Stargazer

by The Dark Zodiac

Disclaimer: I don't own the X-Men characters or any of that jazz.

Author Notes: I hope you've enjoyed the story so far and I know this chapter is kinda short so I'm gonna post chapter 4 quite soon. Quite. Enjoy! Reviews are much appreciated!

Chapter III: In The Rain

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rhys," Professor Xavier welcomed as they shook hands.

"I've heard a lot about you."

"I apologize for bringing you here without warning, but under the circumstances, I hope you understand."

"Yeah, there's just the one little thing about my parents probably being home and me...well...not being there and there may or may not be some remnants of a giant ugly robot that tried to kill me."

"Do not be concerned about your parents. Through telepathic suggestion, I convinced them you went to visit a friend in New York and they simply forgot about it."

"You're a telepath?"

The Professor explained to Rhys what the X-Men were all about, as well as the Mansion and present situation with the mutant hunting robots known as Sentinels, the Brotherhood, and various other pressing issues. Throughout the entire conversation, Peter stood silently, stealing glances of Rhys every few minutes. With little convincing, Rhys agreed to attend the school and the Professor contacted his parents to set up a meeting, leaving out the fact that he was, indeed, a mutant.

"Peter, why don't you show Rhys the grounds and help him get acquainted with some of the other students?"

"Sure, Professor. Is that okay, Rhys?"

"Absolutely. Just...one question. How do I get home?"

The Professor laughed and assured Rhys that everything would be taken care of in due time, though Rhys still had some concerns about actually getting home. And dealing with his parents. And Saturn. But right now he was being shown around a gorgeous Mansion by a mutant who had thoroughly piqued his interest.

"Our rooms are really nice, but the grounds are just astounding. I love walking aimlessly," Peter said as he led Rhys around the gardens.

"I love walking in the rain. It's one of my favorite pastimes. Especially while listening to music."

"The rain is so...calming. I love painting when it rains."

"Inside I hope."

"You're still not funny."

"I'm hilarious. And…you paint?"

"In my spare time, which I've been having less and less of."

"I take it being an X-Man is a fulltime job. What's your mutant name?"

"Colossus."

"Heh. It fits…but at the same time…is misleading."

"And how is it misleading?"

"Because you're much more gentle than your name implies."

They both managed weak smile as their cheeks flushed a deep shade of red .Just then dark clouds began to form in the sky and a gentle rain was merely the harbinger for the torrential downpour that was to come, but Rhys and Peter continued to wander around outside.

"It's raining pretty hard," Peter observed as the two of them sat on a stone bench beneath a weeping willow tree.

"I thought you liked the rain."

"I do. But we're both soaked."

"I think I can take care of that," Rhys said as he created a telekinetic umbrella over their heads.

"So...you think you're gonna join the X-Men."

"I already told the Professor yes. You were in the room, remember?"

"Heh, I guess I forgot."

"Get a little distracted?" he asked with a smile. "Let's head back to the Mansion."

As they walked down the stone path to the Mansion, Rhys slipped and fell right on his ass. Peter grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet with a smile.

"You okay?"

"My ass is killing me, but fine. Thanks."

The clouds suddenly parted, revealing a fiercely bright sun.

"Uh…is it me or is the weather really bizarre around here?"

"It's probably just Storm having a mood swing."

"Storm?"

"You'll meet her later. She can control the weather and sometimes the weather matches her mood."

"That sounds…terrifying."

"You know that move The Day After Tomorrow?"

"The one with that guy who played the gay cowboy?"

"Yeah."

"Whoa."

End Chapter III: In The Rain

Thanks for reading!