November breezed into December with lots of wind and snow, quite a few training sessions, and not a lot of problems. For of that the X-Men were happy. The Snow Wars continued and Mark activity participated. He, along with Kitchie, often dragged Quinn outside to play with them. She tried to get Caim to talk to them about not forcing her out but he would often just shrug and follow them outside, the hint of a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
As December rolled in and the holidays got closer the Institute became a constant place of activity. Decorations for all different religions were being placed around the mansion and a Christmas tree and menorah could be found in the living room. Calls were being made for students to visit home and conversations were held about holiday plans. Mark, Quinn, Kitchie, and Caim were all staying at the manor since none of them had a home to go back to. "We can hang out a lot more!" Kitchie constantly reminded them. "Since there won't be school and we'll be a few of the kids staying here we'll be able to spend a lot of time together!" Mark seemed the most enthused by the idea, while Quinn wondered if she'd let the guys survive the two weeks. During these holiday discussions she'd usually just listen to Mark and Kitchie go on as she and Caim played chess.
On one of the last days of school the topic of the Sadie Hawkin's Dance came back up. The four of them were sitting in cafeteria with Alex and Kitchie had noticed the posters around. "I can't believe you haven't said anything yet Caim," he said a bit too loud to be a whisper. Caim shot him a look that spoke as loud as any simple "Shut up" statement, and Kitchie laughed. He leaned back in his chair and looked at Mark. "You get asked yet? I bet a bunch of girls have, or are going to. You're handsome and nice and a really good guy, who wouldn't like you? This dance is one of the biggest of the year so someone's definitely going to." Mark scratched the back of his head. "Actually no," he replied. "No one has."
"Well someone will," Kitchie said. "Most definitely."
Alex smiled as he nonchalantly played with Caim's hand on the table. "I agree with Kitchie, you're a great guy Mark." Mark smiled and a blush crept onto his cheeks. "Uh, thanks guys…" he replied. He glanced over at Quinn who raised an eyebrow. "What you looking at me for?" she asked. He laughed quietly and shook his head. The bell rang above them and Quinn stretched, standing up. They all rose and Alex squeezed Caim's hand once before letting it go. Quinn noticed that Mark looked over at Kitchie's hand as they grabbed their bags.
Quinn rolled her eyes. "Come on love birds," she said, striding past them. She heard Mark try to stammer out a response but soon she was too far away to hear him even if he did manage to reply.
Later that day Caim asked Alex to the dance. Mark accidently walked in on them kissing down in the photography room after school where, stretched across the chalkboard, were pictures showing the phrase "Will You Go To The Dance With Me?" Mark quickly left the couple alone, a strange ache starting up near his heart as he met up with Quinn and Kitchie outside.
The first half of the school year ended on a good note and everyone was excited for the holidays.