3rd POV:
Rogue woke up the moment the alarm rang. She was always a light sleeper. She blushed a little when she noticed a little bit of spittle on Zeros chest. She quickly wiped it off and looked to see if Zero was woken up by her. She released a soft sigh when she saw he wasn't up.
As much as she wanted to stay a little more, she needed to go and get ready for her first classes. She softly and tentatively removed herself from the bed and picked up her blouse, putting it on.
Just when she was about to leave she was stopped by a voice.
''Ah, so I was right. You are a little minx after all,'' Zero called out from the bed.
''What? Zero, sorry for waking you up,'' Rogue turned around and leaned against the door. Zero stood up and approached her.
''Sneaking out of my room. I doubt there are many ways how you can interpret that. You are a minx, trying to announce it to everyone that we are together now,'' Zero teased and hugged her to him. She turned her head.
''Sugar, no. I have morning breath,'' Rogue remarked, trying to breath down away from his helmet.
''You don't. Anyway, you won't be sneaking out of my room. I will open a portal to your room,'' Zero told her. She breathed into her palm and smelled it, only to realize she really didn't. She cast a suspicious look at Zero.
''Don't look at me like that. I did tell you, you will learn who I really am under the mask, but until then,'' Zero let go of her and whistled while jerking his head to a portal,'' I expect you to cause me no trouble. Walk along now, little minx.''
Rogue blushed. It wasn't like she wanted to cause a scene by sneaking out of his room. Still she followed his command and run through the portal, while blowing him a kiss.
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''I still don't believe that Nexus is a spider person,'' Tony said to Bruce.
''I can neither agree nor disagree. Natasha saw nothing while they administered her powers. We can't say what it was, all we now is that a capsule wasn't involved, like with Steve,'' Bruce said watching the training room.
''It HAD to be small. A syringe definitely. She said she felt a small prick on her wrist and than that was it,'' Tony boldly concluded.
''Maybe. Or it was a spider bite. I mean we already concluded that Oscorp worked on radioactive spiders before the experiment went under,'' Bruce reminded him.
''Nuh uh. Not buying it. I mean what? A radioactive spider bites you and you end up with spider powers? You are more likely to die. No, I think they extracted the blood from the radioactive spider and then did something with it, then they administered it,'' Tony firmly concluded watching Natasha try and swing in the training room.
''Need I remind you how Bruce got his powers?,'' Steve jested. Tony scoffed. Yeah, that was the best they were getting. He wouldn't admit being wrong.
''I feel left out. Now I'm the only one that has no powers. You can't tell me the only reason they gave her powers was because Natasha already had a spider code name. Nexus has an agenda,'' Clint complained.
''Maybe. But if you wanted powers, you should have picked a cooler name than Hawkeye 20 years ago. Then they probably would have given you powers,'' Tony mocked.
''I still can't believe that someone cracked the super soldier serum. Why is HYDRA still trying to replicate this, when they have THIS on the street?,'' Bruce wanted to know.
''Cracked the super soldier serum? They didn't crack shit, they went straight for the upgrade and dialed up everything by 11. Precognition. Stickiness. Able to lift 72 tons with ease. Super healing to the point she heals broken bones in weeks. And invisibility , because why the fuck not. Best keep it thematic to her spy profile,'' Clint complained further.
''I still don't understand how her ability can turn clothes invisible as well. Some sort of molecular vibration maybe, so that light passes through or change its wavelenght in a very specific frequency? At least that would be my best guess, but that doesn't exactly explain how she vibrates the clothes as well,'' Bruce murmured, rubbing his chin.
''Look, instead of wondering about my powers can you give me instructions on how to swing?,'' Natasha bit out after falling once again on her face. Her voice coming in from the training room.
The men looked at each other, before Stark pressed the button to speak through the speaker.
''This is reinforced soundproofed glass we are talking about here. Are you telling us you can hear us?,'' Tony asked.
''Yes,'' she affirmed.
''Capsicle, are you sure you don't want me to track down the contact number? This is any espionage agencies wet dream, if they find out the spider people have such a serum in their hands...,'' Tony turned to Steve who shook his head.
''I trust them,'' Steve replied.
''Sometimes, I want things to go wrong, just so I can say 'I told you so'. You are too trusting, but fine,'' Tony relented. He was just gonna do this sneakily behind everyones back later. Knowing their location would at least allow them to respond very quickly should the three get ambushed by HYDRA.
''Are you sure you two got the web fluid right? Maybe that is why I can't swing properly?,'' Natasha interrupted their discussion.
''Of course, we did. After many trials and errors, no thanks to you,'' Tony called out. Nexus told them they wouldn't get the web fluid formula because of what she tried to do.
''We already know the web fluid formula matches theirs. We told you. With each swing you must run the pendulum formula,'' Bruce reminded her patiently.
''Are you really sure, they run the pendulum formula with each swing? This seems insane,'' Steve asked unsurely as he saw Natasha huff and try swinging again.
''Yes, which means they are geniuses of some sort. I want to talk about Nexus' 'Brain Drive' as he called it. It was telekinesis. We can all agree on that, yes?,'' Clint opened up the subject.
''Yes. The better question is, why doesn't he use it always?,'' Bruce asked.
''We told you. After the Brain Drive, he started bleeding and was out of it for a while,'' Steve reminded.
''I mean Nexus is dressed pretty differently, compared to Spider-Man and Ghost Spider. Maybe, because he uses some sort of machinery to enhance the powers granted to him by whatever gave them their powers. Without it he can't use his telekinesis, maybe?,'' Bruce pointed out.
''The guy went through an aircraft engine and came out completely fine. His durability must be even more insane even compared to all the others. What I want to know is why Spider-Man and Ghost Spider lack any sort of special powers compared to Nexus and Natasha?,'' Clint asked.
''Maybe they improved the serum?,'' Steve suggested.
''We don't know if it is a serum, but Nexus appeared first, then Ghost Spider and then Spider-Man,'' Bruce pointed out.
''Their order of appearance may not coincide with the administration of the spider powers. For all we know, Nexus may have been the third to get his powers even if he appeared first publicly,'' Tony explained.
They let the information digest for a bit, watching Natasha try and fail to swing.
''Well anyways, Jolly Green, I will leave matters in your hands. I on the other hand will attend to Missus Stark,'' Tony said departing for another floor. The others watched him walk away.
''So, for how much longer do you think he will keep this up for? This Iron Man gig?,'' Clint asked, when Tony was out of earshot. Steve sighed.
''I don't know. But probably for not much longer. Zero shook him up a lot, even if he is handling it better by now. He wants to do everything right with his kid that he did wrong with Zero. He has earned it with how much he has proven himself a good man. He can put down the rifle and live the good life,'' Steve told them, both envious and happy that his friend will have a family soon enough.
''Probably a year, maybe less,'' Natasha called out, managing her first back to back swing.
''I guess then, that Natashas power up was a godsend then. Any news from Thor?,'' Clint asked. Steve shook his head.
''He is still of planet and no one can contact him,'' Bruce told him. Steve sighed and dropped his head.
''Guess, it is back to recruiting then,'' Steve reasoned.
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Previously during the Summer Break:
''Psst. Psst! Hey, Peter. Psst,'' Bell tried to grab his attention by pssting.
''Bell, what is it,'' Peter cast him a curious look. He had some money trust to, by Bell.
''I need you to go to Chipotle and order something for all of us. Doesn't matter what,'' Bell said. Peter slowly took the money.
''Ok, but why? I thought you hate Chipotle?,'' Peter asked suspiciously.
''Don't question my ways, mortal. Just do as I tell you, now shoo,'' Bell shooed him off. Peter sighed, casting him an unimpressed look, but went anyway. Bell may hate Chipotle, but he and Gwen didn't really care. If he wants to put up with something he hates, then who was Peter to disagree.
---
Sophia communicated with the raven. She had no other way to describe it. She made no noises and spoke no words, but she definitely could communicate with animals and they obeyed her. Maybe it was some form of telepathy? Sophia wouldn't know. Of course she could also talk to them out loud, but that wasn't really neccesary.
She instructed the raven to steal some money and in return she will give him many treats. The raven was a little skeptical on why he should do that. How could he be sure that she would uphold the bargain. She told him that she already had the payment and showed him a bag of all kind of nuts. Money was useless to him, but very useful to her. Nuts were relatively useless to her but useful to him. She proposed the bargain again and after some thinking he accepted.
Before he left, she told him to be careful and prioritize his health over the mission and if he should get hurt to call out to his friends and come find her so that she could nurse him to health.
She was hiding in an alley, waiting for the raven to come back. She learned long ago not to do this in the open for she attracts to much attention, when several birds kept bringing her money. Ravens were always the best for such tasks, though thanks to their intelligence it always took some convincing or haggling.
Eventually he did come back, coming back with a 50$ bill. Damn, today she was lucky. She praised the raven and immediately gave it an entire handful of nuts.
''Impressive,'' a sultry voice complimented. Sophia whipped around only to see a blonde woman, with blue eyes and revealing white clothing stare at her.
''Who are you?,'' Sophia asked.
''You may call me Emma. Calm down young child, I mean you no harm. I am like you,'' Emma told her.
''Yeah? Prove it,'' Sophia demanded. Emma closed her eyes and communicated with her telepathically.
'I reiterate, it is an impressive ability. Your control over the animals,' Emma told her. It was hard to pick up telepathically, Sophias communication with animals. Sure the Hellfire Club had her, but it never harmed to have more pawns for espionage and intel gathering. It was always so pesky to spy on the X-Mansion what with Xavier there. Which is exactly why she was here. Diplomacy could be all well and good, but if she refused they will take her by force.
''Ok. That is nice, I guess. But what do you want with me?,'' Sophia asked suspiciously.
'You know you don't need to talk to me out loud. You can talk to me in your mind,'' Emma told her.
''Stay out of my mind,'' Sophia demanded.
Emma almost wanted to roll her eyes. Ugh, yet another plebeian raising a fuss about her using her gifts.
''I want to talk with you and make you an offer. Why don't we do that over a meal?,'' Emma offered. Meals always bade their mouth open in various ways. It softened them up, ripe for the taking.
Sophia looked at her still with some suspicion, but eventually relented. She did have the money after all.
---
Sophia bit into her hot dog. Emma told her quiet a lot. She was a mutant and had the X-Gene. She guessed it was nice to know what exactly gave her her powers. So all that vitriol from the 'Friends of Humanity' was true after all, about the X-Gene giving out forms of power.
Emma was in the process of making Sophia her offer, when they both heard a loud bang and were shortly afterwards shoved by a young man dropping his Chipotle bags on the ground. A loud crash was heard as a billboard fell down were the two were just moments ago. Rhino ran down the street and crashed through a building. People were running away from the danger.
''Are you two alright?,'' the young man asked.
''Yes, thanks to you,'' Sophia told him appreciatively. He sharply nodded and then bolted off, sprinting towards the dangers and disappeared into an alley.
''Who was that?,'' Sophia asked Emma and looked at her. She already had a pigeon follow him, but she lost him far to quickly for it to be normal. Emma looked as if she struck gold, but still answered.
''That, young Sophia, was Spider-Man. Or if you prefer, Peter Parker,'' Emma replied having telepathically read his mind.
''Spider-Man? I always wondered why he would play dress up and go save people,'' she remarked. Right, she was talking to a telepath. She could probably answer that burning question of hers she had for a while.
''His reasoning is as ridiculous as his get up. He considers it his responsibility. It is something he chose to do, for the simple sake of doing good. Though there is also some resentment against the 'system', so it is his way of fighting back. Pathetic if you ask me. Gifts should be only used for ones own self interests. I'm sure this is something you can get behind,no?,'' Emma leadingly asked.
Sophia cast her a frowning look. Was she looking through her memories. Yes she may ask animals to steal money for her, but she never wanted to take it to far and hurt someone for real. Still, his reasons sounded pretty admirable to her.
''Where does he go to school,'' she asked instead.
''Midtown High. Though I don't see how this is important. Anyway, about that offer. I was hoping to extend to you...,'' Emma began only to get interrupted.
''Whatever offer it is, I would like to decline,'' Sophia told her. She already had different plans. Midtown High, huh? She could enroll there. Maybe see if the two of them would click.
''Wait a second. Are you seriously impressed enough with this guy to walk after him like a duckling? Don't be naive Miss Sanduval. This is just a passing crush. It will go as quickly as it came. You should focus on your own interests,'' Emma chastised the dumb girl.
''Maybe, but all love start with some sort of shallow attraction, be it sexual or a passing interest. All that matters is to see if it develops past that,'' Sophia defended herself.
On the outside Emma looked calm, but inside she was seething at her plans going awry, because of such a stupid reason as a young girls crush. She prepared herself to attack her telepathically and drag her to their HQ. Mastermind would sort her out.
''Indeed Miss Sanduval. I couldn't have said it better myself,'' a new voice interrupted.
''Xavier. Munroe,'' Emma remarked the moment the two turned around.
Emma may have looked into Peters mind and revealed his identity as Spider-Man, but if Xavier and Munroe only happened to hear the last sentence from Sophia, because they just so happened to arrive in the nick of time to stop Emma from attacking Sophia, then no one noticed.
And if Xavier uncharacteristically just so happened to not use his telepathy and read Sophias mind as he usually does when going out to meet new mutants for the first time during recruitment, becasue he was in a standoff against Emma, then he certainly didn't think it strange.
''Miss Sanduval, we are here to extend to you an invitation to my 'School of Gifted Youngsters'. We would be happy to help you learn control your powers and educate you as well,'' Xavier told her.
''I'm guessing you two are two different factions?,'' Sophia theorized moving her eyes back and forth after seeing the byplay.
''Correct. She is here to recruit you for the 'Brotherhood of Mutants'. They are mutant supremacist, lead by Erik Lehnsherr,'' Storm explained. More like the 'Hellfire Club' Emma corrected in her mind, but no one knew the 'Hellfire Club' was hiding inside the 'Brotherhood of Mutants'. They were a rather exclusive bunch.
''As unfortunate as it is to talk about my former friend Erik like that, I have to admit that he is rather ... intense in his beliefs. It is them or us, mutants or humans as far as he is concerned,'' Xavier admitted with some shame.
Right. Sophia wasn't gonna touch that baggage with a ten inch pole.
''I was more hoping to go to Midtown High,'' Sophia explained.
''That can be arranged. There is a train station quite close to our school. A few minutes and you will arrive at Midtown High, though I have to warn you, that would mean waking up earlier then you need to. We can still train you in your powers and teach you to control them,'' Xavier explained forthcomingly.
Sophia looked at Emma suspiciously. Right. Mutant supremacist. That sounded to much like Nazis to her. She knew what was left unsaid. You are either with us or against us.
''Fine, I accept this arrangement, though you would still need to explain this to my parents and convince them,'' Sophia told them. Xavier nodded understandingly.
Emma scowled and walked away. If Xavier didn't appear then she could have easily mind controlled Sophia. Or at the very least if she didn't accept Xaviers deal she could have attacked her later o, when Xavier is gone. But now that opportunity was gone. The sentimental self-proclaimed leader of the mutants didn't want to have mutants fight against mutants, while ignoring the real enemy, so he forbade attacking Xaviers charges unless it couldn't be helped. Now she had to report to both parties that she failed in her task.
Then again the Hellfire Club could make use of the spider peoples identity. Someone like them would make for good pawns, especially Bell O'Quinn. Even if he did seem like a weaker telekineti....
She walked past a coffee shop and came to a still. She turned around and frowned.
What just happened?
And why did she have the impression that she forgot something important?
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A few days later after School started:
There was a reason he removed Peters telepathic protections around Emma for a bit. She was a show off. Of course she was gonna answer Sophias questions.
Bell preferred the more subtle and finer manipulations where he needed to think and adapt on his feet. But he couldn't help himself and thus he manipulated probability. And of course he wiped Emmas memories about what she found out. Just to triple check he looked into Xaviers and Munroes mind as well and quarantined Sophias knowledge about Peter from all telepaths.
That was as far as he went with his powers.
If Sophia and Peter hit it off and clicked then good. If not then at least he would have done his duties as a wingman according to the bro code.
He did not use compulsions or the like. That was a line he would NOT cross.
And if they don't hit it off, then he could just remove Sophias knowledge about Peter being Spider-Man and leave her otherwise alone.
''You should go and say hi,'' Bell encouraged Peter as the three were hanging out on a bank while on lunch break. He shot a look of disbelief back.
''What? No! I wouldn't even know what to say,'' Peter denied, shaking his head.
''Come on, dude. You have been blasting her with your Parker charm for almost the entire week and she has cast some interested glances back. Go invite her on a date tomorrow or something,'' Bell tried again. Gwen watched them and gave a small laugh, dropping her head, when he said this.
''Parker charm? The hell are you talking about? I suck when dealing with girls. I don't have your charm,'' Peter said a little envious about Bell.
Insert pigeon throwing head back, before laughing.
It took all of Bells mental fortitude, but he did not burst out laughing.
Hearing that come from Peter of all people was hilarious. Despite being a nerd, he got all the hotties in the comics. If he made just some slightly rational different choices and wasn't so bogged down by guilt he would have had his happily ever after with his partner of choice.
''Peter, your Parker charm is just you being yourself. Trust me, Bell is no different in being himself. That is the entire point of being charming. Presenting yourself and pointing out your best qualities in an endearing way,'' Gwen explained.
''But don't confuse charm for charisma. In that department you do lack,'' Bell meanly teased. Peter cast him a deadpan look.
''Wow. Thanks buddy. I feel the love,'' Peter drawled.
''Really? You feel it shine with the red hot intensity of a thousand blazing suns?,'' Bell shamelessly pressed. Peter gaped.
''Wow. You are making a girl feel jealous, when you say such romantic things to a boy. Maybe there is something you want to say? Come out of the closet maybe?,'' Gwen shamelessly returned making Peter gape even more.
''Hm. Yes. I must confess I'm violently homosexual,'' Bell blankly replied. Even to this day he still wondered about his dilemma. Was selfcest gay or masturbation? Not that he has fucked his clones, but still. Or did it matter if he shapeshifted them into woman? Actually scratch that, he was definitely not fucking himself as a man, so guess that is out. But did it matter?
Wait forget that. An even more important question just came up. Was selfcest cheating?
Frankly this was a more confounding issue then the trolley dilemma, in his humble opinion.
Peter gaped even more.
''Close your mouth Pete. Else a fly will fly in. God forbid it is a fruit fly, since it is still summer,'' Gwen told him. Peter shook his head and closed his mouth.
''I don't even know how to open up a subject and talk to her. I only have two examples, by which to go off on. My guardians and you two. Uncle Ben is almost always working and with Aunt May now too I barely see them interact and you two are... You two,'' Peter shrugged lamely.
''Go to her and tell her you want to slide into her DMs,'' Bell advised him seriously. Peter rolled his eyes and looked for proper advise from Gwen.
''Look. You find her attractive. She seems to find you attractive too. Go to her, be yourself, converse about something and see if you can't find subjects you both like. Then the only thing remaining is to see if you can build a relationship from there. Even with us it took a little to get where we are. So don't fret over the finish line, just focus on the first step,'' Gwen tried to help him as best she could. To be fair, them getting together was very unconventional. They descended from a shouting match to kissing, best not take their relationship as a guide for something, even if it did work for the two of them.
''If it helps. Imagine as if you were talking to us instead of to her. Within reason of course. After talking to her for a bit, make the offer of a date. Be casual but confident about it. Don't be too pushy and take your rejection, should there be one, with grace. As for the date. Go with something that will engage you two to talk. Dinner, maybe make your apple pie. Or go on a walk in Central Park and picnic. No cinema. That is for much later. And most importantly, apply commons sense. But you have plenty of that so I wouldn't worry. Now go get them Tiger,'' Bell sincerely advised this time. It was still almost the beginning of their lunch break so the two will still have more than an hour. Plenty of time to have a fulfilling conversation.
Peter nodded appreciatively at the two and took a breath before sharply releasing it. He stood up and walked towards Sophia or as she wanted everyone to call her Chat.
The two watched him walk off.
''You are gonna spy on them, aren't you? On their date I mean?,'' Gwen asked her boyfriend.
''Actually no. I have a good feeling about this, so I don't want to risk Peters happiness. That said I will spy on their fifth date,'' Bell said.
''Assuming Peter gets that far,'' Gwen cautiously reminded.
''You doubt our little boy? We raised him better,'' Bell retorted.
''He is one year older than us,'' Gwen pointed out.
''Did I stutter?,'' Bell doubled down. He put his arm around her and dragged her to him giving her a sideways hug. She leaned her head against his shoulder.
''By the way. There are three new additions to our little harem. You will met them later on, after I have taken care of some things,'' Bell casually informed.
''Aha, I knew you would form a harem. So all that fussing from you was unnecessary a month ago,'' Gwen told him, closing her eyes and leaned into him.
''That is it? No pushback?,'' Bell asked watching her reaction closely.
''Long as you got nothing against it,'' she told him looking into his eyes.
''Stop quoting shows and please be serious. Are you really fine with it? I haven't progressed with them at all. All I have is affection, not love. It is still early enough that I can call this off,'' Bell assured her, mostly for the sake of getting rid of any guilt. Hey, he fully embraced his asshole ways.
She moved a bit and kissed him on the lips, he reciprocated.
''I really am fine. I love you,'' Gwen assured him. Bell looked into her eyes for a bit and eventually put his forehead on hers.
''I love you too, Gwen,'' Bell told her.
''Is Wanda in it?,'' Gwen suddenly asked. She did say she was fine with him having a harem, but mostly because she would have the first spot. Wanda however was or would be his equal, since she was a reality warper as well. Bell chuckled.
''You really are hyper fixated on her,'' Bell mused.
''Bell, that is not an ansmmhhm?,'' Gwen was interrupted as Bell claimed her lips. She was just so adorable trying to play her fears off.
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As it turned out Peter and Chat hit it off quiet well. It was a little rough at first, since they both were never in a relationship before but they made it work.
As it turns out they both had a lot in common.
Both liked helping out. Peter with his heroing, though he didn't tell her that he was Spider-Man. And Chat by calming the animals in veterinary clinics down, since she had such a calming presence on them.
Both liked watching shows. Even if they didn't have the same tastes in that matter. Still they didn't bicker and talked about their favorite shows. Kind of like with Gwen and Bell, Peter thought.
Both had the same values. Chat quietly abandoned her habit of stealing money with the help of animals, since she admired Peter so much. Both his nobility and decency. She saw him a few times in the past few weeks on the news saving the day.
He introduced her to Bell and Gwen and they made her feel welcome into their circle. Something Chat was very thankful, since she was usually mostly treated as an outsider by most.
And she introduced him to her own friends in the form of some of her animal companions. There was Buck the Bunny. Boink the Squirrel. And Tom and Jerry the pigeon and raven. The animals seemed to like him, so he guessed that was a good sign.
And all around they made a lot of memories.
There is just one problem. They haven't made things official yet, so Peter wasn't sure if they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
By now, they were on their fifth date. This time they decided to meet up on her parents apartment rooftop and eat pie that she backed.
''It is really good,'' Peter complimented after taking a few bites.
''To be fair, my mother helped,'' Chat told him.
''So what? She helped you. It would have meant something else if you helped her. Wait! You mean to tell me that your parents know I am up here? Are they fine with that? Do I look good? Should I introduce myself?,'' Peter began rambling and Chat watched him with some amusement. She put a hand on his hand that was holding the phone to inspect himself and pulled it gently down.
''They know, but I have expressed my wishes not to be disturbed and they have heard them. So calm down, Pete. The terror of introducing you to my parents will come another day,'' Chat assured him. Peter slowly seemed to return to a calm state.
''Right, sorry about that. Anyway, moving on. What do you want to do after you graduate?,'' Peter asked.
''I wanted to become a veterinary for a while. Seeing as I am so good with animals, but in the end I think I will go for criminalistic investigation. You?,'' Chat asked taking a piece of pie as well.
''I want to study STEM. Thought what field exactly I will strive for I am still determining. I'm surprised you changed your aspirations. You love working with animals, so what made you change your mind?,'' Peter asked curiously giving her his full attention.
''Well, there is this really incredible ...,'' Chat was interrupted as Peters phone pinged. He cast her an apologetic look and looked at it quickly. A.R.A.C.H.N.I.D informed him of a shootout at a bank robbery that escalated. He was literally two blocks away and Bell and Gwen told him that they are unavailable for today, because they have something planned. Peter cast her an apologetic look.
''I'm so sorry. I really am, but something came up and I need to go and take care of it quickly. I... You don't need to wait up on me,'' Peter told her, grabbing his backpack and going for the stairs.
''That is fine! You said you will do it quickly. Right? I will wait here for you, unless you send me a message on the phone, informing me it will take much longer. Now go!,'' Chat quickly told him, shooing him off encouragingly. Peter cast her an unsure nod, but then left quickly.
''And cue spider theme song right about ... now,'' She jokingly told her animal companions as she heard the zip and Spider-Man swung by.
Chat sat down back on the chair having had stood up and folded her hands on her lap. Well, at least she could talk to her friends to help pass the time and manage her worry. She assumed he loved doing what he does, but seeing as it was her first relationship she worried for him. It was kind of fun that he still didn't grasp that they were together seeing him look so unsure after a kiss on the cheek. The animals found some amusement too when she told them that.
Stupid humans and their weird and elaborate mating rituals.
...
''No wait! We won't be going,'' Bell told Gwen the moment A.R.A.C.H.N.I.D pinged and she made to move. They were lying on an apartment complex much further away overlooking Peters date with binoculars. And because Bell wanted to be dramatic they wore trench coats and fedora like detectives from noir movies.
''Bell! I get you don't want to save everyone around the world. But they are right there,'' Gwen bit out, waving her binoculars harshly in an arc.
''I know. I'm already there, with my Nexus persona. Calm down. Trust me, we must push them together,'' Bell told her. She calmed down a bit and lied back down.
''God I almost want to vomit at how sweet the two were being,'' Bell told her. Gwen rolled her eyes and looked through the binoculars.
''You seem almost obsessively fixated on getting the two together,'' Gwen told him.
''Of course, Peter is the goodest of bois. He deserves this, damn it,'' Bell passionately replied. Gwen sighed. Sometimes it was better to try and not understand the sudden fancies her boyfriend developed. Better for her state of mind. Just smile and help him Gwen. Just smile and help him.
''So, what do you plan on doing to make him return back to the rooftop?,'' Gwen asked.
''Destroy his web shooters and throw him through the air making him land on the rooftop,'' Bell replied.
''I still can't believe she can talk to animals and get along with them. Or that she already knows all of our identities. Did she spy on us?,'' Gwen asked him.
''Me, you believe about my powers, but hers is where you draw the line, huh? But no she didn't. She found out Peter is Spider-Man and when she learned that we were his friends she made a logical conclusion. Don't worry I'm telepathically protecting that knowledge,'' Bell assured her.
Spider-Man landed on the wall near the door he left previously. He was cursing Nexus out. So what if no one was harmed? You can't just throw him like that.
''Quick turn the radio on,'' Gwen demanded. The radio being the phone that the listened in on Peter with to hear what they were saying.
...
''Spider-Man! Are you ok?,'' Chat asked surprised.
''Yes, I just. My friend has a sick sense of humor,'' he explained, looking at his wrists. The moment they stopped the shootout Nexus just took him said nothing, destroyed his web shooters and threw him away.
''Oh... that is good. Listen I know... I mean that is to say...Uhh.
Ok, here's the deal. Earlier today my boyfriend and I were having a picnic up here,'' Chat suddenly and vigorously declared.
''Your... boyfriend?,'' he said with a small voice, his chest feeling very warm.
''Yes. Boyfriend. But in the middle of the picnic he had to go and do something, which I totally understand, but now I have leftover pie, and if you want you can have a slice. But, and this is really important, if my boyfriend comes back you have to hide okay?
Because, he might not be a big guy, but he is really tough and I'm super sure he'd get jealous and he is my boyfriend and I like him a lot.
So, keeping that in mind, if you want some pie, stay right here and I'll come back and we'll have some. Ok?,'' Chat teased him pushing her face a little in his face. Spider-Man sat down on his previous chair. Chat was just about to run downstairs and bring more pie, but she was stopped by her phone vibrating. She looked Bell was calling her.
''Uh, yes? What is it, Bell?,'' Chat asked, after she responded.
''I'm incredible happy for you both. Alas, I'm not interested in the drama that will follow. Best rip that band aid off now, before it festers and rots. Peter she knows you are Spider-Man,'' as quickly as he called he hung up.
''WHAT?,'' Spider-Man yelled, having heard the voice with his super hearing. He sprung up from his seat.
''You knew?,'' Peter asked removing his mask. Chat cast him an apologetic look.
''I'm sorry. I tried to broach the subject a few times, but I was always interrupted,'' Chat told him sitting down on the chair. Peter calmed himself and sat down as well. A silence reigned over them for a bit.
''He is spying on us isn't he?,'' Chat guessed. Peter sighed.
''Most likely. The question is for how long,'' Peter wondered. That sounded like Bell, alright.
''Your friend has... a strong personality. I don't envy Gwen for trying to put up with him,'' Chat said tentatively.
''Yes. I agree. But he is my friend anyway,'' Peter grumbled.
''...''
''...''
''...''
''Were you just interested in me, because I'm Spider-Man?,'' Peter asked.
''NO! Yes you grabbed my attention at first, because of that. But it is your nobility and the drive to stand up for what is right that made me... like you a lot,'' Chat confessed, blushing.
''...''
''Look, if you consider this a betrayal and want to break things up with me then I completely understand,'' Chat offered.
''N...,'' Peter was immediately interrupted.
''Wait, I know. If I know your secret then you should know mine too. I can talk to animals,'' Chat frantically added. Peter blinked.
''So that is why animals just seemed to gather around you,'' Peter said.
''...''
''I guess you also know about Bell and Gwen?,'' Peter asked.
''I haven't spied on you all. I just reasoned they were Nexus and Ghost Spider since they are your best friends,'' Chat explained. Peter sighed and then smiled.
''Well, you heard the boss. He wants no drama. Weren't you saying something about me being your boyfriend?,'' Peter teased.
''You mean it? You are not angry,'' Chat asked with wide eyes.
''I'm a little angry. But I guess things turned out well in the end and i would have been even more angry had this gone on for much longer.
So...
I'm your boyfriend,'' Peter tried again to open the subject.
''And I'm your girlfriend,'' Chat said in turn. They both smiled at each other and remained still.
Chat suddenly sprang forward and gave him a small peek on the lips. She drew back only to look into his eyes. Upon seeing no rejection she put her lips on his again. This time keeping them there much longer.
...
Gwen scooted a little as Bell began crying waterfalls and a puddle began forming under him. She sighed exasperatedly at him using his powers, for something as silly as that.
''I raised that boy,'' Bell proudly declared. Gwen rolled her eyes fondly.
Well, he wasn't completely wrong. Peter used to be a bit of a wimp.
''Try no to tease them to death,'' Gwen joked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few months after the school break: November:
The past few months were mostly uneventful. Both for Zero and Nexus. Thought Nexus stopped petty crime alongside his friends.
The X-Men only had some free time on weekends to train. Otherwise they were left to their own devices. And having been left to their own devices, Zero either went with his girls on dates. As many as he feasible could to nurture his affection for them. Or they trained. Or he offered therapeutic sessions to Jean. As far as he was concerned Once the final dates between him and the girls were done. He will introduce them all to Gwen.
Which brings him here. On his 16th date with Rogue. Photographic memory for the win. Even if he wasn't paying attention, he would remember it. Unless he was looking completely away.
''Sugar, this is ...it is beautiful,'' Rogue said overlooking the landscape. there were in the mountains somewhere. It was night, but the moon shone brightly. The benefits of lack of artificial light pollution. And some subtle magic. She could see the flora and fauna even if it lacked in colors and only shone a silvery sheen.
''If the Lady permits,'' Zero said, wearing an even fancier suit and pulling the chair. Rogue blushed. She sat down and thanked him as he pushed her closer to the table. Rogue watched him take his own seat.
Zero leaned his head on his fist as he tilted his head slightly, saying nothing for a while. Rogue pulled her hair behind her ear under his gaze past the candle light.
Crickets could be heard chirping and a few other animals as well, but otherwise they were left unbothered by the animal kingdom.
''You look radiant under the moonlight. your white mane does you credit. You appear to me as the moon goddess Selene,'' Zero told her.
''Your pampering me tonight. You didn't do this that much up till now, Sugar,'' Rogue grinned. Zero hummed.
''Are you complaining,'' Zero sharply asked, making her stand a little straighter.
''No, of course not. You look dashing yourself, Sugar,'' Rogue quickly replied.
''Let me wine and dine you then. That is the purpose for which we are here tonight,'' Zero told her. He stood up and pulled out a plate of lasagna before putting it down in front of her. He pulled out a wineglass and filled it with wine. Then he repeated the same for himself. The cutlery was already set.
''Sugar, aren't we to young to drink wine,'' Rogue asked uncertainly.
''It is alcohol free. Drink,'' Zero commanded. Rogue swallowed at being ordered around so casually. It stood in stark contrast to her being pampered till now.
She grabbed the glass and clinked it against his, the sound reverberating as the glass was vibrating. They both discarded their gloves since it was supposed to be only themselves.
''What do you have planned after you graduate. This is your last year correct?,'' Zero asked her.
''Most of us thought about becoming teachers or like you, physical trainers. But beyond that I'm not really sure, Sugar,'' Rogue told him putting a piece of lasagna in her mouth. Zero copied her movements.
''This is really good. Did you make this?,'' Rogue asked after chewing and gulping. Zero hummed in affirmation.
''Is there anything you can't do?,'' Rogue teased. Zero put his hand casually in the middle of the table.
''Hm. It would be arrogant of me to answer that question affirmatively. And I'm not humble. I'll let you decide,'' Zero mused. Rogue threw her head back and laughed heartily. She calmed down after a bit and slowly snuck her hand into his. Their fingers intertwining. Rogue squeezed, trying to express how much it meant to her that she could touch him.
''Eat. I spent great care, to make the food delicious. It would be a shame to have it go cold,'' Zero told her. The disconnected their fingers.
Rogues cheeks flushed when she noticed how much quicker she was done, compared to Zero, but she moved past that and talked to him about trivial stuff until he was done as well.
Zero stood up and offered her his hand. She took it and he pulled her upwards towards himself. He quickly brought out a music box and played some soft melody.
They began dancing tenderly to the music.
I noticed that despite you having an amazing ability you are under utilizing it. Why?,'' Zero remarked out loud. Rogue did not move her head from his chest enjoying the strong heartbeat and the muscles.
''I don't want to kill anybody, Sugar. That is the only way for me to get abilities permanently. And with me getting their memories I immediately know how to use them,'' Rogue explained.
''Uhuh. And until then you are vulnerable from physical attacks. I think you and I progressed far enough. You are mine and I will not permit anyone to harm you more than necessary. Here,'' Zero told her putting some distance between them and holding out his hand for her, presenting a blue shimmering form of ball. While he did worry for her, he was not going to stifle her. She will stand up on her own two feet.
Rogue moved her head from him to the ball a few times.
''Sugar do you mean, what I think you mean?,'' Rogue asked him.
''Bruh. Focus on the ball of blue flame first. Priorities woman,'' Zero scoffed.
''Right. What am I looking at?,'' Rogue asked snapping to attention.
''Pure condensed energy of several abilities. Absorb them all and you will have permanently new abilities. Though fair warning. You will miss out on the memories, which means you need to train,'' Zero explained. It was easy making this fire.
''And what are those abilities? As a matter of fact how did you make this anyway?,'' Rogue inquired.
''Pace yourself. You will learn more in a few days. Like the other girls. As for abilities. Energy absorption and manipulation. flight and enhanced physiology,'' Zero told her. Any other ability she must still absorb.
''Sugar,'' Rogue called out to him touched by his gesture. She slowly put her hands in his over the blue ball of fire and concentrated. Immediately she could feel her veins filling and coursing with energy. Soon enough there was nothing more to absorb as the ball of fire was gone.
''Sugar, I want to kiss you. I will close my eyes I promise you,'' Rogue told him, she was starting to fly up thanks to all her feelings. It was unfamiliar for her, who usually always knew how to use the absorbed abilities immediately.
''I'll do you one better. Remove my helmet. Keep your eyes open,'' Zero told her grabbing her wrist so she doesn't fly off. She slowly managed to lower herself as she eagerly put her hands around his helmet. She pulled gently, giving him time to reconsider. Eventually she removed his helmet and saw Bells face. He transformed his face back from his shapeshifted one. She dropped the helmet and immediately put her hands on his cheek, tracing his cheeks. Winered eyes starred into green.
Rogue blushed.
''You are handsome,'' she told him. He smirked.
''I know,'' he told her. Her mouth twitched.
''I love you,'' Rogue declared again, slowly approaching his face, trying to make sure to take in every second in.
''I know. I love you back,'' the moment he said that Rogue immediately jumped the remaining distance and connected her lips to his. They shared the first kiss under the moonlight. A memory Rogue doubted she would ever forget.
---
''So? Whatcha wanna do?,'' Zero asked Laura. She looked at him blankly, before her features sharpened.
''Skydiving,'' she told him.
''OK. I will look up a ...,'' Zero began.
''No. Like how you did with Kitty,'' she interrupted him. Zero starred at her for a bit, before chuckling.
''You know? I like the way you operate,'' Zero complimented. Zero learned very quickly that whereas Rogue had a sort of daddy kink, Laura like being active. Very active. And she was a thrill seeker.
With a big portal under their feet, they suddenly dropped several kilometers over the earth. Laura simply smiled spreading out like an eagle. But for Zero that was too boring. He began doing cartwheels and all other acrobatics in the air.
Laura rolled her eyes as he plummet faster down, for not increasing his wind resistance. She tucked her arm and legs in and nose dived for a bit until she aligned herself with him again, before spreading herself again.
After a few minutes they went through a portal again and ended up several kilometers above ground again. Zero navigated himself slowly to her and then spinned her around. She scowled. She definitely should have tied her hair in a pony. Now it was getting al tangled up and slapping her eyes.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him more towards her so she could lock her legs around his chest and look down at him. Despite having eaten much more since she escaped, she grew only one centimeter. She was still an entire head shorter than Zero.
Now they were really plummeting since the offered the least wind resistance what with how they were positioned.
She moved her hair out of her hair and let it fly up. Then she put her hands on his helmet.
''Rogue, told me about your date. Keep your name for Sunday, but I will have your face now,'' Laura told him, speaking a little louder. Without much fanfare she removed his helmet and saw Bells face. She really didn't get why he had to do this whole over complicated stuff and make such a huge deal about his identity, but she knew where to push and where not to.
Laura put her lips to his and kissed him how she saw in the hentais, shoving her tongue down his throat.
They went through another portal.
Bell had to give it to her. What she lacked in techniques she made up with enthusiasm and passion. It was kind of adorable having a pipsqueak having him order around. He let her do her thing most of the time, since it was fun.
Bell put his hand on her neck and intensified the kiss. Sorry, Laura, but he could permit a challenge to go only for so long before he accepts it. He quickly gained the upper hand and shoved his tongue down her throat.
A few cleverly placed portals to kill momentum later and the were both on the ground. Bell still kissing her. He let her down slowly and broke of the kiss, putting his helmet back on.
She looked up at him and then simply hugged him burying her face in his chest, saying nothing. Zero rubbed her back for a bit and then hugged her back tightly.
That was fine. She was a woman of action and showed her feelings as such. She understood he loved her back by now.
---
''I'm not completely sure if this is a good idea. I never skied,'' Wanda said as Zero was tying the clasp around her boots, properly attaching them to the ski. With Wanda not being a student he had the most dates with her since she had so much free time. They were currently in the alpines in germany.
''There is a first time for everything. Here,'' Zero told her giving her the ski pole. He had fond memories of him skiing when he was younger in his old life. How could he not share such joy with his partners. Wanda was just the first he would bring skiing.
She clumsily picked herself up from the bank, her legs drifting a little apart. She tried to bring them back together only to slip and almost violently fall down. Zero caught her.
''Calm down, girl. You're treating this as if this were the most threatening enemy in the world. There is no reason not to remain calm. Put your ski poles into the ground to form a barrier and stop your feet from sliding,'' Zero demonstrated. Wanda copied his movements with some effort.
''Ok, now what?,'' Wanda asked him.
''You are not going anywhere until you learned to stabilize your feet. So get to it. And stop bowing at the hips. Stay straight, or else your balance is all uneven,'' Zero told her. She cast him a nasty look. Easier said then done, asshole.
Wanda tried to do as he instructed, but eventually she got frustrated and used her telekinesis to stand up and keep her feet from sliding.
''Congratulations. You cheapened yourself out of the experience of learning a new skill,'' Zero remarked with some disappointment. Sure he may learn things at an incredible fast pace, but he learned them all the same. He didn't use some kind of aid to bypass the learning process. There was still pride and that sense of accomplishment.
Wanda frowned. He raised his hands defensively. She suddenly sighed and deactivated her telekinesis.
''Just teach me how to ski, Zero,'' Wanda ordered.
It took a while for her to grasp it, but at the very least she did not lose her patience again. Finally she made enough progress to ski very slowly with the help of her ski pole. At the very least she didn't slide her feet apart anymore.
''You are struggling way too much with this. I'm genuinely surprised,'' Zero remarked casually skiing along her side.
''Zip it,'' Wanda growled, looking at him.
''Should I also zip it in regards to the fact you are about to ski into a pine tree?,'' Zero asked her.
CRASH
The moment she whipped her head around she crashed into a pine tree. It wasn't hurtful, because of the low speed, but it vibrated the tree enough to drop the snow from its twigs and bury her in it.
''Are you a telekinetic or not? Your reaction speed sucks. We need to work on that,'' Zero came to a stop near her. She gave a small but violent burst with her telekinetic powers sending all the snow away off her.
''ENOUGH! I no longer want to continue our date. Get us home,'' Wanda demanded. Zero sighed, but complied and one portal away the walked into her room with their ski gear still on.
A short changing of clothes later and a short bath, while Zero made a cup of cacao with marshmallows, they found themselves back in her room on her couch.
Wanda thanked him when he gave her the cup and hummed appreciatively when he dropped a blanket into his hands and put it on her. She tucked herself in planting her feet on the couch.
Zero sat on the opposite side of the couch, but was immediately pulled via telekinesis sliding across near Wanda.
She blew on the liquid as he looked at her.
''I'm sorry about ruining our date. I don't know what happened,'' Wanda apologized.
Zero inspected his nails theatrically.
''We can't all be perfect,'' Zero drawled, making her smile. She hid her smile by drinking a bit from the cup. Arrogant ass.
''The cacao is good. Thank you for it,'' Wanda told him. Zero merely nodded, offering nothing more.
Wanda turned a little to see Zero from over the rim of her cup. She turned a little more and tucked her feet under his thigh. He looked at her.
''I feel bad not, allowing you to experience the fruits off your own labor. Why don't you take a sip as well,'' Wanda suggested. He hummed and took the offered cup, but before he could do anything else, his helmet flew off. Wanda hadn't done this up till now, but she felt they have progressed far enough. Also Laura and Rogue told her. Mostly Rogue.
''Drink,'' Wanda ordered. Bell cast her a look and turned the cup a little to drink from a different spot. Telekinesis turned it back around. Wanda looked from beyond her knees at him, observing him. Bell chuckled.
''You watch to many soap operas,'' Bell pointed out but put his lips where she previously drank from. He made sure to look into her eyes over the rim off the cup, took a few sips and then gave it back to her, who quickly drank from the same spot and repeated his actions.
Bell gave a small huff. Confession received loud and clear (again) and (this time) reciprocated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday:
''Good, you are all here. Alright let us go then,'' Zero said, having called the girls over to his room. They quickly walked through a portal ending up in his man cave where Gwen was waiting. The door was closed, so that Melina wouldn't accidentally barge in.
Zero removed his helmet and went with his fingers through his hair.
''Alright. Introductions are in order. My real name is Bell O'Quinn. This is Gwen Stacy, who is also my girlfriend.
Gwen. Rogue. Rogue. Gwen
Gwen. Laura. Laura. Gwen.
Gwen.Wanda. Wanda. Gwen.,'' Bell made the introduction and then sat down in the bean bag, sipping his tea that he conjured out of thin air. The girls frowned at that display. Gwen on the other hand rolled her eyes.
''Bell, stop trying to create and relish in our awkward atmosphere. We will not be catfighting or seizing each other up in a mexican like standoff,'' Gwen told him. Bell simply continued his sipping as he watched. Gwen gave small growl and looked at the girls.
''Right. Sorry about this. Fair warning now that you are about to now his secret, he will become even more insufferable with you. He loves ... pulling a lot of pranks,'' Gwen told them.
''What do you mean? I get by now that creating portals isn't his only power, but why are you making such a big deal out of this?,'' Rogue asked.
''He is a reality warper,'' Gwen told them. Unlike Gwen they didn't immediately believe that and chuckled a little. Seeing them both be completely serious however made them reconsider.
''Wait you haven't told Wanda?,'' Gwen asked, turning to Bell when she noticed even she was in disbelief.
''No. I have been wondering how long she will go, until she notices herself,'' Bell explained a little annoyed at having Gwen give the game away.
''Are you implying I'm a reality warper too?,'' Wanda asked.
''Not implying. I'm stating,'' Bell replied. Though for now he was withholding the information that she was a conduit of Chthon.
''Wait! Prove it. Do something that most people would think impossible,'' Rogue requested. Bell rolled his eyes. Not subtle Rogue.
He merely snapped his fingers and then sipped his fingers.
''Why don't you try and touch Laura,'' Bell suggested. Rogue and Laura looked at each other, until Laura nodded. Rogue removed her gloves and softly touched Laura. Ready to bolt should she start and absorb her powers. She stilled the moment her fingertips touched Lauras wrist and then jumped her with the entire hand. Her powers having no effect on Laura.
''Are you saying you coulda given me that from the start and you didn't,'' Rogue bit out angrily. Bell shrugged unapologetically.
''To be fair before we got together I owed you nothing, except what I wanted to hand out and besides that, my Zero persona is not meant to have any powers beside creating portals and some below Captain America super strength. But now that you know my secret I immediately gave it to you. Isn't it great to be let in into our dirty little secret?,'' Bell said, watching Rogue get angrier and angrier. Laura nodded, understanding the sentiment behind Bells words.
''Persona? You talk as if there are more of you?,'' Wanda pointed out.
''Well yeah. Look up,'' Bell instructed. They looked up only to see Nexus 'lying' on the ceiling and waving at them.
''You are Nexus,'' Rogue observed her anger lowering slightly.
''That is not important. If you are a reality warper then why hide behind these personas?,'' Wanda asked.
''Because of the flies. The only threat to reality warpers are other reality warpers, cosmic entities or gods. We are talking about the cream of the top. The 1% of powerhouses. Normal people will be nothing to me, but be an annoyance. I can swat a few of them, but more will keep coming and they will keep making noise.
I don't need that.
So I came up with the idea of personas. My Zero persona being one of them,'' Bell explained. And amusement. But he was still not gonna mention that. They can suspect, but he will never confirm.
''So you lied to us. All of us. You are not Starks son are you? Neither were you raised as a lab rat? What else is a lie?,'' Wanda bit out.
''Aside from that? Nothing. I'm still the same guy who likes Spaghetti bolognese. Loves fooling around sometimes and loves training and seeing people reach their max potential with their powers,'' Bell shrugged.
''I see. Bell, Zero and Nexus are all the same person. As far as I am concerned I merely saw another facet from my partner,'' Laura told them. Wanda and Rogue looked at her for a bit and then conceded to her point. Besides they had no personal investment on where Zero came from or who he was before the point where they have met.
''And Joker,'' Gwen added.
''Who is that?,'' Rogue asked, having had discarded both gloves and touching Laura.
''The leader of the Phantom Thieves,'' Gwen replied. The three girls looked at her and then sighed.
''See? You are already making yourself right at home. You'll fit right in with our craziness,'' Gwen joked, receiving unimpressed looks. Wanda rubbed her eyes.
''Back to my issue. What do you mean, I'm a reality warper? I thought I only had telekinesis and telepathy?,'' Wanda asked for clarification.
''Reality warper. If there is an ability they have it. So yes telekinesis and telepathy are included. You may not have noticed it, but I did. Some of the stuff you did with your telekinesis you supplanted with other abilities subconsciously. Not that you needed that, since pure telekinesis should have been enough but my point still stands,'' Bell told her.
''Will you train me?,'' asked Wanda. Bell sipped some tea.
''I can give you pointers. But a reality warpers greatest strength is his imagination and creativity. I could stifle it,'' he replied. Wanda looked contemplative.
Bell conjured some extra bean bags so that they could all sit down.
''Will I keep the ability to touch?,'' asked Rogue.
''No. I can set it up so that it automatically deactivates your powers when you are with us alone, but otherwise too many questions will arise. I checked with my powers. Your ability is quasi reality warping in the sense that it absorbs most powers except from the 1%. Unfortunately for you, it has no off switch. You need a different manner of touching then,'' Bell explained, making Rogue angry again. Though she kept her mouth shut and crossed her arms.
The girls were silent for a bit.
''You know. You never did mention why you were so eager to go to the X-Mansion,'' Wanda opened up the subject.
''Because of Jean. The Phoenix considers her the perfect host, so now she is housing a cosmic entity. Things would have been fine had they been allowed to proceed naturally, but Xavier messed with her mind by putting two mental barriers telepathically. One for her trauma and one for the Phoenix. If we don't fix the situation soon, we will have the dark Phoenix on our hands and well you definitely don't want that,'' Bell explained.
''The professor wouldn't do that,'' Rogue quickly sought to defend Xavier.
''And once we dealt with that, then what?,'' Wanda asked.
''Fake my own death and walk off,'' Bell shrugged unapologetically.
''You are even more of an asshole than I thought. You would have given all your friends grief for nothing,'' Rogue bit out.
''I think it would be best if we let some things rest for a bit. Put an end to the revelations today and let us process some of the stuff you said to us. And let us work things through, before we accidentally do or say something that we regret,'' Wanda and Rogue were sent home after they expressed the wish to depart.
''Well, that could have only gone more awry,'' Gwen muttered.
''I'm surprised you are not angry, Laura,'' Bell told her.
''As I said. All of this are facets of the same guy. As far as i am concerned, I'm only learning something new about Bell. It is still the same guy,'' Laura explained. Making Gwen smile. She seemed the most reasonable of all of them when dealing with Bells bullshit.
Bell sipped his tea as he watched at least two of the four girls get to know each other.
Well, that went exactly as expected. A fucking disaster.
Oh, god. He is gonna have to experience this each time, didn't he?