Life almost seemed normal once again. Not that Alkali Lake could ever be forgotten by anyone of them, but at least they were able to accept what happened there. Even if only by mind, not by heart. And now they were standing in Professor's office trying to come to terms with unexpected news.

-And why the hell we need this "new staff member"? Everything looks just fine to me.

True to himself Wolverine never bothered to express his thoughts politely. Not that any other X-man disagreed with him. And not that blonde woman standing next to Xavier reacted to that tirade. It actually looked like Professor was the only one who even heard Logan.

-We do need someone to teach Jean classes, you know that Logan. Unless of course you would like to volunteer. No? I thought so. Now, I would recommend you to try to get along with each other. X-men do not fight their own after all.

Great. Just great. Scott couldn't tell if he was madder at newcomer for coming or at Xavier for bringing her here. Had he actually decided to try and replace Jean with this blonde? Rare thing indeed, but Scott did agree with Logan. They needed no one to 'help' them. X-men had Kurt Wagner to join them as well as Rogue and Bobby. Even if it was absolutely necessary to find someone to teach, it was just as absolutely needless to put that 'someone' into the team. He never got to voice that thought though, because for the first time newcomer spoke.

-It's Emma, Charles. I prefer to leave "Miss Frost" to the students.

She made her way to the door, then turned around as if suddenly remembering something.

-And we had a deal. I'm not being a replacement for Jean Grey. You might as well remember that too.

-As if you could.

Logan made sure Emma was able to hear his murmur, but even if she did she never showed that. Moment and she was gone, leaving the room in silence for almost a minute. One didn't have to be a psychic to feel the tension in the office. Storm was first to speak, sounding as calm as ever but clearly as displeased as others were.

-You could have at least told us. After all those are our lives too.

-You are right, Ororo. I really should have told you before bringing Emma here. That was my mistake. That, but not the decision itself. We do need her. And given some time I believe you are going to like her. Just give her a chance, that's everything I am asking of. You may go now.

And that's it? Scott couldn't believe his eyes. Was everyone just going to nod and go away like nothing happened? 'Give her a chance?'. As if she could just burst into their lives and expect everyone to like her. He already knew he would not.

-I really don't think she should be in the team, sir. May be later when she will get used to our lifestyle…

-On the contrary Scott, on the contrary. What better way to get to know you all? Look at Logan for example. You are not trying to kill each other anymore. Definitely an improvement I'd say.

If he didn't know better he could have sworn that man was unable to understand what another felt. It took Jean's death for him and Logan to start getting along. Who was to be the victim for him to improve his opinion of Emma Frost? Definitely not something he wanted to know.

-You yourself said she is just a telepath. Without telekinesis or others means of self-defense wouldn't she be safer in the mansion with you? With Magneto free…

-… you are going to need all the help you can get Scott. And it's your job as a leader to make sure Emma's power is used to its full. Now, if you excuse me I have class in a few minutes.

Scott never said goodbye as he left the room. He felt … betrayed. It looked like no one's opinion even mattered. Professor wanted that Barbie-doll here and all the rest of them could do was to go with it. That wasn't fair. Far from it. As far as he was concerned Emma Frost could do whatever she wanted as long as she stood out of his way.

Jean's replacement. Logan was right, she could never be that. Why would she even think that was beyond his imagination. Even after only five minutes spent in the same room with Emma Frost Scott Summers already had his opinion of her set. And at that moment he was sure nothing was able to change it.

---

Next time he saw her was at the next morning. It looked like she decided to waste no time, for she was walking out of classroom group of kids following her. It was not her eagerness to start working that caught his attention though, it was her attire. Her yesterday's miniskirt didn't even come close to what he was witnessing now. And judging from the looks she was receiving from male students he wasn't the only one to notice that. For a moment he thought about taking her to Professor but then decided against it. It was hardly possible for Charles Xavier not to notice something that caught so much student attention. And that could only mean that Professor at the very least had nothing against it. Well, it was never told he had to agree with it.

-Miss Frost, I believe we didn't have much chance to talk yesterday. I believe you can spare me a few moments.

Last sentence was not a question. He was the leader and if Emma Frost wanted to stay in the Institute she would have to deal with that. If not… He had absolutely nothing against it.

-I really do hate to repeat myself, but it's Emma. Shouldn't be so hard to remember. And yes, of course. Here?

-In the classroom if you don't mind. I prefer to be able to hear myself while speaking.

Last sentence was meant fully for the students, who caused so much noise it seemed there was at least trice as much of them. It also seemed that nothing save for nuclear explosion could keep them from eavesdropping on teachers conversation. It probably even seemed to them that their interest was heavily masked.

-I prefer to hear the one I'm speaking to. Classroom sounds good enough for me.

She never waited for Scott's answer turning and heading back into the room she only recently left. Scott followed her, noticing against his will that from the back her clothes looked like the winner of 'Use as little cloth as possible' contest. Was that woman insane or what?

-So, Scott dear, what did you want to talk about?

Dear? Now where did that come from? Now it was official. That woman was insane. And it looked like he was stuck living alongside her for quite a while. And exactly when he thought life still might have something nice in it.

-Your clothes for example? Even you should have noticed it's a school we have here. We should set an example for students. What do you think they will learn looking at you dressed like … this?

She actually looked surprised. As if the thought of her attire being not-appropriate never even crossed her mind. Not that he could be sure it wasn't actually true. Few moments passed in silence. When Emma spoke there was no surprise in her voice, just mild amusement.

-I didn't think about teaching students fashion. Although that's an interesting idea. As for learning, I believe it's about what I'm saying not what I'm wearing. Not that it doesn't help to have their full attention, of course.

'Not wearing' was more appropriate choice of words in Scott's opinion. He never told that aloud though. If she really believed all those things she was saying, there was nothing he could do to help her. If not, it would be easier for him. Somehow he believed first option was more likely.

-My point exactly. Your clothing has their attention and your words don't. I'd strongly recommend you to try and to find something … less revealing. You don't want me angry at you, believe me.

He was starting to sound a lot like Wolverine. Not very pleasant thought, but not as repulsive as he expected it to be. And at least he got Emma Frost to think about his words.

-If you insist. Anything else?

That simple? Smile at her lips was more than a bit disturbing, but officially he had nothing to complain about. Not to mention that there actually was something else.

-Just reminding you that since the reconstruction of Danger Room is finally finished we have training session tonight. Eight o'clock exactly. Don't be late. Oh, and figure out how to be useful to us. Shouldn't be very hard, should it?

It seemed that even if he decided to wait for her reply there would be none. Not that he wanted to check that anyway. It felt strangely good to stop being 'good guy' for a moment. Wolverine was having too bad influence on him and Emma Frost was giving him too good opportunity to give in to that influence. For once Scott Summers didn't care.