Oh god. The scent of the formaldehyde was still heavy in the air after her last class of the day. How she had gotten through the class was beyond her, but she couldn't just stop and walk away while kids had freakin' scalpels in their grasps. Oh no... And she would be damned to hell if she puked in front of the kids. The last kid was still lingering in the room, cleaning up his mess and she just wanted to end the suffering she felt.

Then he left, and she followed behind him, biting her lip, sweat rolling off her forehead, face ashen, and calmly walked to the restroom. Making sure there was nobody in there, she went to the nearest stall and let loose until all she was doing was dry heaving. Good Lord, that smell had never bothered her so damn much. She had gave several shudders until she was sure the blasted over reactive sense of smell had calmed down, took care of the mess, and then sat down heavily on the stool to give herself a minute to recover from the violent reaction she had been holding back for over an hour.

Xavia got up after a spell and moved to the sink to splash water onto her face, shuddering a few times with some lingering gags, but there was nothing else in there to let loose. The kid was killing her, she thought. That was the most disgusting thing ever, and she would never be able to forget the smell that plastered itself to the walls of her nostrils and STAYED there. She would not go back into that classroom until the smell cleared. Nope. All kinds of nope!

She took several more deep breaths, then looked into the mirror to see that her mascara had run from tears forced from her eyes in the process. She produced some paper towel, wet it, and began to clean the make up from her face. She honestly did not notice if anyone had come in during the horror that just ensued, so someone could very well have heard every last bit of it. Hell, it had been loud enough to hear in the hallway. Her eyes were stuck on the mirror as she continued to dab the black streaks from her face so she could repair her make up.

Kendra yawned as she entered the bathroom. Someone who's mutation that was based on sleep shouldn't have job that often made her want to fall asleep. Just seemed counter productive. Kendra was never one for schooling or books. She graduated on time, but it was mostly so she could move on with her life and get out of Georgia as quickly as possible. Biology was always her worst subject. So when she was offered the job of teaching assistant to a biology teacher she was more than a little skeptical.

The job as it turned out wasn't so bad. Xavia made it fun at least. Her classes were always interesting in one way or another. No matter how interesting however, the alluring pull of sleep was never far behind that bell that rang to signify the end of class. Kendra shook off the last bits of sleep as she moved into the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face. After that she would.... Kendra's thoughts were interrupted mid thought. What was that sound? She wondered. It didn't take her long to realize that it was someone tossing their cookies in a bathroom stall.

Was it some student who got their hands on some alcohol? Was it ...Nope! Kendra didn't know about Xavia's pregnancy.  So when she saw that it was her that emerged from the stall she was a little concerned. Kendra watched her move to the sink and grab some paper towels. "Hey hun! You ok? That sounded pretty bad. You sick?" Kendra's sweet concern wrapped lightly in sultry southern drawl. Kendra moved over and placed a hand on her back and rubbed her shoulders lightly, sympathetically.

Kendra smiled a bit trying to cheer her up. Her brown eyes moved to the two's reflections in the bathroom mirrors. Xavia's make up was running. Kendra had heavy dark bags under her eyes. She looked like she hadn't slept in weeks, though she always kind of looked like that. To put it simply they both looked like a hot mess. Kendra turned to face Xavia. Her eyes danced over the features of the beautiful woman. Kendra's lips were slightly parted. More concern lingered on the tip of her tongue but she said nothing. She simply waited for Xavia to say something as she worried for her friend.

"I am fine physically, I promise." she said upon a croak... "You look like you feel bad too. Are you ok?" she asked, also worried. This is what they get for not hanging out really since that messed up night... The one that caused her current state. "Me?" she laughed a little, then took a few, deep breaths, "I am going to be fine. Everyt'ing is fine," and it wasn't a lie. She had really dug deep since Artair had come into her world, barging into her personal bubble and making her like him for some reason or another, and she was super chipper despite the hell she had been going through.

She looked at Kendra's eyes through the mirror, then turned around and hugged the woman, should she let her. She was silent for several moments. I mean, how did one approach telling one's friend the news that the dude who drugged her was one of two possibilities for baby daddy? She was supposed to find out the next day how far along she was, and she silently prayed it was her one night stand. Her baby wouldn't be less loved for being one conceived in such an act, but she would be racked with guilt for letting the event happen in the first place.

Damn it... There was no easy way. She just had to peel off the invisible band aid and outright say it. "I'm pregnant." And then she let go of Kendra and moved to sit on the floor against the wall, leaning her head back. Sure enough, the act caused her clothing to cling to the slight round that was bigger than it should be at the stage she was at... Unbeknownst to her, there were two buns in that damn oven. "I can never look at dead f***ing frogs wit'out wanting to hurl. Oh god, I just feel like crap. Everyt'ing making me sick. You look like you have not slept in a good, long time."

Kendra's hand fell to it's side as Xavia leaned up. She watched her carefully to make sure she was good on her feet. Xavia however, assured her that she was fine. The concern didn't leave her eyes though as Kendra continued to watch her. When she asked if she was alright Kendra shrugged nonchalantly.  She was used to feeling run down and ragged.  Her body had grown used to it. Kendra made an extra effort to smile to not seem as beat down as she felt. 

"I'm ok hun, just haven't slept much."  It was sort of the truth.  Then Xavia dropped the bombshell on her that she was pregnant.  Kendra's eyes drifted down to the belly in question.  Without realizing it her mouth started to hang ajar slightly.  A flash sprang forth in her mind.  Terrible images of that night in the club.  What the hell were they doing in a club?  Kendra wasn't the clubbing type.  Still she remembered all the terrible things that happened that night, but she didn't have the courage to ask the question lingering on her mind.  If the baby was from that night.

Kendra hugged Xavia back and held her at arm's length for a moment before pulling her back in for another hug.  She couldn't help but laugh a little when she said the smells were getting to her.  Kendra didn't want to be rude, but that smell was getting to her too.  She just hadn't said anything. Those strong oders still present in her delicate nasal passages.  "You need to take some time off? I could run the class for you until you get right."  Kendra wasn't sure she was up for it, but she had to ask. 

Kendra took a paper towel from the dispenser and wiped up the little bit of throw up that was still on the corner of Xavia's mouth and threw it in the trash.  Turning back to her friend Kendra's eyes washed over her with a soft loving look.  She was a strong woman, after everything that had happened and everything she must be feeling she was here.... Teaching.  It was amazing to her.  She didn't know if she had that kind of inner strength but she admired Xavia for it all the same.

"No, no... I can't keep taking time off. I only took a week off just to make sure I was not sick wit' somet'ing contagious. And to sleep. Not sleeping sucks." She understood what Kendra felt with the lack of sleep. Thankfully, having a(two) bun(s) in the oven caused her to be freakin' narcoleptic on some levels, and she finally slept... And cuddled her daughter lots.

As far as the smell went, Xavia got up to rinse the nasty from her mouth, produced a tiny bit of mint in her palm and chewed on it until the gross was gone, and her mouth was left fresh smelling. The smell lingering from the stall could not be helped unless a custodian came. Same with the classroom.

"Dead frog is so disgusting when you are pregnant." And it was true. Bleh. "Glad it is over, on to next hands on lesson." With that, she led the way out of the poor bathroom... or waited for Kendra to do her business first and then would leave, whichever happened. She noticed that some kind soul had opened windows and the smell of floral air freshener was thick coming from the classroom, but it only made it smell like flowery dead frogs, imagine that...

She wrinkled her nose at this new combination, put her hand over her nose and mouth and walked doggedly passed that thick air, determined to get out of the building where the fresh air could ease away that worry with a gentle nudge. And once they were away from the smells of horrible, she said, "What have you been up to since... you know? Haven't had much chance to talk, made myself busy." Which is what she did to plow through life... Work.

Kendra followed Xavia out of the bathroom. She was mostly going in to splash some cold water on tired eyes. The shock of finding out that her friend was pregnant as it turned out, was suffient enough surprise to keep her good and awake for the moment. No cold water required.

Kendra walked with Xavia as they talked. They didn't seem to really have a destination in mind. They seemed to be just walking around the mansion and that was ok. It was nice to get some time to talk to Xavia.

 They had classes together, but mostly they had seemed a little distant like they shared a class but after class they went their separate ways. Kendra was trying to be respectful and give her hers space. Kendra didn't see Xavia as the kind of person who wanted people pushing their way into her problems. Kendra figured when she was ready to talk about what happened she would be there for her, and she was there for her whenever she was ready.

Kendra tried her best to answer the question. What had she been up to?  Kendra had became quite involved with a girl in the mansion and a quick romance had blossomed, but due to Kendra's reckless devil may care attitude things were stressful. Her girlfriend wasn't speaking to her much at the moment and Kendra was afraid they could be headed for a break up.

Kendra didn't bring it up. It was Kendra's desire to be a vigilante that had started the problems in her relationship. Her reckless clumsy nature had been a contributing factor too. Kendra looked at Xaiva thoughtfully. "Training mostly. Workin on my fighting technique and masterin my abilities." Kendra said finally.

  It wasn't exactly a lie. She had stepped into the danger room with both Juliette and Becca Grey. She had been training, she just didn't say why she was training. She was training so that when she found herself in dangerous situations, like when she vigilanted, or like that situation at the club.... She wouldn't find herself helpless ever again.

She did not pry, same as Kendra. It was hard not to think it was from what happened, though. That had been enough to cause havoc. Xavia was silent, for the most part, and she said, "I am sorry I have not been training wit' you." It didn't need to be said why when the pink elephant was still in the area, and it would never be far behind... Especially with how fast the swell of Xavia's stomach was growing.

She didn't even bring up the one night stand, the possibility of Karrl being the father of her kid. Hell, she had not seen him since their little fling. Her mind was more on Artair, to be honest, when it came to men. Sure, he was more than ten years younger than she was, but damn it, he was so good looking and... Xavia didn't ever go out of her way, really, to date... at least until he came along. "Delilah is settled in," she said softly. "I have her home wit' me. My mama came wit' her to help out. And I also went on my first date ever and had a wonderful time. T'ought I would be freaked out but I wasn't."

Her cheeks went red. "Been trying to keep busy, mainly... But too tired now for all t'at... now for obvious reasons," she gestured to the barely there mound. And then she took a heavy breath and looked down at her hands.

Kendra brightened up a bit at the mention of Xaiva dating. Too soon after what happened in the club? Perhaps, but people deal with grief in different ways. Xaiva really seemed to be at peace with what happened. Kendra had taken her out for revenge and it got way more violent than she had intended. Kendra had just wanted to scare the guy.  Xavia had certainly done that.

Kendra quietly wondered who she had went on a date with. She didn't think for a second that it could have been Artair. Kendra knew him as well, but she hadn't stopped to consider that Xavia might know him. He was a frequenter at the mansion it seemed.  He was around enough to at least know a few people around her. Kendra wasn't really sure how often he came by, but she did have a gunshot as a reminder from the last 'hang out'. 

Kendra and Artair had tried to take down a drug den together.  It was mostly successful until Kendra tried to give a criminal the benefit of the doubt and trust him.  He returned the favor by shooting her in the shoulder.  For a few days after Kendra had refused DocProfessor's healing.  She wanted to wallow in her mistake.  She wanted a reminder of her foolishness, but after talking to Artair and agreeing to get help she saw the Doc and he healed her up.

Kendra couldn't even tell that she had been shot anymore, even the scar was gone.  Kendra had been lucky it hadn't been worse.  It was another reason she had been training.  She was careless out there.  It was going to get her killed if she kept it up.  "Well we obviously can't train'in your condition." Kendra said matter of factly.  She didn't mind that they weren't training, she was just glad that her friend was ok.

"Any hopes for the sex? You wanna boy right?"  Kendra asked rather excitedly.  Kendra loved kids.  She honestly wanted one of her own one day.  Her mind briefly thought of her ex girlfriend Libby. One of the worst fights they had was over the conversation of children.  Kendra bit her lower lip a bit.  She hoped she wasn't being to pushy, but the thought of a child; especially one that Xaiva seemed hopeful about was exciting.  Kendra had so many questions but she would let Xaiva answer them at her own pace. 

She canted her head as her friend asked about the sex of the baby, "I am going to my first ultrasound wit' my friend Derek -- I hate hospitals, I just need him t'ere so I don't panic -- and I am going to find out due date. T'ey won't be able to tell t'e sex for a few mont's or so." Which had her not looking at Kendra. Kendra was smart enough to figure out that Xavia should already know when the kid was going to be born... But Xavia omitted the one nighter after the assault. Not that Kendra would judge her about it, it was just a weird... mess of a thing and she hated talking about her sex life. It was bad enough that Derek was like... RIGHT THERE.... when the pregnancy test got outted.

"I don't have a preference." she said honestly. "He or she will be loved no matter what." She rubbed at the back of her neck, then glanced over to Kendra with a tired looking expression. "What else is going on wit' you?" She didn't really need to comment on the training part because it was a given that she couldn't train anymore for a while. Hell, her belly was going to get in the way sooner than she thought.

She was glad that Kendra was okay in the physical sense. She couldn't force her to talk about that night, just like she was having trouble bringing up the night even if she made peace with it. Her mouth curled down some with thought as she caught images in her head, hazy images she was constantly plagued with.

"How are you really doing?" she blurted out without meaning to.

Kendra bit her lip a little. She hadn't told Xavia about being shot. She had a feeling that she might freak. She had gotten a verbal lashing form just about everyone who knew, but surely she had heard by now. It wasn't exactly easy to keep a secret like that around the mansion. Kids talk. Kendra hadn't gotten lectured by Xavia for being foolish or reckless. Kendra might think that maybe her friend Xavia was just a different beast entirely. She saw a side of Xavia that night they went to the club. A violent, primal side. She also had a lot on her plate at the moment.



Kendra went back and forth in her head weather or not to tell her about it. She had promised Artair that she would talk to someone about it. He thought it was important for Kendra to with someone to talk to. Kendra didn't like hiding things from her friend, but stress wasn't good for a baby. Her shoulders slumped and she let go of her secret. She looked thoughtfully at Xavia. "I got shot. Remember when I took that week off from class and basically disappeared? I was wollowin in self pity. It took a friend to get me to actually pick ma'self up."



Kendra felt better telling her, but she didn't have the courage to look her in the eye. It was silly, but somehow she felt like she let Xavia down. She didn't have it in her yet to be an X-Man. Who knew if she ever would. Kendra was a clumsy southern bell with a pension for having bad ideas. She tried to force a smile. "Had'a cool scar for awhile." She blurted out, trying to spin it to an optimistic light. That was some pretty weak effort. Kendra was really doing better. Artair had done a lot to drag her kicking and screaming out of a negative headspace.



"But I'm back now, I'm good honest." Kendra said. She knew Xavia might have questions. She wasn't sure though if she could provide the answers. In an attempt to change the subject Kendra smiled brightly and punched Xavia lightly in the shoulder. "So tell me all bout this date! Any body I know?" Kendra's nosey personality in full force as a now genuine smile ran over her delicate features.

She didn't freak out... She listened while Kendra talked. She was clearly physically okay... They had been through a reckless evening together thanks to her, it wouldn't be right to yell at her. She did not. She did, however, have a concerned look on her face. "Is t'at why you are not sleeping?" Indeed, Kendra had seen the worst of her... She had seen her draw blood in malice, maim another human being to make him suffer... But her sanity had cracked from the night before. She had done some insane things since that night, like sleepwalking in Central Park where she met the other possibility for a baby daddy. Why he chose to pursue a night of horizontal tango with her was beyond her, but she was in no shape to pass judgement. Not a bit. "I am glad you are okay!" And she meant it.

She gave her friend a hug, thankfully no longer smelling of puke. That was good, right? She pulled back and searched Kendra's gaze with her worried ones, "Is t'is why you do not sleep? I... understand completely." She didn't need to elaborate. Kendra had already witnessed her in full out PTSD, not to mention what the assault had left her doing. They were both a mess. Seriously. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, but not in a hurt way, just more in curiosity.... "I understand not wanting to talk about stuff, but you saw me almost tear someone's... uhh... t'ing off. I t'ought we shared a special bond, yo." She was half teasing, half serious...

And then Kendra brought up the date thing and she said, "His name is Artair... I met him at a restaurant and he scared me enough to spill hot tea on myself. He took care of t'e burns and I ended up at his house, but not to do anyt'ing naughty, just... couldn't walk. And t'en we just hit it off I guess, and somehow I ended up on a date at a really nice French place eating stewed veggies and trying to remain a lady because he's so good looking and... sweet... and... I hadn't been able to be comfortable around a man in a long time until him."

Kendra pulled nervously at the hem of her shirt some more as Xavia had asked why she didn't tell her about being shot.  The truth was, Kendra didn't want her to worry.  It was simple, and it was stupid.  Kendra had seen the lengths her friend would go to protect someone and herself.  Her demons were hungry and had sharp teeth when they came out to play. Kendra found herself a bit embarrassed that she didn't tell her sooner. 

"I guess' I didn't wanta spill ma leftovers on your plate, your plate was full nough with everythang you went through."  Kendra said in her sweet southern way.  She was referring to the night in the club.  It hadn't been that long since that night and Kendra had mostly avoided the conversation of it entirely.  For no reason other than she didn't want to put her friend through the pain of reliving a single moment of that night. 

Kendra was not scared of Xavia.  She was not horrified of the things she did.  The bastard deserved it, though she wasn't sure she would have had the stomach to do it herself had it been her.  Kendra was about to add further when Xavia said that the guy she dated was Artair. 

Kendra's eyes went wide.  Her mouth fell open and she just stared at her friend slack jawed.  Artair was the one who had convinced her to talk to someone about the shooting.  Artair had been the one that she had beared her soul to when she admitted that she couldn't face the trauma alone.  Artair was a good guy.  "Artair?!?"  Kendra blurted.

She didn't mean for it to come out as if she was surprised because he wasn't a good looking guy, but it may have seemed that way at first.  Kendra continued to stare.  Her mind couldn't even put words into sentences let alone coherent thoughts.  "He was wit me when I got shot. He saved ma life." Kendra said quietly. A smile formed on her face after a few moments of staring at the floor.  The thought of Xavia and Artair was kind of awesome.  Artair was a friend, a bit of a hot head and more like a father figure to Kendra in a weird way though he couldn't have been much older than her, but still a friend.  And Xavia.. Well Xavia was Kendra's hero as well.  The thought of them together as a couple made Kendra smile ear to ear.  "Are you gone see him again?!?!?!?"  She aside eagerly.

"I left all my fury for a-hole. I honestly feel numb toward him and don't want him to be in the forefront of my mind anymore." Though that was going to be hard when she gave birth. "I cannot be mad t'at you didn't tell me, only upset for you t'at you had a rough time and I wasn't t'ere for you." And she meant it. She was always putting other people first when it came to friendships. Sure, she was mentally absent for a few weeks as she tried to get over her shell shock that she had become another statistic. And that pill had made her feel like complete turd for days after... She was pretty sure it was x, and it was one of a few pills that did affect her.

As far as Artair went...

"He did say he wanted anot'er date." Xavia blushed a bit, rubbing the back of her neck and really smiling... She had never... Ever smiled, let alone given the kind of smile that bespoke of budding feelings. "He is a really nice guy." She hadn't revealed just how far things had gone to Derek, so she was keeping her lips sealed on just that with Kendra. It was weird to talk about getting all deep into something with a guy, but then just two guys ago, she had been as innocent as a child when it came to matters of the heart. "It was my very first date." She did add, because as much as Jupiter had loved her, he had never taken her to dinner, never taken her to the movies, etc. The experience was nice, just having that kind of attention was worth waiting for.

Her mouth curled up in a stupid grin because of how he always joked when he wanted to see her smile, even though all he had to do was just look at her, pretty much, and she was smiling for him. "I spent some time before t'e date t'inking about stuff t'at really messed me up over t'e years... I t'ink I just came to t'e point where I didn't want to hurt anymore, so I don't. It wasn't easy, but I can't be wallowing anymore. Artair makes me laugh and I had forgotten how t'at felt. Don't know what is between us, but I like it. I am glad he was t'ere for you to save your life. Only convinces me more he is a good man." And it did. She really was glad Kendra was okay.

"I wanted to tell you how sorry I am t'at I got you involved t'at night at t'e club... I was stupid to have even gone t'ere, let alone invited you out." She wasn't going to bring up the kiss she had shared with Geo out of desperation, that had been a low moment for her and she needed to apologize to the man for that as well. He was probably right that her attraction for him was based on their two powers.

Xavia started to apologize for the night club thing and Kendra cut her off.  "Don't ever be sorry for that.  That weren't your fault.  That was some assholes, being assholes, and you got nutt'n to be sorry for!"  Kendra reminded her.  She smiled and pulled Xavia into another hug.  Kendra could feel her eyes watering up at the thought of what her friend had been through.  It was overwhelming even for her and she hadn't even been the one who was really attacked. 

Kendra admired the strength of Xaiva and how she carried herself despite everything that had happened.  If it had been her, she would have surely withered and cracked.  She would have sunk away from the world and shut everyone and everything out.  She would have secluded herself to her room and felt nothing but pity.  That's what she did when she got shot.  She felt weak, she felt like she wasn't strong enough to handle what life was throwing at her.  Kendra had just wanted to curl up and disappear, but she didn't. Artair had helped her see that she needed help and she was getting it. Opening up to Xaiva was a big first step.  She was dealing with her emotional baggage in babysteps and that was ok.

Kendra wiped her eyes dry before releasing her from the hug.  "How bout we get sum lunch? I'm starved."  She cried laughing a little.  Pulling Kendra's eyes fell on the rosey nature of Xavia's cheeks.  She was adoreable.  A natural beauty.  Artair would be crazy not to want to see her again.  Kendra didn't think her lunch invitation would get turned down.  She was eating for two now after all, or three as it turned out.  Kendra sweetened the deal "I'm buyin."

"I just... Ugh..." But she didn't argue any further with what Kendra said. Yeah, she was right. She was very much right at that point. How could she not be? Neither of them asked for some jerks to drug them that night, and Kendra had a gift that could get her out of it. Xavia was grateful for their friendship, that much was for certain.

Kendra hugged her and she hugged back. She felt a bond with her that she couldn't get with her other besties. Sorry, Derek, but Kendra was there first, and she had been there when the bad had happened. Mind you, Xavia loved Derek to pieces. Hell, she was starting to consider both Kendra and Derek her sister and brother the way she felt. She pulled back from the tearful hug and gave a kiss to her friend's forehead.

And then she laughed when lunch was offered. "As long as it isn't frogs, I am peachy keen." It was hard to let someone else buy for her when she was able to pay for her own food and then some, but people were insisting more and more, and she finally gave in to those who did, so she did not argue with Kendra buying.

"I could go for a giant bowl of hummus and pita chips, I won't lie." It was not a secret that she was a vegetarian, everyone either figured this out about her or she told. Hopefully Kendra already knew.