3rd POV:
Kitty was instructed by Zero to stretch out her arms and make them intangible. They have been training for a while, until he seemed to trail off suddenly and now they are here.
He slowly moved his arm downwards, his arm going through hers. Then he moved it back up and stopped when his arm was in hers. She patiently waited as she saw him rubbing his chin with his other hand.
Then he dropped a flashlight in his hand via portal and turned it on, waving the light on her arm. He did it a few more times from different angles, until he dropped the flashlight back into a portal.
''Oh, for sure. You can definitely do that. Here I want you to read this book about light,'' Zero demanded dropping a book in his hands, before handing it to her. Kitty took the book and read the title. An Introduction and Study on Light and Photons.
''Like, fine, Zero. But I want to know what for. Like, what does intangibility and light have to do with each other?,'' Kitty asked confused.
''That is the wrong question. The right question is how do we see colors. Hm?,'' Zero nodded his head towards her, letting her take the reigns.
''What kind of question is that? Like, everyone knows. Most objects are too thick to let light through so the reflect it and thus the wavelength of the light, like, changes and stuff...,'' Kitty trailed of near the end and looked at the book then back to Zero and then repeated the actions a few times.
''Like, Zero, are you super serious. Can I, like, really become invisible?,'' Kitty asked giddily. Zero nodded.
''Unlike with air walking where I was mostly sure, I am absolutely sure you can do this. But before any training can commence (*he taps the book with his index finger twice*) read that,'' Zero instructed. Kitty bolted off eager to complete her task.
''Yes, professor. I will do that immediately,'' Kitty called back walking through some of the students. Same with the book. Zero sometimes wondered how she found out she could make other objects intangible. Maybe by sheer accident, if not by design? Oh well, ice and penicillin came both from accidents, that doesn't make the achievements any less desired.
''I told you to call me Zero,'' he called after her.
''Sorry, Zero,'' Kittys voice could be heard in the distance.
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''Zero, I don't understand why I need to do this,'' Kurt asked as Zero was sticking a lot of styrofoam to his body.
''Remember when I threw sand in your eyes? You learned how to teleport everything in a sphere around you, even if it is only the radius of your body, unless your touching someone. Now it is time to teleport while ignoring something or somebody. Bigger objects I'm sure will be easier. But your control should be good enough by now that you can ignore smaller objects,'' Zero explained sticking some more small styrofoam balls to him.
''So the next time you throw sand at me, I can get rid of it by teleporting away from it? I see,'' Kurt summarized to show he understood.
''Yup. Alright that should be it. Well, try it out for yourself first then I can give you pointers,'' Zero instructed. Kurt nodded and closed his eyes concentrating for a bit before teleporting with no smoke or noise. Having moved past such restrictions. He looked back where he previously was and saw only one ball. Zero opened a portal and it dropped into his hand, before he stuck it back on his body.
''Hm. The fact that you already dropped one ball is a good sign. How about this? Imagine this objects on you as something foreign, alien, you really want to get rid off them or else they will lay eggs in your chest and and chestburster will pop out. Treat them as hostiles, not as inanimate objects. Draw your consciousness in and ignore the world around you,'' Zero tried giving him some tips.
Kurt frowned at that particular image in his head, but nodded and closed his eyes again, concentrating. Right. Hostiles. Only his body. nothing else. he teleported again.
''Ooooookay, that wasn't quiet what I meant. Here, quickly,'' Zero dropped a blanket in his hands and threw it over Kurts naked body. Kurt was mortified and quickly drew the blanket around himself. He looked back at his previous spot and saw all styrofoam balls and his clothes on the ground.
''Ok. Maybe that was a little too much? But hey at least we have proven that you can do it. You grasped this incredible quickly. We just need to work on your precision,'' Zero tried to encourage him.
''Zero, can we stop for today. I kind off....,'' Kurt tried to explain, but there was no need. Zero understood immediately and nodded.
''Right, probably for the better. Go along now, we'll pick this up another time,'' Zero shooed him off. At least no one was around to see that. Well, no one except Zero.
Zero gave a sigh, after Kurt teleported away. That was mildly embarrassing.
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Scott, Laura and Evans were taught CQC by Logan and Pietro. The three were doing alright.
While Logan was teaching them technique, Pietro was training their reaction speed.
Nothing too fancy, considering that creativity wouldn't exactly help them make them stronger. They have hit a hard bottleneck in their powers.
The only one who remotely could develop his powers thanks to creativity was Evans. If shooting bones would deplete his calcium levels, then why not use other constructs. Like blades. While he learned to do that, they also learned that he could retract the bone constructs back into his body, thus not losing out on calcium. At least so long as he doesn't shoot it out of his body. Then he can't reabsorb the bone constructs.
The only one who was also in the training room but did not participate was Rogue. Whenever she wasn't trained in CQC by Zero she tried to get a hold of her powers. Not that it amounted to much. Just as she expected. What did Zero think? That she hadn't already tried to control her powers? Still she tried anyway.
If only Hank could come up with better suits for her, so her clothes wouldn't tear accidentally during training, her life would be slightly better.
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Wanda gave a frustrated huff, at her pupil. It made no sense for her to not control her telepathy. Something was going on. Was that why Zero wanted to come here? Could Jean be in danger because she could lose control of her powers and thus become a threat? By all rights she should control her telepathy. She certainly could do so with her telekinesis.
''Alright, let us stop here for now. I need to do some research to find the source of your problem, since I can't explain why you struggle so much with telepathy,'' Wanda explained.
''I'm sorry for the trouble,Wanda,'' Jean apologized immediately.
''No, no. It is my job to be troubled by you. I was hired to teach you control and I will. Just let me do some research first. For now, just try to relax for a bit till I call you again,'' Wanda quickly sought to placate Jeans worries. She could see the girl was in pain from all the voices in her head. So she better hurry. Thought research included mostly consulting Zero.
It was weird how despite having only one ability, he seemed to grasp and understand everyones abilities better than their owner. Wanda certainly learned a lot from him. Surely he could come up with a solution for this.
Jean watched Wanda wander away from her. She hid her disappointment with a smile as was expected of her.
She needed Zero.
The voices were only becoming more unbearable.
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A few days later Zero was wandering trough the corridors towards the kitchen. It was morning and he always drank a coffee mornings. He cracked his shoulders by rolling them. Say what you want, but it wasn't easy sleeping with the helmet on. He only removed it when he needed to wash himself. No that it mattered since he had a difference face than Bells, should anyone see him.
He came inside the kitchen and saw Rogue, surprisingly. It was very early and normally only a few were awake at this hour.
''Good morning, Rogue. You are up early,'' Zero greeted lazily.
''Sugar! A made some coffee for you. Let us drink together,'' Rogue turned around handing him cup of coffee. Zero saw the manic look in her eyes and got a little uncomfortable.
''Ah, thank you. It is quiet good,'' Zero said taking a sip from his cup via portal. Rogue smiled and stepped a little towards him.
''So, how far have you progressed with your control in regards to your power?,'' Zero asked conversationally.
''Not at all Zero. I still can't touch anyone but you,'' Rogue said stepping closer.
''Hmm (*takes another sip of his coffee*). Alright, let us go to Hanks lab. Maybe some tests could reveal, how you powers work,'' Zero suggested.
''Zero, we already tried. I have incredible fine hair all over my skin. It absorbs energy allowing me to absorb powers, life force and memories. The only thing that helps is an insulating force like clothes,'' Rogue explained.
''I want to have my own look. You wouldn't deny me this, right? Maybe I can see something that he missed. As unlikely as that is,'' Zero insisted. Rogue huffed and crossed her arms, but in the end agreed, despite it meaning her plans were thwarted.
---
Zero hummed as he looked through the electron microscope. The normal microscopes proved inefficient with how tiny the hairs on her skin were.
Frankly, Zero sometimes wondered how even more absurd the X-Gene wanted to get. Some of the powers are just so powerful it is ridiculous.
Rogue wasn't lying. Her ability was a bonafide reality warping one trick pony, though with some limits.
The way it worked was that it absorbed energy in all forms. Ergo powers, life force and memories. Unseen by Rogue he fed the hairs some energy to see what they would do. While they seemed to take it in it was VERY slowly, compared to what he has seen otherwise. And since he had infinite energy, she could basically take nothing since it was way too much. It was like trying to absorb the ocean through a straw hole. It... would take some time. Which meant cosmic entities like Jean could touch her, though she needs to fully bond with the Phoenix first, as well as other reality warpers or cosmic entities could touch her.
Inhibitors would probably do nothing since she would just absorb the energy and revitalize her cells as a form of life force. At best they would inhibit her powers for minutes.
She seemed to be able to fully absorb powers and add them permanently to her library if she sucks anyone completely dry.
Wait, no. Phrasing.
Anyway.
While he was examining the cells, he also checked her brain. Not by reading her memories, but by checking the different functions of the brain that would allow her to turn her powers off. Even Jean had it, despite the Phoenix residing in her. It seemed however she lacked any sort of such function in her brain.
Bruh.
It is as if someone looked at her and said fuck her in particular.
Wait, no. Phrasing again.
He could create an insulating energy barrier that would allow her to touch someone directly by occupying the hairs with his energy, but he was not gonna do such a thing. Zero simply was not meant to have such an ability as creating insulating energy barriers and Wanda was not advanced enough for something so difficult, what with the precision needed even if she has recently more and more supplanting her telekinesis with some other kind of ability without noticing.
Or he could just wish for her to be able to touch someone and the world would bend to his whims but he wasn't gonna do that either.
Welp, sucks to be you Rogue. Good luck.
''Well, you were telling the truth. I didn't find anything you haven't already told me about,'' Zero said standing up and removing himself from the microscope. He began cleaning the laboratory of his mess.
Rogue shoved herself away from the wall she leaned on, up until now while waiting.
''See, sugar. There is nothing anyone can do. You are the only one I can touch,'' Rogue explained.
''That is ... nice, I supposse. Though I don't know what you want me to do about it,'' Zero finished cleaning and unapologeticallly shrugged his shoulders. She can very well find someone else to bother with her problem.
''I was hoping you'd let me touch you, sugar,'' Rogue boldly expressed her request startling Zero.
''Riiiiiight. No. That would be awkward and inappropriate, so I won't be doing that,'' Zero said, besides he had a girlfriend. He should have just revealed such an information much earlier, because now there was no way to explain how he spent months with the twins and the Kinneys without ever mentioning he had a girlfriend.
Now it is coming to bite him in the ass, goddamnit.
''I will do anything for you, sugar. Anything,'' Rogue said with some frantic mania and stepped in Zeros face (helmet),''I would become anything for you. Girlfriend. Slave. Pet. Just let me touch you!''
There was no way she would let a guy her age, or at least one year younger than her, that could touch her go. In her mind, as far as she was concerned, it was a natural conclusion that she would get together with him and do anything for him. She knew that from the moment it was revealed he could touch her. Up till now she tried showing restraint, but it was no use.
''Jesus Christ, woman. I get you're touch starved, but have some damn self respect,'' Zero stepped back.
''No! You don't understand. I had to live for years without touching, constantly in fear that touching someone would kill them or put them in a coma. I'm not letting you go,'' Rogue harshly rebuked and stepped again in front of his face.
''Right. My condolences for your traumatizing experience. But I'm not fucking you or suddenly becoming your boyfriend, that would be taking advantage of you since you are in a vulnerable state. Besides you will find yourself with many regrets if you get together with me only to find a solution to your powers later. Maybe I'm not even your type. What then, right,'' Zero explained.
''That is fine. We can work our way there. We can start with hugs and hand holding,'' Rogue frantically sought to get her fix. Zero shrugged.
''Fine. Get your damn hugs and stuff then leave me alone, but don't complain if it is not what you wanted,'' Zero told her.
Rogue immediately removed her jacket, revealing she only wore a T-Shirt, and put her arms under his clothes hugging his waist tightly. She sighed as she rested her on his collarbone and rubbed her hands a little around him appreciating his athletic muscles. While she was a little saddened that he didn't hug her back and simply let his arms hang it was more than fine with her. She still considered this a massive win.
''Right. Enough of this. Let go,'' Zero demanded after a few minutes getting bored of not doing anything. Rogue continued to hug him, ignoring what he said. He put his hands on her shoulder and gently but firmly put some distance between them. He could see Rogues disappointment, but he simply picked his cup of coffee and sipped it a little.
''Right. I hope it helped you for a while or whatever. See you around, Rogue,'' Zero said quickly leaving the laboratory before she could say anything. She starred longingly after him as he rounded a corner and left her sight.
She looked at her hand, before putting a fingertip in her mouth and biting it with her teeth. Then she licked her lips with delight.
Finally.
After so long, she touched someone again.
And the guy is a good bloke too. Upstanding. Most men would have jumped at the chance to have a woman do anything for them, yet he turned her down and told her to respect herself more. Now she was definitely interested in him and will get him as her boyfriend.
She doesn't mind sharing.
She had many talks with her best friend Kitty. And while even she didn't know why Kitty loved Nexus so much, she convinced Rogue that sharing is not so bad if done right. Laura would surely have no problem with sharing Zero with her.
...
Zero walked through the foyer and was suddenly stopped by Wanda who called him to attention from the second floor, causing him to stop. She quickly descended down the stairs
Zero was suddenly in a much better mood.
Finally.
A reasonable woman.
''Wanda, sup. What is up?,'' Zero asked in greeting.
''Zero...''
''Yes. I'm Zero.''
''I wanted to talk with you about Jean. She is why we are here, right? I noticed during her training that she struggles a lot with telepathy. I was kind of hoping that maybe you could give me some pointers on what I could be doing better. Nothing I have tried and taught her, that works for me, works for her,'' Wanda asked Zero friendly. moving past his interruption.
''Hmm. I don't think it has all that much to do with her telepathy specifically. You have noticed it too, yes? She seems fake. As if she is constantly putting on a show and not a good one either (*Wanda nods*). Right. Well, i think that is the problem. That she isn't honest with her self and thus doesn't know herself firmly. People like this are easily swept in by stronger personalities, maybe that is manifesting in her telepathy by hearing everyones voices. Let me see if I can't see what the source of her problem is, for her to behave as such, then she should get better at telepathy,'' Zero analyzed. Wanda nodded again.
''Got it. So I'm guessing I should direct her towards you from now on. I guess it helps that despite your own strong personality she can't hear your thoughts. Someone like you, would probably be good as a counselor for her, who hears everyones voices. It is all about her with her in your presence,'' Wanda summarized and nodded again to assure herself that it wasn't her own incompetence that was harming her student.
Then she smiled a little proudly of herself. So she had a strong personality, huh? It was nice to know.
Bruh.
Zero was just spouting some bullshit intellectual nonsense to make up an excuse to justify spending more time with Jean. He couldn't believe Wanda actually bought it. Oh, well. Zero kind of needed to do this, since he read Jeans mind about resolving to approach him only to chicken out a few moments later.
''Say, we should cook something today for everyone. We haven't done this in a while,'' Wanda offered, missing the times they spent together in the kitchen and the coziness that came with it.
''Sure. How about a big pot of Gulash. It is your favorite after all,'' Zero offered.
''Gulash? Not Spaghetti Bolognese?,'' Wanda asked surprised.
''I noticed you didn't really eat Gulash in a while. I on the other hand, hopped to a restaurant somewhere and ate my favorite dish,'' Zero explained making Wanda blush a little.
So he has been paying attention to her.
''Sure, we can do that. They have been eating kind of unhealthy anyway up till now. It is high time that they have some high quality food in their belly,'' Wanda joked, Zero nodded.
''Anyway, I will seek Jean out and send her to you today. The quicker we help her the better. Good luck with her and see you later tonight. Oh! I will also invite Laura to help us prepare the food. Ciao, Zero,'' Wanda wandered off after Zero gave a three finger wave.
---
Jean wandered far away from the X-Mansion to the nearby pond. Wanda told her that Zero was expecting her on a bank near there, overlooking the pond. She knew the spot she was talking about.
When she arrived she saw him sit cross legged with his arms leaning against the bank stretching out. He noticed her and waved her over. She quickly and eagerly moved to sit near him, the voices suddenly dimming massively and ease washing over her body.
''So, Wanda told me, you massively struggled with telepathy and drowning out the voices from other people? I'm here to try and help you,'' Zero explained.
''Thank you, Zero. So how do we begin,'' She asked with a friendly smile.
''Well, we begin by wiping that fake ass smile from your face. Does no one seriously notice how fake it is,'' Zero rudely opened the issue. Jean got a little startled at his rudeness.
''Zero. I .... I don't understand,'' Jean inquired unsure, still keeping that friendly smile.
''Enough. Wipe that smile off, it is insulting,'' Zero strictly commanded, making Jean slowly drop her smile. She suddenly wondered if it was such a good idea to seek out Zero. At least with others she knew what they expected from her. This was unfamiliar territory and with Zero being so rude she almost wanted to cry. She hoped she would finally have some reprieve, but this was just more of the same.
''Don't cry. I didn't want to be mean to you, it is just frustrating seeing you constantly be ... fake with everyone. Tell me, why do you always put on a smile?,'' Zero apologized. Jean swallowed the thickness in her throat and starred at Zero for a bit. Oh. So he wanted her to show her real self.
...
Right. Her real self.
...
Her real self...
What was her real self again?
''It is expected of me,'' Jean answered shortly, not knowing how to act suddenly.
''And who are the others that they would demand something of you. Certainly not gods gift to mankind. What were you hoping to accomplish by molding yourself to some strangers expectations,'' Zero asked.
''...,'' Jean starred blankly at him. Zero released a soft sigh.
''Jean, what were you hoping to accomplish by molding yourself to their expectation?,'' Zero tried again more softly this time. Now that his initial rudeness has shaken her from her game, he needed to employ softer tactics. Guide her, instead of lead her, to the source of her problems, even if that will take some time.
Rome wasn't built in a day, after all.
Wait.
Nevermind. He could built Rome in a day, but that was besides the point. For now he would be happy if she admitted at least some truths to herself.
That is how you deal with trauma. Not by burying it or pretending everything is fine. You confront it and try to find some manner of peace by coming to terms with it in one way or another. Thank you, Stan.
That didn't suddenly mean the trauma was gone, but it made it FAR more manageable.
She needed to take the first step in healing by wanting to seek out her parents, but she needed to do that herself. He already sought them out and removed Xaviers memory manipulation of that days events, when she experienced her friends death. He also made it so that the traps wouldn't trigger to notify Xavier of the Greys memory restorage. He talked extensively with them and promised them that he would bring their daughter home. They reluctantly left matters into his hands, after he made it clear about the dangers involved if certain forces would find out they regained their memories.
It also annoyed him somewhat, because his Zero persona wasn't meant to have telepathy, but the situation deteriorated to this point. At least his Joker persona was going strong. Sure plans going awry and making him adapt was fun, but at the very least he wanted to remain steadfast to his personas.
How exactly her parents 'hatred' was supposed to help Jean, he didn't know. But clearly Xavier was playing some 10 dimensional chess. Probably by discouraging Jean from snooping around and finding the truth after talking to her parents. But it was still dumb.
Fucking moronic mind rapist.
''I... I was hoping that by fulfilling everyones expectations of me, they all would be happy and with an unified voice I would have more peace,'' Jean murmured unsurely, ashamed of admitting her banal reasons. She should have better reasons to satisfy everyones expectations of her, that is what everyone expected of her after all. Her reasons were shallow and selfish.
''What was that? Can you say it a little louder please. I didn't hear you,'' Zero requested wanting her to admit a part of the truth again.
''I...,'' Jean stopped, fiercely blushing with shame. Zero grabbed her hand and encouragingly put it in his hands, softly stroking it to give her some courage. He nodded, giving her some kind of permission.
''I... I wanted to unify all voices. Make them monochrome and thus I would only hear one voice, technically,'' Jean admitted with some more strength, though she immediately ducked her head with shame.
''You do know, that you can't satisfy everybody? Yes?,'' Zero put his fingers under her chin and slowly made her look up, so that she would stand proud. She looked down even if she let her head be moved upwards.
''...,'' Jean said nothing.
''Do you think, I should conform myself to peoples expectations as well?,'' Zero asked her kindly.
''...No,'' Jean said with some reluctance, encouraged by his silent head since it wouldn't admonish her for her selfishness. She knew he was actually talking about her in this case, only disguising it as asking her a question about himself.
A moment of envy flashed in her heart, at how comfortable he was with doing whatever he wanted. It wasn't like he was a bad person, even if he sometimes played pranks on someone or insulted them, since he helped out other students when they needed his help.
She wished she could do that too.
''Do you think I should conform myself to my friends expectations of me?,'' Zero asked. After some time Jean shook her head.
''Good. If they don't accept you as you are, then they were never worth being your friends in the first place,'' Zero encouraged her in her belief. There was a reason why, despite lying about being Starks son and being a science experiment, he otherwise behaved just as he behaved as Bell.
''...,'' Jean said nothing.
''Jean, those people are strangers. They will come as quickly as they will go. Their opinion is completely worthless to you. You will NEVER unify all thoughts in a monochrome as you said you wanted to do. Even if you hear their thoughts, just spit on them.
Be assertive.
It is fine to be selfish and deny someone something, be it a stranger or your friend. So long as you remain a good person, what more does anyone have any right to ask of you?,'' Zero said while softly stroking her hair in a comforting manner.
''Tell you what. Let us start right now. What do you want to do? Anything you want, we will do right now. Want to go to Mount Everest? Mount Fuji? You want to visit the Chinese Wall? Or have me run naked through the X-Mansion? I will do that, if you want?,'' Zero teased her a little at the end.
''No!,'' Jean denied blushing fiercely and blushed even more when she heard Zero chuckle. She realized he played a small prank on her.
Zero knew she wanted to visit her parents despite them 'hating' her for having powers, but she needed some more courage for that. That was fine. All journeys began with the first step. They will work themselves up there even if it should take a few months.
''I...,'' Jean began before shaking her head and remaining silent. So what if she couldn't hear his thoughts, she was sure his expectations of her were no different than others. He would probably think her silly or childish for her request.
Zero pushed his helmet in front of hers and nodded encouragingly. She moved her eyes left and right where she believed Zeros eyes to be.
''I... I always wanted to try japanese dumblings,'' she admited with a small voice, immediately ducking her head only to have it pushed back up by his fingers. She saw him nod.
''Japanese dumplings coming right up. Wait here for a second. I doubt you will be comfortable with too many voices in that plaza. I will bring them to you here,'' Zero told her while he stepped through a portal.
Jean gave a small heavy pant as her heart hammered heavily in her chest. The sheer thrill at her audacity to make a selfish request made her elated. She blushed fiercely as she remembered how Zero touched her. She knew he was probably only doing it to encourage her, but it felt nice. She never felt so safe in someones hands. Not being able to read his mind was everything she expected it to be and so much more, even if he did initially scare her at the beginning.
Jean was suddenly startled as Zero suddenly came back with steaming dumplings. She must have been more out of it then she expected.
''There we go. One traditional serving of japanese dumpling just as the beautiful lady requested. Chopsticks or fork?,'' Zero presented her the plate with grandiosity making her blush. She took the chopsticks since she wanted the fully experience and clumsily tried to eat a dumpling after thanking Zero for fulfilling her request.
The dumpling fell from her chopsticks and over the plate, but before it could crash on the ground Zero expertly caught it with his chopsticks. He mentioned for Jean to open her mouth. With a blush she did so and tasted her first dumpling ever.
Sorry, Jean. But he WILL force her to leave her comfort zone. Either by doing this or forcing her to be assertive. Once she resolves her trauma in regards to her friends death she will bond with the Phoenix and his mission will be fulfilled.
Zero showed her how to hold the chopsticks correctly and after correcting her with his hands by moving her fingers he told her to try for herself. She put a few hand strands behind her ear and then bowed down over the plate to eat another dumpling. This time the dumpling did not fly off from her chopsticks.
Jean cast a quick look at Zero for her achievement and he gave her a sharp nod making her smile.
She offered one dumpling to him with her own chopsticks.
''No, this is your treat. It is all for you,'' Zero waved off. Just to hammer it in that she was selfish and it was completely fine. Jean held out her hand with some uncertainty, unsure what to do, before suddenly gaining a spurt of confidence.
''I want you to eat it,'' she said clearly and concise, shoving the dumpling again in his face, before the confidence could leave her.
Zero starred at her.
Bruh.
This was going even more smoothly then he initially anticipated. This was huge progress.
Zero opened a portal and ate the dumpling, humming appreciatively.
Soon enough the dumplings all ran out, having been eaten by the two. For a second Zero wanted to praise her for her choice, but that would feel too much like pavlovian conditioning. So he decided not to praise her in any form.
''Welp, it was nice hanging out with you. We should do this again soon. Until then don't forget what I told you and try to live more for yourself. Toddles, Jean,'' Zero said taking the plate and leaving via portal like a whirlwind, before Jean could say her thanks and her goodbye.
When she came back to the X-Mansion she started hearing the voices again, but this time she tried her best to ignore them all dismissing all the expectations on her. With some moderate success, but it was still better then previously.
''Jean! I was looking all over for you. Do you want to hang out,'' Scott called out when he saw her and gave a short jog. She knew he had the hots for her and was trying to get closer to her. She knew he expected her to be together with him, but she just had no interest in him. She could however never bring herself to properly reject him.
Suddenly she had that confidence boost again. And gosh, was she having a lot of them today. What was happening?
''I'm sorry, Scott. But I'm not interested in doing anything today. Another time,'' Jean said, thought she immediately wanted to kick herself. That was not a firm and concise rejection.
''But, Jean...,'' Scott began.
''But, nothing. I'm really feeling under the weather today. Now excuse me,'' Jean parted ways, leaving Scott standing there incredulously, not comprehending what happened.
Jean started running the moment she rounded a corner and was out of Scotts view. She bolted to her room, her heart hammering. She slammed the door shut and leaned against it with her back her chest heaving. She quickly locked the door and stumbled to her bed landing face first in her pillow, her shoes falling off.
She hugged the pillow to her body, her face buried firmly in it it and rolled around in her bed. Suddenly she squealed with pure delight into her pillow, kicking her legs into the air.
She made so many selfish choices today. She never could ... what did Zero call it? She never lived for herself up until now. The voices weren't suddenly gone, they were still there and yet, for the first time in forever she felt free from everything and everyone.
Unshackled.
Unburdened.
She slowly removed her pillow from her face and starred in a daze towards the ceiling.
What a thrill.
Was there ever a more addicting feeling than living like this?
She blushed and licked her lips, her whole body hot and full of passion.
She wanted more.
She needed more.
---
Wanda,Laura and Zero easily made Gulash, the three quickly falling into a familiar rhythm.
The X-Men came into the kitchen only to be greeted by a heavenly smell.
''Hm, what is it that smells so good,'' Ororo asked.
''Gulash. Come on take a seat. Food is ready anyway,'' Wanda replied.
They were all served a bowl of Gulash, then they dug in with gusto after they tasted the first mouthful.
''Mmmmm, god it is good to be an X-Men. I doubt all the other students will get to eat something as good as this in the cafeteria,'' Kurt moaned.
''Don't eat with with a full mouth, Kurt,'' Scott chastised, being in a foul mood as he dug into his own plate.
''Now, now. Mr. Summers. Mr. Wagner can be excused. This is genuinely good food. My compliments to the chefs,'' Xavier complimented.
The trio nodded appreciatively under all the praise. Zero served himself some tea and offered it to the others as well. They declined on the account that it wouldn't mix well with the food. Zero shrugged. Fair enough.
Kitty's phone pinged, she quickly looked at it and gasped, before quickly running to the couch a few meters away from the kitchen into the living room.
''I thought we established no phones at the table while eating,'' Logan grumbled. He was shushed by Kitty as she turned on the TV and watched the news attentively. The rest watched from the table in the kitchen as they ate.
Ah. It was himself stopping the plane and all that stuff, Zero remarked.
''YES. I knew it. I, LIKE, SUPER KNEW IT,'' Kitty jumped up from the couch when seeing the news with all her friends about Nexus displaying his telekinesis. She gave a short celebratory dance, but quickly redirected her attention back towards the TV.
Zero sipped his tea through a portal calmly, hiding his discomfort.
''Are we sure he does not have the X-Gene?,'' Evans asked.
''Indeed. We already checked all the Spider People with Cerebro, they were not registered as having the X-Gene so we have left them otherwise alone,'' Hank explained.
''Though it was weird how we couldn't look into their heads. That has never happened with Cerebro,'' Charles remarked.
''As is the same with Zero?,'' Logan asked, hearing about this for the first time and casting a suspicious glance at Zero.
''No. He is a black void. I was repelled, would be more accurate. I never even came close to looking at their heads. The only function Cerebro could fulfill was checking for the X-Gene and nothing more,'' Charles elaborated.
''But, didn't you say that with it you would be the most powerful telepath on earth? How is that possible?,'' Sarah asked.
''We suspect one of them may have telepathy. Perhaps it may even be Nexus, if not one of his friends. Still, it is definitely remarkable that Cerebro proved inefficient,'' Charles mused.
Unnoticed by everyone Zero rolled his eyes. As if he would let anyone inside his friends minds unless for a very specific purpose and even then he will wipe anyones mind of that specific memory. He took another sip of his tea.
Hey, so long as it was his enemy, anything went.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''So, I've been noticing you are trying to push together Laura and Zero,'' Logan remarked to Sarah one day.
In the end he decided to keep his name Logan. James Howlett may be his real name, but by now he felt more comfortable with his name. Especially since he never felt more at home. He still needed to visit Steve and reminisce about the good old days, but that could be left for once the new grade starts and the X-Men can't train as often anymore.
''Did you suddenly develop fatherly affections for her?,'' Sarah asked as she put some blood in a petri dish.
''No. I worry about all of the younglings,'' he gruffly replied. Sarah mirthfully chuckled at his poor lie.
''He is good for her. She was a mess after we escaped. She struggled with feeling like a weapon, guilt plagued her just for killing a few innocent people under HYDRAs command. He took her. Made her cut vegetables of all things and ton of other stuff,'' she explained distracted by what she saw under the microscope.
Logan grumbled. Feeling like a weapon sounded familiar. Her figured a young girl would struggle with this more then he ever did.
Hm.
He really needed a beer right now. It wasn't like he needed to go with the rest of the professors to recruit that new girl that they picked up in NYC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weeks passed and they all entered a routine. Laura, Zero and Wanda cooked. Zero and Jean had their therapy sessions. They all trained otherwise. And before they knew it, it was the last day of their summer break.
''Alright, stop everyone. That is enough,'' Zero put a stop to their sparring session.
The X-Men lined up waiting for their grading as the teachers, including Munroe and McCoy who joined the teachers for the first time in their sparring starred proudly at them.
''Ugh, chin up. Why do you all look so glum? You did remarkably and incorporated everything we tried to teach you. Well, most of it anyway,'' Zero questioned.
''We didn't manage to defeat you all. We lost,'' Scott replied shamefully. They trained so hard over the summer and still had nothing to show for it.
''What are you talking about? It was never the purpose to defeat us. Your purpose was to learn. In that regard, you all did remarkably as Zero said. You removed some of your weaknesses and expanded a few others by getting creative. Even your teamwork has improved, we needed to actually try a little,'' Ororo said encouragingly, proud of their achievement.
''That being said. The only thing to do now is for you to gather experience and further hone your skill set. Trust me, bubs, experience matters a lot. That is why we are the teachers and you the students,'' Logan reminded them.
''Yup. Well done, students,'' Pietro added. Wanda nodded.
''Soooo, you are not disappointed we did not defeat a single one of you,'' Evans asked, only to receive several shakes of heads. The students slowly cheered up a bit a having done a good job.
''Indeed. Every teacher is proud of how far you came in so little time. This is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Do not denounce your efforts merely because you didn't win. You won something else today. With that being said, I send you off and leave you to your own volition. Just remember to go to sleep early tonight since you have school tomorrow. Now if you excuse us, we need to make some final preparations,'' Xavier said after rolling in, only to then leave with Logan, Munroe and McCoy.
''Sooo, what will you do?,'' Wanda asked the kids.
They all looked at each other and ultimately shrugged.
''Maybe take a shower, but otherwise we don't know,'' Kurt said as he turned his inhibitor on to change to his human appearance. Laura sniffed a bit, before frowning and nodding. The others nodded.
''Weeeeeeeeeeell. In that case, how about we visit the beach?,'' Zero suggested drawing attention.
''The beach?,'' asked Evans.
''Yes, the beach. Every story taking place in a school setting needs its beach episode. You know. THAT beach episode,'' Zero said hinting at something.
The others starred at him confused for a bit while only Pietro said something:''This is real life. Not some story that follows plot devices and stuff.''
''Oooooh. Yes, I understand. We should go to the beach,'' Evans said suddenly, while he softly elbowed Kurt. He began nodding, now quickly understanding what they all implied.
''Ugh. You all just want,like, some eye candy,'' Kitty pointed out.
''Fine. Then don't come. But while you will be alone, we will be at the beach. Making memories you can fondly look back upon,'' Zero lamented.
''Having fun,'' Pietro continued.
''Growing closer,'' Rogue continued casting Zero a sultry look., causing Laura to narrow her eyes at her.
''Exploring the world,'' added Kurt.
''Adding new skills,'' Jean said, hoping Zero would teach her how to swim.
''Alright! I get it. I didn't say,like, I wasn't coming,'' Kitty huffed making Wanda smile.
''Alright then. You all just bring the swimsuits and whatever else you want to wear and take a shower if you want. I will bring everything else. We'll meet in 30 minutes at the fountain in front of the X-Mansion and then we will go to Hawaii. Agreed?,'' Zero made the plan. They all were in agreement.
''Zero, I swear to god, if you continue to wear that stupid suit while we are on that beach...,'' Pietro threatened while departing.
''Who do you take me for? I will show my specs, but I will keep the helmet,'' Zero assured. They all rolled their eyes. Still, better than nothing.
---
Hawaii was truly beautiful, Zero remarked as he stretched his arms a little. All he wore was his black swim boxers and his Helmet. And off course the flip flops, though he will probably discard them very quickly.
''Yo, Zero. I see you kept your word. Thank God. You still look ridiculous with that helmet, but I take what I can get,'' Pietro arrived first having changed the quickest in the changing booth.
''Pietro, you look good. I can see you attracting some girls attention,'' Zero complimented genuinely. Pietros eye twitched. Like he had any right to talk.
''Yo, you two. You ready to see the girls in action?,'' Evans asked as he, Kurt and Scott approached them.
''You should treat girls with more respect and not reduce them to mere eye candy,'' Scott admonished.
''Ugh. Get of my back. If you want to tell that to someone, then tell that to Zero here,'' Evans retorted.
''What? What have I done now?,'' Zero asked sounding affronted. The four starred at him with a deadpan.
''You think he is that dense or is he just messing with us?,'' Kurt asked the others.
''No. The bastard knows what he is doing,'' Pietro assured him.
''Fucking asshole. Some people die of thirst, meanwhile he is drowning,'' Evans murmured.
''At least Kitty and Wanda don't pine after him,'' Kurt said making Pietro nod his head.
''Thought to be fair, Kitty lusts after a different helmet guy,'' Pietro pointed out.
''And Jean as well,'' Scott said, not noticing the pitying looks the others cast him. Was he dense or did he just not want to admit it.
Right. The situation completely deteriorated out of his control somewhere over the summer. What the fuck was even Zeros life at this point. Gwen did not make it better, by giving him permission to start a harem.
Someone was taking the piss out off him.
''Hey, guys I hope, like, we didn't keep you waiting for to long,'' Kitty said from behind them. Only one person from their group talked like that. The boys all turned around and gaped at their stunning beauty.
''Hm. You look all good. I see you went with colors that complimented your charms and beauty,'' Zero said friendly making them all except Wanda and Kitty blush. Though they were a little disappointed for only receiving such a generic compliment.
''Ah, thanks, sugar. You look quiet ... dashing yourself,'' Rogue replied, eyeing him up and down. Laura nodded firmly, agreeing with her. Jean remained silent but blushed, clearly looking at him.
Zero cleared his throat.
''Right. Since we are all here, let me just get out the beach chairs and towels and all that other stuff. Yo, you four, stop gazing and help me with building everything,'' Zero commanded.
---
''Sugar, could you apply some sun cream to my back;'' Rogue asked Zero while she laid on her stomach in a beach chair. The other girls have convinced her to discard her hoodie and skirt. She should feel normal for a bit.
Zero rolled his eyes, but complied. He knew what she was trying to do, but he had to give it to her. She had an actual motive, what with no one else being able to touch her. He quickly rubbed the cream all over her back, leaving her disappointed with how unaffected he seemed after touching her.
''Me too,'' Laura demanded from him the moment he turned around and trust s bottle of sun cream in his face. With a soft sigh he took the sun cream and applied some to Lauras back as well.
''Don't forget my thighs and butt,'' Laura shamelessly reminded. She recognized that she was too passive for too long, she needed to step up her game.
''What? You can reach there with your own hands so do it yourself,'' Zero told her.
''No. Do it. I demand it,'' she growled firmly, turning her head slightly to look at him with one eye and unsheathed her talons. Zero smacked his lips. Eventually he relented and did her thighs and butt as well showing no sign of flustering. She gave a soft gasp as the cool cream was rubbed too close to her folds.
''Can you do me as well?,'' Jean asked wiggling the bottle of sun cream in her hands.
''I can do it for you,'' Scott quickly offered. Jean sighed frustrated and quickly did it herself with her telekinesis making him frown.
---
''Come on, it will be fun,'' Kurt encouraged.
''I agree. But why me? Why not Pietro,'' Zero replied.
''Cause you deserve it,'' Evans replied, holding up the camera.
''I'm not doing it,'' Zero firmly denied.
...
He did it. He was enclosed by a dome of sand with only his head sticking out.
''Alright, you know what to do,'' Evans held the camera in his face. Zero gave a heavy sigh.
''You do realize that this joke was done years ago,'' Zero pointed out.
''Nothing says the imitation can't be better than the original,'' Evans retorted.
''Besides, imitation is the greatest form of flattery,'' Pietro said his own bit.
Zero sighed as Evans refocused the camera again on him.
''Who are you?,'' Kurt asked.
''I'm the sand guardian. Guardian of the sand,'' Zero said with passion.
''Poseidon quivers before him,'' Pietro passionately declared jumping in frame and slapping the dome. Evans quickly moved to the back of the sand dome allowing the waves to be seen.
''Behold, my might Poseidon! Ahhhhhh,'' Zero declared thunderously.
''And cut. Thank you,'' Evans said, high fiving Kurt. Zero stood up, destroying the dome and shook his head.
''So fucking stupid,'' Zero muttered as he jumped into the ocean to get rid of the sand. Pietro gave an elbow to Evans grabbing his attention.
''Film him when he exits the ocean,'' Pietro commanded.
''Why,'' Evans asked.
''Cause he is an over dramatic ass. Do it,'' Pietro demanded again. Evans and Kurt shared a look and then Evans filmed Zero.
He came out with masculine grace as the water droplets suddenly sparkled in the sun and the light being just right for a camera to capture him with crystal clarity. He swaggered a little his legs kicking up water as he had one hand in the pocket of his boxers and used the other to wipe his helmet from from water. At his forehead he rested the hand on it as if pushing wet hair upwards away from his eyes. Did he just move his head in a way that his oval lens reflected light in a way that made it seem as if he winked?
Pietro quickly took the camera and turned it around capturing several woman fanning themselves. Upon being noticed they quickly dispersed leaving the boys gaping.
''Man, this is some bullshit,'' Kurt muttered walking away.
Zero suppressed his laughter. Puppet cloning and shape shifting into women for the win. He just couldn't abstain.
---
Kitty distracted Scott as she made the Ok sign behind her back for Jean. He was starting to get annoying. Unfortunately she still didn't quiet get herself to tell him that she was no interested in him to her great shame, but she felt it was only a matter of days. He hasn't left her alone since they came to the beach.
That said. She owed Kitty big time.
''Zero, hey,'' she grabbed his attention, this time offering a genuine smile.
''Hm? Oh Jean. Sup. Are the voices still annoying you?,'' Zero asked. She nodded.
Welp. Unless that mental block on her memories in regards to her friends death gets removed she will not make much progress and then there is also the matter of connecting her to the Phoenix. And until then her telepathy will also be a mess, because it constantly keeps increasing her abilities uncontrollably. Zero had his work cut out for him.
''A little. But that is not what I approached you for. I was hoping you could teach me how to swim, please,'' Jean expressed.
''Now? As in right now?,'' Zero asked for clarification.
''Yes, why not? it is still quiet early in the day. Guess starting that training session so early paid off. So? Please Zero,'' Jean pleaded, putting a hand on his shoulder while fluttering her eyelashes. Zero gave an amused huff. She was severely inexperienced in flirting.
Zero picked her up bridal style making her yelp and blush fiercely while clinging to him desperately. God, his muscles were nice to her touch.
She squealed as Zero dropped her in the water without much fanfare or any warning. She desperately slapped the water, trying to stay afloat, accidentally inhaling some of the water. Zero grabbed her bellow the shoulder and kept her head above the water.
She starred at him and noticed that the water was only thigh deep. Even with only a helmet she could see the disappointed deadpan.
''Even if you can't swim and technically don't need to, you have telekinesis. Wanda has taught you how to fly and push stuff away from you. Let's just... Ugh. Let us just start,'' Zero told her.
Jean quickly stood up, blushing fiercely.
''So, how do we start?,'' Jean asked.
''First, give me both of your hands. We will start with your feet,'' Zero instructed. Jean bashfully gave him her hands.
''Alright, don't panic. I will pull you slightly. You just pretend you are laying on the bed and paddling with your feet,'' Zero instructed her. Her feet left the ground, but her head was kept above the water thanks to the momentum of pulling pulled by him. She began paddling.
''No. Don't bend you knees that strongly. Keep your legs mostly straight and work from the hips. Bend the knees as little as possible,'' Zero corrected. Jean still struggled a little finding that sweet spot he described but she got the hang of it eventually.
''Hmm, yes that looks good. Alright then, now your hands. Fair warning. I need to grab you by the hips, because otherwise you don't have enough room. That alright with you?,'' Zero told her after he let her down to her feet. Jean nodded. He quickly showed her the arm motion and told her to keep her palms tense and not let water through her fingers. This one she grasped much quicker. Zero needing to walk a little faster else she would escape his grip.
''Alright. Now all that is left is combining the two. Try it,'' Zero told her.
''What? With no support?,'' Jean asked a little scared.
''I will be right beside you. Unfortunately that is how every one learns after a while. So yes, now that you know the two techniques you have to swim alone. I will catch you, should you fail. I believe in you,'' Zero encouraged her patiently. He was no different when his father taught him how to swim. His first father that is.
Jean gulped, but nodded nonetheless. She took some bolstering breaths and then let herself fall while doing all the movements. She immediately sank to the bottom, only to be picked up by Zero who was chuckling.
''Ok. I think I know what you did different this time. You need to manage your breath. Try to hold it always in for a bit, before releasing it. Try again. Think back to your breathing during the first two stages,'' Zero reminded her.
She did it. Clumsily making it a few meters, before sinking. Zero picked her up again as promised. He motioned her to do again and again and again.
...
The girls were watching Jean getting taught how to swim. The boys dragged Scott away to build sand castles, when he noticed what Kitty did and cast her a look of betrayal.
Kitty lazily sipped her drink as she watched the two and then moved her eyes to the other girls. She widened her eyes at what she saw. Wanda was blushing a little and her chest seemed to be either heaving or her heart was beating furiously.
''No fucking way. You're joking. You telling me that this is what does you in? Not the months spent with him. The fact you two are constantly cooking together. Or seem to get along well. Nor the fact that he made you reach completely new heights with your power. Or the fact that he protected you, when you didn't pay attention in our sparring session, implying that he did and was watching out for you. But this? THIS?,'' Kitty asked incredulously. Rogue and Laura looked at her. Wanda moved her head between all of them.
''What? Don't look at me like that. All these qualities mean nothing if he does not possess gentleness and can't get along well with children,'' Wanda sought to defend herself.
''Sugar literally threw her in the ocean scaring the crap out of her,'' Rogue pointed out.
''No. Back before... Well, anyway. Back then, when we were younger our father took us and did the exact same thing. He threw us in the water that only reached up till our chest and his thighs. He explained to us that water was to be feared, because it was a great force, but it should never terrify you and paralyze you. It was kind of meant to make us feel silly for fearing to get into water so much. Though I will have to admit in Jeans case it was aybe a bit too much, considering she probably didn't have the same paralyzing fear a child would have,'' Wanda recounted her memory and smiled in reminiscence.
''I already promised to do anything for him. Especially after he rejected me the first time and told me to have more self respect. Most men would have just jumped at the chance. What I'm trying to say is, that I don't mind sharing him,'' Rogue said, trying to pacify everything and keep things civil.
''My hentais said harems need a few criteria to work,'' Laura said. Kitty rolled her eyes at the weirdo. Who admits so blatantly that you read hentai.
''Hentai are just, like, fan service. You shouldn't take everything in it seriously,'' Kitty said.
''Didn't you literally declare you would share Nexus with Ghost Spider,'' Wanda pointed out.
''... Like, don't sweet the details,'' Kitty retorted.
''Anyway, Laura what does a harem need to work?,'' Rogue asked her.
''Resources, time management, power and communication,'' Laura said.
''Well, the first three won't be a problem. I mean the summer break was filled to the brim with activity and yet I never felt I didn't spend enough time with him,'' Wanda said.
''Wait. I can, like, understand those two. Laura just isn't normal. She takes, like, advise from hentai. And Rogue can't touch anyone but him. But are you willing to, like, consider sharing him too?,'' Kitty asked. Wanda looked for a bit at Zero and Jean.
''I... yes. Yes, I don't mind sharing him too. I can't in good consciousness deny Rogue her happiness and Laura is my best friend. I guess all that is left is Jean,'' Wanda told them.
''Hm. It seems communication is fulfilled too. I don't mind sharing,'' Laura said.
''Not so fast. I literally threw myself at Sugar but he rejected me. He is proving stubborn to mines and Lauras advances. Jeans as well by the looks of it. Though he may not have just realized it quiet yet that she fancies him,'' Rogue explained. Wanda and Laura snorted.
''No he definitely did. He is playing dumb hoping the problem gets away. He did the same with Laura. He didn't reject her, because he considered her too delicate to handle rejections and well, now we are here,'' Wanda explained with Laura nodding.
''My advice? He is still a man. He will not say to multiple women. Like, bombard him. Leave him no time for reprieve. Keep the pressure and whittle him down, if he, like,proves stubborn,'' Kitty advised.
''Well, I guess that is as good advise as any. Better than nothing. but what about Jean?,'' Rogue asked.
''What about her? She will learn to share or she can leave,'' Laura stated firmly, considering the matters closed, not seeing any point in saying more than was necessary.
''That simple, huh?,'' Wanda asked her, making her give a sharp nod.
''Soooo, we all in agreement? We will form a harem?,'' Rogue asked.
''Wait, who will be the first in the hierarchy?,'' Wanda asked suddenly. Wanda and Rogue looked at each other and narrowed their eyes. But before any fighting could ensue, calm and rational Laura came in with a simple solution.
''We will let him decide. It is his harem,'' Laura told them. Wanda and Rogue looked at her and then nodded in agreement. Probably much better then fighting a possible senseless spot for the first position.
''Well, like, with that being said. I will cause some chaos,'' Kitty said and bolted off the second Wanda understood what she meant.
''Pietro, your sister has officially fallen for Zero,'' Kitty called out to him.
''WHAT?,'' Pietro screamed.
''Pietro, if you kill him, I will fucking murder you,'' Wanda yelled at her brother.
''Let me at him. LET ME AT HIM!,'' Pietro screamed being held back by Kurt. Pietro was too angry to remember he had the phasing ability.
''ARE YOU SHITTING ME? I'M TELLING YOU IT IS THE FUCKING HELMET. HOW? HOW?!?! SOMEONE GIVE ME A DAMN HELMET,'' Evans maniacally screamed to the heavens,'' WHY GOD? WHY???.''
''Tch. Should Wanda and Zero even engage in a relationship. Not only are they colleagues but one is a minor and the other an adult. It is inappropriate,'' Scott scoffed.
''PRIORITIES, SCOTT. PRIORITIES,'' Evans continued to scream. Thank god they were a little farther away from all the civilians or other tourist attractions.
...
''So, now that you have the hang of it, you should still practice some time in the pool back at the X-Mansion. Just to get better at it. it can never hurt,'' Zero instructed. Both of them heard the screaming from the beach, but simply ignored it.
''Will you be there?,'' Jean asked, blushing at hearing the voices and what conversation they had.
''Hm. Sure. We can practice a little during your therapy sessions. Maybe at the end would be better,'' Zero concluded.
''Thank you, Zero,'' Jean said, hugging him tightly.
---
''Behold, a watermelon,'' Zero said after coming back at the beach and dropping a watermelon through a portal. He conveniently ignored Pietro mutinous glare and Evans ranting.
''OK? What do you want to do with it?,'' Kurt asked.
''I understand. I want to do it,'' Laura immediately requested. She read enough hentais to know about this trope. And since he was talking about a beach episode earlier, it was even better.
''Oh, well we already have our volunteer,'' Zero said dropping a cloth in his hands and walking past Pietro and Evans.
''Don't ignore us you bastard,'' Pietro bit out. Wanda sighed. She was kind enough to merely keep them from moving with her telekinesis and telepathy, but their howling was getting tedious. At least Scott was taking it with some grace. She moved her finger a little and the two suddenly sat down on the beach chair unable to say anything.
''Do you want me to tie the cloth or will you do it?,'' Zero asked.
''You do it,'' Laura said.
One quick knot tie later, Laura was completely blind, granted she still had her other senses which were nothing to scoff at. Zero handed her a wooden sword and positioned the watermelon somewhere.
After some instructions she arrived at the watermelon and tapped it with her sword. She always found it so wasteful how the characters used so much force that they destroyed the entire watermelon. A watermelon was perfectly fine food. She gave a firm but gentle swing and heard a crunch. She removed the blindfold and saw how the watermelon was unevenly split in the middle.
She turned to Zero giving him an expectant smile. With a sigh he gave her a headpat which she leaned into.
She actually deserved it too, Zero felt. He never quiet like throwing food away.
Seems they will have two watermelons now. Now that the first wasn't completely turned into mush.
---
Zero shoved his head between Rogues thighs and picked her up on his shoulders with a sudden surprise.
''Sugar, what are you doing?,'' Rogue demanded surprised.
''Who says you need to touch someone to have fun? Wanda! Pick up Laura, we will have a water fight. No powers,'' Zero instructed. Wanda looked at him and seeing him carry Rogue understood the assignment. The rest was playing volleyball. Certain parties having promised not to murder someone and calmed down.
The four of them wandered waist deep into the ocean, at least Zero and Wanda and Rogues and Laura threw water at each other. Rogue giggled until she received a splashfull of water into her mouth. She narrowed her eyes at Laura.
Oh the fight was on. She gave a powerful water splash back.
---
''Well this was fun,'' Zero said stretching his arms after stepping back into the X-Mansion, the others following him. It was only 21 o'clock, but the were all dead and done tired. Thankfully, they had something to eat before coming back. Sushi, prepared by Zero before they even went to Hawaii. Clearly he planned this a few days in advance. Not that the other were complaining. It was delicious and made them stuffed.
''Alright you all, shush. Go to sleep. You have school tomorrow. I hope you had fun today,'' Wanda told them making shooing motions.
''Well, good night you all. I'm off as well,'' Zero quickly bolted closing his door behind him and then he dropped on the bed.
Goddamn it Gwen. She just had to open her mouth. It was so much easier ignoring all these girls when she expected him to remain loyal. Then she had to put ideas about harem and stuff in his head.
It didn't help matters that marvel women were hotter and more attractive than supermodels. The world looking like some kind of realistic cartoon style also meant there were no blemishes. Hell, even the 'ugly' nerds in Midtown High looked decent compared to people from his old world.
But he remained steadfast and loyal to Gwen. no impure thoughts. He removed his helmet and rubbed his forehead.
Great.
The world seemed to be conspiring to push him towards forming a harem. He wasn't trying to seduce anyone. How does he already have 6 girls that are interested in him?
He released a sigh at his misfortune.
he immediately put his helmet back on when a talon cut through the lock. He stood up and tensed for battle. Laura opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Rogue and Wanda, who closed the door behind her.
''Sugar, we need to talk,'' Rogue opened .
''This is sentence normally uttered with such gravitas in relationships. But seeing as we are not in a relationship, I wonder what you have to say,'' Zero replied.
''We are now your girlfriends,'' Laura decided to cut to the case,'' I love you. Wanda loves you. Rogue loves you. We will share you.''
Zeros eye twitched. Matters were not that simply in real life, Laura. He scoffed.
''Do I get a choice?,'' Zero asked.
''You do. Reject us right here right now. Properly. Firmly. Concisely. Then we will leave you alone,'' Laura bluntly told him.
''You have been kind of leading us on Sugar. I will never give up, since you are the only one I can touch. But you had up till now to reject Laura, but you didn't. And don't give me that bullshit about her being delicate,'' Rogue retorted.
''And you Wanda?,'' Zero asked.
''I had some affections for you. But I only really wanted you, after you showed how great you are with children. Or at least indicated that you are good with children. But just because I decided today to make you my boyfriend doesn't mean I love you any less then Laura or Rogue,'' Wanda explained. Zero scoffed again.
''Love. You throw this word so easily around,'' Zero bit out.
''Then reject us. Or don't. If you feel uncomfortable then we can go on dates and build up that love. Nurture it and then throw that word 'love' around easily,'' Laura said simply. Zeros eye twitched. Good old Laura. Making complicated matters sound so simple.
The four were standing in a sort of standoff.
If Gwen had kept her mouth shut, it would have been trivial to say 'no'. As simply as breathing. Had she not expressed her permission he would have put a stop to all this right here right now. He was absolutely certain of that.
But she didn't.
Oh.
He knew how it sounded, even in the comforts of his head. Just shove all the blame on Gwen, as if she were some beast of unburdening. It is her fault that he was making this decisions, her fault that he fell to temptation, but no.
It was his.
The truth was he did have affection for those girls. Not love. But he knew, if he tried it would blossom to love. All he was looking for was an excuse to make that choice. And he found that in Gwens permission. If it weren't her permission it would have been something else. Or maybe he would have went an eternity, truly satisfied with only Gwen and no other woman.
He was acting as if he were burdened by their affection, as if he was dreading the burden of managing them all. As if he wasn't fully capable of satisfying them all.
Who was he kidding?
He was an asshole.
It naturally followed that he would be an asshole in this too.
In another world, in a different time, under similar circumstances a different choice would have been made and the story would have ended differently.
But that world was not this world.
Zeros shoulders slumped. As clear a defeat as any.
The girls released a sigh, having hold their breath up till now.
''Well, seems Kittys advice was a godsend. We should make her some sort of gift as a thank you,'' Wanda said.
''We do not want to overwhelm you. But we thought it smart to start with sleeping together in a rotation. Starting with Rogue, then Wanda then me. Good night, you two,'' Laura said leaving and followed by Wanda, both collapsing against the wall when far enough away. For a second there, they feared he would reject them with how long he was taking.
''Right,'' Zero said.
''So,'' Rogue said in turn.
''Fuck this. I don't like feeling awkward. How do you want to sleep?,'' Zero cut to the matter at hand. Screw this. He was already in lava, might as well walk on.
''Huh? Oh, Sugar, however you feel most comfortable with,'' Rogue replied. Suddenly bereft of the other girls she felt a little insecure. Her confidence gone a little.
''For fucks sake. Fine. Here is what we do. I will sleep with no T-Shirt, but with pants and helmet. You can touch as much as you want, but don't make to much of a fuss. I want to sleep,'' Zero replied.
''With helmet?,'' Rogue asked surprised.
''Blame Laura for cutting the lock. Wanda could have just as well, opened it from the inside with her telekinesis. Once that is repaired I will sleep without helmet. Happy?,'' Zero told her. Right. That was also a can of worms that he had to open. Better start mentally preparing himself for that.
''Oh. Wait. I haven't brought any pajamas,'' Rogue said. She pressed herself against the wall as Zero towered over her leaning with an arm near her head against the wall. Despite being one year younger than her, he was bigger.
''Let me tell you something about myself. I am possessive and greedy, but i'm not a tyrant. You never need to fear me doing something to you, that you don't want. I will not touch you inappropriately, if that is what you fear, but I do want to see and feel more of you,'' Zero told her.
A shiver went down he spine. The pleasant kind. She loved assertive guys. And he was talking about him not being her type.
''Alright. I'll sleep in my bra and pants. I'll try not to move too much,'' Rogue assured him.
''I understand you are eager, but do remind yourself you will have... a lot of time to touch me and make up for all those years you missed out on touching people,'' Zero chuckled knowingly as if he was in on a joke she was missing out on.
''You are not really acting how I expected you to,'' Rogue remarked as Zero stepped back she took of her blouse.
''And how did you expect me to act?,'' Zero asked her appreciating the eye candy but not making her otherwise uncomfortable.
''I actually don't know. Just not like this,'' Rogue admitted standing around. Zero chuckled as he took of his suit leaving only his pants and helmet on.
''Lie on the bed, Rogue,'' he ordered calmly. Another pleasant shiver went down her spine as she quickly followed his order. He lied next to her and put her head on his shoulder so he could whisper in her ear.
''You will come very quickly to learn just who I really am under the mask. Just be aware that YOU wanted to be mine. And so long as you are mine you will get to know my secrets. Don't betray me and you and i will be more than fine,'' Zero told her.
''And IF I betray you?,'' Rogue whispered back, not really planning to betray him, but wanting to hear his assertive side again by hearing him issue a threat.
''Good night, Rogue,'' Zero wished her, leaving her with disappointment. She softly trailed her hands over his abs loving the skin contact.
On one hand she felt very happy with having taken a leap like this.
On the other hand she feels as if she may have bitten more than she can chew.