CHAPTER TWO

"Professor!" Scott burst through the doors to the institute. Jean followed at his heels, calling out the Professor's name as well. Kitty and Kurt, struggling to keep up with Scott and Jean's long strides, sprinted behind them. Curiosity had taken over and Kitty and Kurt were determined to find the answers that Scott and Jean hadn't been able to provide.

"Over here," Professor called the four into a side room. "Please, sit." Kitty and Kurt sat next to each other on the couch. Jean hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering herself down next to them. Scott, on the other hand, was too amped up to sit. He paced back and forth, his mind racing as he struggled to piece together the night's events.

"Now, tell me: what seems to be the problem?" Professor Xavier rested his elbows on the arms of his wheelchair and folded his hands together.

After a few moments of silence, Jean said quietly, "Dylan and Damien." Professor X's eyebrows pressed together.

"What about them?"

"We saw them tonight," Scott's words exploded out of him. "But it was like they didn't even know us. How is that possible?" The Professor was silent. He looked down, eyes moving side to side as if he was reading his own thoughts.

"I'm not sure, Scott," Professor's voice was even and calm.

"I couldn't read their thoughts either," Jean's words were rushed, matching her elevated stress level. "Just like always. It's been a few years, but it was them. I know it."

"It's very strange, indeed." Professor kept his words short as the information processed in his mind. It had been almost two years since he had last seen the twins, and he felt it was unlikely they would turn up so mysteriously. The Professor hadn't been there to see for himself, but Jean had never been able to get a good read on their thoughts, despite having no issues with anyone else's.

"Professor?" Kurt asked, interrupting his thoughts. "Can you explain what's going on?"

"Yeah, like who are Dylan and Damien? And, like, how do you guys know them?" Kitty added.

Professor Xavier was silent for a few moments. A small smile tugged at his lips as he remembered.

"Dylan and Damien Chambers were students here at the Institute, much like you. They arrived shortly after Scott and Jean did. Very bright and very promising individuals."

"What happened to them?" Kurt asked. "Why aren't they still here?"

"They were taken," Scott muttered through his teeth. "One night everything's normal. Wake up the next morning and they're gone."

"I searched for them telepathically for weeks," the Professor continued. "Even Cerebro couldn't pick them up."

"They were strong and knew how to take care of themselves," Jean added quietly. "If they were in danger, they would have used their powers and Cerebro would have found them. And if they weren't in danger, they would have found a way to contact us. But we never heard from them, and Cerebro never found them so…"

"You thought they died?" Kitty whimpered.

"It was the only explanation we could find." Kitty shuddered.

"Jeez, no wonder you two looked like you'd seen a ghost," Kurt looked at both Jean and Scott. "How long ago did this happen?"

"A few months before you arrived, Kurt," Professor answered. "Now, tell me. What did they say?"

"Nothing, Professor. That's the thing! They acted like they had no idea who we were!" Scott cried.

"Not even a hint of recognition," Jean said. "I didn't know what to do or say. It was horrible."

"Dylan did say they're transferring here next week," Kitty offered. "And thanks to tonight, we're the only ones they'll know. Which means we'll have a chance to get more information—and get close to them—before they meet more people here."

"That is good news," the Professor answered.

"So what's the plan?" Scott asked impatiently.

"The plan, Scott, is to get some rest. You all have had quite an exciting night, and it's late. We'll continue this tomorrow, but I wouldn't worry more until they arrive."

"But Professor!" Scott started to argue.

"Scott, that's enough for tonight." The Professor was kind but spoke with authority, and his students respected him enough to do as he asked. Defeated, but not willing to argue more, Scott trudged out.

"Scott!" Jean called after him. He stopped and turned to face his friend. She put her hand on his shoulder. "As crazy as this is, this is a good thing. They're alive."

"I just… I can't believe it." Scott slid his glasses up, pressing his thumbs into his eyes. "I mean, it's Dylan."

"I know," Jean gave him a small smile. "You've been in love with that girl since we were thirteen."

Scott chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, but I never had the guts to tell her how I felt. You and Damien were actually together. I can't imagine what you must be feeling."

"A little shaken up. A little confused," Jean paused. "But who knows. Maybe you'll get a second chance."

Until next time, much love xx TeamNoSleep

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