𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 || 𝐗-𝐌𝐄𝐍 ||

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟐

Milo followed Scott, Jean Grey, Peter, Kurt, Storm, Asher, Andi, and Marlow down to the Blackbird, the sleek jet the X-Men used for missions. As they approached, Raven took the lead, addressing the group. "It's a simple extraction. We go into space, we get the astronauts, and we bring them home," she said, her tone calm but firm. She glanced over at Milo, her girlfriend of a few months, with a soft look before refocusing on the team.

"Any questions?" Raven asked.

Scott raised a hand slightly. "Yeah, like a thousand," he said, looking at Raven with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"We don't have time for a thousand," Raven shot back, keeping her expression serious but with a hint of amusement.

Kurt blinked and asked, "So... we're going to space?" His voice was full of wonder.

Raven nodded, looking at him. "Yes, Kurt. We are going into space."

"We're doing space missions now? Cool." Asher said with a grin, standing next to his boyfriend, Peter, who smirked back.

Marlow, ever practical, raised an eyebrow. "Will the X-Jet even get that high?" she asked, glancing at Beast.

Beast started into one of his technical explanations. "Well, technically, the modifications allow for—"

Raven cut him off before he could get too far. "It will get us there. Let's go," she said firmly, motioning for the group to move toward the jet.

As they walked, Jean fell into step beside Raven, her eyes searching Raven's face. "Are you okay with this?" Jean asked, her voice soft but knowing.

Raven gave her a small smile. "I forget sometimes you can read minds."

Jean shook her head. "It's written all over your face. You tell me it's good, it's good."

Raven sighed and nodded. "If anything goes wrong, I'll turn us around in a heartbeat," she promised.

Jean smiled, reassured. "I know you will," she said before heading toward the jet.

Milo, walking just behind, started to follow Jean, but Raven reached out and stopped her. "You're staying here," Raven said, her voice serious.

Milo blinked in surprise. "What? Why?" she asked, clearly not expecting this.

Raven met her eyes. "Just because I said so," she replied, her tone firm and protective.

Milo frowned, frustration simmering. "Raven—"

"It's not up for discussion," Raven interrupted, giving Milo a look that said she wasn't going to budge on this one.

Raven watched as Milo walked away, the tension between them lingering in the air. She could see the frustration in Milo's steps but steeled herself, shaking off the guilt gnawing at her. She had to stay focused. This mission needed her full attention, and keeping Milo out of danger was her way of protecting her.

With a deep breath, Raven turned and headed into the jet, her usual calm settling back in place as she prepared to lead the team.