Chapter 90: [90] The Calm Before
After two hours of detailed measurements, material discussions, and Noel’s increasingly manic excitement about experimental crystal weave patterns, Xavier and Calypso emerged from the workshop with all limbs intact and no explosions—which seemed to disappoint several students who had been hovering near the exits.
"See you next week for the first fitting!" Noel called after them. "And remember, if your skin starts tingling when you wear the prototypes, that’s probably normal!"
Xavier raised a hand in acknowledgment without turning around. "Thanks for your help, Noel."
"You survived," Professor Valdez observed as they rejoined the group, her tone suggesting this outcome had been less than certain. "Everyone gather your things. We still have study hall in fifteen minutes, and I won’t accept tardiness because you were distracted by shiny toys."
As the class began moving toward the exit, Calypso nudged Xavier’s arm. "I’m going to hang back with Margaret and Ashley. They would probably want to know all about our ’mad scientist experience.’" She made air quotes with her fingers.
"Don’t tell them about the part where she wanted to integrate live crystal samples into our bloodstream," Xavier said.
"That’s the best part of the story!" Calypso protested before drifting toward her friends.
Xavier ended up walking alongside Luka, Beppo, and a noticeably quiet Nolan. The smaller student kept glancing at Xavier then looking away whenever Xavier met his eyes.
"Something on your mind, Nolan?" Xavier asked.
Nolan adjusted his thick glasses, which had slipped down his nose. "I... I wanted to thank you. For pushing me out of the way earlier. When Noel was..." He made a vague flying motion with his hands.
"Don’t sweat it," Xavier shrugged. "It was nothing."