Second Wind

Posted on Tue May 13th, 2025 @ 10:04pm by Bobby Drake & Hayden Davis

7,632 words; about a 38 minute read

Mission: Episode 6: X-Fernus Agenda
Location: New York
Timeline: December 20th, 1990

The ice-blue Toyota MR2 zipped up Graymalkin Lane with a snarling roar that didn't quite match the elegance of the estate it approached. Its tires crunched over the thin frost which coated the long driveway, getting a little bit of help from the driver to maintain traction on an otherwise slick surface.

Bobby's fingers drummed a chaotic rhythm on the steering wheel as he pulled up to the X-Mansion, the spoiler at the back catching the setting sun like a wink. The headlights clicked off with a mechanical blink, folding back into the hood like dreary bedroom eyes. Every little detail about the car—the spoiler, the racing stripes, the too-loud muffler—felt like it belonged on a magazine cover. It wasn't his, of course. This was the sportiest looking model in the rental company's fleet, so Bobby took it without a second thought.

He exhaled slowly, staring up at the grand façade of the mansion. Still too early. Way too early. Bobby had driven like a man possessed—half to get here fast, half because his nerves demanded speed. Now he was parked, palms sweaty, sitting maybe half an hour ahead of schedule, heart doing backflips in his chest. He had already gone through at least three mini freak-outs on the drive over, questioning everything from his outfit to his plans to whether this was even a good idea.

But every time the panic crept in, something cut through it—her smile.

Hayden's grin had this way of curling up at the corners, mischievous but never mean. She didn't poke at his nerves. She didn't provoke his insecurities. She saw him—awkwardness, jokes, flaws, warts and all—and never flinched. That meant something. No, that meant everything.

Bobby closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the seat, letting out a breathless laugh. This date is gonna be great. He felt that down in the marrow, like the warming rush that came whenever he reverted back to normal out of his ice form.

With the bouquet of candy canes from the passenger seat—because flowers were expected, but peppermint was more fun—Bobby stepped out into the cold December air, heart thudding, eyes on the mansion doors. It was time to see her.

Hayden stood in front of the mirror, brushing through her hair one last time, letting it cascade over her shoulders. A soft hum escaped her lips as she took a deep breath, trying to steady the excitement bubbling in her chest. Tonight felt different. Special.

She’d spent way too much time debating what to wear, torn between wanting to look effortlessly pretty and not like she’d tried too hard. In the end, she settled on something cozy yet stylish; a cream-colored sweater, paired with dark colored jeans and knee-high boots. She added a soft, light blue scarf and a matching coat.

As she fastened a delicate silver necklace with a small seashell pendant her mom had given her, she caught her reflection and smiled. She looked…happy. Like she belonged in this moment.

A knock on the door made her jump slightly. "You almost ready?" came the voice of one of the other girls. "Because he's here."

"Oh geez, give me minute, will ya?" Hayden glanced at the clock. He was a little early, but that was okay. Bobby was probably just as excited as she was. With a final check in the mirror, she smoothed her sweater, ran her fingers through her hair, and took one last deep breath before heading downstairs.

Tonight wasn’t just about Christmas lights, it was about letting herself enjoy something real. And she couldn’t wait. Once downstairs, she opened the heavy oak doors and went out to the porch, scanning the area for Bobby.

Bobby was halfway up the stone steps when the mansion doors opened and Hayden stepped out onto the porch. For a moment, the world seemed to go silent—not from awe exactly, but from that rare kind of stillness that happens when everything aligns just right. She looked especially beautiful, bundled in her warm winter layers, her light scarf framing her face, the shell pendant catching the light just so. There wasn't anything extravagant about it—and that's what hit him hardest. She looked glamorous and like the girl next door all at once.

He stopped dead in his tracks, standing there like a dope with a candy cane bouquet in one hand and a half-open smile on his face. A flush crept into his cheeks—not from the cold since he was immune to it, but rather because he realized he’d been staring like she’d stepped out of a dream.

"Wow," he said before he could stop himself. Then, catching himself, Bobby shook it off with a chuckle and picked up his pace again. "Sorry. You just, uh, you look great. Like, really great."

Hayden dipped her head slightly and blushed. "Thanks, Bobby. You’re not looking too bad yourself,” she said, lifting her gaze with a warm smile.

He held out the sugary, little bouquet with a sheepish grin. "Didn't bring flowers... figured candy canes were more fun. And delicious. And thematic. Plus, I'm all about breaking traditions."

"Oh I have no problems breaking traditions," Hayden answered. "This candy cane bouquet? Totally brilliant. Points for creativity.” She accepted the bouquet with a grin, already considering sneaking a piece on the drive into the City.

His eyes twinkled as he nodded toward the MR2 idling nearby with the eye-like headlights casting their shine across the picturesque winter courtyard.

"You ready to go, Frosty?" he asked, trying to sound smooth but the slight wobble in his voice betrayed just how fast his heart was beating.

She eyed the sleek sports car as they approached, her fingers slipping into his. “Now that is some nice wheels,” she murmured, glancing up at him. “Matches your eyes.” Then, with a soft giggle, she added, “Well, technically, both of ours.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “Anyway, um, yeah, I’m ready to go, Slippy.”

Bobby chuckled as their back-and-forth nicknames lightened the air even further. "Slippy and Frosty," he repeated with a grin, opening the passenger door for her like a proper gentleman. "Sounds like a Saturday morning cartoon no one asked for but everyone ends up loving."

With her safely inside, he jogged around to his side and slid in, closing the door behind him. He backed the car down the long driveway with practiced ease, headlights sweeping over the great lawn and snowy hedges. The mansion grew smaller behind them, a cozy glow fading into the dark. A few snowflakes drifted lazily in the beam of their lights, catching the shine like little glitter bombs.

Then, without looking, Bobby reached toward the center console. "So," he said, that playful, sideways smirk creeping in again. "You want to find us something good on the radio? This guy has one of those compact disc players but I forgot to buy a disc to play in it. Wanna find a good station?" He wiggled his eyebrows as he tapped the plastic dial with mock ceremony. "DJ Frosty, your turntable awaits."

Hayden laughed, settling into her seat with an amused shake of her head. “Slippy and Frosty, unstoppable duo known as IceWater,” she mused. “Coming soon to a Saturday morning lineup near you.”

When Bobby made his grand gesture toward the radio, she smirked at his theatrics. “Well, well, well. DJ Frosty, huh?” She reached for the dial, wiggling it dramatically like she was tuning into the most important station of their lives. “Let’s see what’s out there.”

As Hayden turned the knob on the radio, a wave of static crackled through the speakers, shifting in tone and intensity. You could hear snippets of voices and melodies as she searched for a song, any song really. There was everything from holiday tunes to Fleetwood Mac to Belinda Carlisle on the far end of the dial. Then she found one, Take it Easy by the Eagles had just started.

"Now there's a perfect road trip song to start off our drive to the City," said Hayden. "DJ Frosty spins another success." She paused and turned to face Bobby. "This sound good to you?"

Bobby grinned wide, nodding with mock solemnity as the opening chords of Take It Easy poured out of the speakers.

"Oh, hell yes," he said. "Certified classic. DJ Frosty bringin' the fire!" He gave her a playful finger-guns gesture and then immediately began tapping out the beat on the steering wheel, his fingers in sync with the drums. When the vocals kicked in, he leaned into it with dramatic flair

"Well, I'm a-runnin' down the road tryin' to loosen my load..."

He threw a quick glance Hayden’s way, his grin daring her to join in. "Come on, don't leave me hanging. This car demands a duet!"

Without missing a beat, Hayden joined in, her voice light but steady. Rather than try to catch up, she picked up where the song was, "Four that wanna own me, two that wanna stone me..."

She grinned and pointed to Bobby to finish that verse, with the intent to join him on the second. If she was going to butcher this song, she may as well do it with someone who would have as much fun with it as her.

They sang the rest of the song in a shared whirlwind of half-remembered lyrics and off-key harmonies, laughing through every beat. By the time the song ended and the next crackled into rotation, they’d both officially embraced the glorious chaos of their roadside concert, windows fogged from the warmth inside the car and the shared breath of laughter.

As Salem Center faded behind them, Bobby leaned back in his seat, one arm relaxed over the wheel, the other adjusting the heat just slightly. With a subtle flick of his fingers, the icy conditions on the road ahead melted away in neat strips. While most drivers slowed to a crawl on slick pavement, Bobby kept a smooth cruise going—nothing reckless, but fast enough to make up time, the MR2 cutting through the winter like it was July. It was the kind of flex only someone like him could pull off, and he didn’t mind showing off just a little.

Pine-lined roadways gave way to wide highways and then—at last—to the glittering skyline of Manhattan rising in the distance. By the time they crested the bridge into the city proper, night had fully fallen and the city responded with full fanfare. Neon signs shimmered across glass, red and green lights blinked like Christmas had decided to take over the entire skyline, and headlights filled the streets like glowing veins of life through concrete.

"Not bad, right?" Bobby said as they pulled into the underground garage of the Baxter Building. He parked the MR2 in a spot marked X-Factor Reserved, then popped the door open and stepped out, immediately circling around to open hers like the total dork he was proud to be. "We can walk or take a cab from here." Flashing her that crooked grin, he asked, "Want to find something to eat? Or you feel like exploring the city a bit?"

As Hayden reached for the door handle, she noticed Bobby running around the car to open it for her. A smile spread across her face, followed by a soft giggle as she stepped out, her breath showing in puffs of white. "Let's walk," she said, adjusting her scarf. "It'll be a little easier to take in the sights and store window decorations than it would be from the backseat of a cab. But let's find a little something new to eat first. Then we can explore and see all the pretties." Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she was already imagining what was waiting for them amidst the twinkling lights and festive displays.

Bobby slipped his hands into the pockets of his jacket, glancing sideways as Hayden joined him on the sidewalk. The wind was brisk, but not biting—not for him, anyway. Still, he leaned a little closer as they started walking, matching her pace as the glowing towers of Manhattan stretched up into the sky like steel Christmas trees.

"Not a bad night for it," he said, grinning at her enthusiasm. "We lucked out with the weather. If it had started snowing, I swear I would've taken full credit."

They passed Bryant Park, where the Winter Village shimmered with fairy lights and pop-up booths selling everything from hot cider to artisanal scarves. Bobby pointed it out excitedly.

"Check it out. Tiny little shops, way too expensive handmade candles, like three hundred kinds of hot chocolate... and that tree up there?" He pointed toward the lit-up canopy over the skating rink. "That's my favorite."

Bobby grinned at Hayden who turned wide-eyed and soaking it all in.

"I used to love this stuff even as a kid," Bobby went on, a little softer now. "Christmas was the best. Full stop. No bullies, no weirdness, just... lights and music and dessert for days." He laughed, a little embarrassed. "After I came to the mansion, I didn't know where I fit in. No family around. But then Jean gave me this stupid little reindeer plush with a candy cane stuck in its nose, and Scott pretended to hate caroling but still made cocoa for everyone. Something just clicked that first Christmas. It's when the mansion first felt like home."

He glanced over, trying to read Hayden’s reaction, then quickly added, "Sorry, I don't mean to get all sappy, just... nostalgia, I guess. Christmas gets me in the chest."

The city lights reflected in Hayden's wide eyes, making them sparkle in a way that matched the decorations surrounding them. "Don't apologize," she said, bumping her shoulder against his. She looked back at the Winter Village, taking in the scene with appreciation.

"I get it though, Christmas has that magic. My mom likes the old black and white Christmas movies, so we watched those a lot. Hot chocolate stirred with candy canes and a plate of sugar cookies were the go-to snacks." She paused for a moment, her gaze still lingering on the glowing lights around them. "It always felt like the world slowed down for just a bit, like everything was right for a moment."

She glanced back at Bobby with a soft smile. "The mansion Christmas sounds awesome, though. Finding home in unexpected places with unexpected people, that’s what the holiday spirit is all about, isn't it?"

Turning toward the skating rink, her eyes brightened at the sight of the canopy overhead. "Dang, I can see why. How many lights do you think are on that thing?"

"Oh, a billion I bet," Bobby quipped without missing a beat. "Probably two billion. Might need Connor and Hank out here to make sure, though." His voice dropped an octave as he turned his speech clipped to imitate Beast. "Robert, everything must be quantified with absolute value and in significant numbers." He chuckled as he dropped the impression. "Come on," he waved her toward the skating rink. "Let's take a lap or two."

A few passes of his hand over their feet embedded literal ice skates on their soles of their feet. "At least these should be good for a lap or two," he added with more confidence than was warranted.

Hayden's eyes sparkled with amusement at Bobby's spot-on impression of Beast. She laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. "​Nailed it, Bobby. Though, I think you might need to work on the vocabulary a bit more to truly capture Doctor McCoy's essence. But two billion? You know you'd just be baiting him into a math-off, right?"​

Hayden followed Bobby over to the rink and watched as he fashioned ice skates onto their feet with a few deft passes of his hand. "​Impressive handiwork. A lap or two sounds like fun. Until I crack one and fall flat on my butt." She laughed and looked at Bobby, a smirk sliding across her lips. "You'd help me up, wouldn't you? Or are you worried I'd pull you down with me?" ​

"Me? Slip on the ice? Ha!" Bobby was no stranger to bragging, though he'd managed to keep it on an even keel with Hayden so far. "I'd never let you fall on your flat butt. No, wait, your butt isn't flat. Not that I'm staring. I'd just catch you before you fell." He sighed in relief that he'd finally gotten it right. "Yeah, that. Just... fast forward over the first bit when you remember this conversation later on."

Hayden laughed. "Ohhh, I don't think I'm ever going to not remember that. Besides, it matters more what I think and I happen to like it just fine." She turned, popped her hips to the right, and looked over her shoulder at Bobby. "Whaddya think, Slippy?" Then she giggled, unable to hold it in at all. "C'mon, let's hit the rink."

Bobby took her teasing with an exaggerated wince, but the grin tugging at his lips never faltered. “Alright, alright, Frosty, I walked into that one,” he said, skating backward a little to give her a playful once-over. “But for the record, I stand by everything I said."

As they stepped onto the ice together, the skates held surprisingly well. Hayden wobbled once, then found her rhythm, sliding along beside him with cautious, measured steps.

Bobby reached out and clasped her hand gently. Not because she was slipping, but just because he wanted to.

"Hey," he said as they glided side by side beneath the canopy of lights. "You're doing really good." His tone was genuine, not a hint o mockery or showmanship in it. "Like, actually impressive. Not a bit of the wobbly Bambi thing." He leaned in just slightly, giving her a conspiratorial look. “Secret mutant skating powers? Is that your thing?”

The city buzzed beyond the rink, but for a moment it felt like there were just the two of them, hand in hand, under two billion lights and a sky full of possibility.

"Nah, at least not that I'm aware of," she said quietly. This was fun, holding hands and skating with Bobby. It seemed like she was getting to know the guy behind the reputation a little bit more. And he was nice. And dare she think, cute. A soft rosy color flushed her cheeks briefly before disappearing.

"They're pretty aren't they? The lights twinkling on the rink, I mean." It was almost like some weird attempt to try to distract Bobby from her blushing cheeks.

Bobby caught the soft pink flush that bloomed across Hayden’s cheeks, and something about it made his heart squeeze in the best way. For once, he didn't trip over his own thoughts. He didn't fumble the moment.

Instead, with a grin that crept slow and confident, he leaned in a little closer and said, "They are pretty, yeah… but I think I like the way they sparkle in your eyes better."

Then he immediately burst out laughing. "Okay, okay, that was way too smooth. I swear I'm usually a certified dork. Like, full-on Saturday morning cartoon level dork, so don't get used to that."

Hayden blinked, caught between a laugh and a gasp. She looked at him, like she couldn’t quite believe the words had actually come out of his mouth. Then she laughed right after him, the sound bright and unguarded. She even snorted a little, which only made her laugh harder.

"Dang, Bobby, where'd that one come from? I didn't expect to meet Don Juan in the City tonight." She shook her head, still smiling as the laughter settled. "Yeah, I don't know if I could get used to that. Bring on the Saturday morning cartoon level dork."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, a twinkle in his own eyes now. "But I'm serious... your face, your smile, it kinda outshines everything else in the park right now."

She felt the squeeze of his hand and returned it without hesitation. "Aw, thanks Bobby. That's sweet of you to say."

"I surprise myself sometimes," he said. "Not always pleasantly but I'm a work in progress." As they skated along, Bobby looked up at the skyline and was overtaken by an intrusive thought. "Is there anything just crazy that you've always wanted to do but never did?"

"Oh gosh, I mean, yeah, there is," she said. "I wouldn't say it's something that I've always wanted to do, but something I've thought about since coming to the school." She spoke a little quieter. "I want to sneak into Cerebro and try to feel the ocean's presence around the world. Like I can sense water near me." She paused briefly to let the weight of that sink in.

“I know it isn’t made for someone like me. It’s psychic, designed for minds, not elements. But part of me wonders…what if I could amplify that connection? What if I could feel the tide patterns brushing against distant shores? The coral reefs in Fiji, the Arctic currents, the quiet stillness beneath Mariana…all of it, whispering back to me. But I would be in so much trouble."

"That's kinda' hot," Bobby said without thinking. "I mean, that sounds like a lot... a lot of great fun." He blushed at his dumb statement. And not only because it made him sound juvenile, but because he knew exactly what she meant. His command of ice went beyond temperature control. It was like he could feel the ebb and flow of ambient energies all around him and all he had to do was summon them in order to generate solid ice constructs. To amplify that sense into a greater awareness that was beyond himself and stretched beyond the horizon... it struck a chord inside Bobby that could only be described as desire, as if connecting to the poetic soul that proposed such a thing would bring him one step closer toward accessing it himself.

"Um, so I really shouldn't be telling anyone this..." Bobby looked around and made sure nobody was sidling them before he spilled the tea. "We have a junior Cerebro in the works at the Baxter Building. It's not quite finished yet but Jean's been testing it for weeks. I'm not sure how it's different except that it's less powerful but more versatile? Maybe when it's ready, we could talk to Hank and see if... you know."

It was something he was absolutely sworn to secrecy over, but Hayden's secret dream and his own stupid knee-jerk reaction were both so rich that Bobby couldn't help bringing her in on it. "Just don't tell anybody else or it's my ass."

Hayden smiled at Bobby's immediate reaction. "Don't worry about it," she said. "Your secret is safe with me. And, well, Jean's secret, too." That sounded pretty awesome. Both that Jean and Hank were building a Cerebro Junior and that Bobby shared it with her. "It would be really nice if it worked, but just to be able to ask, to be able to test it with non-psychic powers...I'd love it. But if not, it's still really cool that they're doing something like that for Jean. You think it'll help X-Factor the same way it does the Professor?"

Bobby chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Yeah, that's the idea," he said. "If Jean can track mutant signatures without it frying her brain, and if it’s more mobile? X-Factor could be way more proactive instead of always playing defense."

He lifted a hand in a casual warning. "That said, that Reed Richards guy? Three steps away from mad scientist territory. Brilliant, obviously. But you do not step into any scanning pods unless Hank's there and gives the okay. Trust me."

His nose wrinkled with the memory of being on the wrong end of it as he laughed, then tilted his head back to gaze up at the towering silhouette of the Empire State Building against the sky.

"You ever been to the top?" he asked, the mood shifting subtly into something more wistful. Bobby's lips curled up in that mischievous, boyish way of his. "I've always wanted to go up there... and jump off.” He held up a hand to halt her reaction, already grinning. "Now just imagine it. Ice slide straight off the top, swerving around skyscrapers, and shooting into Central Park like a luge ride straight outta the sky. It'd be the ultimate rush."

Hayden made some mental notes as Bobby spoke, especially about getting into pods. "Nope, never been to the top. We never did much vacationing or sightseeing in the City. You know, growing up in Buffalo." She paused, thinking about the 1,200 plus foot luge ride he had just described. "Yeah, it'd be an ultimate rush alright. I don't think I'd be able to stand up once we got on the ground. I'd have to just roll over and lay on my back in the middle of Central Park and hope some dog didn't come along to pee on me."

After Bobby chuckled at her vivid imagery, he summoned the boldness to ask what was in his heart. His grin widened as he turned to face her, the mischievous glint in his eyes catching the city lights. "So... you wanna jump off?" he asked, with a lift of his brows and that classic, cocky tilt of his head. "I figure it'll be the best or worst decision we ever make. Everything else would be easy after that."

Hayden thought for a moment. That was really high up there. Really high. "Well, I can't promise there won't be bruises around your stomach where I hold on for dear life. Let's just hope it ranks up there with the best decisions."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Bobby grabbed Hayden by the hand and ditched the ice skating rink, leading her in a rushed slide from the park to the Empire Stand Building, dodging cars and pedestrians alike until they were in sight of the famous landmark.

Inside the lobby was a row of elevators. Not wanting to slow down, Bobby pulled Hayden into the nearest open one. The elevator hummed as it ascended, the numbers ticking upward in glowing amber. Hayden stood shoulder to shoulder with Bobby, both of them bouncing on their heels with nervous energy and giggling in excitement as they realized what they were about to do. Somehow the magic of it all made sneaking up to the top of the Empire State Building feel more like an adventure than a crime.

Bobby glanced over at her, cheeks flushed from the hurry and excitement. "You scared?" he asked with a grin that was half tease, half challenge.

"Uhh, yeah. I'm terrified," she said. "But I know you won't let me die tonight. And then there's guards and the Professor. Oh gosh Bobby, I'm going to get so many demerits and be restricted to the mansion and it's grounds..." She trailed off then grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Talking to Doctor McCoy and Miss Grey is going to feel like summer camp after this."

Bobby laughed at her nervous spiral, clearly enjoying every bit of it. "Demerits aren’t so bad," he shrugged, squeezing her hand in return. "I still got half a dozen from last year and look at me now. Leading a girl off a skyscraper. Living the dream."

The elevator dinged, the doors sliding open to reveal the observation deck. Cold air rushed in like a dare. The lights of the city stretched out below them in a glittering ocean of gold and blue, and for a moment, even Bobby paused in awestruck hesitation.

Then he grinned. "Okay," he said, already climbing up onto the ledge and extending a hand toward her again. "No chickening out, Frosty."

"No chickening out," she said, reaching for his offered hand. "Just...just don't live up to your nickname right here on the ledge, huh? Let's do this on purpose instead of accident." She laughed nervously, going back to humor to try and calm her nerves.

Taking her hand, Bobby counted down, his voice suddenly full of joy and wild excitement. "Three... two... one—go!"

And they hopped over the railing, sailing out over the protective ledge into a free fall toward the street far below. The wind tore their laughter into ribbons as they fell, screaming with exhilaration. They clung together with all their might, arms locked around each other's waists, while Hayden's hair flew back like a comet's tail behind her.

Somewhere in the midst of their screaming descent, Bobby whipped a Fujifilm disposable camera out of his jacket. "Say cheese!" he yelled over the roar of rushing wind in their ears.

"A camera!" she yelled, almost in his ear. "Bobbyyyy, you weirdo!" Her screaming was mixed with laughter as they continued their freefall. But yeah, she supposed he needed to have some kind of proof that they'd done it. Her grip tightened as the ground grew closer. "Any day now, Iceman!"

Bobby's laughter was barely audible over the howl of wind in their ears as he finally twisted in the air, planting his feet beneath him. Ice exploded from beneath his soles in a gleaming arc, forming a slick, translucent chute that snapped into place just in time to catch their momentum. Hayden yelped as they whipped forward, their plummet turning into a stomach-lurching dive.

“Hang on!” Bobby shouted through his giddy grin, steering them like a sled pilot with no brakes.

They raced between rooftops, wind slapping their faces, the Manhattan skyline flying past in a blur of steel and neon. Bobby weaved around spires and antennas with pinpoint precision, his laughter infectious and uncontrollable. “Oh man, this is better than I ever imagined!”

Hayden nodded, it was fantastic. And the closest she'd ever been to flying. Skimming by the tops of buildings with the wind whipping around her was exhilarating. She laughed as loud as she ever had. "Definitely worth the demerits! Just don't tell anyone I said that!"

As they approached Central Park, the ice trail wavered, their descent still too fast. Bobby's brow furrowed in sudden focus. "Okay, okay, okay! Time for Plan B!"

He jutted his hand forward, conjuring a fresh length of ice that zipped across an open pond like a silver tongue. The path curved up sharply, almost too sharply, and they launched upward over a footbridge as startled onlookers below gasped and pointed.

Hayden screamed at all of the turning. Plan B, yeah, okay. "What the heck Bobby?!" She yelled in his ear. "I knew you wouldn't let me die, but I didn't think I'd break an arm!"

"Trust the process!" Bobby yelled back.

Their arc flattened into a descent and a final crash as they plowed directly into a snowbank, kicking up a powdery cloud of white. For a breathless moment, everything was still. Then a groan, followed by a snort of laughter.

Hayden rolled onto her back, panting, a grin stretched wide across her face. Bobby lay beside her, half-buried, arms spread out like he'd just made the world's least dignified snow angel.

"Ten out of ten," Bobby gasped. "Would absolutely do it again."

"Ten out of ten for sure," she said. Her breathing was trying to catch up with her excitement. He smile never faded and even turned into laughter. "You know, people are gonna talk about an alien invasion or something now. Ice people from the planet Kerflopple sail through New York City days before Christmas. Or, or, Santa's elves have kicked it up a notch." She broke out laughing and rolled over to face Bobby. "That was great," she said after the laughter subsided. "Thanks."

"No, thank you," Bobby said, rolling over to meet her gaze. "Thrill of a lifetime. And I never would've done it alone. Trouble is always best when done in pairs." He laughed at his corny line. "Or at least that's the line I use to get pretty girls to jump off buildings with me."

"Oh really," she said, propping her head up. "And just how many pretty girls have you jumped off buildings with? Hmm?" Her teasing tone was matched by a twinkle in her eyes. "C'mon Slippy, out with it." She flicked some snow in his direction and laughed.

"Just the one!" Bobby insisted as he got himself to his feet and offered Hayden a helping hand. "Promise. Come on, let's bail before someone calls the cops."

Hayden laughed and took his hand. "Yeah, that's a real good idea. Demerits are tolerable compared to being driven to the mansion by the cops."

They dashed away from the snowbank, hand in hand, laughing so hard they could barely breathe. Hayden nearly tripped twice, but Bobby kept her upright, pulling her along with that same wild, infectious energy.

By the time they slowed down, cheeks red from cold and laughter, they found themselves weaving into a busier street lined with glittering department stores, each one dressed to the nines for Christmas. Snow dusted the tops of awnings, and bright lights framed windows full of toy trains, ice-skating dolls, and towering nutcrackers.

Bobby glanced around, wide-eyed, then bumped Hayden’s shoulder with his. "Man," he said, grinning, "this feels like one of those old movies. Y'know, Miracle on 34th Street kinda vibes."

He spread his arms out dramatically, as if he could gather the whole snowy, sparkling world into a hug. "If 34th Street's anywhere near here, I’m officially declaring this the most Christmassy night of my life."

"I like that movie," she said. "That one and the other one...It's A Wonderful Life." Her mind briefly traveled back to family movie night at this time of year. But it quickly snapped back as she took in all the sights and lights and decorations. "Gosh, this is amazing. Christmas in the City sure beats Christmas in Buffalo. Thanks for bringing me up here, Bobby."

The doors of the department store swung open with a rush of warm air and the scent of cinnamon, fir, and new fabric to reveal a glowing world of Christmas excess. Oversized ornaments dangled from the vaulted ceiling, garlands were wrapped around banisters, and mechanical snowflakes spun above elaborate holiday displays. One whole section was dedicated to moving dioramas with elves in a toy workshop, penguins sledding on fake snow, a train that circled a miniature North Pole village with reindeer prancing in place.

Bobby stepped in and immediately slowed to a halt, taking it all in with wide eyes. His mouth opened in quiet awe before twisting into a grin.

"Oh man," he breathed. "They really went all out..." Chuckling at himself, he said with a guilty shrug, "Guess I'm not that cool when faced with animatronic reindeer and a thirty-foot candy cane arch."

"Holy... it's, it's like Christmas exploded all over the place," said Hayden as she paused just inside the door. "I've seen stores decorated for the season, sure, but nothing like this." If she hadn't seen it for herself, she'd likely never believe it.

She then gave Bobby smirk and a gentle nudge on the shoulder. "This stuff is seasonal, you know that right? This is seasonal cool. You're year-round cool."

Bobby turned to her with a mock squint. "Was that a subtle Iceman joke?" He gave her a playful jab to the shoulder. "Careful, Frosty. You’re starting to tread on my brand."

Hayden giggled. "Well, not intentionally. But I guess if the shoe fits," she said with a grin and wink.

Bobby grinned, then tilted his head slightly as he looked at her. "You know, I always figured you for a summer girl—long days, beach energy, bonfires and all that. But..."

He swept his eyes over her again, noting how the golden glow of the holiday lights shimmered in her hair, how her cheeks were flushed with cold, and how natural she looked in a world made of snowflakes and silver bells.

"... autumn and winter suit you," he finished quietly. "You make all this..." He waved at the department store holiday glamor. "... seem even more magical."

"Oh I love all of those things and the stuff that goes with them," she answered. Blushing, she continued, "But the other seasons are kinda growing on me." She'd never been accused of making anything seem more magical. But at this time of the year, anything was possible.

"Um, I need to find the little girl's room," she said, a twinge of sheepishness in her tone. "Back of the store in places like this, I guess." In reality, she needed to get some time away so she could buy Bobby a Christmas gift. "Wait for me?"

Bobby nodded cheerfully as she slipped away, giving her a mock-salute. "I'll be right here, staying out of trouble."

As soon as she rounded the corner, though, his internal compass shifted directly toward his stomach. His heart might have been pounding, but his gut was even louder.

"Mmm... need food..." he mumbled to himself.

Just to the right of the escalator and beyond a garland-strung archway, he spotted a vintage-style café nestled in the corner of the department store, done up like something from a 1950s holiday card. A flickering sign above the counter read "Holly & Hearth: Food & Sweets."

Even from afar, he could see the gleaming marble counter lined with red leather stools curved around the open kitchen. There was a waitress pouring hot cocoa topped with absurd amounts of whipped cream and peppermint crumbles.

Lifting his nose to the air, Bobby caught whiffs of hot food. Grilled cheese on brioche. Croissant sandwiches. Belgian waffles with syrup and powdered sugar. His eyes locked on a chalkboard easel beside the door that read in loopy cursive:
"Holiday Special: Chicken and Snowflake Waffles" with a doodle of a snowman saying "I'm MELTING... with hunger!"

Bobby blinked at the sight. "That looks amazing..." He began looking around for Hayden. Maybe she was feeling hungry too.

Hayden paused as she rounded the corner out of Bobby's sight. Her plan was to use the birthday money she had saved, hoping it was enough. As she stood there scanning the area of the different displays, one caught her eye, snow globes.

Behind the counter and in a glass case, dozens of them sparkled under the store lights. But only a few had a snowman as the centerpiece. The clerk, noticing her interest, mentioned that these were especially popular since they played classic Christmas tunes.

"Cool. I'm looking for a snowman one that plays Walking in a Winter Wonderland," Hayden asked.

The clerk checked all of the displays and shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't see one. It's been a popular seller this year," she said, looking back to Hayden.

Hayden thought for a moment before nodding. "I guess I'll just take the regular snowman one, then," she said. "I'm pretty sure he'll still like it. Oh, can I have Frosty engraved on the brass plate please?" In a few minutes, Hayden had the perfect Christmas gift for Bobby. "Cool. Can you have it mailed to me at this address?" She wrote it quickly on a piece of paper.

The clerk nodded and said she would have it giftwrapped as well. Hayden walked off with a bright smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. It was a simple thing, but she hoped Bobby would still like it. 

When she got back to where she'd left him, he wasn't in the general area. She looked around, slowly walking to the right of the escalator. A moment later, she caught the scent of...breakfast? No, grilled something. Food. That had to be where Bobby ended up. She followed her nose and saw Bobby. "There you are," she called out.

Bobby grinned when he saw her and waved her over to the cozy two-top table tucked near the window of Holly & Hearth. The garland overhead sparkled with twinkle lights, and the soft croon of Bing Crosby filled the air like a warm blanket.

"I took the liberty of ordering us appetizers and drinks," he said. "Hope you're hungry."

Hayden slid into the seat across from him just as the waitress arrived with a tray. Two oversized mugs of cocoa steamed in front of them, the whipped cream teetering like sugary mountains. A plate of gingerbread cookies arrived next—snowmen, trees, and mittens, all carefully decorated and still warm from the oven.

"I figured it was the most responsible way to pre-game chicken and waffles," Bobby added with a smirk.

But his smirk softened as he looked at her. There was a twinkle in her eye that hadn't been there earlier, quiet and radiant that made his heart do a flip. For a moment, he wasn't hungry for anything on the menu.

"That smile," he said, almost before he realized the words were leaving his mouth. "It's something, you know that? I was starving ten seconds ago, and now... I think I forgot how to chew." He laughed and handed her a cookie. "But don't worry. I'll manage. For you, I'll brave the gingerbread first. Every queen needs a taste tester."

Her smile widened, but then the clock on the wall caught her eye. She glanced up, then back at Bobby with a playful sigh. “Either I've figured out how to make people forget the simple stuff, like chewing, or I've discovered how to warp time,” she teased. "Your queen recommends we get it to go," she said with a giggle. "You know, long drive, curfew creeping up. Besides,” she added, a mischievous grin forming, “eating in the rental car just sounds like fun.”

Bobby’s eyes flicked to the same clock, and he groaned with exaggerated drama. "Stupid time," he sighed. "Always interrupting the perfect moment."

But then he grinned and stood, scooping the cocoa and cookies toward the edge of the table. "Two specials to go," he told the waitress as she passed, tapping the laminated menu like it owed him a favor. "And if you can wrap them like the fate of New York depends on it... well, I’d be eternally grateful."

Fifteen minutes later, the cab dropped them off outside the Baxter Building, still gleaming in the winter dusk. Bobby unlocked the rental car with a beep, holding the passenger door open for Hayden with one hand while balancing two warm, foil-wrapped takeout boxes in the other.

"Lady Hayden," he said, bowing slightly with mock reverence. "Your chariot, and your royal provisions."

Once inside, the scent of maple syrup, spiced waffles, and crisp chicken filled the car instantly. Bobby climbed into the driver’s seat, popped open his box, and cast a sideways glance at Hayden.

"Well?" he said, brows raising. "Do your worst. If you're planning a food fight, now's the time." He grinned wide, eyes twinkling. "Unless you're chicken," he added, taking a dramatic bite of waffle as challenge.

Hayden unwrapped the foil and took a waffle in one hand and a chicken leg in the other. She took a small bite of each and then whacked Bobby forehead with the chicken leg. "Ooo ean umphin ike at?" she mumbled, mouth full of waffle. She swallowed, "You mean something like that?" And then whacked him again.

"Yeah..." Bobby leaned over and snatched the chicken leg out of her hand. "E-za-tly!" he managed to say.

Romantic overtures turned to silly antics in the long drive back to the X-Mansion. By the time the rental car turned up the driveway through the wrought iron gates, Hayden and Bobby had been carrying on like old friends having the time of their lives. It had been fun to laugh so freely with someone else, but now that the drop-off was here, the tone was a little hard to read.

"Here we are..." Bobby said as he shifted into neutral and pulled the handbrake. It was a long drive home, so he would not be staying. That mounted even more pressure on the immediate moment. They had shared a kiss before, but after such a fun evening, Bobby was having a hard time reading the mood. He hid his uncertainty behind a grin. "And right before curfew. Still haven't lost my touch."

"Nope, you've still got it," she said. "And thanks. I had a lot of fun tonight, Bobby. It's pretty cool to hang out and be goofy and kick back. But it's even better when the guy you're with is handsome." She blushed and briefly cast her gaze aside before looking back into his eyes. Hayden leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Bobby's lips, lingering for a moment.

She pulled back from his face and paused, their noses nearly touching. She stared into his blue eyes for a moment and slowly exhaled. "Wow."

Handsome? Bobby hadn't even had the chance to question it before she laid her kiss on him. The teasing lingering effect set him to tingling. "Uh huh..." Bobby slowly nodded while staring into her blue eyes. "Yeah."

All doubts were gone. She liked him. She really liked him. "I had a rad time with you too. I'll be back on Christmas Eve if not before." He walked her to the door and hesitated at the stoop while she walked inside. When the doors closed, he let out a bamboozled, "See ya, Frosty."

He practically jumped and clicked his heels on his way back to the car. It was a long drive back to Manhattan, but Bobby was on Cloud Nine the whole way.

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