Jean had been wandering around the hallways outside the Danger Room for the last few hours. Something weird was going on the last days and she had sworn to herself to find out what it was. Right now, Scott had gathered Logan, Bobby, Kurt, Warren and Remy in the Danger Room and they had locked themselves in there, taking a camera with them. Scott had only mentioned something about a commercial, and had then used all of his leader's charm combined with a new, brash aggression to convince (force) them follow his orders as a rightful leader of the X-Men. Since he currently was in charge of the whole mansion, they couldn't resist him. After all, he had used the magic words "Professor told me to..." in the beginning of each order.
That happened two days ago and currently they were still in there. The only sounds coming out from there was some kind of music which reminded her of an old song... but as much as she kept squeezing her mind like a lemon, she still couldn't remember which one it was. The only things she could hear the few times the music stopped was the terrifying sound of a whip (ka-ching!) and the loud curses ,apparently coloured from her husband's voice. Some whimpering from the others could be heard once in a while.
She could swear that Logan and Scott had been acting weird since the day she got herself humiliated, her face covered in chocolate. Logan had changed his look in a much less...eccentric one, and the pleasure he seemed to show on relishing that change automatically excluded the chances of doing this in self-punishment for embarrassing her. Though she had to admit that the change was for the better, since it brought out the sweet, caring Logan that she knew that was hiding under the formerly brash exterior.
Scott, on the other hand, seemed to force himself on some outrageous self-punishment. He turned gruff, antisocial and from what the others were telling her, he was brooding all the time. And that was weird, because every time they would fight or she would get angry at him, within the next day he would talk to her and apologise (no matter whose fault it was). This time, Scott seemed to have forgotten all about apologising. However, she didn't intend to make the first move herself.
Suddenly, her trail of thoughts were interrupted by the Danger Room's door swinging open and 5 terrified X-Men bursting themselves out of the room. They ran in the corridors screaming "freedom!" as they got away, some even raising their hands on the air.
Scott slowly strolled out of the Danger Room, a sleek expression on his face that would seem more appropriate in Wolverine's face. On his right hand rested a videotape.
Jean, concerned, ran up to him. "Oh, Scott, I forgive you for what happened earlier. Just TELL me what have you guys been doing in there the last two days??"
Scott's sleek grin grew into a full nasty smile. "But-I told ya. I have been shooting a commercial for advertising the Institute. The boys were starring in it and we have just finished shooting. My work is complete" he said, playfully switching the videotape from one hand to another.
"Oh-can I see it? CAN I??" Jean pleaded like a little girl in need of an ice-cream.
"Sure ya will. Just gather the rest of the guys in the TV room, so that you can watch the premiere all together."
Jean just telepathically screamed in everybody's mind to fet their asses in the TV room and started running toward there herself, wanting to be the first to get there.
***************************************************************
Everyone who shared the painful fate of living under the roof of Xavier's mansion were now gathered in the TV room, questioning looks travelling around the room for an explanation of why they were alarmed to get there.
The X-Men who were supposed to be starring in the video were the only ones absent, as they probably were too tired to do anything after two days of non-consentional shooting.
The gathered crowd in the TV room had been given a brief explanation from Jean that they were about to watch a TV commercial for the Institute, an ad that her husband had directed himself.
That had resulted in a grumbling marathon from Rogue, who protested that she should be the one starring on the ad, since she obviously was born to be a star... actually she was born a mutant, but no one attempted to remind her.
Then Logan (in Scott's body) walked into the room, greeting everyone with the grace and the cockiness of an accomplished European director.
Eventually, he pushed a non-labelled videotape into the device, making sure that everyone was sitting down and didn't block anyone else's view.
"The commercial is in a video clip form, just be sure to remember that" he added, before it started playing.
As the groovy music of "YMCA" by the Village People began, everyone saw the 5 X-Men standing in a line, grooving their hips in synch with the music. In the background there was an apparition of the mansion's out yard, induced by the Danger Room's high tech system of course.
There was Bobby, clad in his old blue 'Speedo' uniform and his accordingly coloured boots. His hip swinging was suspiciously cheerful, considering that he had the mark of a whip marking his left thigh. He was iceing up and de-iceing according to the rhythm.
Next to him Kurt was swinging his tail with the music. He was wearing his old costume who gave the 'V' impression, the vest reaching higher than his shoulders.
Gambit was there too. He wore his usual armour and his brownish leather duster above it. He seemed to be a natural on dancing. His thrusts actually reminded those of a go-go boy.
Warren, clad in an angel tunic, seemed to have some difficulties dancing with the added weight of his wings. But after the first two seconds, he started grooving his wings in motion as well and flashed a triumphant smile.
In the middle of them all, Wolverine was giving a real show, dressed in lumberjack clothing. He seemed to be the lead dancer, and apparently-as he opened his mouth-the lead singer too.
Wolverine began singing and the others were backing vocals as they all danced around in synch.
"Mutant, there's no need to feel down
I said, mutant, pick yourself off the ground
I said, mutant, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be so grumpy
Mutant, there's a place you can go
I said, mutant, when you're short on your dough
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can prank with Bobby, chat a bit with the Beast,
Then you all can have a Twinkie feast.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's.
You can get yourself clean
You can have a good meal
Unless Rogue gets to cook an eel.
Mutant, Are you listening to me
I said, mutant, what do you wanna be
I said, mutant, if superheroing's your thing,
you've just got to know this one thing.
No man, does it all by himself
I said, mutant, put your pride on the shelf
And just go there, to that place of Xavier's.
I'm sure he can help you today
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
They have everything for mutant guys to enjoy.
Unless they wanna be a go-go boy.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can get yourself clean
but not with Storm's chlorine
You can do whatever you feel.
Mutant, I was once in your shoes,
I said, I was down and out with the blues
I felt, no man cared if I were alive
I was mutant so I had to die
That's when someone came up to me
and said young man take a walk up the street
There's a place there called the Xavier's
He can start you back on your way.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can kill fake Barnies, in our cool Danger Room,
but then clean'em all up with a broom.
At Xavier's.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
Mutant-Mutant, there's no need to feel down
Mutant-Mutant, pick yourself off the ground
At Xavier's
Just go n' stay at Xavier's
Mutant-Mutant, I was once in your shoes,
Mutant-Mutant, I was out with the blues
At Xavier's
At Xavier's
At Xavier's
At Xavier's"
As the music faded over, most of the viewers were showing reactions of shock and amusement. Rogue was happy that she got at least mentioned in the song, although she didn't quite like the occasion on which she was mentioned. The eel incident had not been her fault after all... it was her first time cooking and Remy had been supposed to tutor her. She had told him that she wanted to cook authentic Cajun seafood her first time in the kitchen's lead and well...all that Louisiana had for water was swamps and such stuff, so she ended up with an eel. The taste turned out hideous, but everyone had eaten it because they didn't want to make her sad and/or upset. But when she noticed that heavy rain was pouring outside despite Storm's pretentious smile while munching down the offending 'seafood', she knew something was wrong. And when she saw tears stinging Bobby's eyes while gulping down the last bite, she realised that everything was a deja-vu of the 'Friends' episode where Rachel had cooked something terribly tasting and everyone pretended to like it in order to not hurt her. The thought of her friends doing such a great sacrifice for herself not getting hurt had taken her up to the stars for a while, so she forgot to tell them they didn't had to eat it after all.
She could also remember the chlorine incident, which was also mentioned during the song. Drake, during one of his less insightful pranks, had replaced Hank's body lotion with Ororo's chlorine. For the next few months, Beast's fur had a washed-out pastel blue colour. Soon later there was a battle with the Juggernaught won easily due to the fact that Cain was rolling on the ground laughing at Beast instead of fighting. Iceman wasn't present at that battle because Beast had shoved the (thin, thankfully) chlorine bottle somewhere in his body where the sun wouldn't shine.
Rogue just shivered thinking about those unpleasant (but priceless) moments in life as she walked out of the TV room. "Let's hope Scott doesn't air this as a commercial... or else someone in here might make him pay painfully"
***************************************************************
Logan smiled through Cyclops' teeth as he was now sure that he had taken his revenge on Scott... of course, four innocent mutants had also taken the same toll, but that didn't matter to him now... all that mattered was the little fact that he proved himself that his new form wasn't that useless at all. He had used the attribute of being the team's leader to his advantage. And he had lotsa fun doing it.
As his mumbling team mates slowly emptied the TV room, Logan knew that the word would be spread, making the humiliation of his video clip's stars greater. He thought about actually landing his video at national TV as a commercial, but a better idea stroked his mind like a thunder on a lone tree.
Byt right then Jean lashed up on him and started talking panicky. "Scott, tell me this is just a prank and you're not really getting this on the telly, huh?"
"I'm Scott Summers, Jeannie, I never do pranks." That was a good point, actually.
"But, Scoooott! They will have you killed!"
"Who will?" he said, cocking his head angrily and giving mean looks to anyone who looked dangerous.
"Well, anyone! Apart from the guys 'starring' in your video, who would want you dead for apparent reasons, the Professor would have your hide for exposing our whereabouts like that! Never mind the real danger that would land on the mansion itself after being exposed!"
"But, Jean, this is the perfect way to approach mutant kids for the Institute! Instead of having someone flying around the country and getting each kids here separately, the kids can come here at will, at the same time too!"
"Scott, just don't do this...promise me you won't make this video a commercial and I will allow you to sleep in our bedroom tonight." she said sweetly and winked at him seductively. With normal Scott being her bitch like he was, that trick always worked. But the brand new Logan-Cyclops didn't budge.
"I thought you have forgiven me earlier today. Doesn't that mean I can sleep with you as well?"
"Weeeeeell...it's a wholly different thing..." she said, glancing around to avoid eye contact.
"Oh, whatever. I promise you I won't launch this video as a commercial. Happy now?"
"Yes!" she said, hopping a bit and kissing him on the forehead. Then she barged out of the room like the Phoenix force was burning her butt.
Logan grinned evilly as she left. Even before Jean's approach, he had almost decided NOT to use the video as a commercial. A much better idea had formed into his mind before his chat with his 'wife'.
"I only promised not to launch it as a commercial...But I never promised to not launch it at all. And since this is a musical video clip...then I should promote it as one." he said to himself, reaching for the telephone.
As he dialled the number, he could feel a little devil snickering right above his left shoulder.
That happened two days ago and currently they were still in there. The only sounds coming out from there was some kind of music which reminded her of an old song... but as much as she kept squeezing her mind like a lemon, she still couldn't remember which one it was. The only things she could hear the few times the music stopped was the terrifying sound of a whip (ka-ching!) and the loud curses ,apparently coloured from her husband's voice. Some whimpering from the others could be heard once in a while.
She could swear that Logan and Scott had been acting weird since the day she got herself humiliated, her face covered in chocolate. Logan had changed his look in a much less...eccentric one, and the pleasure he seemed to show on relishing that change automatically excluded the chances of doing this in self-punishment for embarrassing her. Though she had to admit that the change was for the better, since it brought out the sweet, caring Logan that she knew that was hiding under the formerly brash exterior.
Scott, on the other hand, seemed to force himself on some outrageous self-punishment. He turned gruff, antisocial and from what the others were telling her, he was brooding all the time. And that was weird, because every time they would fight or she would get angry at him, within the next day he would talk to her and apologise (no matter whose fault it was). This time, Scott seemed to have forgotten all about apologising. However, she didn't intend to make the first move herself.
Suddenly, her trail of thoughts were interrupted by the Danger Room's door swinging open and 5 terrified X-Men bursting themselves out of the room. They ran in the corridors screaming "freedom!" as they got away, some even raising their hands on the air.
Scott slowly strolled out of the Danger Room, a sleek expression on his face that would seem more appropriate in Wolverine's face. On his right hand rested a videotape.
Jean, concerned, ran up to him. "Oh, Scott, I forgive you for what happened earlier. Just TELL me what have you guys been doing in there the last two days??"
Scott's sleek grin grew into a full nasty smile. "But-I told ya. I have been shooting a commercial for advertising the Institute. The boys were starring in it and we have just finished shooting. My work is complete" he said, playfully switching the videotape from one hand to another.
"Oh-can I see it? CAN I??" Jean pleaded like a little girl in need of an ice-cream.
"Sure ya will. Just gather the rest of the guys in the TV room, so that you can watch the premiere all together."
Jean just telepathically screamed in everybody's mind to fet their asses in the TV room and started running toward there herself, wanting to be the first to get there.
***************************************************************
Everyone who shared the painful fate of living under the roof of Xavier's mansion were now gathered in the TV room, questioning looks travelling around the room for an explanation of why they were alarmed to get there.
The X-Men who were supposed to be starring in the video were the only ones absent, as they probably were too tired to do anything after two days of non-consentional shooting.
The gathered crowd in the TV room had been given a brief explanation from Jean that they were about to watch a TV commercial for the Institute, an ad that her husband had directed himself.
That had resulted in a grumbling marathon from Rogue, who protested that she should be the one starring on the ad, since she obviously was born to be a star... actually she was born a mutant, but no one attempted to remind her.
Then Logan (in Scott's body) walked into the room, greeting everyone with the grace and the cockiness of an accomplished European director.
Eventually, he pushed a non-labelled videotape into the device, making sure that everyone was sitting down and didn't block anyone else's view.
"The commercial is in a video clip form, just be sure to remember that" he added, before it started playing.
As the groovy music of "YMCA" by the Village People began, everyone saw the 5 X-Men standing in a line, grooving their hips in synch with the music. In the background there was an apparition of the mansion's out yard, induced by the Danger Room's high tech system of course.
There was Bobby, clad in his old blue 'Speedo' uniform and his accordingly coloured boots. His hip swinging was suspiciously cheerful, considering that he had the mark of a whip marking his left thigh. He was iceing up and de-iceing according to the rhythm.
Next to him Kurt was swinging his tail with the music. He was wearing his old costume who gave the 'V' impression, the vest reaching higher than his shoulders.
Gambit was there too. He wore his usual armour and his brownish leather duster above it. He seemed to be a natural on dancing. His thrusts actually reminded those of a go-go boy.
Warren, clad in an angel tunic, seemed to have some difficulties dancing with the added weight of his wings. But after the first two seconds, he started grooving his wings in motion as well and flashed a triumphant smile.
In the middle of them all, Wolverine was giving a real show, dressed in lumberjack clothing. He seemed to be the lead dancer, and apparently-as he opened his mouth-the lead singer too.
Wolverine began singing and the others were backing vocals as they all danced around in synch.
"Mutant, there's no need to feel down
I said, mutant, pick yourself off the ground
I said, mutant, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be so grumpy
Mutant, there's a place you can go
I said, mutant, when you're short on your dough
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can prank with Bobby, chat a bit with the Beast,
Then you all can have a Twinkie feast.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's.
You can get yourself clean
You can have a good meal
Unless Rogue gets to cook an eel.
Mutant, Are you listening to me
I said, mutant, what do you wanna be
I said, mutant, if superheroing's your thing,
you've just got to know this one thing.
No man, does it all by himself
I said, mutant, put your pride on the shelf
And just go there, to that place of Xavier's.
I'm sure he can help you today
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
They have everything for mutant guys to enjoy.
Unless they wanna be a go-go boy.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can get yourself clean
but not with Storm's chlorine
You can do whatever you feel.
Mutant, I was once in your shoes,
I said, I was down and out with the blues
I felt, no man cared if I were alive
I was mutant so I had to die
That's when someone came up to me
and said young man take a walk up the street
There's a place there called the Xavier's
He can start you back on your way.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
It's fun to study stuff at Xavier's
You can kill fake Barnies, in our cool Danger Room,
but then clean'em all up with a broom.
At Xavier's.
It's fun to train yourself at Xavier's
Mutant-Mutant, there's no need to feel down
Mutant-Mutant, pick yourself off the ground
At Xavier's
Just go n' stay at Xavier's
Mutant-Mutant, I was once in your shoes,
Mutant-Mutant, I was out with the blues
At Xavier's
At Xavier's
At Xavier's
At Xavier's"
As the music faded over, most of the viewers were showing reactions of shock and amusement. Rogue was happy that she got at least mentioned in the song, although she didn't quite like the occasion on which she was mentioned. The eel incident had not been her fault after all... it was her first time cooking and Remy had been supposed to tutor her. She had told him that she wanted to cook authentic Cajun seafood her first time in the kitchen's lead and well...all that Louisiana had for water was swamps and such stuff, so she ended up with an eel. The taste turned out hideous, but everyone had eaten it because they didn't want to make her sad and/or upset. But when she noticed that heavy rain was pouring outside despite Storm's pretentious smile while munching down the offending 'seafood', she knew something was wrong. And when she saw tears stinging Bobby's eyes while gulping down the last bite, she realised that everything was a deja-vu of the 'Friends' episode where Rachel had cooked something terribly tasting and everyone pretended to like it in order to not hurt her. The thought of her friends doing such a great sacrifice for herself not getting hurt had taken her up to the stars for a while, so she forgot to tell them they didn't had to eat it after all.
She could also remember the chlorine incident, which was also mentioned during the song. Drake, during one of his less insightful pranks, had replaced Hank's body lotion with Ororo's chlorine. For the next few months, Beast's fur had a washed-out pastel blue colour. Soon later there was a battle with the Juggernaught won easily due to the fact that Cain was rolling on the ground laughing at Beast instead of fighting. Iceman wasn't present at that battle because Beast had shoved the (thin, thankfully) chlorine bottle somewhere in his body where the sun wouldn't shine.
Rogue just shivered thinking about those unpleasant (but priceless) moments in life as she walked out of the TV room. "Let's hope Scott doesn't air this as a commercial... or else someone in here might make him pay painfully"
***************************************************************
Logan smiled through Cyclops' teeth as he was now sure that he had taken his revenge on Scott... of course, four innocent mutants had also taken the same toll, but that didn't matter to him now... all that mattered was the little fact that he proved himself that his new form wasn't that useless at all. He had used the attribute of being the team's leader to his advantage. And he had lotsa fun doing it.
As his mumbling team mates slowly emptied the TV room, Logan knew that the word would be spread, making the humiliation of his video clip's stars greater. He thought about actually landing his video at national TV as a commercial, but a better idea stroked his mind like a thunder on a lone tree.
Byt right then Jean lashed up on him and started talking panicky. "Scott, tell me this is just a prank and you're not really getting this on the telly, huh?"
"I'm Scott Summers, Jeannie, I never do pranks." That was a good point, actually.
"But, Scoooott! They will have you killed!"
"Who will?" he said, cocking his head angrily and giving mean looks to anyone who looked dangerous.
"Well, anyone! Apart from the guys 'starring' in your video, who would want you dead for apparent reasons, the Professor would have your hide for exposing our whereabouts like that! Never mind the real danger that would land on the mansion itself after being exposed!"
"But, Jean, this is the perfect way to approach mutant kids for the Institute! Instead of having someone flying around the country and getting each kids here separately, the kids can come here at will, at the same time too!"
"Scott, just don't do this...promise me you won't make this video a commercial and I will allow you to sleep in our bedroom tonight." she said sweetly and winked at him seductively. With normal Scott being her bitch like he was, that trick always worked. But the brand new Logan-Cyclops didn't budge.
"I thought you have forgiven me earlier today. Doesn't that mean I can sleep with you as well?"
"Weeeeeell...it's a wholly different thing..." she said, glancing around to avoid eye contact.
"Oh, whatever. I promise you I won't launch this video as a commercial. Happy now?"
"Yes!" she said, hopping a bit and kissing him on the forehead. Then she barged out of the room like the Phoenix force was burning her butt.
Logan grinned evilly as she left. Even before Jean's approach, he had almost decided NOT to use the video as a commercial. A much better idea had formed into his mind before his chat with his 'wife'.
"I only promised not to launch it as a commercial...But I never promised to not launch it at all. And since this is a musical video clip...then I should promote it as one." he said to himself, reaching for the telephone.
As he dialled the number, he could feel a little devil snickering right above his left shoulder.