St John the Divine: Invitation
- Chibi Lurrel

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Dinner is tense. Pyro supposes he should have expected that, but he didn't expect the looks of fear and respect from the younger kids, even some of the older new kids. Gambit, a guy he only sees in passing, even gives him a respectful little nod. He sits down at the adult's table, as usual, and it still makes him feel a little weird. He can't remember who used to sit in his seat.

'That was excellent work today, St. John,' says Storm, and she doesn't look as like she's bullshitting her enthusiasm like she normally does when talking to him.

'Thanks. I uh, think I probably overdid it though.'

'Well, we were able to put Mr. Drake back as good as new,' Dr. McCoy says, smiling. He was definitely Pyro's new favourite staff member, easy going and hilarious, but dangerously smart.

Bobby and Rogue walk into dinner late, and sit far away from Pyro. He doesn't care, really, it's just weird.

'Your face feeling any better?'

Bobby looks up. 'Oh, yeah. I've been, uh. Icing it,' he says with an apologetic wince.

'Well, you two certainly put on a wonderful display for the students today, so thank you both very much for that,' Storm says, and Bobby blushes a little. What a tool.

'I still don't get what was so great about watching two kids beat the hell outta each other, Storm.'

'We haven't been emphasizing fighting as much with the new kids here; Storm and Dr. McCoy figures we should work with gettin' 'em ready for both college and the real world,' Logan says gruffly.

'It's a lot easier for mutants to get into college if they have proof that they've got their powers under control, and we can give them that kind of paper work,' Bobby adds.

John nods. 'I guess that makes sense.'

'But when we do have them train for combat situations, many of the students are hesitant to fight each other.'

'You know, the usual 'If I punch her, she'll never go out with me' worries,' Rogue drawls, and Pyro laughs.

'So having two friends engage in a very real training activity was probably beneficial, as long as you two don't suddenly hate each other?'

'Naw, no hard feelings here, huh Drake?' Pyro leers across the table and Bobby blushes again.

'Nope. Though next time, I'm going to kick your ass.'

'The last reason,' Storm says, interrupting their testosterone fest, 'is that I felt it would be educational for the students to see the handywork of a fully trained member of the Brotherhood.'

Pyro tenses immediately. 'I guess it was only a matter of time, then, huh?'

'As nice as it has been to ignore the real reason you have not been here, you know it can't go on forever. I, and the rest of the team, would like to cordially invite you to become a working member of the X-Men.'

'Well.' St. John isn't really sure what to say. 'I'll think about it.'

'You've got a week,' Storm says with such authority that Pyro remembers why it was her who was second, and now first, in command.

'Sure thing, ma'am.'

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Author's Note: It's weird how linear this story has gotten and I'm not sure I like it but hey! Plot and stuff. Sorry this updates so sporadically but school is killing me, unsurprisingly.