Well I had planned on making this chapter about Ororo and Hank's trip but as usual and without fail, I have writer's block. So I decided to write about Ava's first day at the institute. And to my dearest Raven, HELP! Message me as soon as you read this! Oh, and as for the rest of you, go immediately to Raven-takes-Flight's profile and read her stories because they are awesome! Once again, I own nothing that is not mine and that includes the X-Men.

'…I can't make it on my own because my heart is in Ohio! Cut my wrists and black my eyes…'

"'Ello?"

"Ava? Ava, vere are you?"

Ava sighed at her mother's hysterical voice.

"Mom, mom, MOM! I told you last night remember. I'm going to that school in New York. Remember?"

"Oh, da, da. I sorry. I sorry. Call me later."

"Yes, momma."

Ava closed her eyes and put her cell phone back on the bedside table. She knew her mother didn't remember. Alcohol and cards did that to a person. Hopefully her dad would be home soon and he could hide the vodka before her mother found it behind the bookcase in her room where she had hidden it before she left.

The rapping of knuckles on the door broke her thoughts.

Without thinking, she called, "Come in."

Ray stepped into the room and immediately turned around.

Ava scrunched up her brow in confusion before looking down and seeing that she was wearing only a bra. Her lacy black almost see-through bra.

She looked up at Ray to see him peeking over his shoulder with a smirk.

"RAY! OUT!"

Ray laughed as he stepped outside and closed the door.

Ava emerged a minute later fully dressed in a white t-shirt with 'Shiver My Timbers' written on it in red with a pair of black running shorts.

"Sorry about that. I'm just not used to boys in the house."

"Obviously. Nice shirt."

Ava chuckled. "Yeah, my dad hates it."

"Well I would be happy to assist you any time."

Ray was stunned when he felt a hand collide with the back of his head.

"Ouch! What was that for?

"For hitting on me. Do it again and I'll hit you on your other head."

Ray winced and replied, "Yes, m'am."

The two walked in silence for a moment.

"So what exactly do you want?"

"Well someone had to be forced to show you around this big ass house and I figured that it should be me."

"Why thank you, kind sir. I am most flattered by your actions."

Ray laughed at her thickened southern accent.

"Just doin' my job, m'am."

Ava clutched her stomach as her body shook with laughter.

"That…that…is the worst southern accent I've ever heard."

Ray just smirked and pulled her along.

"You haven't heard Bobby."

That afternoon Ray introduced Ava to everyone at the institute and she found that she had a lot in common with Jubilee, whom she learned she was rooming with, and was currently talking to her about what else…boys.

"So you and Ray, huh?"

"Jubilee!"

"No, seriously! He totally has the hots for you! I mean if I hit him in the head as many times as you did today I would just be a scorch mark on the carpet."

Ava seemed to be envisioning that particular scene when Jubilee hit her in the head with a pillow.

"Hey!"

Jubilee laughed and flopped down on her bed.

"So when's your first danger room session?"

"Tomorrow! And all because all of the new kids have to, and I quote, 'learn the ropes'."

Jubilee rolled her eyes. "So who's going to be your fearless leader?"

"Scott something."

"Oh my gosh! Ava, I feel so bad for you."

"What? Why?"

"Because Scott has a stick crammed so far up his ass he can't sit down."

"Oh, is that why he always looks constipated?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Great."

Knocking on the door interrupted them. Logan stuck his head inside and nodded at the two girls.

"Light's out."

"Yes, sir."

With that, Jubilee turned off the light and both girls drifted into sleep.

Again, not totally satisfied with this chapter. I feel like Ray is to out of character, but since there are really know fics about him how do I know. Anyway, thanks for tuning in! Much Love, Echo 