AN: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

This is the last chapter for this Story…

I'm so depressed.

Never fear though.  Break the Dawn will release mid-October…

But for now…

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!

OH! One last thing. Since I want to differentiate between bonds talking. Thus, when you see :blahblahblah: during the text, that's the bonds talking.

Chapter 69: One Last Dance

Two months after the fall of Magneto, after the U.S. government had confiscated Avalon, who found the technology inside very interesting, although much of it would take years to even understand, much less duplicate, the X-Men were mostly recovered.  Many bore psychological scars, which would take a long time to recover, but they were, on the whole, in their original state.

At least, for the most part.

Jubilee had found it rather disconcerting that, whenever she came within about 15 feet of her boyfriend, she heard all his thoughts, no matter what.  Kyle and Amara were still trying to adjust to the fact that each felt a shadow of the other's pain, something that they had learned the hard way, after the adrenalin from the battle with Magneto faded. Jean and Scott were taking time to adapt to the strengthening of their bond, and Betsy and Roberto were trying to figure out just why they even had one.

For now, however, that was the furthest thing from even the effected couples minds.  For it was a sunny day, the weather was fair, and all was right with their world.  So… The Professor gave them the day off.

This time, they didn't have to worry about Acolytes ruining it.

"Ah, it beein a great thing that we be havin a day off. We be needin it." Said Rahne, as she laid back against Sam, as he whittled a piece of wood, his arms around her waist.  The two of them were sitting with their close friends, Bobby Drake, Jubilation Lee, Amara Aquilla, Kyle Trevais, Roberto DeCosta, and Elizabeth Braddock.

"Yeah. Ah think we all desahrve it."

"Agreed." Said Kyle, as he sat against a tree, his hand scanning a book.

"I think your girlfriend feels neglected." Said Bobby. He had his legs bent at the knees, soles of the feet to the ground.  Between his legs, Jubilee was reclining against him, her head on his shoulder.

"The advantages to empathic bonds… We don't need to cuddle to show incredible affection.  Besides, I just want to finish up this paragraph." With that, Kyle's finger stopped. "And I just did."

Sometimes, in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow

Amara smiled slightly, as she slipped across the circle, slipping herself deftly into the lap of her boyfriend.  Kyle grinned at her, and kissed her on the tip of the nose.  She grinned slightly, and turned around, settling on his lap, as he shifted to accommodate her.  She had learned over the weeks how to send images along their link, although they couldn't send thoughts.

But, if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Jean and Scott watched the younger X-Men, as she leaned into his side. She looked at the younger X-Men and, as she commented to Scott telepathically, she really could see them in the younger students.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

Tabby smiled, as Piotr's massive arms held her around the waist.  She knew from Queen Jean that Piotr had beaten the shit out of Berzerker for her, and she intended to reward him for that.

"How about a reward for beating Berzerker bloody."

"It was no trouble little love, I do not think it is necessary."

"But I want to."

"I am not sure…"

"Come on! Don't you know how to play Sorry!"

(AN: I had to do it)

For, it won't be long
Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Kitty smirked as she felt Lance's arms wrap around her from behind.  She had gotten to the point where she didn't even need to turn around to identify him, they were that close. Of course, kissing with your back to your partner is not an easy feat.

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow

Kurt sat up in a tree, as Amanda rested at it's base.  She had been nervous the entire time the X-Men were in Avalon, and hadn't slept properly.  Kurt was watching her as she slept, 'like her guardian angel' he had told her.

He had meant it.

For no one can fill
Those of your needs that you won't let show

Rogue sat reading her book.  Even though she and Remy were dating, it was still force of habit to act like she was a statue of sorts, emotionless and detached.  Remy slipped behind Rogue, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the top of her head. She closed the book and sighed, as she leaned against him.

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

Evan smirked at Sarah, as he descended into the half-pipe.  The two of them had decided to relax in the best way they knew how.  Skating.

I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Jamie and Illyanna watched the older X-Men.  The two of them both felt left out, as the only members of the institute who were 'too young' to do most of the fun stuff the elder kids did.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

Lorna snuck up behind the younger Summers brother.  In her hand she held a balloon full of water.  Smiling slightly, she smashed it on Alex's head, drawing laughter from the X-Men, who had watched with concealed amusement.

For, it won't be long
Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Jono and Paige were both leaning against a tree. The two of them couldn't honestly be called used to their bond, since the tree's they were leaning against were on far sides of the main area of the institute lawn.  Still, Paige could feel Jono's presence in her head, and somehow, it was comforting.

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

Bobby smiled down at Jubilee.  His face darkened slightly, as he remembered all the times he had nearly lost her on Avalon.

I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

She frowned at him, and then he remembered, belatedly, that they shared thoughts at this distance.  She sent to him the memories of all the times she had nearly lost him, and the two conceded a tie.

If there is a load
You have to bear, that you can't carry

Rahne and Sam smiled at the site of the young couple.  It wasn't hard to tell when one of the newly bonded pairs made a mistake.  Their faces and postures gave it away.  Since they were all so used to having their minds to themselves, it wasn't the easiest thing to get used to.

I'm right up the road
I'll share your load if you just call me

He smiled, and kissed his girlfriend's head, then pulled her to her feet. He had something he wanted to do with her, and they needed to get going.

Call me if you need a friend
Call me ...

As the two walked off, Roberto and Betsy sat in silence, occasionally glaring daggers at each other, as one of them made a screw up.  Unlike Jubilee and Bobby, they only shared all surface thoughts, although they had a greater maximum range.  Finally, Betsy stood, and walked away.  The two hadn't been inside their maximum range more than a few hours a week the entire time they had had the link.  They just had too much trouble standing each other.

Bobby shook his head.  He knew that the two of them wouldn't be able to avoid it forever.  Sooner or later, they'd have to get their acts together.

:you know it.: Jubilee sent to her partner.

Bobby grinned, and kissed his girlfriend on the cheek.

Amara and Kyle had moved off to another location on the institute grounds, as each of the couples were taking their day off to just be with their significant other.

:You know,: said Jean, :Paige and Jono haven't been talking much. Even across their bond.:

:how do you know that?:

:Cause theirs is unique, in a way.  Their pupils glow when they use it.:

:And they haven't been, have they?:

:I think she still may be a little uncomfortable with him being in her head.:

:I can understand that. It took me weeks, and you and I have been best friends for years.:

:True. Maybe we should just give them time.:

It takes a little time sometimes
To get your feet back on the ground

Paige and watched the young boy from across the institute lawn.  Back on Avalon, he had been forced to push his powers, causing his entire torso to be engulfed in his own power. 

It takes a little time sometimes
To get the titanic turned back around

Across their bond, which was competing with Kyle and Amara's as 'most unique' she could sense Jonothan's depression.  She knew that he was wallowing in self-pity, thinking no one would care for a boy whose entire torso was made of energy.

It takes a little time sometimes
But baby you're not going down

Standing up, Paige began to walk across the institute grounds.  The reason she hadn't been too near Jono recently was a well-known fact amongst the X-Men.  It wasn't that she blamed him.  Rather, it hurt her to be near him.

It takes more than you've got right now
Give it time

She crouched down in front of Jono, and put a hand under his chin, lifting his face to look at hers.

"Jono, knock it off."

He stared at her, his eyes full of self-pity.

"Jono, do ya'll know why Ah ain' been near ya'll recently?"

"Cause ye blaime me."

"I don' blame ya, Jono.  Ya'll hurt meh, that's all. Ya'll hear me? Ahll this bein depressed hurt meh, and Ah ain' been with ya'll cause ah that.  But noh anehmore."

What's this walking thru' my door
I know I've seen the look before

Jono looked up at Paige, and was shocked when she planted her lips to his, in a soul-stealing, heart-pounding, ear-ringing kiss.  The two of them broke apart only when the X-Men began to applaud.

Sometimes in faces on the street
Sometimes in the mirror looking back at me

The two blushed, as Paige pulled back.

:proof enough?: she asked him.

:bloody hell: was all he could come up with in response.

:I hope I wasn't that bad for a first kiss.:

:Bloody hell lass. That was yer first!:

:Yep:

You can't fix this pain with money
You can't rush a weary soul

Lorna and Alex laughed, as they watched the young couple.  While they didn't know from experience, Scott had described his and Jean's link.  While each was different, they all allowed for sharing of thoughts, ideas and emotions, although Kyle's was more of emotions, along with images.

You can't sweep it under the rug, now honey
It don't take a lot to know

"Those two were practically made for each other." Said Lorna.

"Don't tell me your gonna get all mushy on me!" Said Alex, as he grinned over at the girl who had become his best friend in his time at the institute.

"Yep!" Said Lorna.

Alex shook his head, and, turning slightly, stared out over the lake.

It takes a little time sometimes
To get your feet back on the ground

"What you thinking about?" Asked Lorna.

"Remember when the saws nearly cut you in half?" Asked Alex.

It takes a little time sometimes
To get the titanic turned back around

"How could I forget." She responded.

"I realized something then."

It takes a little time sometimes
But baby you're not going down

"What did you realize?"

"Something I should have long ago."

It takes more than you've got right now
Give it time

"Wha-mmmmfph." Lorna was cut off by Alex kissing her on the lips.  Finally, he drew away, and looked away.

He's embarrassed. Realized Lorna, startled.  It was more Scott's style to be embarrassed, not Alex's.

Now it may not be over by morning
But Rome wasn't built in a day

"I'll understand if you don't feel the same." Said Alex.

Lorna looked at the boy in front of her, and, to Alex's sadness, she stood up.

You can name this thing a thousand times
But it won't make it go away

Lorna sat down in front of Alex, and, putting a hand on either cheek, pulled him in for another kiss.

Let me put my arms around you
And hold you while you weep

She finally drew back, panting slightly to draw air in, as Alex put his arms around her back.

"So is that a you like me too?" asked Alex.

"Oh yeah." Said Lorna, as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

We've been talking and talking
I'm sick of this talk
And it's nothing that won't keep

While the two newest couples of the institute snuggled, one of the oldest got reacquainted.

:So, Moira. You see what the theory is now?:

:Aye, Charles. But it is hard tae believe.:

:Well, when the proof is in your own mind.: Said Charles.

He and Moira had the strongest link, easily capable of handling the distances from the institute to Muir island.

It takes a little time sometimes
To get your feet back on the ground

Amanda stirred gently at the base of the tree she was resting against.  Looking up into the leafy branches, she saw the sulfurous yellow eyes of her boyfriend, the only part of him visible since his mutation had evolved.  He now blended perfectly into any shadows, and only his eyes could give him away.

It takes a little time sometimes
To get the titanic turned back around

"Hey." He said softly, as he flipped down from the branches.

"Hey." She responded, as she stood up, and crinked her back. "I told you to wake me up."

"Ja, vell,you needed de sleep."

She smiled, and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend.

It takes a little time sometimes
But baby you're not going down

Rahne and Sam were walking through the woods around the institute. The two of them knew that nothing could harm them here, since it was still inside the institute's grounds.

It takes more than you've got right now
Give it time

The wolf-girl found that she was most at home in these wooded lands, like the wolf inside of her was drawn to them, and that, as that part grew stronger, she would feel more at home there.

No you can't fix this pain with money
You can't rush a weary soul
You can't sweep it under the rug now honey
It don't take a lot to know

Sam looked over at the girl next to him, and smiled.  He could tell that she was comfortable here, among the trees.  He smiled, as he reached over, and held her close to him.

It takes a little time sometimes
To get your feet back on the ground

" 'ey boyo. Do ye wan' sometin?"

" Jus ta look at ya'll's loveleh fahce."

Rahne scrunched it up playfully.

"Meanie." Said Sam

It takes a little time sometimes
To get the titanic turned back around

"And ye love it."

"More than laife itself." Said Sam, as he kissed her hard.  In that moment, he knew he would go to any lengths for her.  He never realized that, in less than a year, he would be called on to prove it.

It takes a little time sometimes
But baby you're not going down

Bobby was holding Jubilee when the two of them received a mental summons from the Professor.  Standing, the two walked into his office.

It takes more than you've got right now
Give it time

"You called us, Professor?" asked Jubilee.

"Yes. Jubilee, I have figured out how you were drawn into the Astral plain with us.  You are, and apparently, always have been, although being in constant association with others has strengthened it, a telepath."