AN: It's finally here. The Christmas episode.
Get ready for some, holiday cheer!
LET'S JUMP INTO IT!
It was Christmas time, in New York City. Snow was everywhere. People were out, gift shopping. Or, spending time with their families. It was a joyous time of year; that had to be celebrated. But there was one man; who wasn't feeling, the Christmas spirit. He was alone. High up, in his penthouse. He sat in a chair, next to a fireplace; while watching TV. He didn't seem to care, that his mail was piling up. The man had blue eyes, and blonde hair. He was currently wearing, a long trench coat. Which covered, most of his body. His name was, Warren Worthington, the third.
Warren was the son, of a multi-billionaire. This made him, incredibly wealthy. He had everything, that he could ever wish for. That should have made him, happy. Maybe, it did. Except, for one, small thing. He was a Mutant. Unlike most, his mutation, was obvious. It caused him to distance himself; from everything he's known, before. His mother, called his answering machine. She left a message; asking him to call, her, and his father. His parents were worried about him. Warren saw a news report, on his TV.
There was an emergency. Apparently, it was an apartment fire. There was a disabled woman; still trapped, inside the building. Firefighters, were unable to get to her. Warren wanted to do something. He didn't ask, to be a Mutant. But, he had decided to use his powers, to help people. He got up, walked to his balcony; and took off his coat. Underneath the coat, he had a pair of white, feathered wings. They looked, angelic. The kind of things, that you would see, on an Angel. He jumped, from the balcony; and flew into the sky.
At the scene of the fire; firefighters were holding a young girl, back. The disabled woman, that was still in the building, was her mother. She was crying, and begging for the firefighters, to let her go. She had to save her mother. But, no matter how much she begged; the firefighters didn't budge.
Warren flew up to the window, of the burning building. He saw the woman, passed out; and sitting in a wheelchair. He grabbed a hold of her; and flew out the window. When the woman awoke; she saw that she was flying, high above the ground. She looked at Warren's face. When he smiled at her; somehow, she just knew, that she was going to be okay. Warren set her down, on a park bench; and then, flew away. The firefighters had let go of, the girl, that they were restraining. The girl was still crying. She thought that her mother was dead.
The mother saw this; and called out, to her daughter. She ran to her; and the mother, and daughter, embraced. The daughter was so happy, to see her mother, safe, and alive. She was still crying. But this time; they were tears, of joy. She asked her mother; how she got away from the fire. Her mother told her, that an actual Angel; saved her life.
Everyone, at The Institute; was exchanging Christmas gifts. There was a huge Christmas tree, in the area; where they were all gathered. It was a magical event. Brought on, by the best holiday, of the year. Everyone was in high spirits. Especially, Jack. He had a lot, to be thankful for. His dad, was back, in his life. He made peace, with being a Mutant. Everyone, at base; got Optimus back. It had been, a good Christmas. He felt as if; those were the only gifts, that he needed. Jean gave necklaces, to Kitty. Amara, and Jubilee. They all, loved them.
Jack was sitting next to Kitty; when he remembered something. "Hey, Kitty! You're Jewish, right?"
"Yes. I am. Why?"
"No reason. It's just...I have this friend; who's also Jewish. She's been going through, a really tough time. And, I don't think her family is going to celebrate the holidays, with her. She's all alone. Anyway, I was just thinking; that it's a good thing I know someone else, who's also Jewish. I was hoping, that you could teach me about Hanukkah. I just...want to do something nice, for her. I'd like to celebrate, with her. So she doesn't have to feel alone. To show her; that she does have people, who care about her."
"Awe, that's sweet! Sure. I'll show you, the ropes." As Kitty finished saying that; she saw Kurt, dangling a piece of mistletoe, in front of her. "Kurt, in your dreams!"
"All in the holiday spirit!" Kurt said, while making kissy faces. Kitty ran, with Kurt; playfully chasing after her.
"Ah, to be young, again!" Charles said, as he watched Kurt chase Kitty.
"Yeah. Glad that's over!" Logan murmured.
"You know, Logan? You're welcome to spend the holidays, here, with us." Charles told him.
"Thanks! But, I got some important things; to catch up on."
"Well, I hope that's not true." Jack said, as he approached the two. "Because, me and mom; would really like it, if you could join us, for Christmas Eve dinner. I...would really like it!" Jack clarified.
"I don't know, Jack. There's a lot, I have to-" Logan stopped, when he noticed the disappointed look, on his son's face. He knew that it would be awkward; spending another Christmas, with June. He didn't want to make her, uncomfortable. But, at the same time; he didn't want to hurt Jack's feelings. Especially since, he was the one; making an effort, to reach out to him. "Well...I'll see what I can do."
"Really? You're coming?" Jack perked up.
"Yeah. I'll be there." Logan affirmed. This made Jack, happy.
Jack went off, to find Rogue. He had a gift; that he wanted to give her. He saw her, giving a present to Scott. She got him, a sweater. The sight of which, agitated Jean. Seeing them, so close; made her, a little jealous. When Rogue and Scott, separated; Jack took the chance, to approach her. "Hey, Rogue! I got you, something." He said, as he handed her, a small box. She opened it; and inside, was a green MP3 player. "When I was in Bayville; I saw you go into this, record store.
I didn't know if you already had one of these. But, I figured, you liked music. So now, you can listen to it, wherever you go. If...that's something that appeals to you." Jack was now, rubbing the back, of his head. Nervously, trying to relieve some tension.
"Thanks, Jack! That was very thoughtful, of you. And, you know what? I have something for you, too." She gave him, a small box. He opened it. Inside, were a pair of black, leather, fingerless gloves. "They're for, when you go riding, with Arcee." Rogue said, as she brushed a strand of her hair, behind her ear. Ever since she found out, about Jack's feelings, for her. She would get, somewhat, flustered, around him. Jack tried on, the gloves. They felt, strong.
"I love them! Thank you, Rogue!" Hearing him say that, made her blush. Eventually, Kurt cornered Kitty, on the couch. He closed his eyes; and leaned in, for a kiss. What he didn't see, was her, slipping away. So instead, he ended up, kissing Bobby; right on the cheek. Something that grossed out, the two boys.
In the morning, the students had left; to be with their families, for the holidays. Before leaving, Kitty taught Jack, a few things, about Hanukkah. Jack didn't have to head home, right away. There were still some things, that he had to prepare for. So, he remained at The Institute; with Scott. Rogue. The Professor, and Mr. McCoy. Although, Hank's idea of fun; wasn't exactly the same, as everyone else's definition of it. He wanted the kids to help him, and The Professor; install new security upgrades, on Cerebro.
The news reported Angel sightings, all over New York. Those same news reports; even made their way over to Bayville. After helping with Cerebro; everyone was lounging around the living area. Hank and Scott, were playing chess. Jack was on the couch, next to Mr. McCoy. Rogue was sitting in a chair; and The Professor, was reading a newspaper. The paper depicted, another Angel sighting. "Be not forgetful, to entertain strangers. For there by, some have entertained Angels, unawares." Beast quoted.
"Shakespeare?" The Professor asked; while putting down his paper.
"The Bible." Beast corrected.
"Ah, indeed." Charles responded.
"So, do you think the Autobots are celebrating Christmas?" Rogue questioned.
"Uh, last I heard; they were being educated, on the subject. Miko took it upon herself, to teach them, all about the holiday. They even decorated the base, for the season. Most of the bots, were onboard, with this. Except for Ratchet. He didn't see the point, in learning about an Earth holiday. He was being, a real Grinch, about the whole thing." Jack informed. Rogue could believe that. She had only met Ratchet, once, or twice. But he didn't come off, as the friendliest Autobot.
"It's still baffles me. An alien race, of sentient, robotic organisms. Imagine what they could tell us, about our Universe. The worlds, that they must have been to. The civilizations, that they met. Their advancements, in science. There's so much, that we could learn, from them. I'd love to meet them!" Hank said. By now, everyone at The Institute; was privy, to the Autobot's existence. Although, that didn't stop Jamie, from claiming bragging rights. Since he knew about them, first.
"You will. If that's something, that you really want." Stated Jack.
"Circling back, to current events. I don't believe this Angel, is of the heavenly variety." Charles declared.
"What? You think he's, some kind of Demon?" Scott murmured.
"Yeah, right!" Rogue shot back.
"There are more things in Heaven, and Earth, Horatio. Than are dreamt of, in your philosophy." Beast quoted, for a second time.
"Now that's, Shakespeare." Rogue asserted. Hank was impressed that she got that. Although, it wasn't surprising. English was one of Rogue's best subjects. She was familiar, with some philosophers. As well as, a few different types of literature. The Professor believed, that this Angel, was actually a Mutant; rather than an angelic being.
"No, Scott. I'm saying that, if Cerebro weren't still being repaired; we would certainly have gotten a reading on this, Angel, by now. I fear his activities, will alert the public; to the existence, of Mutants. Someone should go to the city. Perhaps, we could recruit him."
Rogue perked up, at what The Professor, was suggesting. "Yeah, we could go." She didn't want to come off, as too eager. "I mean, you know? Scott, Jack, and me. I'm going nuts; just sitting around, here!" Neither Rogue, Nor Scott, had much of a family; to spend the holidays with. So. They were staying at The Institute. Soon, Jack was going to go home; and spend Christmas, with his mom. Leaving Scott, and Rogue, alone. Rogue was getting bored, to tears. She needed to get out; and do something. Anything. Especially, if it was something that she could do with Scott, and Jack.
The Professor agreed to this. He asked Hank, if he could compile a list, of all the Angel sightings. As well as, witnesses, and addresses. Hopefully, that would give the kids, something to go on. Rogue was excited, to be leaving the manor. Later on, the three kids were in New York; talking to the people, that the Angel helped. They spoke to the mother and daughter; who were victims of the apartment fire. There was also a man, who got mugged. Apparently, the Angel caught the mugger; and returned the man's property.
The kids walked around New York, all day, talking to people; with nothing to show for it. They were no closer to finding, this Angel; than when they started. The sun was starting to set; and the three eventually found themselves, sitting in a diner, drinking hot cocoa. It was just nice, to get out of the cold, Rogue suggested, that they do something fun; while they were in the city. She saw a really cool music store; and thought that they should check it out. The two boys agreed.
"Scott then posed a question. "These people we talked to, today. They really believe this Angel, is for real. Do you guys think- I mean, is it possible that-"
"Come on! You don't think- You do. Oh, wow!" Rogue chuckled. Seeing that her comment, hurt Scott's feelings; she then tried to apologize. "Wow! Scott, I'm sorry! I didn't mean-"
"Yeah, you're right. When I was a kid, after the plane crash. I thought I'd lost everything. My parents. My brother. I just couldn't deal with it. You know? So I believed, for a long time; that Alex must be out there. With a Guardian Angel, looking out for him. After a while, I finally, grew up. But when we found Alex, again; after all these years. I kinda wonder if; maybe somebody was looking out for us, after all."
"Well, the way I see it. We're all Mutants. And we all know that aliens exist. So, by that logic. Is it really that hard to believe; that God, and Angels, are real, too? Even on Cybertron; the Cybertronians had Primus. To them, he was the closest thing to a God. And he was real. Who can say, whether we're right, or wrong; about any given religion.
On Earth, we all believed; that there was one Lord, to rule over everything. But maybe every world, has their own version of God. I don't know. The one thing, I do know. Is that I don't know enough about the Universe, to accurately say. We don't know enough, to discount anything. So, Scott! Maybe believing in Angels; isn't such a leap. Maybe all that matters, is what, and who; you choose, to put your faith in." Jack didn't realize it, at the time. But his answer, actually made Scott feel, a whole lot better.
Warren had gotten used to his role; as the city's protector. Choosing the name; that people were referring to him, as hin handle. He called himself "Angel" . Now, when he helped others; he wore a black and red suit. With a mask, that went around his face. The mask covered his eyes; leaving his hair, exposed. On a nearby suspension bridge; there was a man, wearing a black coat, and hat. This man was none other, than Magneto, in disguise. He used his powers, to force several vehicles, to crash into each other. He was intending to lure Angel, out into the open.
One of the cars, went swerving off the bridge. The only thing that stopped it from going over; was the now, breaking, suspension cables. Angel saw this; and rushed towards the car. Inside the car; there was a little girl, with here two parents. "I got you, honey! Give me your hand!" Angel said, as he got the girl to safety. He then went back, for her parents. When they were all safe; Angel was swarmed by a crowd. They thought what he did, was amazing. They all wanted to know, more about him.
In the confusion, Magneto used his powers; to wrap a steel cable, around Angel's leg. He struggled to remove it. But accidentally knocked the little girl; that he saved, off the bridge. He dove after her. He caught her. But he was unable to stop them; from falling into the water, below. He brought her back to her parents.
Although, she had been knocked unconscious. Courtesy of the freezing waters, below the bridge. "It's nis fault! He knocked the girl, into the river! I saw him." Magneto said. This caused the crowd, to turn against Angel. The police arrived; and Angel flew away. Magneto had, successfully; turn the public, against their savior.
While at the music store, the three Mutants; heard about the accident, on the bridge. Which led them to the hospital; where the little girl, was being cared for. Unknown to anyone; Warren snuck into the window, of the girl's hospital room. He checked on her, out of guilt. It was his fault; that this happened to her. He had to hide, when the Nurse came in. He disguised himself, with a doctor's coat; and exited the room. The Mutants were at a hospital desk; asking about the girl's parents. If they could talk to them; they could ask them questions, about the Angel.
The Doctor said that; they were no longer here. When Rogue asked where they went; the Doctor told her that they said that they were going to their church, to pray. Warren overheard this; and started to walk away. As he was walking; a feather fell out, from the back of his coat. Indicating who he was. "Scott, Jack! It's him!" Rogue announced, to the two boys. A chase ensued.
"Wait! We just want to talk to you." Scott said. But Warren kept running. He pushed a food cart, in their way; to slow them down.
"Slow down!" Jack called to Angel. They weren't trying to hurt him. But, he didn't know that.
Angel took off the coat; and flew out the window. Some time after that; he could be found, standing on the upper level, of a church. The same church; that the girl's parents, were currently at. He watched them, praying for their daughter. He hung his head, in shame. He still couldn't get over, what he had done. Warren noticed the presents, of someone behind him. It was a man, floating, in mid-air. He had on, a black bodysuit; with red armor, over top of it. The armor consisted of a chest plate. Gauntlets, and a helmet; that rested, a top his head. The man also wore a purple cape. He was Magneto.
"Who are you?" Angel asked the man.
"Someone like you." Magneto responded.
"What do you mean?"
"Someone who used to be confused about what he'd become. Someone living in fear, and self-pity. Wondering whether he's been cursed, or blessed."
"Listen! I don't know what you're selling. But, I'm not buying." Angel said, as he turned, to walk away.
"Do you realize, what a wonderful gift, you have? You can fly. You can do what everyone else, dreams about. And yet, you live alone. Hiding, in shame. It needn't to be so." Magneto declared.
"I'm learning to deal with it."
"You think, by helping a few pathetic people; they will learn to accept you? You saw how quickly, they turned on you, today. Do you want to live in fear, for the rest of your life?"
"No. But-"
"There are others, like us, Warren. I want you to meet them."
"What? Some sort of club for weirdos, and freaks? I don't think so!" Angel responded, and began to walk away. This angered Magneto. He levitated a big metal candlestick, bent it; and used it to pin Angel, against the wall. Thankfully, he managed to slip out of it. "What is this?" Angel demanded to know, what the big idea was.
"This could have been easy. Regrettably, you've chosen to make it, hard." Magneto replied. He wasn't taking no, for an answer; in regards to Warren joining him. He continued to try to catch him, with the candlestick. Angel jumped off the second floor; and tried to fly away. But Magneto used the chain of a chandelier, to catch him; and subdue him. The girl's family, saw the whole thing; before running out of the church. Magneto was about to leave, with his captive; when he was blasted by a red laser. He was sent flying, through the church window.
The three X-Men arrived, wearing their uniforms. With Magneto gone, Angel was starting to fall. "Scott, he's falling!" Said Rogue. Cyclops blasted a length of chain; freeing one of Angel's wings. He slowed his he descent, by flapping his free wing. He landed on the ground; without much grace. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. They helped Angel, get to his feet.
"Are you alright? Hold still! I'll cut you out." Jack said, as he pulled out his claws, and sliced the chains; freeing Angel.
"You fools! Have you learned nothing?" Magneto inquired, when he came back through the window. He then started to use his powers; to throw objects, at them all. Angel left, through an open window. Rogue was annoyed, that he didn't even say thank you. Jack went to the second floor; and jumped at Magneto. He was going to strike him, with his claws. But then he stopped, in mid-air. Magneto was levitating him. From the moment that Jack arrived, Magneto could sense the metal, in Jack's body. "That remarkable metal; doesn't run through your entire body, does it?"
Jack couldn't move. Magneto straightened the boy's arms, and legs. His body, was now in the stance, of a crucifix. One that was extended, several feet off the ground. Jack grunted, as Magneto asserted more force, over him. He had never felt like this, before. So, out off control, of his own body. "LET HIM GO!" Rogue shouted. As if, in response to her request; Magneto threw Jack across the room. He was smashed, hard, against one of the pillars. Before he fell to the ground. Rogue went to check on him.
Angel came back; and grabbed a hold of Magneto. "ANGEL, LET HIM GO!" Cyclops instructed. Angel did as he was asked; allowing Cyclops to blast Magneto, to the floor. Rogue saw her opportunity; and she took it. She ran up to the downed Magneto; and reached her hand, into his helmet. She was stealing his powers. Unfortunately, he recovered; and forced her, off of him. Magneto flew out of the church. Since Rogue, now had the same powers; she went after him.
Magneto threw several objects at her; to try to stop her. But she was able to deflect them. The chased lasted, for a short time. But came to an end, at the Chrysler building. Magneto hit her, with a magnetic wave; that sent her flying. She steadied herself, against a building.
But then, Magneto threw one of the Chrysler building's eagles, at her. She was able to dodge it. But, she could no longer fly. Magneto's powers, had run their course. She was falling, she would have hit the ground; if it wasn't for Angel. He swooped down, and caught her; just before impact. They were flying, high in the sky. "I think you really are an Angel!" Rogue said, as she wrapped her arms, around his neck. Later on, the X-Men, and Angel; were back at the hospital. Warren wanted to see how the girl, was doing.
The others, didn't argue with this. They knew that he was concerned for her. They also took this opportunity; to tell him about The Institute. They were all, sitting in the waiting area. "I hope she'll be alright! I didn't mean to-" Warren began to speak, about the little girl.
"You don't need to explain, Warren. Listen! From what we've heard. A lot of people; owe you, their lives." Scott reassured him.
"Yeah. Including me." Rogue reminded.
The three of them, seemed like nice people. But Warren still had, some questions. "So, this Xavier Institute, of yours. What makes it any different, than Magneto's pitch? I mean, suddenly, it seems like everybody wants me to join their organization, or something."
Jack tried to be understanding, about where he was coming from. "You're right to ask that, Warren. After all, you don't know us. I can imagine, that it's probably hard for you to know what to think, at this point. Just like you, this was my first time, meeting Magneto. Until now, I had only heard the stories. And it's because of all this, that I can honestly say. The X-Men, are nothing like Magneto.
For him, it's all about control. He and The Professor, used to be friends. But that didn't stop him, from turning on him. He saw The Professor, as an obstacle, in his way. That should speak volumes; about the kind of man, that Magneto is."
"Yeah. He's on a total Power Trip. We're just trying to fit in; and make good use, of our abilities." Rogue added.
"But we've learned, that we've got to be careful. Because most people, just; aren't ready to deal with us, yet." Scott informed.
"Yeah, tell about it!" Warren scoffed.
"And with Magneto still out there. You really should lay low, for a while, anyway. Just come with us; and meat Professor Xavier! Check out what we do! And, see what you think!" Scott hoped that his words, would reach Warren. The Mutants overheard the doctor say; that the little girl, was going to be, just fine. Her parents, were overjoyed. Warren got up, to see the girl. The other three, rose to their feet.
"Do you think he'll come with us?" Rogue asked.
"No. He's not ready. For him, it's about doing as much good; as he can, right now. Nothing more. Just like a real Angel. Focused on one miracle, at a time." Stated Jack. They joined Warren; in watching the little girl, with her family. They were watching the whole exchange, through the window. It was so moving; that it brought Rogue, to tears. Jack wrapped his arm around her, to comfort her. She leaned her head, against his chest.
The Institute kids, were all celebrating, with their families. Even Kurt, went home, to Germany; to be with his parents. Jack had planned to spend Christmas, with his mom, at home. But first, there was a friend; that he wanted to spend part of the holidays with. So, that's where he was, now. He had brought his mom, with him; when he went to go see Wanda, at the institution. Jack made sure to bring, everything he needed; to celebrate Hanukkah. He got permission from the hospital, to do so.
Wanda was brought to the room; and was surprised, at the sight, that stood before her. The whole room was decorated, for the Jewish holiday. The guards took off Wanda's restraints; and left the room. Jack introduced Wanda, to his mom. Wanda asked what this was all about. Jack told her that he, and his mom; would be spending Hanukkah, with her. Wanda knew that Jack wasn't Jewish; and he had no obligation to her. So, why was he here? Why did he want to spend part of his holidays, with her?
Jack told her, that he didn't want her to be alone. Especially, on the season of giving. It was a time, to be with your friends, and family. Wanda didn't have anyone to spend the holidays with. No one except for the doctors, and security guards; who all thought that she was a threat. Jack wanted to change this. He wanted to give her, some good memories. Instead of just, focusing on all the bad things, that happened to her. June was proud of her son. Here he was; trying to give someone hope. Trying to help them feel better, about their situation. It was a good thing, that he was doing.
Wanda, eventually, came over to the idea, of the whole thing. Jack lit a candle, on the menorah. The Jewish, had some eating restrictions. But, thanks to some tips, from Kitty; Jack knew exactly what food, to bring. Jack, and his mom; also brought gifts, for Wanda. They were nothing too flashy, or extravagant. They were mainly, small gifts. Still, it was more than Wanda had gotten, in a long time. She would probably never admit it. But this was the most fun; that Wanda has had, in years.
The rest of the time, was filled by eating good food; and playing games. There was laughter, in the room; brought on, by the good company, that was shared. This went on; until it was time to go. Night, after night; it was the same thing. They would come over; and spend Hanukkah, with Wanda. Each time, here spirits were lifted, more, and more. On the last night; Wanda found herself, wishing that didn't have to go. But she understood; that they had holiday plans, of their own.
It was late Christmas Eve. The Darby family, was at their house; waiting for Logan to show up. June wasn't, all the way, ok with her son; making the decision to invite his dad to Christmas Eve dinner, all on his own. She hasn't spent much time with Logan. Not since, he came back into her's, and Jack's life. This, was bound to be awkward. It also didn't help matters; that Logan was running late. "I'm sorry, Jack! I know you really wanted this. And I hate to think; that you got your hopes up, for nothing."
"He could still be here. He's just running a little late. That's all."
"Honey, he's two hours late. And we haven't even carved the turkey, yet." There was a whole bunch of food, set out. Jack was adamant, about waiting for Logan; before they started eating. "We can't wait, all night. The food's gonna get cold, and spoil." June just watched her son. He was watching the front door, with anticipation. He hoped, at any moment; that his dad would walk through. She had to say something to Jack. Something to, let him move forward. "If he's not here, within the next half hour. We start eating. Ok?" Jack agreed to this.
It was a half hour later; and Logan, still hadn't arrived. June felt bad, for Jack. She realized that this would have been his first Christmas, with his dad. But, on some level; June expected this. Even when they were married; Logan was always kinda a loner. Aside from his wife, and son; he didn't really like to socialize, with anyone. "Jack, he's not coming. Now, come on! It's time to eat."
"I guess you're right. Maybe it was, all; just too much to hope for." Jack said, and she started walking away from the door. Just then, there was a knock, at the front door. Jack opened the door; and saw Logan, standing there. He seemed to have, a pie, in hand. He then walked inside.
"Sorry I'm late! I had to go, all over town, to find this. Chocolate Cream Pie." Logan said, holding out the pie.
"You remembered." June murmured.
"Of course. Your favorite." Logan stated. June took the pie, from him; and set it down, with the rest of the food. She was impressed that Logan remembered her favorite dessert. It was, a very long time ago.
"I...wasn't sure, if you were going to show." Jack told Logan.
"I said I would. And, I'm here. There's no way, that I was going to miss Christmas, with my son. Not for anything, in the world." The father, and son; embraced, in a hug. After a few seconds; the hug came to an end.
"Thanks, dad!" That was the first time; that Jack has ever called Logan, dad. It was a Christmas miracle. At least, that's what it felt like, to Logan. June left the room. But, not before asking; if Logan wanted to carve the turkey. Logan looked around; to see if the coast was clear. He then popped out, one of his claws; and used it, to carve of the turkey.
"Your mom hates it, when I do this!" Logan said, with a juvenile grin.
June came back; and saw what Logan was doing, with the turkey. "Logan! You know how I feel, about that. That's so, unsanitary." Logan chuckled, at her response. He loved spending time with Jack. But he had forgotten; how much he missed June. With the three of them, being together, again; it made him feel like, nothing had changed. Even though, everything had changed. Then, they all sat down, at the dinner table. June wanted them, to say grace. Jack knew, that was something that he, and his mom; didn't do, very often.
She reasoned, that it was a special occasion. The three of them, were together. Celebrating Christmas, as a family. She asked Jack, if he would lead them, in saying grace. He agreed; and they all took hands. "Dear God, I have a lot to be thankful for, this year. I'm grateful, for all the friends, I've made. I'm happy, to have, finally, met my dad. And that he could be here, with us; on this season, of giving. I've gotten to help, so many people. I am thankful for this good food; that we are about to eat. And, I am eternally grateful; for you, bringing Optimus, back to us. Amen!"
"Amen!" Logan and June, repeated.
"That was very well said, sweetheart." June complimented. After that, they began to eat. The food was great. Everyone had a good time. After they were done eating; Logan thought that he should hit the road. But June said, that it was getting late. Jack loved having his dad, here. So, she said; that if he wanted, he could spend the rest of Christmas, with them. Logan said he'd like that. So, it was decided. In the morning, they would exchange gifts. Just like a family would. Until then, Logan had to sleep on the couch. But, he didn't mind. He laid down; and went to sleep, happy.
AN: There were a few things, I really liked, about this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed reading it; as much as I enjoyed writing it! I was going to do this chapter, anyway. But, I figured, since it was the holidays. Why not spread a little cheer? Also, I don't know too much, about Jewish culture, or Hanukkah. In fact, I'd say; that I know, the bare minimum. I included that holiday; because I wanted Jack to do something nice, for Wanda. Also, since Kitty Pryde; is a known Jewish person, in the comics. Of course, Jack would go to her; for information, on Hanukkah.
Since I didn't know a lot, about the culture. I tried to be as vague, as possible. Non-specific. That way, I wouldn't upset anyone. Or, step on any toes. I knew that Hanukkah, has eight days. And I knew about the menorah. I recently found out, about the eating restrictions. But, again, I didn't know much about that. Another reason to be, non-specific. So, if there are any Jewish people, reading this chapter. And, if I've upset them. Then, I apologize! I'm sorry, if I didn't do enough Justice, by your holiday! I was just trying to do something nice, for someone. Even if she was, a fictional character.
Remember, if you didn't like something, about this chapter. Then that's all, you have to say! Don't go out of your way; to be a jerk, in the reviews! Be honest, but fair! Also, for future reference. If it is the season of giving, for any of you; while you're reading this chapter. Then, this goes out, to all of you.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
STAY AWESOME!
