Well, now that I have a week off, I'm going to be able to write a bit more. I've been pretty busy with school and all, but I always find time to write! ;o)

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Walking down one of the halls, trying to ignore the looks Nightmare knew the students passing by were giving him, he was trying to find the professor's office by memory. First of all, opening his eyes to see where he was going was not an option, and second of all, he couldn't ask for directions without sending someone down to Jean's office in a state of deep crisis. Plus, he was lost and had absolutely no idea where he was going. Great.

Finally, Nightmare stopped, knowing that it was no use and that there was no point of continuing walking. Sighing deeply, Nightmare massed his hand on the wall and felt that there was a table right next to him. If someone could have seen his face, they would have seen Nightmare's eyebrows raise and a small smile illuminate his features. He quickly opened one of his pockets and pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil from it. He swiftly scribbled something on it, and then waited, leaning on the wall patiently.

After some time, Nightmare heard the familiar sound of footsteps in the hall. Moving closer to the middle to be sure not to miss the person who was passing, Nightmare waited expectantly. He heard the person stop not too far away from him, and that is when he decided to hand out the paper. He waited a few moments, and felt the person take the paper.

"You're the one that came with Logan aren't you?" a feminine voice asked after a few moments.

Nightmare could only shake his head positively.

"I . . . I'm Rogue," he heard the voice continue.

Nightmare somehow knew that she was handing out her hand, expecting him to shake it. Slightly uncomfortable, he extended his own and moved it around for a second, searching for hers. She took his hand finally.

"I'll bring you too the professor," she said as she started walking, probably talking for him to know where she was heading. Nightmare smiled at that noticing that she was clever.

"You wrote that you needed directions on the paper," she continued. "That mean's you're probably not able to, euh . . . well, talk."

Nightmare shook his head positively again.

"I just saw Logan a few minutes ago, and he told me about your mutation," she said, a pinch of uneasiness in her voice. "It . . . it's like mine, hun?"

Now Nightmare just wanted to literally scream that it wasn't. SHE could see people without hurting them, SHE could talk to them and SHE could think of them all she want. Her only problem was the touch, and even if it was a very terrible mutation, it would never be as horrifying as his. He, for god's sake, couldn't even stay close to people more than a week or so before he started picturing them, and thus, thinking of them, therefore, sending them at the hospital for a month or so.

He felt the urge to talk, to object and express himself, but all he could do was swallow the misery and nod his head negatively.

He followed Rogue, guided by her voice, and finally, he ended up in the professor's office. It was to say, Nightmare was glad to be with him. There was something about this man that made Nightmare feel the closest thing to normal. Normal, as in mutant normal, of course.

"So, Nightmare," he started. "Would you like to stay here as a student?"

He shook his head, sitting down in an armchair in front of the professor's desk.

"I know there is no point of giving you the school papers, but I still will," the professor continued. "You never know. Now, you will be rooming with two other boys your age. Bobby and John. I'm sure you'll get along with them fairly well."

Nightmare sighed.

"You're asking yourself how you will be able to get along with them, aren't you?" the professor asked, making Nightmare raise his head in shock. "I am psychic, you know."

Nightmare smiled under his covers.

"Well, to answer you, I am sure you will be able to learn to control your mutation after some time of practice in the danger room," he said. "The danger room is some sort of virtual training program that we use to help our students gain control over their powers. Yours will probably take some time, but I think we'll be able to help you."

Nightmare grunted, trying to express himself without hurting the professor.

"Now, you will attend class tomorrow," the professor continued, making Nightmare 'look' at him in surprise. "I'm sure we have better clothes for you somewhere, and I'll see if your mutation with your eyes could be controlled with a ruby quartz visor. I don't think it is going to work, but we never know."

Nightmare just listened to hear more.

"I will inform your teachers about your mutation, but I still want you to attend classes. From what I see in your mind, you were a great student at school," he continued. "We will try to make your stay here as pleasant as possible."

Nightmare shook his head.

"But there are still a few things I would like to know," the professor said. "First of all, would you consider giving up your real name?"

Nightmare hesitated a long time before reaching into his pocket again, and scribbling something on the paper. He handed it to the professor, who read it.

"Well, Shawn, welcome to my school," the professor said.

Nightmare smiled as he rose from his seat to walk out.

"Ah, and don't forget, I want you to wear other clothes," Charles said. "I'm sure our students will help you shop around this week end."

Shawn walked to the door, opened it, but turned to the professor.

"Thank you," he whispered before closing the door behind him.

**********

That was a bit short. Again.

Oh well.