Location: Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, early morning
Riven stood by the wide arched window of the upper hall, arms crossed, eyes distant. Outside, the mansion grounds stirred with quiet life—students jogging across the grass, laughter echoing faintly from a basketball court, the steady hum of a world he didn't belong to. Not yet.
The sunlight painted the yard gold, and the breeze fluttered the curtains beside him. He didn't blink. Just watched.
The scent of strong coffee crept in before the man did.
"Morning," Logan grunted as he stepped beside Riven, holding out one of the mugs.
Riven looked at him, then the mug. Took it in silence.
They stood side by side for a minute, sipping. Logan didn't push conversation. He rarely did.
"They all talk about you," Logan said finally, eyes also fixed on the kids. "Some scared. Some grateful. Some just curious."
Riven's grip tightened slightly on the mug. "I didn't do it for them to talk."
"I know," Logan muttered. "Still. You saved lives. Can't ignore that."
Footsteps echoed behind them.
Jean Grey appeared at the hall entrance, soft and composed, her presence calm as a breeze. "You're up early."
Riven gave a small nod.
She approached gently, her voice warm. "There's a guest room with a private bath, just down the hall. You should rest. Clean up."
He didn't answer.
"You've done enough for now," she added. "No one here expects anything more."
"I'm not one of you," Riven muttered. "I didn't come here to be comfortable."
Jean exchanged a glance with Logan, who gave her a quiet nod.
"That's okay," she said. "But you're here now. You're safe. Doesn't mean you have to sleep on your feet."
A long pause.
Then Riven finally sighed and nodded, slow and reluctant. "Fine. Just… a room. I won't stay long."
Jean smiled slightly. "It's yours as long as you need."
She gestured down the hall, and together, the three of them walked into the mansion's quiet corridors.