Xavier Institute

Head Master's Office

"Charles?" Ororo's wary gaze shifted between the Professor and his guest.

"Come in, Storm." Charles invited. "I believe you are acquainted with Mr. Shaw."

Ororo's eyes were ice blue, matching her voice. "We've met."

Shinobi Shaw rose from the dark brown leather chair he had been reclining in with feline grace and walked over to her. He was an exceedingly good looking man and he gave off an aura of smug assurance. "Good afternoon, Storm. Such an interesting name you have. It rolls on my tongue like fine wine." He was standing uncomfortable close, so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

Ororo's nose wrinkled and she raised one silver eyebrow. "Does that line ever work?"

"Storm." Xavier chided. "Mr. Shaw and I were just discussing your visit to his club."

Storm glanced at the Professor. "I'll pay for whatever damage--"

"Nonsense," interrupted Shinobi. "My behavior was deplorable and you had every right to react as you did."

Although his tone was level Storm got the distinct impression of an underlying malevolence in his voice.

"I came here to apologize." Shinobi was saying. He pulled Ororo's hand into his, raising it to his lips, grazing her knuckles in the faintest of touches. "Forgive me?"

"Of course she forgives you," Xavier replied for her, rolling forward. "Storm, I was informing Mr. Shaw-

"Shinobi, please."

"Very well, Shinobi. I was just informing Shinobi about what it is we do here at the Institute. He seems most interested."

"I am." Shinobi stated, his dark eyes never leaving Storm's face. "Very interested."

She yanked her hand away. "What does any of this have to do with me?" Ororo asked Xavier, watching Shinobi from the corner of her eye. The way he looked at her made her skin crawl. It was blatant lust in his eyes and she knew the Professor could see it as easily as she could.

Relax, child.

Almost immediately Ororo felt the tension leaving her shoulders. She glared at Xavier. Stay out of my mind.

I will explain all soon, Storm. For now, try and play nice.

"I was hoping for a tour of the grounds. Perhaps you would care to give me one?" Shinobi asked, his cultured tones like smooth satin. "Since you are the only X-Man I am acquainted with."

Storm shook her head. "I am afraid I have a previous engagement."

Shinobi gave Xavier a pointed look. "Hmm. That's too bad."

Perhaps another time.

Storm blinked heavy eyes. "Perhaps another…no." She glared at Xavier, eyes flashing. "Professor? Could I have a word?"

Charles nodded. "If you will excuse us, Mr. Shaw." Xavier said and Ororo got the feeling he was subtly giving Shinobi the desire to leave. She almost smiled.

"Of course. I myself have a previous engagement this evening, so I will be leaving. I will be in touch tomorrow."

"I look forward to it," Charles said amicably.

At Xavier's buzzer Winston appeared. "Please escort Mr. Shaw to his limo."

As Shinobi passed her he whispered, "I much prefer the corset and pants to this drab uniform." Storm frowned at his back.

The second she heard the latch click behind Winston and Shaw, Ororo turned on Xavier. "What was that?" she hissed.

At least he didn't pretend ignorance. "A nudge."

"A nudge? I don't want to be nudged anywhere near that guy."

Xavier rolled to his desk, opening a locked drawer, withdrawing a black file. He tossed it on the desk. "Perhaps you won't have to be. Open it."

Ororo opened the file. Inside were pictures of an elaborate room, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, expensive portraits on the wall. Another photo appeared to be a glass case and yet another was a close up of one of the portraits on the wall. In the center of one photograph sat several scantily clad mutants. She raised her eyes at Xavier questioningly.

"They are the Hellfire Club. Sebastian Shaw is the man in the middle. On his right is Tessa, she works for me, providing me information on the inner dealings of the Club. It's through her I learned of Shinobi's interest in you. Sebastian is Shinobi's father. They have a…strained relationship. Sebastian Shaw is in possession of some rather rare artifacts that he believes may contain information on the origin of the mutant genome." Xavier paused, looking at her. "Through you I hope to acquire these artifacts."

Storm snapped the folder shut. "So you know want me to steal for you?"

"Yes. But I also require information. Sebastian Shaw is a very wealthy and powerful man. A man I once considered my friend, but now…many things have changed."

"Funny, you said the same thing about Magneto. You have a hard time keeping friends it seems."

Xavier frowned at her. "Insolence will not be tolerated, Storm. You have a real chance here to have the family you've always wanted, to have a home. In return I ask very little."

Storm sighed. "Only our lives."

"A small price to pay for the measure of happiness and safety I provide here."

Storm didn't reply. She didn't need to, Xavier could read her doubts as easily as if she'd spoken them aloud. "Why me?" she asked after a moment.

"You are one of the best thieves in the world, second only to Gambit, and both of you under my roof. I'd be remiss not to use the assets I have."

"And," Ororo prompted.

Xavier gave her a small smile. "I am aware of Shinobi's attraction to you, Tessa made it clear that you were a sought after commodity, so to speak. I am hoping to use that to our advantage. I need information from young Mr. Shaw and I think you can get it for me, along with the artifact."

Storm stared at him for a long minute.. "Are you saying what I think you are saying?"

"I want you to get close to Shinobi and work him for information," Xavier said mildly.

"You want to pimp me so that you can get your hands on his father's artifacts."

Xavier raised his somber eyes to hers. "A colorful turn of phrase, but not entirely inaccurate."

Storm took a deep breath. "You know I have a…problem getting close to people."

"From what I felt earlier you are making wonderful progress in that area."

Ororo gasped, he eyes wide. She shook her head, wondering where the nice man she had met several months ago had gone. "There is a line, Charles, and you are dangerously close to crossing it."

Xavier nodded, his own eyes grave. "I know, Storm. Can I count on you?"

Storm took a deep breath. "To an extent. I won't--"

Charles sensed what she was about to say. "Nor do I expect you to, Storm. Get close, get personal, but there should be no need to get intimate."

Ororo thought of Shinobi's lustful gaze and felt the hair on her neck stand up. "All right, but I let my team know what's going on."

Xavier shook his head. "I do not believe that would be wise. For now, let them assume that your attraction to young Shaw is genuine."

Ororo was adamant. "No. I tell them. I just got done explaining that we were a team, no lone agents, and I will not be a hypocritical leader."

Charles relented. "Very well." he rolled over to his large window. "I will contact you in the morning for our visit with Shinobi."

"Can't wait." Ororo muttered.

"That'll be all, Storm." She moved to leave. "Storm."

She glanced over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"Thank you. You are a fine leader, and I am proud to have you with us."

She nodded, uncertain if he genuinely meant it or if it was one more manipulation on his part. Either way it made her chest tight, wanting to believe him.

Harry's Hideaway

"Well, he's not bad looking," Alison said, biting into a spicy buffalo wing. "Xavier could've given you a worse assignment."

"It's not his looks that bother me," Storm said, sipping her water. "It's him. Period."

"I've never been one on one with the guy, but I hear he's dynamite in the sack."

Storm frowned slightly. "I am not interested."

"Hmph. Just saying," Ali said licking her fingers. She looked around the room. "Where's Gambit with our drinks?"

"I think he's at the bar." Ororo craned her neck, looking for her friend. Sure enough he was at the bar, leaning against it on one elbow, talking to Jean. Jean! What the heck was she doing here? The redhead glanced up, her green eyes narrowed. Looks pissed, Ororo thought, picking out one of the floating cubes of ice bobbing in her drink. She crunched it between her molars with a satisfied smile.

"You know they say chewing ice is a sign of sexual frustration."

"Bobby Drake! What're you doing here?" Kitty exclaimed excitedly, much to Kurt's displeasure.

"What? Only you guys get to go out? I don't think so." he nudged Storm. "Scoot over, babe."

"That's my seat." Wolverine appeared at the table, beer in one hand and a fresh bottle of water in the other. He scowled at the younger boy.

"Hey sorry, man." Bobby held up his hands. "Jean's looking for ya." Bobby added, grabbing a handful of pretzels from the bowl in the center of the table.

Wolverine glanced at Storm, who was staring at her water intensely. He could tell by the set of her shoulders she wasn't happy. He wanted to ask her about it, but Bobby's statement caught his attention.

"Why?"

"Don't know, man. She's over there." He inclined his blond head towards the bar.

Wolverine turned, and sure enough Jean was bearing down on him. He set the drinks on the table, crossing his arms over his muscled chest.

"We need to talk," Jean said when she arrived.

"Not in the mood," he said flatly.

Jean glanced at the others, then back at Wolverine. "Now."

"I said I'm not in the mood." He pulled out a cigar, clenching it between his teeth.

Gambit approached from behind Jean, his red on black gaze resting on Storm, he gave Alison a glance and the pierced girl knew something was up. Gambit motioned for her to get Storm. Uh-oh, thought Alison.

"Uh, hey, Storm, wanna get some air?" She asked catching Gambit's eye and nodding.

"That sounds good," Storm said, rising.

"I'll join ya," Wolverine added, moving around Jean.

"I'm late." Jean blurted out grabbing his arm. No explanation needed for that statement.

Everyone froze. Storm still semi bent over the table, Bobby mid-chew, Kitty stared and Kurt blushed beneath his silky fur. Gambit groaned and Alison's mouth hung open.

Wolverine slowly swiveled his head towards Jean, his dark eyes narrowing. "Then I suggest you go talk ta Scooter."

"I haven't been with Scott since…" She trailed off. The entire school had heard about the locker room showdown, so there was no need to continue.

"Excuse me," Storm made her way past Bobby, breaking the stillness. Wolverine growled, reaching for her.

"Storm, wait."

She avoided his hand. "Jean needs you, Wolverine. I suggest you see to her." She looked at Gambit. "I'm heading home."

"Sure t'ing, chere."

To the rest of her team she said, "No drinking, curfew is one o'clock. I'll be checking."

"Wolverine's drinking," Alison protested.

"Wolverine's got a healing factor that keeps him from getting stupid," Storm added.

"That's a matter of opinion," Alison muttered, digging into her hot wings again.

"Don' worry, Ali, Gambit keep you too busy t' wanna drink."

Kurt smiled. "Goodnight, mama Storm."

She returned his smile. "Behave children." She moved towards the door not once looking behind her. She could feel his steel eyes on her back the entire time anyway. Once outside she took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "It doesn't matter," she said aloud. "It doesn't matter." She opened her eyes, her blue eyed gaze resting on Wolverine's black and silver motorcycle. Her mouth twitched. She shouldn't. She was moving towards the bike. She really shouldn't…

The wind whistled past her ears, her hair flying behind her as she rounded the sharp corner at highly illegal speed, laughing. This was more like it, she thought. Just her and the open road.

She rode for several miles before she realized she was being followed. Had he noticed already that his bike was missing? Ororo slowed, not stopping, allowing a dark black SUV up alongside her. The tinted window rolled down and Shinobi Shaw smiled at her. "Nice night," he said.

"It was."

"Are you always so charming or is it just me?"

Storm stopped the bike, planting her feet on the pavement. "What can I do for you, Mr. Shaw?"

His dark look said there were a number of things he'd like her to do for him, or to him, but he simply reached behind him and pulled out a dozen long stemmed red roses. "For you."

Storm took the flowers, saying, "They won't last long on the bike."

Shinobi smiled. "Then I shall bring you more to replace them."

He had a rather nice smile, Ororo noticed. "That won't be necessary. I'd rather not have flowers ripped from the earth to satisfy some idiotic womanly need to be admired."

He laughed. "In that case, how about I take you to my personal menagerie and conservatory tomorrow."

Storm thought of her assignment. She should go with him, but too easy of an acceptance may make him suspicious. "Is there a locked room and a bed waiting for me there?" she asked angrily.

"Only if you want there to be." He smiled again, and once again she noticed how pleasant that made him. " I do apologize for the other night. Club Hellfire is known for its exotic and… adventurous clientele. I assumed you were aware."

"I wasn't."

"I know that now, and I will do whatever you wish to make amends."

Storm nodded, then very serious, "Dress like a schoolgirl tomorrow. Pigtails and all."

Shinobi blinked. "Pardon me?"

"You heard me." With that she gunned the engine, roaring into the night.

In the black SUV Shinobi smiled. She was a rare treasure, indeed.

Harry's

Parking lot

"Ya have thirty seconds, Red."

Jean took a step away from him, yanking her arm from his painful grip. "It's just what I told you, I'm late."

Wolverine grimaced. "Have ya taken a test?"

"No."

"Why the fuck not?"

"I wanted to talk to you first."

He growled. "Yer lying."

"I am not. I am late." Jean defended.

"How late?"

"A few days."

"Mother fu-" Wolverine took a deep breath. "Yer only a few days late, with no test and ya come down here ta announce in front of half the teams that ya may be pregnant, when in all likelihood ya ain't. Red, I'm gettin' real tired of yer games."

"I could be pregnant! We had sex recently!" she defended.

Wolverine stepped close, "In case ya didn't notice, Jean, I didn't get off."

Jean looked confused. "Then why'd you stop?"

"Because I realized what we were doing. For fuck's sake, Jean, we were on a locker room floor."

"So? We've been there before."

Wolverine ran one hand through his hair.

Jean tilted her head. "It was her wasn't it."

"I don't know what yer talkin' about."

"Storm. Ever since she's shown up things have been different."

"Don't blame her, Jean. You knew as well as I did, all we were was a distraction fer each other."

Jean shook her head, making her red locks bounce, reaching for him. "I love you."

"No, ya don't." He stepped away from her. "Ya love Scooter."

Jean looked away. "He doesn't want me," she whispered. "Not after…"

"You went back to me." Wolverine said.

"Yeah." Her lower lip trembled.

"I'm sorry, Jeannie." He said it sincerely.

She gave him a tremulous smile. "Me too."

Wolverine opened his arms and she stepped in. He kissed the top of her head gently. "He'll come around, Red. He'd be a damn fool not to."

She cried quietly against him, then pulled away. "Wolverine?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

He nodded, then looking around the lot, "Where the fuck's my BIKE?"

Xavier Institute

The mansion was dark when Ororo arrived back, far later than the one o'clock curfew she gave the others. She reluctantly parked Wolverine's motorcycle in the garage, having walked it up the winding drive as opposed to riding it, so as not to alert the others to her arrival. She half expected Wolverine to leap out of the shadows at her, nine inch claws extended, clearing her head from her shoulders for touching his bike. That's if he even knew it was missing. Or that it was her that had taken it. She smiled thinking of him running around gasping for breath, crying for his baby. A low chuckle escaped her. She caressed the seat, still warm from the heat of her body, and a renewed smile touched her lips. That had been seriously fun. She ran her fingers through her windblown hair, humming to herself, making her way across the yard towards her balcony, clutching the surprisingly durable dozen roses Shinobi had given her.

Ororo glanced at the horizon, now slightly purple in anticipation of the sunrise and let her mind wander back to another early morning ride on that same bike. She closed her eyes, knowing it was futile to reminisce, but unable to prevent thoughts of Logan from entering her mind. She loved him, she knew. She hated him too. Her life was complicated enough, without adding him to the mix. Even now, Jean may be pregnant with Logan's child and Ororo was thinking of how he made her feel. Ororo's stomach turned and she was ashamed of herself. Lust was not something she permitted herself to feel, not that it had ever been an issue before. She had never wanted a man before. Ever. But now her days were plagued with memories of how his lips felt against hers, how her lower abdomen clenched and warmed when he was near, and the unbearable ache she felt almost constantly. Frowning at the direction of her thoughts she floated over her balcony railing, stepping through her glass doors.

"Gambit," she whispered. "You awake?"

"It ain't Gumbo, darlin'."

"Wolverine." Ororo gasped. "What are you doing in my room?"

"Waiting."

Ororo clicked on her bedside lamp, illuminating the room in soft light. Wolverine was lounging in her bed, clad only in a pair of red boxer-briefs. Ororo took an involuntary step back. "Get out."

Wolverine frowned. "Enjoy the ride?"

"Yes. Get out." Ororo moved further away from him.

Raising his arms behind his head Wolverine watched her with predatory eyes. "I ain't leavin' until we talk." He glanced at the roses cradled in her arms and instantly his face went dark. "Who the fuck gave ya those?"

Ororo glanced down, surprised. "None of your business," she said angrily. "Now get dressed and get out."

"Can't say as if I've ever heard a woman utter those words ta me." He said, still lounging against her headboard.

Ororo snorted. "I don't imagine so, but as they say, there's a first time for everything." She moved into her private bathroom.

Wolverine heard water running and she reemerged with the roses in a vase. She set them on her bureau, blatantly ignoring him.

"Storm," he said. "Look at me."

She didn't look at him, but said to the flowers, "Why are you still here?"

"We need ta talk. And who the hell gave you flowers?"

She almost smiled at his tone. Almost. "Wolverine, I am tired, and I want to go to bed. Please leave."

He stood up, prowling towards her. "I ain't leaving."

Ororo swallowed nervously, but stood her ground. "Yes, you are. By choice or by force, it's up to you." Her eyes swirled white, the air thick with ozone. She tried not to notice how unbelievable he looked standing there in his underwear, his abdomen rippling as he moved, the muscles on his legs bunching as he walked. Her breath seemed trapped in her chest and it angered her that he had this effect on her.

"Ya can't run from me forever, 'Roro."

"I'm not running, Wolverine. I'm going to bed." She said through clenched teeth. "Don't you have a pregnant girlfriend to be taking care of?" There it was out.

To his credit he actually winced. "Jean doesn't know for sure if she is pregnant."

Ororo rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Why be responsible and take a test, or wear a condom," she glared at him. "When the emotional drama is sooo much more fun."

Again he winced. "Hey, I ain't saying I have no blame here, all I said was she doesn't know yet."

"The simple fact that there is even a remote possibility that you already have one woman knocked up, and the fact that you are in MY bedroom in your underwear does not speak well of your character. It seems you are as faithless as they come, Wolverine. Now get out!" A gust of wind swept him off his feet, and with a wave of her hand she pushed open the balcony doors.

"Damn it, Storm. Put me down!"

"With pleasure." A quick thought sent Wolverine tumbling over her balcony, landing with a dull thud on the grass outside. "Stay out!" She slammed the doors.

Not three seconds later her balcony doors swung open and Wolverine stood on the terrace glaring at her. He strode into the room, his lips curled back in an angry snarl. "I ain't done yet," he growled.

"Yes, you are."

Wolverine advanced on her, "Yer gonna listen if I have ta hold ya down and make ya listen!" His hands grasped her upper arms, slamming her into the wall.

Real fear flashed in her eyes and Wolverine halted. "'Roro?"

"Get away from me." she whispered. "Get away!" Her hair whipped around her head, her eyes white fire. "I do not like to be touched. Stop touching me!" A blast of air slammed him across the room, taking out her bedside lamp, plunging the room into shadows once more.

Pounding could be heard from her door and Gambit's frantic voice, "Stormy!"

From her knees Storm called. "I am here, Gambit. I am fine. Just a bad dream." She stared at Wolverine, "Please leave."

"I didn't mean--"

"Just leave." Her voice was hoarse.

Wolverine nodded, picking up his discarded jeans and shirt and shoes, padding to the balcony, levering himself over the railing giving her a heavy look and was gone a moment later.

"Stormy! Open da damn door, or I swear I'm breakin' it down!"

"On my way, Remy." Storm took a deep breath, straightening her hair. She opened the door with a false smile. "Sorry to have disturbed you."

Gambit strolled into the room, looking around. "Are you all right?"

"Of course, just a bad dream."

"Don' lie t' me, Stormy."

She didn't respond, simply stared at his chest as opposed to the knowing look in his eyes. "I didn't realize you had your own room now," she said, as a distraction.

Gambit blushed. "I don'."

"Oh, then where were…oh." Storm's eyes lit and she smiled broadly. "Well, well, well."

"Hush, padnat."

Storm laughed. "Remy Labeau, you scoundrel. Professing undying love to me, all the while chasing Alison."

Gambit touched her cheek. "I do love you," he said, quite serious.

"I love you too." She murmured. He brushed her lips in a chaste kiss. "I'd like to go to bed now, Remy." She began walking him back to the still open door.

"Do you wan' me t' stay wit' you, chere?"

Ororo shook her head. "No. I'd really rather be alone." Liar.

"Ok. But if you need me…"

"I know, brother. Goodnight." She closed the door gently behind him, leaning her forehead against the cool wood. Goddess.

Early Morning

Ororo danced around the heavy bag, her taped fists connecting with hard jabs. She scowled, throwing in an elbow for good measure.

"Anyone I know?" Alison asked, sauntering into the workout room in her standard white tee and black pants. Her dark hair was not spiked, however, instead falling in soft ebony waves just below her multiple earrings.

Ororo turned the bag revealing a crudely drawn sketch of a man with winged hair. Alison laughed.

"So, I hear," -punch- "you had," -punch, punch- "company last night." -kick-

Ali nodded. "Does that bother you?" she asked.

"Not at all." Ororo jabbed the bag, followed by a knee. "I just don't want it to effect the team."

Alison thought for a moment, seemingly to genuinely consider that statement. "It won't. At least not any more than Kurt and Kitty, or you and Wolverine."

A full roundhouse kick separated the bag from the ceiling, sending it crashing to the floor.

"Ok, touchy subject," Alison drawled. Ororo panted, unwrapping her hands. "Wanna talk?" Ali asked.

Ororo shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but there's not much to talk about. He has Jean and I need to focus on my assignment."

"Speaking of which, I think I just saw the delicious Mr. Shaw's Hummer outside."

Ororo glanced at the clock. Damn. It was quarter past eight, she was supposed to meet Xavier at eight thirty. "Thanks, Ali."

Alison watched her friend jog out of the room and smiled. "Have fun!" she called after her.

"Where's she going?" Wolverine sauntered in from the weight room.

Alison gave him a sly glance. "Date," she said, walking out. She'd have to tell Kitty and Kurt not to reveal Storm's assignment to Wolverine. Served him right after all, Ali decided. Anyone who messed with her friends got messed with in return.

Alison liked Wolverine, she really did. He reminded her of a stray dog she had once. Wild and untamed, feral and mean, but there was something under the exterior that made you want to reach out. Only problem was, much like the stray, you usually got your hand bit off.

Alison sighed. You'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to notice the tension between Storm and Wolverine, and despite her wanting to mess with him, Ali believed the two of them…well, fit. There was no other way to describe it. Storm and Wolverine fit together. Two halves of one whole. It was a rare thing, but there you have it. Soul mates. She shook her dark head. One night with Gambit and she was a friggin' romantic. A slow smile spread across her lips. Speaking of Yummy…

Loft

Ororo stood in front of her closet, appraising her limited selection of clothes. She finally decided on a long white sundress with spaghetti straps and a ruffled trim. She slid on a pair of white sandals and piled her hair atop her head with a butterfly clip. She ran her hands over her stomach, flattening her dress. Good enough, she thought.

Storm, I believe Shinobi is waiting for you in the parking lot.

I thought we were meeting in your office.

Change of plans.

Ororo shrugged making her way to the front of the mansion. Stepping onto the sun drenched porch she pulled up short, her mouth falling open and she collapsed to the stairs laughing.

"I'm glad I amuse you." Shinobi Shaw, billionaire playboy, and leader of an elite group of mutants stood against his black Hummer clad in a red and blue schoolgirl uniform, complete with pleated skirt and pigtails.

Storm couldn't stop laughing. He looked so ridiculous. "Oh, my…" She collapsed again, her eyes watering.

"Am I forgiven?" He asked, his own lips quirked.

Ororo nodded, breathless from laughing so hard. Shinobi stepped forward, helping her to her feet. "I…don't know what to say," she said, looking him up and down.

Shinobi smiled ruefully, "Say I can change."

Ororo laughed again. "I don't know. I kind of like this look on you."

"If it keeps that smile on your face, I will suffer it."

"No. I don't think that'll be necessary." Her cheeks hurt from laughing. Without thought she reached up and tugged one of his dark pigtails. "I didn't expect this," she said.

"I hope to show you that I am full of many unexpected things." His eyes danced and Ororo was momentarily caught off guard. She was actually enjoying this.

"Um, should we go?" she asked.

"Of course." Shinobi glanced at the doorway where several others now lingered, staring at him with open mouths. "Your friends are more than welcome as well," he offered.

Storm looked over her shoulder. In the doorway stood Ali, Gambit and Wolverine. Behind them were Jean and Colossus.

"I'm in," Ali said, rushing forward. She winked at Storm.

"Dat means me too," Gambit added.

Shinobi nodded to both of them as they piled into his stretch Hummer. "Anyone else?"

Ororo looked over at the yard where several of the younger children were playing. Without her asking Shinobi said, "Of course. They'll love the menagerie. Excuse me." he moved towards the children, his skirt bouncing as he walked and Storm was assailed by another bout of giggles.

"It looks like your date is turning into a field trip," Alison said. "What's up with the uniform? Is he a little…" She tilted her hand back and forth, "in the head?"

"It's a long story." Storm said. She climbed into the Hummer. She was reaching to close the door when a hand wrapped around the edge.

"Not so fast. Four more coming." Colossus said. Jean entered followed by Bobby and Wolverine. Colossus finished them off.

"A bit crowded, non?"

Shinobi approached the door. "I've called in another vehicle for the children."

"Great. Let's ride with them," Ororo said, exiting the Hummer. "If you don't mind."

He shook his head. "Not at all. It will give me a chance to change."

"Nice skirt, bub."

Ororo gave him a cold stare.

Shinobi glanced at Wolverine. "I don't believe we've met."

"Nope." Wolverine glowered at him.

"Shaw. Shinobi Shaw."

Wolverine grunted.

Ororo slammed the door shut. "Friendly fellow." Shinobi said.

"He's one of our 'special' students."

"Oh."