I just realized I never gave a reason why all of the mutants at Xavier's where still at the school when they could be with their families. This chapter explains it.
Rahne sighed as she stared out the library window, unknowing that she too was being starred at by none other than Roberto. Her parents had finally relented on their quest to keep Rahne away from the mansion. It could be said that they let her back because they sympathized with the young mutant but that was only a tiny part in the decision. The true reason was in fact there was an anti-mutant organization near and they feared their lovely daughter would become a target. Rahne had no clue about this nor did Roberto, but in truth neither one cared all that much why she was allowed to come back, rather than she was back in time for Christmas.
Rahne sighed once again as soft white flakes drifted around outside and the glass held the evidence of her heavy breath in the form of a fogged area. That sigh broke Roberto's heart, for he knew the type all too well. It was the sigh of homesickness. Even though she had just come from her homeland, it was still horrible to have to be away for Christmas. In fact none of the mutants were allowed to go back home in fear that their families might become victim to the anti-mutant organizations.
"Hi, Rahne."
The young Scottish girl was forced from her daydream of her family and her frown deepened.
"Hi, Roberto." She answered and was even able to conjure up the tiniest of smiles for him.
"So what are you thinking about?" he prompted while he sat beside her on the window seat. A thin blush covered her neck at their closeness but thanks to her green turtleneck it went unnoticed.
"About how around this time back home we'd gather down at the square to watch the festival. The bagpipes were always my favorite. I especially loved Joy to the World."
Roberto's mouth hung open after that little speech the super shy girl in front of him had just stated. He had in fact never heard her say that much at one time and he was in awe. Rahne however thought the reason he was staring at her mouth ajar was because he thought it sounded stupid. So with red cheeks she didn't even mumble a bye as she practically flew out the room.
Roberto looked on sadly as his crush ran away. If only there was something he could do to appease her homesickness. It was then that his contribution to the 12DOC Project –Bobby had been the one to come up with that awful name- sprung up. Yes his plan was perfect, now all her had to do was bribe or black mail the one person who could help.
*Line break*
"Hey, Rahne!"
The girl in question turned towards the caller to discover a card being thrust into her face by Jamie. She plucked the card from his fingers and rapidly tore off the envelope to discover a poem in a card shaped as a bagpipe.
So I hear you're sick for home
For which you shouldn't be
'Cause on the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Eleven pipers piping
And for your wolf side a nice big bone
Roberto
Rahne stared at the strange poem in confusion until Jamie poked her.
"Follow me." Was his simple statement before he whisked around and headed down the stairs. Confusion was still etched on her face as she quickly descended the stairs after him and right out the door.
"Rahne!" About a dozen clones of Jamie called out as she halted on the front steps of the mansion. All but one carried a bagpipe and the one that didn't held a conductor's stick. With her eyes still wide and head cocked conductor Jamie tapped his stick and the bagpipes began to play Joy to the World.
*Line break*
"I love it!" Rahne shouted while she clapped her hands as the last note disintegrated in the air. Every single Jamie turned to wave and smile before they scampered off back into the house.
"And as promised a bone."
Rahne jumped at the sound of Roberto's voice, which jumped back at her jumping. Both grinned sheepishly as her fingers skimmed over his as she delicately took the bone.
"Thanks." She whispered as tears began to form inside her tear ducts.
"No problem." Roberto declared while a steady blush twisted on his neck. An awkward silence filled the air when out of nowhere Rahne leapt forward and nearly tackled Roberto. Once his state of shock was over and they were in no danger of falling over he too wrapped his arms around her. They were so absorbed in their hugging they didn't even notice Jamie slipping a sprig of mistletoe above them until Kitty came along.
"Aw. You two are like, so cute together, but you do know that mistletoe means kissing not hugging right?"
"Mistletoe?" Both asked in unison. Kitty just smiled and pointed up, with their eyes following the finger they soon came across the sprig. The two blushed badly as they each tried to work up the nerve to kiss the other. Finally Roberto manned up and gently captured Rahne's lips.