Chapter Six: Presents and Surprises

[Wither]

Christmas morning came all too soon for the talented youth. His eyes stared over everything. He had all his presents he was to give people. Only important people. There were a few here he busted his ass in the past few days to make… after all except for the drama, he really hadn’t been out of the shed too often.

His normal vibrant green eyes were tired and sagging with darkened bags, whatever, he got his christmas gifts done-even though he had to change a few around to suit certain new people. Eyes wondered to the grouping before putting them all in a large box and beginning to carry them inside.

The light from the snow was intense, his plastic eyewear covered his over-tired eyes nicely, but didn’t fully protect him. He hadn’t been ready, but in the long run he didn’t care. It was Christmas, the worst time of the year for him. Huffing slightly as he brought his gifts inside, his eyes looked to all the hooligans who danced around singing christmas carols. A slight scowl came on his face before he sighed and tried his hardest to lighten up.

Finally, however, he was in the rec room. Placing the gifts down by the windowsill he slowly went through them all. All were signed by his code name-he was sticking to his guns about what he said to Rogue- he wasn’t Kevin Ford anymore, no he was the murderer Wither.

To: Cessily From: Wither (Note) Cess… you are beautiful, like the being that’s silver, but your inner beauty shines outward like the wings of a butterfly.


To: Jamie From: Wither (Note-) Hey Jamie I know this is a confusing gift, but I’ve been making it since you got here… it just means for you to be strong.


To: Anna From Wither (Note-) I hear you’re a river rat… nice. Have fun


To Dr. McCoy FomWither: (Note-) Thank you for being there for me, out of punishment.


To Dr. Grey From: Wither. (Note-) I usually don’t do this with many teachers, but the gifts I make come from the heart and mean something. That’s all, I can’t tell you why, but when this was made, it’s what came out.


To: Professor Logan From Wither (Note-) I don’t know you, but it seems you’re Jamie’s father-there’s a difference between dad, father, and sperm donor.


Sure that note to Logan wasn’t the nicest thing ever, but it was honest… he didn’t want Jamie to hurt anymore… and Jamie being forced to recognize Logan as a dad was hurting him.

For now though, he found it nice he could go straight back to bed-he wasn't stupid after all... none, maybe two boxes under that tree... were for him. However his eyes looked to X, who seemed scared for a moment, his tiptoes were used and he saw tiny Melissa hugging his friend's leg and not letting go.

"Stop stop Mel..." Kevin spoke towards Melissa who playfully stuck her tongue out at him .His body moved up towards hers and he held his hand towards the small of her back.. yet he knows better than to actually touch her. "Merry Christmas, X." He didn’t want to hurt her nor to startle her.

[Jamie Hudson]

“You and I are the closet thing to family she has.”
“What you mean that whole ‘X-Men are family’ thing…”
“No.”
Jamie quirked a brow looking towards Logan from where he sat. Pushing around another spoonful the realization dawned on him. He’d questioned before about X being Logan’s kid, until he’d learned more about her. Once again Jamie’s eyes shifted towards the gruff man. Picking up the bowl in his hand he tilted it back against his lips finishing the milk. Standing the dark haired mutant crossed to the sink and washed his dish.
“Alright.”

Canadian transplant felt a little awkward as he walked along the hallways with Logan. Knowing that a good handful of students now knew the dirty little details from yesterday. He kept his eyes focused before him as they headed off towards the Rec room where Logan commented about sensing her. As they neared he could hear the voice of his roommate. Stepping into the room with Logan just behind him Jamie looked over his tired roommate.
“Dude, did you get any sleep last night?”
He grinned slightly as he watched a young girl release herself from a rather startled looking X and run from the room.

Hand rubbed against the nape of his neck as he shifted, glancing at the Christmas tree. He’d placed a few gifts under it himself for those he was closest too. Like Kevin, X and Cess. Glancing back at Logan for a brief second he turned back to the other two.
“Hey well, since you’re here maybe you could help, eh. See uh- Professor Logan and I were going to explain Christmas to X.”
Shifting he stepped closer towards Kevin and X, taking a seat on the arm of the sofa.

[X]

She could feel her nerves growing. But she didn't react in a to negative way anyways. She could have pushed the girl aside or slapped her off but instead as much as a unusual act for X, or well thought to be unusual, she just stood there looking as startled as ever before. But soon the scent of someone invaded her senses and she let her widened green gaze stare directly into Kevin's. A pleading look in them.

And he reacted in a way she was hoping, he shooed the girl away. But of course not before she had her own fun with him and was gone. Sighing gently she let a nod escape her head and suddenly fell back onto the couch seat she had been sitting on before. Raising her eyes to him as he wished her a Merry Christmas. "Merry Christmas, X" she didn't really know how to respond. She had seen things about this day in her travels, all these festivities that came with it, people and the fact they seemed more generally happy around these days. But she didn't really know why or what was so special about the day, to her it was just another day to live free. Just another day to get by on the streets or here at the mansion. "You too" was the only way she could think of to respond to him.

Just then some other more familiar people came into the room. She glanced towards Jamie who was followed by Weapon X, or well Logan. She watched them silently for a moment before turning her eyes back towards the tree. She watched the kids take boxes and shake them, she saw the beautiful painting of many people that lived here standing safely near the tree. But the mention of her name caused her to come out of her trance and look back towards Jamie, whom took a seat on the arm of the couch, Logan who stood near by and Kevin.

"I will take it that Christmas is today...Everyone acts so odd." was her suddenly response as she just watched the trio. What did she need to be explained to about the day? Maybe why people were so strange? Yeah she figured that was a good start because to her this day was nothing more than just a day. Somehow she didn't know if it would ever be more.

[Dr. Jean Grey]

The following morning, the redheaded doctor found herself a very weary woman. She’d spent the previous evening setting her gifts under the Christmas tree and keeping a watchful vigil over the recently awakened Gambit. With sleepy eyes she made her way around the kitchen to fix coffee. Her body moved on muscle memory, and even the floating items her mind was manipulating lazily wafted to their destinations.

~

Jean had arranged gift baskets for the students.
For the girls Jean arranged; a leather-bound journal and a silver Cross pen, bath salts in various fragrances and matching scented candles and lastly, a copy of “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton”

For the boys she put together; a leather-bound journal and a silver Cross pen, Industry – a new fragrance from Tony Stark, and a Sports Illustrated football phone.

The teachers got more of a personal touch from the telekinetic.

Xavier was shipped a first edition copy of “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman.

Scott & Emma received a gift certificate to Chez Quis under the pseudonym “Abe Froeman and guest.”

Hank received tickets to La Boheme at the Met.

Penance was given a Ghost Orchid

Rogue received a small sapphire ring, given to her from her father the day she graduated Med school. – With it was a little note that said; I was given this during a time of great change for me. I know you’re going through a lot of that right now too. You aren’t the only one who feels lost little sister.

Gambit’s present was a pool cue and carrying case, set casually against the wall in his room.

For Bobby Drake, Jean secured a season pass for the local ski lodge.

And for Piotr, she left a somewhat bulky box that would reveil itself to contain a new drafting table complete with a Bristol pad, Prisma Color 86 marker set, and a Repidograph pen.

[Colossus]

Piotr awoke on Christmas morning feeling refreshed after the occurrence with Remy last night, as soon as he saw jean he would have to ask her how he was doing. He placed all his gifts for everyone on a platter so he could carry them all down. As he walked down the steps he could hear people already in the rec room around the tree. He couldn't help but have his usual smile. He almost lost it when he thought of Illyana but he pushed those memories aside, she was gone....he would have to come to terms with that later, today was Christmas.
Entering the Rec Room he began to place everyones gifts and the following notes under the tree. He could not afford gifts for everyone who he wanted to get one for, but he did the best that he could.

Scott- You know, I never could stay awake during one of your lectures on Egyptian Military Tactics of the B.C. Era...heres an update from my homeland..
A Book on Russian Military Tactics

Jean- You have been a friend to me since the beginning, now you are like family. I hope you like the necklace.


Logan- It has been too long since we have had a beer together my comrade. I hope you enjoy these, they're the same type my father used to smoke on the farm.


Rogue- I tried hard to think of something, in the end I thought these would suit you best.


Remy- Your had better get better soon. I miss our Danger Room sessions. Thought you may like a new staff.....made of adamantium


Bobby- This somewhat goes with Jeans gift. Next time I go home, you'll have to come with me, i know a great place for you to use it.


*This note was attached to the back of a painting
Professor- I had a hard time trying to figure out what to get the man who changed my life for this day. The best thing i could think of was this note. You save me from a lonely life in Russia Professor. You took me and made me the man I am today, and I owe you very greatly. You are a close friend of mine, and I promise to you that if you ever need help with anything i will be there for you.

After placing the gifts under the tree Piotr lifted the painting of the team he had been working on and hung it over the fireplace, it was a painting of ever one he had met, all standing in front of the school on a spring day, Bobby was in Ice form, Piotr was in Armored form and so on. Everyone was represented, the piece of art made Piotr relax somewhat when he looked at it, it made him feel that no matter what happened everything would be alright.

Once everything was in place he looked and smiled at everyone in the room.
"I will be right back." he walked out of the rec room and into the kitchen, seeing a tired jean he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Let me help you." he began to make her coffee along with his.

[Rogue]

Near five o’clock that morning, Jean had told her to go back to her room and half awake, Rogue had done so. It seemed like days had passed since then and now the southerner was slowly rising to the sounds of the Institute on Christmas morning. Calmly she sat up from her bed, a soft sigh leaving her lips as she tossed back the pink comforter to discover she was still clad in her clothes from yesterday. Stretching a moment or two, Rogue made her way to the bathroom and a refreshing shower.

Fifteen minutes later, dressed in a soft purple sweater and tan jeans, Rogue made her way down the stairs well wrapped gifts in hand. For the students she knew she had gotten them gift cards for the local mall so they could get what they wanted. For Bobby she had found a book about the history of ice sculptures, figuring he’d find some amusement in it and also some joy. For Piotr she had found a book about Russian art, Xavier would receive what he always did from her, a selection of silk ties. He was like the father she had never truly had and what better to give a father than ties? Plus it often gave them something to laugh about, because she usually stuck a rather amusing one into the mix.

Jean was perhaps the hardest to get a gift for. Rogue was a woman who didn’t like to give everyone the same thing because that could be boring. And the fact she and Jean had grown closer as friends made the art of gift buying a little more personal in a sense. Finally she had settled on an antique Chinese fan. Emma and Scott would get a joint gift of a three c.d. collection of selections from various operas. Last was Logan, and he would receive the special two disc edition of “The Sting” starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

Once those gifts had been placed under tree, Rogue eyed the final one in her hands. It was small, but held two very important gifts inside; one of them was a set of authentic old west playing cards.. With the cards, Rogue had also placed a letter which read the following:

Dear Remy,

Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy your gift, it’s not much but I hope you like them. The owner of the shop I got them from told me they might have been used by Doc. Holliday. When you are feeling more like yourself again I have a few things on my mind that I need to tell you. Things I should’ve told you a long time ago.

I’ve missed you.

Love,

Rogue


She stood still for a good five minutes, her green eyes studying him through the glass window of the door. She watched the steady rise and fall of his chest, the way his hair fell slightly over his eyes. Slowly she opened the door and stepped quietly inside, her footsteps placed with cautioned silence as she approached his side and placed the small parcel on the stand next to the bed, “ Merry Christmas Sugah.” Smiling, she pushed the sleeping man’s hair away from his eyes and placed a fleeting kiss on the tip of his nose before turning and leaving the room, giving one quick glance over her shoulder as she closed the door behind her.

Back upstairs, Rogue settled herself next to the tree and helped pass out gifts as well as opening her own, and making it a point to personally thank everyone she got gifts from, all of them special to her in so many ways, “ Well,” She began aloud, “ Ah think this is gunna be tha best Christmas we’ve had in a long while y’all.” A smile crossed her face, and stuck around as she helped the students pick up the carelessly tossed and torn wrapping paper that now littered the Common Room.

[Dr. Jean Grey]

A lopsided smile worked over Jean’s face at the offer for assistance.
“No arguments here, Piotr. Even for me, it’s been along night.” She confessed, slipping into one of the stools at the middle island. Her small hand reached out as she pushed the filter door to the coffeemaker shut with a minor telekinetic push.
“Sorry…” she apologized realizing that it had been a contradictory action. She was again being a bit of a control freak.
“You know me; always the micromanager.”
Again she smiled tiredly, placing her hand on her cheek and resting her elbow on the table.

Even after an all-nighter Jean was soft on the eyes. Her hair was free from its usual confinements and instead of the crisp professional attire of a headmaster she was dressed in plaid drawstring pajama pants and a faded sweatshirt for the University of Princeton. She wasn’t wearing any make-up. Blonde eyelashes lacked their usual definition.. Small bits of powder were washed free and the sparse sprinkling of freckles on her skin a bit more noticeable. Small hands took the mug from Pitor and she sipped the warm liquid carefully.

“Thank you,” she started to say, just as her head rang out with a sharp pinpointed headache. The telepathic link she had with Xavier was just as sharp as the old days, but after a few years of ‘silence’ it was something to get reaquainted toward; especially when Charles was a factor.
. o O ( Jean. I understand that you’ve just had a very taxing evening, but it appears that I may need your assistance point pointing a mutant who may be greatly needing our tutelage. } O o .

[Shawn McCoy]

Shawn McCoy was childish at heart. Sure he was only 18 and counted as an adult to his father. His father felt he should take responsibility for his actions. Although, the thoughts and actions hardly ever reflected how he felt. His father made the call, and all Shawn had to do was agree. This confrontation between him and his father was long going through out the years. His father never believed that Shawn would amount to anything, and he made it known. Every time his son would fail he wouldn’t give him words of encouragement only the constant ridicule of failure. His mother would never speak a word to stand up for her boy. Only stand in silence as her son was lectured about how he should go out for football, get better grades, or for something ridiculous. He stared at his house as he pulled his backpack over his shoulder. He promised himself his would be the last time he would ever see this shit hole. A smirk crossed his face, his back turned to the hell he grew up in. And he walked.

He was 16 he found out he was “cursed”. He had gone with his friends to a local store. It was just like any normal visit until one of his friends turned to him and told him to slip a DVD into his hooded sweatshirt. He stared at his friend in disbelief. “You want me to steal it?” he asked softly. His friend simply nodded as Shawn slowly brought the DVD down to his waist. He carefully slid it up into his hooded sweatshirt, and that’s when he heard it.

“Hey you!” the voice of the security guard. Shawn panicked, without even thinking his friends and him took off. The security guard however was on their tail. His friends spilt off into different directions leaving only him in the sight of the guard. He quickly turned into the hall leading to the bathroom pushing the door open and running into the stall.

“What the hell am I thinking, oh yeah he won’t find you in here, dumbass.” Shawn cursed at himself and wished that he were someone, anyone else at that moment. The heavy bathroom door opened and he could see the security guard’s feet. He couldn’t wait in there forever he might as well just give it up. With that he slowly opened the door and looked at the security guard as he walked past him checking the other stalls. The guard stopped in front of him.

“Sir, I don’t mean to bother you but by any chance have you seen a young man?” The question confused Shawn and he looked at him blankly, “no I haven’t” With those simple words the guard turned and walked out the door. Shawn stood there in pure shock. Was the guard that stupid, did he not notice that he was right there, right in front of him? That’s when he saw it, out of the corner of his eye. The mirror on the wall with an image of and older man on it. He turned and watched in somewhat amazement the other man turn as well. He walked toward the mirror his hand reached out and touched the cool glass of the reflective mind game. He blinked and made faces, all of which the man did along with him. Then he realized it was him. How he didn’t have a clue, but somehow it was him. He smiled and with that the image twisted and he felt his skin tingle a little. And there looking back at him was himself. He didn’t have time to enjoy this the guard would be back. He quickly took his hooded sweatshirt off and threw it on the ground. An made his way out the door, and safely out of the store.





Later he found out what he was. A mutant. Some human that had the power to do special things with talents they were born with. With more practice he learned that if he thought of someone or something he could easily become that object. The looks, voice, even clothes were exactly similar. He enjoyed his gift until the day he found out it wasn’t something everyone wanted in the world, especially his father.

His father cursed at the TV. As normal horrible news against mutants played to the millions of viewers. His father would often pull Shawn aside and tell him he may be a failure but as least he wasn’t one of them. Shawn would pull off his smile, tell his dad he was right and quietly go into his room. He hated lying to everyone. He hated having this talent, this gift, this curse, and not be able to open up to anyone about it. No one would understand, he was sure of it.

So he pulled off his magic act for two years. Every once in a while he’d rebel and use it for something he probably shouldn’t. He didn’t care. If the world only knew mutants as monsters then he’d act like one. Why cower in a world that fears you. A world that will judge you before they even know your name. He hated the feeling of the world turning it’s back on him. Rage built up, his family never really accepted him, now the world. Fuck the normal human race. If they wanted to fear him, let them.

It wouldn’t be until he was 18 when he found a place that would be suitable to him. A place where they accepted all of the rejects like him. Somewhere he might actually fit in for who he was not what he was. Somewhere he could someday call home.

[Logan: Weapon X: Wolverine]

“I will take it that Christmas is today…Everyone acts so odd.”
“Yeah. It’s got some religious background too...I don’t think I’m the best one to tell you bout that, ya want theology or any kind of ology ya go to Hank. I can help the best I can, so will Jamie…and Kevin.”
Eyes looked over to the two boys. While shifting his weight, Wolverine got a little closer. Head nodded the direction of the tree with gifts all around it.
“It’s a time where most families get together, quality time. They give each other gifts, and dinner…”
Unfolding his arms from his chest the mutant stopped. The phone in his office was ringing. Giving a look to both boys to help X understand, Logan made his exit.

Cowboy boots clomped along the wood ground as he opened the door to his office. Fingers picked up the receiver putting it to his ear. Gruff voice spoke into the other end. Instantly he recognized the voice on the other side. Scott Summers.
“What do you mean a new student will be arriving today… it’s Christmas… yeah, no, I got it.” Click “Ya prick.”
Roughly the phone was replaced on the hook. Summers and Logan were still not on better turns. Even with the distance between them. Exiting his office Logan paced forwards, glancing towards the Rec Room then to the front lobby. Heightened senses could already pick up the sounds of footsteps. Along with the coffee being made down the hall.

Stepping through the foyer dodging a few students Wolverine headed towards the door. It was still white and snow covered outside. Thanks to weather, and their resident snow-cone, Bobby Drake. Pulling the large door open he stared at the dark haired boy standing out in the cold.
“Lemme guess, Shawn McCoy.”
Opening the door even further to let the boy inside. Dark brows arched upwards as he stared at the boy.
“I ain’t gonna stand here and hold the door all day. Come on warm up…we’ll get you’re room in order. Name’s Logan, you’ll call me either Headmaster Logan or Professor Logan, got it bub.”
Eyes looked over the kid once more as he stepped away from the door walking further into the grand mansion entry. Next task, finding him a room, and someone to give him the grand tour.

[Shawn McCoy]

White rested on every surface. The road for which tired feet walked was hardly visible, however the school was in plain view. The heat from the cold lips of a stranger reacted, making a small trace of fog that vanished with each intake of air. The figure was far from being prepared for this kind of weather. Only a black hoodie kept his body enclosed from the cold. Hands deep in the pockets as the hood slunk over his face.

Excitement was pulsating through Shawn's body, but the nervous tension highly out weighed the positive side. This "school" was a major step towards him getting his secret out. Even though he wasn't one to care what others thought he still worried he wouldn't fit in. He was never good at making friends. Although, it was this secret that kept him from truly being close to someone. Maybe here it would be different, since the secret wouldn't be one any longer. That was another thing that made him uneasy. In a place where all these kids lived, "freaks" as the human race called them, how was he to make a difference. In a world he thought he didn't belong, why would anyone devote time to helping misfits?

His eyes shifted to the oncoming door. It was close; his feet had led him here now it was up to his will to finish. Split. Part of him wanted to go right up to that door, knock and start new. Then there was that side of him. The side that knew he'd never be normal and why waste time on controlling when you could be having fun. "Just turn around and go home. It's not too late; this school is for losers, nobody's. You are not a nobody." He stopped dead in his tracks. Should he give this school a shot? Or walk away from it like he had done his whole life. He swallowed, and pushed his hood back, and took a step forward. He wasn't going to run this time.

“Lemme guess, Shawn McCoy.”
The voice came without warning. If Shawn wasn't one to take things in fast he would of surely jumped. Slowly his eyes made their way up to the figure. He stood there silently not sure what to say to the man standing in the doorway. For one he was huge and two he looked like a complete hardass. Shawn laughed a little and stopped quickly. The man opened the door a little wider. Shawn was hesitant.

“I ain’t gonna stand here and hold the door all day. Come on warm up…we’ll get you’re room in order. Name’s Logan, you’ll call me either Headmaster Logan or Professor Logan, got it bub.”
Shawn hated that. Bub. People would call him that back in his hometown. Watch it bub, you're next bub, back off bub. Ah it drove him nuts. The bigger guys said it. As if to label a person cause they were smaller, weaker. He felt they only said it cause they wanted to be inferior to whomever they wanted. "Okay dick, I got it." Shawn held back his wise crack. Oh how he wished he could say it, but being in a new place he didn't want to taint his welcome. However, by the looks of it this guy, he sure didn't want him here. He moved forward and made his way past inside. Warmth.

His eyes moved across the towering walls, and the vast space. This place was definitely sweet. Better then where he came from. He didn't smile though. He kept it in just as he did his comment. Shawn never got why he couldn't just let what he felt show to strangers, but something in him resisted. He turned back to "Headmaster Logan" pulling his bag back up on his shoulder. He was ready for this new school. New people. New friends. Even if some were jerks.

[Logan: Weapon X: Wolverine]

Logan read the kid right off the bat. He was like Bobby Drake, a prankster. But he wasn’t much different from half of the teenaged population of the school. Kids were never really his thing. Still Chuck asked him, and it gave him a chance to be near Jean again. He thought to the table in his personal quarters, the drawer that held her gift. Closing the door he looked back up at the young man. Canadian moved over the floor of the entry towards the Rec room. At least he could get a brief introduction in with three students he knew were there. Jamie, X and Kevin. Head nodded into the room as he leaned his shoulder up against the wall.
“Here’s the Rec Room…open to all students. You’ll have classes and lessons with kids your own age. Here are a few. James Hudson, Kevin Ford and X-23.”

Thumbing back towards the young man who’d followed him. Eyes scanned the reaction of the faces before him when they realized he wasn’t alone.
“This is Shawn McCoy. He’s one of our new students.”
Logan wasn’t a fool, he knew a school like this, would always get a new student here and there. With the ideals and dreams Charles Xavier had for it. He wanted a place where mutants could belong, be accepted and have other friends like them. Clearing his throat slightly he shifted off the door. Glancing at the trio then to the new arrival he nodded his head.
“Hungry kid, I’ll show ya the kitchen.”

Sometimes Wolverine didn’t feel he fit the part he was supposed to play. He never did. Not even when he had been a member of the team. In a sense it was as if he’d been reinstated to the X-Men, with just a much younger generation. Instead of a few young ones like Kitty or Jubilee, he was surrounded by them. It was their next project for the new year. The teams, Hellions and New Mutants, would be combined. Others would be leaving to join the Salem Center. Santo was one of them. Clearing his throat he pushed open the double swinging door into the kitchen.
“So ya drink coffee? Or would ya rather some hot chocolate?”
Stepping further into the kitchen he stopped, grabbing two cups from the cupboard and placing them down.

[Shawn McCoy]

His weight shifted from one leg to another. Being around someone who obviously could care less he was there made Shawn uneasy. He brought his cold hands up, and cracked his knuckles. Which for a brief moment broke the complete silence. Quickly he dropped his hands. Anxious eyes darted around as the two stood there for what seemed long, which in reality was only a few seconds. Time seemed to go by slower when Shawn met new people or maybe it was because he was nervous. Shrugging it off he saw Logan start to walk off, and he distinctly followed.

“Here’s the Rec Room…open to all students. You’ll have classes and lessons with kids your own age. Here are a few. James Hudson, Kevin Ford and X-23.”
Shawn looked in the room and looked over all that was in it. Was pretty good compared to the Rec Room in his hometown's local shelter. He volunteered there, though he hardly ever made it known. He wasn't one to brag about helping, it was simple he didn't want anyone to know he cared. Stupid to some maybe, but his whole life he was met with barriers. To care meant to be weak, and his father made sure his son wasn't "weak" He shook off that memory fast and looked back at the man leaned against the wall.

“This is Shawn McCoy. He’s one of our new students.”
Shawn looked off into the room. The three seemed to not notice them until Logan's voice got louder and was only directed to them. They smiled at the newbie. Shawn couldn't help but smile a little. In spite all the worries he had before he knew this place was going to be okay. May not be perfect, but nothing hardly ever is. Shawn looked back at the instructor before him, whose eyes now shifted to him.

“Hungry kid, I’ll show ya the kitchen.”
Hunger wasn't really apparent. Though the sound of food was a bit appetizing. Shawn nodded, "yeah I could eat something." Walking behind the stalking walk of the man in front of him as they past hallways and rooms. Like any teenage boy he wanted to find out where all the hallways led. The rooms were just waiting for him to bust in and go BOO! to whoever was in them. He smiled at his stupidity. Simple to entertain.

The two strangers walked into the kitchen. Not a surprise it was huge. It wasn't the kitchen that sparked his interest, the fact that he could come in here. This whole school was inviting him in. To become one of them.

“So ya drink coffee? Or would ya rather some hot chocolate?” He turned to Logan as he brought the cups down and set them on the table. It didn't matter to him what he drank, he wasn't one to be picky. He was surprised that he would even ask. The man that had introduced him into this school definitely didn't seem the type to offer a choice.

"Which ever is easier, a drink is a drink,” he said as the bag slid of his shoulder. Moving his sore shoulder slightly, stretching it, he pulled up a stool and sat down. Running a hand through his dark hair he stared at the counter top. He was here. He made it this far, and he was proud of himself. He looked up and smiled slightly.

"So, what do you teach?"

[Dr. Jean Grey]

She hadn’t spoken to Logan since the appearance of Heather Hudson the previous day and she wasn’t quite prepared as to how to react when he came bustling through the kitchen doors. Jean got up from the small table by the window, her head turning in the direction of the new faces in the room. Without an afterthought her right hand twisted toward the chair, pushing it back in place, her left floating the soiled coffee cup into the sink. Digits pushed soft red hair behind her ear and she let her eyes actually look at the pair. For a flash of a moment the tension between her and Wolverine was revealed, but Jean was quick to hide it all as attentions turned to the boy.

Lips curled into a tense smile and her voice caught in her throat as she stumbled through her words.
“Good morning Logan, Merry Christmas. I see we have a new student. It’s good to meet you Shawn, I’m Dr. Jean Grey. I’m the other headmaster here. If there is anything I – either of us can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
It was natural instinct for her to probe into the surface thoughts of the new students but often times she neglected to use good caution when referring to them by their names before a more mundane introduction. Realizing this might be a bit of an issue she was quick to change the topic.
“I understand how difficult this transition must be for you, especially due to the holiday, but I hope you’ll find the school to be a rewarding experience.”

Her green eyes winked at the corners as she once again smiled.
“Logan,” she started her voice softer and a bit more hesitant. “I’ve just received a distressing call from Charles. Can you hold the fort down while I go and look into it?”
. o O (I need to use Cerebro) O o .
She followed up her words with a bit more of a revelation of the truth. It was still hard to get used to the feeling of drowning in a sea of white noise and anonymous, thoughts and emotions. Jean had spent so much time without her instinctive ability to ‘see’ with her mind that it was hard to take things back to the basics that Xavier taught her.

‘Just one step at a time Jean… left foot, right foot. Logan. Piotr. Shawn.’
Slowly with careful precision Jean ‘touched’ the minds in the room, reacquiring her mental bearings. Often recently when she was tired like this, the disorientation of being a telepath felt as fresh a wound as it had when Xavier first lifted her mental blockers. Like a blind man squinting at the brilliance of the sun needed to dampen the intensity with tinted lenses, Jean needed to consciously replace the barriers that separated her from the surrounding minds.
“If you will excuse me. I shouldn’t be long.”

[X]

X listened to everything that was said. Her attentions verying between the three, though she tried to resist making eye contact with Kevin. She wanted to know what that statue was given to her for as well she figured he was still pretty mad at her. Since their little tiff they hadn't spoken much if at all. And considering X wasn't a feely person, wasn't about to walk up and say sorry or explain herself.

Logan began his best to explain what was going on today. Her eyes were fully on him as he did. Religion, she could care less about. But the whole factor of families coming together and making this their special day, to give eachother gifts, well..she didn't really care about that either. But somehow with the image of all those presents under the tree meant for others she felt a bit bad that she didn't have anything to give to anyone. Or at least not anything that they would care about. "So they give gifts...to make eachother feel better?" Even the whole concept of Family X was so unfamiliar with. So how could she really understand a day that had everything to do with Family? This was going to be harder than she first thought.

There was a ring in the distance and Logan turned from the trio and walked off. She watched him move out of the room before turning her attentions back to the rec room and everything that was going on about. That woman Rogue was handing out gifts to everyone whose names were on them. She watched with a slightly curious gaze as they were unwrapped and students, especially the younger ones, exclaimed about their gifts. Playing with toys and just showing them off with a pure sign of joy on their face. Once it was finished they packed up the wrapping that was on the floor and threw it into a large garbage bag just near, cleaning up before the kids set off to play with their new found objects. She had to admit it did look like fun to unwrap the gifts.

Suddenly their was a strange air in the room, a scent that escaped in from down the hall. Someone unfamiliar and new to this place was drawing near, Logan was with him. She could tell it was a male, females and males veried in their smells, it wasn't hard to tell who was who. Her head slowly turned towards the doorway just before Logan and some guy came walking in. He was more interested in the room than anything else. And after a moment their eyes met for a split second. X's always seemed to be a bit more wild than most in her gaze, but they always shared a sense of wonderment as well. She nodded slowly to the guy that Logan said was Shawn McCoy. Her face remained as stoic as it ever was, no emotions, nothing there. Soon they exited the room and she turned her attentions back to Jamie and Kevin.

Tilting her head slightly to the side,she finally spoke again. " I don't have anything to give you two."

[Shawn McCoy]

He sat on the bar stool his eyes hooked on the red beauty that made her way through the kitchen. Making chairs move, cups throw themselves away. A smile crossed his face. That would be a cool power to have, then again he'd be even lazier then he already was. His attention moved from instructor to instructor. Physic, he wasn't but he could obviously tell that something was up between these two. Maybe bitter lovers. Getting a head of himself he turned back to the captivating green eyes of the woman.

“Good morning Logan, Merry Christmas. I see we have a new student. It’s good to meet you Shawn, I’m Dr. Jean Grey. I’m the other headmaster here. If there is anything I – either of us can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
The forced smile was an easy pick up. He knew it wasn't one to him, nor Logan. Smiles had a way of deceiving people. He didn't even catch the fact she knew his name. Everyone did already. It was as if he was a burden placed on their shoulders, and his name was a brand. He grinned slightly.

"Hi Dr. Jean Grey, or do you prefer headmaster or professor?" His eyes shot a glance at Logan and smirked. Knowing full well he'd probably regret what he just said but the room was stale. Any kind of emotion from him would be welcomed. Before even a hint of words could be spoken Jean Grey switched topics.

“I understand how difficult this transition must be for you, especially due to the holiday, but I hope you’ll find the school to be a rewarding experience.”
Shawn got on edge quickly and looked at her with dazed eyes. Holiday? Ha this was far from a holiday. The last time he ever celebrated Christmas was when he was invited to his friend’s house when he was 5. Oh yeah Holiday. Whoot. Instead of busting out, he nodded.

"I'm sure I'll manage." He smiled. Even if the words could be taken harsh, he hardly meant it. He was straight up, no rude tone to the words he expressed. Still he hoped she wouldn't take it the wrong way. Last thing he needed was the one person who was nice to hate him. She made her exit. Sighing slightly he turned back to Logan.

He thought about the three kids, the ones he saw earlier. How they looked, how they acted, and he wondered what they could do. He remembered that he looked more at the room. Afraid to make eye contact with them cause that might of led to conversation. For a brief moment he met the eyes of a girl. They were bright with passion of some sort, like a fire that could never be put out. She slightly nodded to him, which he met back with a smile. Though she was far from a box of heartfelt emotion. Maybe she was a locked box. Plus she was kind of cute.