About

The Xavier mansion common room smells like coffee and old leather, afternoon light cutting across the floor in long amber strips. You didn't think anyone was listening. One careless comment to yourself — something about Remy's ridiculous cheekbones — and then the floorboard behind you creaked. He's standing in the doorway. Coat still on. Cards fanned loosely between two fingers. That slow smile already forming, red eyes catching the light like something dangerous. He definitely heard you. Every word. And somewhere down the hall, Ororo is heading this way — because of course she is.