Chapter Two: New Friends, a Tour, and the Danger Room

After that wonderful speech on the television, everybody left the room to go somewhere else in the mansion. However, it wasn't instantaneous where everybody made the decision to leave the room at the same time, it was more of a gradual process. At first it was the older students who left the room and when the younger kids noticed, they followed after them.

A group of younger kids passed by and I watched as they turned back to look at the television; half of the kids' expressions were mad but the other half were scared. Then they turned around and left, without a single glance back.

"Hey Jay!" a voice called from down the hall. I turned around and saw Bobby running down the hall towards me. A smile made its way on my face "Hi Bobby."

Bobby came to a stop in front of me, breathing a little heavily, and smiled "I was wondering if you've met anybody in the mansion yet?"

I rose my eyebrows at him "I've met you." A light blush appeared on Bobby's cheeks and he looked down at the ground shyly, "Well, yeah, but I meant if you've met anyone else besides me."

I giggled "I'm just messing with you Bobby, I knew what you meant and no I haven't met anyone else." Bobby glanced up at me from the ground, his blush still present in his cheeks "Yeah, of course I knew that, I was just playing along."

"Uh huh, sure you were." I teased him.

Bobby smiled at me and turned towards Scott "Hey Scott is it okay if I go introduce them to some people?"

"Actually I was sup—"

"Great!" Bobby said cheerfully and quickly grabbed my hand and ran. I nearly fell from the sudden movement but Bobby steadied me by grabbing my arm and pulling me beside him "Whoa, that would've put a delay in our getaway."

"Yeah, wouldn't want that to happen." I said sarcastically "Where are we going anyway?"

Bobby gave me a quick smile, flashing his teeth, "To go introduce you to my friends."

Bobby led me back into the entrance room, around the staircase, and into a hallway. Bobby didn't stop his running until we were all the way down the hall and about to enter a closed doorway.

Bobby stopped and stood in front of me, grabbing both of my hands. His hands were considerably cooler than any person's hands I have ever felt. They weren't unbearably cold; they were just lukewarm. Bobby had an excited expression on his face "Are you ready to meet my friends?"

I smiled at him and laughed, his excitement contagious, "Yeah, I am. But before we do, let me ask my fri—" I turned around only to find an empty hallway. "Where did they go?"

I turned back to look at Bobby and found him rubbing the back of his head, his brows furrowed in confusion, "I thought they were right behind us." I thought over the last few moments, trying to figure out how we lost them, when it hit me. "Well you did only grab my hand. Plus we left really fast, so they were probably surprised like Scott was."

Bobby thought about it for a moment, "Yeah, I probably should've planned it better. Sorry about that." Bobby said in a somber voice. His brows furrowed, his shoulders drooped, and his lips turned downwards. He looked genuinely apologetic. "Hey," I put my hand on his shoulder and he looked up at me with sad blue eyes "it's okay, you don't need to be sad. My friends can just meet your friends later, I'm sure they would be okay with it."

Bobby looked doubtful, "Are you sure?"

I smiled and nodded "I'm sure."

Bobby immediately perked up and his excited expression returned, "Great! Let's go." Bobby pushed open the doors and led me into the room.

The room turned out to be the kitchen. It was a fairly large kitchen with white tiles on the floor and marble counters. There was a huge fridge along the left wall and there was an island in the center of the room. Surrounding the island was a group of five teenagers. There were two boys and three girls. One boy had black hair and was the tallest and bulkiest guy I have ever seen. He was sitting next to a small girl with light brown hair who was chewing bubble gum. The other boy had blue skin and a tail and was sitting next to an Asian girl with a pixie hairstyle. The last girl had brown hair with some white strips in it and was wearing gloves.

"Hey guys," Bobby called to them catching their attention and making them turn to face us, "I have someone I want you to meet."

"It's about time!" the girl sitting next to the black haired boy said and jumped down from the table and practically ran towards me, tackling me into a hug. "Hi it's so nice to meet you! My name is Katherine Pryde, but you can call me Kitty, everyone does. You see we were waiting for hours for Bobby to introduce us to you. He came to us earlier in the day and was like 'hey guys I just met the newcomers and one of them is really—" The boy with black hair covered her mouth, "Sorry about Kitty, she really likes to talk." the boy stuck out his hand "My name is Piotr Rasputin, it is pleasure to meet you."

I smiled and shook his hand, noting that his hand entirely coved my own and that he had a Russian accent, "Hi Piotr, I'm Jay Valentine and it's also a pleasure to meet you." I then turned my attention to the mouth-covered Kitty and waved "Hi Kitty." Kitty waved back and tried to remove Piotr's hand but his hand didn't move an inch. Kitty scowled folding her arms across her chest and Piotr picked Kitty up and carried her back to the island.

Then the blue skinned boy walked up, looking nervous and thinking very loudly. Even though I had my mental walls put up, I didn't put them up that strongly. It was more of a curtain covering up the noise. "I hope he isn't scared of me, like every new person I meet is. Oh no he's looking at me, I knew I should've put on my image inducer earlier. Great, now he's gone silent, that's a bad sign. Is he shocked that I'm a hideous monster? Ugh, I hate myself." The anguish, nervousness, and self-loathing he felt was washing over me like a waterfall.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I ran over to him. He looked shocked and then a scared expression came upon his face and he closed his eyes as if bracing himself for a hit. I flung my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. His body tensed but then relaxed as he realized it was a hug "Don't you ever have those thoughts again! You are a beautiful human being and you should never let others bring you down to their level. Who cares if there are people who don't like you, all that matters is the people who do care about you." I squeezed him into a tighter hug and he slowly raised his arms to hug me as well. "What's your name?" I asked him softly "My name is Kurt Wagner." he answered me in the same soft voice. "Well, Kurt Wagner, my name is Jay Valentine and you can add me to the list of people who care about you."

After a couple of seconds, I pulled away from the hug, wiping my eyes and went to stand by Bobby again. Kurt looked at me with a look of gratitude and surprise "H-how did you know I was having those thoughts?"

I shrugged and smiled sheepishly "I'm a telepath."

Kurt's face soured a little "You were in my head?"

I quickly shook my head "No, no, I would never go inside a person's head without their permission. You were just projecting your thoughts very loudly."

Kurt's expression relaxed and he nodded "Thank you." I smiled at him "You're very welcome."

The Asian girl with the pixie hairstyle walked up next to Kurt and put a hand on his shoulder, "I always tell Kurt that there are two kinds of people: the good and the bad. Thank you for being the good." the girl walked up to me and lightly punched my arm "the name's Jubilee by the way."

I smiled "Nice to meet you Jubilee, I'm Jay."

Jubilee walked back to Kurt and was talking to him in hushed tones and smiling as they walked back to the island in the middle of the kitchen. I looked at Piotr and Kitty and smiled as Kitty gave me a big smile with a thumbs up and Piotr gave an approving nod.

"Well that was mighty kind of you," a southern voice said and I turned to look at the girl with white strips in her hair, "My name's Rogue and I think we'll get along just fine." Rogue gave me a kind smile and a light hug. "I think so too. I'm Jay." I said as she pulled away from the hug and she smiled "Yeah, I know."

Bobby cleared his throat "Well, I'm going to give Jay a tour of the mansion so we'll see you guys later." Bobby said and grabbed my hand while walking towards the door. I waved at my new found friends, smiling, "Bye guys."

There was a chorus of byes and smiling faces as I left the room. I smiled and caught up to Bobby where we were walking side by side "You're friends are nice."

Bobby glanced down at me and I noted that I only came to his chin "I'm glad you like them," Bobby smiled at me, "cause now they're your friends too."

I smiled back at Bobby, "Yeah, I guess they are."

A pressure squeezed my hand and I realized that Bobby was still holding my hand. Heat rushed to my cheeks, "Um, Bobby?" Bobby looked down at me, smiling slightly, "Yeah?"

"You're still holding my hand."

Bobby's cheeks turned pink and he immediately let go of my hand "Sorry."

A rush of warm air replaced Bobby's hand and a twinge of disappointment ran through me. Wait disappointment? Why am I disappointed for? I mentally shrugged, I probably just liked that Bobby's hands were cool. Yeah, that was it.

"So where are we going to start the tour first?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, about that," Bobby said sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head "I kind of just said that so we could just talk alone and get to know each other without them bothering us."

Surprise flickered across my face, Bobby wanted to get to know me?

"I thought it would be easier to get to know each other that way. Not that I don't want my friends to get to know you, I just wanted to get to know you first. Wait, that sounds selfish. You know what, we can just head back to them if you like and we could get to know each other there or I can give you that tour and we—"

I covered Bobby's mouth with my hand, effectively cutting off his rambling "Bobby, I think it's a great idea."

Bobby looked confused and mumbled through my hand "Which one?"

I took my hand away and smiled shyly "Your original one."

"How did you know that I wanted to sneak all of the food from the kitchen into my room?" Bobby asked in a confused voice.

I laughed and rolled my eyes "I actually didn't know you had that planned, but I will file it away for future preference." Bobby blushed at my remark, but still looked a little confused so I continued, "I meant your plan where we just get to know each other. You know, alone."

Realization dawned on his face and Bobby gave me a toothy smile "That's great, cause I know a great place we can talk."

I waited for Bobby to start walking so I could follow him, but he just stood still. I turned to him with an expectant expression, "Aren't you going to show me where we're going to talk?"

"Yeah I am, but the thing is," Bobby smiled slyly "I'm going to have to hold your hand."

The most logical and easiest way was for Bobby to lead the way and for me to follow behind him. But, I couldn't help a sense of happiness at getting to hold Bobby's hand again. I mean I was just happy to hold a cooler-than-average-person's hand that would relieve me of the warm air. Right?

"Okay." I said and shyly put my hand in his to which he grabbed, "Let's go!" he shouted and ran down the hallway where he took us back into the entrance hall and out the front door.

The sudden burst of sunlight on my face was causing me to blink my eyes rapidly, trying to adjust to the brightness. However, the brightness of the sun didn't seem to bother Bobby as he didn't slow down. "Come on."

Bobby turned left and we ran down the length of the mansion and turned to go in the back. We passed by a tennis court and some hedges before we made it into the backyard. A giant swimming pool was in the center and past it was a few scattered trees leading into a forest.

We ran past the pool and kept running until we were standing by a tree close to the edge of the forest. I gasped for air and bent down to put my hands on my knees "Do…do you always….run everywhere you…go?"

Bobby laughed and sat at the foot of the tree "Not usually, but I wanted to get here fast."

I sat down next to Bobby "What's the rush? Afraid someone might get here first?" I joked.

Bobby gave a slight chuckle "Something like that."

Bobby's tone seemed as if what he had said had a double meaning. What did he mean by that? I glanced at him, planning to ask him, only to find him staring right at me. My question died in my throat and I simply stared at the boy sitting in front of me.

At a first glance anyone could see that Bobby was attractive. With his extremely soft looking hair that was set in a perfectly messy way and how his flawless skin seemingly glowed in the sunlight. How his lips were a coral pink, looking as if they were just waiting to be kissed and behind his lips were two rows of perfectly white teeth. And his eyes. Oh his eyes were so beautiful. They were a brilliant blue in color and looked even brighter as they gleamed in the sunlight. As I stared into them I felt suddenly vulnerable, as if he were staring into my very soul.

As I stared longer at Bobby I noticed his emotions were displayed across his face: his lips were curved upwards in a dreamy yet happy smile and his eyes shined with emotions that I couldn't quite distinguish.

I wasn't sure how many minutes had passed of me just staring at Bobby, but I didn't really care. I felt like I could stare into Bobby's eyes forever and I would be perfectly fine with it. No not fine…I would be content.

Then his lips moved and I could vaguely hear his voice, I blinked in confusion "W-what did you say?"

"I said," Bobby paused for dramatic effect and smiled "are you were reading my mind?"

I shook my head "No I wasn't. I don't read minds without permission, remember?"

"Yeah I do, it's just that," Bobby shrugged nonchalantly and a teasing smile graced his lips "you were staring at me for a long time."

Heat rushed to my face and I crossed my arms indignantly, "I was not staring."

Bobby smiled cheekily, "Oh yeah? What were you doing then?"

I felt as if my face was going to catch on fire, what with all the heat I felt on it. "I was just…..glancing at you"

"I'm pretty sure that was more than a glance." Bobby teased and (if it was even possible) more heat rushed to my face. Bobby laughed "I'm just joking, besides it's fun to make you blush. You look pretty adorable when you do."

I turned to look at Bobby so fast I'm surprised I didn't get whiplash. Did he just say I looked adorable? A feeling of happiness surged through me though I wasn't quite sure why.

Bobby had a blush blossoming on his cheeks and before he could say anything, I spoke "Would reading your mind be the only reason I would be staring at you?"

Bobby looked relieved that I hadn't addressed what had just occurred and answered "Well you are a telepath and I was afraid I was thinking too loudly like Kurt did."

Curiosity filled me and I restrained myself from entering his mind, "What were you thinking about?"

Bobby blushed again. Now he looked like the adorable blusher. I mean friends call each other adorable all the time and Bobby and I were just friends. Yeah, just friends.

"Um, some pretty embarrassing things." Bobby admitted and rubbed his hand on the back of his head.

"Do you want to tell me these 'embarrassing things'?" I asked.

Bobby looked thoughtful "Maybe I will in the future, cause right now we have a job to do."

"What's that?"

Bobby smiled excitedly "Getting to know each other!"

I laughed, remembering why we had come out here in the first place, "Well, what do you want to know?"

"Well, first things first," Bobby said seriously "do you like ice?"

"Ice?" I asked incredulously, "That's your first question?"

"Just answer the question, please."

"Well, since you said please," I smiled "yes I do like ice. I actually love ice now that I think about it. Now is it my turn?"

Bobby looked pleased "Yeah, yeah, it's your turn."

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, Bobby looked too pleased "Why are you so pleased?"

Bobby smiled mysteriously "Your answer to my first question is for future preferences. Okay now it's my turn."

"Wait! It's still my turn I didn't get to ask a question yet!"

Bobby raised his eyebrows, "You just did."

I opened my mouth to deny it but quickly closed it. "Fine, you can go." I admitted reluctantly and crossed my arms.

"What's your favorite type of food to eat?"

"Well, I love all kinds of food so it will be hard to just pick one," I thought aloud "but if I really had to pick one I guess I'd choose….Italian food."

Bobby's eyes widened "I love Italian food! What's your favorite dish?"

"Spaghetti."

Bobby's eyes widened further and he jumped up into a kneeling position "That's my favorite dish too!"

It was my turn for my eyes to widen "No way, that's so cool!"

Bobby sat back down and smirked "Would you say it's really cool?"

I looked at him suspiciously, "Yeah I guess. Why?"

Bobby's smirk widened "No reason."

I sighed, I should've seen that one coming. Oh well, "Okay, now it's my turn. Um…" I thought for a moment "what is your favorite drink?"

"Easy," Bobby answered "Water. Oh and Pepsi too."

I nodded thoughtfully "Yeah I like those too, but I like them better with ice."

Bobby's smirk returned, "You like it better with ice, huh?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but I felt someone press against my mind. I frowned and put a finger to my head and tried to find out who it was. The force belonged to a very powerful telepath that somehow felt familiar, then I remembered: it was the professor. I was about to lift my mental curtain, but the presence left my head.

"We have to go." Bobby said and stood up. I hurried to follow his movements and stood up as well. "Where to?" I asked him and he offered me his hand "The Danger Room."

Sounds promising. I took Bobby's hand and he led the way, running, to our destination. We ran to the back door of the mansion and went inside where it opened into a hallway. We ran down the hallway and through a door into the entrance hall where we went behind the staircase and onto an elevator. "I didn't know there was an elevator here." I stated and Bobby squeezed my hand and smiled "If we went on that tour, you would've."

And for some reason I found that funny. I started to laugh and Bobby did the same and before you knew it we were two laughing mutant teenage boys holding hands in an elevator.

The doors opened to reveal a hallway covered in gray tiles "This is the subbasement, where the X Men come to train and learn about missions. Plus we have an infirmary here too." Bobby said and led me down the hallway and stopped at a door halfway down the hall, "Through here is the Danger Room's control panel and below it is the Danger Room itself."

Bobby pushed the door open to reveal the control room. Inside the room was the professor, Scott, and my friends. "Hello Bobby, Jay, it's nice of you to join us." the professor greeted us as we walked in. "Hey professor." Bobby greeted as I said "Hi professor."

"Took you long enough." Scott said and smiled as he glanced down at our still clasped hands "I see you guys got acquainted."

I blushed and immediately let go of Bobby's hand "Oh w-we aren't—" Bobby cut me off and threw his hand over my shoulders and pulled me against the side of his body "Yeah, we aren't acquaintances. We're friends. Really good friends, right Jay?"

"Yeah, we are." I smiled up at Bobby and he returned it. Heat filled my cheeks as I noticed just how close we were to each other. "Sure you guys are." Scott said with an amused expression and walked to stand beside the professor.

"Bobby, could I have a word with you?" the professor asked Bobby. "Yeah, of course professor." Bobby let go of me and went to talk to the professor. I watched Bobby as he walked away and then turned to look at my friends. "Hey guys." I said cheerfully.

"Hey guys?" Amara asked angrily "You ditch us and all we get is 'hey guys?' Do you know how worried we were about you!?"

"Actually it was just Amara who was worried about you. Julian and I knew you would be alright." Manuel stated and Amara glared at him "Hey! I'm talking here," Amara glanced at me "well, what do you have to say for yourself?"

I ran over to Amara and gave her a hug "I'm sorry we left you. We honestly thought you guys were following behind us and I am so, so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

Amara returned my hug "Of course I can forgive you, heck I already have forgiven you. Just don't ever do that again, okay?"

I nodded and pulled away from the hug "Okay I promise to never ditch you guys again. So what did you guys do while Bobby and I were gone?"

"Scott took us for a tour and when we got to the kitchen we met some really cool people. Their names were Kitty, Piotr, Kurt, Jubilee, and Rogue and they were super nice too!" Amara said excitedly and I smiled at her "Oh my gosh, what a coincidence! I met them too! Bobby introduced me to them."

Amara smirked at me "So what did you and Bobby do after meeting them?"

I rolled my eyes at her smirk, but told her of Bobby taking me outside so we could get to know each other. As I told Amara the story, her smirk seemed to get bigger by the second. Once I finished I gave Amara a questioning glance "Why are you smirking so hugely?"

Amara's smirk grew wider and she opened her mouth to answer, but the professor cut her off "In order for you four to join the X Men, I would like to get a feel for your abilities. This is where the Danger Room comes in hand," the professor gestured to the room below the control panel, "the Danger Room is designed to test a mutant's powers and challenge them. Before you go in there yourselves, I would like Iceman to give a demonstration."

I shared confused looks with my friends and turned to the professor, "Who's Iceman, professor?" I asked.

The professor pointed at Bobby, "Iceman is Bobby's codename for the X Men."

"Why are you called Iceman for?" I asked Bobby.

Bobby straightened his posture and winked at me "Cause of this." Suddenly Bobby's entire body was encased in ice and he walked to the door leading to the Danger Room.

"Bobby's mutant ability allows him to manipulate ice by freezing the water vapor in the air around him." the professor explained as Bobby walked to the middle of the Danger Room and waved at us.

Wait a minute, if Bobby can control ice and his codename is Iceman then that question about ice he asked earlier…..

….and how I answered….

I just basically said I like Bobby.

Crap.