It been too long since I last posted anything, many projects died some of them before even seeing the light thanks for a crashing of my PC, and a new job harsher hours can really make you lag behind. But I return to till tails.

This is one of them Tale of small family of mutants that just recently got a new member and is trying to adjust to the new comer.

Just a Man

The story is mainly told through Jean point of view but not exclusively, I based this story around the movie settings through it doesn't fall in a certain timeline before or after any of the movies perhaps to be on the safe side lets say it's after the first movie.

Oh, I almost forgot side of from Salem I don't owe any of Marvel characters.

He's seven feet tall a buckle of muscles, he got an arm made of metal. That he uses to put holes through tanks, his face is rough. He isn't hansom can't be called that. Thick, thick brows shadowing small rusted orbs, large nose like a hill on middle of his face, time had drawn it lines over his face adding more to his already wide cheekbones his face was rough almost dirty looking he must have ditched shaving for the last week or more. Add to that he hardly brushed his hair short dry a dark shade of black. He kept it short but he was probably never introduced to hair comb his outfits is old colors faded a hole or two wasn't a surprise either says he like it comfy.

That about cover his appearance, his personality well that's another thing he's a hot headed man, a dry sense of humor more sarcasm then anything.

That was my first impression about him. I wasn't wrong, just not fully right either, he's a good hearted man his sarcasm while was sharp -sometimes sharp enough to draw blood - was mostly out of his act first think very much later. And his memory? It is of legends he needed two weeks to either recall our names or label it on the right person -once even managing to survive calling Logan Scott- how could he managed that is something only he can. If you can get past his odd sarcasm his twisted temper and manage to make him recall your name he isn't such a bad guy really.

I recall his first day here in the mansion, it was the end of a unexpected trip the professor made with the company of Logan of all people curiosity must have pulled the sum of us to wait in the main hall it was too big for just us but we were eager to see who is it that the professor went personally to get. Not to meet him but more to see who it is. At noon when the door clicked I was setting on the edge of the couch next to Scott claming his hand in mine the only sign of affection he felt Ok with displaying in public, to his left Rogue while the teen was mainly attached to Logan her hero -and I suspect even more- had taken a seat on the couch arm between Scott and Ororo with her cup of coffee, crossed feet and a book in lap over the an armchair, that left Hank taking seat opposite from Ororo.

First one in was the Professor with Logan pushing his wheelchair he seen us but didn't comment he kept his smile as a large man followed, Salem held a face burned by the desert, he was in his thirties, but despite that his hairline was making a haste withdraw I suspected another decade and he would be a shiny bold guy, he hadn't shaved in a while his beard was pointy needles, his face held many lines O where do I begin? Those between his brows you ask? From frowning my dear, the ones around his lips? Smiling Not sure he doesn't strike me as a man with many smiles.

He wasn't the biggest man I've seen -think Hulk- but he was a mass dressed in an old torn at the knees blue jeans, a green shirt under a darker shade of blue jacket -odd taste- and army black shoes, he was carrying the professor bags, Logan bag and probably his own as well total of six bags was hanging from his hand. But wait that hand of his wasn't flesh it was metal.

Rogue the youngest of us gave a slight "Oh" that caught the man attention he was focused on the professor but now his rusted orbs were on us a quick scan.

A lively bunch

He was projecting not trained in the field of telepathy, his thoughts had a hint of sarcasm but no despise in them he was a mutant long enough to reach the point of accepting other mutants. Good save us the trouble.

His eyes shifted back to our mentor, Xavier gave a soft wave of his hand toward us "this is my family Mr. Salem" leaving the rest to us Hank began standing up he offered his hand "Dr. Hank McCoy, friends call me Hank" the guy dropped the bags on the ground crossing this distance within two of his wide steps accepting the offered hand into his metal one "Salem Adman not sure what I worked before but it sure didn't pay if I am this broke". It was said with a good nature still that flavor if sarcasm in his voice that man sure had it in his blood.

I came next "I am Jean Gray, Just Jean is fine call me Jeany and I will hurt you" a smile drawn on my lips my hand offered he towered easily over me.

Never seen such a shade of red almost fire again he was projecting an amused observation should I have been few years younger it would have made me blush but I got more control then that. He seems to hastate a little before putting his hand in mine, the metal cold ruff but a flawless design it moved as if was real, impressive but quite large, a large hand could easily swallow mine he didn't press at all fear of hurting me perhaps.

Red shades? And I thought those died I had to turn my head away to cover the unexplained smile it was Scott turn stiff as ever but Salem didn't seem bothered by it "Scott Summers". The large man nodded "the leader type I see"

Is he that good judge of character? Or is it just that Scott stands out that much? Now came Rogue turn there was a pause on Salem side upon reaching her but nothing his mind wasn't sending anything blank if could be said then a light smile formed on his face when Salem smile he mostly use the left corner of his mouth half a smile that others mostly use as a polite means of an insult he used it as in he's is delighted that was his idea of a smile single sided.

"Ah'm Rogue"

"They mostly shot them back home"

His reply was fast while Rogue blinked at him he just shock his head slightly his left hand came up in a soft embarrassed gesture "it's nothing, forgive me I just sometimes say things I don't even know".

His face seemed light but that was just a mask I could swear on it. Last but not least was Ororo once hearing her name he arched his thick brow "that name doesn't sound exactly from this side of the world" Ororo smiled at him "No it isn't, its something closer to your part of the world then here".

The professor now spoke his deep assuring tone "Ororo will lead you to your room Mr. Salem, rest. Then we can talk" but Salem quickly waved the idea off "there's no need for resting Professor –beside its Salem never Mr. Or Adman- I don't tire or to be exact I don't feel it".

The Doctor in me began to ponder to look up shelves within my brain for what could make someone unable to feel the top of the lest would be…something wrong with the Nerves system, Opps must have said the last part out load cause the professor was giving me the look however Salem picked the line "exactly, my mutation is all about my lack of feeling a variety of things including tied, drossy, drunk…"

"Pain" I cut in adding and he only seemed surprised slightly "yes and Pain"

Logan for the first time since he got here used his mouth, "with your size bob unable to feel pain and an arm like that…"

"A weapon you mean?" Salem cut in saying. There was a small pause I noticed his metal fingers clutching they moved without any sound I wonder if they were organic or.

"So" Salem spoke his light tone gone, his normally animated face harden up, there was no hostility in there just froze everything and placed it a side "lets get down to business" his sight his whole was on the professor even standing beside the lot of us he was eyeing the professor an impatient man.

It surprised me that the professor actually answered he normally discussed such matters in the office but in this case he said "Fine Salem, my offer is simple you help us in our quest for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans in exchange for helping you with your own".

He loosened -Salem I mean- a smile boarded his rough face "I am game". Rogue blinked few times but couldn't keep quite "wha? Just like that?".

Ignore it I heard the thought sharp probably trying to sort something out to answer or not as it seemed. But he did side glancing at Rogue "I actually know what is the X-men and who are they I didn't come here blind" dear he didn't finish it, is Mr. Weapon having an instant interest in Rogue?

He didn't say anything more Salem stepped away back to the mess of bags he had left on the floor but only picked a single one a yellow tube like bag the yellow had faded to baby yellow or white it was old dirty it wasn't too big either it could hold change of cloth for say a week at most nothing more he threw it over his shoulder he invited the professor to discuses details as if he owned the place a weird man.

It won't be till later at dinner that we ran into Salem again, he was with Ororo, she must been giving him the tour he changed his cloth, well sorta of: he lost the jacket and the shirt, got a black one instead. It wasn't long sleeves like his jacket so his metal arm was out in the open it was copper colored large slightly larger then his flesh arm, reaching up to his elbow there were no signs of how the metal was attached on him it just ended over his elbow, the metal was worn scratched bruised but intact. He seemed delighted talking to Ororo but then he was faced with a dinner filled with kids the chatter died down everyone, almost everyone was staring at him in return Salem had an odd look on his face he didn't see this coming? But Ororo stepped in gracefully "children I want you to meet Mr. Salem Adman he will be the newest addition to the school"

Kids, bah I'd rather be the pray in a manhunt then be around kids

The man looked grim without even his little load thinking anyone would have guessed this wasn't the highlight of his evening the chatter began to rise up again no doubt debating over what kind of a being is this new guy while Salem followed Ro to the teachers table which at the moment was empty save me and Logan.

He sat across from Logan with Ro taking his left, placing both his hands on the table Salem took note of Logan eyes on him "can't really sheath it you know" Salem said a little defensively.

"I didn't say anything Bub" Logan reply was with mild amusement. We sat quietly for three seconds then Salem "food?" he asked with an arched brow not waiting for answer he was up and rooming for a bite.

I took the chance finally having Ro alone "so how was the tour?" Ro smiled lightly leaning forward so her words won't spread out "he's an interesting man to be around, the only thing he mocked more then everything is his himself".

It was the end of the year with the finals on the doors, the kids were edgy and hardly seen without their books no doubt they would find the new comer as a new target for their gossip. Salem came back some time later, what was he doing all this time? By then Scott and Hank had joined us on the table both of them seemed drawn in one of their endless argues over something or the other. Salem came back and the table was full or almost Hank had taken the space Salem had picked few minutes ago. Odd enough Salem choose the other side where myself and Logan were setting he came to Logan "Hank, would you mind moving?" the table stopped eating glancing at Salem semi annoyed expression Logan changing mode and hint of annoyance at Hank side.

"Its Logan bub" the Wolverine growled at the new comer but Salem took it simply "My bad" his only reply then he seated himself pushing Logan inside so he was between myself and Salem on the bench. I had to pat Logan leg under the table to try and clam him and not provoke Scott not so gone issues with Logan. Salem seemed unaware of any of that he just sat with his plate it was almost empty just few Vegetables he ate quietly just throwing whatever was on his plate chewing swallowing all with his eyes locked on his plate an awkward silence thankfully it didn't last Salem finished his plate in record time and just left.

What was that all about?

Later that night I took a seat cross-legged over Ro bed it was almost eleven on a school night so the whole mansion is mostly sleeping Salem had been given the room between Ororo and Logan oddly enough, was this one of the professor effort to break the ice between the new comer and our resident Wolf? Or just to keep an eye on him? Anyhow Ororo had taken to sit with her back to the bed board turning on music a tad louder then usual but it should mask what we were talking about, he's only next door after all.

"You mean you didn't figure it out?" Ororo was surprised as I asked her the same thing that went thru my mind. I shock my head "should I?"

Ro had stopped toying with her CD player and turned to face me "You realize that Salem is an Arabic name no?" she said in a slow careful tone as if dealing with a child or something narrowing my eyes I gave a shrug "so?" Ro rolled her eyes and opened her lips to say something.

She didn't manage to say anything we heard Logan growl he must really be ticked off jumping off the bed we raced to his room, Salem own was open and I couldn't see him but I was too much in a hurry to pay attention. Logan room was open few steps to it we heard Rogue yell mixed with sound of breaking glass.

Logan was nowhere to be seen Rogue was at the door while Salem was standing in the middle of the room he was bleeding his flesh arm was bleeding probably from Logan but what the hell happened?

"I don't think he's dead" Salem was mumbling lowly he stepped toward the window "I didn't hit him that hard to begin with" leaning forward to look at where Logan had fallen apparently.

"Round two Bub".

And Salem disappeared from the room that was Logan voice yanking Salem with him down to the ground with a load thud but even so the two men were fighting, by now Scott has arrived in his visor followed close by Hank.

"What happened?" he demanded, Cyclops demanded.

"Logan and Salem are tearing each other" Ororo pointed down at the lawn pushing her a side Scott took a look for himself.

Logan was in a fury fit, growling, his claws extended, and the Wolverine unleashed. On the other hand the towering mutant didn't seem fuzzed at all if anything he was as much anger driven as Logan and they were engaged, I feared for Salem, the two engaged in close range, claws swinging clashing against metal arm it held well sparks flied from the clashes but nothing else the metal -the alloy- was extremely touch, trying to stop the fight using my telepathy at least on Logan wouldn't help the man head was so mixed up perhaps Salem….

But it was too late now Scott and Hank ducked to get down there they didn't see the last moments of the fight Logan gutting Salem, his claws sinking into the man flesh then out the other side.

Can't feel pain.

I had forgotten that or just didn't imagine it, Logan was somewhere in between as a result Salem wasn't stopped he didn't grasp in pain or black out he didn't even flinch as Logan withdrew his claws. The large man took a step spreading his feet a tad more before he back handed Logan, his metal fist colliding with Logan face I could swear I heard the ill sound of Logan metal laced skull slam to Salem fist. The strike lunched Logan into a tree fifty feet away before he clasped under it.

That was the fight, by the time we reached them Salem was pressing his hand over his gut wounds he was bleeding despite the pressure applied we are gona need to operate on him pain feeling or not. Good thing he was able to walk by himself I doubt anyone but Hank could've moved him and Hank was busy with Logan and a little too freaked out Rogue. Tearing his shirt off Salem all but growled at me "that's mine you know" I ignored his protest wrapping it around his wound a make shift bandage it would only help so much.

The oddest surgery I been into or even heard of Salem went under the knife fully awake no drug we used was able to knock him out. Its freaky working on a patient that would keep asking you what you're doing in his body but at least he stayed still.

"He started it" that came from Salem heated a little childish maybe. I had to push him to lay down, the guy just got out of surgery and wasn't either feeling it or the amount of sleeping drugs I was pumping thru his veins the three stabs were critical but not much as I thought. I was starting to suspect that his mutation wasn't limited to no pain feeling.

"Clam down your going to hurt yourself" I said in a soothing tone luckily he seemed to respond he eased himself back into the bed beside me was Ro.

"Ok why don't you explain what actually happened then?" Ro began quietly, we were still in the medical bay Salem in one room with Ro setting on the chair next to him and I stood little to her side. He gave a sigh "I was just trying to help that Teez" I had no idea what the last word meant but by the look of Ro face it wasn't pleasant and he didn't pause there either "I was in bed when I heard noise from the next door, ignored it for few minutes perhaps a TV or anything such but it wasn't, so I got out to the hall trying to figure out what it was. It didn't stop, it was coming from the room next to mine I knocked on the door, I didn't know he was next door, nothing came and the noise didn't stop the door wasn't closed" he shut up long enough to glance at his self his metal arm hovering uneasily above his stomach but like a good boy he didn't touch it.

"He was a sleep a restless one causing him to toss and twist so I went to wake him up…..

We really should place a sign on Logan door "don't wake the Wolverine" this the second time

…..he woke with a jerk and claws thrown at me "… a shrug…"so I threw back" …

Men

Teeze: Ass.