Max stood outside the coffee shop sipping his mocha Frappuccino with a slight grin. Winter was finally fading into the beauty of spring and Max just reveled in the sunlight for a moment. The street he was on was crowded and he allowed himself the luxury of sitting in one of the metal chairs outside and people watching.

It had only been a few days since his run in with the therapist at the mansion but Devon had called him him the day before to see if Max wanted to hang out and finally get to that powers demonstration. Max had instantly accepted and now he was waiting to get picked up.

He didn't know why the man had taken an interest in Max. He couldn't have been that much older than him but Max felt like Devon was a "real adult" whereas Max usually felt like he was just pretending. His chat with the man had been pleasant, and there was something about him that Max was drawn too. He couldn't explain it yet but he had felt a wave of sincere excitement when given the chance to meet up.

Maybe part of it was just company. The mansion was always bustling with activity but most of the students were younger than Max and most of the staff and adults had a tendency to talk to him like a kid. The Xmen that he had encountered had been pleasant, Mirror especially whom had pulled his bacon out of the fire, but Max felt like they were part of some club and he was the band kid sitting at the table nearby.

Today would be different. Something good was going to happen he could feel it.

A metallic blue Acura approached the Abraco. The skylight was open and the windows were down with something old school and jazzy coming from the radio. Devon was in the wheel, dressed in a simple pair of black jeans a black t-shirt to match, though a single gray stripe ran across the pectorals. He threw on the hazards and jumped out of the car.

“Hey, Max!” Devon shouted and made an eager gesture over. “Come on, time to hit the streets!’ he shouted again and jumped back into the car. Doors unlocked and once Max was in, off they went.

At first the volume went up on the radio and the station changed to something recent, poppy. They energetically made their way over to the bridge and off to the island. They were heading east, eagerly east for a good afternoon away. Time to flex some powers; Devon was excited for the day out and to practice some in a real world environment. He was loving CLASS but it wasn’t the same.

Turning down the radio, Devon grinned, “What’s the drink?”

The car pulled up and Max saw Devon literally hop out of the vehicle and beckon him over. Max smiled and rose to head over to the car. Devon looked nothing like he had at the mansion. Apparently despite his professional attitude and politeness he could in fact let loose. At this moment he reminded Max of his father when they used to go to sporting events, energetic and excited.

Max sat in the car and they took off.

"Nice ride." Max said.

With the music pumping in his ears Max leaned back and relaxed. He sipped his coffee and enjoyed the ride as they cruised along. It was nice to be in a vehicle that wasn't a crowded bus or the back of a dirty cab. They crossed a bridge heading off the island and Devon turned down the music

-"What's the drink."

"Mocha frappe. Call me a heathen if you must but I really can't stand coffee by itself. Gotta sweeten it up somehow." He extended the cup to Devon with the straw pointing toward him, "Want some?"

The day was glorious and the sun shone in through the sky roof. Max felt free, the world was his oyster.

"Thanks for the invite today. I was getting a bit stir crazy at the mansion. Sometimes I feel like the kid who graduated but keeps showing up at the high school to visit cause he has nothing better to do ya know? But a roofs a roof."

He saw the cars speeding by and grinned.

"So where are we headed by the way?"

vDevon nodded his thanks at the nice ride comment and off they went.

It was nice to relax, nice to drive, always fun finding some time to let loose. Max seemed like he needed it too based on the nervous run in at the mansion. What had surprised Devon were his excited words when push came to shove of philosophical thinking on his mutation. The mutation of gravitational influence was very interesting, one Devon was eager to see in practice.

>> Want some?"

Max offered his drink but Devon smiled, “No, thanks. I’ve got my water.” He tapped the water by his side. “I mean, I love coffee, but I’ve got plenty of energy today already. No need to mess with that,” he chuckles. Devon did want to try it, but he’d only just met the guy. No stealing sips yet, though it was kind of Max to offer.

The mansion sounded a bit chaotic for Max. Devon felt that way when visiting, but there was a lot going on. Controlled chaos was the term. Juliette seemed to like it as did the other staff he talked to. If it worked for the X-Men it was hard to suggest otherwise. Maybe the problem was Max was trying to find his place in all of it.

>> "So where are we headed by the way?"

“Ah,” Devon nodded as he shifted and the car accelerated. “We’re going to Montauk beach on the east side of Long Island. It’ll be a couple hours but there are a few places of open beach, some cliffs, plenty of rocks and sand… Perfect for our practice. I’ve gone there plenty of times. We can even do a little swimming and,” he paused, “Or, we can head to my business Hadden’s Havens on Plum Island.” He chuckled, “Not to be confused with Haven organization. My company’s not far north from there. Dinner or whatever. Should be sunny and chill.”

“And you’re welcome. Glad to have someone along. It does sound like the mansion isn’t right for you right now, but what are you looking for exactly? A bit more experience it sounds like?”

Devon turned down Max's offer with a grin. Max could tell how energetic the man was. He seemed so excited to get out of the city and throw around some mutant powers. Max was a little concerned about the experience. If Devon really had weather powers it was sure to be a spectacular sight. Max would impress him by...making stuff float. He shoved the concern aside, that's for future Max to deal with.

Devon told him about the beach, his company, and his plans for the day. It seemed Devon had scheduled a whole day trip and Max smiled at the idea. He hadn't had a nice day out in a while. The whole two Havens thing confused Max a little bit.

"That sounds spectacular man. I've always been a fan of the beach. So two Havens? Hardens Havens on Plum beach is a rehabilitation facility you own. Haven organization is a community betterment business? Or do I have it mixed up. I gotta say man no offense but you seem pretty chill for the CEO type." He said with a laugh.

Devon pointed out Max's living situation and asked him a question Max hadn't really asked himself since coming back to life. What was he looking for? He stared out the window for a moment contemplating an answer.

"The mansions great. Everyone is super nice. Maybe that's part of my problem. They've done a lot for me but I don't do anything in return. It makes me feel like a bit of a mooch. I want to find somewhere where I can make my own way, and earn my keep." He said.

He looked at his hands for a moment and gauged what he wanted to tell Devon. He didn't wanna throw out all his problems, but Devon was easy to talk to. He was a therapist no wonder.

>> “…I gotta say man no offense but you seem pretty chill for the CEO type."

Devon chuckled in reply, “I don’t really see myself that way. I don’t have that title either. Hadden’s Havens is my business, yes, but it’s not as big as some mega-corporation. My title is Psychologist and owner there. I’m either planning programs or helping with treatment. At Haven, I’m the Founder, so I’m doing a bit more teaching, self-help talk, y’know with some publicity and the like. Both have investors, various C-level executives, but I’m not as involved in the day to day business operations.”

He paused and grinned, “But thanks. I try to stay cool under pressure though I much prefer warm days over cold.” He chuckled again.

Max took up his question of the mansion in earnest. Clearly the guy needed someone to talk to. Friends that is. Nothing professional speaking. Everyone needed a friend or two, a sounding board. It offered peace of mind.

>> “…I want to find somewhere where I can make my own way, and earn my keep."

“The mansion is great. I think if my life had gone a bit differently I’d be there, but as is I’m happy to visit and attend to some while also having good friends there,” he nodded as the zoomed down the highway. “But work? Well, I know a lot of people in the area now. Some good connections. What kind of job are you looking for?”

Max respected Devons position. He seemed really hands on with Haven. He talked about the company like it was his baby, his pride. He wasn't there to make a ton of money and make himself feel good. It sounded like he was just doing what he had done before, only trying to increase the reach of his assistance.

"It sounds like you have it all together man. Your eyes light up when you talk about the place. Being true to yourself that I can understand." Max replied.

Max took an embarrased sip of his coffee as Devon asked about what kind of work he was interested in. He hinted at connections he had and Max had to think for a minute. He wasn't prone to self analysis, more of a go with the flow kind of guy, perhaps a little forethought never hurt anybody.

"I'm a dancer, mostly on the street with a hat at my feet, but music and acting are a passion of mine. I wanna become a famous actor someday, show people that it doesn't matter if your a mutant you can achieve your dreams. I thought about going back to school for marketing, but it's complicated" He said with a sigh.

Things had been complicated since his return to the land of the living. Maxwell Rosewood was technically dead, it made getting a steady job or enrolling in school a bit complicated.

"Last year I got hit by a car, the police report said I died on the scene. I woke up a few weeks ago naked in an alley, talk about a confusing time. Kinda trying to figure out my identity again ya know. Getting work is kinda hard when a Google search tells people the social your using is a dead guys." He said with a laugh.

>> “…Being true to yourself that I can understand."

Devon chuckled, nodding, “Never easy.”

Max either wasn’t as sure with what he wanted to or felt some hesitation talking about it. Devon was careful not to interrupt; he kept a gentle smile and nodded a few times. It was a bit amusing to imagine the guy that had bumped into him and almost fallen down the stairs was a dancer. That made a funny sort of sense though, especially considering the gravitational abilities. And wanting to be an actor? Interesting.

He frowned slowly hearing the guy had been hit by a car. A black eyebrow arched in question at the death report and then the awakening in the alley. That was all strange, worth looking into strange even. Devon nodded slowly at Google search comment, his smile returning.

“Wow,” he said, chuckling a moment. “No wonder you’re feeling a bit lost. Hard to have trust in a system that isn’t trusting your place in it right now. Well I’m sure between mansion resources or Haven’s we can get you alive again.” He laughed, “You know Officer Jorge Cervantes? He’s an X-Man, could probably help.

Devon nodded again, “And Cafas Johnson might be able to help you with some advice for a young actor. But as far as a job… I think I can help you there. Inferno needs dancers and could benefit from some young marketers, especially those close to the scene or who need a fresh start. Haven’s all about empowering those individuals and well, I’d appreciate another mutant looking over Inferno when working. Our mutant friendly policies may attract negative attention.”

“But dead for a year and then awake randomly? Something… happened… I mean, we don’t have to talk about it, Max, but know that we can,” Devon’s serious tone spoke volumes while his blue eyes met Max’s brown. “Friends, professionally… whatever you want. I can get you the name of someone to talk to if you don’t me to be that guy. You are very well adjusted for that kind of traumatic experience. Good for you.”

Devon was a good listener, which made sense it was his job to be. As he talked to Max about Haven helping him get his identity back, even referring him to a police officer for help Max gave a small sad smile. This was Devon, you present him with a problem and he comes up with a solution, it was admirable.

"Honestly the thing that keeps me from getting declared alive again is my family. My dad's pretty connected, hell he went to NYC before moving back to Virginia to start his law firm. If I got legally declared alive he'd find out, and then he'd want to see me and they would have questions, questions I can't answer." Max said.

Devon mentioned Cafas. Max had met the man in the Danger Room during a training session. The guy was capable, confident, and extremely powerful. Maybe Max would ask him for advice. At the mention of a job Max felt his jaw drop. Working for Inferno would be great, he would have a steady income and be around his passion for music. The way Devon spoke he talked like Max would be an asset, Max never really thought of himself that way.

"Wow. Thanks man. That would be amazing. A fresh start is exactly what I need." He smiled.

Devon offered to listen to Max talk about his incident. And as he looked into the man's eyes he saw sincerity. This wasn't a therapist looking for a new loon to study, this was a friend trying to help.

"I don't know about well adjusted, it's just no use lingering on what has happened. I guess I should talk about it though" He said nervously looking away, " it was so strange. I remember getting hit and then nothing. I don't know what it's suppose to be like to die, but it was just empty, nothingness. Then I remember a voice laughing and saying my name. Panic and a white light followed by the alley I woke up in. Everything I try to think about the in-between it's like my brain hits the overload button and won't do it."

He probably sounded stupid. You would think that being dead was something you would remember pretty well. Maybe his mind was protecting itself from whatever he had experienced, either way he didn't know alot.

"Before the incident I spent most of my time just trying to entertain myself, make people smile, have fun. Somehow that doesn't seem right now. I was brought back for a reason but I don't know why. I thought about joining the X-men, trying to make a difference somehow but," He let the silence linger for a moment, " when I was a teenager I got attacked by a drunk who saw me using my powers. I defended myself but when the cops arrived I was the one who ended up in cuffs. My dad tried to get the guy for assault but nothing ever came of it. That's the system we live in. The Xmen do good work, protect people, but the system they work with is flawed. I don't want to fight mutants who have gone down the wrong path, I want to help change the factors that drove them to it. Society can act as dignified as they want to but the prejudice against us is real, and mutants need protected against that. Give them good alternatives and they are less likely to end up blowing up a street corner to try to get by."

He looked out the window at the highway speeding by. His eyes lingered on the clear blue sky.

"I suppose that's pretty philosophical though. In the real world how are we supposed to fix the problem?"

At first when Max said his family was the issue at getting declare alive Devon thought it was a strained family situation. Maybe the father was controlling, hated mutants, etc… But no, Max was afraid to talk with them about what had happened.

>> ”..they would have questions, questions I can't answer."

“Sounds like you need answers yourself, first,” Devon said quickly. He was happy to offer Max some work too. Most people needed that ‘fresh start’ to find that foundational support, build confidence, and start thinking optimistically of the future. Ex-cons, those recovering from addiction, even those recently divorced all said work was the primary focus, unless of course there were kids…

But Max was willing and seemed thankful to have Devon’s ear about what had happened in that missing year. Devon doubted Max had actually died, but this was a complex world with mutant powers and related biological studies, including pharmaceutical. There was even some strange solar and lunar movements lately; it was getting hard to trust the clock.

Who had laughed and said Max’s name? Were there cameras in that alley or nearby? Maybe someone had seen something… Devon had questions, but he didn’t want to bombard Max with ideas. Instead, he glanced to his side and gave Max a nod. Devon had to focus on the road, but encouraging eye contact was important.

Max’s attention shifted away from his concerns to a more global one. It was at least partially about him, or at least his life. Having a live and what you did with it were more important when you thought you’d lost it. There was some traumatic stress disorder signs here, but again Devon didn’t know well enough to say anything. This attacking drunk had clearly left a lasting memory.

>> "I suppose that's pretty philosophical though. In the real world how are we supposed to fix the problem?"

“The X-Men work very hard, as do the MRD. They’re vital to our society now. I don’t disagree that there are flaws in the system though,” Devon nodded. He cleared his throat as his voice got softer, “And it’s good you want to help change that system, make a difference. However, there’s an important lesson in leadership. You have to take care of yourself first. In this case, that’s a matter of getting your answers and preparing yourself for what you want to do with this life you have.”

“I can help you with at least some of that. I’m more than willing to talk more about what happened and what you’re feeling, though I’d encourage you to reach out to your family and let them know you’re looking into what really happened,” Devon said with another nod. “And I’m more than happy to help set you up with a job at Haven. Haven’s all about helping leaders be empowered and then turning the focus to the cause. I’m sure we can set you up with a program you’ll appreciate.”

Devon spoke and Max felt like a weight was lifting from him. He had been tense since he returned to life, an unseen pressure barreling down on him. Having Devon talk to him, treat his problems as solvable and his opinions as valid, it meant a lot. Max leaned back in the passengers seat.

"Thanks man, for the job opportunity and the advice. I know I need to reach out to them, and in time I think I'll be ready to." Max said.

He was interested in Haven. Interested in the kind of place it was.

"You tall about Haven and it sounds so cyclical. Help those who need to to find success and then they help more poeple who need it. It sounds like a noble goal but what's the end game?" He asked, "just to reach as many as you can. Not that I'm complaining I could use all the help I can get."

He pulled his legs up into the seat and sat Indian sale beside Devon. He liked the guy, hell despite himself he found himself looking up the man.

"So boss," He said with a playful smile, " What's your story? You seem so interested in everyone else and helping them but what makes Devon tick."

>> “… I know I need to reach out to them, and in time I think I'll be ready to."

Devon nodded, “Take your time but I’m glad you want to.” He didn’t have his parents to reach out to, but then when he’d reached out to his grandparents. Well… he’d learned a great deal and now the Havens existed because of that.

>> “…Not that I'm complaining I could use all the help I can get."

A wide smile went across Devon’s face. “That’s exactly the plan. Help people be self-sufficient, strong leaders. Then help them help others. And keep investing in those that give their time and effort. I wouldn’t say there’s an end game as our society will always have struggles from marginalized groups or the need to shift focuses of investment, rights, etc. We’ll keep that mission going. Of course, the present LGBT and mutant rights needs are high as are urban education and other educational investment.”

>> " What's your story? You seem so interested in everyone else and helping them but what makes Devon tick."

“Mostly coffee, some fruit juice, and the gulf stream,” Devon chuckled. “But mostly, a strange combination of feeling the need to keep myself out there and help people like I’ve gotten help,” he grinned, nodding a little. “I went through a rough, too long period battling my own issues. I lost my parents, found out I was a mutant, and just sort of ran away from it all. It wasn’t very good, but I had some help, eventually started getting my feet under me. I found a lot of what helped was learning to control my power, my emotions – which affect my powers, and the socialization aspect. It’s why I started volunteering at Sanctuary to help in a mutant-friendly environment.”

He dipped his head to the side, “I chose psychology for study because I used to be rather anti-head doctor. I still struggle with the sharing of details sometimes. I don’t like feeling studied, but I had to get ahold of things. Mental health is important and for mutants it can be a serious concern. I could ramble on…” He blushed, rolling his eyes at himself. “Did I even answer your question?” he laughed.

. Of course, the present LGBT and mutant rights needs are high as are urban education and other educational investment.”

Max nodded. It made sense really, Devon was a mutant, he knew first hand the prejudice thag existed. Some people would become bitter, cold against the onslaught of negativity. These same feelings had gone on to breed violence and desth. Devon was taking that same issue, same pain, and twisting it to the positive.

"... It’s why I started volunteering at Sanctuary to help in a mutant-friendly environment"

So it wasn't just a white Knight complex after all. Devon had lost everything; family, home, self identity. Max had experienced enough trouble dealing with his powers even with a decent support system at home. Having no one could lead down a bad road. Well a bad road that in this case led to owning multiple companies and probably enough money to fill a swimming pool with.

Max found his respect for Devon growing. Max had some problems when it came to authority, especially the corporate kind of guys, but none the less Devon was dare he say it...Cool.

“Did I even answer your question?”

Max finished his coffee and gave a thumbs up as he slurped up the last of the whipped cream.

"Absolutly. I'm sorry about your loss." He said allowing the words to hang in the air for a moment," I get it. It's bad enough when a vanilla person goes off the deep end and starts lashing out. Add in superhuman abilities and it's a recipe for disaster. I have to say, I like your solutions."

“Thanks, Max,” Devon smiled, the blush quickly fading. “It’s still a hard point of my life to look back at. It brought me here but I wish they were here.” He hit the turn signal as they got off the highway and started navigating the side roads that led into and past Montauk to the beach. It was rural here, filled with fishermen and farmers. He’d found Rico here.

“Exactly right, though. We need to help those mutants learn control, lest others get hurt, let alone the government will use it as a reason to hurt or even worse… Anyone can be dangerous. And after the control, we can move to the education and proliferation of what that person wants to do with their life. We pay it forward in our community, et cetera…”

He inclined his head out the windshield. “I love this beach,” he uttered with a grin. Long sandy beaches alongside some tall cliffs on the northeast shore. The south shore and north shore direct had some decent docks but here were nature trails and open state land. “Sorry to get in the heavy stuff on ya. Time to practice. Want to jump off cliffs?”

Devon laughed and parked near a trail entrance, exiting with a quick closing of the door and arming the alarm. He gazed over the top of the car, “We can head up this way. I figured between the two of us we have to do a cliff jump. They aren’t too high here. What do you think?”

As Devon nodded towards the beaches a surge of wonder ran through Max. Beaches were always some of his favorite places. The sea and earth combining and the expanse of clear blue water. It forced you to realize how small you were, for some it was humbling but Max always took a sense of joy in the vastness.

Sorry to get in the heavy stuff on ya. Time to practice. Want to jump off cliffs?”

"No worries man. I needed to talk, you needed to talk. That's what friends are for. Can't hide from the heavy stuff or you'll sink." He said with a laugh thrusting a thumb towards the water.

They parked and Max exited the car, shutting his door behind him. Devon made note of one of the trails.

“We can head up this way. I figured between the two of us we have to do a cliff jump. They aren’t too high here. What do you think?”

A grin spread across Max's face, contagious and defiant.

"Oh yeah. And beat part. I don't even have to climb back up." He replied.

He started towards the trail, glad he was wearing practical sneakers and looked at the forest around them.

"So you come out here often?" He asked.