X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Four

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Thanks for all the great feedback and the well wishes. Believe me, every single bit of concern you guys have showed have been what I need through this hideous time. I really like Aveoni's song idea. If any random songs make you think of the people from Rise or Fall, don't hesitate to share them. I'll try to come up with some later. Now, please enjoy and review!

The resonation of the piercing screams brought a boiling and near burst effect to his ear drums. The instantaneous panic spread throughout his form, ripping at his organs and attempting to cut through his chest. The terrified sound only intensified, but not until it abruptly ceased did the eyelids tear apart.

"Fabi!" She tugged and lightly shook at his trembling form. "Hermano!"

Struggling to regain his breath, Fabian took in the little girl over him. Without a word, he brought her into a solid lock. Anne returned the embrace as strongly as her slim body could muster, resting her cheek against his.

II

Maneuvering through the lengthy hallway, the woman in burgundy night dress and robe veered around at the footsteps behind her. Her senses calmed at the sight of the pajama clad boys with heads of messy copper strands.

Max wiped at his eyes with his fists. "What's going on?"

Melissa directed a smile his way. "Everything's alright. Fabian just isn't feeling very well. Go on back to bed."

Not caring to pry into the situation, Collin took his brother's hand. "Come on, Max."

The half-asleep child went with him without complaint.

Finding the side staircase, Melissa made her way down the steps. Despite its spacious quarters and grand architectural touches she had only seen within the pages of books published in the earliest parts of the century, the Victorian's general atmosphere still took some getting used to on her part. However, she had to agree tenfold with the notion of the younger mutants having some stability beyond their magnificent aircraft. There would be time later for them to devote their lives to sleepless nights and endless action. This Melissa knew indeed.

When she discovered the one light on, she entered the front room through the French doors. With various pieces of scrap metal and other gizmos spread out on the coffee table before him, Marco sat in the center of the sectional sofa working on one of his many gadgets.

"I swear you could do these things in your sleep." Melissa went to sit on the arm of one chair, facing the large mutant.

"I was able to shred a car apart without damaging so much as a headlight before I could read." He picked up one screw to study, decided against it and chose another. "Speaking of sleep, guess you couldn't get much, either, huh?"

Melissa completely waved that off with, "Nothing I'm not used to." Her rich brown eyes developed their usual seriousness. "How long has he been dealing with this?"

Shaking his head with something of a dry exhale of air, Marco said, "Since it all went down. At least that's what I've been told. This was before I even knew them. The way I hear it, Fabian used to be hell-a worse off than this. Not to mention Anne."

They became alerted to mild commotion at the front door, followed by footsteps and whistling. Dressed in tan pants with a brown leather jacket and hair styled in their usual braids, Jim came through twirling his keys by their chain.

He stopped off in the doorway, removing his sunglasses. "We having a pajama party or what? What'd I miss?"

"What don't you miss?" Melissa countered glibly. "Where have you been?"

"Sweetie, I don't even answer that question for my mother. Don't worry," Jim tucked his shades away into the pocket of his jacket, a certain mischievous spark in his eyes, "I was thinking about you the whole time." At her approaching him with less than sentimental intentions apparent, he stepped back with raised hands. "Whoa, hey, Missy. You know I'm playing with you."

"Play with yourself." Melissa paused long enough to give him a dark look. "Like I'm sure you do every night." She walked off for the stairs.

Letting off a whistle, Jim came into the common space and lounged across one chair. "She is built too top of the line for a white girl."

Marco brought up, "That white girl can kill your ass in your sleep."

Jim formed a cheeky grin at the thoughts that statement filled within him.

II

Syringe ready with the proper dosage of morphine, Estevan returned to the bed that contained his two children. Anne worked soothing fingers through Fabian's hair. While his breathing had returned to normal, an intensity loomed over the rest of his body.

"Here we are now, mijo." Estevan rested a hand on his son's back as he found a proper spot on his arm to insert the needle. "Keep still now."

Not daring to make even the smallest sound, Fabian merely shut his eyes tightly to the prick. "Gracias, Papi."

Estevan responded by beginning a soft lullaby while he put the medical tools away. The quiet Spanish words carried throughout the room. With a smile on her face, Anne eased into sleep. When Estevan came to get between them at the center of the bed, Fabian's eyes closed as well. As he concluded the song with son and daughter each making use of his arms, Estevan's own eyes remained open and contemplative.

IIIIIII

When the wet mix developed into yet another perfect light brown cake square, Melissa used the spatula to transfer it over to the serving dish with the others. She next reacted to the toaster, removing the twin pieces of bread from it.

Upon entering with his brother, Max's nose made him entranced. "Oh boy!" He hurried to get a look at the cinnamon waffles.

Melissa gave a tickle to his chin. "Go sit down. I'll have your plate ready in a flash."

Max immediately went to join the others at the breakfast nook and Anne made room for him to sit near her.

Melissa touched a hand to the lethargic Collin's shoulder. "Did you get back to sleep alright?"

The boy stretched one arm out. "Sort of."

"I'll get you some hot chocolate," she offered.

A grateful Collin replied, "Thanks, Missy." He walked to the table.

"Mm, mmm!" Jim hummed as he ate. "I love a woman who can burn."

Melissa glanced over her shoulder at him. "I'll be sure to give you charcoal in the morning."

Jim only smiled and continued eating.

In his full dress suit of a dark brown slacks and jacket with tan shirt and gold tie, Estevan made a path for the cappuccino machine. "Missy, I'm afraid Fabian is not one for company this morning."

Understanding, she said, "I'll bring him something. He has to eat."

Caffeine filled cup in hand, Estevan looked to see the spread she had put on that morning. "I wish you would leave such a menial task to the cleaning woman. Assuming she doesn't find meal preparation as daunting as remembering to warn others when she waxes the floor."

"I swear," Marco seconded, rubbing the sore spot from the previous day when his heavy form made harsh contact with the spotless hardwoods.

"I really do prefer to cook for myself." Melissa began loading various plates. "We can never be too careful."

Estevan agreed with a nod. "You would be correct there, my dear."

II

Organizing his messenger bag, Fabian took a moment to look closely at his French book. He shook his head at the text that contained concepts he had already learned before second grade. Regardless, he put it in with the rest of his school aides.

Rapping arrived at his door. "Fabian?"

At the voice, he turned the knob to allow her in. "Buenos dias."

"Good morning," Melissa returned, handing him the tray.

"Gracias." He took a seat on the edge of the bed to begin eating. "I wasn't trying to be the spectacle of the morning."

"You know no one feels that way," Melissa said. "Jim's attempts at flattery make for a better sideshow."

Fabian let off a slight laugh. He brought his glass of orange juice to his lips.

Melissa came over, using her fingers to tuck away stray strands from his short ponytail.

Remaining quiet under her touch, Fabian finished swallowing before speaking again. "Every time you close your eyes. It never goes away," he faced up at her, "does it?"

Melissa looked back at him. "Dreams don't matter. All that's important is what we do when our eyes are open. That's why the Acolytes exist."

Fabian determined, "My father is right. You're nothing like other women."

Melissa stated, "That's true in more ways than one." She turned to leave him alone. "I'll see you later. Have a good day at school."

Fabian said, mostly to himself, "I look forward to discovering what other A words there are outside of apple."

IIIIIII

Handful of water ready, she splashed the moisture across her face. Blinking several times in the mirror, she reached over for a paper towel.

Entering the girls' bathroom, Becky greeted kindly, "Hi, Anne." She noticed her face. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Anne finished drying and threw the towel into the nearby trash. "I was up with my brother. He has bad dreams sometimes."

Becky nodded understandingly, going to the mirror to fix her hair. "Some of my brothers get those. I used to have really bad ones. I still do sometimes."

Anne said, "Me, too."

Curls in proper place again, Becky turned to her. "We should get to class."

Anne walked out with her and remembered something. "Oh, I have to give you your story back in Creative Writing."

Becky asked, "Did you like it?"

Anne told her, "It was the absolute best."

IIIIIII

"Then 1920 brought the suffrage movement into—" Immediately picking up on the drooping eyelids, the middle-aged blonde woman put annoyed fists to her hips. "Do you find me boring, Mr. Cortez?"

Cordelia shot eyes over at the aforementioned boy.

Using his fist to prop up his head, Fabian told her, "My father says one should never ask questions if they don't want to hear the real answers."

Before the now outraged teacher could jump on that, Cordelia's hand flew into the air. "Miss Caldwell? How much did Norway's offering the right to vote influence us to do the same seven years later?"

"I'm actually glad you brought that up, Miss Frost." Returning to the blackboard, Miss Caldwell started her previous point over again.

The bell ringing acted as Fabian's own private symphony. He waited by the door long enough for Cordelia to gather her things.

At his monumental yawn, she commented, "So attractive."

"My apologies." In the hall, Fabian stretched to release some of his tautness. "Last night was not entirely bearable for me."

Cordelia moved to get in front of him. "Do tell."

"Better idea," Fabian countered. "Let's do lunch. Preferably far away from this…" He gazed around their surroundings. "Institution of the destitute and low-brow."

"Destitute?" Cordelia scoffed. "For Westchester that's having only one car per family."

Fabian shrugged. "I've experienced superior learning environments."

"Then remind me." She eyed him. "What are you doing here again?"

"Come. Lunch." Fabian took her books to carry to the lockers.

Acting as a ballerina on the tips of her toes as she followed him, the girl said with a false air of snobbery, "I dine in only the finest establishments in Paris."

Fabian looked back at her as he said, "Stick with me and you'll have the entire globe."

IIIIIII

With every passing session, the courtroom crowd seemed to increase. Many consisted of members of the medical community and other associates of the accused. The bulk of the Headmasters' attention stayed towards the front with the defendant safely tucked between his attorney pair. For the briefest second, Erik thought he caught Owen regarding them out of the corner of his eyes.

You're certain he's forgotten our faces? Everything?

He won't remember how we look nor where to find us, but I spent the majority of my energy forcing him to forget the children, Charles returned, ours, he tilted his head back to indicate the three Acolytes among the audience, and theirs.

Ten minutes later, the judge determined for them to resume things the following day.

Marco rolled his eyes, rising and fiddling with his suit jacket. "Here we go again. I'm getting sick of this place."

Jim put his shades on. "If this guy had any kind of tan this would have been over."

"Yes," Estevan concurred plainly, starting to lead them outside until he caught sight of the approaching two. "Ah, Charles, Erik. Another fine day for time well wasted, wouldn't you say?"

Charles replied, "Unfortunately, yes."

Seeing Erik eye Jim, Estevan said, "You haven't met my latest addition, have you? Say hello to James Jakins." He ushered the small group to one side for privacy's sake. "Able to dissolve solid matter with a simple touch. Jim, say hello to Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr."

Jim looked at them and spoke a flat, "Hello."

"Young man," Erik said back in an equal tone.

"Is it true?" Jim addressed Charles. "You can mess with people's heads?"

Charles replied, "In a matter of speaking, yes."

Jim next wanted to know, "Then why not have the system crucify this guy so we can get on with our lives?"

"It isn't quite that simplistic," the telepath urged. "And another very real fact is that I cannot be everywhere at once. No one is powerful enough to manipulate an entire world into doing the right thing. Even we have to rely on the system at times."

Marco piped up, "Yeah, good luck with that."

Estevan tipped his hat. "Good day, gentlemen."

"Estevan," Charles moved to follow after and get ahead of him, "listen to me. I know, alright? I know everything. What led you to create this team and react to humans the way you do. I saw it. I felt it. And I understand it with a full heart."

Instead of any manner of offense or even anger, Estevan came back with, "If that's really true then you know it is impossible to dissuade me. However, points for effort." He kept on walking with the other two close behind him.

Erik came to stand beside Charles. "He knows how to make things difficult. Yet we can't exactly blame him, can we?"

Charles admitted, "Not completely."

IIIIIII

In the midst of his club sandwich, Fabian raised his bottle of cola to help him in swallowing. "This delicatessen isn't exactly the bistros of France."

"I've had the bistro treatment," Cordelia told him, sitting up on her knees on the plastic tablecloth they had acquired to use as a picnic blanket. "This is nice."

Supported on his side and elbow, Fabian gazed up at her. "It is, isn't it?"

"So," Cordelia straightened out her dress hem, "are you going to tell me why you've been zoning out in class today?"

Fabian picked up a butter cookie to bite into. "Sleep is not always my greatest ally." He looked to her again. "Though you're getting there."

She leaned over to get nearer to him. "Oh really?"

"Yes. I thought this would be difficult, but you've made it better. I'm happy we're friends again."

Feeling a little deflated at his choice of words, Cordelia said, "Right. Me, too. We better get back, though." She started to stand. "Lunch will be over soon."

Fabian helped her tidy up their surroundings and they started out of the park towards his Ferrari.

IIIIIII

Arms loaded with various turned in assignments in need of his grading, Hank returned to his office and deposit the work on his desk. He turned his head slightly to notice the young boy in the chair facing the desk.

"Mondo," he acknowledged.

"Hi, Doc McCoy. I hope it's okay. Your door was open."

"It's usually open for a reason," Hank smiled. "What can I do for you?"

"I've got a big problem. If I don't get it together for Environmental Sci, I'm looking at a B," Mondo explained in urgency. "Frank's always telling me you're the best go-to for anything science."

"Putting me on a pedestal, is he?" Hank could not completely mask the pleasure the sentiment brought him. "And believe me, I consider it a personal mission for all of you to maintain that 4.0. I'll speak with your teacher and we can spend your free periods this week on some extra credit projects. How does that sound?"

"Oh great," said Mondo jubilantly. He picked up his school bag. "Thanks, Doc. I'll see you later on."

"I'll see you," Hank returned.

As the boy departed his office, the young scientist dropped into his desk chair. A swell of satisfaction began to bubble within him.

IIIIIII

"Hey."

At the word as well as tap on his shoulder, Frank turned to see the other boy behind him. "Oh hey, man."

"I wanted to say thanks for the notes," Collin said. "Mrs. Lombardi's letting me make up the quiz."

"That's good. I figured she would."

"How does this foreign language thing come so easy to you, anyway?"

Frank told him, "When you grow up in my part of New York, you pick up on Spanish pretty quick and Italian's not that different. Besides, I don't like the idea of somebody cursing me out and trying to hide it by speaking some other tongue. They may not know English, but I know good and well what they're saying."

Collin nodded to that. "Good point."

They both looked over at a sharp whistle.

"I'm out of here," Fabian informed his housemate, strolling over. "Now wrap up your little hen session or walk. The choice is yours."

Scowling, Frank chimed in, "Why don't you take a walk, you dip—"

"Forget it, Frank," Collin cut in.

"No, forget him," the city native countered. "I'll have Sean give you a ride home."

"Don't worry about it," Collin insisted. "We have to go get my brother, anyway." He headed off to go to the parking lot.

Fabian lingered a moment to stare at Frank. "You'll never be more powerful than what I gave you. Too bad you lost your chance at that."

"I don't need anything from you," Frank scoffed. "I definitely don't need other mutants to be powerful. Unlike you."

"You'd best caution your words," Fabian advised, leaning in closer to his face, "little boy." He turned to go with that.

Frank shook his head and finished gathering the books he needed to take home that day.

IIIIIII

After her hour long phone session with Samantha, Angel returned to her room. Already there, Cordelia sat in her own bed, somewhat mindlessly going through a notebook.

Angel went to the desk, opening one of her own books. "Where'd you vanish to during lunch?"

"Cafeteria smell gets old," Cordelia replied. "I went to the deli."

"Huh." Angel sat down, pretending to focus on a chapter. "Fabian disappeared, too."

Resisting an eye roll, Cordelia said, "We were together obviously."

Angel commented, "You two act obviously together."

"Must be a great act," said Cordelia dryly. "Because we're just friends. At least according to him."

Angel faced her now. "You sound like that bothers you." Cordelia shrugged. "Haven't you had enough back and forth with this boy?"

Cordelia insisted, "He was sincere when he said he wanted us all to be friends. And I did basically turn on him."

Angel dismissed, "You are crazy."

Cordelia flapped her arms in dismay. "I knew it. There's a reason I can't talk to anyone about this. All any of you do is write me off."

"That's not what I mean," Angel clarified. "The boy is in our school now. You're crazy if you think he doesn't like you." Cordelia formed a little smile. "But I'm telling you right now. If he tries creeping in through our window, I'm calling Victor."

"Oh just summon the firing squad. They'll be more merciful."

IIIIIII

In between verb conjugation and trying to understand words famed by Thomas Jefferson, Collin spared the occasional glance at his brother. The smaller boy currently flapped about in dark blue trunks.

"Don't you have homework?" Collin raised.

Max stopped to approach him at the desk. "I did it already."

Collin looked at him with disbelief. "You did it already?"

Max nodded. "I did my worksheets with Trav McCoy."

"Right. X-Men… everywhere." He returned to his own work.

Yanking on his shirt, Max said, "Let's go to the pool."

"Not right now," Collin turned down. "I have a ton of homework and I'm not trying to hear it from Estevan."

"I never hear it from him…"

Collin mumbled, "Must be nice to liked," then spoke louder with, "Later, Max, okay?"

Letting off a sigh, Max headed out with heavy shoulders.

II

"Now roll the dough," Melissa helped the younger female's fingers with the white mold, "that's it."

Anne glanced up at her brother entering the kitchen. "Fabi, look. We're making sweet rolls."

"Are we?" He went into the refrigerator for a bottled lemonade. "Here I was concerned you were feeling flushed, hermanita." Fabian used a paper towel to wipe away at the flour on her face.

Melissa smiled a little. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Much," Fabian reported. He tapped his sister's nose and left the kitchen with his drink.

Reacting to the wild splashing he heard passing through the first floor, he stopped outside one pair of double doors. Seeing one partly open and the noise growing more frantic, he dropped his drink and ran in. His heart almost fell next at the small boy floundering about in the indoor pool. Rushing forward, Fabian dashed over to pull him out.

IIIIIII

Hurrying into the grand master suite, Collin demanded, "Is he okay?"

Melissa sat on the side of the bed, holding the small clammy hand. "He's breathing fine."

Turning seething features on the boy, Fabian jabbed him in the chest. "Why weren't you watching him?"

Collin said, heart still rapidly beating, "I was just trying to do my homework."

"He could have died," Fabian stated, eyes dark. "And it would have been because you're too stupid to pay attention."

"Fabian." Melissa got to her feet.

"Si, mijo." Estevan walked in, gathering the attention of all those alert and present. "That will be enough."

"Si, Papi." Fabian put a hand to Anne's back and walked out.

Marco gave one final look to the sleeping Max then left.

"You're all good, fighter." Jim touched Max's hair. "You're all good." He took his leave next.

Collin went to sit on the right side of his brother.

Soon the eyelids blinked open and the little boy found himself inside their leader's room. "Coll?..."

Collin grinned and took his hand. "Hey."

Max wondered, "What happened?"

"You were hurt because you did a very bad thing," Fabian informed, stepping forward. "Something you know you shouldn't have." He tilted his head, eyeing him closely. "You won't be going near the pool again without one of us present ever again. Will you?"

"No, sir," he answered right away.

"I knew you were a good bye." Estevan adjusted one of his pillows. "Now, rest."

As Estevan left, Collin gave Max's hand a firm pat. "You better not do that again. I mean it."

Max nodded at him, closing his eyes again.

Melissa bent over to peck his forehead then reached out to squeeze Collin's lower arm in reassurance.

IIIIIII

Gaze stuck on the cloudy atmosphere beyond his window, the teenager's back and shoulders quivered without his consent. He felt the heat building throughout him until it made its way up to his face and tried to trickle through his eyes.

"Fabi?" Anne stepped forward.

After a prolonged blink to rid himself of any residue, he turned to her. "Hermanita."

She walked up, taking his hands. "Are you going to be alright?"

Fabian gave her a mild look. "It is not for you to see to me. I am to see to you. I'm sorry if last night if… if I made you see- let's forget it, alright?"

Anne grew very quiet. "I don't think I ever will. It's better some days, but then I…"

Fabian lowered to wrap arms around her. "I know, hermanita." He left a hand at her upper back to rub the spot. "I know."

IIIIIII

"I don't get it," Cordelia locked her car, walking alongside Angel towards the house. "He just vanished after fifth period."

Sean caught up with them. "Why are you so concerned about this guy, anyway?"

Cordelia veered around, hand on hip. "Excuse me, but I believe I was talking to Angel."

"He's right, Cordy," Frank spoke. "Fabian Cortez is a jerk. You should see the way he treats Collin."

"Listen, Frank, I love you dearly," Cordelia started, "but you know you can't exactly comment on the art of getting along with other boys. None of you guys really know Fabian."

Sean rolled his eyes. "And you can just write the book, can't you?"

"People," Angel's voice rang out, getting the door open. "Please, just drop it." She led the way in, where the teenagers found a group consisting of the Headmasters, Emma, Kayla, Raven, Logan, Victor, Alex, and Leon gathered in the main floor living room.

Sean walked forward. "What's going on?"

Hands pressed together solemnly, Charles raised his head to tell them, "Owen Ignacio was cleared of all charges."

The returning high-schoolers reacted with a unison, "What?"

"That's not all." Emma turned the television on to a news channel, which still had the story of the day going. "The courthouse was reduced to ruins with at least a dozen injuries involved."

Alex put forth, "One guess how that happened."

Cordelia's blue eyes flashed and her mouth opened but proved mute.

IIIIIII

Before finger could connect with bell, the wide heavy door came open. The older female dressed in navy blue skirt and top stared down the one in bright yellow ensemble.

Cordelia put on a smile. "Hi, Melissa. You probably don't really remember—"

"Hello, Cordelia," she returned pointedly. "Is your X-horde waiting behind the trees again to lunge? The bushes maybe?"

Cordelia responded, "I'm the only X here. I swear. I know that doesn't mean a lot coming from me, but it is the truth."

Melissa eased just a bit. "You want to see Fabian."

"Please."

"He's this way." Melissa stepped away to allow her entry. They moved through the main level of the house together. "How are the Howletts?"

"Great," Cordelia reported. "Better than ever really."

Arriving at the back door, Melissa said, "He's out there."

Cordelia nodded in gratitude then walked through the door. There, she found the boy in question seated on the top step of the back porch. He faced forward at nothing of any great importance.

Squatting she laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hi."

Looking back shortly, he said, "I assume you're here about the demolished house of justice."

"I'm here about Ignacio." Cordelia took a seat beside him. "He killed his own sister. He tried to take yours. He's done God only knows with these dark arts. How could they—"

"They want to use him," Fabian interjected. "Against us. They're calling him a value to the medical world. You know what they mean by that."

Cordelia hugged her knees. "This is only going to get worse."

"Nothing surprises me anymore."

The girl slowly reached forward to touch his arm. "Fabian, what did they do to you? Please tell me."

He remained silent for almost a full minute. "… It wasn't me. It was my brother." Cordelia's eyes jumped at this information. "Anne's twin."

"Anne's twin?" Cordelia echoed incredulously.

"My father is not the first generation of mutants born into this family. Since we come from nobility, they always made it a practice to conceal what we can do. It's something he taught to my siblings and I very early. For the most part, things worked out. Our lives were good; normal." A boiling entered Fabian's eyes. "Until one day, Father was out and I lost control of my mutation. It effected my brother and sister. Alonzo's power wasn't like Anne's; concealable. I made him accidentally set fire to everything on our mantel. I put it out, but our mother was disgusted; furious. She declared us all the works of the devil. Every instinct told me to grab Anne first. I got her hidden away and tried to keep our mother away from Alonzo, but she smashed me across the head with a vase."

Cordelia's hand went over her mouth as nausea built up in her stomach. "Fabian…"

He continued with, "It didn't kill me. Obviously. But when the dizziness wore off, the next thing I heard was his screaming. Like nothing I'd ever heard before. Then it just stopped. I tried to go to him, but he was already gone. She'd held him down in the tub under boiling water. I was so weak and she tried to strangle me. She would have if Father hadn't come home. He ripped her off of me and she cracked her head against the tile."

Cordelia choked a gasp. "Oh my God…"

"My brother's screams… every night." Fabian covered his ears and squinted. "I wish I had died that day."

Cordelia took hold of his wrist, making him look at her. "Don't say that. Please."

"I let my brother die and I let my sister be abducted. No matter how hard I try, I'll never be really redeemed. Never good enough."

"Yes, you are," Cordelia insisted. "You're more than good enough. You're loyal and dedicated. You're better than most boys could ever hope to be."

Fabian stared at her. "Why are you telling me this? I'm not one of your great X-Men."

"And I don't care," said Cordelia matter-of-factly. "I don't care what team you're on. What team I'm on. I won't let you go easily, Fabian. Not again."

He continued to eye her. "As friends?"

With a shake of her head, Cordelia inched in.

Fabian placed one hand to the small of her back as their eyes closed and their lips joined.