Disclaimer: Anyone or anything you recognize the name from a Marvel comic book, does not belong to me. I have no money, sue if you want you can't get blood from a stone. Any likeness of people you recognize, I may know them as well and they know I have no money and they can't get anything from me.
Dark Holidays
By
NoHaven
The days were getting colder and darker in Salem Center, the first snow had fallen and a thin blanket of the substance covered the ground. From outside the mansion it would appear that everything was normal, nearly every light in the mansion was lit, casting a pale light out onto the grounds. The light reflecting off the snow, combined with the clear moonlit sky cast a beautiful portrait.
As Neal Sharra climbed out of a red accord he had rented he found it an easing sight to see the mansion in such a manner. Even though Christmas was not a holiday he celebrated at any time in his life he found comfort in the thought that all his teammates and even some of the extended X-family would be present for Christmas. In this fact he found comfort, the X-Men were just a big family, and what he needed now more than anything was to feel like he belonged. Slowly he walked towards the main door, just before entering it, he stopped put down the two bags he was carrying reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a Santa hat, putting it on he spoke quietly to himself.
"Well its my first Christmas, I may as well jump in with both feet."
Picking up his bags he opened the front door and crossed the threshold into the main hallway. Closing the door he prepared himself to greet his fellow teammates with holiday cheer. As he pulled off his coat and opened the hallway closet to hang it up he saw his first teammate, Bobby Drake AKA Iceman. He was happy Bobby was the first one he saw, his laid-back jokers attitude would make it easy for Neal to embarrass himself slightly and spread some holiday cheer. Stepping from behind the closet door he spoke.
"Bobby, my friend HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!" Neal said with a smile.
Looking at Neal Sharra wearing the stupid looking Santa's hat Bobby Drake was overwhelmed with one feeling…Dread. Quickly Bobby looked around taking in his surroundings, quickly he moved towards Neal who stood with his arms spread and a large stupid smile. Grabbing Neal by the collar of his shirt with one hand and the two bags with the other he quickly pushed the newest X-Man to an empty room. Pushing Neal through the door he quickly stuck his head out and surveyed the hallway one last time for any sign of the mansions current residents. Pulling his head back in, he turned around and saw Neal standing in the middle of the room smiling.
"Bobby, I am sorry to disappoint you but I cannot show you the presents I have bought for our teammates." Neal said while shaking a finger at Bobby.
"Are you a Fucking Idiot?" Bobby asked angrily.
"What do you mean? I am just trying to spread this so called Christmas Spirit; I am trying to fit in with my teammates. I though this is what I should do. I just want everyone to have a Happy Christmas" Neal said innocently.
"Ugh…" Bobby groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Alright you aren't an idiot…but since you are new let me tell you a couple things so people around here won't think you are any more of a dip-shit than they already do."
"Uh…thank you. People think I am a dip-shit?" Neal asked.
"Yeah a big one…don't take it hard, its just you are new, and well…never mind." Bobby said thinking better of what he was gong to say. " Anyways round here you gotta realize that the holidays aren't a particularly happy time of year. Everyone in this mansion has lost people they care about, and this time of year is just a reminder that they can't be with them."
"Well isn't that what Christmas is about, being with the people you care about and remembering who isn't with you?" Neal said quizzically.
"Well sort of, actually that is more New Years Eve…but anyways, look people round here are touchy about the whole 'the world must be happy' vibe, don't get me wrong, Christmas Day is usually alright but until then, keep away from trying to get people into the Christmas spirit." Bobby said almost as an order.
"Ok, I don't fully understand but I will try to do what you have told me." Neal said in a confused manner.
"Good, just remember steer as far away from Wolverine as you can, he's more likely to gut you than to do anything else around this time of year. I would also avoid Rouge; she's been kinda moody lately. Oh, and just leave Bishop and Cable alone." Bobby informed Neal.
"Ok I will try my best." Neal said while picking up his packages.
"Oh yeah, take off that hat, and if anyone wishes you happy holiday just say 'MERRY' Christmas or happy holidays back to them. Otherwise they will think you are more of an idiot than they do already." Bobby said walking out the door into the hallway. Looking over his shoulder he spoke. "And Neal."
"Yes, Bobby." Neal said with a look of defeat across his face.
"Merry Christmas."
"Yes, Merry Christmas to you as well."
Neal stood in the room alone for a moment; maybe he should have traveled back to India. It would have been easier than dealing with the people in the mansion he thought to himself. His head hung low he clutched the two bags of gifts to his chest and walked up the staircase.
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