The Legacy Lives On

[Mystique]

"And share a shower with," Raven added. Especially as Charles got older, there were many things they hadn't been able to do in their relationship. But she had put them aside out of love for him. Maybe now she would find someone else who could.

[The Man]

::Xavier nodded in encouragement of that. He felt no jealousy at the prospect of her finding another, nor sorrow for what he had been unable to do. His limitations were what they had been.:: "And take footraces in the park. Think of the little things."

[Mystique]

Raven felt a peculiar tug somewhere behind her navel, and she knew that the dream was ending soon. "I know I never missed an opportunity to tell you, but I love you, Charles," She said, looking up at him.

[The Man]

::Xavier met her eyes, his blue met her yellow. One hand took hers in his, holding tightly, squeezing lightly.:: "And I love you, and I want you to be happy."

[Mystique]

Returning the squeeze of his hand, Raven smiled at him. "I will be, Charles. Watch over us, okay?" Her yellow eyes met his familiar blue ones, and she already knew his answer.

[The Man]

"I already do," ::Xavier replied, and he wished that Raven could understand the depth of truth behind that statement. He watched over her and Abigail every day, as he did with the Institute, his X-Men, and the students. That had not ended with his death, and for as long as he could walk this earth, he would watch over them.::

[Mystique]

Raven craned her neck, pressing a kiss to his cheek. When she pulled away, her smile was full of warmth and love. "I love you, Charles." She squeezed his hand, and blinked as she slowly began to awaken.

[The Man]

::Xavier slipped from her mind before she woke, and moved to a corner of the room. Haunting in the shadows, how fitting of his current existence.::

[Mystique]

Slowly waking, the entirety of the dream hit her. Slowly she sat up against the headboard, hugging her knees. "Oh, Charles," She said softly. A small smile appeared.

[The Man]

::Xavier was glad to see a smile touch her lips, rather than tears. It caused him to smile as well, as it was a step in the right direction for her happiness.::

[Mystique]

Realizing she had fallen asleep with the photo album open on the bed, she closed it and set it on the nightstand. Charles was right, it had been over a year. She hadn't even been to the gym regularly in who knows how long. Slipping out of bed, she opened her drawers, and decided to wear sexy lingerie for no reason other than it made her feel good. And she hadn't worn any of these particular garments since Charles died. She hummed, pulling on the lingerie, and then picking out her clothes for the day. Today would be a good day.

[The Man]

::Xavier was not one of those more perverse, voyeuristic spirits portrayed in dime store novels and late night films. As Raven began to change, he slipped through the walls and from the room, leaving her to her privacy. It was enough that she wore a smile.::

[Mystique]

In her own room, Abigail was beginning to wake up. It was a Sunday, so maybe she could convince her Mom or Uncle Scott to make blueberry pancakes.

[The Man]

::Time passed slowly, as it tended to when reflection was one's only hobby. Summer gave way to autumn, the landscape changed to better fit the season, and students returned for classes. It was more crowded, as it always was, and Xavier would often sit in on classes to help bide the time.

One day, he found himself out in the gardens, when he saw Raven approach. As he did watch over her, he did what was expected: he followed her.::

[Mystique]

Raven was carrying fresh flowers, as she always did when going to visit Charles' grave. She set them down, but didn't leave. Instead, she sat cross-legged on the ground before his gravestone. "I really do believe you're watching over us," Raven began. "I feel it every day, Charles."