"Here you go," Xavier said, handing Madeline a drink since he reckoned she must have been tired after training.
"Thanks," Madeline said bashfully, telling him, "You know, you make a really good mentor."
"And you make a really good mentee," Xavier said, a smile in his eyes.
Madeline chuckled, "Right, I should probably leave now. I've bothered you enough for one day."
As she walked towards the door, Xavier gripped her hand, refusing to let her go.
'Huh?' Madeline wondered, turning her head to face a determined Xavier.
"You're not bothering me at all, you could always just…"
The words managed to get caught in his throat.
"Just…"
'Why can't I say it?'
"Hmm?" Madeline questioned, looking at him innocently.
"Stay," he finally managed.
"You could always just stay."
Madeline seemed surprised by Xavier's words. So surprised she nearly stumbled if Xavier hadn't let go of her even by then.
