It wasn't something that anyone addressed, but it was something that they all noticed. The painfully quiet atmosphere held responsible many contributors, all of which resided in the Xavier mansion. It wasn't addressed, because most of the didn't even think it an issue. When someone spoke, they spoke clearly with purpose and resolve. They were all strong, even in speech.

Except Sean.

And sure, everyone spoke sparingly but that was expected considering that they were all strangers to one another. But Sean was different. He too spoke few words to butcher the length of conversation, but it was almost as if for a different reason altogether. He also spoke quietly, practically whispering his responses when questioned. In retrospect, the boy only really ever spoke when questioned, never offering up his opinion willingly. Sometimes, he would just point. It irked Eric more than anyone that the boy wouldn't speak his mind, but he never really though to bring much attention to it.

When Sean was asked what type of juice he'd prefer, he'd croak his answer with self consciousness.

It worried Charles, much more than he'd admit.

Charles wasn't exactly sure what type of role he was currently playing in Sean's life. Or Alex's for that matter. Technically, according to the law, they were both minors. He was teaching them, so he was their professor. But in addition to that, he was housing them, training them, feeding them, making them his wards. He was their guardian. Hell, he had even signed Alex's release papers, putting the kid in Charles's direct custody.

But Charles wanted to do more, he wanted to provide care and support. He wanted to be there for the boys in a way where he suspected they very much needed. He felt as though he had a responsibility to parent them. So Charles had asked to see Sean in his study over dinner, which turned out to be quite an affair.

Because the thing was, Sean wasn't only quiet, but managed to be timid as well.

So, when Hank had asked for the gravy to be passed to him, Sean happened to be the closest to the dish. He grasped the bowl with both hands and lifted it toward Hank. Alex sat between them, so for a moment the filled dish was directly in front of his face.

It lasted a moment longer than necessary, because before Hank could reach out to take the gravy from Sean's frail arms, Sean dropped it.

Directly into Alex's lap.

"What the hell, man?" Alex wasn't directly shouting at Sean, but that much could be interpreted.

Sean lowered his gaze.

"I know it doesn't take a genius to pass some food to a bozo, but it definitely takes an idiot to drop some."

This time, Alex stopped wiping his shirt to look at Sean as he spoke, it was a cold look.

Sean's eyed widened, slightly startled.

"Hey,-" Sean said in a relatively normal voice before cutting himself off completely.

It was as if he deflated after that, slumping into his chair like he wanted to disappear.

"That's quite enough, Alex." Charles intervened. "It was most certainly an accident."

Alex scoffed.

Sean closed his eyes as if he was willing himself not to cry.

Alex mumbled something unintelligible. Something mean and harsh. Something no one but Sean heard.

A single tear slipped down Sean's cheek.

For a moment, no one knew how to react.

That is, before Eric stood up and took charge.

"Havok, go wash yourself off. And next time you have something to say, make sure we all can hear it."

Alex left the room, his lips pressed together tightly.

Charles gave Eric a look.

"Now the boy's going to go to bed hungry, are you pleased with yourself?"

Eric only sighed.

Charles continued, "Sean, will you see me in my study after dinner?"

It wasn't a request, everyone realized that. Sean nodded quickly, it was almost like his head would snap.

"Right, then" Hank said slowly "let's just get back to dinner."

Everyone continued to eat except Sean. He just looked down at his lap. After a moment, Sean sniffled.

"Sean" Charles said softly.

Sean looked up, his eyes watery.

"Would you like to be excused?"

The words were asked gently, as if they were being spoken to a young child.

Sean nodded.

"Go on then" Charles said.

Sean stood up to leave the room.

"But Sean," The boy stopped dead in his tracks at the sound of the professor's voice.

"Next time, just ask."

All Sean could do was nod once again.