Ahh, what a beautiful day, she thought as she walked through one of her favorite places... Despite her letting go of things that hurt, she couldn't let go of her working out in the park. Today she walked... The little peanut within her demanded that she refrain from running for now, and she would obey until she could get the okay to do so. Despite the baby having been conceived in violence, she could not feel right about doing something that could possibly terminate the pregnancy. Perhaps it stemmed from her days worshiping in the Catholic Church.

For now, Xavia would have to content herself with strolling leisurely through the winding paths of the big park, and did not mind for once because she was taking in the beauty that the day had to offer. Her freshly colored (non chemical dye, mind you), orange hair was in a french braid, keeping the heat from being unbearable on the back of her neck. She wore a tank top and some shorts, her well toned legs and arms exposed to the sun, and trainers comfortably ensconced her feet.

The thoughts upon her mind for the moment were about Artair, and she didn't know why other than she really liked him and felt more comfortable around him than she had felt toward anyone in years. Perhaps it was that he was safe, and that he was a nurturer even though he seemed to think different... Or perhaps it was the fact that he amused her so very much with his weirdness. Either way, she was glad she had a chance to get to know him better.

Hell, he made her sing... Of course, he didn't know this, but she had a song in the works about him. If I could tell you what you have done for me... She had, sort of told him... He just didn't know that he had helped to free her from the hurts and horrors of the past. She had changed for the better. Hell, she didn't feel like running and that said something right there. Whether they went on to go on more dates remained up in the air for the moment, and that was fine by her. She really liked him and would respect any choices he made.

For now, all she could do was walk and sing to the tune in her earbuds... And she sang well.

“You have a lovely voice,” Devon said, perhaps a bit too loud but he assumed she might not hear him over her music.

It was a beautiful day, no doubt, and a natural one at that! He hadn’t changed a thing, hadn’t needed to, and honestly preferred not to either. It was the perfect balance of sunshine and clouds, breeze, and low humidity. The temperature was warm without being overpowering and it got everyone outside. He’d seen quite a few people out in the park and it seemed wrong to stay in his office. An afternoon of Central Park far outweighed reviewing notes and case needs inside.

He’d thrown on a pair of nylon shorts, jogging shoes, and a black tank top. Out the door he went and on the smile came. It was gorgeous outside. He roamed, jogging his way along a few paths before stopping to relax by the lake. An hour or so later he was going past the Belvedere and up to the Great Lawn. If nothing else he’d lay back and watch the clouds, hoping to keep the need to check his cell phone at bay.

Thankfully an angel – her voice matching – distracted him from any consideration of work. She was autumnal but fiery, perhaps like the late days of summer or a heat wave in October. The perfume of roses made him wonder if she worked in either garden or a new age shop. But the voice? He had to get up and say hello.

“Really quite lovely. Do you perform at any clubs or maybe you’re in theater?” he asked before his blue went wide. “Oh I’m Devon by the way, sorry.”

She was startled, but that was what happened when people came out of nowhere nearly yelling about stuff. Xavia pivoted quickly and peered at a pretty looking man. Yes. Pretty, as opposed to handsome. Mind you, he was handsome, but he had pretty qualities to his face that seemed much like an Adonis. Her brow lifted some and she gave an indifferent shrug, "I do sing in clubs but prefer not to anymore. It is tiresome work." Indeed, going on tour took a toll on her the first time she had been pregnant.

Her mouth curled into a slight smile, she was somewhat wary around the stranger, obviously still needing to work on how she felt around random men. It was a work in progress. She gave a look like a doe in head lights, her caramel eyes large as she regarded him with that look that told him she wasn't sure how to react to his presence nearing her large personal bubble without having gained permission first.

"Devon," she murmured, a neutral expression crossing over her pretty face. "I am Xavia," she said reluctantly, and only because her manners dictated she give her name since he gave his. If he cast a glance about, he might notice the flowers and some of the smaller plants in a certain radius, that included stray wildflowers that either got missed by mower or grew despite, leaning toward her like they hungered for her presence.

She was not normal. She was definitely not a blatantly mutated human being, but subtle things gave hints to her gifts; subtle things that had to do with the plant life around her. She pulled an earbud from her ear. Well, she might as well be nice to the guy. He wasn't doing anything stupid yet from what she could tell, he only scared the crap out of her in the meantime for long enough to have to swallow back the thumping of her heart that went into her throat.

>> "I am Xavia," she said reluctantly…

“Sorry,” Devon grimaced, through still smiling apologetically. He scrunched his shoulders as he retreated a few steps. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Your voice is as lovely as I’m sure you’ve heard many times,” he nodded, the grimace turning into a half-grin.

“And I understand about the clubs,” he nodded quickly. “Late nights and the like. I was going to say I’d be sure to get some friends together to hear you sing if you did work a particular club or venue. I guess you left that for herbalism or horticulture?” A quick glance around revealed the group of blooms bowing in her presence. He hadn’t noticed it at first – drawn as he was by her voice –but he could tell up close.

“But sorry to bother you,” Devon held up his hands apologetically this time, taking another step back. “I don’t take enough time away from work lately and don’t want to interrupt anyone’s enjoyment of the day.”

Granted, now he wondered if she had mutant abilities but that was her business. He couldn't approach every person he saw and asked about their abilities. Still, that's not what he'd wanted to compliment her on. Her voice wasn't a mutant ability; that was simply a gift and clearly a honed talent.

"No, I actually did quite the opposite for a time, to tell t'e trut' of matter," she said, letting her eyes move over him in more an assessment as to whether he was some kind of predator or not. "But t'at is a very long and boring story for someone wandering about Central Park during t'eir work day, hmm?" It wasn't said in an uppity way or anything, it was just matter of fact and she had this... natural way of communicating about her.

"But I did do part of one tour, and sometimes I sing at small venues when I have time. To be honest, I am a very busy woman most of t'e time and wish to find more time for relaxing." Speaking of relaxing, with him holding up his hands apologetically and such, she was able to relax in front of him. Not completely, but she wasn't jumpy like a doe as much.

"I teach at mansion, biology and botany. I decided long time ago I was not interested in fame or fortune." Too late for the latter, seeing as she had carried on the family business and was still profiting from that in the long term. No matter how much money she seemed to donate or give away, or help people with in general, she seemed to get more. But that was another topic for another time.

>> "But t'at is a very long and boring story for someone wandering about Central Park during t'eir work day, hmm?"

Devon stopped his backward shifting, offering a chuckle and a shrug of his shoulders. “I enjoy a good story,” he grinned, “But don’t feel pressured to tell it for me.”

>> I am a very busy woman most of t'e time and wish to find more time for relaxing."

His eyes widened again and he nodded, glancing at the minor ground flora’s interest of Xavia. “And I’d recommend you to do so. You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Work and play in equal measure,” the blue-eyed young man said with a concerned warmth. “That’s partly what got me to take the stroll out this afternoon.”

The light really caught in those eyes as she mentioned the mansion. His smile broadened, reaching his brow in little creases. He nodded a few times, clearly understanding or agreeing to some unspoken comment. He chuckled at her joke about fame and fortune.

“It’s funny when you can manage to bring up so much I care about in a few sentences,” Devon chuckled again. “I’ve been to the mansion a few times. I’m friends with a few people there, work with a few too. And my work is primarily focused on education and charity with an effort to bring people together and enjoy some social activity as well. The old work hard, play harder.”

“Are you a member of the X-Men? I know Juliette, Cafas, Nate, Cold Steel… Juliette and I – well more in the past – volunteered together at Sanctuary, that’s how we met. The others I’ve met in a few ways. It’s really nice to meet another educator from the mansion.”

"Not yet... I am in training." She did not say that it was slow going since life kept getting in the way. "I know Sam and Nate, but not familiar wit' everyone yet. I mostly spend my time wit' t'e children. I contributed money to t'e school for greenhouse and t'at is where I teach some classes." She gave a shrug, since it wasn't said in the bragging kind of way.

There was a long pause in her words as she gave him another look, this time as a person sizing another person up, delving into what might make them tick. So many questions he asked. There did not seem to be any interest in how he looked in general, not that he was hard on the eyes or anything, but once Xavia was interested in someone, she tended to stay loyal to the person she felt for until they gave her reason to do otherwise. It was just part of her nature.

She watched him for a moment as if picking him apart further, then gave a slight smile again... "Tell me more," she said, finally, intrigued by this Haven he spoke about. She was not quite there with the times as far as the haven went. Of course, one had to be around more often, and ask questions to know about things.

Xavia mentioned training and Devon nodded slowly. That continued at mention of the children, though it drew a bigger smile. It was nice to meet teachers dedicated not only to their craft, but their pupils. Teachers were never treated well or awarded enough in this country. Haven aimed to see that changed.

“Ah the green house. I’ve seen it but haven’t toured it,” he added as she paused. “That’s great you could help in that way and hold classes there. Students need more diverse education than the protocol testing our government’s been enforcing. Yet, you don’t get the resources you need. So many public schools are suffering under the burden.” He sighed, shaking his head in dissatisfaction. “We’re trying to help with that at Haven.”

>> “Tell me more…”

Devon nodded, “Sure, mind if I sit?” Provided she said nothing against such, he took a careful sit down upon the grass. He stretched his arms backward to support him. “Haven’s a few things but primarily a nonprofit organization for political activism and charitable outreach. We invite in members who are already leaders in volunteerism, influential society or political activists, as well as those simply looking to find a good way to spend their corporate earnings. Not all business owners have the program facilities to lead their endowment and investments in their community so we help with that.”

“We provide ongoing educational resources to our members so they can continue to be empowered in their efforts. We’ve a large focus on urban education programs and funding right as well as civil rights issues for minorities including international refugees and mutants – who sometimes are both,” Devon nodded slowly, a half frown on his face. “Unite all that with a social group, since we aim to work hard and play harder, and you’ve got Haven. I like to say ‘find your safe haven, build one for others.’” He smiled again.

“Always areas we can invest in and help. We’ve gotten quite a few existing charity leaders to join to help bridge efforts. I’ve been thrilled with the efforts thus far. I’m very proud to be a part of it,” he inhaled deeply and then chuckled. “Sorry I can ramble on about it.”

He wanted to sit down, now. So she sat too. She listened, letting her gaze linger on his face to indicate that fact. Her face was impassive for the moment, it wasn't like she had anything to say against Haven. She knew nothing about it but what he told her. And when he finished, she gave a slight smile, "T'at sounds like a solid t'ing to do." She didn't say anything further, pausing to let him keep talking until he was through.

And when he was, she would kind of nod in agreement at her earlier words. She said, "I see. I am glad t'ere are ot'ers to pick up t'e good fight, t'en, because I didn't go to Romania to come back and see no progress."

Indeed, she was a veteran in the mutant "army" (not really an army, but you know...) and it was a good thing that there were people who wanted to do things for the greater good. It was nice to have an ally... Or she thought so anyways. Hopefully he wasn't pulling wool over peoples' eyes... That wouldn't be good at all.

Xavia crossed her legs, her "bump" becoming blatantly visible by the change in position, for the fabric of her shirt stretched over her belly and other areas affected by her pregnancy. She didn't even think about hiding it to begin with, and doubted it would be an issue that the man saw.

>> "T'at sounds like a solid t'ing to do."

Devon smiled, slowly nodding before continuing.

Once finished, she commented, >> "I see. I am glad t'ere are ot'ers to pick up t'e good fight, t'en, because I didn't go to Romania to come back and see no progress."

“This country has a long tradition of civil rights issues, and people demonstrating to achieve those rights,” Devon said with a mixture of sorrow and pride. “We’re a country of diversity, yet our roots and traditions seem to be on the backs of others. We’re always growing, learning… Those that strive to do so need help, need support. I’m glad you agree.”

A long breath escaped him, nearly a sigh. “Would you mind telling me more about Romania? I think many fear something like that happening again. I’d prefer to be informed over ignorant of the facts,” he asked gently, “But feel free to say no. I wouldn’t want to upset you more than I already did by surprising you.”

He didn’t mention if he noticed her pregnancy or the likelihood of such. It wasn’t a topic to bring up unless invited in his mind. Devon certainly wasn’t one to assume such, let alone one of those types who simply approached to rub a pregnant woman’s belly. Like age or weight, you simply didn’t ask a woman – really anyone – such things unless they brought it up.

"It was terrible... T'ere were mutant concentration camps... I went to help wit' relief efforts and was captured. I am afraid I might not have contributed as much as ot'ers, but I did suffer for t'e fight." She wasn't going into the torture... Nope. That was a part of her life she didn't mean to keep remembering. Unfortunately, nobody would ever forget that type of thing. "I know t'ose from t'e Order did more for t'e fight t'an anyone could have asked for."

She peered at the Adonis, her expression kind of haunted at that mention of her past. She had brought it up, thought, so it wasn't like she could be angry at him for asking.

As for him not asking about the pregnancy, he didn't need to since it would soon be obvious anyway. And it was for the best that he didn't try to touch her in any case, for she would probably not have taken that well.

"I am glad to see t'at it counted," she added quietly.

Everyone knew about the concentration camps, but the details were sketchy at best… Few colleges were yet to host survivors to tell their tales. While mutant acceptance was gaining in society, the government overreach was strained, traditional, and reverting in its policies at best. Fear and ignorance were weapons of the power mad, the evil. Devon aimed to stop that in its tracks in any way he could.

He nodded solemnly as Xavia spoke, frowning sympathetically at her mention of suffering for the fight. An eyebrow rose at the mention of the Order though. That’s not something he’d heard. He knew they were willing to fight, yes, but the stories of them cast them more as terrorists and criminals with violent histories than freedom fighters. Devon withheld judgement of course; he’d helped more than a few of its members and tried to greet each cordially. He was ignorant of the real story and he wouldn’t let it enslave him after all.

>> "I am glad to see t'at it counted,"

“Thank you for sharing,” Devon said softly, nodding once more. “I appreciate your words and the perspective. Honestly, I hadn’t heard of the Order’s involvement there before.” A brief pause, he pursed his lips and then smiled gently. “I volunteer at Sanctuary still. I did more before opening my business and getting involved in Haven, but I encourage all our members to volunteer there. Everyone needs a safe place, a home. I’ve met a few former Order members that way.”

He grinned, chuckling slightly as he infused his words with warmth, “Some can be a bit intense but there’s a lot of drive, dedication to mutant survival there. It’s nice to hear about their involvement, though I’m sorry to cause you any grief.”

“But you have new celebrations ahead?” he asked with a new smile, referring without asking.

She listened to what he said and nodded, also solemn about it. Her mouth curled downward in a frown and she said, "I loved someone in the Order once... He is a very kindhearted man. His daughter takes after him in a lot of ways. Wish I knew where he and his brot'ers went." She tilted her head some and then looked toward him tiredly. Then he kind of pointed out the pink elephant, and she bit her lip. She did not answer right away.

She then looked down and touched the mound, "I will love him or her no matter what... But t'is baby was not conceived in a happy way." She didn't need to go further, he seemed smart enough to be able to read between the lines on this one. Especially if he looked at her face close enough to see the still, pink scar that was a tell tale sign of her having been beat up at some point... Well, one could put two and two together.

Especially since she had little subtle signs of this having happened recently, like how she sat by him, not not close enough for him to touch, and how stiff she was in his presence. She had worked really hard to be able to even go near a man, and thanks to being around Artair and Derek, especially Artair, she was able to let Devon within a reasonable distance without freaking out.

A lot of thoughts buzzed through Devon’s mind. Either he’d completely misinterpreted everything he read off this woman or he was missing signals surprisingly difficult for him to read. First he’d completely approached her wrong. He’d shocked and put her off, on edge. That was clear, though now he understood perhaps why.

There was the talk about camps, the Order… He’d asked for details when she’d offered it up, knowing it would be a difficult conversation topic. When people brought such up they usually wanted to speak on it at least in part; it was therapeutic. Of course, they weren’t in therapy right now. This was two strangers meeting and bonding over a good day in the city, her great voice, and helping mutants.

But the baby topic he’d tried to carefully bring up definitely had a level to it he had not anticipated. No wonder she was put off by a stranger’s approach, kept her distance, spoke quietly and carefully... This was post trauma and for a very understandable reason.

An anger boiled up from the pit of his stomach, pushing aside his displeasure. He nodded solemnly and said softly as he leaned forward, “I’m very sorry to hear that. I’m glad you have such love that your child will know it too.” He paused and smiled gently once more, “And to have those at the mansion around you, supporting you. As for what happened, should you wish to talk to anyone professional or need legal advice, I can offer you assistance through Haven or my company. No need to decide that now of course.”

Leaning back, he continued, “And I’m sorry. It seems I keep doing or saying the wrong thing. Feel free to tell me to stuff it.” He chuckled, “Or I can be on my way, let you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”

"As if you knew," she said with her eyes watching his expression as he did put two and two together. She relaxed some and licked her lips, "I am not upset wit' any of what you said, Devon. And I already took care of him." She leveled her gaze, and her eyes would flash her own anger, but that was all they did. "He won't bot'er me again, I can assure you." Leaving out that he wouldn't survive to tell the tale, should he ever come near her again. Artair, Kendra, and Derek.... They would probably take turns to make him pay. And Devon said that he would help in other ways... It was somewhat overwhelming how people were starting to rally around her. The anger turned to another emotion completely.

Damn it, but it was easier to cry lately. She wasn't going to now, but the tears welled up and threatened to spill. "Now t'en, I suppose I have told you plenty about me and we haven't even shared a drink yet. Will have to wait, now... Unless you are fine wit' tea." She chuckled and sighed tiredly, "I'd be honored to have you in my protective circle. I will be quite fine wit' so many of you behind me. I'm especially grateful for my friend, Artair," the way she said the man's name gave away her feels. She was... almost blushing? No, not almost. "Comic relief," she said as if to explain away said exposed feels, but we all know what a woman looked like when she had it bad for a guy and was trying to play it cool.

"And my friend, Derek... I love him like he is my brot'er, trut' be told. My friend Kendra, she was... t'ere too... She pulled me away from t'e guy and got me to safety. I do not know if I would be t'is strong wit'out t'em."