https://youtu.be/QJ5DOWPGxwg

December 21st, 2015

Anchorage Mall, 5th Avenue

Y/N and Liz strolled through the mall, the festive decorations and holiday music creating a cheerful atmosphere. Despite the usual hustle and bustle of last-minute Christmas shopping, Y/N couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. He wasn't exactly the type to go on a shopping spree, and neither was Peter, who walked beside him, looking just as out of his element.

Still, both boys had other reasons to be happy. Gwen and Liz, their respective crushes, had managed to convince them to join for a day of shopping, and honestly, it wasn't that bad. Y/N caught Peter shooting nervous glances at Gwen, clearly trying to build up the courage to say something meaningful, while Gwen just smiled and teased him playfully, seemingly enjoying how flustered Peter got around her.

Meanwhile, Liz was effortlessly breezing through the various shops, picking out clothes, accessories, and anything else that caught her eye. She seemed to enjoy the activity, and it was clear her family's wealth allowed her to indulge without worry. Y/N watched as she admired a designer purse, her face lighting up as she glanced over at him.

Liz: What do you think? Too much?

Y/N: You could pull it off. But uh... if you're looking for opinions, I'm probably the wrong guy.

Liz laughed, her arm slipping around his as they walked to the next store. Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth despite the mild awkwardness of being in a mall packed with holiday shoppers.

Peter: Man, shopping isn't so bad when you've got company like this, huh?

Y/N: Yeah, I guess we're surviving.

Peter and Gwen walked ahead, talking quietly to themselves, while Y/N and Liz lagged behind. Liz seemed to be in her element, and although Y/N didn't share her enthusiasm for shopping, he enjoyed seeing her so happy.

Liz: You're not too bored, are you?

Y/N: Nah, I'm good. As long as you're having fun.

Liz smiled sweetly, leaning her head on his shoulder for a moment as they continued through the mall. Peter, on the other hand, was getting bolder with Gwen, and Y/N could tell by the way they laughed together that something was definitely starting to happen between them

As the group continued their shopping spree, they eventually made their way to a cozy café in the mall, sitting down to take a break. The warmth from their cups of coffee was a welcome reprieve from the cold, bustling day outside

Liz: This has been nice, right? I haven't been able to relax like this in a while.

Y/N: Yeah, it's been a pretty good day. Just hope we're not carrying dozens of boxes by the time we're done

Liz chuckled, her smile lighting up the room. It was moments like these where everything felt normal, no supervillains or world-ending threats. Just them, enjoying each other's company.

But beneath the surface, things were not as simple as they seemed.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, the money Liz had been spending so freely throughout the day had a darker origin. Her father, Adrian Toomes, had been funding his lifestyle and, by extension, Liz's spending habits through his illicit enterprises: salvaging alien technology, selling it on the black market, and running an underground weapons operation

Gwen leaned in slightly, her hand resting comfortably on Peter's arm as she spoke, her excitement about the upcoming party evident.

Gwen: So, Flash is throwing this huge party on the 25th. You guys have to come. It's supposed to be one of his classic 'everyone shows up' kind of things, but this time he's going all out. There's gonna be a DJ, tons of food, and he even mentioned something about karaoke.

Peter, who was still adjusting to his new contacts, smiled at Gwen. He looked a little different without his signature glasses, and the change seemed to have given him a small boost of confidence.

Peter: Karaoke? That's... I don't know, I've never really been that good of a singer. Flash on the other hand...

Gwen smiled, her fingers gently squeezing Peter's arm. It was a simple, affectionate gesture, but one that made Peter's face flush just a little bit.

Gwen: Come on, Peter! It'll be fun. You've been stepping out of your comfort zone a lot lately. Why not try it? Who knows, you might surprise us.

Peter glanced at Y/N, who raised his eyebrows in amusement, before turning his attention back to Gwen.

Peter: Alright, fine. But only if Y/N goes up first. I'm not gonna be the only one embarrassing myself.

Y/N: Hey, I've got some pipes. Just wait till you hear my rendition of Livin' on a Prayer. I'll bring the house down.

Liz: Now that I've got to see.

As the group laughed, Gwen's hand lingered on Peter's arm, and he seemed to relax more with each passing moment. It was clear to everyone that the two of them had grown closer in the past few weeks, their chemistry becoming more obvious. Gwen had a way of pulling Peter out of his shell, and Peter, with his quiet intelligence and wit, had clearly captured her attention

Later that day...

As Y/N swung through the city, enjoying the familiar rush of wind against his face, his senses suddenly tingled, alerting him to something wrong. His eyes darted down to an alleyway below, where he saw a man being mugged at gunpoint. Instinct kicked in, and without a second thought, he shot a web and swung into action.

Y/N: Hey! Ever heard of an ATM? Way more practical!

Just as Y/N was about to deliver a punch to the robber, a sudden force knocked him back mid-air. His body jerked sideways, crashing against the brick wall of the alley, the impact sending a wave of pain through him. Dazed, Y/N quickly scrambled to his feet, shaking his head to clear the ringing in his ears.

Y/N: Okay... didn't see that coming...

His eyes narrowed as he turned around, scanning the alley for the source of the attack. A figure emerged from the shadowsa man wearing a red and yellow suit, with gauntlets gleaming menacingly in the dim light of the alley. The gauntlets hummed with energy, and Y/N recognized the tech immediately.

Shocker: Surprised, Spider? You're not dealing with your average thug anymore.

Y/N: Oh great...another guy with a fashion statement and a grudge. Who are you supposed to be again? The Great...Puffy...red and yellow dude?

Shocker: Call me Shocker. And you just met your match, kid. You won't be so lucky this time

Before Y/N could respond, the Shocker raised his gauntlets and fired another powerful vibro-shock blast. Y/N barely managed to flip out of the way, landing on a nearby fire escape as the blast tore through the alley, sending trash cans and debris flying

Y/N: Shocker...wow yeah...did you came up with it?

Shocker aimed another blast directly at Y/N, but this time, Y/N was ready. He dodged to the side, shooting a web at the gauntlets in an attempt to clog them. However, the force of the blast shattered the webbing, sending sparks flying.

Y/N: Alright, these gloves are no joke...

He quickly fired off two webs to the walls on either side of the alley and launched himself at Shocker with full force. Shocker reacted fast, raising his gauntlets again, but Y/N spun in the air, narrowly avoiding the next blast before landing a solid kick to Shocker's chest, sending him stumbling back.

Y/N: Gotta say, for a guy named the Shocker, you don't shock me much.

Shocker: We'll see about that!

As the battle raged on, Shocker suddenly shifted tactics. With a quick blast from his gauntlets, he propelled himself into the air, trying to make a run for it. The shockwaves rippled through the streets, sending cars skidding and pedestrians scrambling for safety. Y/N leaped after him, but Shocker's reckless blasts were putting too many people in danger.

One particularly strong shockwave struck a motorcycle, sending the rider flying through the air. Y/N's eyes widened in alarm as he saw the rider hurtling toward the pavement.

Y/N: Not good, not good!

Without hesitating, he fired two webs and launched himself towards the falling rider. In midair, he caught her, wrapping his arms around her securely before gently lowering them both to the ground. The rider gasped, clearly shaken but unharmed.

As Y/N landed softly, he glanced down, ready to offer some reassurance...and froze.

It was MJ

For a split second, his heart skipped a beat. MJ was staring up at him with wide eyes, clearly startled by what had just happened. He swallowed hard, trying to compose himself and, most importantly, disguise his voice.

MJ: Spider-Man?

Y/N: Uh, yeah... it's me. You okay? That was... a close call.

She nodded, still catching her breath, her gaze locked on his masked face.

MJ: Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks... that was amazing.

Y/N felt a knot in his stomach as he struggled to keep his cool, knowing how weird it would be if MJ started recognizing him.

Y/N: All in a day's work, miss. Gotta go. Stay safe out there.

Before she could say anything else, Y/N quickly swung away, his mind racing. He glanced back just once, catching MJ still standing there, watching him leave.

He sighed, but there wasn't time to dwell on it. Shocker had gotten away for now, but Y/N knew he wouldn't stay hidden for long. The next time they crossed paths, he'd be ready

Queens, New York

After swinging home and narrowly escaping the awkward encounter with MJ, Y/N stepped into his room, feeling the weight of the day still lingering on his shoulders. He took a hot shower to clear his mind, letting the steam and water wash away the tension from the fight with Shocker and the near-miss with MJ.

Once out, he threw on a white tank top and some jeans, glancing at himself in the mirror. His hair was still slightly damp, and the simple outfit made him look a little different than usual. He chuckled, tilting his head as he flexed playfully in front of the mirror

Y/N: What are you looking at...bub?

He flexed his arms slightly, mimicking the gruff attitude and iconic pose that Logan always seemed to have at the institute. Y/N imagined himself with a cigar, trying to pull off the same tough, no-nonsense vibe that Wolverine carried effortlessly

As Y/N was just about to collapse onto his bed, ready for some much-needed rest, he heard his mother call him from downstairs

Evelyn: Y/N! You've got a visitor!

With a sigh, he dragged himself away from the comfort of his bed and made his way down the stairs, still drying his hair. As he reached the bottom, he was surprised to see Liz standing in the living room, holding a shopping bag and wearing her usual bright smile.

Y/N: Liz? What...what are you doing here?

Liz: I got you something for Flash's party! Thought you might need a little upgrade in the wardrobe department

Y/N: Me? Upgrade? I'm a sharp dressed man!

She held up the shopping bag, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Y/N's eyebrows shot up as he looked at the bag, already sensing where this was going. Liz, with her wealthy background and fashion sense, had definitely gone all out

After that, Y/N followed Liz upstairs to his room, still a bit hesitant. As soon as they were inside, Liz eagerly pulled out the contents of the shopping bag, her excitement radiating. She revealed a sleek black Tom Ford leather jacket and a crisp, stylish turtleneck shirt. The outfit looked like something straight off a fashion runway... definitely not what Y/N was used to wearing.

Liz: Ta-da! What do you think? It's perfect for Flash's party. You'll look amazing!

Y/N blinked, taking in the high-end clothes. The leather jacket alone probably cost more than his entire wardrobe. He ran his hand over the smooth material, feeling a little out of his element.

Y/N: Wow, Liz... this is... fancy. You shouldn't have.

Liz: Oh, please...you deserved it

She stepped closer, holding the jacket up against him, her eyes sparkling with pride. Y/N stood there, still feeling a little overwhelmed. As if sensing his hesitation, Liz gave him a playful nudge.

Liz: And guess what? You get to come with me.

Y/N raised his eyebrows, caught off guard by the sudden declaration. He looked at her with a smirk

Y/N: So, not only do I get a wardrobe upgrade, but I also get a...date? I'm starting to feel like I'm in a James Bond movie.

Liz: Exactly! You deserve it, Y/N. You've been through a lot lately, so just let me take care of you this time, okay?

Y/N hesitated for a moment, but seeing the sincerity in Liz's eyes, he sighed and gave in, knowing she genuinely wanted to do something nice for him.

Y/N: Alright, fine. I guess I can give the whole Tom Ford look a try.

Liz beamed, her excitement growing even more

As Y/N and Liz settled onto his bed, the room felt quieter, more intimate. They chatted for a bit about the party and some random things, but there was a noticeable tension between them, something unspoken lingering in the air.

Liz had been stealing glances at him, her heart pounding a little faster each time. She couldn't ignore it anymore, the question that had been on her mind for weeks.

She took a deep breath, then asked softly, her voice laced with vulnerability:

Liz: Do you... like me, Y/N?

The room seemed to still for a moment, her words hanging in the air between them. Y/N blinked, caught off guard by the directness of her question. He could feel his own heart racing now, knowing that this was the moment...their moment.

Both of them wanted to kiss each other so badly, the tension growing as they locked eyes. Y/N hesitated, unsure of what to say at first, but then he smiled, leaning a little closer.

Y/N: Yeah... I do.

Liz's eyes softened, her breath catching slightly as they inched closer, faces only inches apart. It felt like the world had disappeared around them

And just like that, their lips met in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was soft at first, as if they were both testing the waters, but quickly deepened, filled with the emotions they had been holding back for so long. The room seemed to hum with energy, the connection between them undeniable.

Y/N's hand found its way to Liz's cheek, while her fingers softly curled into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him just a little closer. For a few precious moments, everything else faded away. No worries, no school drama, no superhero secrets. Just them

As Y/N and Liz continued to lose themselves in the kiss, the world outside seemed to fade away. The soft glow of the room, the warmth between them...it felt like nothing else mattered. But on the other side of the room, Y/N's phone buzzed persistently on his desk, the screen lighting up with a name: 

Kitty

...

https://youtu.be/E8gmARGvPlI

Three days later...

Christmas Eve

L/N Household, Queens

The warm glow of the fireplace filled the cozy living room as the L/N family gathered together for the holiday. It was a time for family and reflection, especially this year. The air smelled of pine and cinnamon, the Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments passed down through generations.

Y/N's parents, Victor and Evelyn, had gone out of their way to make the evening special. They wanted it to be a comforting and warm holiday, especially with it being the first Christmas without Uncle Ben. Victor, being the thoughtful man he was, had invited May and Peter, knowing how much Ben's absence weighed on them

The doorbell rang, and Y/N went to answer it. There stood May, Peter, and Captain George Stacy, along with Gwen.

Y/N: Merry Christmas Eve, guys!

He said with a smile, ushering them inside. 

May smiled warmly as she hugged Y/N

May: Merry Christmas, dear. Thank you for having us.

Peter gave a small nod, looking a bit more somber than usual but managing a smile. Gwen stood next to him, her bright eyes lighting up the moment as she greeted everyone

Inside, the mood was light, though there was a sense of quiet reflection. George Stacy, Victor's longtime friend and colleague, shook his hand firmly

George: Merry Christmas, Vic. It's good to be here

Victor: Couldn't imagine it without you, George

Y/N noticed Peter glance over at Gwen as she took off her coat, his expression softening a little

Soon, everyone was gathered around the dining table, the smell of Evelyn's home-cooked meal filling the room. They shared stories, laughter, and memories of past Christmases. Despite the weight of missing loved ones, the warmth of being together made the evening special.

Y/N sat between Peter and Gwen, watching the people around him, grateful to be surrounded by those who cared about each other. He could feel the quiet strength that comes from family, blood-related or chosen. The pain of loss was still there, but so was the love that kept everyone together

Meanwhile...

Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, Westchester

The grand dining hall of the Xavier Institute was alive with chatter, laughter, and the sounds of clinking silverware. Christmas Eve had brought warmth to the mansion, despite the cold outside. The large dinner table was laden with festive dishes, from roasted vegetables to pies, but the centerpiece was undoubtedly the turkeys. Golden, perfectly roasted, and filling the air with mouthwatering aromas

Storm, ever graceful, carried one of the massive birds to the table, her eyes sparkling with the holiday spirit. Beside her, Colossus carefully placed another turkey down, his massive hands gentle, despite his size.

Storm: Careful, Piotr, you don't want to dent the table

Colossus chuckled, his deep voice resonating across the room

Colossus: I have learned my lesson, Storm. I shall not crush anything tonight. Besides, I've been training for this

Storm raised a brow

Storm: Training?

Colossus proudly straightened his apron

Colossus: Great British Bake Off, MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen... I have mastered the art of culinary finesse

The students nearby couldn't help but laugh. Kitty, seated a few chairs down, called out

Kitty: Didn't you almost burn down the kitchen last month, Piotr?

Colossus blushed slightly but laughed it off

Colossus: That was... experimental dish

Across the table, Bobby Drake was busy making tiny ice sculptures with his powers, shaping them into festive snowflakes that twinkled like crystal in the candlelight. Hank, ever the intellectual, was discussing the physics of snow with Jean and Scott, while Jubilee playfully tossed a small firework up into the air, letting it pop like a tiny starburst above the table.

Professor Xavier watched from his seat, a warm smile on his face. This was what he had always hoped for...a safe haven where young mutants could not only learn but also enjoy moments of peace and happiness.

Rogue leaned over to Gambit, her Southern accent soft as she teased him

Rogue: You plannin' on helpin' Colossus with dessert, or you just gonna charm your way out of it?

Gambit smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief. 

Gambit: Now, chère... you know Gambit's desserts are as sweet as his words. I'll prepare some beignets 

Logan sat at the far end of the table, his keen eyes subtly observing Jean and Scott. They were seated close together, quietly talking and sharing smiles, the kind that only couples do. It was hard for him to watch sometimes, but Logan had come to terms with it. Jean had made her choice. She had chosen Scott.

He took a deep swig of his beer, the bitterness settling in the back of his throat. As much as he tried to brush it off, the feelings he had for Jean lingered, an unspoken love that he had kept buried beneath his gruff exterior.

Logan's knuckles tightened slightly around the bottle, his sharp gaze flicking away from them. The sounds of laughter, clinking plates, and holiday cheer filled the air, but he was always more comfortable with the quiet, the solitude. This wasn't his scene, not really. Yet, there was something about this place. The mansion, the people, that made him stay

Storm, noticing his distant gaze, leaned over and softly said 

Storm: Logan, you're part of this family too. Don't forget that. Always has been

Logan glanced at her, his gruff demeanor softening just a little.

Logan: Yeah, I know,

His eyes drifted back to Jean, who caught him looking for a brief moment. She smiled, a soft, knowing smile, one that held all the history between them. Logan managed a crooked smile in return. She had made her choice, and he respected that, but the love...well, that was still there. It always would be.

With a deep breath, Logan tore his gaze away, refocusing on the drink in his hand. There was no point dwelling on what couldn't be. He had his role here, with these people. And that, he figured, was enough

After dinner, the festive energy at the Xavier Institute grew even brighter. Nightcrawler, with his characteristic flair, volunteered to handle dessert delivery in his own unique style. With a playful grin, he vanished in a puff of smoke, only to reappear at the head of the table with Gambit's fresh beignets, dusted with powdered sugar and smelling of rich, fried dough.

BAMF!

In an instant, he disappeared again, teleporting across the room and reappearing next to Colossus, holding the Russian's famous cheesecake, a marvelous creation that looked like it belonged in a gourmet bakery.

BAMF!

Finally, Nightcrawler reappeared near Jean, presenting her carefully crafted pudding. The dessert table was now filled with an array of sweets, each dish more tempting than the last.

Kurt: Ze dessert ist ready!

Gambit leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a confident smirk on his face as he glanced around the room

Gambit: I tell you, no one can resist Gambit's beignets

...

https://youtu.be/Ry2bSgai62M

December 25th

Flash Thompson's House, Chelsea

The holiday buzz was still lingering in the air as Y/N arrived at Flash's house, wearing the new outfit Liz had bought him. The house was packed with students from Midtown High, music pumping through the speakers, and laughter echoing from every corner. Flash's place was huge, his parents clearly well-off, and it showed in every aspect of the house. The sleek modern design, the spacious living room, and the fully stocked kitchen.

Y/N felt slightly out of place as he made his way through the crowd, the Tom Ford jacket making him feel more dressed up than usual. Liz was at his side, excited as always, her hand tucked into his. They walked through the sea of people, stopping occasionally to chat with familiar faces.

Peter and Gwen were there too, with Peter nervously adjusting his shirt, still getting used to his contact lenses. Gwen, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, effortlessly cool as she smiled and greeted everyone. She and Peter had grown closer, and it was clear from the way she stayed close to him, laughing at his awkward jokes.

Liz turned to Y/N, giving him a playful nudge

Liz: See? I told you the outfit would look good on you.

Y/N smiled, shrugging

Y/N: I guess you were right. But this is still a little too fancy for me.

Liz laughed and pulled him towards the center of the room where more people were gathered.

Liz: Come on, have some fun. It's a party!

Flash, ever the center of attention, tossed the football with a grin as soon as he saw Y/N and Liz enter.

Flash: Quarterback is in the house!

His voice boomed over the music, drawing attention from nearby students. He threw the football with a confident arc towards Y/N, who caught it effortlessly.

Y/N couldn't help but smirk as the football landed in his hands. The crowd watching him expected a show, and he wasn't going to disappoint. Locking eyes with Zach, who was standing near the couch, Y/N pulled back and launched the ball with precision. The football cut through the air like a missile, striking Zach squarely in the chest.

Zach, caught completely off guard, stumbled backward and fell onto the couch with a loud thud, sending nearby students into laughter

Zach: Dude, what the hell?!

Y/N grinned as he held his hands up in mock surrender.

Y/N: What? You've caught worst passes from me, receiver!

The room erupted in laughter, with Flash letting out a loud, amused chuckle as he slapped Y/N on the back.

Flash: That's why you're our QB, man! You gotta throw like that every game.

Liz rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her face as she gently elbowed Y/N.

Liz: You show-off.

As Liz and Y/N continued walking, across the room, MJ animatedly recounted her encounter with Spider-Man, her eyes wide with excitement.

MJ: So there I was, flying off my bike...everything was happening so fast! And then, out of nowhere, Spider-Man swoops in and catches me midair like it's no big deal.

She threw her hands up dramatically, emphasizing how quick it had all happened. Peter, standing nearby, glanced at Y/N, who tried to suppress a smile. He knew all too well how that rescue had gone down, but he had to keep up the act.

MJ: I mean, my bike was wrecked, which sucks because I just turned 16 and that was my birthday present, but still...he was amazing! He's so strong, and the way he swings through the city like that...it's like... he's dancing in the air!

Her eyes sparkled as she continued fangirling, clearly impressed

MJ: I don't know... there's just something about him. He's always there when you need him. It's like... he's watching over the whole city.

Y/N coughed slightly, trying to hide his reaction. Liz looked at MJ with a knowing grin.

Liz: Sounds like somebody has a little crush.

MJ: I mean, wouldn't you? He's a superhero! Who wouldn't have a crush on Spider-Man?

Y/N looked away, trying to stay cool, though the thought of MJ having a crush on his alter ego made him feel... strange. He couldn't help but wonder how things would change if MJ or anyone in that matter ever found out who Spider-Man really was

Liz: I know I wouldn't.

She gently placed her hand on Y/N's arm, her eyes filled with affection.

Liz: Got mine right here.

She kissed him softly on the cheek, making Y/N's heart race and his face flush red. He tried to play it off cool, but the warmth of her kiss made his embarrassment even more obvious. He smiled sheepishly, feeling the heat rise to his face.

Y/N: Well, uh... lucky me.

Peter gave Y/N a teasing smirk, clearly amused by his friend's awkwardness.

Peter: Smooth like silk

Meanwhile...

Upper East Side

The sleek and modern penthouse was quiet, save for the sound of Graydon Creed's footsteps as he entered, shrugging off his heavy coat and tossing it onto a nearby chair. The penthouse was as cold as its owner...luxurious, yet impersonal. Creed, the leader of the Friends of Humanity, was a man used to solitude, having built his entire life around hatred and opposition to mutantkind

He moved toward the bar, grabbing a crystal tumbler and pouring himself a generous glass of whiskey. The liquid swirled in the glass as he stared out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, lost in thought

His mind wandered to the recent rallies, the speeches, the power he had gained through stoking fear and hatred of mutants. It was all driven by his own personal vendetta, rooted in the revelation that his parents, the people who had abandoned him, were mutants themselves

As he raised the glass to his lips, a low, gravelly voice echoed from the shadows behind him, stopping him in his tracks.

???: Just because your mother abandoned you doesn't mean you should go around spreading lies about our kind... son.

Graydon froze, his heart pounding as the glass slipped from his fingers, shattering on the floor. Slowly, he turned, his eyes widening as they met the hulking figure emerging from the darkness

Sabertooth

The towering mutant stepped into the dim light, his yellow eyes gleaming with a predatory gaze. His massive frame seemed to take up the entire room, the wild mane of hair framing his feral face. His presence radiated raw power, a living reminder of Graydon's worst fears.

Graydon: What are you doing here?

Sabertooth smirked, revealing sharp, glistening fangs as he crossed the room, each step deliberate, threatening.

Sabertooth: I came to see the son I never raised. You're all grown up now, but you're just as pathetic as I imagined you'd be.

Graydon's face twisted with a mix of rage and fear, his eyes narrowing.

Graydon: I'm nothing like you. You and her...you abandoned me. Left me to fend for myself while you... freaks ran off to play your games.

Sabertooth's expression darkened, the air growing thick with tension as he loomed over his estranged son.

Sabertooth: You don't get to talk about things you don't understand, boy. We didn't abandon you...you were a mistake. A weak...human mistake.

The venom in Sabertooth's voice cut deep, but Graydon stood his ground, though he felt himself trembling.

Graydon: I've built an empire, a movement that's going to wipe mutants like you off the face of the earth. You think I'm weak? I'm stronger than you'll ever be.

Sabertooth's lips curled into a cruel grin as he reached out, grabbing Graydon by the collar and lifting him off the ground effortlessly.

Sabertooth: Stronger than me? You're a fool. You're only strong because I haven't crushed you yet. But you keep pushing this mutant-hating garbage... and I might just change my mind.

He tightened his grip, his claws just grazing Graydon's neck, drawing the faintest line of blood. Graydon gasped, his fear evident as he struggled in Sabertooth's grasp.

Sabertooth: You're playing with fire, kid. Keep this up, and it won't be Xavier and his boy band you have to worry about...it'll be me.

With a sudden shove, Sabertooth released him, sending Graydon stumbling backward onto the floor. The mutant towered over him for a moment longer before turning toward the window, his threat hanging in the air.

Sabertooth: Remember, boy... you'll always be my son. No matter how much you try to deny it. Happy Holidays...

With that, Sabertooth vanished into the night, leaving Graydon shaken, his heart pounding as the reality of the encounter settled in. The hatred inside him only grew stronger as he vowed to destroy the mutant race...even if it meant going against his own blood