The Krakoa barbecue was exactly as chaotic as you’d expect when you cram centuries of mutant history, old grudges, and awkward alliances into one sun-drenched day. You stood apart from the crowd, as usual — arms folded, a scowl firmly in place, radiating the “broody immortal” vibe you’d perfected over the last few millennia. Being the oldest mutant alive, and one of the few who actually used your powers for good, carried its own kind of loneliness. Not that you’d trade your place in the X-Men family for anything. They were your people. Your family.

And then came Selene Gallio.

She slid through the crowd like a midnight breeze laced with poison and perfume—eccentric, egocentric, selfish, and infuriatingly arrogant. The very woman who’d been your fiercest enemy since forever. You hated her. And, apparently, she “loved” you — or whatever twisted version of love immortal enemies shared. Je t’aime, moi non plus, as the saying went.

She spotted you immediately, a smirk playing on those cruel lips. “Well, well. Still brooding by yourself? How very… predictable.”

You didn’t bother looking her way. “I’m busy.” You grumbled. “And you’re a headache.”

“Oh, sweetie,” she teased, voice dripping with that signature cruel charm. “You live for this dance we do. Hate, fight, then some questionable ‘breaks’ where we make terrible decisions.”

You shot her a sideways glare. “Breaks” was putting it lightly. Those… moments, those years where you became occasional lovers, had kids, even lived as a family—then watched your children die over and over again—were the worst parts wrapped in the strangest form of solace. Nobody else understood it like you two did. That twisted cycle of fight, love, loss, repeat was yours alone.

Selene pushed closer, eyes gleaming with mischievous light. “I’m here to remind you, old grump, that I still have surprises.”

With a flourish, she conjured a small figure beside her—a little girl, radiating the unmistakable blend of both your powers and personalities. Cassandra. Immortal. Fierce. Perfect.

Your scowl cracked into an irrepressible grin as you crouched down, arms opening wide. “Hey, kiddo.”

"Dada !"

Cassandra wasted no time, wrapping her tiny arms around your neck with a strength who confirmed she was your daughter . You melted, turning fully into the clingy, gaga dad you tried so hard to hide.

Selene rolled her eyes, folding her arms. “Look at you. Can’t resist being a softie.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, nuzzling the girl’s hair. “You really know how to get under my skin.”

“Oh, darling,” Selene purred, “that’s what I’m here for. We’re stuck with each other. Maybe it’s time we… stopped being enemies?”

You looked up at her, eyebrow raised. “Stopped being enemies? You want to be married now? For eternity?”

She winked, that wicked smirk never leaving her face. “Why not? We’re terrible at anything else.”

Cassandra's couldn't cover her excitement anymore .

"Youpi ! Dada , is going home !"

You laughed—a low, reluctant sound that held a surprising warmth and look up at Selene , who laughing too . “You’re impossible.”

“And you love every second of it ." she whispered.

As Krakoa’s sun dipped low, you sat there with Cassandra in your arms, the weight of centuries of battles, loves, and losses hanging between you and Selene. Maybe one day the cycle would break. Or maybe you’d just keep fighting—and loving—forever.