This Is Where It Starts.

Edith

Edith was gently escorted out of the study room leaving Rosa and Charles alone. She didn't want to leave the blonde but she had a feeling she would be safe with the dark haired mutant. As Erik walked beside her she couldn't help but get used of the feeling of his hand on her lower back. It was nice.

It had been many years since Edith had enjoyed the company of a man and having Erik around set her at ease as if she felt safer with her, it had been several years since she had felt like. The blonde was always too busy trying to stay away from rogue mutants and save whoever she can from their clutches under the blanket of darkness.

"Alright," she smiled gently before walking away from the male and into the room she had spent the night where a new outfit lay before and a fresh pair of underwear.

---

Charles was a little taken aback when she spoke so openly with him. Clearing his throat he shook his head unsure of how to answer the question. He saw the way her hand instantly went to the inside of her elbow, he assumed that was where something was inserted into her arm. A needle perhaps.

"I am not sure how to stop the nightmares..." he admitted. "Perhaps talking about it... It might be hard to do at the moment but when you feel strong enough I am more then willing to listen." he admitted allowing a small smile to spread across his face.

Erik
Erik was leaning back in the chair as his eyes were focused on the coffee pot, if only he had the power to quicken things, like making coffee, up so he didn't have to wait so long. He had only been sitting there for a few seconds when he had a thought, maybe Edith was like Hank and preferred tea. Standing up he opened the cupboard where the mugs and back up supplies of coffee and sugar were, he grabbed out two different containers that held Hank's tea.

The thought of him getting dressed had crossed his mind, he only wore a pair of long pajama pants. He wore the pants or a pair of boxer shorts every single night, he was often seen walking around shirtless in the mornings. He couldn't be bother changing his ways now, the two blondes would just have to get used to seeing him half naked. Besides he had a nice body, so he didn't think he'd offend anyone.

---

Rosa
Rosa couldn't help but feel a little deflated when Charles answered her question, though she hadn't been expecting him to be able to take her nightmares away. She knew that she'd eventually have to talk about what happened, even if she was dreading that time, she'd have to be brave and tell someone. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. I apologize for waking you," She looked at him as she felt bad, she woke them up and worried them.

She hated having people worry or fuss over her, though deep down she knew she'd only be getting more nightmares which meant having more people worry about her. "I should start on breakfast, Erik did look very keen." She smiled softly at him and walked out of his library with him, as they both headed towards the kitchen, Rosa felt different. She liked knowing that Charles and Edith was there for her, she even felt safe with Charles by her side which she hasn't ever really felt before.

Charles

Charles saw the way Rosa deflated at the news that he couldn't stop the nightmares, if only he could he would be sure to erase them from her mind, but unfortunately that was not part of his ability. However his mind lingered to the other blonde that had arrived with Rosa. Charles was certain that she didn't know the full extent of her ability and what if she possessed the power to erase memories.

"No need to apologise, of course Erik does love a good breakfast, he has been stuck with toast and jam for the last few days, I can assure you he is tiering of it very quickly." he allowed himself a smile to try and soften the mood a little. "I am sorry that I am unable to be of assistance with your nightmares." he apologised getting to his feet as the two exited the room. All the while his thoughts were on the blonde haired mutant that Erik had grown a liking for.

---

Edith entered the kitchen in her new outfit, she saw that Erik was standing at the counter with two different pots in his hand, Rosa and Charles had yet to arrive. While the male was busy looking at the containers Edith couldn't help the way her eyes trailed down his naked back taking in the curve of his spine and the contours of his muscles.

Erik was fit, he was a good looking man and there was no way Edith could deny that, however she quickly pulled her eyes away when she heard someone clearing their throat beside her, turning she saw Hank standing beside her a cheeky smile on his face.

Charles

Charles saw the way Rosa deflated at the news that he couldn't stop the nightmares, if only he could he would be sure to erase them from her mind, but unfortunately that was not part of his ability. However his mind lingered to the other blonde that had arrived with Rosa. Charles was certain that she didn't know the full extent of her ability and what if she possessed the power to erase memories.

"No need to apologise, of course Erik does love a good breakfast, he has been stuck with toast and jam for the last few days, I can assure you he is tiering of it very quickly." he allowed himself a smile to try and soften the mood a little. "I am sorry that I am unable to be of assistance with your nightmares." he apologised getting to his feet as the two exited the room. All the while his thoughts were on the blonde haired mutant that Erik had grown a liking for.

---

Edith

Edith entered the kitchen in her new outfit, she saw that Erik was standing at the counter with two different pots in his hand, Rosa and Charles had yet to arrive. While the male was busy looking at the containers Edith couldn't help the way her eyes trailed down his naked back taking in the curve of his spine and the contours of his muscles.

Erik was fit, he was a good looking man and there was no way Edith could deny that, however she quickly pulled her eyes away when she heard someone clearing their throat beside her, turning she saw Hank standing beside her a cheeky smile on his face.

Erik
Erik had been too busy with the containers of tea that he missed Hank giving Edith a cheeky knowing smile, "Morning Hank. I was going to ask Edith if she preferred coffee or tea?" He asked as his eyes turned onto Edith, the blonde was finally in clothes that covered her thighs and the scars that covered her fair skin. Of course his eyes had only briefly glanced down to her legs, the rest of the team were slowly waking up and getting ready for the day. He wasn't sure if Charles wanted to hold training for them, or if the two new arrivals would hold off training for a few days.

Not training wasn't a big deal, they had other times where they could train extra and make sure they were all prepared. He had a feeling Charles would want to sit with Edith again and help her even more with her powers, if that is what she wanted of course. No one there was going to pressure anyone, if he didn't want to train than he didn't have to though most of them did want to gain control and strength in themselves.

---

Rosa
Rosa gave a light shake of her head, "No need to apologize. It is completely fine, Charles." She told him and smiled when he mentioned Erik, "I am surprised he is still alive. My Grandma and Mother always had me help them in the kitchen, I enjoy it." She was usually pretty open but now she wasn't sure who she could trust, but she liked Charles and he gave her a trustworthy vibe.

As they made it into the kitchen she noticed Hank was awake already, she smiled at him as she stepped over to the fridge which wasn't all that full. She could write a list for anyone who wanted to go out shopping for groceries, though there was enough for a hearty breakfast. She pulled out the eggs, bacon and sausage, she found the bread and a pan. She toasted the bread and cooked up the egg and meats for the people who had taken her in when she was lost and confused. After a few minutes she had the food plated and served on the table for everyone, there was enough for the rest who hadn't joined them in the kitchen yet as well.

Charles entered the kitchen with the blonde only to find that Hank was smiling at himself and Edith was sitting at the table looking around the room, almost as if she was avoiding looking at the male that stood by the kettle. Arching one of his brows he was about to ask what was going one when Raven appeared in the doorway a smile on her face.

"Morning," she greeted everyone. Scattered 'mornings' could be heard around the room. She bounced over to Hank as the two got lost in conversation. Charles watched as Rosa hurried around the kitchen grabbing everything she needed for breakfast. Charles sat down at the table opposite Edith who smiled warmly at him.

"Good morning Charles,"

"Good morning Edith."

---

Edith fell into a causal conversation with Charles when Rosa began to place food down in front of them, instantly the blonde's mouth filled with saliva, it had been months since she had been able to enjoy a decent meal. However she knew better then to begin before everyone was at the table.

When a cup of hot tea was placed down in front of her she looked up at Erik who had placed it down in front of her.

"Thank you," she smiled, he returned the gesture before walking around to take a seat beside Charles. Once Rosa had everything on the table the blonde sat beside her and they all began digging into the food.

Everyone sat at the table and started eating the delicious food, normally they all grabbed breakfast for themselves before going on to start their day. Sometimes they had lunch together while they usually always had dinner together, "I really hope that you decide to stay here, Rosa. This food is so good," Erik smiled at the blonde who had cooked up a feast for them all, sure he could cook a little and so could Hank but they weren't anywhere need as good as Rosa was.

After swallowing his mouthful of food he took a sip of his coffee, "What plans do we all have today?" He asked which he didn't normally do, but he decided to be a little nicer considering he wanted to impress Edith. He was nice anyways, but now he had a reason to be nicer to the people around him. He watched both Hank and Raven shrug a little before turning his attention onto Charles, who normally gave them all something to do.

---

Rosa smiled when everyone thanked her and complimented her food, she mentioned that her Grandma and Mother had taught her how to cook from since she was a young girl. She ate the food that was on her plate and looked around the table when Erik asked about plans, she had none considering she didn't know if she had any powers or anything yet.

She could still be a human for all she knew, if that was the case then she didn't want to get in the way. If she did have powers then she still wouldn't want to get in the way of anyone there, she was still dealing with being kidnapped and experimented on.

Charles sat eating his food quietly, it wasn't until Erik spoke that he looked up from the plate of food in front of him. Looking at the red head he arched on of his brows in a way that instantly told the male what their plans were. Continue to find mutants for the establishment.

Charles thought this an excellent time to see if the new members would like to accompany the rest and seek out mutants who may need help. "Would you ladies like to accompany us today?" he asked kindly his eyes drifting from Edith to Rosa.

---

Edith looked up from her food when Charles spoke, "What are the plans?" she asked. She had no desire to run around for no real reason when she could be out there trying to help innocent humans in danger of being turned into mutants in the most painful and horrifying ways.

"We are looking for mutants," a cold shiver ran down the woman's spine at the mention. Edith now knew that not all mutants were bad but the word still sent shivers across her skin.

"I think I will pass," she rejected kindly.

Erik wasn't all that surprised when Edith kindly rejected Charles' offer, if she had gone out of her way and put herself in danger to rescue Rosa. Then she wouldn't really want to go out searching for other mutants, sometimes even Erik didn't want to go looking for mutants but he did because he knew that Charles wanted to grow their little team. He could understand that, the more mutants they had the safer they'd be if anything happened.

"If you didn't want to join us, I'm sure Charles can do this one alone. If you wanted some company?" He offered himself to the blonde so she wouldn't be alone, she had only just arrived and he wanted to know more about her. He also wanted to make sure that she didn't leave, there was something different about her and Erik really liked that. She was strong willed and he could only imagine that she could take care of herself, he wanted to see more of her gift as she only gave them a small taste last night.

---

Rosa swallowed the mouthful of food as she looked over at Edith, when she rejected the offer she wasn't sure if she should stay with who saved her. Or go with Charles who had taken her in, she did have questions for him but she wasn't sure what to do. She wasn't even sure if she had been turned into a mutant or not yet, she didn't want to go with him and get in the way when he was trying to work.

She thought about it for a little longer before she turned to look at Charles, "I might come with you. As long as I won't get in your way," She told him wanting to make sure that she wouldn't become a burden for him, she didn't know much about mutants and she was still scared about being around any after what she was put through. But she didn't want to be scared for the rest of her life, she needed to see that not all mutants were horrible people and that would hurt her. She thought this could be a way to make her feel less scared.

Charles was just taking a sip from his tea when the blonde spoke up, he looked at Rosa and smiled into his cup. Swallowing he nodded his head, "Of course not. Perhaps Erik you could stay with Edith and keep her company," the brown haired professor turned his attention to his friend knowing that he fully wanted to stay back with the mutant even if he didn't say it out loud. "Raven, perhaps you could find some clothes for our guests?" he asked turning his attention to the blonde who smiled and nodded her head.

"I think us ladies need to go shopping, I am sure they don't want to be wearing my clothes all the time." Charles nodded his head understanding the blonde and knowing that what she said was true.

"Of course, perhaps tomorrow the three of you can go shopping." Raven smiled widely liking the suggestion. Getting to her feet she left the kitchen leaving a half full cup of coffee and an empty plate behind her.

---

Edith looked toward Erik when Charles suggested he stay back, she wanted to object and say it was fine that he went with them but from the look the professor gave his friend she knew there was more to it. The blonde simply let it stay as she continued to eat till content and the warm tea slipped down her throat warming her completely.

At the mention of shopping a twang of fear went through her, "I don't have any money." she admitted truthfully, since being stolen from her home she hadn't had any money, she had been living off whatever scraps she could find and washing in nearby lakes.

Rosa sent the Professor a small smile before she took the last mouthful of her breakfast, she looked over to Raven when she mentioned going shopping for clothes. Rosa begun to smile at the suggestion before it dawned on her that she actually had nothing, she had no personal belongings nor did she have any money on her. She wasn't even sure how far away from her home she was, it was as if Edith was in the same situation when she mentioned that she didn't have any money.

"Neither do I, not on me. I do have money at my house," She spoke not wanting to use anyone else's money just so she could go shopping, she didn't mind wearing Raven's clothes for a little longer but knew that Raven probably did want her clothes all to herself. Once she had finished her breakfast she stood up and collected all the empty plates, she carried them all over to the sink before she started to wash up. She was still getting over being kidnapped by mutants and everything they did to her, but she was still going to pull her weight around the place.

---

Erik look over at Charles when he mentioned that he should stay with Edith, it was something that he would have done even if Charles hadn't suggested it. Although Edith probably wouldn't be pleased with him hanging around her, he didn't really care because he was going to do it anyway. "You two don't need to worry about money, you've been through enough recently." He spoke as they had enough money saved up that a shopping trip wasn't going to make much of a dent in their savings, "It will make you both more comfortable here." He turned his eyes onto Edith, he wasn't sure how comfortable Rosa was but he knew Edith wasn't just yet.

"But there will be a rule, you can't let Raven hang onto the money. She tends to go overboard with shopping," He grinned although it was true, the blonde could probably spend all their savings if she was allowed to. Erik honestly didn't see what was so appealing or enjoyable when it came to shopping.

Edith watched as the blonde left the kitchen leaving them in silence for a few moments before the blonde appeared again with two fresh dresses and a wide smile on her face.

"That was quick," Edith admitted.

"I had a few dresses on my bed," she smiled before throwing a red patterned dress at the blonde, who quickly caught it. Slowly she unfolded it and saw that it was a little longer then the last one which eased her nerves a little.

"It's a nice colour," Edith pointed out looking up at the blonde who smiled kindly at her nodding her head before handing the second dress to Rosa and turning her attention to the males at the table.

"Well If I'm not handling the money... who is may I ask?" Once again the room was swallowed into silence as they waited for an answer.

"How about Rosa?" Edith suggested.

---

Charles turned and looked at the blonde who turned from the sink he arched one of his brows before nodding his head, "That sounds like a perfect idea. What do you think Erik?" he asked turning his attention back to his friend that was smiling. His eyes flicked to the blonde who was now wiping her hands on a towel and looking at the dress she had been handed. It was a dark purple with white paisley patterns on it. Charles was certain it would look stunning on her.

Erik shook his head, "That sounds great to me. As long as Raven doesn't have the money," He grinned at the blonde who simply rolled her eyes at him, he saw how unsure Rosa looked when Edith mentioned that she should handle the money. It was smart actually, the blonde had been through more than any of them could imagine. She probably felt lost so if she was given a task, hopefully it would make her feel somewhat better.

"Now don't you two need to go get ready for the day? I'm sure we can find something to do, Edith." He told her as he wasn't sure what she was comfortable doing, if he wasn't going off with Charles to find other mutants. Then he was working on his own powers so he could keep them under control, he wanted to work to where he didn't need to think about what he wanted his powers to do. They'd just work with the flick of his hands, but that would still take him some time to master.

If Edith was comfortable with that then he was more than happy to show off his gift in front of her, if not then there was still plenty to do. Or they could go for a drive and see where they ended up, which Erik tended to do whenever he felt angry about something or just needed time on his own.

---

Rosa thanks Raven for the dress before she looked between Charles and Erik, "Are you sure?" She asked as she hadn't been expecting Edith to suggest that she control the money for their shopping trip, "Only if you're sure." She nodded her head lightly as she held the dress in her hands, minds could still be changed by tomorrow morning which is when she assumed Raven would drag her and Edith off.

"Yes, I won't be long." She told Charles as she didn't wait for Edith, she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep eating or talk to Erik a little more. But she didn't want to keep Charles waiting, so she made her way back to the room she shared with Edith so she could get dressed.

She stepped into the bathroom where she changed into the pretty purple dress, it was similar to what she would usually wear which made her feel a little better. She made sure she looked nice and slipped her feet into a pair of shoes, however she couldn't reach the zip at the back of her dress. She checked the bedroom but Edith wasn't there, so she wandered the hallway until she spotted Charles. "Could you help, please?" She asked him even though she had red marks on her back from when the mutants tortured her.

Charles had been walking back to his study to grab something when his attention had been caught by the blonde haired woman who had appeared before him dressed in the garment that Raven had gave her to borrow for the day.

"Of course," he smiled walking over to her as she turned, he grabbed the zip but his blue eyes saw the red marks that tainted her porcelain skin. Without thinking he gently ran his finger across them instantly being overwhelmed with emotion for the woman in front of him. They were nasty aggravated and red almost as if they needed to be cleaned. "Rosa," he spoke his words were no higher then a whisper. "I think it would be good if we got these wounds cleaned... they look..." not infected. Not yet anyway but he was certain that if they were left they would become weeping wounds. "Sore." he completed. The brown haired male didn't want to do the back of the dress up afraid that the rubbing of the material may worsen them. "If you wish I could... do it?"

---

Edith finished off her breakfast before walking her dishes over to the sink watching as Hank and Raven left the room smiling at each other. The blonde leaned over and whispered in his ear something that caused him to chuckle while his cheeks flushed. The blonde couldn't help but smile at the cuteness.

"Well... I suppose... I should get out of these pyjamas," she smiled turning to look at Erik who still sat at the table with a mug of tea. "I will come and find you when I am done." she smiled before turning and walking out of the kitchen and down the hallway toward her room.

Erik nodded his head, "Of course." He told the blonde and watched as she walked out of the room, his eyes moving down to her amazing bum and he did check her out until he couldn't see her anymore. The way her hips swayed as she walked just made him want to hold her hips, feel the curve of her waist and hold her body close to his. Of course he'd keep those thoughts to himself, he just met the woman and he was already thinking of her. He finished his tea and stood up, he washed up what was left in the sink so it would be done. He had already taken a shower and gotten dressed, he was never one to linger in his pajamas after waking up.

Stepping out of the kitchen he walked over to a large window that looked over the property, Edith would find him easily after walking from her room and down the hall. He was actually looking forward to the day, not only was he spending it with a beautiful blonde but he could also get to know her better. He wanted to see more of her gift if she'd show him, he'd ask her about it and then leave it up to her. He'd never pressure anyone to show him their gift, it was a very personal thing or it was to him at least.

---

Rosa inhaled deeply when she felt his fingers touch her bare skin, she hadn't expected the touch but it was nice. It was soft and gentle, there was no anger behind his touch. There hadn't been many times when a man had touched her like Charles was, it was different to Rosa but it was something nice at the same time. "Yes please," She whispered in response to his question, she hadn't wanted him to see the wounds but now at least there was someone who would help her keep the wounds cleaned so an infection wouldn't grow on her skin.

Turning around, Rosa made sure that her dress wouldn't move as Charles hadn't zipped the back for her which was a simple action but one that soothed her red nasty marks. She followed Charles down the hallway and into another room which appeared to be his bedroom, she didn't look around too much as she didn't want to appear nosy or rude. She sat down on a chair that was placed at his desk, she watched as Charles stepped into his bathroom and came back seconds later with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and some bandages. She knew the alcohol would sting the wounds but it was the best way to clean them, "The mutants didn't like me refusing them or answering back." She told him quietly even though remembering the mutants made her want to cry again.

Charles exited out of his room with the rubbing alcohol and bandages, slowly he walked over to the blonde looking down at her back his eyes scanned over the wounds, as he looked at them he saw they were an array of both long, whip like welts and others were more of a scratch, something like a claw. Taking a deep breath be began to apply the liquid to the woulds watching as the blonde winced away from the burn, quickly he covered them.

"I am very sorry Rosa, sorry for what happened to you. No one should ever go through what you went through." he apologised as he continued his work, he moved quickly to get the cuts cleaned and covered before he slowly zipped her dress up. "But I can assure you no one here is going to harm you."

---

Edith washed and changed. The woman allowed her blonde hair to fall down her shoulders in wet strands once she had brushed it. Looking at herself in the mirror she shrugged her shoulders before exiting the room heading back toward the kitchen however she came up short when she saw the male standing in front of large windows that overlooked the yard.

"Well, I'm ready," she smiled happily.

Erik smiled when he heard Edith's voice sound behind him, he turned to face her and he obviously let his eyes move over her body as he admired her beauty. "You look really nice, shall we?" He asked offering the blonde his arm so she could hold onto it, he knew that Charles wouldn't want him to take Edith away from the mansion and usually that never stopped Erik from doing anything. But this time he knew there could be a risk of the mutants who harmed Rosa, being around searching for her and the woman who saved her. He'd rather not deal with angry mutants on his own, so he had decided to just show Edith around the grounds which in itself would take a few hours and there was just so much property.

"I thought we could take a walk and get to know each other, maybe you could show me more of your gift." He suggested although he wouldn't push her to show him anything, he knew what it's like to not want people knowing or seeing the power he had when he was younger. Of course it was a tougher time back then, but mutants still had to be careful. He grinned when Edith placed her small hand on his arm, he guided her through the mansion and out the two large double doors. "Tell me about yourself," He murmured quietly as he took the beautiful blonde along the gravel driveway so she could explore that place she would be staying at.

---

Rosa winced every time Charles would press the soaked cotton wall against a welt or a cut, she wanted him to stop but knew her wounds needed to be cleaned otherwise an infection would grow and that would hurt even more. She breathed through the burning and stringing until Charles covered the last cut with a bandage, "I know that. We were always told that mutants weren't nice to humans, that we needed to fear them and protect ourselves." She admitted to him as she had been told that for years now, "I wasn't sure if there would be any nice mutants. I thought my got my answer when... they took me," Her mind had changed already, she knew Charles and his friends would protect her.

Charles had this light about him, it made Rosa feel comfortable and wanted. She trusted him even after everything she had been through, once her dress was zipped she stood up from the chair and looked at Charles. "They won't find me here, right?" She was still of course scared, she was terrified that those mutants would find her again and take her back. They'd torture her more before they ended her life, she knew they would be fuming that she had gotten away from them. Reaching out Rosa rested her hand on Charles' forearm, "I can't go back there." She told him as she wouldn't survive it, mentally and emotionally she wouldn't be able to get through it all again.