The X-Men were all sitting inside Xavier's office, waiting for the Professor to arrive. Hank stood nervously in the corner. Ororo was curled up with Logan as were Scott and Jean. Warren and Kurt, however, were engrossed in a card game with Rouge, Kitty, and Bobby. "Why did he have to wake us up at a time like this?" Logan grumbled. Ororo hushed him as Hank seemed to twist his hands together. It had been a good month since he and Becca shared the tender embrace, and he was eager to go to the library and try to find her.
"I don't know." Scott said, holding a sleeping Jean close to him. "But you would think midnight would be late enough." Suddenly the door opened and the Professor rolled in. He seemed to hold a knowing look in his eyes, and a smug little grin on his lips. Something was up, and no one but Jean, who was now asleep, could tell.
"Professor," Bobby exclaimed, yawning loudly. "Where have you been?" Xavier had been gone for two weeks and he didn't tell anyone where he was going. Jean and Ororo looked after the school, and even managed to get Logan and Scott to behave for a good two minutes.
"Away Robert," he said, adjusting his chair. "I am sure you all know about the ghost that has been haunting the mansion." Everyone nodded and Hank stood there, the blood seeming to rush from him. "Well I have taken care of the problem." Hank's heart stopped and his arm fell limply at his sides. The thought of something happening to her made him woozy. He gripped the back of the couch and took a few deep breaths. His mind reeled with thoughts and questions; what happened to her? Was his Becca alright? Is she really gone forever?
"Ausome!" Kitty laughed high fiving Bobby. "Now we can finally go into the library and get some studying done!" Hank's grip became harder as Xavier locked gazes with him. Han's eyes were filled with anger, confusion and a dark grief.
"Where is she?" Hank asked. All eyes turned to him, staring in confusion at their friend's suddenly violent attitude. "What did you do to her?" His voice was so much darker than before, and like an animal threatening its prey. He stole the only woman Hank ever loved, and that peeved him off so badly he was surprised the couch was in one piece. The others were in shock, but Xavier held his gaze.
"Hank…" a soft voice said. The mutant instantly looked up and saw a woman at the door. She was dressed in a navy blue skirt with a white blouse; all colonial style. Her hair was deep chocolate brown, falling down her back with a few pieces curling around her temples. And those eyes, the color of pure honey, melted his anger. The woman smiled softly, amused but shy.
"Rebecca," he said breathlessly. Becca smiled softly, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Hank swiftly moved to stand in front of her. She nodded softly, locking her honey brown gaze with his blue one. Hank's heart swelled as he pulled her into his arms. Becca rested her hands around his torso and her head on his chest.
"Oh my love," she whispered "I have missed you so." Her voice has a soft colonial accent and she spoke in a much older type dialect than modern voices. But he didn't care. All that mattered was she was with him, now and forever.
"Who is this?" Kurt asked as all the others stared at the newest couple in the mansion. As Xavier started to explain Hank tilted Becca's head upward. The soft look in her eyes made him melt and his heart speed to a rhythm that would normally not be healthy. His hand cupped her smooth cheek, his thumbs caressing the skin.
"I love you Rebecca." He whispered. "Now and forever." Her eyes seemed to shine with tears of happiness. She reached up and laid her hand on his.
"I love you to Henry." She laughed lightly, smiling up at him, "In life and in death." Hank smiled back and pulled her closer. Caressing the small of her back she snuggled deeper into his arms. He knew now that he would never be alone. And that, along with having the woman he loved in his arms, gave him warmth and a peace in mind.