Chapter 9 - In Memoriam

Although Scott was back in Westchester, he still couldn't shake the feeling that he was living in a memory instead of his reality. Especially because he was back to wearing his old glasses, knowing he hadn't had time to learn control. Maybe James was right and he'd be able to go without them, but he wasn't going to leave that to chance when he was barely coping enough to get through the days, let alone actually get a handle on his emotions enough to direct his powers.

It was deeply late at night - Scott was taking a moment mostly to himself and taking in the quiet of the house - when James slipped by silently with a handful of tools and a bag of Stark Tech that looked suspiciously like nothing that had gone off of a manufacturing line.

"There goes trouble," Scott said in an old tease.

"Nah, trouble dropped it off earlier," James said. "I'm just … adjusting a few things."

"What's the plan?" Scott asked. "If you need help…"

James shrugged. "You can help if you like - I'm just making the defenses nastier. Basic switch out with an amplifier just because."

Scott raised an eyebrow, but it wasn't hard to guess what had James making a move like that. "Yeah, Sinister's still out there."

"Oh. He'll be coming around sooner than later," James said confidently, then finally stopped what he was doing. "Did I tell you about the little spell Billy worked with me a while back? It was after Sinister had screwed with my head to get his research safely back."

"I got the overview of the blackmail plot, yeah," Scott said slowly.

"Well … the original blackmail plot got tampered with, so I asked Billy to help me with a more boosted trigger. He basically made it so that when we were both on the same page to nuke him … it just happens. Anyhow. I got pissed off thinking about everything and … it's all gone." He snapped his fingers on one hand. "His life's work. Poof."

Scott stared at James for a long moment before, surprising himself, he let out a soft but sharp "ha!" And then, he started to smile in disbelief. "Oh, he'll be so mad, the bastard."

"Couldn't happen to a nicer guy," James agreed before he tapped the bag. "So … I know I'm on the top of his shit list. No reason to let anyone else be caught up in the crosshairs, you know?" .

"Do you think you could work with me and Annie to set up something similar for the wedding? All things considered, we were planning to have it sooner than later."

"Absolutely," James agreed. "Depending on where you wanted to do it - I have a radius for that."

"I think we were planning to have it here on the grounds, honestly. She and Ororo have been plotting."

"Then you won't have to worry about it. By the time I get done, The entire grounds will be a Sinister-free zone." He shrugged. "Or … auspicious. Whatever the hell Tony decided to name the system. No idea why he does that."

"Me neither, but it seems to make him happy." Scott gestured for James to come join him for a moment as he let his voice drop. "Thank you, by the way. I'm sorry you had to be involved with this," he said, gesturing to his eyes. "And as a parent, I hate that I was used like that against you. But having you there did help."

"Dad," James said, shaking his head lightly. "If I hadn't been there, he'd have put a leash on you and made sure your abilities were just to the level he wanted you at so he could control you. I'm not sorry I was there."

"I know. I just… thank you," Scott said again.

"You don't need to do that, Dad," James said thickly.

"Always will anyway," Scott said in the same tone. He took a deep breath and let it out again. "Besides, it's nice to know Sinister won't be lurking over your shoulder anymore. Means you can join the betting pool about if we're having a boy or girl."

"I have a feeling he'll still try," James said.

"Oh, without a doubt. I'm living proof," Scott said, gesturing to himself.

"No, not what I mean," James said, his focus on his hands. "I wasn't important to him like you are."

"James…" Scott let out a breath and put a hand on James's hand. "Whatever happens, I'll help you kick his ass."

"It's already been kicked," James said. "Anything from here on out is just a temper tantrum. He'll never be able to get back most of that - even if he had generations to try."

Scott smiled grimly at that. "Good. He deserves every bit of that."

"Well - anyhow. I thought you should know so you can keep an eye out. He's likely more vulnerable to your blasts than he was before." James looked up at Scott. "And you really are going to want to try it out without the visor, Dad. I've got a good feeling."

"I plan to, just… I don't have it in me to work on that right now," Scott admitted.

"Fifty bucks says it's not as much work as you think it is."

"You're on."

"Don't even want to ante up on me?" James teased.

"Knowing how much of a pain it was for me before? Nope. It's a safe bet," Scott said, smirking.

"Does it feel any different?" James asked, since they were on a subject he wasn't shying away from. And he really did want to see his dad be amazing.

"Honestly, not really - but the headache after a mission where I drained myself dry has always been the same, so I don't know if that's the right time to make a comparison anyway."

James tipped his head. "And you were still healing, so …"

"Exactly. Like I said, I'll come back to it. But right now, I have other things to worry about." He paused and smiled. "Right now, Annie's trying to get me to sign off on some wedding details. If she has her way, we'll be married by Halloween."

"Do it."

"Don't think I won't."

"No vampires allowed, though."

"Oh, definitely not," Scott agreed.

"So … is that what you were doing up? Trying to decide between orange and black or orange, black, and neon green?"

"No, just…" Scott gestured around the house. "This is where I grew up." He tapped the side of his glasses. "And this is how I always saw it. It's like going back in time."

"So I was intruding."

"No, I was overthinking," Scott said, smiling wryly. "You'd have been intruding if I'd been reminiscing."

"Again, thanking whoever's in charge that I'm not a telepath."

"Sometimes, I think the same thing," Scott chuckled.

"Yeah, but just imagine how hard that would have been to explain if I was one," James teased.

"Nah, easy enough. We'd just explain that your godmother was host of an interdimensional being and insisted on giving you a parting gift."

"And there it is," James said with a nod. "Forgot it was more pushy with her. And … I think it might kinda like me."

"Yeah, it's weird realizing that, isn't it? It keeps helping me too."

"Makes it easier on Rachel," James said.

"That's one way to look at it, anyway." Scott took a deep breath and let it out. "Well, I'm not likely to get any sleep anyway. What can I help you set up?"

James tossed him one of the devices. "Let's get to a sentry and I'll show you what the story is."

Even long after everyone had left Genosha and things were returning to normal, there was much to be done. Lorna was busy with not only the work of dealing with Noh but the emotional toll of it. Wanda was dealing with the international implications of what Apocalypse had wrought.

Vision had offered to watch Lorna and Alex's kids while Lorna was making arrangements and Alex was exhausted and still recovering. The kids were both playing a video game, and Vision had gone to get some snacks when he heard the woosh of wind as Tommy skidded to a stop, his eyes wide and his chest heaving.

"Is everything alright, or is there some new disaster that needs attention?" Vision asked mildly.

"I'm okay. Sorry. Just… I'm okay." Tommy leaned over, breathing harder than he usually did just from running.

"How many laps did you take?"

"No, I just came from Westchester." Tommy rubbed his eyes.

"Did you neglect to breathe?"

"I'm okay," Tommy said.

"All indications to the contrary."

"I just - I'm okay. Just…" He shook his head and plopped onto a nearby couch. "I can't breathe."

Vision frowned. "I'm not sure I understand the root cause."

"Yeah, it's okay, Dad," Tommy said, putting his head between his legs, his hands clasped in his hair. "I didn't mean to - I didn't think anyone was around."

"Sorry to disappoint," Vision replied, an understated smile in place. "Would you prefer privacy?"

"Yeah," Tommy said. "I'll be fine. I just need to breathe; that's all. I'm okay."

Vision paused before he could leave. "You're sure there's nothing I can do?"

"Yeah… can't fix it."

"Perhaps."

Tommy fell silent, taking in deep breaths until, after a bit, his breathing started to even out.

"Are you currently avoiding your brother as well?" Vision asked.

"No," Tommy said - too quickly to be anything but a lie.

"Of course not."

"Right." Tommy stood up and brushed his hair back down where it was standing up. "Sorry. I really didn't think I'd run into anyone else."

"You never have to apologize for running into me," Vision said. "I like to see you. Even when you're not avoiding anyone or anything. At all."

At that, Tommy cracked a smile. "Yeah, love you too, Dad," he said carelessly.

"I take it you haven't decided if you're attending the memorial," Vision said, testing the waters a little. "You know you can stay here if you prefer."

"Yeah, I appreciate the offer, Dad, but I'd look like a bitter loser if I didn't go."

"I wasn't aware that was possible."

"You and Mom and Billy have the same affliction."

"Impossible."

"Sure." Tommy took a deep breath and let it out again. "Really, Dad, I'm fine. Mia's messed up, so she needs support when that happens."

"Have you been able to help her?"

"I dunno. But I'm not going to take attention away from her by being the ex that didn't show up to her dead boyfriend's funeral. There's layers to it."

"It sounds as if you're making this more complicated than it already is."

"Probably. I don't know. Probably." Tommy shifted.

"I'm not suggesting that you do anything untoward," Vision said evenly. "But, I know you still care for her. I'm sure she still cares for you. She should appreciate the effort to simply be there."

"Yeah we'll see."

"You haven't tried yet?"

Tommy shrugged easily. "It's fine, Dad. I'm just not sleeping."

"Hmmm."

Tommy shifted again. "Is Mom here?" He held up one hand. "Not that I don't - I'm just worried about her - I mean - look, I love you, and I'm glad you're here and thanks for talking to me. I just…" He sighed. "I had him in my head, you know? He saw Mom. And not everything I dream about is stuff that happened."

"Of course she is," Vision said before he pulled Tommy into a hug - like it or not.

Tommy clutched onto him tightly, burying his face in his dad's shoulder. He was desperate to act like he wasn't affected, but hugging his dad… it was hard to keep that facade up.

Eventually, though, he cleared his throat and let go of Vision, stepping back and wiping his hand down his face to hide his expression. "Thanks," he said quietly. He knew he and his dad didn't need to say anything else, but he needed to say that much. Having steadiness in his life was important.

But he didn't want to think too hard about anything at the moment, so he took off at a run until he found Wanda just coming out of the communications office. Considering it was nighttime in Westchester - and she knew it - he wasn't surprised to see her shock at seeing him, but he tumbled into her and hugged her tight rather than explain himself.

"You don't have to go back to New York if you don't want to," Wanda said as she wrapped him up.

"I know," he said, hiding in the hug.

"Okay. Good. So … what happened?"

Tommy hedged for a second before he let his shoulders relax and decided someone should know, anyway. "I can't sleep," he said quietly.

"I'm not surprised." Wanda ran her hand through his hair. "So are you looking for solutions or just to tell me?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "I, um, I wanted to make sure you were okay." He let his breath out through his cheeks. "It's stupid, I know."

"I'm better when you're okay."

"Yeah." He gestured for her to sit with him on one of the decorative benches in the long hallway. "He knew you were my mom, and in my head… I could see visions of me killing you, because he didn't want you to be a threat."

Wanda responded by pulling him into a more protective hug. "I'm so sorry you saw that."

"Me too," Tommy said, though he turned to hide his face so she couldn't see how upset he was, even if she knew all the same. "There was so much worse, but that's the one I keep waking up in a panic about. The rest sucks, but when I think I killed you or Billy…"

"I'm sure," she said, still trying to calm him down. "I don't think I should just make it disappear. But … maybe we could just spend some time."

"Yeah." He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I want to stay here, but if I do, I'll just be running back there to make sure I didn't kill Billy. Or that Mia's okay. Or whatever, you know?"

"How about I go with you, then?" Wanda suggested. "I'd like to be there for you kids, too. Lorna can handle things here."

"Thanks, Mom," Tommy said. He tried to sound a little less shaken. "But we still have to come back here for Genoshan Independence Day, right? Uncle Alex has been talking about having a post-ceremony beach party since last year's post-ceremony beach party."

Wanda waved one hand. "That goes without saying."

"Oh, good, because you know he's freaking out too but doesn't want to say anything, right? He's too worried about his brother to say anything. Not like I know anything about that." Tommy stuck his tongue out.

"What? A Summers that won't speak up about his problems? That doesn't sound like a thing that happens every time something big happens." She put her arm around his shoulders. "Alex would freak out anyhow over his brother. You should freak out for how worried you are about yours - and I'm pretty sure everyone involved is half panicking on someone's behalf."

"Yeah." Tommy was quiet for an incredibly long time. "Can I tell you something - but you have to swear you won't tell anyone else. Ever."

"Sweetheart you can tell me anything."

"Yeah, I just…" He blew out his breath again. "It's super screwed up, and I don't want you to think I'm petty or anything. Because I am worried about Billy. Really. I want him to be okay, because he's my twin brother and the only constant I have in my life a lot of the time, and-"

"I understand that perfectly."

"I'm just…" He paused. "It's screwed up that everyone's so worried about him. And I know how that sounds. I do. I get that he was having flashbacks fighting Katarina, and I know he feels like he failed James and wasn't fast enough for Noh. And I know he was almost a Horseman - but I was one." He kept his gaze down and couldn't look up at her. "And he's the one people are checking on. And it sounds so stupid and petty."

"It's not," Wanda promised. "But it's hard for people to check on you when you run away so quickly. You have to give them a chance - even if they seem too slow."

"Yeah. Maybe," Tommy said.

"I am very aware that you went through hell. And I am always a shout away. I'm sorry that your brother's dramatic flair is so …" she made a face. "…loud, comparatively. But - you're in a tough spot with Mia and all the horrible things you had amplified regarding your brother. And so much more than you've talked about, I'm sure."

"Yeah. A lot." Tommy bit his lip. "I haven't even… I checked on David to make sure he was okay, but I don't know how to touch that. And Billy's… And I screwed things up with Mia so bad that I'm a little outside the circle, you know? Everyone's rallying and I'm just here."

"That's not how Ororo made it sound when we spoke last. She said you had Mia smiling on a drive? When did you learn how to drive?"

"Oh, um, James taught me and Billy, actually…"

"Oh, good. He can't be too angry if he let you take his car, either."she smiled his way. "Do you enjoy driving then?"

"Sometimes," he admitted. "It's annoyingly slow, but it's great for talking, you know? Not the best way to travel, but it's good to have a backup plan if I get, like, a broken leg or a collar or something. We're doing a lot of training about how to deal with not having our powers. Scott's idea. He programmed a few sims from the house."

"That sounds right to me."

"Yeah." Tommy cleared his throat and backed up a bit. "So, um, me and Ororo are on better footing. Which is nice. I missed being a spy."

"She told me that, too. She's worried for you."

"Really?" Tommy asked, suddenly softer.

"She loves you, too," Wanda told him. "And not for the spy work."

"Yeah, she loves me for my knock-knock jokes."

"You might be surprised."

"Maybe." Tommy shrugged. "So… you coming to Westchester? I should, um, let you pack or something…"

"Yes. No need to pack when I can pull whatever I need into existence."she offered him her hand. "And we can get there in a snap."

"Race you?" he offered instead of taking her hand - because he needed a run to get his emotions back in order. When she smirked, he took off - and found her waiting for him in his room. "Okay, how long were you waiting?"

"Oh just forever."Wanda grinned at him. "You know how it is."

"I'm going to beat you one of these days," he said, grinning.

"Never gonna happen, sweetie."

"Lies." He grinned and kissed her cheek.

Noh's memorial service came up faster than Mia had realized it would - even though at times it had felt like it was looming over her and too far away to conceptualize. And then, all of a sudden, she found herself standing outside with other heroes and a small device her dad had built that was essentially a coffin but was stylized to match Noh's futuristic leaning and meant to make sure Noh made it to the nearest star without being intercepted.

That was weird too. And she didn't like thinking about it. But she couldn't exactly stop thinking about it either.

Not long into the memorial that she and James had planned out together, Mia caught James's gaze from across the group. She was half hidden in her dad's shoulder, and he was obviously doing his best to keep it together too. But it was good to have him close enough to see when Lorna sent Noh off into the atmosphere and beyond. She was holding too tightly to her dad to use him as a physical anchor, and she could see James anchoring himself by making sure she could see him.

She couldn't have explained what she was feeling if anyone asked - and thankfully, no one did. By the time she couldn't see Noh anymore, she tucked her head into her dad's shoulder and honestly lost track of what was happening entirely.

Not that James was doing much better.

He'd spent the entire memorial watching Mia and disassociating from what was happening as much as he could. Billy had stayed close enough that as Lorna set to sending Noh off, James was almost entirely derailed when Billy reached out for his hand. It was quiet, understated in spite of Noh's favorite playlist in the background, and when Mia melted into Forge, every thought left James's mind.

"Hey," Billy whispered at the bottom edge of James's hearing, "let's get out of here."

James turned his way only to nod his agreement and readjust the way they were holding hands before he let Billy lead him away from the group.

You know he's not thinking at all, right? Nate projected Billy's way as Billy and James started to slip off.

Don't need to be telepathic to figure that one out, Billy said.

Okay, but it's just weird and you should know. That's all, Nate replied.

Yeah. I know. I… am figuring things out. I'm doing my best.

I know. But if you need help-

Yeah. Billy paused as he put his arm around James to direct him away from an overly concerned-looking Craig. He barely even looked long enough to see the expression Craig was wearing before he redirected. Think you can erase the irrational jealousy of a dead man from my mind or…

I mean … it's possible but so far beyond irrational. Most of his problem here is feeling responsible for it and wrecking Mia.

I know. Which is why it feels irrational. I can't even be mad when he's beating himself up.

You can, but that would be irrational too.

So that's a no on erasing the stupid feelings?

Erasing anything like that is tricky - and could bleed into other feelings. So yeah. That's a no. Sorry.

Drat. Not even if I offer you the position of duke or something? Billy asked, mostly joking.

Kate would never ever let me live it down. Nate was half smiling.

So I need to do it, Billy decided, smirking.

There's the evil peeking through. Good thing you're not floating yet.

Give me time and the foresight to grant your son his own lordship.

Nate snorted and belatedly covered his mouth with one hand only to meet Kate's questioning look. "Nothing."

"Yeah, I definitely believe that." Kate leaned over his shoulder to coo at David in his arms. "Who you mentally texting?" she teased.

"Three guesses."

"Annie."

"Two left. And you're cold."

"Darn. I'm pretty sure she's mentally measuring when is appropriate to bring up wedding planning after something like this."

"She'll get it rolling when Dad needs the boost."

"He needs the boost every day," Kate pointed out. "Second guess is Tommy. Is he hiding somewhere?"

"Oooh. Strike two. Tommy's a little closer than you think, but he is definitely hiding and I'm not going to wreck him by busting him out."

"Well, I've been right about everything but my original question. So… Billy. How the heck is he making you snort right now, though?"

"He's gifted."

"Clearly." Kate kissed his cheek. How are you holding up? I know with how things went down with Noh controlling you…

I am just keeping an eye on Mia and James, so I have a task to do. I'll be just fine.

Of course you're fine. You've got a task to do.

See? It'll probably just take more time than I'd like. And you know I'm working through the mind control thing.

Yeah, I know. Which is why I had to check on you. And you've got a nose bleed again. Overdid it gossiping when your power level is still rebooting?

Nate swore under his breath and shifted to clean up with one hand. Just juggling too much at once. Monitoring my brother is no fun even when he's not actively thinking at all.

True. Kate handed him a tissue. Got your back, handsome.

Love you too, gorgeous.

Once Billy got himself and James somewhere quiet, James barely bothered taking his tie off before he turned to wrap himself halfway around Billy then he took both of them down in a heap on the couch, and Billy clung on as tightly as James did. He didn't know what to say, but he knew he needed to be there for him.

"I feel like a jackass for even thinking it," James said softly after a long moment. "But I'm just so damn glad it wasn't you…"

Billy froze, swallowed, and then doubled down on the hug. "Love you," he whispered - he didn't know what else to say. "I'm not going anywhere."

He didn't say it, because he also felt like a jackass for thinking it… but he was glad to hear James say that much too.

Wanda had been looking out for Tommy through the whole memorial service and long after it was over, knowing that he still felt weird about his decision not to attend. But while she was sitting in silence with her son, she got a text on the phone number she had given the junior heroes - and Leslie Ann, along with a few other kids who she knew would soon be on the team.

Hey, can my parents and I talk to you? Nothing super urgent, but we'd like to get some stuff moving.

Wanda took just a moment to double check the name - just to make sure she was talking about the right people before she agreed to meet with anyone. Of course. What do you need to talk about?

Well, are you still okay with officiating for my aunt and Cyclops? Because that needs to happen.

Of course I am. Unless they decide they want someone else. But then I'll have to fight them for it.

Okay, perfect. Talk to you soon; we can totally knock out some wedding planning while they're distracted, right?

Yes, of course. Where do we start?

Um. I don't know. I'll have to talk to my parents. Or maybe you can? They just asked me to reach out because it was my idea to take the planning and stuff off of Aunt Annie's plate. She's pretty upset, you know.

Wanda smiled to herself at that. I'm sure she is. This would be easier in person, I think. And I'm sure Tommy could use an excuse to escort me a little closer to the school.

Thank you so much! Do you need an address? I'm at my parents' house right now, but I could go to the school.

No, that should be close enough. Just tell me when they'd like to sit down and talk and I can be there in a blink.

There was a long pause before the response came back: Mom says please give her an hour so she can throw the house together and make food.

Two hours, then. Just so she doesn't have to rush.

She says this is why you're her favorite queen.

See you soon. Wanda turned toward Tommy with a sedate smile. "I don't suppose you'd feel up to escorting me on some semi official business?"

"I'm always up for fun," Tommy said without missing a beat - obviously thrilled with something to do to occupy his mind. "What's the deal?"

"Nothing too exciting for you," Wanda answered. "Your father is a little touchy about me wandering too far without back up for some reason - and the Hales want to conspire against Scott and Annie. Or something close to that."

"Gee, Mom, it's like Dad's worried the whole family is a magnet for trouble or something," Tommy said dryly.

"What would give him that idea?" Wanda said airly.

"No idea. I think he's paranoid. And that really shouldn't be possible," Tommy said, grinning wickedly.

"It shouldn't be, but here we are, and there he is - paranoid and edgy. Even if he tries to call it being cautious."

"Our family is a little weird," Tommy said. "So… when's the rendezvous with the Southerners?"

"Two hours," Wanda said. "She needs to do a scramble - as if her house is anything but perfect, and as if I couldn't simply wish up food if we need it." Wanda smirked. "I'm told it's a southern knee jerk reaction."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. If it means I get to eat their food…"

"You get to eat."

"Perfect. I'll be on my best behavior just for you," Tommy said, his grin turning even more troublemaking somehow - which was honestly nice for Wanda to see, considering how melancholy he had been lately.

When Tommy and Wanda did show up at Leslie Ann's place, Evie answered the door with her hair pulled up in a ponytail and wisps of hair falling in front of her face, looking like she had been cleaning and smelling like fresh cornbread.

"Come on in," she said, wiping her hands off on her apron before she gestured them inside. "Dinner should be out of the oven in about a minute, so find a seat at the table, and I'll start servin' up. Figure there's no better place to talk about a wedding than around a family table."

Wanda and Tommy shared a look and Wanda put her hand between his shoulder blades to guide him forward, smiling at Evie as they came in. "You really don't need to go to all this trouble for us," she said. "It's appreciated, but truly -not needed."

"And yet," Anton said, chuckling as he held a chair out for Wanda. "We just let the Hale girls feed us. Better that way anyway."

"I'm familiar with irregular stress relief," Wanda laughed as she took the seat and thanked Anton. "So … is there anything left for me to help with or have you all figured out the details that Scott won't bother correcting you on?"

Leslie Ann tried to hide her laughter, but that turned into a snort behind her hand that left her bright red. But when Wanda looked her way, she said, "I mean, we've got the details, but we don't know how to move forward on where and when to hold it, you know?"

"Well," Wanda said slowly. "The only thing I know for sure is that Scott was arranging with Ororo to do it at the school. They'll have the best security for it - if they don't already."

"That lines up with the way Annie was talking last I saw her," Evie agreed, nodding thoughtfully.

"The thing is," Anton said, "if those two keep waiting for things to settle out, ain't real likely to happen, is it?"

"Oh, well in that case, I'll just appear in front of them in a cloud of smoke and just make them do it."

"I know you're joking, but I'm honestly not above agreeing to exactly that," Evie said, shaking her head in a sigh.

"I'm not really joking that much," Wanda said. "If it gets too ridiculous, I absolutely will do that."

"Okay, then we're on the same page," Evie said, suddenly looking a lot more businesslike. "Then I suppose the only question is: how can we arrange things so that we can have the wedding they deserve and also be able to spring it as soon as we can get them in the right frame of mind?"

"And by that, she doesn't mean 'not worried about the kids,' because that's impossible," Anton said, leaning back and looking like this was the height of amusement for him. He'd been privy to Evie and Annie conspiring often, so it was fun to watch it being pointed at his sister-in-law.

Wanda smirked, but Tommy answered for her. "Not like anyone could make it happen with the snap of her fingers or anything."

"Oh, yes, I know, but we do want a few things in place," Evie said. "We'll want a table set aside for his parents and hers. I don't know if his father will come, but…"

"He won't have a choice," Wanda said with her best business-like expression.

"Okay, then we'll do one memorial table for his mother and one for Professor Xavier," Evie decided. "I can work with Ororo to set that up. There's a few things like that - things we'd want to put time into. But the rest… yes, please, let's wish it into being."

Wanda nodded at that. "Just work on what you think needs work. I know they won't be jumping to do it this close to a funeral - or while everyone is trying to recover."

"And Aunt Annie is still having headaches from everyone's trauma fixations," Leslie Ann put in. "Can we do something, maybe? I mean… to help with the telepathic… stuff?"

"Nothing magical, I'm afraid," Wanda said. "But I'll bet that Rachel or Nate could be helpful - and would probably trip over each other to help her - though, a dampener is always an option, too."

"Maybe a dampener," Evie said thoughtfully. "I know Annie said Scott's been in knots about his eyes."

"Man deserves to see his bride," Anton agreed, his arms folded as he considered it.

"I'm sure he won't disagree with that, either," Wanda said with a nod.

"Perfect. Then as soon as Ororo and I have arranged the personal touches, we'll talk to you about the details and decor and plan how to spring this on them," Evie said, clapping her hands together as soon as she set down some warm cornbread.

Wanda smiled her way. "You really do mesh with the Summers family so well."

Evie tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I think you mean he's marrying into a good fit," she said with a smirk at the corner of her mouth.

"I think I mean it goes well both ways," Wanda said. "It's kind of adorable."

"Kind of?" Tommy repeated under his breath to her.

"It's so nice to see how sweet you are," Wanda said back to him at a whisper. "And that you can find Cyclops and his little love story so cute-"

Tommy pulled a face at her. "Oh look, food," he said, a little louder, and beamed as Evie set out the main course, leaving Wanda shaking her head at him.