Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men, Angel, or any of their characters. Nor do I own Gwen. She belongs to the great Joss Whedon. This is just a random idea that popped into my crazy brain one day.

Check out my profile for the link to my Photobucket to see Gwen and the others!

TheCocoaBean: I know what you mean about Gwen seeming a little too hostile. I've done that on purpose. She's always been a sarcastic badass, but her character has been through a lot. I added to all of that with Scott, Magneto, and the normies so she's overwhelmed for the moment. Don't worry. She'll chill out. That softer side will come out soon. As for the plot, I'm mostly sticking to the movie but I'm adding a few little things from the first draft that I got a hold of.

Thanks to XChocolateChipX!

Chapter 10: Don't Let It Go To Your Head

Ororo was kind enough to give me a tour of the school, showing me the additions and changes over the years, giving me the skinny on Scruffy and some kid that he came in with. After that, she walked me back to my room to help me settle in. My room was…well, hella scary. Massively scary. Nothing was different. It was still the simple dorm cube with a bed and small desk. When I first came here, I had examined the room grimly. I did the same when I saw it again. Everything that I had done to that room – the sketches I posted up all over the walls, the posters, the red paint and Chinese glyphs, even the sheets and my personal photos of the students then – was still intact. Some of my clothes were still in the closet even!

I guess Chuck really thought I was coming back. Well, he was right, in a way.

"Is there anything else I can get you, Kaminari?" Ororo asks, smirking coyly at me. I groan loudly.

"God, I'd forgotten about that stupid call sign," I reply amusedly, shaking my head and flopping down onto my bed. The springs still work just fine.

"It is not a "stupid call sign"," she scolds. "It is who you are."

"No, it's who everyone here expected me to be," I retort bitterly, resting my hands behind my head and staring up at the ceiling. "Besides, I rejected Kaminari…and Livewire, actually. Look, it's either Gwen or Raiden or nothing, okay, Ebony?"

"Fine, but I am either Ororo or Storm, okay?" I look over at her and smile, nodding. Smart aleck. "Now, is there anything I can get you, Gwen?"

"Hmm, I don't know," I hum thoughtfully. "How about some cigarettes, a bottle of Vodka, and a bowl of cherries."

"There is no smoking or drinking on the school grounds, Gwen, you know that," she reminds me. Whatever. "You smoke now?"

"No, just wanted to hear what you'd say," I tell her, and she laughs a little. It's a bit strained, uncomfortable. Hell, sister, I'm just as uncomfortable as you are so maybe you should just leave. "Besides, even if I had them, I wouldn't light the cigs. How does that sound?"

"You've changed so much, Gwen," she says. Well, jeez! Don't sound so depressed! Everybody changes, even you! After all, 'Ro, you got…you…your hair got longer! Okay, so she hasn't changed all that much from the earth loving claustrophobic mutie I used to know. "You should get some sleep. I know that seeing Scott and Jean probably brought back a lot of memories. I should think you will be hurting for a while."

"What if I like the pain?" I ask quietly, eyes still at the ceiling. At the silence, I roll my head to look at Ororo. She's standing at the open doorway, unsure of what to make of my words.

"You said you are a thief. The Professor said you are misguided," she stated uncertainly.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I prefer to think of myself as a professional," I snap, smirking sardonically.

"Maybe the Professor could help you with that."

"By reading my thoughts?" You should know better than that. I hate mind readers.

"If necessary," she confirms with a nod.

"What if they're naughty?" I questioned with a smirk, and Ororo smiles politely. She knows exactly what I'm talking about.

"Get some shut-eye, Gwen," she tells me, and shuts the door.

Sitting up in bed, I look over to the desk. Some of my old sketchbooks are piled up there. I must've gone through at least ten. Walking over, I pick up one that isn't mine. It's new, and there are several pencils with it, also new. Professional pencils. I open it, wondering whom it belongs to. A note slips out, and I bend down to get it. No name. I look around – although it's not like anyone can see me – before opening the envelope and pull out the letter.

I hope you don't mind. I remember that this used to help you relax. I wonder if it still does?

-X

Of course. Who else would leave my room untouched like a freaky shrine and leave gifts? I shake my head. Thanks, Chuck.

Tap-tap. Tap-tap.

Footsteps. Setting down the new book, I swiftly walk to my door and crack it open just an inch. Scott. He's already past my door, but he starts to turn around so I close my door.

"Welcome home, Gwen," he mumbles and I crack open my door again. Why I'm hiding, I don't know. I've wanted to see him for years and now that he's four feet away I'm hiding behind a door. Yeah, how pathetic am I? His back is to me and I open my door fully and step partially into the hall.

"Thanks," I say quietly, calling to him. Scott stops, hesitating and thinking about turning around I'll bet. When he does, I see him smiling. I smile back.

"Gwen…"

"Goodnight, Scott," I interject quickly. I was wrong, I can't do this. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Yeah, um, there's a staff meeting in the lower levels tomorrow, in medical," he explains, shifting nervously with his hands in his pockets. Okay, so he dresses like a dork now but he still looks good. How is that fair? "I'll, uh, I guess I'll see you there."

"Right. Thanks for the heads up," I reply, nodding. Silence, again. God, we used to be able to just sit with one another in silence and be just fine. Now, it's all awkward and uncomfortable. "Night."

"Night." I walk back into my room and close the door.

"I don't like her being here."

Jean. God damn that red headed bitch to hell! Can't she ever just shut her yap!

"What are you talking about?" Scott asks confusedly. Jean must've startled him with her sneaking up on him.

"You heard her. She's a thief. We can't trust her. And with everything that's happening with Magneto hunting Logan…" Whoa, wait a minute? Erik's hunting Scruffy? What for?

"You think he'll come after him again?"

"If necessary, yes, I think he would."

"This is a school, for God's sake, Jean!"

"If Magneto is planning to use Logan for some terrible purpose it's our responsibility to do something. Gwen being here complicates things. The two of them were always so close. How do you we know that she's not involved?" I open my door quietly and look through the crack of my door to see Scott shake his head.

"What's wrong? There's something else bothering you," he says. Scott gets closer to her, and she puts her hand on his chest. I bite my lip and inhale sharply. Don't get mad. Don't get mad.

"I just have a bad feeling about this," Jean states and leans in slowly, kissing him. More sharp inhaling. Don't get mad. Don't get mad. Don't. Get. Mad. "You know I love you, Scott." Scott pulls her close, hugging her close to him.

"I know." I knew I shouldn't have come back.

A/N: I feel really bad about posting this the day before I go on vacation, but I hope to come back in a week to reviews.

P.S.: Five pages total.