A few hours or so later, Spyke and Callisto returned to the tribe to reunited with the other Morlocks and Ororo. The next few days passed uneventfully for them, as the Morlocks enjoyed their time. None of the tribesmen were afraid of them, long exposure to living with a Goddess had made them immune to the hatred that normally accompanied mutants. Especially such strange looking ones. But apart from a strange, curious glance or two, they were treated as everyone else was. Torpid was even making some friends among the little kids, who kept asking her to join them in their games.
Spyke and Callisto weren't able to enjoy many private moments, especially with the other Morlocks and especially Spyke's aunt watching, so they settled for just friendly talk and heartfelt smiles whenever they saw one another.
Finally the day came when they all had to depart, as the Morlocks boarded the X-Jet with Ororo, giving a final heartfelt good-bye and wave to Nirambo and his people, who'd been most hospitable, and streaked off towards the setting sun and Bayville.
"There's no chance I can convince you to come home, is there?" asked Ororo, addressing Spyke, who sat next to her in the co-pilots seat. Spyke smiled, glancing back at Callisto briefly before replying.
"Not a snowball's chance in Hell," he replied. Behind him, Callisto breathed a welcome sigh of relief. Ororo sighed softly, but nodded, and the Blackbird dropped down on the edge of Bayville, with an entrance to the sewers, where the Morlocks departed. Spyke and Ororo shared a hug before she took the Blackbird back to the mansion, as the Morlocks headed back into the underbelly of Bayville and made their way back to the Alley, rejoining with Scaleface and the other Morlocks. Fortunately, apart from some small skirmishes with thugs and beggars fighting over food, the Morlocks had remained unnoticed and out of trouble. Callisto was glad.
So life returned to a semblance of normalcy for the Morlocks.
With one major difference.
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(Two weeks later)
"Calliban," stated Callisto. "Assume temporary command... I am going to investigate the northern tunnels tonight, and I'm taking Spyke with me," she added. "We'll return by dawn."
Spyke and Callisto vanished as Calliban watched them go, tilting his head curiously. Those two seemed to always be wandering off for some reason or another, though he could not fathom why. They must've been discussing something very important. But like a great many things, Calliban simply did not care, as he returned the dull drudgery of his life.
Only Torpid truly smiled, knowing where they were going, and silently wishing them happiness. Perhaps, she mused, having Spyke as a father-figure wouldn't be so bad.
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Evan and Callisto walked side by side down the dark tunnels of the sewers, finally finding a dry spot to just sit down and hold themselves in each other's arms, their lips sealed against one another's. True, it was hard hiding the knowledge of their relationship from the other Morlocks (except Torpid, who knew but had promised not to tell) but they both decided they weren't ready yet.
Still, that didn't prevent them from finding comfort in each other's presence. Together they made the smelly, slimy existence of the sewers as bright and beautiful as the wilds of Africa. As beautiful as an African fire, burning in both their hearts.
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Author's Notes:
*Passes out tissues* True love is so beautiful, isn't it? Well there you go fans, my first attempt at Romance. As previously stated, just send me a message if you want to receive that removed chapter between IX and X, and I'll be happy to provide it. Hope you all enjoyed.
Todd fan: Well thank you, I do try. *gives you Evan and Callisto plushies*
Comet-hime: Excellent news, thanks so much for helping me with fan art. Don't worry, your Tabitha-Amara will be along as soon as possible.
Amari: Well I'm flattered by the suggestion, but you're too kind. The XME writers do a splendid job on their own. Except maybe the twit who did 'Adrift,' but even that had a few cute scenes to save it from being a total loss.
Kukume: Oh I plan to write many more XME stories, I simply love all the characters (except Havoc)
Elrohirthewriter: Well that's all, feel free to ask for the omitted chapter if you really like the Evan/Callisto.