Chapter 44 – Breakfast Briefing
The dining room buzzed with clatter and chatter. Plates piled high, coffee mugs steaming, forks scraping. The new team was slowly learning how to eat together without starting a fight… but only just.
Kurt leaned back in his chair, tail coiled around a roll, teeth flashing as he bit into it. "Mein Gott, this cook is trying to fatten us for slaughter. I will not complain."
Banshee sipped his tea with a sigh. "Aye, but someone still has to clean all the bloody dishes."
Colossus sat upright, napkin folded neatly. "I do not mind dishes. At home I was responsible for family meals."
"Then by all means, big man, you can take my turn," Sean muttered.
Across the table, Sunfire ate with stiff precision, ignoring everyone else. Thunderbird shoved food into his mouth like it was a challenge, glaring at anyone who glanced his way. Storm's movements were graceful, slow, deliberate.
Logan sat at the end, beer in hand even this early, chewing like he was in a bar fight with his steak.
Charles cleared his throat. The room stilled.
"There is something I must tell you all," Xavier said, voice calm, measured. "I've hired a new housekeeper."
Forks froze halfway to mouths.
Nightcrawler tilted his head. "A housekeeper? You mean… someone to wash our socks?"
Logan grunted. "Guess the professor's tired of pickin' up after us brats."
Sunfire scoffed. "A warrior does not need a maid."
"Speak for yourself," Banshee said quickly. "If it means I'm no' scrubbin' pots, I'll gladly welcome her."
Scott frowned, visor glinting red in the morning light. "Is that wise, Professor? Bringing someone into the mansion… our identities aren't exactly public information."
Storm added gently, "He is right. Even the kindest stranger may bring danger without meaning to."
Charles only smiled. "She is very reliable. I assure you, there is no risk."
Logan raised an eyebrow. "Reliable, huh? Don't tell me you're sneakin' a girlfriend into the house, Chuck."
Thunderbird barked a laugh through a mouthful of eggs. Banshee nearly choked on his tea.
Xavier ignored the jabs with perfect patience. "You will meet her shortly. And as for why—" His eyes softened. "Even a teacher needs a vacation. I've earned one, and now… it is time for mine."
That statement dropped like a stone into the room.
Kurt blinked. "A vacation? You mean… you are leaving us?"
"Only for a time," Charles reassured. "I trust all of you to continue your training, and Scott to oversee operations in my absence."
Scott straightened, shoulders squaring. The weight of the visor seemed heavier all at once.
Before anyone could press further, the sharp ring of the doorbell cut through the air.
Everyone glanced at one another.
Banshee stood up, brushing crumbs from his shirt. "I'll get it, lads. Best make sure this so-called reliable stranger exists."
He left the room, footsteps fading down the hall. The others leaned in, murmuring.
Logan smirked, muttering around his cigar stub. "This oughta be good."