Rory wasn't sure why she had agreed to chaperone a group of mutant kids on their field trip to the science museum. The gleaming exhibits, the hushed atmosphere, the intricate displays—all of it seemed harmless enough. But as she moved through the halls, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Something about the day felt off, though she couldn't put her finger on what.

"Hey, don't touch that," she called out to a young girl who was reaching for a fragile model of the solar system. The girl pulled her hand back quickly, looking apologetic, and Rory offered a reassuring smile. She was supposed to be guiding the kids through a day of learning, but her mind was elsewhere, caught in a loop of unease.

Scott was standing by a large interactive globe, watching as one of the students spun it with wide-eyed fascination. When he noticed Rory's distracted expression, he frowned slightly, concern etched on his face. She gave him a small wave, trying to appear more composed than she felt, but the look in his eyes told her he wasn't buying it.

Rory turned away, pretending to be engrossed in an exhibit on early human evolution. But the truth was, she couldn't shake the sense that something was wrong. It wasn't just the usual anxiety she sometimes felt in crowded places. This was different—deeper, more pervasive. It was as if the very air around her was charged with something she couldn't see or understand.

"Rory, you okay?" Scott's voice cut through the haze, and she turned to see him standing just behind her, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, too quickly, as if saying it would make it true. "Just... I don't know. Maybe I didn't sleep well last night." She forced a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood, but Scott wasn't fooled.

"You've been on edge since we got here," he said quietly, stepping closer so they wouldn't be overheard. "Is something bothering you?"

Rory's voice trembled as she confessed, "Scott, I can't shake this feeling that something terrible is coming. It's like a shadow, always there, just waiting to swallow us whole." Her eyes were wide with fear, and Scott could see the anxiety etched into every line of her face. Without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "I'm here," he whispered, holding her close. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're not alone."

 Storm approached them, her expression serious. "Hey. Have you guys seen Bobby and Rogue?" she asked.

Rory shook her head, still feeling out of sorts, but Scott's attention was immediately drawn to the concern in Storm's voice. "No, why?"

"Something's happening in the food court," Jean said, her tone hinting at the urgency of the situation.

Suddenly, the air became still and something felt off. Rory shared a look with Scott before rushing to check out the situation.

They quickly made their way through the museum, weaving through the crowds until they reached the food court. The scene they found was tense—Bobby and John were in the midst of a standoff, their powers on display in a way that was anything but subtle. The tension in the air was palpable, and Rory's heart sank. This wasn't going to end well.

Before things could escalate further, the professor intervened, freezing everyone in the museum except for the students. His expression was stern, disappointment evident as he turned to Bobby and John. "Next time you feel like showing off, don't." he admonished, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility.

As they regrouped, a nearby television screen caught their attention. The news broadcast was urgent, the headline scrolling across the bottom of the screen: Attack in the White House. Mutants Suspected.

The reporter's voice filled the room. "-where there's been an attack in the Oval Office of the White House. Details are still coming in, but we have been informed that the president and vice-president were not harmed. Sources say the attack involved one or more mutants."

"I think it's time to leave, Professor," Scott said, his tone grave.

"I think you're right," Xavier agreed, his gaze darkening with concern

"My opinion? I think Magnetos is behind this." Scott announced to the group.

Jean shook her head. "No, I don't think so, Scott. While Erik is capable of organizing something like this from prison, for him it would be irrational."

The professor nodded in agreement. "It would only hurt his goal of mutant prosperity."

"You mean superiority," Rory muttered from her spot on the couch, her voice tinged with bitterness. Scott took a seat next to her, a silent show of support.

"You're right," Xavier admitted. "If Erik had his way..."

Storm's voice cut in from where she stood by the door. "Of course, you know how the government will respond. They'll reintroduce the Registration Act."

"Or worse," Xavier added, his tone grim. "The president could declare a state of emergency. Place every mutant in the country under arrest."

As the tension in the air simmered, Jean's question lingered, the uncertainty of their situation weighing heavily on everyone. "Do you think the assassin was working alone?" she asked the professor, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity.

"We'll only know that if we find him before the authorities do," the professor replied, his tone measured but serious. "I've been trying to track him using Cerebro, but his movements are inexplicably erratic. When I have more precise coordinates, Storm, Jean, I'll need you to take the jet and try to pick him up."

ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚

As Storm descended the stairs, a playful grin tugged at her lips. "Look who's come back," she teased, her voice light. "Just in time."

Logan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "For what?"

"We need a babysitter," Storm replied, her tone dripping with mock seriousness.

"Babysitter?" Logan echoed, clearly confused by the playful banter.

Storm chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Nice to see you again, Logan."

Just then, Jean made her way down the stairs, catching Logan's attention instantly. "Hi, Logan," she greeted, her voice soft and warm.

"Hi, Jean," Logan responded, his eyes lingering on her.

Storm, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, excused herself with a quick smile. "Uh, I should go get the jet ready."

As she headed off, Bobby appeared, dragging Rogue along. "Yeah, well, it was nice to meet you," he said to Logan before making his exit.

Jean continued, filling Logan in on the mission. "Storm and I are heading to Boston. We won't be gone long. The professor wants us to track down a mutant who attacked the President."

"So it was a mutant," Logan interjected, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"You'll be here when we get back—unless you plan on running off again?" Jean asked, a teasing edge in her voice.

Logan furrowed his brow, considering her words before replying, "Well, I could probably think of a few reasons to stick around." His gaze lingered on Jean, the affection in his eyes unmistakable.

Scott and Rory then descended the stairs together, Scott's arm casually draped around Rory's waist. "Find what you were looking for, Logan?" Scott asked, his tone guarded, eyes steady on Logan.

"More or less," Logan replied with a shrug, trying to keep his voice neutral despite the underlying tension.

Jean offered a small smile as she prepared to leave, turning to Rory. "Make sure Logan doesn't cause any trouble while we're gone."

Rory chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I wouldn't dream of it," she responded, earning a scoff from Logan.

"Bye," Jean added, giving a quick wave to Logan before heading out.

"See ya," Logan responded, but his attention quickly shifted to Scott. "Aren't you going to welcome me home?"

Rory rolled her eyes playfully before stepping forward to hug Logan. "Well, if he won't, I will. Welcome home, Logan."

Logan smirked, appreciating the gesture. "So, I take it you two finally stopped dancing around your feelings," he noted, his sharp eyes catching the way Scott tensed up as Rory embraced him.

"I guess you could say that," Rory said lightly, though she could feel the tension between the two men. She pulled back from Logan, giving Scott a reassuring smile, hoping to ease the unspoken rivalry that still lingered between them.