The last days of the holidays were the same as the first, but without the four of them being together. Mark and Kitchie were spending even more time together and Quinn rarely saw a time when they were separated. They were even starting to share a room since Caim wasn't around much. Caim was spending a lot of time with either Ms. Dugan or Wolverine somewhere in the mansion and he rarely showed himself even for meals. The few times he was seen alone he was in his room with his headphones on and his guitar in hand. He wouldn't speak to anyone, and he slept in some room down in the basement.
Considering that her friends were otherwise occupied, Quinn had to find ways to occupy herself. It was strange, feeling alone in a house full of people, but she didn't really want to hang out with anyone else. She spent an afternoon with Rogue, but they actually didn't talk much, just watched the action film they had found on TV.
She spent a lot of time flying around the small forest on the outskirts of the mansion that was just along the cliff line. The forest was quiet save for some birds and it was nice, but she often grew bored. She didn't know what to do anymore and she soon found herself putting on her image inducer and going into town just to walk around. One day, when walking down Main Street, she spotted some familiar faces.
Gwen, Gabriel, and Noah stepped out of a music store, talking quietly amongst themselves. Something seemed wrong; as their voices grew louder Quinn could hear that they were arguing about something. Then Gwen looked up, caught Quinn's eye, and smiled. "Hey," she said, as the three of them stopped in front of her. Quinn looked them up and down, sticking her hands in her pocket. "Hi."
"What you up to?" Gwen asked. She looked around. "I don't see your friends. Did they ditch you?"
Quinn laughed without humour. "You're funny." She stared at them with flat eyes and Gabriel laughed. "Wow Gwen, she might be giving you a run for your money in the glaring contest." Without turning Gwen smacked him lightly in the chest. "Shut up Gabriel," she said, but she smiled. "So, Quinn, considering you're out alone, which, for a small young looking girl like yourself, isn't the safest idea-"
"What would you know about safe? You're a walking danger sign."
Gabriel laughed again and Gwen looked her up and down. "You're in a mood today aren't you? The Institute not living up to your expectations?"
"I had no expectations."
"Well that's good," Gwen replied. "You know, if you wanted, you could hang with us."
"Today?" Quinn asked.
"Well, yes, but I meant permanently. Leave the X-Men and come stay with us. We aren't as creepy as we seem-"
"Look at yourself," Noah commented.
"-and we have a place to crash. Not as grand as the mansion, but it's pretty big with the essentials."
"What if I say no?" Quinn asked, crossing her arms. Gwen shrugged a shoulder. "Nothing. We're not going to kidnap you or anything. I'm just letting you know this in case you need a change in scenery, a difference in your life. Maybe not with us necessarily but… we have some connections." Quinn didn't reply.
"Well, I'll take that as a no for now," Gwen said. "Guess we'll see you 'round." She stepped around Quinn, who didn't move as the trio walked away. But as soon as she was sure they were around the next corner, she turned to stare after them and wondered why Noah had been staring at her the entire time.
AN: I know it was short, but it was a filler little info chapter. I know I said that these three were just going to have that one cameo, but I realized that I needed them in a little later.