"Move out!" Scott yelled, firing an optic blast at an incoming target, knocking it out of Kurt's path.

"Cheers!" Kurt had time to yell before leaping out of the way of a laser bolt. He disappeared with a puff of smoke and reappeared several metres to the side.

"Watch it Jeannie!" Bobby hollered. Soaring through the air on an ice-slide, he hurled a javelin of ice straight into the heart of a laser cannon about to fire at a hovering Jean. With a whine, the cannon tried to fire, failed and died quietly.

"Whoo-hoo!" laughing, Kitty phased through the swarm of flying laser bots, leaping from one onto another, the bolts passing through her harmlessly. Gasping for breath, she air-walked upward just in time to re-solidify catch Bobby's hand as he passed.

"Go to your right, Bobby!" Jean shouted, moving towards him. Bobby directed his slide at once, while Jean raised an arm, seizing a larger walking robot. With her mind she lifted it and aimed its cannon at its counterparts, Scott protecting her from shots as she did so.

"Time!" a voice resonated from the watching station. The firing machinery stopped at once.

Breathing hard, Jean drifted back to the ground beside Scott. Bobby and Kitty landed not to far away and Kurt teleported beside them an instant later.

The doors to the Danger Room opened and the Professor wheeled in. "Well done" he said smiling. "A good use of team work and trust. Very important. Now go on or you'll be late for school."

Kitty glanced at her watch and groaned. "Come on, we'd better hurry."

Half an hour later, the X-Men had washed, dressed and had driven to school and arrived with minutes to spare.

"Thank God" Jean sighed as she vaulted out of Scott's car. "If I'm late one more time, Ms. Evans will give me detention for sure."

"Nothing like being a rebel Jeannie" Bobby said brightly as he got out of his car, Kurt and Kitty tumbling out too.

"Uh-huh" Jean grinned back at him. "See you later Badass. You too, Kurt, Kitty, Scott" she added, flashing Scott a quick small smile before departing. Within moments she was surrounded by a couple of girls.

"Uh yeah! See you later....Jean" Scott trailed off as Jean disappeared. Kitty and Kurt exchanged grins, while Bobby shook his head to the heavens. It was just a shame locking the two to them into a closet wouldn't work because of their powers. Otherwise he'd have done it long ago.

"Come on Slim" he said. "We gotta go to class."

"Huh? Oh yeah, class. Let's go" Scott headed towards the school. Silently giggling, Kitty followed while Bobby rolled his eyes to Kurt. Kurt grinned.

Bobby sighed and slid into homeroom five minutes later just as the bell rang. He rolled his neck working out kinks that had formed during training before digging into his bag for his English book and flipping it open.

He grimaced. This project unfortunately required cooperation between partners and right now his still believed he and his friends were trying to hurt her. It was infuriating. And he hadn't gotten as far as he would like in making notes for it because of the talk over the weekend and its repercussions.

At least the mansions sorted, he consoled himself. Kurt and Kitty's ambush had at least resolved the tension that had been building up with the mansions occupants. Although it did point him to be the soft one in the older core team according to Logan. He rolled his eyes.

And at least Kurt and Kitty hadn't decided to leave or completely freaked out about the past. They were uneasy about it, but adamant to remain and prove themselves.

That's probably why the Professor didn't make a bigger deal about me disobeying his orders, he thought wryly.

And things with Scott and Jean were more or less the same. He had been a little worried that the arrival of new students would undermine their friendship. But it remained strong as the three tried to mentor the others, not very successfully as of yet. But then again, Scott was the one who really tried; Jean and Bobby were less inclined to play drill sergeant.

His mood lifting from encouraging thoughts, Bobby pulled out his notepad and spent the rest of the class scribbling away notes, facts and figures.

The bell rang, jerking him out of Shakespearean England. Cursing softly, he quickly gathered his things and headed out. His stomach dropped as he remembered what he had next. Chem. with Rouge.

Steeling himself, he walked into the filling classroom. He peered around and saw Rouge sitting where they'd sat last week; he'd been made her unofficial study buddy for most classes. So far she was alone in their area.

Letting his mind calm a little he walked over and sat down across from her. Her eyes on the counter, she gave no indication that she was aware of his presence.

"Uh hi" Bobby said awkwardly. She shifted a little and raised her eyes to meet his. They were hard and stony. She dropped them again.

Bobby glanced around. The room was full, but Mr. Kimberly wasn't here yet, so it was loud and boisterous.

"Listen Rouge" he said quietly. "I know you think my friends and I want to hurt you, but we don't. We never wanted that."

Rouge gave a quiet derisive snort. "Yeah right" she muttered in her Southern drawl. It was more pronounced when she was sarcastic.

Resisting the urge to snap, he answered simply. "Yes. We don't want to hurt you and we never did."

Rouge gave a sharp laugh and lifted her head, eyes blazing. "Sure, right. Ah was just hallucinating when Ah got attacked by your friends."

"Not hallucinating" Bobby muttered. Knowing full well she wouldn't believe him if he brought up shape-shifting he tried not to mention that. "Look it wasn't my friends that attacked you that night. They were there but they just wanted to talk to you."

"Right" Rouge drawled again, eyes furious. "So where were you when they wanted to talk to me?"

"Here" he answered, silently willing himself not to rise to her bait. "Basketball."

"A jock" she looked disdainful, as though he fallen even further down in her estimation.

"Hardly" he retorted.

"Look" Rouge leant forward staring directly into Bobby's eye. "Ah know we've gotta work together for our project. We'll work together. Through lunch and study class after school, and for anything else we get paired up in. But Ah'm not gonna listen to your bull. We do our work and that's that. Assuming ya'll be doing it, right?" she arched an eyebrow.

"Look" he started furious, but his answer was cut off as the door opened and a burly man of about twenty strolled in.

"Ah hello" he smiled warmly. "I am deeply sorry for being late; I was held back by the track team. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Mr. Henry and I am your substitute chem. and gym teacher. Now I am here to...."

Bobby zoned out the rest of the teacher's speech still seething from Rouge's words. He knew this was going to be hard, but honestly she could at least be civil.

And you are so civil to Magneto and his cronies a voice sounding suspiciously like his old friend Warren's spoke up in the back of his mind.

Shut up.

Jean sat in the oppressive history class, her mind wandering. The teacher Mr. Clarke was blissfully unaware that most of the students were in a zombie like daze. Jean would normally try and pay attention to teachers like this, feeling somewhat sorry for them. However the man made no attempt to try to make the American Revolution even slightly interesting and from the vague impressions she got from his idle thoughts, he honestly didn't care about his students feelings. Besides, her telepathic powers gave her the advantage of a photographic memory. So Jean overrode her conscious and let her drift.

Duncan was trying to persuade her to go steady with her and she had been spending increasing amounts of time weighing the idea in her mind. He was very good looking, popular athletic and was definitely interested in her. The downside was he didn't know about her 'gifts' and that was unlikely to change for the distant future. And also however reluctant she was to admit it, he could be a bit of jerk.

But that's just because of his upbringing she argued. Rich and influential Duncan's family had a lot of clout in Bayville. It was expected that some of that rubbed off on him and he thought he was a little above others.

And he's really cute. And sporty. And interested. So why not?

An image of Scott flickered in her minds eye and she impatiently brushed it aside. Scott was a great guy. But she wasn't interested in him. Not even a little.

Ok maybe a little she admitted hesitantly to herself before shying away from the thought. Okay she had a tiny bit of a crush on Scott, maybe. But what if he didn't feel the same way? She didn't want to lose his friendship and divide her friends because of misunderstandings.

What makes you think he's not interested? A voice inquired in the back of her mind.

Because he'd have asked me out by now. She answered back.

Not if he thinks you're not interested.

Ahh! Angry with herself she forced herself to stop. Talking to herself wasn't a good sign even in her own head.

Maybe I should drag Bobby along on a date with Duncan. Get his opinion.

You already know his opinion. A great blonde ape, right? The little voice spoke up again. Jean let her head drop onto her book.

Maybe I should just join a convent.

Now there's an idea.

Oh shut up.

"Let's go, move out!" the new teacher Mr. Henry shouted.

Breathing evenly despite the exertion, Bobby jogged lightly round the track, feeling his leg muscles stretch and contract. There was nothing like exercise to clear your mind, something he would never, ever say in the presence of Logan.

The sub, Mr. Henry was turning out to be a good guy. He was a great chem. teacher as he'd discovered earlier after pulling himself from his funk. Not that he had any problems with chemistry, but he was impressed by his way of simplifying things for people to understand. Now he turned out to be a great gym teacher too. All in all, he was shaping out pretty good.

"Ok over here!" Henry called to the class, drawing the teens towards him.

"Alright, since I'm new here I'll just figure out how advanced your class is. Track, hurdles, the lot, ok?" he smiled at the slight groans. Bobby merely grinned. This was going to help him get over being so angry.

Thirty minutes later, Bobby's breathing was harsh and ragged; though his body was dry from sweat. He had thrown himself into the exercises, feeling his body push and surge. He'd gone around the track twice, the second time going over hurdles, done the high jump and javelin throwing several times and gone through the schools obstacle course. He'd feel it later from Danger Room to this, but right now, that was unimportant. What was important was burning of his excess energy before it manifested into ice explosions.

He was about to trot to the track line again before Henry's called him over. "Drake."

Puzzled he turned to the coach, who was eyeing him oddly.

"Hit the showers Drake; you've done enough today."

"What?" he was taken aback. The old coach would never send people off class early. "Why?"

"Humour me. It's my first day; I'd rather not get fired for letting my students collapse from exhaustion. It's not a sterling first impression." He smiled broadly. There was something vaguely familiar about his smile.

Bobby opened his mouth to protest, but Henry beat him to it. "You've exorcised your feelings enough for today Bobby. Showers. Now."

Bobby eyed him for a second before giving in. "Yes sir."

"I'm starving!" Kurt proclaimed, biting into his sandwich with relish. It was somewhat odd not to see his tail swishing behind him as he devoured his lunch.

"Me too" Kitty sighed, tucking into her fries. "Class is tough enough without having Lance or the rest of those jerks around too."

"Are they doing anything?" Scott said sharply.

"Just fooling around" Kurt shrugged. "Zhey're not going to cause trouble Scott, I don't think Magneto vould be very happy."

"He wouldn't" Bobby didn't open his eyes. "Mind you that won't stop them from testing the water. They'll pick a fight soon enough."

"You like you've already had a fight" Kurt observed, looking at Bobby's tired face.

"You haven't have you?" Scott said sternly, though there was a faint note of concern in his voice.

"No just got carried away in gym" Bobby cracked a small smile before heaving himself upright and helping himself to his own lunch.

"You really need to find another outlet" Scott said watching his friend take a healthy swig of soda. Bobby shrugged.

"Another outlet for what?" Kitty asked.

"When I get angry or want to blow some steam, if I can't use my powers I exercise" Bobby explained.

"Exercise" Scott said sceptically. Bobby ignored him.

"What were you angry about?" Kitty asked in concern.

"Rouge" Bobby said simply. "It's bad enough I have to try to convince her we're not her enemy, but we're paired together for English and are partners in chem. and physics too. It's kinda hard being study buddy's when she hates me and you guys, not to mention the fact I can't really blame her."

"Zhat vould be awkward" Kurt agreed.

"Yeah" Bobby sighed. "I'm trying to talk to her, but she's not making it easy. Of course being attacked by a shape shifter who wanted to turn you away from the X-Men doesn't really sound like a great explanation, does it?"

"Out of all of us you're the best for this" Scott stated firmly. "Mystique didn't copy you, so she thinks you weren't there. And you're also the best at talking to people; you just connect to people better." Scott knew full well he lacked the ease Bobby had when talking to people. Bobby was able to empathise and relate to people in ways Scott knew he'd never possess. The same could be said for Jean the telepath. Bobby was the empathic one, though it could take a while for people to realise it.

Bobby smiled at Scott and continued to eat. He glanced at his watch.

"Damn, I promised to meet Rouge outside to talk about our project." He stood up. "I'll see you later guys."

"Why outside?" Scott asked warily.

"She doesn't trust you guys" he shrugged. "Jeannie will keep in touch, you know her." He rolled his eyes. Jean could be very protective of Bobby especially after Emma.

"Be careful" Scott warned. Bobby shook his head in amusement and left the cafeteria.

"Argh" Kitty groaned in frustration as Lance Alvers and Pietro sauntered into the cafeteria and sat down nearby. At the lunch aisle, the new boy Fred stood out, head and shoulders above the rest as he piled food onto his plate.

This will probably get ugly Scott mentally sighed and began to finish his lunch as quickly as possible.

Bobby quickened his pace as he neared the spot he and Rouge had agreed to meet. The last thing he wanted was for her to have another reason for hating him for not arriving on time.

However when he arrived at the table, she wasn't there. Relieved he sat down, making to open his bag.

Hello Robert.

Bobby froze at the unpleasantly familiar mental call. He turned to the trees and sure enough a shapely figure emerged from the shadows.

Emma was not what you would call modest about her looks. She looked stunning in a white tailored suit, her blonde hair elegantly swept back. It was hard to believe she was only a little older than Jean; with her looks and mannerisms, she could have been a sophisticated woman of twenty five.

Bobby shifted on his feet; he felt tense and from the amused expression on her face Emma knew it.

"Emma, fairest of the Ice Queens, what do I owe the greatest pleasure of being graced with your company?" he inquired with mock sincerity.

She just smirked. Bobby resisted the temptation to mentally shout for Jean, Emma would probably stop it and he didn't want to be distracted in case she tried something.

"So suspicious Robert" she purred. She smiled at him. "Can't an old friend drop in?"

"Cut the crap Frost. What d'you want?" Bobby said bluntly.

"Oh nothing" she said airily. "I just wanted to meet the X-Men newest members; I heard Xavier had reopened again. And it did not seem gracious to leave down without at least saying hello."

"How thoughtful" Bobby said sarcastically. "Well hello then Emma. So nice of you to interact with people by conventional means."

"Still bitter" she smiled, but her smile was gone and her eyes shadowed ever so slightly. "Well if it makes you feel a little better, I wished to observe Magneto's new team members as well."

"So do you apparently."

"Yes." Emma's smile was glacial. "And I wanted to make one thing perfectly plain to Xavier and his merry band of followers-do not meddle in our business. Our recruits, dealings and disputes are mine alone. I will not be pleased if either the X-Men or Brotherhood dabble in the Hellions affairs and will not be held responsible for the repercussions."

"Right" Bobby said, eyeing her. "You talk to the Brotherhood about this?"

"I spoke to Magneto himself and made it very clear of my standing."

Bobby raised his eyebrows. "And how come you came to me and not the Professor?"

"Xavier thinks to highly about himself and his mission it makes my head hurt. And unlike Xavier, Magneto can take a hint. So be a good little boy and deliver my message."

Bobby smirked at her. "Just know that little warning goes both ways Emma. We'll leave you alone if you leave us alone."

Emma actually laughed. "You are far more intelligent than you let on Robert. She eyed him appraisingly. "And more powerful."

Bobby shifted. Emma had made it very clear just how powerful he actually was. It made him uncomfortable.

Emma frowned and swung her head toward the school building. Bobby turned too and noticed Rouge standing not to far away, clearly hesitating. He felt irritated that he hadn't felt her approach. He would have to work on his sensing molecules power a little.

Emma focused her eyes on Rouge. "A Brotherhood recruit, I take it."

Rouge looked wary. "Who are you?"

"The leader of the Hellions" Emma said simply. Without waiting for Rouge to respond, she turned to Bobby. "Well Robert, it was a pleasure."

"Wish I could say the same" Bobby responded.

"Your manners have something to be desired" Emma returned. "On a note, I would advise you not to return to the school for the rest of your lunch break. The Brotherhood boy Fred Dukes has accidently caused a food fight and the two groups are not happy. Neither is the principal, who plans to make them all clean up the mess." Her eyes were glinting slightly.

"Uh thanks for the warning" Bobby said feeling concerned.

"Until we meet again Robert" Emma turned and swept out of the school, walking as though she owned the earth.

Bobby sighed and turned to Rouge who was still hovering, looking uneasy.

"Ready to start?" he asked brightly, as though Emma had never been there. He decided to tell the others about Emma after school. Jean would flip if she found out. Emma had probably masked her presence and Bobby's mind, otherwise Jean would have come out to investigate. Emma wasn't foolish enough to try Jean's wrath, who not only had a ferocious temper but was, Bobby was sure, the stronger of the two.

Rouge dithered for a second before sitting down. She hesitated before asking "Who was that?"

"Emma Frost" Bobby said briefly, flicking open his book. "The leader of the Hellions."

"And who are the Hellions?" Her curiosity seemed to outweigh her wariness.

"A group in New York like the Brotherhood and the X-Men." Bobby looked up to see comprehension flit across her face. It shut down at the mention of the X-Men. Bobby mentally sighed. Ah well.

"Have ya got your stuff?" she asked stiffly.

"Mm-hmm."

"Ok" she set about pulling out her books before stopping. She looked at the school and back at Bobby.

"Uh, how does she know there's a food fight?"

"She's a telepath" Bobby said easily and watched Rouge's mouth drop. "Did you do the stuff on the first scene?"

"Urgh" Kurt groaned as he fell into step beside Bobby. "I'm exhausted. Cleaning zhe cafeteria during lunch vas not fun. You vere lucky you veren't zhere man."

"Apparently" Bobby agreed, pulling his car keys from his pocket. "Where's Kitty?"

"She had to hang back in geometry, she flunked her last test."

"Happens."

"Hey guys" Scott joined them. "You guys seen Jean?"

"She's getting a lift from Duncan" Kurt said apologetically. Scott scowled.

Bobby spotted Kitty striding over to them, looking irritated. It became clear what was annoying her when Bobby spotted Lance Alvers trailing after her.

"Hey Kitty!" he shouted walking over. Kitty spotted him and looking relieved she walked over to him. Lance stopped and scowled. Bobby felt Scott move beside him, tense. For a long second, the tension between the boys simmered, before Alvers turned and walked away, fists clenched. Bobby felt a faint tremor ripple underneath him.

"Hey guys" Kitty reached them, looking annoyed. "Lance was trying to get me to talk to him; he's so annoying." She blew out a breath.

"Come on, if you want a ride we're leaving now" Scott said briskly. Bobby glanced at his old friend. Things were heating up. They were going to get nasty.

And it was going to be soon.

A/N: wow it has been a while since I've updated this story; really sorry I got distracted by another story and the real world, how very rude of it. I'm still working on this story, I'm not giving up on it, but I'd really appreciate reviews, they'll encourage me to update faster. And also let me know if people are interested in the story at all. Don't be fooled, the story will have more action later on.