Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X Men.

Note: This is it, Folks. The final chapter is now here. I've had a great time with this story. I'm sorry it took so long to post. For those of you who might be brave enough to wonder, I am beginning the next installment on our journey forward in time. I have a few thoughts of where this should go. Though you may not hear from me for a while, rest assured…or be very worried…I'm writing.

Thank you all for the support you always offer. I've enjoyed our encounters here and look forward to when next we meet.

Redhead2

We're All Family

Chapter 34

Saturday

With Saturday came more of a normal routine for everyone. Teachers checked schedules for the return of students as well as the return to the classrooms.

In the lab, Adam and Hank insisted on a series of tests and scans for everyone in the house. Nothing was going to be left unchecked. With a new year on the horizon, they wanted everyone starting with a clean bill of health. Even the babies didn't escape exams. Eyes rolled good-naturedly each time someone else was summoned.

Logan was just finished his exam when Kitty walked into the lab. "Hey, Kitten, I wanted to talk to you." He put his arm around her shoulders and led her to one side. "I just wanted to say…well…I knew you were in real pain when you had the governor a few years back. I was furious for you." He pushed on as her eyes drifted in remembrance of that terrible experience. "I just wanted to tell you that…now…after I had that thing on me…well, I'm really proud of you. I was always proud of the woman you've become and I knew you could take care of yourself; even with all the complaining in my classes. I just have a new appreciation of the strength you have. You're really somethin'." He grinned as she flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Though married and a mother, she'd always be his kitten. He hugged her back then pushed her off for her physical, smiling at her back before he turned to go.

By dinner time the events of the past few days had dimmed and the excitement of the holidays had returned. Talk of New Year's Eve plans dominated the conversation during dinner. Most decided on going to the Twilight Club. Logan called Nick and made sure they would be able to get tickets. Nick assured him there would be a section with his name on it.

"Now all we have to handle are the details," Jean said with a smile as everyone was seated in the library with drinks.

"Yeah, like what to wear," offered Jubilee.

"And who's going and who's baby sitting," reminded Kitty.

"See, Nanny to the core," Adam teased.

"Just you wait. I think I'll set up the next sparing schedule. You'll get a work out like you won't believe." Everyone laughed pleasantly at their fun.

"Remy and Ah can't go anywhere this time 'round. So we'll take the job." Marie took Remy's hand. "We need to go up now anyway. Jimmy will be up soon." They left as everyone conveyed thanks and jeers.

As they laughed, Charles noticed the distance in Dria's face as she sat beside the fire. Looking into her mind he gently brushed and requested entrance. Dria turned to him and their eyes met. "Dria, are you alright?" he asked as he walked closer to her.

"Yes, Charles, I am." She took a deep breath and smiled. "I am very happy everyone is home safely for the New Year."

"As am I but you seem otherwise occupied. Are you feeling well?" his concern deep in his voice.

"I haven't felt this good in twenty years." She smiled as she took his hand in her enthusiasm.

Charles grasped her hand in return, touched by her open exuberance. He suddenly felt something drain her happiness as she slowly pulled her hand away and looked down shyly. "Dria, as long as you are feeling well, would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the club. We could drink to the new year and your renewed health."

Dria stopped and looked up at Charles with wonder and shock. Did he just ask me out? Feeling foolish she spun on her heels and stepped away. "I'm sorry, Charles. I guess with you here my thoughts aren't exactly…silent."

Realizing what she was saying, Charles slowly backed out of her mind. When he looked into her eyes he saw what only made him feel worse. He closed his in regret when she stood and walked toward the door.

"Dria?" Adam reached for her arm as she passed him.

"Yes?" she quickly forced a smile and looked at him. That was a mistake.

Adam saw something had upset her but he didn't know what. Sensing that she didn't want a scene he smiled back. "Feeling ok?"

"Oh, yes. I just thought it might be nice if I took a short walk. I'm getting very warm by the fire."

"Do you want some company?" he offered.

"No. You enjoy your drink. I'm fine." She gently pulled from his soft hold and continued out the door. She moved into the dining room and sat facing the French doors overlooking the snow covered porch.

Adam furrowed a brow and was about to get up when Charles stopped him.

"Adam, would you allow me to follow her?"

Adam looked at his friend as he approached. There was something different about him. He seemed less confident…less sure of himself. Sensing he was reluctant to say more and suddenly feeling very protective of Dria, Adam squared his shoulders. "Why?"

Charles understood the implication. He knew Adam suspected that he'd done something. "I was speaking with her. She doesn't understand that if I'm in her mind it doesn't mean that I suddenly know everything or can read her thoughts."

"She's embarrassed about something. She left to distance herself." Adam remained defensive.

Looking down and feeling very self-conscious; a feeling he had not entertained in a very long time, Charles thought for a moment then looked back to his friend. With just a hint of the smile he was having a hard time containing, he confessed, "I asked her to the club." He watched as the surprise played over Adam's features. "Let me speak with her. I will explain without entering her mind and will not do so again until she understands completely."

"No. You'd better let me handle this." A distant memory replayed in his mind. A very young, junior high version of his cousin smiled back at him as he saw the tears in her eyes. "I'll explain, then you can talk to her again,…tomorrow. Trust me." Adam watched as Charles nodded and left his mind. He turned to his wife, noting she was watching him. "I'll be right back," he whispered as he kissed her cheek and left the library.

The dining room doors were slightly ajar. He smiled and shook his head at yet another memory. As he walked in he closed the doors behind him and began his approach. "Let me see. The last time this happened, you were 14 and Sam Mullen wanted to take you to the Christmas social at school."

Dria let out a strangled laugh over her tears, as the memory came back to her. "How'd you know?"

"Come on, Dri," Adam pulled a chair over and sat, "It isn't only you who knows me very well. I know you, too."

"That wasn't the last time…just the last time you were around for." She looked up at him as he took her hand. "The rest I had to struggle through without you."

"Well, I'm here now, so talk to me."

Dria looked at him seriously considering whether or not to say anything at all. Slowly she shook her head. "Maybe I shouldn't."

"It's Charles, isn't it?" Adam laughed at the way her eyes snapped back to his. He laughed harder when she punched his shoulder. "Did you really think I wouldn't know?"

"I was hoping." She saw the mock stern look he gave her and knew what it meant. Giving in with a sigh she whispered, "Charles and I were speaking…and…I reacted poorly."

"How so?"

Dria looked up at him with a glare. "You already know don't you?"

"Charles wanted to come after you." He saw the horrified look cross her face. "I stopped him."

"Oh, Adam…what have I done?" she put her head in her hands.

"Dri, stop. All you did was misunderstand. It's ok. You really don't know Charles very well…or mutation for that matter. You couldn't possibly be expected to know." He stopped as he watched Dria regain her composure enough to look up at him. "Charles is one of the most powerful telepaths in the world…maybe the most powerful." He saw she was just about to lose it again when he quickly added, "That means he's also the most controlled. He can just feel your emotions or completely take control. He regulates the amount of intrusion he makes. Fortunately, for all of us, he's also the most responsible, considerate and morally conscious man I've ever met. I've known him for many years now. I know that if he was speaking to you in your mind, he wasn't reading it without your knowledge or approval. He just wouldn't do that." Adam watched as Dria turned slightly in thought.

After trying to think through the emotional knot in which she'd tied herself up, she turned back to her cousin. Throwing herself against him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders she buried her face. "I think this is what I did when you helped me with Sam." She giggled as he chuckled at her antics.

"What am I going to do with you?" he chided.

Sitting up straighter she looked at her hands now back in her lap. With a much softer and forlorn voice she whispered, "No, what am I going to do? What must he think?"

"He thinks he hurt you. I told him he could talk to you tomorrow. Right now, go to bed. Rest. It will all look better with the sun." Adam stood and wrapped her under his arm as he walked her to her room.

Sunday

At breakfast, talk ranged from kids to training. Logan began by informing Sissy she was being put on a new training schedule. After talking to the professor and Scott, it was decided that Sissy was to start her training right away, beginning with endurance and strength training. "Once you can handle that, we'll move on to combat and self-defense."

Sissy looked to Jubilee and Kitty, "Please tell me he's easier on girls than I saw him on Jack."

Both girls laughed as they shook their heads. "Sorry, Chica," Jubilee answered as she looked around and noted the agreeing looks around the room. "He was actually tougher on us than the guys." Everyone laughed when Sissy hung her head in dejection. "But come and talk to us later. Kitty and I'll let you in on a couple of secrets we found worked in getting around him."

Sissy looked up hopefully then laughed as she saw both Kitty and Jubes hide behind their husbands when Logan growled.

Charles found Dria wrapped warmly and sitting on the porch overlooking the back grounds. "It's very cold out here, this morning."

Dria nervously turned at the sound of his voice. Forcing a small smile she nodded and turned back to the view. "Yes, but I really don't mind it. The fire will feel that much nicer this evening."

Charles felt the distance she was keeping between them. "Dria, please. I need to speak with you." He came up and turned to face her. "I would like to explain…"

With a smile and raise of her hand she stopped him. "There's no need, Charles. I was the one who misunderstood. I should have known better. With how kind you've been,…I…" Dria looked away, too embarrassed to continue."

"Dria…" Charles whispered then waited for her to turn. When she did…and looked into his eyes…it was he who glanced down… "It's only been a few days. Adam and his family…we are so close that I don't think about such permissions anymore. I should not have made that assumption of you. You really don't know me." He watched as she looked away but just before she did he saw something flash across her face. Was that…distain…or sadness? He thought for a moment then with his heart beginning to beat in his chest he made his decision. "I'd like to change that…if you'd allow me the chance." He waited for what seemed like an eternity as she slowly turned back to look into his eyes.

"I think I'd…like that." A shy smile curled the corners of her mouth as she found she couldn't tear her eyes from his.

With his mouth suddenly dry he managed his invitation again. "Would you like for us to go to the club tonight with the others or would you prefer we stayed here?"

"I think I'd like to go out with you." She couldn't help smiling as she saw him do the same. Taking a deep breath she remembered something one of the girls had said earlier. "Oh, I um…I just remembered. I need to ask Evie something. You will excuse me, won't you, Charles?" She rushed as she stood and folded the blanket over her arm.

"Yes, of course." He answered almost automatically, a little thrown by her sudden rush. "I will see you later then."

"Yes," just as suddenly as her rush came upon her she stopped beside him and looked into his eyes. In a low, deeply sincere tone she whispered, "Thank you, Charles."

Before he could form a response of any kind, she was gone.

Dria walked at a comfortable pace back into the house. Once past the door she rushed to the stairs.

Coming down, Evie and Jean saw Dria's hurried approach. Sensing her anxiousness, Evie rushed to her side and held her arm. "Dria, is everything ok? Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes. I feel…wonderful. I haven't felt like this since…well…" She looked down the hall in both directions then took a deep breath.

Jean and Evie began to get concerned at her strange behavior. "Dria, come into the library and sit down," Jean led her by the hand. Once past the door she realized Dria's hand was shaking. "Evie, maybe you'd better call for Adam."

"No!" Dria grabbed Evie's arm to hold her attention. "I'm fine. Really. I have a favor to ask of you, though; both of you."

"Of course, Dria. Anything." Evie looked at Jean as she saw her nod her inclusion.

"I heard the girls talking about going out shopping for something to wear to the club tonight."

"That's right," Jean confirmed. "We're leaving in about 10 minutes."

"If…if I went with you…would you help me find something really nice to wear." She looked at the wide eyes of the women before her. "I…have…a date."

"Dria," Evie gasped.

"At least I think it's a date," she quickly added, suddenly feeling unsure. "I mean…I guess I could have misunderstood…again." Her face was suddenly sullen.

Evie slyly looked at Jean and saw the same sly grin she was feeling. "Dria? Charles?"

Too ashamed to look back up, she nodded and muttered, "He said we should talk and offered the club or staying here and…well…"

Jean closed her eyes and let her senses reach around the mansion. In a moment she opened her eyes and saw Evie's frown. "What? I wasn't reading him," she defended. Then restraining her giggle she stated, "I didn't have to. He's so nervous it's radiating off him."

Dria suddenly looked up and saw the girls try and hold in their mirth. "You mean…he's…"

"Come on, Dria." Jean offered her a hand to stand. "We're going to get you dressed to kill."

While the others waited Evie and Jean spent the next 15 minutes convincing Adam and John that Dria would be more than well in their care. They promised many rests while they shopped and to call with updates every hour until they were home. With the recent mission still too fresh in his mind, Adam called Shalimar as Evie, Jean and Dria left the library.

Shalimar knew the tone he used to call her name. She rolled her eyes and activated her ring. "Yes, Adam?"

"I can't handle another rescue mission, right now. Please, don't let down your guard…even for a minute."

"I promise, Adam. Don't worry."

The girls were out and back in only 4 hours, though to Adam it seemed like all day. To his relief everyone returned happy with nothing to report except the wonderful deals they'd found. With Dria checking out ok after such a trip he was able to finally relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Beast surprised everyone with his plans to take the Blackbird and go on a date of his own for the night. He promised to check in at a reasonable hour if he weren't already home.

By 8 pm all the guys were dressed and ready to go. Evie went up to Dria's room to help her finish up. Excitement had built through the afternoon as the girls marveled at the wonder of the professor on a date. Kitty and Shalimar finished and went to join Evie. Soon all the girls were gathered in Dria's room. "This is really exciting. It reminds me of all the weddings we primped for." Jubilee reached out and fixed a stray lock of Kitty's hair.

"Let's do it again," Kitty smiled as she looked around the room. "It's been a long time since we've had this much fun all together. Let's go down one at a time and see how they react." She clapped and almost jumped up and down when everyone seemed more than happy to agree.

"Evie, Charles is breaking into a sweat down here. Did Dria change her mind?" Adam used their bond to hide his query from the rest.

"On our way, Darling." Evie answered then looked up. "That's our cue. Adam just called. Evidently, the're not all calmly waiting for our entrance." Everyone giggled as they turned and left the room.

As the first two girls descended the stairs most of the guys got the picture, remembering each of their weddings. Kitty and Jubilee smiled and went to stand by their husbands as all the men obliged with the proper appreciation. With smiles for the approval they were getting, Ro and Jean carefully stepped down next as Scott advanced to help his wife. Logan kissed Ro as she came to his side. Shalimar lighted the stairs amidst the cat calls and whistles. Brennan winked as he proudly reached for her hand. Attention suddenly drew to the top of the stairs. Silence settled heavily as Evie and Dria began their descent. Evie knew Dria had been the cause of their sudden stunned expressions. She was happy to have had a hand in helping Dria come to this point. After all that had happened in her life and all that she'd had to bravely deal with for both herself and her son, she deserved this time to really shine and be well cherished.

Adam spoke into Evie's mind. "You look beautiful." He allowed his love to flow easily to her. "And you did a wonderful job," he added slyly.

Dria stopped at the last step as Charles approached. Raising a hand to take hers he looked into her eyes. "You look beautiful, tonight."

Silence ensued until Adam decided to have pity on Charles and break the tension. Turning to Remy he offered exiting instructions. "You know where we'll be. Nick will get us any message necessary."

With that they all left to get into the van. John stepped up to his mother as she stood out on the porch. "Mom, I just wanted to say…you look fantastic." He hugged her and whispered in her ear. "Have a great time." Moving back he knew she understood his blessing. Looking at Charles he didn't hesitate to offer his hand. He saw the man nod as they shook hands, then stepped aside and watched as they got into the van and drove off.

Remy and Marie made sure the teens felt free enough to come to their room if they were needed. After a last check on all the sleeping children they retired to their own movie plans for the evening.

Jack, John and Sissy had made plans to turn the rec room into a private movie theater. The new entertainment system with a giant screen, begged to be used. Scott had installed it recently, but it was only used twice. Monitors were set in case any of the children awoke. Jack offered to get the first round of snacks as Sissy got the first movie ready.

As John saw Jack walk out he sat watching Sissy put in the disc. "Sis, I wanted to talk to you for a minute." He thought he saw her freeze for a minute before she casually turned with a smile. He didn't want her to be uncomfortable so he got right to the point. "I just wanted you to know that…well…I really appreciate all you did on the mission. You were amazing. Everyone was but you…well…you've inspired me." He smiled as she came to sit by his side. "Because of how you handled yourself in that situation…everything you did for everyone…Brennan, Jack,…me, well, I'm going to ask Uncle Adam to set up training for me, too. I just hope that I can make up for lost time and be able to be as much help on the next mission."

"John, I think that's wonderful. I know you'll do great." Sissy sat back as Jack moved to her side with a tray of drinks and snacks.

"What'd I miss?"

"John's going to ask to be trained. Isn't that great?"

"Yeah, but just remember to stock up on the muscle rub. Oh, but you have Evie to help you. Get used to seeing her. Knowing Brennan…and Logan, if he gets a hold of you…you'll be professionally visiting your aunt every day."

As the evening drew to its pinnacle, and everyone began watching the many clocks displayed on the various monitors throughout the club, they wearily and happily bid the old year a fond adieu looking forward to the exciting unknown of the new one. As the countdown drew to its close and cheers rang out, Charles leaned closer to Dria. "Would you like to dance?" When he saw her look of confusion he smiled and gently looked into her eyes. "Only with your permission…"

Remembering and understanding, Dria smiled and nodded. She closed her eyes as she saw Charles appear and walk toward her.

Gently reaching out and drawing her close, he began to sway with the rhythm of the music around them. Slowly he turned her around their private dance floor. His mind whirled around all the new thoughts and feelings she began to stir within him. He felt as young and new as the year that had just begun. Holding her cheek to cheek as the music ended he was reluctant to release her immediately. As she did appear to pull away, he kept them as they were for just a few more moments. Against her hair he whispered his prayer of health and happiness for her and their family for the future…whatever it may bring.

The End