neck had started to fade, the teeth marks completely gone, but were still visible enough. Landon stopped suddenly looking at her. He was a bit conflicted on how he felt seeing her. There was a twinge of guilt in the pit of his stomach knowing that just last night he’d been kissing Rose. Rachel looked up at him having been counting out the drawer before they open and smiled. “Morning Landon.”, she greeted. Demitri leaned out from the back. “Morn…”, Demitri said stopping looking at his godson and instantly seeing the hickeys. “Do I want to ask?”, Demitri said pointing. Landon rolled his eyes. “Morning Rachel. Morning Uncle Demitri. And you can ask but I’m not going to really tell you anything. Vegas rules apply to that night.”, Landon greeted. Rachel laughed a little trying to not blush, rather happy that Demitri was behind her so he couldn’t see her possible blush. “Uh huh. Apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Either way count out the other register and then I need you to help Rachel with stocking.”, Demitri said. “I thought Lily was working today.”, Landon said walking behind the counter putting on his ‘Flowers of the Nile’ apron that had his name tag. “She was supposed to be called me yesterday wanting to switch schedules, guess she wanted to help at the rodeo to be with Tommy.”, Rachel explained. “Oh alright.”, Landon said starting to count out his drawer. Demitri went back to work in the back with getting arrangements done.
“Did you have a good birthday yesterday?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded. “Yeah, your Uncle let me out of training because of my stitches. The guys let me sleep till around the time I texted you yesterday. I managed to get up before they sent their yearly representative to use my bed as a trampoline with me in it. So didn’t get trampled by your cousin, Rose drew the short straw this year. And otherwise we had a Godzilla marathon in the entertainment room and Ashley made me German chocolate cake. So the six of us just lounged around on the couches till we all eventually headed up to the dorms. My parents stopped by and I got harassed even by mom about these.”, Landon said pointing to the hickeys. Rachel glanced over to him and quickly went back to counting out her drawer with a smile. “Sorry..”, she apologized in a whisper. Landon laughed a little and nudged her with his elbow. “I’m not.”, Landon commented with a smirk. Rachel blushed as she put the money back in her drawer and closed it. She glanced to the curtain and figured Demitri wasn’t paying them any attention so she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I’m not really sorry either.”, she whispered before moving past him and started unboxing some items to put on the shelves. Landon smirked and shook his head finishing up his count. The rest of the shift Landon tried to not be weird around her and to keep his hands to himself resisting the urge to just take her into the break room and kiss her again. Instead he focused on just working and trying to figure out how the hell he was going to tell the Howlett cousins about each other.
They next day it was time for the joint birthday party. Landon was in a way dreading the party, having to spend a whole evening in a building with Rose and Rachel just made the rock of heavy guilt in the pit of his stomach grow in side. He was still trying to figure out how to address that situation. How was he supposed to tell Rachel about Rose and vice versa. Coming between cousins didn’t really sound good. But he couldn’t skip the party and he kept telling himself it wasn’t him alone with the two it would be a whole large group of people there for the joint birthday party. So he dressed and headed over to the club. The DJ was already playing and a lot of people from school were already there along with his friends from the institute. He looked around and spotted parents hanging near the back talking and then at their booths were Rachel and Rose talking with the others. He took a breath and headed over but was intercepted by a group of his school friends. “Landon hey man. Happy Birthday. Come over here for a minute.”, Mike greeted turning Landon away from his booth and off to an area where some of their other friends including Chris, Dean, Justin and Joey were standing. “Um hey guys what’s up?”, Landon asked glancing over his shoulder back to his booth where Rose and Rachel where. Both had noticed him come in along with the others and were looking confused as he’d been escorted in a different direction. He gave a wave to the booth and shrugged.
Rose considered getting up to see what was going on but decided to stay at the booth with the others talking. “Wonder what they want with him.”, Rose commented. Atif looked over and shrugged. “Well they are his friends too. So maybe to say happy birthday, catch up, ask him about the hickeys on his neck.”, Atif suggested. Rachel shook her head. “Why would they want to pry into his personal life? Doesn’t sound seem polite to do that.”, Rachel commented. Atif raised an eyebrow. “We all tried to pry. It’s just curiosity, and Landon’s the one who taught us all to question everything and always be curious. So the idea that he’s keeping a girl a secret peaks curiosity. Don’t you want to know who the girl is?”, Atif asked. Rachel shook her head. “No I don’t. I don’t need to know. It’s his personal life. He shouldn’t have to share that with us unless he wants to.”, Rachel said softly. Rose nodded. “Yeah who cares who Landon is or isn’t making out with. We should just leave him alone.”, Rose agreed. Lily blinked at that comment as she leaned into Tommy. “Whatever you two say.”, Atif said with a shrug. “Rachel want to dance with me? Billy’s foot got hurt yesterday when we were tearing down the rodeo so he can’t.”, Atif asked offering a hand to Rachel. “Um alright Atif.”, Rachel agreed not really thinking anything of dancing with Atif. “Good.”, Atif said leading her out to the dance floor. He had a suspicion and he wanted to confirm it.
“We haven’t seen you in a while. And you turn up with hickeys on your neck. You realize that more than just your institute crew were at the rodeo that night. Those became the talk of everyone from school.”, Mike explained pointing out the fading marks. Landon laughed shaking his head. “Seriously is there nothing better to gossip about than me making out with someone?”, Landon asked. “No. You’ve never had a girlfriend so you going off market is big news with the girls in our school. Which hey we are fine with you going off market because that means we can get a chance to get with some of these girls that have been hung up on you.”, Chris said. Landon sighed shaking his head. “Sorry to tell you this fellas, but I’m not off the market. This was kind of a random occurrence that might happen again or might not.”, Landon said letting them down. There was a collective groan. “Are you kidding us? When that gets out there goes our shots.”, Joey said. “We already don’t stand a chance with the girls in your circle of friends, who are the best looking in school. But the longer you are single the less chance we have with the local girls too.”, Dean said. Landon looked over to his friends and smiled. Ashley was cozy with Xavier kissing at her neck, Tommy had his arms around Lily keeping her close, Gabriel had his arm around Bianca, he didn’t see Blaire but Rose was still solo and then he realized Rachel wasn’t there. He looked around for Rachel and sighed spotting her dancing with Atif. Then he kept looking trying to find Blaire and then laughed a little as he spotted her off near a corner with Tristan kissing like no one was watching. Landon shook his head and looked back to the group.“Well most are spoken for, but I mean Mike took Rose to the dance back in December.”, Landon said looking to them with a raised eyebrow. Mike snorted. “Yeah and I got friend zoned in like a second flat. Rachel shuts down every boy in school and well Blaire doesn’t shut every guy down but she’s been shutting them down this week, like if you aren’t that rodeo kid you aren’t getting looked at.”, Mike answered.
While Landon was talking to the guys Atif was dancing with Rachel. “So I’m going to just kind of ask my question. You can either answer it or not. I won’t push.”, Atif stated. Rachel raised an eyebrow in confusion as they danced. “I know that you like Landon and I don’t mean as just a friend. And I am fairly certain he likes you back.”, Atif started. Rachel looked down for a moment blushing a little. “And your question?”, Rachel asked quietly. “You’re the girl he was with the night at the rodeo?”, Atif said getting to the point. Rachel blushed a little and continued to look down. “That’s a silent yes.”, Atif stated. “It doesn’t matter if I am or not. Landon doesn’t want a girlfriend. So why are you asking?”, Rachel said looking up at Atif. “I know he doesn’t think he wants a girlfriend. Because of that stupid vision I have. But he doesn’t think beyond it. I want him to prove my vision wrong. It’s the only reason I haven’t told the others and forced him to let us help. I can’t play into my vision like that. But vision aside he needs to think about living his life, which includes dating. And I think you are good for him. That stupid smirk on his face that night shows he likes you and that you can make him happy.”, Atif explained. Rachel sighed. “I don’t see why he needs to do that on his own. But either way it doesn’t matter, it’s the only thing he’s focused on. He knows what I want I just don’t think it’s the same thing he wants. And talking about this is just making me feel worse.”, Rachel said. “I don’t know what you mean about feeling worse. And I don’t know how long he was with you before I called but I know he wanted that fifteen more minutes. So it’s a bit obvious at least at that point he wanted you.”, Atif said. Rachel blushed a little and nudged him. “Atif.”, Rachel said. Atif laughed. “Sorry that was crude, but it’s fact.”, Atif defended. “Anyways it doesn’t matter. You said something about you have a reason you are letting Landon do this on his own. What reason would you have to let him face her alone?”, Rachel asked. Atif sighed. “Well if Landon trusts you with this guess I can too. Last time I saw the vision, I saw why he loses. The five of us are in the fight and Wanda has us cornered and beaten. Landon gets between her and us. He dies in the vision to save us. It’s why he doesn’t want us involved and why I haven’t pushed. I don’t want to be the reason he sacrifices himself.”, Atif explained. Rachel took a deep breath and nodded. “Stupid hero…”, she murmured. David walked over and tapped Rachel’s shoulder. “Hey sorry to interrupt. Rachel mind getting Landon, it’s time for the birthday kids to blow out their candles.”, David said. Rachel nodded making her way over to Landon.
Landon sighed. “Alright look I’ll be a hundred percent honest with you since you’re my friends. In regards to Blaire, one Tristan leaves in the morning and lives across the country so that’s a fling. However you still probably don’t have a chance in locking that down because Blaire doesn’t want mundane. Then as far as the Howlett girls, you seriously have no chance in hell at least not with the game you use.”, Landon said being blunt. “Oh don’t sugar coat is or anything.”, Dean joked. “I’m serious. You can’t talk to Rachel or Rose the same way you talk to like Kellie over there. Kellie’s a nice girl and doesn’t really mind when you talk to her as you do. But Rose and Rachel you fools start tripping on your words. You lack confidence as they smell it. You know the saying that girls look for men like their dads?”, Landon said. The guys nod. “You ever met the Howlett brothers?”, Landon asked. The guys shook their heads. “Well let’s put it this way one thing both brothers have in common other than general appearance, mines height, is that they are confident men. So really you letting the fact that Rose and Rachel are both beautiful girls mess with your heads you stammer and sound like fools and you get the ‘no’.”, Landon explained. The guys all kind of coughed and looked a bit scared. Landon raised an eyebrow. “What about my cousin and I?”, Rachel asked. “Hi Rach.”, Landon greeted with a smirk. “Just talking to the guys about the fact that they have a snowballs chance in hell with you or Rose with the approach they have now. Because letting your good looks get the better of their words they just sound like fools stammering when they try to talk to you.”, Landon said simply. Rachel blushed a little. Landon laughed softly. “Oh and being blunt makes Rachel blush, rather adorable.”, Landon commented. Rachel turned a little redder and the guys covered their mouths to not laugh. Landon sighed. “I’m sorry wasn’t my initial intention to embarrass you.”, Landon apologized. “So you come over to join our conversation or did you need something?”, Landon asked. “Your dad said it’s time to blow out the candles.”, Rachel stated. Landon nodded. “Alright lead the way. I’ll catch you guys around.”, Landon said walking away with Rachel.
Landon lightly took Rachel’s wrist as they moved through the crowd to stop her. “Hey I am sorry. I wasn’t trying to embarrass you.”, He apologized. Rachel nodded then elbowed him. “I know but you still did.”, Rachel said. Landon smirked and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “It’s just so easy to make you blush, and you are just too damn cute when you blush.”, Landon whispered before pulling back smiling seeing she was blushing again. “Just like that.”, Landon said with a wink as Atif walked up. “Come on blow out your candles.”, Atif said escorting Landon the rest of the way. He was sat done in a chair between Lily and Rose with Gabriel on the other side of Rose. Rose lightly nudged his left with hers. He looked over and smiled at her. Four cupcakes were sat down in front of the birthday kids each with just one candle. “Alright kids let’s sing the song.”, David said as Logan lit the candles. “Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Landon, Gabriel, Lily and Rose too! Happy Birthday to you! Now make your wishes and blow out the candles.”, David sang. The four birthday kids shook their heads as he sang. Gabriel looked over to parents briefly then glanced to Bianca as he was thinking what he wanted to wish for. He blew out his candle only wishing that life stayed happy as it was now. Lily smiled and blew out her candle her wish that the rest of her family would leave the Academy too. Landon blew out his candle making the same wish he had since he was thirteen, to beat Atif’s vision. Rose looked at her candle trying to think of what she wanted to wish this year. She already got her dad back, so what was left to wish for. Rose blew out her candle only wishing that her friendships never changed.
After cupcakes came presents. Which it was mostly small stuff and cards usually. Landon was casually going through his pile of cards when he came across a heavy black linen envelope with gold calligraphy writing that just said his name. He arched a brow as he opened the envelope taking out a black card of the same heavy linen with the same gold lettering that just said ‘Happy Birthday’ on the outside. “Who the….”, Landon wondered as he opened the card. His expression went to stone as he read the gold words written ever so neatly on the inside ‘Landon, Wishing you a wonderful birthday. I hope you enjoy the day as this shall be your last birthday. See you very soon, Wanda’. Landon looked around quickly to make sure no one had noticed the card and quickly put it into his hoodie’s pocket. Atif did notice the look on Landon’s face and that he put something in his pocket. Atif got up from his seat and walked over to Lean on Landon’s shoulder and quickly grabbed the card opening it. Landon reached to stop Atif but it was too late. Atif read the note and quickly handed it back his face paler than normal. Atif leaned close to Landon to speak quietly. “We have to tell the others. If you don’t tell them I will.”, Atif whispered. Landon silently nodded. And got up from his seat putting the card into his pants pocket for safe keeping. He took a breath and walked away from the group who were still hanging around while the others opened gifts. Landon grabbed an apple and headed to a far booth and sat down.
He sat with the stone serious look on his face staring at the apple watching it change into various objects at his mental command. Everyone else was preoccupied but Rachel noticed that Landon had left the table with unopened gifts. “Where did..”, Rachel wondered looking around and spotting him off alone in a booth. She tilted her head and walked over wondering what was wrong. Rachel stopped looking at him and his serious expression. She frowned getting worried as she watched the apple briefly become a dagger. Rachel sat down in the booth next to him and lightly placed her hand on his arm squeezing a little. “Landon…what’s wrong?”, Rachel asked. Landon continued to stay unblinking at the apple as it kept changing shapes. “Landon you’re scaring me. What is wrong?”, Rachel asked. Landon kept his eyes on the apple as it changed but reached into his pocket and handed her the card. Rachel furrowed her brow opening the card before gasping reading the threat. “Landon…”, Rachel said in a whisper. Landon nodded and kept changing the apple. “Landon look at me please..”, Rachel asked reaching up without hesitation to lightly touch his cheek. Landon blinked a the apple stopped transforming stopping as a day lily the color of Rachel’s eyes. He turned his head leaning into her hand. Rachel looked to the flower and sighed softly rubbing her thumb along his cheek. “I have to tell the others now. Atif saw the card and if I don’t tell them he plans on telling them. I’m not ready to fight her yet and I’m not looking forward to telling them.”, Landon explained in a sigh. Rachel nodded. “I wish it didn’t come to it this way. But I’m glad you are telling them. They’ll want to help you. You are all X-Men. You don’t have to be alone in this. You have people that will help you. And Atif and I will be there when you tell the others if you want.”, Rachel said. Landon softly smiled. “You are brilliant. I have things that Wanda could only dream of having access to.”, Landon said moving to get up. Rachel grabbed his arm. “Landon, what are you doing?”, She asked. “I’ve got get into place before I have to tell the others tomorrow.”, Landon said. “It can wait till after the party.”, Rachel said softly. “But I need to..”, Landon said turning to look back at her. Rose looked up at him concern in her blue eyes. “Please stay…”, Rachel requested. Landon sighed and picked up the day lily placing it gently in her hair. “God you’re beautiful…”, he whispered into her ear. Rachel blushed a little. “I’ll stay because you asked. Now come dance with me.”, Landon said grabbing her hand and heading to the dance floor to try and enjoy the rest of the party.
As the party came to an end Blaire stood outside leaning again the wall of the club with Tristan as he waited for his dad. “This has been a really fun week Blaire. But we did really goo here so I’m thinking dad might want to bring the rodeo back again. So with luck I’ll see you again beautiful.”, Tristan said. Blaire nodded. “Yeah. Hopefully the success of this rodeo will get your dad to bring you back. I had a lot of fun with you this week.”, Blaire said with a sigh. “So even if you don’t find your way back to Bayville.”, Blaire said reaching into her pocked and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to him. Tristan raised an eyebrow and opened the paper and smirked. “Giving me your contact information? Ohh and Skype.”, Tristan teased. Blaire rolled her eyes. “If you’d rather I just take my contact info back..”, Blaire said reaching for the paper. Tristan held the paper away before folding it and putting into his pants pocket. “I didn’t say I didn’t want it. In fact..”, Tristan said taking out a piece of paper of his own and handed it to her. Blaire chuckled opening the paper and seeing his information before tucking it into her pocket. “So call me maybe?”, Blaire said seeing his dad in the truck pull up. Tristan nodded and gave her a final kiss. “Not maybe, definitely beautiful. Bye.”, Tristan said getting in the truck. “Bye…”, Blaire said watching him pull away with a sigh.