Disclaimer- I don't own the X-Men. They belong to Marvel Comics.

Mutant High Episode 3- "Shades of Red"

Chapter 2

Is this what the world will look like from now on? Seeing everything in red. It's better than being blind, I know that. I know I'm lucky that survived.

But what would have been really lucky would have been avoiding this whole mess in the first place.

"Earth to Space Cadet Scott! You gonna lie there like you're in a coma, or come to school today?"

Scott's attention snapped to Jean. She'd offered him a ride to school today. His vision was alright, good enough- but Scott had to convince the world around him he was visually impaired. And Remy was free first period that day.

"Yeah, sorry… I guess I'm just bummed about having to be back. The long break was a much needed luxury."

"You think?" Jean asked, as she locked her vehicle. "I mean, it was nice for a while, but come on- I need something to do with myself. You can't tell me you really didn't get bored sitting around all week."

Scott put a hand to his chin and stroked. "Hmm…. Nope, can't say I recall boredom. But statistics? You want to talk boring, talk statistics."

Jean made a face in disgust. "I'm sure. I can barely handle Algebra 3- why the hell did you ever take that course?"

"Transcript credit, mostly," revealed Scott. "Though in retrospect… it was stupid of me. I'd much rather be taking classes that I enjoy." He paused, as they walked into the side entrance. The front lobby was still closed off as the ravaged floor and walls underwent repair.. During the attack, Rogue had absorbed the memories of one of the mutants, including the names involved of those in the attack. Their whole plan. She and Dr. Xavier gave the names to the cops. School was put on hiatus for a week- a matter of safety- while the offenders were investigated. However hard they searched, the cops had found nothing yet. But school couldn't stay closed forever, and thus the students of Westchester were now begrudgingly returning to their educations.

"I guess I've changed a lot since last year," Scott proclaimed, as the two entered the flood of students.

"I'm headed up," said Jean, gesturing to the staircase. "I'll see you Scott."

"Yeah."

Scott veered left into his US History classroom, taking his seat. This was where it began. Most of the kids were either talking to their friends or half asleep at their seats. But some people were definitely looking at him. Looking at them.

Amy in the seat diagonally ahead of him turned over her shoulder and smiled tackily. "Hey Scott, enjoy the break?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Mhm. Cute shades."
"Oh, um… thanks."

Cute shades? Scott mentally vomited. Amy seemed to think that because they both liked boys that they were best friends ever. Scott self-conciously adjusted his glasses.

They don't look that girly, do they? He wondered.

"A bit bright in here, eh Scott?" joked Mr. Lombardi. Scott hesitated.

"Yeah, I guess…"

This was awkward. Scott hadn't exactly considered just how hard it would be to explain to people what had happened.

But he'd have to start somewhere.

"Well, actually, Mr. Lombardi…"

Jean's first two classes passed fairly uneventfully- except, perhaps for a physics test on light, which she believed she had failed in a manner as spectacular as the color spectrum.

Now, she was free for the next four periods- a chance occurrence in her schedule, but such days were known to pop up for students every now and then.

She sighed as she headed towards the Cafeteria, intent on starting her extra credit for History. The library was closed off, ever since Dom's little freak out.

But before she could reach her destination, she was awkwardly intercepted.

"Hey Jean."
"Hey, Remy."
"You free now?"
Lie. Say No.

"Yeah. Why?"
"I've got a huge string of frees today. I was gonna head out for a bite." Remy dangled his keys.

"You're asking if I want to come?"
"Perceptive, aren't you? I can see why Scott likes you so much."

Jean sneered, and began to walk. Remy grabbed her by the shoulder.

"That came out wrong."

"So did your head," Jean retorted.

"You're funny, you know? Scott's always saying what a great sense of humor you got."

"Remy, what's your point?"
"You know my point, Jean. You don't even need to read my mind."
"Is it possible for you to stop being sarcastic for just one second?"

"I'm not being sarcastic, Jean. We've got a lot in common, you know."

"Like what, we're both mutants?"

"Yeah. That, and we're both in love with the same guy."

Jean turned bright red. Is it that obvious?

Remy dangled his keys again. "Come on. My treat. All the McMuffins you can eat."

Jean wrinkled her nose. "Can we not go to McDonalds? Please?"

Remy shrugged. "Farmer's Market?"

Jean smiled. "Sounds good."

Pearlman Field, named for Arnie Pearlman, stretching like the train of a wedding gown from the back of the school. It was the primary location of the baseball teams home games, but more importantly than that, it was the sweet escape from a many walled prison. For many of Westchester High's students, a warm day and a period free meant a relaxing nap in the fresh grass, the sun tickling their faces. It meant a game of ultimate Frisbee in the large expanse of field.

For Remy, the field meant an escape of a different kind. Propped against a tree at the far end of the field, he lit the cigarette between his lips and inhaled deeply. It was a stupid habit, he knew that. A friend of his had told him smoking cigarettes would increase your high when smoking something else. It did that, sure. But now it increased so much more than his high- it increased his ability to ground himself. Without the hot coals throwing nicotine into his lungs, Remy felt lost.

He offered the cigarette to Rogue. She shook her head.

"Ya'll know I don't smoke, Remy."

"You don't smoke cigarettes."

"Semantics."

"Suit yourself." Remy took another drag and stared out over the vast field. "Like the Veldt," he muttered.

"The what?"

"African plains. I'm like the lion. The king of the jungle. The most dangerous animal in the land."

"Rawr."

"The king, Rogue. I could have any lioness I want."

"And realistically, you know what you have? An overactive imagination."

"A guy can dream, can't he?" Another puff, another wisp of smoke. Remy's glance wandered along the bodies of the group of teenagers, sprawled against the earth.

"I… I really like him, Rogue. What if the rumors aren't true?"

Rogue laughed. "Remy, a guy not barking up your tree has never stopped you from barking back. Flirt with him."

Remy nodded, dragged again, and handed the cigarette to Rogue.

"Hold this, Rogue. I'm gonna go talk to Scott Summers."

And with all the confidence in the world, Remy waltzed onto his battlefield.