Chapter 4

The New Guy

At the Institute

Everyone was excited today. A new recruit. Usually Sundays were boring but today was special. Rogue, Kitty, and Storm were the only ones who have never seen Dean up close. So they had no idea what to expect. There was also an issue that they had no idea when he would be arriving, or how. Did he even know how to get here? All questions that would soon be answered. In the meantime the Professor was doing his best to enroll Dean into Bayville High as soon as possible, preferably by tomorrow.

The rest of the X-men had been doing random things. Scott was washing his car as he always did on Sundays. Jean was finishing up her studies, normally she does the last of it on Saturdays but due to the unexpected trip she went on she had to postpone doing them. Kurt had nothing to do so he was helping Scott. Kitty was on her laptop somewhere writing another one of her autobiographies. Evan was skateboarding around the mansion. Rogue was in the library reading a random book.

All of a sudden they all hear the Professor speaking 'Could you all please gather in my office'. They all stop what they're doing and make their way to the Professor's office. "Now then, I just got off the phone with Dean's parents and apparently he left about two hours ago. This means he should be here any minute." The Professor said.

Before he could say anything else he senses a strange mind approaching the gate, he looks out his window and spots a dark figure on a motorcycle outside the gate. 'I didn't know he drove', "That must be him at the gate" he says, "Everyone please gather by the entrance to greet our new recruit" he tells them.

On the road towards the institute

Dean had been riding for a good two hours now so he should be getting close. Dean thinks back to earlier today as he left. His mom cried, as expected. His dad was cool about everything, also expected. He said bye to his friends over the phone or in some cases over facebook because he couldn't reach them. The packing didn't take long, he didn't need that many things besides some clothes to last a few weeks plus he fit a bunch of things on his motorcycle. Dean comes to a stop by a gate to what should be the Xavier Institute; it says so on Google maps plus it's written on a metal plate right by the gate. But there wasn't any kind of description when he looked the place up, probably to protect their image.

The metal gate suddenly opens, 'That's kind of cool' he drives up the driveway while checking out the scenery. The mansion seemed to be right next to the ocean and next to the woods. A perfect place for peace and quiet. Dean comes to a stop in front of the Mansion. He takes off his helmet and picks up his duffle bag with his few belongings. 'I'll just leave it right here for now, it's a closed off place anyways'. Dean fixes his hair making sure his helmet didn't mess it up too much and makes his way for the front door. Dean goes to open it when suddenly it opens by itself, 'Total Adams Family rip-off' he thinks before entering the Mansion.

Everyone had gathered by the entrance, waiting for the new guy. The Professor comes rolling in, "Everyone, I would like you all to meet our newest member" The front doors open and in comes a tall dark haired young man. "Dean".

Dean had been wearing a similar outfit to the one he wore against Sabertooth, except this one was not dusty and torn; he was also wearing a white v-neck T-shirt instead of black, and he was wearing sunglasses that hid his eyes. Dean takes his sunglasses off revealing his light blue eyes and says "Sup".

"Oh wow," Kitty squeaks had almost literally melted where she stood, 'Oh my god he is so hot!' she thought to herself as she ogled him.

Even Rogue couldn't help but stare at him slightly but she still thinks Scott is cuter. Now if only Scott would look at her instead of fixating on little miss perfect redhead.

"Now, Dean, try not to get too concerned over anything," the Professor advises. "Take your time, settle in. No one's judging you. We don't judge people here. Though we do have rules here and we expect you to follow them."

"Yeah, I just hope they're nothing too kiddy." Dean said.

"Yes, well, if you need something cleared up ask anyone."He looks at Storm, "Storm, would you please show Dean where his room is?" The Professor asked.

Storm waved her hand towards the staircase, "This way" she started going up the stairs and Dean followed the snow white haired lady to his new room.

Everyone else waited till he was out of sight to talk. "Jean you seriously undersold him," Kitty scolds her friend. She means that he was just wow. Six foot, smooth dark hair, and dreamy light blue eyes you could just drown in and even under the leather jacket he was wearing the broad shoulders were clear to see.

Dean comes to a stop inside his room; it has a lot more space than his last room which makes it all that much better. He liked having plenty of space in his room, it made it easier to do his workouts and place his things without worrying about them getting in the way.

"This will be your room while you stay with us." Ororo said.

"Cool" he said bluntly.

"Breakfast is at seven by the way." Ororo said before leaving.

'Seven huh? That should give me enough time to do my morning exercise' Dean thought to himself. Dean places his duffle bag on the bed, 'I'll unpack later, time to explore a little.'

Dean quietly walks through the corridors, peeking into every room he passes by, wouldn't want to mix up the bathroom with a bedroom you know. As Dean is looking around he hears a 'bamf' sound and sees someone appear out of nowhere from the corner of his eye. On reflex Dean sends out a punch that hits Kurt square in the face.

"Oooowwww! Vhat vhas zhat for?" Kurt says while rubbing his forehead where a bruise will form but won't really show because of his blue fur.

"Whoops, you kind of surprised me there, I'm not used to people dropping in out of nowhere." Dean said.

"Remind me not to do zhat with you ever again." Kurt said rubbing his forehead.

"I'm sure you'll remember for next time. By the way why do you smell like sulphur?" Dean asked sniffing.

"Oh zhat is just my mutation." Kurt then disappears in a puff of blue smoke and reappears a few feet away. "I can teleport and vhen I do I leave a smell of sulphur behind. Zhe Professor hasn't vorked out quite vhy yet."

"Huh, weird." Dean said.

"Have you had a chance to meet everyone yet?" Kurt asks him.

"No, but I'll get to that after I get settled in." Dean said before continuing on his personal tour. Kurt starts to walk with him.

"Hey if you vould like a tour I vould be more than happy to show you around." Kurt says enthusiastically.

"Sure, lead the way." Kurt showed Dean pretty much everything, they started with everyone's rooms. They didn't actually explore the rooms, more just glanced inside for a second so they don't invade anyone's privacy. Then they went on to the kitchen and dining room. Then they went in the lounge and the rest of the ground floor. After that they went in the lower levels, Kurt told Dean the password to the elevator since he was going to live here now. He showed him the infirmary, the gym; Dean was impressed with how much gear they had in there.

"And last but definitely not least zhe Danger room." Kurt said.

At the moment they were inside the Danger room, getting a better look from the inside. "Danger room huh? What does it do exactly?" Dean asked

"In here ve train. The Danger room can produce highly advanced defense mechanisms that help us understand and improve our mutations. Also it can create a simulated vorld for more advanced training." Kurt explained.

"Kind of like a fake world?" Dean asked.

"Ja, except it can't make anyzhing that can kill us, it's against the programming." Kurt replied.

"I guess that's a good failsafe." 'Now this is a step up for training' Dean thought with a grin.

After the tour was over Kurt went off somewhere while Dean went to unpack. There were so many things he wanted to bring with him that he barely brought any clothes with him, he figured he would make several trips before he had everything he wanted in his new room.

He had already put away his few clothes, now he was placing his more personal belongings. He placed his electric guitar and speaker by the corner by his bed, Dean was actually really good with the electric guitar. He had a cousin that was a crazy musician and they used to play together all the time. They were even considering forming a band but Dean went on to other things. Of course Dean never lost his touch. He would always play when he was bored so the guitar was a must have.

Next Dean placed his swords on the wall above his desk. And last but not least he took out a picture frame with a picture of Dean and his whole family and places it on his desk. On the bottom of the picture it showed 6/6/'03, this picture was taken about ten years ago in Greece. Once he does this he stands back and checks his room out, 'Perfect' he thinks.

Just then there is a knock at the door. "Come in." Who comes in is a pretty girl with brown hair and blue eyes.

"Hey there. I'm Kitty, Kitty Pryde." Kitty takes a moment to see Dean even closer up than before.

"Hey," Dean said, he could recognize when someone was checking him out. "Dean" he introduces himself. "What's up?" he asks her since he guesses she came here for a reason, or maybe she just came to stare.

"Huh?" Kitty asks a little lost in blatantly checking Dean out. "Oh right. I'm here to tell you that like dinner is ready and everything."

"Ok I'll be down in a minute." He says before turning around again to take another look at his room.

After dinner Dean was supposed to meet the Professor in his study to discuss certain matters. Dean stops in front of the Professor's study and knocks on the Door. Inside the Professor searches with his mind to see who is knocking but the Professor finds it difficult to enter this person's mind. "Come in" he says curiously.

In comes Dean curious about what the Professor wants and sits down across from him.

"Dean before we discuss anything I want to tell you something." Charles said.

Dean nods. "I usually read the person's mind that is outside my door so I can identify who it is, but when I tried to enter yours it seemed very difficult for me to do" Charles said with fascination.

"Oh, maybe it's part of my mutation." Dean said optimistically.

"Yes perhaps. But back to why I called you here. First I have successfully enrolled you in Bayville High and your first day is tomorrow at eight o'clock so get some good rest. Secondly we will require you to give a physical so we can understand the nature of your abilities. But not today, we will wait until tomorrow for that."

"Alright then. Is that all?" Dean asks as he gets up

"Yes you may leave" He said and Dean exited the study.

'Hmmm, what to do now?' I'll explore and see who's around. Dean passes by the library and spots the girl named Rogue. 'Social activity!' he thinks to himself.

The library is one of the few places Rogue can get peace. Understandably due to her powers she isn't much of a people person. Now she likes all her friends and is really appreciative that they took her in when they started out as enemies but sometimes she just needs to be on her own.

"Hey" Dean says as he approaches Rogue. Kurt had introduced him to her earlier but being only his first day he hadn't talked to her much. Although she wasn't hard to miss with the unusual white stripe in her hair. Dean's first thought about it was that it was kind of an attractive feature.

"Hi" Rogue says back. "What'cha doin here?" she asks.

"I was kinda bored so I started walking around hoping to find someone to talk to and it seems I did." Dean said as he sat down across from her.

With anybody else she would have complained or told them to leave her alone but since Dean is new here Rogue closes the book she was reading and gives him her full attention. "So what do ya wanna talk about?" She asked him.

"I don't know. How bout your ability? I'm gonna need to know if I'm going to be your teammate eventually." He said with enthusiasm.

The mention of her power makes her frown. 'Well he does have a point' she thought.

"Alright then" She takes off her glove "if ah were to touch ya right now, ah would absorb ya life force. Absorbing all ya skills and ya mutant abilities. And if ah held on long enough ah would kill ya." She said with reluctance.

Dean notices the sadness on her face and guesses there's a catch, she probably can't control it. "Wow, that's sounds great and terrible at the same time, but at least you have their powers once you absorb them though."

Rogue looks at him and says "No ah don't get to keep them; they fade away after an hour or so. But a piece of their mind stays behind"

"Hmmmmm, I don't think so. If something stays behind then it's a possibility that the power stays behind as well, only there must be a trick to it or something. Maybe you have to focus on their conscience a lot to gain a certain power" Dean said guessing.

"Maybe, but it's too dangerous. Ah keep all the different personalities locked up with mental blocks, and the only way to let one out is to let them all out. Ah won't risk it." She said.

"I understand. But if you're ever curious, you should let the Professor help you with that." He said.

"Anyways enough about me, what about you? What can you do?" she asked.

"Me? From what I've seen so far you can say I'm an improved human being." He said.

"So you're basically like Logan. Except without the metal claws." She said assuming.

'Hmmmmmmm, interesting. No wonder he's supposed to be good, if he's like me then he should be very good.' He thinks. "Yeah you could say that."

Dean decides to change the subject, "Anyways enough about powers. You have a boyfriend?" he asked with a little grin.

"No ah don't. I already told you, ah can't touch nobody. So what would be the point in having a boafriend when ah can't even kiss him?" she said a little angrily.

"Because, one day you're gonna learn to control your powers and you're going to need some experience in dating if you want your heart intact. Plus back where I'm from guys would go head over heels to even be friends with a beautiful girl like you." He said with honesty, Rogue was beautiful.

Rogue stares at him for a second. 'He called me beautiful. No one has ever called me beautiful' she thinks. 'No, it can't be'. "You're just saying that to make me feel better." She says as she gets up, turns around, and crosses her arms over her chest.

Dean shakes his head and says "Nope, sorry. If its one thing I don't do is lie to girls about their appearance" He gets up and walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulder. "Even if it's kind of corny, don't ever let anybody say that you're not beautiful."

She turns around and looks into his deep blue eyes, she can tell he isn't kidding.

Before she can think of anything else to say he backs off and starts walking away, "Have a nice day" he says as he walks off.

'Well that was…different' she thought to herself. This is going to be somewhat of a game changer.

Dean was walking down the hallway with the bedrooms again going towards Jean's room hoping to talk to her for a little. On his way towards her room however he stops dead in his tracks as he sees a girl phase halfway through a door and say "Hi again".

Dean stares at her 'Whoa, freaky' "Um Hey what's up?" he said trying to avoid the fact that she is talking while inside a door.

Kitty phases through the door so she doesn't keep him uncomfortable, "Nothing much cutie" she says smiling. Dean wasn't wearing his jacket right now so that just left his white T-shirt which was showing a good portion of his biceps, and oh boy the biceps that he had.

That makes Dean grin a little, "You need something?" he asked.

Kitty who is still smiling shakes her head "No, I just like want to spend some time with you. Hey like show me some of your stuff." Kitty grabs Dean by the arm.

Dean allows Kitty to drag him along. "Where are you from?" he asked since she sounds like she is from California with her 'Valley Girl' accent.

"I'm from Illinois," Kitty announced proudly.

'That doesn't make any sense' he thought.

They go in his room; Dean closes the door so nobody eavesdrops on him. The first thing Kitty notices of course are the swords, "Oh cool you like have your own swords" she takes one of them off the wall and examines it. "Wow what kind are they?" she asked.

Dean takes the sword from her hands and places it back with the other one, "It's a Greek Harpe sword and they were a birthday gift from my parents." He said.

"Wow that's like so cool of them" Kitty says before looking around some more. She spots the Guitar and almost faints, 'he can play music too', "Oh my god, you have a guitar. Can you play a little for me?" she said with a smile.

Dean thinks about it, 'What the hell, I'm bored anyways', "Sure, but just a little"

Dean grabs the electric guitar and the speaker. He connects the speaker with the outlet and the guitar with the speaker. He grabs the pick that's at the end of the guitar; Kitty spots yellow lightning bolts on the guitar. Dean adjusts the volume so it's not too loud and wonders what to play.

"Do you want me to play something specific?" Dean asks

"No I don't care, just like play something nice" she says.

Dean wonders 'Hmmmmmmm…I got it'.

Dean starts off with a soft beat and eventually the sound picks up to a recognizable tone. Kitty recognizes the tone of the music, "Hey, that's Kryptonite from Three doors down right?" she asked.

Dean nodded, "Yeah, it's one of my favorite songs."

"Wow like me too" Kitty said.

With that Dean leans forward to tell her something when Kitty suddenly faints. 'That was unexpected' he thought. Dean puts away his guitar and speaker, 'Well I guess I should bring her back to her room' Dean thought as he picked her up bridal style and carries her off. On his way to Kitty's room however he runs into Jean.

"What happened to Kitty?" Jean asked.

"I guess I was a little too much for her" Dean said with a grin.

Jean puts her hands on her hips and says "Don't say that, it's mean."

"Ah c'mon, you know I'm joking. I would never do that on my first day here." He added.

Jean shakes her head as Dean places Kitty in her bed and leaves the room. "So what really happened?" she asked.

"Well, I kinda played some music for her." he replied.

Jean raises an eyebrow and asks "What do you mean you "played" some music?"

"I played a song on my guitar." He replied.

"I don't get it though, why would she faint from that?" she asked.

Dean thinks about it for a second, "I think I know why. I was leaning closer to her so I could tell her something but maybe she thought I was going to kiss her."

"That might do it." she said with a tiny bit of sarcasm.

"Thank god I didn't sing to her or I don't know what would have happened." He said speaking his thoughts.

"Wait you can sing?" Jean asked.

Dean mentally slaps himself for saying that, 'I'm never going to hear the end of this'. "Yeah I can sing, a little." He said sheepishly.

Jean grins deviously, "Show me"

"No way" he replied.

"But why not?" she complained.

"Cause it's going to take a lot more than a simple request to get me to sing." He said.

"Well that's too bad. But wow though, I mean you told me you can play the guitar good but singing too? What can't you do?" she asked.

Dean thinks about this one, "Well I can't fly." He replied with sarcasm.

Jean laughs a little and says "Things are going to be so different now that you're here."

Dean starts to walk away and says "Yes. Yes they will."