When Charles Xavier first approached her and offered teacher's position in his Institute, it all sounded like a dream coming true. Mutant school, place where one wasn't rejected because of what he was. Safe haven, somewhere to belong to. Something that gave her chance to make a difference. She agreed instantly only after realising Charles Xavier used her as a backup. If it wasn't for Jean Grey's death Emma Frost would not be needed. She really thought she was able to deal with this. The only condition she laid down was that she was not replacing Jean Grey. She was Emma Frost and she was doing things her own way. She should have noticed it was accepted too easily.
She had no wish to compete with someone long ago gone, but everyone felt overwhelming need to compare her to their precious Jean. Their thoughts breaking through her mental barriers, whispering into her mind. 'Not welcomed here' - was nicest way to put it. They didn't even need to see her, much less talk to her, to know they didn't like her. She was not Jean, that seemed to be enough for everyone. Emma sometimes wondered if she killed Jean Grey with her own hands and managed to somehow forget that. Judging by Institute inhabitants' attitude that was quite possible.
What made it worst was she liked it here. If she was able to get free of omnipresent ghost of 'one and only', if she was able to block out all hateful thoughts, if she could forget she was not wanted here, she could believe she was home. She wanted to be home. Wishful thinking. She should have refused Xavier the moment she saw his unwillingness. It was too late now, for she never ran away. That left her only one option. Head high, mental shields to place, her most revealing attire on and everyone can go to hell. She came to stay and if anyone didn't like it, it was solely their problem.
It was almost fun to see students practically drooling over her. And even though she was pretty sure they were much too young for some thoughts she picked from them it was still better that constant hatred. What decided it was the fact they never looked at Jean that way. That was something she wasn't compared to her in. Even if only because of the clothing they were finally seeing her. There was no way she was giving that up. Semi-order to change her clothes was inconvenient but easily dealt with. After all 'less revealing' could be understood in different ways.
What troubled her was the second part of their conversation. She knew he had been Jean's boyfriend. Would have known even without Xavier telling her. Cyclops was practically mentally screaming at her to get out. Emma had no doubt he would repeat I aloud were it not for Professor Xavier's orders. Hating her for her very existence was one thing though, doubting her abilities was entirely another. She could still hear sarcasm in his voice when he told her to 'figure out how to be useful'. She didn't have to prove herself to him nor to anybody else. Did she?
---
Emma did indeed change before joining others in Danger Room. She even went as far as choosing the most 'less revealing' clothes she had. It wasn't her fault that that particular clothing clang to her as a second skin. Judging from students' reaction her change of clothes didn't have the effect in was meant to have. But that wasn't her problem, really.
She made it to the Danger Room seven minutes before eight. Despite being early she was still the last one to come. Emma had no doubt that such a chance could not possibly be missed. It turned out she was right, for when Cyclops started talking his voice was practically dripping with sarcasm.
-Now that all of us are finally here, we can finally start. I want everyone to remember, this is about team work. That means you have to stay out of our way.
Last sentence was directed solely at Emma. It looked she was a liability to them even before she was part of them. That had to be expected, but she still hoped they would be able to set personal feeling aside. Anyway not that it was over already.
-Of course, I do. You did tell me to think of something useful. That surely doesn't include working alongside you.
That sounded even more sarcastically than Cyclops' tirade. And by the look of it had more effect. It was obviously going the wrong way and Emma was a bit relieved when Charles Xavier's voice interrupted them.
-Now that you are indeed all here I believe it's time to tell you what you will be dealing with today. I've simulated Magneto attacking humans at the street. More than unlikely situation, but nevertheless. Your objective is to stop him and to avoid any casualties. You have as much time as you need. I highly believe that Danger Room will react to all your powers as if the situation was real. That includes your telepathy too, Emma. Magneto's powers are also simulated as realistically as possible. I hope I do not need to explain what that means to you, Logan. Now, if everything is clear, shall we start?
It looked like magic. Previously empty room turning into crowded street. Emma however had no time for wondering or sightseeing. People were running screaming from the figure in the centre of the whirlwind of metal objects. Some were being hit by Magneto's improvised weapons, some knocked down by other refugees, few managed to get to relative safety. X-men wasted no time, Cyclops already shouting out orders. Emma was left out of whatever plan they had, if any. And right now that suited her just fine. She really had no wish to jump into the fight only to be hitted by something heavy.
First of all, it was said 'no causalities'. It took her less than a minute to turn panic flight into some sort of organised retreat. Her telepathy did work as if it was real either because of more-than-advanced technology or to Xavier's interference. Personally she believed it was the latter, but it was fine with her anyway. Emma then reached out to other X-men minds.
-That should be more effective than shouting.
And far more fun, at least to her. Not that with Xavier watching she could cross any boundaries, but still. Besides, once they understood what was happening, her 'team-mates' reaction was really priceless. Especially Woverine's more than vivid images of what he was going to do to her.
-I was told to be useful, remember?
No one had anything to say to that. Emma was almost sure that more than anything they were angry at her for coming up with something none of them thought of, not ever Saint Jean. After all it was effective.
---
They really were great team, Emma had to admit. And they really didn't not need her. And it was not like she could do much to help them until they wanted to co-operate. Overall she decided that training went well enough. Magneto was actually defeated and had to flee. And it only took eight minutes for Cyclops to explain them how bad they were. Surprisingly it took even less for Wolverine to explain it was all due to bad leadership. As far as Emma knew it was dangerously close to the record.
-OK, people. Everybody is free to go. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow, same time. Emma, you stay. Please.
That took her by surprise. Cyclops was displeased with her, that she could sense. But that much? He tried to sound calmer than he really was but was failing miserably. Or she was sensing too much from him. She considered looking into his head for a moment, but quickly decided it was not worth it. Xavier would try to eat her alive after this and that was not something she was looking forward to.
-I will let it pass for now, but you should have noticed we have uniforms. What you are wearing is not looking like one. Not even close. I want that corrected by tomorrow.
Emma arched her brow in feign surprise. She really should have expected this. Probably she never fully believed someone could try to get her into … this. She smiled as sweetly as she could.
-Sorry to disappoint you, darling. But only way you are getting me to wear this is by using brute force. And you want do that to me, will you?
Danger Room door could not be slammed as it went into and out of the wall. Exactly what Emma needed now. She knew that as the door closed behind her Scott Summers distinctively heard snake hissing.