I just had a test on the law of mass communication so my brain is now officially mush. If anyone knows where I can find a replacement brain, let me know. Until, enjoy the story. There's only one more chapter left after this.
Anything you recognize isn't mine. If it was I wouldn't be worrying about how to pay for college.
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Ororo walked into the atrium and was surprised to see Dusty floating in the middle of the room, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the plants. She walked in and Dusty opened his eyes. He smiled warmly at Ororo.
"Hey," he said. Two and a half monthshad passed since he had arrived at the mansion and his mind had matured. He still remembered everything he had done, but he had reasoned with his sister that his memory of the skills he learned could help the X-Men on future missions.
"Am I disturbing you?" she asked.
"Nah," he said, a warm smile on his face. "I just like coming in here to clear my head and practice with my powers."
"As do I," she agreed. "I've never met another person who could manipulate weather as I do," she said after a moment.
"That makes two of us," he said.
"Where did you go after you finished your treatments with Professor Xavier?" she asked as he joined her on the bench.
"Went to go see my brother Mark and his kids, then went to my parents' graves. After that…I sorta went on a vision quest thing," he said, a faint blush in his face.
"A vision quest?" she asked, intrigued.
"Yeah. Ever since I was a kid I loved that kind of stuff. Always felt more connected with nature. Guess my abilities reflect that," he laughed.
"I guess they do," Ororo said.
He suddenly rose to his feet. "Wanna go do something?" he asked, his green eyes warm and hopeful.
"That sounds nice," she said, rising gracefully to her feet. They walked into the garage and he swung a leg over the motorcycle he had bought. Ororo got on behind him and he offered her a helmet. She declined and they roared out of the garage, heading into the city. Ororo smiled as she felt the wind whip her hair back.
A short time later they pulled up to a large glass building and Dusty shut off the bike. They got off and she looked at the building with disbelieving eyes. "This is the new conservatory," she said.
"C'mon," he said and they walked inside.
Ororo's eyes lit up as she looked around at all the plant life. "This place is most beautiful," she said.
Dusty smiled. "I know of things that are more beautiful," he said softly. They walked around in the conservatory, their shoes thudding gently on the ground.
"Thank you for taking me here," she said.
He stared at the ground. "I actually wanted to ask you something," he said.
"And you brought me here to soften me up to say yes," she told him with a grin.
He smiled, his face red. "I've been found out," he said.
"What did you want to ask me?" she asked.
"Would…would you like to go to my sister's wedding with me?" he asked nervously, biting his lower lip in anticipation.
Ororo smiled, touched at his kindness. "I'd love to," she said, holding his hand with her own.
Dusty smiled, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. "Did you want to get something to eat?" he suggested.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked.
He grinned. "That's a secret," he replied and he led them back to his bike. They got on and drove for a few miles to a small outdoor café. They sat down at a table and ordered some food.
"Who told you about this place?" she asked, sipping on some tea.
"Sam," he admitted, taking a drink of water.
"What do you think of Kurt?"
"He's a nice guy. I'm glad my sister found someone who loves her for who she is, not what she is," he said. "Part of me hopes to find someone who'll care about me like that," he admitted.
"And the other part?" Ororo asked.
"Is afraid."
"Afraid of being loved?"
"Afraid of hurting the people I love," he answered. He laughed bitterly. "I know how Logan feels."
"Not knowing the entirety of your past," she translated. He nodded. "Dusty, you have the same chance as Logan does. You can make a future for yourself."
"I have a lot to make up for Ororo," he said. "I don't even know how many people I hurt when…"
"It wasn't you Dustin," she said, resting a warm hand on his. "The important thing is you want to make up for something you had no control over. That proves to me you're a good man." He smiled and nodded in consent.
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