AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry this took forever. I spent weeks trying to decide on dresses and such. :) Anyway I had a blast writing the ball scene, so let me know what you think about this chapter! Sorry if you think the ending is a bit abrupt, I decided to split the ball in two.

CHAPTER 13

Alexandria's POV

I woke slowly, rolling over, and squinting. Alicia was in my room, ruffling through my closet. She tossed a glance back at me. "Oh good, you're awake."

I made a non-committal grunt. Alicia wore a robe, but I could see pantyhose covering her feet, as well a full hair and make-up complete. She clicked her tongue impatiently at me. "Get up and take a shower."

I rolled out of bed and ducked into the bathroom.

Gideon's POV

Stepping out of the shower, I strode out into the room, dressing. Sliding the jacket of the tux on, I was thinking about Alex's attacker. And about what she'd be wearing tonight. The ball was already beginning—I could hear the strains of music. Chad came in, wearing a flustered look. "Whoever designed bowties is an asshole" I chuckled as I tied my own bowtie. "I take it you couldn't tie yours?" I asked.

"Hell no. Had to ask Mystique to do it."

I choked back a laugh at that mental image.

"So, are we allowed to pick up chicks at this party? Or is that against the rules?" Chad continued.

"Chad, do you think about anything else? At all?" I asked as I took a long sip of water.

Chad shot me a cheeky grin. "It's a priority."

Chad fixed his jacket as he continued to talk. "Actually, since the spirit of this whole thing compromise—at least until the government bombs someone—I'm surprised you're not courting Miss Xavier."

I did an instant spit-take upon hearing those words—so very close to the truth in regards to my relationship—out of shock. Chad pounded my back. "Easy, easy. I just meant that you should pretend to date her, show everyone you and your father are open minded. But-hey, I get it. You've got that mystery girl."

"Right." I croaked out. I cleared my throat. "Let's just meet up with everyone and head down to the party."

Alexandria's POV

I sat still as Alicia blow-dried, curled and styled my hair. Adding a few sprays of hairspray to hold it in place, she nodded to herself. Handing me my make-up bag, she stated, "I'm going to put on my dress. Do your make-up, and then I'll come back in to help you with your dress." With that, she left. I studied my reflection. My dark brown hair had been curled then pinned half up, so that much of it cascaded down. I did a basic dark smoky eye, with muted red lipstick. I had just finished when Alicia came back in. Alicia had style, no one could doubt that. Her dress had a full black skirt, and the bodice was split into three sections. The middle was plain black, to match the skirt, but the two on the sides were a black and white…maybe argyle pattern? Two straps of fabric came from each side and crossed in front of her neck and looped around. Alicia's hair was swept up into a graceful bun, and she wore pearl studs in her ears.

I wore diamonds that dangled down, and grazed my shoulders, but twinkled nicely in my hair.

I put on my heels, open-toed stilettos (not that anyone would be seeing my feet) and stepped into the dress. It was strapless, so Alicia simply raised it up around my body. It was a very unusual fabric, it shimmered. There was a black ribbon that lay on the bodice and tied into a bow in the back. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm having trouble describing the fabric of this dress. If you need a better mental image of it, I merely took it from Vampire Diaries. It's the dress Elena wore to the ball in Dangerous Liaisons. (At least I think that's the name of the episode))

I had to admit I did like the dress. Picking up my pocketbook, Alicia handed it to me and threaded her arm through mine. "We're going to have a blast, babe!"

I rolled my eyes. "This isn't a frat party Alicia, it's a presidential ball"

"We can still check out the guys." She said as she closed the door behind us.

Gideon's POV

Our group left before Professor Xavier's did. Although the professor himself was already here, mingling with the guests. I sat at our table, with Chad and Mystique, who were currently locked in an argument about who was the better fighter. I personally was trying to decide whether or not I should risk a dance with Alex.

"What do you think, Gideon?"

"Hm?"

Chad gave me an exasperated look. "In your opinion, who's better at hand to hand fighting? Me, or Mystique?"

I held up my hands in a mock surrender. "Oh no. I've learned my lesson. I'm not getting involved in this."

A few years ago, a similar argument had taken place, and I foolishly picked a side. Neither of them talked to me for weeks after.

To prove my point, I got up and walked away from the table. Deciding to seek out my father, I mingled and asked a few people.

Giving up on the search because the ballroom was packed, I headed over to the punch table. I heard the voices of Chad and Mystique. Inwardly I groaned. I was definitely not going back into that situation. I turned on my heel, intending to head back to the table for a few moments of quiet, and that's when I saw Alex.

She descended the staircase arm in arm with Alicia. They both looked stunning, but my gaze was fixated on Alex. She always moved with an innate grace and confidence, but in this setting, she glowed with both. The dress fit her perfectly, accenting all the best parts. Her dark curls quivered as she walked, bouncing lightly. Her whole look was beautiful and classy. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I was definitely risking a dance now. Hell, I may even risk three or four.

Alexandria's POV

As we walked down the staircase, I could feel several pairs of eyes watching us. I was certain one of those was Gideon. I lightly scanned the crowd, hoping to see a glimpse of him. Alicia's arm in mine propelled me down into the crowd before I had a good chance to use the birds-eye view at the top of the staircase. When we reached the floor, we shook hands with several politicians as they greeted us, and then we made our way to the table laid for us.

I sat next to my father, and joined the conversation, although I continued to glance around for Gideon.

The conversation was light, mainly on mundane topics.

After several minutes, the President, who had been mingling around the room with his wife came over to our table. My father introduced us as we each rose and shook hands.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The president and his wife moved on, their attention caught by someone beckoning them.

The whole ball was a bit boring, to be honest.

We resumed our earlier conversation, which was promptly interrupted a few minutes later.

"May I have this dance, Miss Xavier?" Gideon's voice sounded from the end of the table.

Well my night just got a lot more interesting.

Everyone looked confused and some even shocked. They could join the club. "Um, excuse me?"

I couldn't believe Gideon was asking me to dance. Part of me was elated, but the practical part was telling me this was a bad idea.

Gideon cleared his throat and looked a bit uncertain. "Well, the theme of tonight is compromise, and I just thought it would be a good idea."

"Oh. Well alright then." I rose and let Gideon lead me out on the dance floor.

Wolverine's POV

Alex was certainly surprised at the young Lenshaw's question, but not shocked as some others were. I watched carefully as he led her to the dance floor. Something wasn't right.

Alexandria's POV

Gideon was clearly an expert dancer as he twirled me.

"What were you thinking? This is…"

"Fun?"

"I was going to say risky." I retorted. Gideon gave me a smile, and pulled me close. "I've been thinking about dancing with you all night."

I smiled and pulled away. "Don't hold me so close. There are prying eyes."

"Yes. Of course." Gideon distanced himself slightly. His expression darkened briefly.

"What?" I asked.

He shook his head. "It's just; I think this trip is going to be the death of me. I know what I'm risking by dancing with you, and earlier, when you said you'd been attacked, Alex-it took all I had not to leap across the room and hold you."

I gazed at him. "I was fine, Gideon."

He sighed. "I know that, and look at you now. No worse for wear. It's just that someone attacked you—tried to kill you and that person is still out there. What if he/she/it tries again?"

"I'll fight them off, just like today. Gideon-I know how to fight, and I can take care of myself. If anything, I've been training harder since the night we met."

Gideon looked at me. "I'm assuming you're referring to the night I pulled you out of the alley, and not the party."

I glanced down. "Yeah."

Gideon gave a low chuckle. "Alex, wherever you go, trouble seems to follow."

I gave a dramatic shrug. "One of the perks of being Professor Xavier's daughter."

He let out a breath before continuing. "Alex, just the idea of you being in danger makes me mad. I want to keep you safe in my pocket."

I giggled. "I don't believe I would fit."

Gideon looked at me and laughed. "No, I don't suppose so."

Magneto's POV

Mystique stood beside me. We were both watching Gideon and Miss Xavier.

"They don't seem to have trouble finding things to talk about." I commented. Mystique shrugged. "If she's anything like her father, she's probably grilling him about the night he saved her."

"Yes. An excellent move on his part, really set the stage for this 'compromise' thing."

Professor Xavier's POV

"All I'm saying is something's not right about this." Wolverine seemed very sure of his point. I was watching my daughter.

Storm rolled her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with him asking for a dance. The theme of this trip is compromise, remember? He's just trying to help."

Wolverine turned his gaze towards the two. "You're right about the dance—nothing wrong there. I'm talking about her reaction. It was…off."

Storm raised an eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

Wolverine sighed. "And what could they possibly be talking about?"

Alicia took a sip of her drink and said, "I bet it's just trash talk."

Gideon's POV

I could tell the song was about to end. "Think I could risk another dance without raising suspicions?" I asked Alex, causing her to chuckle. "I doubt it. Unless it's toward the end."

"You mean I have to wait until the end?" I moaned.

"I could tell you how melodramatic you're being."

"And I could tell you how much I like you in that dress." I told her with a grin as the song ended. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and then she smiled. But I thought I saw a bit of a blush as she turned away. I left and headed to my table.