Tap tap tap.
Sean's footsteps echoed down the hallway at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. He headed toward Charles's office. Familiar sounds floated from the classrooms. Chalk scratched on blackboards. Discussions and laughter burst out now and then from the students.
Ring ring.
The final bell rang through the corridors. It signaled the end of classes. Doors swung open right away. Students poured into the hallways. Their voices mixed into a cheerful buzz that filled the air.
"Cassidy-sensei!"
Sean turned at the familiar call. Two young women came toward him from the left corridor. Their looks stood out even in the crowd of students.
The first girl had on a deep blue suit. It was cut for a man but fitted her slim frame. Black gloves hid her hands. A simple face mask covered her mouth and nose. Only her dark eyes showed above it. Her shoulder-length hair stayed neat despite the odd outfit.
"Coach." She gave a slight bow. Her voice came muffled through the mask but full of respect.
The second girl called out differently. "Sensei!" Her cheerful voice carried excitement as she walked up.
She wore a flowing dress with a soft floral pattern. White with yellow touches that hit her knees. A small opening at the lower back let her tail move free. It looked scaled like a serpent's but ended in a trident-like tip. The tail swayed gently as she moved. Her hair mixed grey and black in a braid down her upper back. Small horns like tiny branches poked from both sides of her forehead.
Sean's weathered face warmed with a smile. "Bora, Kanna. Good to see you both."
These two had come to the school about a year ago. Bora arrived from South Korea after some unfortunate thing happened and triggered her awakening. Kanna, different from Bora's situation, came from Japan with her family's support. But even then, she dealt with her own challenges.
"How are you both doing?" Sean asked. "I know I've been away for almost two months now."
Kanna's face lit up with her bubbly energy. "Oh, Sensei! We've missed you in training. Bora's been working hard on her English. And I've practiced those meditation techniques you taught us before you left."
She waved her hands as she talked. Her gestures stayed lively. "Guess what? Last week I controlled my tail during breathing exercises. You said focus comes from the whole body, not just the mind. I think I'm starting to get it."
Bora nodded in contrast to her friend's chatter. "Fine." Her quiet voice barely cut through the mask. "Training continues."
Sean chuckled at how they balanced each other. Their different ways had built a strong friendship. It helped them both fit in at the school.
"That's great to hear." Pride filled his voice as a teacher seeing growth. "Sorry I've been gone so long. The work out there." He paused to pick his words. "It's been a real eye-opener."
Sean checked his watch. Past four already. "Hate to cut this short. But I need to reach Professor Xavier's office. Important stuff to discuss."
"Of course, Sensei." Kanna sounded understanding. But disappointment showed in her eyes. "Will you stay now? Or head back to that mysterious assignment?"
Bora looked up with curious eyes. She stayed silent as always.
"For now, I'm back." Sean assured them. "We'll start training again next week. I want to hear all about your progress."
The girls nodded. They joined the flow of students toward dorms and common spots.
"Oh, and Bora." Sean called out. The masked girl turned back. "Your English has really improved. Keep it up."
Her eyes crinkled like a smile hid behind the mask. She bowed again and kept walking.
Sean watched them go for a moment. The school meant so much to kids like these. Young people needed a place where differences got celebrated, not hidden. It made him feel the warmth of purpose. Their growth reminded him why this work mattered. After months away, that feeling hit home stronger. He thought about his own family too. How Maeve and Theresa kept things going without him. The school built bonds that lasted. It turned strangers into something like family.
Tap tap.
Sean then continue walk down the corridor toward Charles's office. Other students and teachers waved or smiled when they saw him. His long absence hadn't changed that welcome. He felt missed and valued here.
The hallway quieted as he left the main areas. Afternoon sunlight streamed through tall windows as it cast patterns on the polished floor.
Knock knock.
Sean knocked the heavy oak door to Charles's office.
"Come in." The familiar voice called from inside.
Click.
Sean opened the door and saw the usual group already waiting. The core X-Men leaders and Storm had gathered for the meeting.
Warren sat by the window with his tailored suit like usual. Because he take off his blazer, the afternoon light caught his folded wings, making his pristine white feather gleams.
Hank took a chair near Charles's desk. His blue fur stood out against his white lab coat over casual clothes. Papers and tablets spread out before him. Signs of his ongoing work.
Moira sat across from Hank in her favorite purple dress that matched her auburn hair. She read some paper from paper from Hank's stacks on her.
Storm stood in the corner with steady poise. Her white hair was flowing on her back. Unlike her usual tactical set, she wore casual attire. Black top and jeans.
Charles sat behind his desk. His brown hair stayed neat like his suit.
"Sean!" Charles smiled genuinely. "Wonderful to have you back. Please, take a seat."
The others greeted him. Warren stood to shake his hand. Hank grinned warmly. Moira nodded in welcome. Storm showed a little smile.
"Good to see you all." Sean settled into the empty chair. "After almost two months of surveillance, it's nice to be back."
Warren chuckled. "I can imagine."
They shared some small talk for a bit. Light comments about recent school events and personal updates flowed easy. It warmed the room before Charles turned to the heart of the matter.
"Speaking of which." Charles's tone turned serious. "I'm keen to hear your detailed report. Storm's relayed your updates well. But some things come best in person."
Sean nodded and leaned back. He got ready to share what he'd learned.
"Well." His Irish accent came through stronger now. Mixed with familiar Irish phrasing since the crew knew it well. "First off, the boy's real. He's there. And he's as mysterious as we thought."
"But before we dive in." Sean's face grew thoughtful. "I should explain why it took near six weeks for my first real look at him."
The room went quiet. Everyone leaned in a bit. Intrigue showed on their faces.
Sean smiled at their interest. "Aye, you heard that right. Six weeks watchin'. And the lad stayed so hidden. Even with me enhanced hearin', trackin' him felt like chasin' a ghost."
Charles leaned forward in his wheelchair. Fingers pressed together. "Is that so? Then what info did you gather on our young friend?"
The group shifted. Eager for more than Storm's brief reports. Warren turned to face Sean better. Hank set his papers aside. Moira grabbed a notebook. Storm stepped closer from her spot.
Sean chuckled and shook his head. "Well, that's the thing, Charles. Me reports were detailed already. Wasn't holdin' back much."
He stretched his legs a little. Got more comfortable in the chair. "The lad's been tucked inside the Fang house for about six weeks. Like I reported. Never steps out. Keeps low. Follows their advice to stay hidden."
"But you must have more than just his spot." Warren cut in. His mind clearly wanted full details.
Sean laughed with a mix of fun and frustration. "Aye, here's the odd bit. First time in me career I've watched someone two months and seen so little of 'em direct."
Storm nodded from her corner. "Your reports said he keeps an extremely low profile."
"Aye, that's puttin' it mild." Sean went on. Slow and clear. "The boy, Arvin they call him. He moves like he's trained to dodge notice. Even me hearin' could barely catch his steps. Silent as a cat, that one."
Hank fixed his glasses. Curiosity sparked in his eyes. "How did you keep watch if he was so hard to track?"
"His heartbeat." Sean said it simple. "Stronger and faster than the family's. That's how I knew he was there. And where in the house. But seein' him?" He shook his head. "Took weeks."
"And when you finally did?" Charles asked gently.
Sean's face lit up a bit. "Ah, that was interestin'. Last week, got a proper look. Wore a simple disguise. Nothin' heavy. Short hair, glasses. Looked like any average Asian teen on the street."
He gestured to show height. "Not tall by our standards. About ten centimeters shorter than Fang Chou. Puts him average for his age and background."
"So nothing stands out about him?" Moira asked. She jotted notes in her book.
"Nothin' that'd make him pop in a crowd." Sean confirmed. "Which is likely what he wants. Smart lad, if you ask me."
Warren leaned in. "Your reports mentioned English lessons. How's that going?"
Sean nodded with approval. "Aye, one of the impressive bits. Started a month ago. Knew nothin' of the language. But in weeks, he's holdin' basic talks."
"That's fast progress." Hank noted. "Most take months for that."
"Exactly what I thought." Sean agreed. "Amazin' part is, had formal lessons only twice. One three weeks or a month back. Another was two weeks after his first lesson. A week before I saw him. Mostly self-study afternoons. Plus quick hour sessions with the whole family after dinner."
Moira looked up from her notes. "Hmm, he is either sharp smarts or had past language skills."
Sean nodded. "Indeed. From what I've gathered, he speaks three tongues. His country's language. Then Chinese. And a local one from home. The lad's got a good ear. Aren't afraid of mistakes. Helps the learning smoothly."
"What about his cooking?" Charles asked. "You said he makes meals for them."
"Oh, now that's somethin'." Sean's face grew lively. "Lad's got real kitchen skills. Not basic stuff. Complex dishes, I've heard. Takes hours to do right."
He moved his hand like stirring. "Indonesian and Chinese ones. Never seen em's direct but, family's reactions say he's truly good."
Sean turned to Storm. "Speakin' of puzzles. Any signs from the other side takin' interest?"
Storm met his eyes. She got the meaning right away. "That's one of the odd parts. I've watched for Brotherhood moves. Absolutely nothing."
The room hushed. Glances passed between them.
"Nothing at all?" Charles's voice held surprise.
"Not a sign." Storm confirmed. Her words came deliberate with a trace of her blended accent. "Makes it strange. With their sources, they'd notice something big like Arvin's arrival."
Warren frowned. His wings shifted a touch. "What do you mean? They don't know he exists?"
"That's what I'm thinking." Storm replied. "They've got future-seers. But no moves. No checks. No interest. Clay's still on perimeter to watch and will alert me when there's change, but nothing."
Hank pinched his chin. "Maybe they don't see him as something big?"
Storm shook her head. "No. If they caught what Professor Charles did with Cerebro, they'd care. No interest suggests something else."
"Like what?" Moira asked.
Charles who had stayed silent all the time had his eyes widened as it hit him. "Unless they can't see him at all."
Warren looked between them. "Can't see him how?"
Charles faced the group. "I've wondered since the first read. Found him with Cerebro. But abrupt and unexpected. Even with my enhanced state while using it, his thoughts stay unclear for me to read."
"And if Charles can't read him clear." Hank started. He followed the thread.
"Then precog powers might miss him too." Moira join in.
The idea hung heavy in the room. If Arvin could hid from psychic senses, even future ones, it explained Charles's trouble and the Brotherhood's silence. That surprised them all. Sean felt a mix of awe and caution. The lad's mystery deepened. It made him feel the weight of their watch. Direct and real. (What kind of shield is that?) he wondered. Natural or trained? It warmed him to think of helping someone so unique. But it also stirred worry. If others learned about that, trouble could follow.
"If he really shielded naturaly against psychics power, that adds a real layer of mysteries." Warren said.
"We need care in approaching him." Charles wrapped up. "Watching him gets even more important now."
Sean nodded along. "Brings me to the end of me report. But not all I have."
He looked at Warren with a small smile. "Ken, check that Fang neighborhood. Feelin' those agents we're watchin' are about to move."
Warren raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you sound confident."
"Well." Sean's smile grew. He spoke slow. "Spend two months hearin' a three-block radius. You'll of course hear what they said. And theirs says SHIELD's gettin' impatient with coffee shop sits."
Storm stepped up. "Any behavior changes?"
"Aye, subtle. Same routine weeks on. But heard 'em talk other ways. Guess they'll close in on the family soon."
Charles nodded slow. "Our timing's good then. If they escalate, we prepare to respond."
"The question is..." Moira jumped in. "Should we intervene before they make contact? Or keep wait and see?"
"For now, the second choice was much more logical." Charles decided. "But ready to act if things go south."
Sean stretched and stood. "Alright then, that covers it from me. Don't have anything else to report"
"Thanks, Sean." Charles said warm. "Your patience gave us more intel to make decision for what to do next."
"Happy to." Sean replied. "Good to be home though. Maeve's handled Theresa's voice practice alone. Apparently our girl's got something for me to see."
The group chuckled. Tension eased with the homey note.
"Well then." Charles wrapped up. "Stay vigilant all. If SHIELD pushes on the Fangs, we need plans for any turn."
The meeting wound down. Each gathered their things. Afternoon sun shifted as longer shadows crossed the floor.
Sean headed for the door. He looked forward to family time and normal duties. But his mind stayed on Manhattan. After two months watching, the quiet felt ready to break. Pieces shifted. He felt the subtle pull of change. Warm excitement mixed with caution. (Truth comes out in time.) That thought steadied him. The work here built on patience. Just like with his students and his family back home.
---
Back in New York, Clint shifted in his seat at the coffee shop. Another day staring at the Fang house brought nothing new. Natasha sat across from him. Her sandwich sat finished. Today felt different. They'd arrived later than usual. The place buzzed with a midday crowd. Coffee steam mixed with chatter. It made the air feel alive but tense.
"Alright, this is it." Clint kept his voice low as he sipped his lukewarm coffee. The bitter taste lingered on his tongue.
Natasha looked at him steady. "We moving?"
Clint checked his watch and nodded. Time ticked on. "Yeah, we got eyes on the boy last week. Now he always tags along to the store with the Fangs. Fury wants an update tonight, so we might need to get creative."
Natasha's eyes stayed on the house across the street. Sunlight bounced off the windows. "Careful creative, or Budapest creative?"
Clint winced at the word. Memories of that mess flashed quick. "Careful. Definitely careful."
She nodded once. Her face stayed blank, but he caught the subtle relief in her eyes. That surprised him a little. Natasha rarely showed cracks. But since Budapest, small moments like this slipped through. It warmed him to see her trust building. Slow but real.
Clint leaned back. The chair creaked under him. He thought about home. Laura and Lila. How he'd missed simple things like helping with the crib or hearing his daughter's laugh. This mission dragged on. Easy but boring. No shots fired. No real danger. Yet it pulled him from what mattered. (When did family start weighing like this?) The ache hit gentle. He pushed it down and focused on the job.
"You okay with getting closer?" He kept it casual to draw her out.
Natasha picked at her napkin for a second before meeting his eyes. "Have to be. Sitting here's inefficient." Her voice stayed even, with that faint accent slipping in like when she got thoughtful.
He smiled a bit. "There's that word again. Inefficient." It lightened the mood. Reminded him of her habits. How she optimized everything, even food.
She almost smirked back. "Works for me." Her green eyes met his. Guarded but open. More than before.
Clint drummed his fingers on the table. "We've watched long enough. Patterns are clear, family's routine is solid. But we need more. Maybe pose as customers at the store, get a read up close."
Natasha tilted her head and considered it for a moment. "Risky, but better than nothing." She scanned the street outside, always alert. "Fury said observe only, no engage."
"Yeah, but observing from afar has its limits." Clint agreed. "We push a little, see what we got"
She nodded slow. "Your call." Trust showed in her tone. It made him feel responsible, like a mentor or friend.
He thought back to bringing her in. That mess in Budapest. She'd been a weapon then. Now she felt more human. Small steps. The idea warmed him and made the job feel worthwhile.
"Let's plan it." He lowered his voice more. "Tomorrow, let's hit the store when it's quiet."
Natasha folded her napkin neat. "Agreed."
A pause hung between them before she added softly. "You miss home?"
The question caught him. Direct but soft. He felt surprise mix with warmth. "Yeah, Laura's probably chasing Lila around right now. She's trying to walk now." Sharing felt natural and help build their bond.
She looked away toward the window. "Family... huh. It's must been nice."
Clint nodded as he saw her glassed look. "It is." He didn't push and let it be.
The coffee shop noise wrapped around them. They sat there a bit longer. Watching. Waiting. And weirdly enough, it bring a sense of calmness for them.
Sean would have smiled if he'd heard their talk. But he was already back at the school last week.
The quiet watch had shifted. But Arvin, who was the center of the storm, didn't know any of this happened until later in the future.
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Hey guys!
I'm sorry for the late update on this chapter.
I'll be upfront, remember what I said about my relative last week?
The situation was not good.
We thought she'll be fine after few days but she got complication as she suddenly can't breath and we've to give her oxygen to help her breathe. So she cant leave the hospital yet.
And then now, after we know that she got some condition that will make the rest of her live spent eating half plate worth of medicine each day, it really hit us hard.
I'll be honest for all of you. I love writing this story, but right now, I don't know if I could write it weekly like before.
I already missed the schedule that I've set myself for several weeks.
Coupled with the current situation, especially the bill.
I think I might need to think about how should I do justice for this story, moving forward.
So, if the situation stay the same or turn for worse, I might have to put the writing on hiatus.
As much as I love to write, there's something in real life that need to be cared first.
Sorry for the ramble but, really, I think, I just need to vent some of the frustration out.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say.
As always, thanks for sticking with me on this journey.
I hope you guys could take care of your health and stay healthy.