Only a few short months to go, and Becca and Mirror were going to be parents. It was time to officially announce the news to the very few friends and relatives who had been living under a rock in Antarctica and somehow missed the daily random baby power roulette and the ever-growing baby bump that Becca was sporting around the Mansion. There was no obligation to do any of this, of course, but hell, baby showers were fun, and people gave you free stuff for your baby.

...

Alright, so apart from cake and free stuff, the baby shower was still something both of them wanted to do. The Mansion was family, for Mirror the only family they'd ever had apart from their mother, and they deserved an afternoon of celebration before things got taken up with late night hours and diaper bags.

There were cookies and cupcakes and a cake, and some balloons the younger Mansions students were excited about. Open to all. Kalos had a serious hand in decoration decisions, and Maya had been supervising the setup in the spacious living room. Expectations were low: music, hugs, conversations, and maybe some low key reassurance from older friends and family members that the two prospective parents would, maybe, hopefully, do just fine.

They were definitely not doing a gender reveal, though. That giant cake was rainbow layered all the way through.

The pair were almost so focused on getting things ready for the baby, the notion of a baby shower almost slipped through the cracks. Thankfully, it was hard to say no to all the people who loved and supported you. Maya and Becca did want to celebrate the impending birth of their child with friends. The potential of being gifted things for all their babying needs was, of course, a side benefit.

The mutation for the day was not an active hindrance, but it came with its own complications. Growing from a host of locations like her shoulders, wrists, thighs, and back, Rebecca had small clusters of crystals in blues, greens, purples, and pinks. One even emerged from the center of her forehead in seafoam green. After making some targeted wardrobe decisions, including a strapless top and shorts, Beccca helped set things up as much as Maya would allow her. When she was shooed away, she defiantly grabbed a cookie and started munching on it.

It was a lowkey, "come if and when you want" event, and everyone lived busy lives. Rebecca was already a lucky woman, so any guests today would just be... well, icing on the cake.

But not a gender reveal cake, because come on, seriously?

The box was about a foot and a half by two feet in diameter, and it was wider than it was tall. It hovered in the air in front of the Asian in a forest green basket made of concentrated thoughts. And it was full of baby clothes of varying sizes.

Kealey was a fashion designer and she was Shin’s wife. It only made sense that she had worked with him to design several different baby outfits for the upcoming baby. Having never had a baby, plenty of cute pictures had been looked at for reference to baby styles. Of course, they were all gender neutral. Good-looking stuff that would be comfortable and easy to wear, in various sizes just to make sure the baby would fit, however large or small: and they’d give extra things, to make sure the baby could grow into a second wardrobe, too! And they had packed enough clothes for several wardrobes. The box really was heavy. Hence the Shard basket. He was carrying it with his mind. Because the Asian’s arms just would not have accomplished the job.

Shin particularly liked the diamonds, stars, and moons onesie and the blue and red stripey one! But there were other things. Plenty of cute animals on parade. One had a magnetism theme, and some mirrors. Shin had repeated something he’d heard someone once comment, about how Mirror had their own magnetism. And how maybe they should just do magnets, all around! But the pun had gone over like the Hindenburg.

He brought the whole thing in, and set it on the table. Because there is always at least one large table for baby shower gifts. Kealey followed him in, wearing something trendy and on point. Probably a little overdressed.

They greeted Mirror and Becca, and with a big smile he told Becca she was practically glowing. (Especially with the crystals she had going on!)

”I’m sure there will be more where this came from. Kealey had fun!” He said.

Kealey chimed in with an agreement, and said how excited she was for them.
Shin told them he could help unpack it later if they have him a call.

After giving the gifts, shin and Kealey wandered off to check out the food and mingle. It was a drive by gifting if ever there was one.

Aura had no business being a parent and she knew it. She was entirely unqualified for the task and not in the sense most Moms thought they were. Aura and Allison had both done some terrible things in their time both together and a part. Aura had resisted torture, walked threw automatic weapon fire and had willingly let herself be others weapons. She had murdered, killed and done things some might seen as worse. She had so much blood on her hands and struck so much fear in so many. Aura had even kept her interactions with Alex private and out of public notice as much as she could, Aura was a hunted woman and the last thing she wanted was Alex hurt because of her.

And yet all her defenses melted like ice on the sun as the eight year old stared pleadingly up at her with grey eyes and holding an invitation for an Alex and his/her parents, really Allsion. She had no idea how Allison told the kid no and really what could she say? Pink Mom would love to go but the school saw her as the incarnation of the devil? That their was enough blood on her hands to float an aircraft carrier?

Allison was out of town and so Aura had been watching her, that had been a few days ago. Aura was worried but hiding it as well she could from Alex. So it fell to her to take the kid to the mansion. the Place the snow man lived who had threatened to kill her, not unjustly and other's who felt Aura was a monster and they were not wrong. Some would likely feel Aura had no place raising a child, which was also true. She was a demon going to a house of Angels, the Mansions people were nice well meaning fools, the type of people the world would need when the smoke cleared and Mutants took their rightful place on top the world.

This was how Aura in her Aura mask, with make up and her hair done and dressed in a white blouse and black pants stood with Alex who had picked a light blue dress out for herself, currently as a girl. Alex had chosen and Aura had just agreed and braided the child's hair had ended up walking into the mansion having called ahead to let Gemma know and to advise her of her intention to enroll Alex at the school as well as the child's desire to see Mirror and give her a gift for the baby shower.

Aura stopped for a second at the entrance to the living room, scanning the room, A habit when she felt less them comfortable somewhere. Alex lacked such caution and simply ran ahead up to Mirror as Aura approached behind the kid, looking as nervous as she felt and not much like the engine of doom she was.

"Pink Mom It's Maya and the the ice cream lady! Congratulations!" Alex exclaimed as a look that said, please kill me now crossed Aura's face. Alex however was simply thrilled. She had not wanted to draw attention but the blissful eight year old was blissfully unaware of that.

"Sorry about this but well, Alex insisted and Allison is...on vacation. Congratulations on the baby" Aura said raising the round creation of diapers and bottles and setting on the gift table, unless Mirror took it. Aura felt bad for being there, knowing her mere presence could cause complications Maya did not need at the moment. Still a Look at Alex's happy face made her smile to.

The Icemancer wasn’t sure about himself in this situation. While this was something he normally wouldn’t willingly go to it was for Becca and Gawain/Maya. Sam’s best friend. So while he had thought about it he quickly dismissed the thought as a ‘One of them would kill me.’ and decided it was safer to get a gift.

Cora was coming. In fact, when he called to ask her he practically begged her to come. Not that she needed much convincing. Cora was awesome like that. She had agreed that was all he needed to hear before telling her a time followed by a ‘dress’ joke. Sam knew his girlfriend never wore them.

After doing some research Sam decided he wanted to get something for the new parents that would give enough distractions and keep the baby safe and on the move. After all their child would be one of his future students… right? Best thing to do is get the kid moving which was why he decided on a bouncy baby walker with all the bells and whistles. Literally had a bell and whistle on it along with a few other toys to help sensory development. Sam didn’t recall all the moments with his ‘fake’ family but he did remember seeing something similar to this a few times. In fact he was playing with the thing longer than he should have when he went to go find one.

The box was bigger than he should have been carrying alone while his arms had no problem holding the thing it was difficult to see over or around it so he had to keep turning. Which meant Cora had to stop him before breaking anything. ”Thanks again for coming.” Sam said to Cora as they entered the living room. ”Guide me to the table?” Sam asked hoping the now-wrapped gift was indeed something they wanted or needed.

Cora had been surprised to be invited to a baby shower, but hadn't let it show. Maybe it was her surprise that meant the 'joke' to wear a dress had come off as serious, and an awkward phone call later, Cora had Juniper helping her shop. To be honest, she half expected Juniper to take this as a chance for revenge given the whole date incident she created with Xavier. But maybe her employee was much more forgiving, because she had managed to get Cora into a dress that seemed presentable, but also allowed for her to wear combat boots with it and not heels. That meant she didn't have to fall on her face, and could direct Sam to a table without being a hazard herself.

"As amusing as it could be watching you mow down your coworkers..." The gift down, she grinned at him. "I figured this is just another training exercise I could use. You know, the social situations. I opted for an easier gift to carry on a motorcycle though," She pulled out the gift card to a local baby store and set it with Sam's gift. She was mostly just here as a plus-1 anyway, although by now she had been seen around the mansion enough to be recognizable. Not that everyone who saw her really remembered her...There were probably a few women Sam had slept with who no longer remembered the couple at all.

It had taken some soul searching, and a little help from her niece and nephews, but Amelia had finally figured out something to get for Mirrors baby shower.

What does one get for an ex, and the unknown woman he suddenly got with child? For Amelia, it was toys.

Her niece, Irene, had been the one to suggest it. Amelia had been spitballing ideas, and Irene had darted off to get her old dolly. She had insisted the baby have it. “Anyone can have a dolly,” she had said. She’d hugged the old rag doll and added “She is a good one.”

Amelia had agreed.

Her nephews had chipped in. Conan, the middle child, had picked up a soft-sided fire truck he didn’t play with any more. Benedict, the new baby in the family, was still young enough that he played with his toys... so Amelia bought a pack of pacifiers with her own money. And a passy toy. A giraffe, that clipped to the pacifier. Finally, she had gone home to her old room. And found something.

At the shower, Amelia approached Rebecca and Mirror. She looked to Mirror, and pressed an old stuffed bear in their hands. It was soft, and well-loved, with fabric sides that were a lightly faded blue. It’s eyes were sewn on, not hard. No choking hazards.

“This is Boo bear.” Amelia said. “They were my bear. They can be your kids bear now, too... they can rename them. Whatever. It was a good bear.” She glances back at the table, where the bag she’d brought was. “My niece and nephews donated old toys, too. They wanted kiddo to have them.”

“You’ll do great.” She told mirror. Then looked to his lady. “Both of you. And hey, if you ever need a sitter. I have references.”

Amelia slipped away.

Despite being a ViewTuber in the public eye, Rebecca rarely found herself as the center of attention during in person events. The vigilante had no problem in the spotlight, but it was nothing she yearned for. The baby in her stomach, however, begged to differ. She noticed much more bouncing around and kicking as people came to pay respects to the child to be.

There were fellow Xes, including those Becca once saw as teachers and leaders. As punny as he was, Shin’s compliment was appreciated, particularly when paired with the wealth of children’s clothing from Kealey. ”We’ll gladly take it. Thanks for comin, ye two!”

It was not just Mansion friends, of course. The social net Becca and Maya cast was wide, and included some questionably moral associations. For the day, there was more or less a armistice for anyone with a dubious past who was coming to show support, particularly when kids were involved.

Aura and Rebecca were not two women to often share a room, but the Scot kept a smile for the sake of Alex, Allison’s child. She bent as well as she could to get closer to Alex’s level. ”Thank ye, wee ain! There’s e’en mair sweets if yer Ma will allow it. It’s a party after aw.”

She looked back up to Aura and nodded. ”Thank ye fer bringing Alex. An’ th’ well wishes.” She did not need to monitor Aura too closely today; there were other X-Men attending. Today, she could just be a polite hostess, thankful for the support.

Finally, there was Amelia. For all the complications, Rebecca was glad Ami came out in support. She was a friend more than she was Maya’s ex. Honestly, they were all so young back then. Then again, at the moment, that was a more recent memory for the de-aged Amelia, making her support all the more appreciated.

Becca smiled at the toy bear handed to Maya, noticing the other offerings Amelia left on the table. ”Thank ye, Amelia. Ah’m sure our little ain will loove Boo Bear. An’ we’ll keep ye in mind, young lady,” she joked. Becca doubted they would ever lack a babysitter, given their situation.

With people enjoying snacks and chatting, Becca sidled beside Maya and whispered, ”Noo ‘at folks are here, maybe we shoods thank them wi’ our big reveal?” They did not have some elaborate gender reveal, but there was an important detail about their offspring they were excited to share today.

It was lovely to see all the people coming out to join the baby shower. Becca seemed happy and excited, and the baby was the center of attention. The Mansion always felt like family the most on celebration days, and today it was a very special thing they gathered to celebrate.

"You are spoiling us" Maya grinned at Shin and Kealey, thanking them for the amazing array of baby clothes. The baby would have a full custom wardrobe all the way to college, if they kept up their generosity.

>>"Pink Mom It's Maya and the the ice cream lady! Congratulations!"

Maya's face froze as she turned, spotting Alex first and then... Aura. Nemeses did not often walk into one's baby showers (not unless it was a fairy tale and they planned on cursing the baby). Maya gave Becca a glance, but her girlfriend was already greeting Alex, and Aura looked about as comfortable about the whole thing as Maya was.

>>"Sorry about this but well, Alex insisted and Allison is...on vacation. Congratulations on the baby"

"Thanks?" Maya ventured, looking at the gifts. Weird, weird world. She'd never imagined Aura making an appearance, and yet here she was, being civil... thanks to Alex, probably.

Just in time, Sam and Cora also made an appearance with a giant box. Maya grinned as she helped them move around the living room with it. Sam was already overdoing the uncle thing, as was expected of an uncle.

Another unexpected moment: Amelia showed up. It was nice of her to do so. After their training session in the DR, things were developing between her and Mirror in a new, friendlier direction. She presented a very cute bear with her other gifts.

>>“This is Boo bear. They were my bear. They can be your kids bear now, too... they can rename them. Whatever. It was a good bear. My niece and nephews donated old toys, too. They wanted kiddo to have them.”

"Thank you, Ami. This is amazing." Maya smiled, genuinely happy. It was a good gift, but an even greater gesture.

>>“You’ll do great. Both of you. And hey, if you ever need a sitter. I have references.”

"We'll keep that in mind!" Maya grinned. It seemed like they would have an overabundance of babysitters. Good ones.

As everyone was settling in and chatting, Becca pulled her aside to ask her about the reveal. Maya smiled and nodded, turning to the rest of the room.

"Listen up, everyone! For obvious reasons, there won't be a gender reveal today. Or maybe ever." she snickered, gesturing at herself "But we do have a cake for you, because, well, cake. And a name to reveal! Becca?"

Becca beamed, stepping over to the cake as Maya called for everyone's attention. As Maya explained why they were skipping the gender reveal, Becca chuckled and found a knife. For all they knew, sometime after the birth, things could change if their child took after Maya. That was even assuming the gender assigned at birth might end up being wrong some time down the line. All in all, it did not seem like the right thing to glorify today.

That said, they were proud of the name. Even if that changed down the line, they had a good starting point to work with thanks to a certain special someone. "Right. Thenk ye aw for comin' today an' celebratin' wi us. It means a lot, really. We spent a lot ay time considerin' baby names these last few months, bit thenks tae a suggestion frae our first daughter, Kalos, we've finally figured it out."

Carving into the cake, Becca pulled a piece away, revealing a rainbow interior. "Sae Ah hope ye're aw ready tae meet Iris when she gets here in a few months." The cake was a late clever decision; if you were going to name your child after the Greek personification of the rainbow, why not go all out.

Aura gave a nod to Mirror and Rebecca and moved away with Alex in tow. She glanced down at the kid knowing she would have to stay at least a short awhile. So Aura made her way to a corner looking for one that was out of the way and let her be overlooked. She did want to cause a scene in such a place and at the event. She spotted several people she had encountered before for various reasons, Mirror, The snowman and Amelia.

Iris was a good name, she only hoped the child wound up being a Mutant. Alex asked if he/she could have some cake. Aura let Alex go and grab a piece of cake. She was glad Alex had been a mutant and that they knew from a young age. It would have been hard to correct things later in life if DNA tests had lacked the gene. The syndicate however might provide the chance for Aura to spend more time with Alex.

Things like these were part of what she had sacrificed to be her. Even Alex had been just a fluke, a happy one to be sure. Still she had limited her contact over the years with Alex as not to draw attention they had relation. She doubted Rebecca and Mirror's child would have that issue, or she hoped anyway.