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With a sigh of relief, Scott settled next to Emma Frost on the seat as the bus engine started and the vehicle began to pull away from the Institute.

"Are all the students accounted for, Scott?" Emma asked him with a smile, her pleasant voice cultivated with a sophisticated British accent.

"Every last one of them," he replied, returning her smile. "You know, I'm really glad that they have this opportunity. Thank you for everything you've done to make this come together, Emma. I really appreciate it."

"Oh, Scott." She laid a white-gloved hand on his forearm, which was covered by his coat. "With our other resident telepaths Charles and Jean away at conferences, you know that you can always rely on me."

"That's very kind of you," Scott said.

She studied him. "Is something wrong?"

Scott shook his head. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

"No, please." Emma looked at him with fondness in her eyes, her voice low and genteel. "Please, let me help."

He sighed. "I just worry about Jean and Charles sometimes. I know that they're both more than capable of taking care of themselves, but still . . . " he trailed off.

"I think it's sweet," Emma said sincerely. "That you worry. It shows how much you care for them. And perhaps when Logan returns from God-knows-where, you can join them."

"That's a nice thought in theory, Emma, but I don't think it would be responsible for me to leave the Institute when Charles is already away," Scott said.

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Ororo could manage for a few weeks, don't you think? If she has Tessa, John, Logan, Matt, and I? Jonathan and Monet are here at the moment, too and they probably won't return to the X-Factor headquarters for another month." She frowned. "And there's that one human Spanish teacher."

"Annie Ghazikhanian." Scott sighed, mulling it over. "Maybe."

"Just consider the situation, Scott," Emma coaxed. "I'll support your decision, no matter what happens."

"Hey, Mr. Summers," Sally interrupted, sliding into the seat behind them.

"You're not supposed to switch seats while the bus is in motion, Sally," Scott chided.

She twisted a strand of wavy, strawberry blonde hair around her index finger. "Does this place, like, have a gift shop, where you can, like, buy stuff?"

"I think you're missing the point, Sally," Scott told her. "This field trip is about education, not souvenirs."

"But . . . couldn't I get an educational souvenir?" Sally asked. "Like a dinosaur laser pointer or lip gloss created from a special Native American formula?"

Emma sighed. "God help us."

A/N: Let me know if you have any suggestions for places in New York the kids could visit, or if there's a particular character you want to see.

Also, feedback is greatly appreciated.