Disclaimer: Don't own the X-Men, Ilehana Xavier belongs to Corrinth, Blaze is mine, this chap is inspired by Snow Patrol's 'How to be Dead'.

Open your eyes 03

Vixen found Blaze stood on top of a tower block looking out over a starlit New York City. Far below yellow cabs streamed by like a polluted river. Electric lights twinkled and sparkled like Christmas decorations flung clumsily over the skyline. Blaze had a thumb hooked under the belt on her tight jeans. Her long red hair was loose, whipping about her in the chill wind. Her brown eyes were fixed on middle distance as she let Ilehana speak first.

#What are you doing out here? What is it that's so important you have to leave again without telling anyone? We're all going frantic back here Blaze…#

#Don't be so pedantic.# Blaze retorted hotly.

#But Blaze…# Vixen tried again, struggling to find the words she wanted. She hadn't expected to find Blaze furious, especially not at her. I don't have time for this, Vixen growled to herself. To Blaze she said, #Listen to me. Whatever's happened its not being solved by you turning tail and running away…#

#No Vixen, its time you listened to me for a change. Please don't go crazy if I tell you the truth. You don't know what happened and you never will. Talking to you is like talking to a wall these days.#

#That's unfair.# Vixen argued, #Blaze this is ridiculous. Come down from here and come home.#

#How dare you be so condescending?# Blaze snapped nastily. #I didn't think I was asking for much, just some of your precious time. You don't even remember me asking do you? I needed to talk so you Vixen, and you weren't there for me.#

#I…# Ilehana stuttered, feeling a little vulnerable and not liking it. #I do remember, honest. I really just haven't had time to blink recently. Besides you've got Gambit, couldn't you just have confided in him?#

#Huh.# Blaze chirruped sarcastically. #Excuse me for thinking I might have two friends I could count on. I didn't realise I was being so selfish. And as for you not having time, you never have time. You have to make an effort for things that are important to you. Then again, maybe I'm just not important at all to you. Just part of the scenery…#

#That's not true Blaze.# Ilehana protested. #You're my friend, that's not changed.#

#I know you think that!# Blaze spun away from the egde of the building with fury in her mind. #I know you juts presume we'll always be friends. I want that too Vixen, don't you see? But friendships need to be reinforced, and a friend neds to know she's not being taken for granted.#

#I don't take you for granted!#

#Yes you do! Why can't you shoulder the blame? My shoulders are heavy with the weight of us both. I'm always busy too Vix. I teach, I train, I go on missions and I gather Intel. But I try and find time to see how you're doing. To ask you what's going on, to invite you to spend time with the others and me. This isn't the first time I've asked you for some time and you've let me down.#

#Blaze stop it! You know I would if I could! Don't you think I miss having time to spend with my friends?# Vixen snarled.

#You haven't heard a single word I've said have you?# Blaze asked crossly. #I can't think of the last time you went out of your way to ask how I was. When was the last time you did something for me off your own back? You don't even answer all the questions I ask you, only the ones that suit you…#

#Blaze stop drawing lines in the sand. I haven't made half the mistakes you've listed so far.#

#Haven't you?# Blaze demanded, folding her arms against the telepathic presence of Ilehana.

#Oh for crying out loud, what's upset you like this? This isn't all about some boy is it?# Vixen too turned defensive.

#Don't you get it? It doesn't matter what's upset me. I've dealt with it, its over and I'm moving on. But when I wanted your support, I didn't get it.#

#Look, I'm sorry.# Ilehana apol0gised, though still not sure she deserved this. #I'll try harder next time I promise. Come home wont you? I have to go to Scotland for a few days, but when I get back we'll talk.#

Back in Cerebro, Ilehana found herself pinned by Blaze's mournful stare.

#How do you even know there will be a next time Ilehana?#

With that Blaze closed the link with a force Ilehana would not have accredited to a non-telepath. She stumbled out of Cerebro with her eyes watering as though she had been slapped. Gambit and Wolverine were waiting for her in the subbasement corridor.

"She's fine." Ilehana told them abruptly, rubbing the bridge of her nose to ease the tension she felt. "Whatever crisis she had is over, I'm sure she'll be back as soon as she can get a cab."

"You don't know what upset her Cherie?" Gambit asked, looking visibly relieved.

"No." Ilehana closed the subject firmly. "I have to get going, I'll see you both when I get back from Muir Island."

"I'll walk you to the jet…" Logan offered, but Ilehana was already gone. The long flight ahead of her would give her a break. Vixen needed the thinking time. She knew now at least that if she wanted to rebuild her friendship with the fire elemental, the next move would have to be hers.

#The End#