Note: This is going to be in two povs.


Rachel

Putting the last of the sunscreen on, she slips her feet into the sandals. Just as the knock on the door occurs, reaching out she opens it. Standing in the doorway watching her, "not sure if I will ever get used to that, a door opening by itself definitely gives a horror movie vibe." Smirking, turning to him, "well then, little brother, you should be glad there is no monster or ghost at the end. And I am surprised you aren't with Dane?!"

Sighing, "he is with Lorna. Having a moment of silence is good once and a while. How do adults even manage to have kids, keeping up is sometimes so hard." "And yet, we love them anyway; and it makes it more than worth it. Gabriel must be beside himself waiting for Cal'ysee and their child to arrive. Being separated and thinking that you which you hold most dear is gone forever is the worst."

He walks further in the room. Wrapping his arm around her, holding her close. "I know what you told me about what happened to Katherine in your reality. But hey, you have her back. It matters not how it happened." "I know your right. But I will always feel like I never did enough. I should have abandoned the Xmen and gone looking for her."

"But you had no clue as to where to start. And as much as you failed her, there were still other people who needed you." "That doesn't excuse making her think that Pietro and I had abandoned her, Alex." "But it is on whoever took her, Rachel; we all know how good of a mom you can be. You take care of all of those you hold dear. A real mother hen; and I am just glad that I am finally included. I would have been sad and heartbroken, if I had to continue, looking on the outside in.

Watching as the sun and warmth being shared with almost everyone but me." Bringing his forehead toward her, her hands cup his face as she kisses it. "We shouldn't wait any longer. The children are growing restless. And I must say it is (a bit) infectious. I have never been to a beach. And this will definitely be a nice change of pace; we definitely deserve a day off.

They are so rare. I wonder who else will be there, since our allies happened to be invited as well. And hope no one gets wind of this, paparazzi and fans showing up would be quite a hinderance. "Hey, you, our nieces, nephews, brother and sister could create a suggestion to stay away. With all of you, it would do the trick."

Looking at him before smirking again, "now there is the brother that I knew. While you are definitely different from him, you had me thinking nothing of him was in there. But here, he is. Who knew this version of you was able of such evil and naughtiness?!" "Just don't ever tell The Professor!" "Knowing him, he might have already picked up your thoughts."

The two laugh as they leave the room. The man in another part of the room moves his wheelchair, a slight smile on his face. "It is just as well that we are leaving now. They have just finished gathering in the main corridor. And it seems we have another addition. Rounding the corner, they are greeted by their family."

Rachel Grey is in between her parents (both Jean's and Scott's). Lorna is holding Dane's hand as he continues trying to pull on it. Cal'ysee, Gabriel and their child on their other side. Both Nates and Hope behind them. As the blonde stands feet apart from them, "come now, Adam Extreme, it is alright. You are here among friends and family." Just as she is about to continue, the rest of the Xmen joining them appear.


Just finishing adjusting the chair, she lays back. Putting her hand up to block the sun, just as an abrupt wind appears before dying. As the sunlight stops gracing her, looking up she sees Remy and Thor holding a makeshift canopy over her; as Pietro is holding a tray with cocktails on them. Grabbing one, she brings it to her lips. Each continuing to stand on either side of the lounge chair (can't think of correct name).

Feeling the eyes on them, she sits up slightly, letting her feet dangle off the side. "Thank you, boys!" Looking back through his peripheral vision, "now that is how you get a woman's attention." The other two remaining quiet; as her admirers continue looking on with wistfulness (Castle, Johnny and Bucky). As Remy sits on the free part of the seat; as she hands him one of the filled glasses, he quickly downing the liquid.

Gabriel using one of his abilities for a recreational purpose, enthralling and maintaining the children's attention. Some even abandoning the castles and games they had currently been playing. Cal'ysee holding their child's hand. Just as the conversation cuts through her, "oh but come on, she so could!", seeing Jubilee, Katya and Kurt walking past.

"What are you going on about?!" The trio stop as Jubilee halts right in front of her. "Rach, Rogue is the strongest maybe even more than…And they don't agree. Not even Kurt and she is his sister!" "But Rogue is strong!" Turning she sees the family approach, "James, whose side are you on?" Looking to his dad, "yours, Daddy! But she is strong!"

Putting her drink down, Rachel faces him. "Hey, James, you want to find out if your daddy is really the strongest?" James releases Sharon's hand, moving closer to her, nodding his head in excitement. "Yes, Rachel!" Standing up, "well okay, then." Holding her hand out, he readily takes it as she leads the way. The group following them; "okay. Listen up, all those who are heavy hitters I need you all to gather. And the rest of you, enjoy."

Vision, Simon, Rogue, Carol, both Nates, Hope, Castle, Thor, Ben, Steven and Bucky in a circle. "Hope, I am actually have you be the judge. While I don't doubt you especially after your fight with Dani, I know you will manage to remain impartial. "You do know this is childish." "Oh, come on, Scott, we are all here to have fun. And yes, while this is ridiculous, it for sure constitutes as such."

'Hey!" She quickly rights herself on Simon's shoulder. Turning her head, watching as Hope states the rules. Simon flexing his other arm, which has her laughing. "I guess I am going to go last since I am occupied with you. But hey saving the best for last is always a good thing." "Wow! You aren't modest at all." She laughs further at the jests being tossed between them. "Though, now I am curious who will win?!" The two watch the friendly competition before it is his turn, at which point; he places her on Grimm's shoulder. And after minutes of deliberation after Simon finishes, the winner is well…?! As James runs to them, "I knew you could do it!"


Kathleen

The group slowly treed through the sand as the juvenile sprints ahead. She is walking in front of Ikaris. Looking back, she sees that he still isn't completely happy about what he is wearing. "I know that you and the others may feel exposed dressed like this. But this is a good thing. A little r&r once in a while doesn't hurt. Thank you. And if something ever happens, I could always transmute things for all of you."

"It isn't just that, I had thought this was meant to be just between us." Laughing, "you really shouldn't have announced it in front of the child, then?! We can still have time to ourselves. The others are here to keep an eye on Sprite at the same time. And I know a sure-fire way that will keep them occupied, so we can still have time to ourselves," adjusting on the chair, "Puck."

The adolescent stands in front of her chair, looking bashfully. Their cheeks on the verge of reddening. "I have an image I hope you can copy. And if I do so, you have to do your best. Can you do that?!" Nodding their head, she shows them an image of a grand and glorious sand castle. "Now go on!" They run off the moment she says this.

Seeing that Ikaris is getting them refreshments, the blonde approaches. Tilting her head up, "you know if you aren't careful, Ikaris might have competition before too long?!" The two turn to see the juvenile working heartily on the structure. "As cute as that is, Ikaris never has to fear this especially from a youth. And yes, we haven't been dating long. But I don't plan for what we have to ever be short term.

I am beginning to see what the beauty Rachel saw in this world. Sure, it isn't exactly foreign to me. But after the reality she came from, I value what she lived for even more since she came to this world." "It couldn't have been that bad. Not after all that I have seen as an Eternal." "I'll show you. But be warned, it was a drab place almost completely devoid of anything positive."

The blonde moves her head doing her best to shield it. As her shoulders move slightly, before turning to Kat; the edges of her eyes rimmed red. "How did she not go insane? What a horrible way to live and grow up!" Kat puts her hand on Thena's shoulder. "It was those who came to matter. And it was just slightly better than Rachel Grey's life. Her niece and counterpart was even more tortured than she had been."

"How did they stand it?!" "It is the little moments that kept them grounded. After wandering in the dark for so long, being around color and vibrance is wonderful and spectacular. This is why even though space offers its own beauty some things here on Earth could even outshine the cosmos. And you would know this, your persona doesn't seem like the type to be good with children. Yet not only do you have some, you are very nurturing. It is refreshing. Even a hardened individual can display love and support." Kat says.

She takes the glass offered to her. Moving her legs slightly, he sits on the other open space of the chair. Phastos is now demonstrating, helping Ajax and Sprite further with their design. Makkari and Sersi are taking a walk. As Kingo and Eros Starfox begin being submerged by the water. "It is too bad, Donald, Debbie and Joey couldn't be here. Why don't you go join them, Thena?!" The blonde takes the hint, getting up making her way to the bar where Gilgamesh is.


"KAT! KAT! I finished." The two turn, their hands still intertwined as Sprite and Phastos get closer. Releasing her hand, she gets up. "Okay, let's see what we have. Ikaris, come on." Getting up, he follows her, just as the others do as well. Only to be greeted by a sophisticated castle that is rapidly being washed away by the water. The liquid also covers parts of their legs. "NO! We worked really hard on it!"

"It is still standing for the most part. And still looks amazing. Does anyone have a camera, so we can get a picture before it is completely gone?! Thank You, Makkari." She quickly takes a few shots. "There, Sprite. Now we will all have a memory of your accomplishment." Kicking the ground beneath them, the child once more does their best to hide the flush on their face.

"Since this was some sort of competition and clearly, we missed it. How about another?!" Sersi says. "What did you have in mind?" Ajax asks. Letting her eyes rove before stopping on Ikaris. "How about a strength contest?!" "You do realize that will be unfair, given what all our capabilities are. That would for sure have to rule Ikaris out?" Kathleen says, ignoring Sersi's gaze on him.

Clutching her arm, "what about me, what about me?!" Sprite says. "Puck, I am not sure you are strong enough for what the competition has in mind?!" She puts her hand underneath their chin at them looking downcast at this. "You don't need to prove yourself further. You already did good with the sand castle." Sprite smiles slightly at this.

"How about you help me judge?" Ikaris picks her up, placing her on his shoulder. Flexing his arm as Sprite starts laughing and Kat smiles. "Easy there, you don't want to hurt yourself, my love." As the rules are discussed, the three barely pay attention; waiting and watch patiently as each demonstrates what is necessary to determine who the winner will be.


As the sun beams down on her, Ikaris takes to the sky. The silhouette providing enough shade. Not bothering to look up, she picks up a book she happened to bring with her. Though at a certain point, she lays it against her stomach, absently reaching her hand out. Letting himself sink down a little, he reaches out in return. Each taking the other's hand. The afternoon spent like this, in a comfortable silence.


The others walk in front of them as he holds the equipment; that they brought with them in his hands. As she walks by his side, leaning into hm as much as possible without actually hindering him. He turns to look at her, a peaceful expression on his face. She interlocks their fingers without losing pace of her gait. Their moment of tranquility still lingering and enveloping them in their own bubble.


Standing in front of her door, he lightly and gently takes her hand; not completely clutching it in his. Looking down at her as he steps forward, "don't worry. I had a good time. I really do get your reservations because we haven't been dating long; but I am not her nor do I plan to suddenly drop you. This isn't a casual relationship for either of us. And I know that we haven't really discussed it yet.

But I am not like her. Nor will I ever be; so, I refuse to be treated like what I feel for you. Or my respect be downplayed or down right ignored. And while we are still not exactly at that level in our relationship, I am beginning to see this as forever. Or it won't be long before my feelings will deepen and evolve. It does feel like I am on the edge, ready to fall at any moment. And I am really hoping the same is for you?!"

His other hand rests on the door as he leans into her even more. As he is more or less a hair's width, glancing down. Taking her in just as her eyelids close before moving down and staring at her lips. "I am going to kiss you now?!" Placing her hands on the back of his head, she pulls him the rest of the distance. Their mouths quickly fighting for dominance.

His hands reach under the shirt covering her bathing suit. Kneading what he can get his hands on, as he deepens the kiss. With the best concentration she can, she is able to open the door. Holding onto her, the two are able to keep from falling as they step further into her chambers. Pushing slightly, she secures the door and lock it just as he steps back. Quickly taking his shirt off before she in back in his arms again.


Laying her one her side, he wraps his arms around her. "That was definitely something. And it is good we waited months before we even bother to take it to this level, was beyond worth it." Turning in his embrace, looking at him. "I clearly have my own powerhouse here. And while you are built and can lift quite a lot, you definitely don't look it. I mean looking at you, a person wouldn't think you can easily lift over 40 tons before having to use telekinesis.

Which I like, Ikaris, otherwise, yes, I might have been turned off at the beginning. And having a chance with me definitely would have been harder, beefcakes, just aren't my idea of what is attractive. But then, neither are physical features, so who knows?! And hey, I was technically and to a certain extent with Pietro Maximoff, so. That man hardly smiles and that for sure isn't an appealing trait." Kathleen adds, as Ikaris merely lays his forehead against hers. Each staring into the other's eyes, convening all their emotions concerning the other.