"This is very interesting." Hank said as he continued to read the printout from the computer.
"What is very interesting?" Paul asked cautiously from where he sat on one of the many medical beds. He'd been a wary when Professor had told him about some of the test they were going to perform, none of which sounded dangerous. Paul just preferred to the stay away from the hospital environment as much as possible. He'd gotten enough of that as a kid.
"Form that training session you completed this morning we know you do have some telekinetic ability, but I'm led to believe that telekinesis is not the extent of your power." Hank answered. Jean and Hank were performing a selection of genetic tests on Paul to determine exactly what his x-gene might allow. "Jean, could you ask the Professor to come down, I'd like him to take a look at this." Jean nodded and seemed to get a slightly distance look in her eyes.
"He'll be here in a few moments. What exactly are the readings saying Hank?" Jean questioned as she peered over his shoulder. Jean was somewhat taller than Hank as he stood slightly slumped over, but they weren't even a comparison in terms of weight. Paul was fairly sure he never wanted to get on Hank's bad side. He seemed very much like a nice guy, but Paul was certain he didn't what to ever see him mad.
"I'm not exactly sure, that's part of the reason I want the Professor to look at this. I'm certain that he's a psionic, but other than that I couldn't say." Hank seemed a little excited at the prospect of the challenge of finding the answer.
"Psionic?" The confusion is Paul's voice was clear.
"Psionics are kind of what we call mutants with powers that deal with mental abilities such as telepathy or telekinesis. I'm a psionic and so is the Professor, so welcome to the club." Jean smiled and then looked down to the printout again. "That reading right there is indicative of telekinetic ability, but I haven't seen any of the others before."
"I know. They don't resemble telepathy, precognition, or any other mental power. I don't know what to make of it." Paul heard the excitement in McCoy's voice. Paul was becoming a scientist of sorts. He knew what it was like to find something new and undiscovered. But, frankly, their confusion to his abilities and Paul's own apprehension about the whole situation was making him feel somewhat of a freak among freaks. Just as Paul was about to asking them something the doors of the med-bay opened and Xavier rolled in.
"You wanted to see me, Hank?" He asked politely.
"Yes, sir. Take a look at these readings. They're a mapping of Paul's x-gene. Neither Jean nor I know what to make of them." Hank said quickly and handed the papers over.
"Hmm." Xavier seemed to be contemplating his answer. "Obviously a psionic, definite telekinetic abilities." He paused from a moment and the continued. "It looks like some form of energy channeling. I've seen one or two readings similar to this before, but nothing on this scale. May I see the computer model of the test please?"
"Yes, of course." Hank quickly pulled the desired program up.
"Ah, it would seem to me, Paul, that you have to the ability to channel mental energy. From what I can tell, the energy would then manifest itself in different forms. You have moved objects with your mind before, no?" Xavier turned from the computer monitor and faced Paul.
"Yes, sir. Only a few times. Last night was the first time I've used my powers to such a great extent. I always figured I could pick myself up, but I'd never tried it." He told Xavier. "This morning was as far as I've taken it. Picking up eight hundred pounds of metal is not how I usually start my day."
"Well, you'll soon find that there is nothing usual about this place. Anyway, I believe that is how your mental energy is currently manifesting, through telekinesis. We can't be sure that the time which psionic abilities you posses, but I'm sure with time they will make themselves known. How was his physical?" Xavier asked looking to Jean.
"Except for the headaches he complained of, which I contribute to his powers, he's a perfectly healthy twenty-one year old." She answered him.
"Good, good. Jean, Mr. Harris needs to get a few things from his apartment in New York. I'd like you and Scott to take the van and go with Paul to get his things. I imagine he'll need some help."
At the sound of Scott's name Paul's ears perked up. Paul had found himself having dreams about the X-Man the night before and the subject matter of those dreams weren't exactly approved for use in conversation. He was slightly embarrassed by them, seeing how he'd barely known the guy for twelve hours.
Paul quickly squashed the thoughts of a naked Scott and forced himself to concentrate on the others.
"Of course, Professor." She nodded to Xavier and then smiled at Paul.
"Mr. McCoy, when you've finished with Bobby and Rebecca please let me know." Xavier said he turned to leave.
"Rebecca?" Paul questioned.
"Yes Rebecca Southers, the girl that we bought in last night that was unconscious. She only woke up a few hours ago and we managed to the identify her."
"Hank, if you would please finish up with Bobby's and Rebecca's test and please call me when you get the results. Since Jean isn't going be here I'd like to be with them when they find out. Rebecca didn't even know that she was a mutant until this morning and I'm not entirely sure how she will take it." Xavier said he moved towards the door. "I'll be in my office if you need me. Oh, and Jean, please try to be back by six o'clock. I know it's only a little after noon, but there are a few people who are coming over tonight. And I'd like you all to be here before they will arrive." With a nod from Jean he left the room.
"When do you want to leave?" Jean asked Paul helpfully. He hadn't known any of these people long and most of the time that he'd spent around them he'd been a little on edge. Granted he'd been here less than a day, but he still couldn't shake the nervous feelings. However, when he was around Jean he felt calmer.
He hadn't realized how much she resembled Sara. It was the red-hair, had to be the red-hair. He hadn't thought of Sara in while. The memories were too painful. Sara's death was one of the big reasons that he chose to leave his hometown.
"Are you all right?" Jean's face turned from a smile to a look of concern.
"Yeah, fine. You just remind me of someone, that's all." Paul smiled gently.
"Someone good I hope." Jean headed for the door and motioned for Paul to follow.
"Oh yeah, one of the best people I've ever known." Paul told her as the metal doors to the med-bay opened. "See ya later, Henry."
"Bye." He said absently as he continued to read over some printouts.
"May I ask who?" Jean inquired gently with a smile.
"Yeah, her name was Sara. She was the one of the best friends I ever had. We did almost everything together. She had short red-hair like yours, that's probably where I get resemblance." Paul pushed the bad memories to the back of his mind and focused on the good.
"Do you get to talk to her much anymore?" She seemed almost hesitate to ask.
"Um, no. She died in a car accident when we were seventeen." Paul tried to sound firm, but his was a little shaky.
"Well, I'm sure she was a wonderful person." Jean smiled fondly and put her hand on Paul's shoulder as they walked down the corridor to the elevator. Paul was glad she didn't offer up an 'I'm sorry' or a 'Oh, that's so horrible.' It always felt so empty when people said that to a grieving person. They almost always had good intentions, but he never quite could figure out what they were apologizing for. Besides, it wasn't their fault that the person had died.
"She was indeed." He answered with a firm nod.
"Were you two..?" Jean asked trying not to be forceful, but wanting to be there if Paul wanted to talk about it.
"Nope, just friends, but if I were into women she would have be a definite choice." Paul looked to Jean to see if his little declaration caught her off guard, but she didn't seem surprised.
"So, when do you want to leave?" Jean changed the subject as she hit the button on the elevator.
"I'm ready anytime; I just have to grab my coat."
"Ah, I'll talk to Scott, but it will probably be pretty soon, especially since we have to get back before six." They stepped onto the main floor and headed for the stairs.
"You know, y'all don't need to go. I can handle it on my own. It's not a big deal." Paul reassured her.
"Don't be silly, of course we'll go. Not like I want to go that training session we were supposed to have today." Jean said with a smirk.
"Ok, I just don't want to impose." Paul insisted.
"Oh, I don't mind, and I know Scott won't either. And if he does, we can just make him go." She promised. "I'll let you know in few a minutes when we're leaving. I've gotta go change clothes." She smiled and headed towards the girls resident wing of the mansion.
Paul walked to the his room intent on changing into something more warm for their trip then realized he had absolutely nothing to change into. The temperature outside was a lot cooler than the day before and he wasn't sure he'd be comfortable in the clothes he did have. He picked up the sweatshirt Ororo had given him the night before and about to put in on when he realized it said 'X-Men' on the front in rather large letters. He put the sweatshirt down, not sure if they wanted to broadcast who they were while in New York City.
Recognizing that his choices were limited he decided to go ask Jean if she had a sweatshirt or something he could wear. He left his room and headed to the female resident wing. Before he turned the corner of the hall he heard pretty loud music coming from the hall. The music group singing was N'sync. He wasn't sure if he was more embarrassed for Jean, because she was listening to the music, or for himself, who knew every word to the song that was playing. Not that was anything wrong with the band; just he hadn't expected to hear Jean listening to that particular music genre. He had her pegged as the artsy type. Jewel maybe.
He didn't have a problem figuring out which room Jean was in since the music was so loud and knocked on the door loudly. He knocked second time when didn't get an answer and started to knock again, but the door swung open. Jean was standing at her dresser putting earrings on. The music died almost the instant that Jean saw Paul.
It took Paul a second to kick start mind to what was going on. And Jean helped him along. "I'm a telekinetic, it comes in handy sometimes." She paused a second and finished putting on her earring and spoke again. "Scott said he'd be ready to go in about five minutes."
"You talked to him already?" Paul knew that Jean hadn't had time to put on the clothes she was wearing now and find Scott.
"I'm also telepathic like the Professor. I talked to Scott psychically. Better get use to it, the Professor does it all the time." Jean said. "Was there something you needed?"
"Yeah, I'm a bit short on clothes and was wondering if you had a sweat-shirt or something I could wear?" He explained.
"Yeah, sure." She stepped to her closet and started looking through it. "Hmm. Well, I have this sweat-shirt that would fit you, but that about it." She said holding up a light blue sweat shirt with elegant roses plastered to the front. "Unless you want to wear a halter-top my choices are limited to clothing for women, sorry. Hey, you're not much smaller than Scott. I bet he's got some stuff you can wear." Before Paul could protest to the idea he was being pulled down the hall by Jean. I quickly knocked on the door and she ushered him into the room.
"Hey Scott, Paul's a little short in the clothing department and he was wondering if he could borrow a sweater or something." Jean said hurriedly.
"Has Paul some how lost the ability to speak for himself?" Scott asked sarcastically.
"No, I'm just recovering from being dragged down the hall and into your room." Paul made it look like his wrist was hurt by rubbing it a little. "She's stronger than she looks."
"Yeah, and she's a little spastic sometimes. You'll get used to it." Scott smirked at Paul and Jean 'hmmph-ed' indignantly.
"As opposed to the stiff-necked, preppy style that Scott brings to the team. That you never get used to." Jean retorted quickly. "So, you gonna give the poor clothe-less guy a shirt or not?" Jean asked with a little attitude.
"Yeah, sure." Scott got up from his chair and stuck his head into the closet. He pulled a light gray sweatshirt. He walked over to Paul and handed it to him. Shirt was incredibly soft to Paul's touch and he could tell that it was warm. 'Nebraska' was printed on the front of the shirt in big, burgundy letters.
"Thanks." Paul said appreciatively.
"No problem." Scott smiled at Paul and then walked back to his dresser. Something made Paul look over to Jean who had a smirk on her face.
'Hot isn't he?' Paul heard her say, but he was looking straight at her face and her mouth hadn't moved. Paul's eyes widened at the realization. 'Don't worry, he can't hear me. I'm speaking to you telepathically, told you it comes in handy sometimes.'
'You're a telepath too? Like the Professor?' Wasn't sure it worked, but figured he'd just think real loudly.
'Yes, but I don't have half the power he does. Didn't I already tell you that? Back to my original question. Hot ain't he?' The mischievous smile on her face only grew wider as her question entered Paul's mind.
'Have you been poking around in my head?' He asked with a half-smile but, honestly, the idea of someone messing around in his mind bothered him.
'No, of course not!' She sounded almost offended. 'I wouldn't ever going poking around in someone's mind unless I was given permission or it was absolutely necessary.'
'Then how'd you know I think Scott is like the hottest guy I've ever seen?' Paul kept a playful tone hoping not to upset her at all.
'You were projecting back in the lab. Something about a naked Scott. Not quite sure actually, I shut my senses down as soon as I heard the first thoughts. Sometimes, when you're actively thinking about something, I don't have to be trying to hear your thoughts to know what you're thinking. You're just thinking so loudly I hear it anyway. And I'm not sure if Scott is the hottest guy I've ever seen.' Jean babbled quickly.
"What are you two talking about?" Scott's voice popped Paul out of his little conversation with Jean.
"What?" Paul asked blankly.
"I know you were doing that whole telepathic talking thing. Jean loves to do that, so I know that you were probably talking about me. Because if you weren't talking about me you'd be saying it out loud." Scott answered as if it had happened before.
Paul couldn't think of anything to say and he could feel his face beginning to blush. He wasn't sure how Scott would react if he knew what Paul thought about him and he wasn't about to find out. Luckily for Paul Jean intervened.
"We were just discussing whether or not Nebraska was going to make the Super Bowl this year." Jean tried to sound convincing.
Scott didn't look like he bought it. "There isn't a Super Bowl in college football and I can totally tell you're lying. But oh well, I'm not gonna get anything out of you. So, you two ready to leave?"
"Um, yeah. I just have to change shirts." Paul said and made a quick exit. He threw the sweat shirt on his bed when he walked into the room. Grabbing his boots from the air vent, where'd put them to help them dry faster, and sat on the bed to pull them on.
He started to put Scott's shirt on and as it passed his nose he caught a whiff of a very enticing smell. He paused with the shirt half-way on. There was a faint scent of cologne, but there was also another smell. That smell that clothes like sweater and sweatshirts get after you wear them once or twice then put them back of the shelf. The smell they get from sitting among all your other clothes and they begin to smell the same. It was almost an old smell, but not in a bad way. Paul loved that smell, which was probably the reason he felt a little embarrassed when he realized he was smelling someone else's shirt.
He pulled the shirt on the rest of the way and grabbed his coat as headed out of the room. Jean and Scott were waiting for him at the top of the stairs. He smiled tentatively at them as he asked. "Y'all ready?" His southern accent very plain.
"Yup, are we taking your explorer or the van, Scott?" Jean was pulling a black leather coat on as the three walked down the staircase.
"That depends. How much stuff do you have to get Paul?" Scott asked without turning around to face Paul.
"Probably more than an explorer full."
"The van it is." Scott nodded and they headed to the garage.
"Shotgun!" Jean exclaimed.
"What is very interesting?" Paul asked cautiously from where he sat on one of the many medical beds. He'd been a wary when Professor had told him about some of the test they were going to perform, none of which sounded dangerous. Paul just preferred to the stay away from the hospital environment as much as possible. He'd gotten enough of that as a kid.
"Form that training session you completed this morning we know you do have some telekinetic ability, but I'm led to believe that telekinesis is not the extent of your power." Hank answered. Jean and Hank were performing a selection of genetic tests on Paul to determine exactly what his x-gene might allow. "Jean, could you ask the Professor to come down, I'd like him to take a look at this." Jean nodded and seemed to get a slightly distance look in her eyes.
"He'll be here in a few moments. What exactly are the readings saying Hank?" Jean questioned as she peered over his shoulder. Jean was somewhat taller than Hank as he stood slightly slumped over, but they weren't even a comparison in terms of weight. Paul was fairly sure he never wanted to get on Hank's bad side. He seemed very much like a nice guy, but Paul was certain he didn't what to ever see him mad.
"I'm not exactly sure, that's part of the reason I want the Professor to look at this. I'm certain that he's a psionic, but other than that I couldn't say." Hank seemed a little excited at the prospect of the challenge of finding the answer.
"Psionic?" The confusion is Paul's voice was clear.
"Psionics are kind of what we call mutants with powers that deal with mental abilities such as telepathy or telekinesis. I'm a psionic and so is the Professor, so welcome to the club." Jean smiled and then looked down to the printout again. "That reading right there is indicative of telekinetic ability, but I haven't seen any of the others before."
"I know. They don't resemble telepathy, precognition, or any other mental power. I don't know what to make of it." Paul heard the excitement in McCoy's voice. Paul was becoming a scientist of sorts. He knew what it was like to find something new and undiscovered. But, frankly, their confusion to his abilities and Paul's own apprehension about the whole situation was making him feel somewhat of a freak among freaks. Just as Paul was about to asking them something the doors of the med-bay opened and Xavier rolled in.
"You wanted to see me, Hank?" He asked politely.
"Yes, sir. Take a look at these readings. They're a mapping of Paul's x-gene. Neither Jean nor I know what to make of them." Hank said quickly and handed the papers over.
"Hmm." Xavier seemed to be contemplating his answer. "Obviously a psionic, definite telekinetic abilities." He paused from a moment and the continued. "It looks like some form of energy channeling. I've seen one or two readings similar to this before, but nothing on this scale. May I see the computer model of the test please?"
"Yes, of course." Hank quickly pulled the desired program up.
"Ah, it would seem to me, Paul, that you have to the ability to channel mental energy. From what I can tell, the energy would then manifest itself in different forms. You have moved objects with your mind before, no?" Xavier turned from the computer monitor and faced Paul.
"Yes, sir. Only a few times. Last night was the first time I've used my powers to such a great extent. I always figured I could pick myself up, but I'd never tried it." He told Xavier. "This morning was as far as I've taken it. Picking up eight hundred pounds of metal is not how I usually start my day."
"Well, you'll soon find that there is nothing usual about this place. Anyway, I believe that is how your mental energy is currently manifesting, through telekinesis. We can't be sure that the time which psionic abilities you posses, but I'm sure with time they will make themselves known. How was his physical?" Xavier asked looking to Jean.
"Except for the headaches he complained of, which I contribute to his powers, he's a perfectly healthy twenty-one year old." She answered him.
"Good, good. Jean, Mr. Harris needs to get a few things from his apartment in New York. I'd like you and Scott to take the van and go with Paul to get his things. I imagine he'll need some help."
At the sound of Scott's name Paul's ears perked up. Paul had found himself having dreams about the X-Man the night before and the subject matter of those dreams weren't exactly approved for use in conversation. He was slightly embarrassed by them, seeing how he'd barely known the guy for twelve hours.
Paul quickly squashed the thoughts of a naked Scott and forced himself to concentrate on the others.
"Of course, Professor." She nodded to Xavier and then smiled at Paul.
"Mr. McCoy, when you've finished with Bobby and Rebecca please let me know." Xavier said he turned to leave.
"Rebecca?" Paul questioned.
"Yes Rebecca Southers, the girl that we bought in last night that was unconscious. She only woke up a few hours ago and we managed to the identify her."
"Hank, if you would please finish up with Bobby's and Rebecca's test and please call me when you get the results. Since Jean isn't going be here I'd like to be with them when they find out. Rebecca didn't even know that she was a mutant until this morning and I'm not entirely sure how she will take it." Xavier said he moved towards the door. "I'll be in my office if you need me. Oh, and Jean, please try to be back by six o'clock. I know it's only a little after noon, but there are a few people who are coming over tonight. And I'd like you all to be here before they will arrive." With a nod from Jean he left the room.
"When do you want to leave?" Jean asked Paul helpfully. He hadn't known any of these people long and most of the time that he'd spent around them he'd been a little on edge. Granted he'd been here less than a day, but he still couldn't shake the nervous feelings. However, when he was around Jean he felt calmer.
He hadn't realized how much she resembled Sara. It was the red-hair, had to be the red-hair. He hadn't thought of Sara in while. The memories were too painful. Sara's death was one of the big reasons that he chose to leave his hometown.
"Are you all right?" Jean's face turned from a smile to a look of concern.
"Yeah, fine. You just remind me of someone, that's all." Paul smiled gently.
"Someone good I hope." Jean headed for the door and motioned for Paul to follow.
"Oh yeah, one of the best people I've ever known." Paul told her as the metal doors to the med-bay opened. "See ya later, Henry."
"Bye." He said absently as he continued to read over some printouts.
"May I ask who?" Jean inquired gently with a smile.
"Yeah, her name was Sara. She was the one of the best friends I ever had. We did almost everything together. She had short red-hair like yours, that's probably where I get resemblance." Paul pushed the bad memories to the back of his mind and focused on the good.
"Do you get to talk to her much anymore?" She seemed almost hesitate to ask.
"Um, no. She died in a car accident when we were seventeen." Paul tried to sound firm, but his was a little shaky.
"Well, I'm sure she was a wonderful person." Jean smiled fondly and put her hand on Paul's shoulder as they walked down the corridor to the elevator. Paul was glad she didn't offer up an 'I'm sorry' or a 'Oh, that's so horrible.' It always felt so empty when people said that to a grieving person. They almost always had good intentions, but he never quite could figure out what they were apologizing for. Besides, it wasn't their fault that the person had died.
"She was indeed." He answered with a firm nod.
"Were you two..?" Jean asked trying not to be forceful, but wanting to be there if Paul wanted to talk about it.
"Nope, just friends, but if I were into women she would have be a definite choice." Paul looked to Jean to see if his little declaration caught her off guard, but she didn't seem surprised.
"So, when do you want to leave?" Jean changed the subject as she hit the button on the elevator.
"I'm ready anytime; I just have to grab my coat."
"Ah, I'll talk to Scott, but it will probably be pretty soon, especially since we have to get back before six." They stepped onto the main floor and headed for the stairs.
"You know, y'all don't need to go. I can handle it on my own. It's not a big deal." Paul reassured her.
"Don't be silly, of course we'll go. Not like I want to go that training session we were supposed to have today." Jean said with a smirk.
"Ok, I just don't want to impose." Paul insisted.
"Oh, I don't mind, and I know Scott won't either. And if he does, we can just make him go." She promised. "I'll let you know in few a minutes when we're leaving. I've gotta go change clothes." She smiled and headed towards the girls resident wing of the mansion.
Paul walked to the his room intent on changing into something more warm for their trip then realized he had absolutely nothing to change into. The temperature outside was a lot cooler than the day before and he wasn't sure he'd be comfortable in the clothes he did have. He picked up the sweatshirt Ororo had given him the night before and about to put in on when he realized it said 'X-Men' on the front in rather large letters. He put the sweatshirt down, not sure if they wanted to broadcast who they were while in New York City.
Recognizing that his choices were limited he decided to go ask Jean if she had a sweatshirt or something he could wear. He left his room and headed to the female resident wing. Before he turned the corner of the hall he heard pretty loud music coming from the hall. The music group singing was N'sync. He wasn't sure if he was more embarrassed for Jean, because she was listening to the music, or for himself, who knew every word to the song that was playing. Not that was anything wrong with the band; just he hadn't expected to hear Jean listening to that particular music genre. He had her pegged as the artsy type. Jewel maybe.
He didn't have a problem figuring out which room Jean was in since the music was so loud and knocked on the door loudly. He knocked second time when didn't get an answer and started to knock again, but the door swung open. Jean was standing at her dresser putting earrings on. The music died almost the instant that Jean saw Paul.
It took Paul a second to kick start mind to what was going on. And Jean helped him along. "I'm a telekinetic, it comes in handy sometimes." She paused a second and finished putting on her earring and spoke again. "Scott said he'd be ready to go in about five minutes."
"You talked to him already?" Paul knew that Jean hadn't had time to put on the clothes she was wearing now and find Scott.
"I'm also telepathic like the Professor. I talked to Scott psychically. Better get use to it, the Professor does it all the time." Jean said. "Was there something you needed?"
"Yeah, I'm a bit short on clothes and was wondering if you had a sweat-shirt or something I could wear?" He explained.
"Yeah, sure." She stepped to her closet and started looking through it. "Hmm. Well, I have this sweat-shirt that would fit you, but that about it." She said holding up a light blue sweat shirt with elegant roses plastered to the front. "Unless you want to wear a halter-top my choices are limited to clothing for women, sorry. Hey, you're not much smaller than Scott. I bet he's got some stuff you can wear." Before Paul could protest to the idea he was being pulled down the hall by Jean. I quickly knocked on the door and she ushered him into the room.
"Hey Scott, Paul's a little short in the clothing department and he was wondering if he could borrow a sweater or something." Jean said hurriedly.
"Has Paul some how lost the ability to speak for himself?" Scott asked sarcastically.
"No, I'm just recovering from being dragged down the hall and into your room." Paul made it look like his wrist was hurt by rubbing it a little. "She's stronger than she looks."
"Yeah, and she's a little spastic sometimes. You'll get used to it." Scott smirked at Paul and Jean 'hmmph-ed' indignantly.
"As opposed to the stiff-necked, preppy style that Scott brings to the team. That you never get used to." Jean retorted quickly. "So, you gonna give the poor clothe-less guy a shirt or not?" Jean asked with a little attitude.
"Yeah, sure." Scott got up from his chair and stuck his head into the closet. He pulled a light gray sweatshirt. He walked over to Paul and handed it to him. Shirt was incredibly soft to Paul's touch and he could tell that it was warm. 'Nebraska' was printed on the front of the shirt in big, burgundy letters.
"Thanks." Paul said appreciatively.
"No problem." Scott smiled at Paul and then walked back to his dresser. Something made Paul look over to Jean who had a smirk on her face.
'Hot isn't he?' Paul heard her say, but he was looking straight at her face and her mouth hadn't moved. Paul's eyes widened at the realization. 'Don't worry, he can't hear me. I'm speaking to you telepathically, told you it comes in handy sometimes.'
'You're a telepath too? Like the Professor?' Wasn't sure it worked, but figured he'd just think real loudly.
'Yes, but I don't have half the power he does. Didn't I already tell you that? Back to my original question. Hot ain't he?' The mischievous smile on her face only grew wider as her question entered Paul's mind.
'Have you been poking around in my head?' He asked with a half-smile but, honestly, the idea of someone messing around in his mind bothered him.
'No, of course not!' She sounded almost offended. 'I wouldn't ever going poking around in someone's mind unless I was given permission or it was absolutely necessary.'
'Then how'd you know I think Scott is like the hottest guy I've ever seen?' Paul kept a playful tone hoping not to upset her at all.
'You were projecting back in the lab. Something about a naked Scott. Not quite sure actually, I shut my senses down as soon as I heard the first thoughts. Sometimes, when you're actively thinking about something, I don't have to be trying to hear your thoughts to know what you're thinking. You're just thinking so loudly I hear it anyway. And I'm not sure if Scott is the hottest guy I've ever seen.' Jean babbled quickly.
"What are you two talking about?" Scott's voice popped Paul out of his little conversation with Jean.
"What?" Paul asked blankly.
"I know you were doing that whole telepathic talking thing. Jean loves to do that, so I know that you were probably talking about me. Because if you weren't talking about me you'd be saying it out loud." Scott answered as if it had happened before.
Paul couldn't think of anything to say and he could feel his face beginning to blush. He wasn't sure how Scott would react if he knew what Paul thought about him and he wasn't about to find out. Luckily for Paul Jean intervened.
"We were just discussing whether or not Nebraska was going to make the Super Bowl this year." Jean tried to sound convincing.
Scott didn't look like he bought it. "There isn't a Super Bowl in college football and I can totally tell you're lying. But oh well, I'm not gonna get anything out of you. So, you two ready to leave?"
"Um, yeah. I just have to change shirts." Paul said and made a quick exit. He threw the sweat shirt on his bed when he walked into the room. Grabbing his boots from the air vent, where'd put them to help them dry faster, and sat on the bed to pull them on.
He started to put Scott's shirt on and as it passed his nose he caught a whiff of a very enticing smell. He paused with the shirt half-way on. There was a faint scent of cologne, but there was also another smell. That smell that clothes like sweater and sweatshirts get after you wear them once or twice then put them back of the shelf. The smell they get from sitting among all your other clothes and they begin to smell the same. It was almost an old smell, but not in a bad way. Paul loved that smell, which was probably the reason he felt a little embarrassed when he realized he was smelling someone else's shirt.
He pulled the shirt on the rest of the way and grabbed his coat as headed out of the room. Jean and Scott were waiting for him at the top of the stairs. He smiled tentatively at them as he asked. "Y'all ready?" His southern accent very plain.
"Yup, are we taking your explorer or the van, Scott?" Jean was pulling a black leather coat on as the three walked down the staircase.
"That depends. How much stuff do you have to get Paul?" Scott asked without turning around to face Paul.
"Probably more than an explorer full."
"The van it is." Scott nodded and they headed to the garage.
"Shotgun!" Jean exclaimed.
