Chapter Text
As I stepped into the pub a cold ran over me. I could see the chairs and the tables slowly appering around me. Than I heard the crowd. I took some steps forward as I left the door open behind me.
„Close the door!” Someone shouted at me. I looked around seeing no one looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders, then took one step till someone shouted at again. „Close the fucking door, you slut!” What the fuck? I tought. „Who said that?” I tried to speak louder then normal speaking, so that person would get my attention.
I waited for a couple of seconds, no answer. I decided to close the door, because I didn’t wanted to make an notice. I didn’t wanted people to find out that I’m a mutant.
I found the place quite interesting so I wanted to look around, before going to the counter to have a drink. The counter was in the middel, there were a lot of chairs and tables around it. I saw a few plates, but not quite a lot.
As I got closer, I realized that the pub was much more bigger than I expected. On the right there was another room with -who would’ve guess- full of people. Gosh I hate people. I would rather be at home, than here without plates.
I had a weird feeling that someone I knew would be here. I looked around for a few more mintues, after that I went to the counter and asked for a drink.
„What can I get for you?” The bartender asked. „One Margaritha, please.” The barist nodded with a shlight smile. He was dressed in a casual bartender outfit with an odd hat. He also had a mustache. I stared at him for a couple of seconds, then quickly turned my head away, so it wouldn’t get weird.
That was the best second of the day. That’s when I saw my best friend in the world. Raven. I felt like some big rock just fell down from my heart. I made a sign to the bartender that I’ll be back in a minute. I started walking torwards Raven. Some of the people started pushing me to another direction. I just wanted to create a giant tendril around me to block the people. I couldn’t.
I managed to get Raven’s attention. I saw a big smile on her face as she walked up to me. „How come that I found you here, Leigh?” She asked with a qurious voice. „I should ask the same! It’s so good to see you.” I leand in for a hug that she quickly acceped.
„I haven’t seen you in weeks. How you been doing?” She asked as we walked to the counter. „You know the usual. But it’s my first time here! Do you go here often?” I answerd then I sat down onto one of the the chairs. While the waiter gave me my drink.
She sat next to me while she said. „Well to be honest, yeah like every day.” I guess I looked a little surpised ’cause she changed her answer quickly. „Okay, maybe not every day.” I laughed a little as I saw her looking around. It looked like she was waiting for someone.
„Are you waiting for someone?” I asked while crossing my legs. I saw a nervous look on her face as she scratched her head. “You know my brother Charles?” I tilted my head. “No, not really. Once you talked about him, but in 3 years you never introduce me to him. Wait, he is here?” I got a bit excited; I had no idea why.
“Yeah, he is.” She sighed. “And there he is.” She pointed to a guy who was in his early twenties. He wore a white shirt with a vest. His brown hair looked stunning. And his brown eyes... Somehow, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
He waved in our direction. He waved at me? No, what? He didn’t even know me, yet. He waved at Raven. Raven, right. He slowly approached us, trying to get through the crowd.
When he finally got here, he looked even more handsome. He smiled at Raven, then gave her a hug. His smile was mesmerizing. I bet his lips were soft like a rose petal.
“Charles this is Leigh, my best friend.” Raven introduced us. I didn’t realize that she was doing that, until she nudged my shoulder. I looked at her confused for a sec. Then I quickly realized the sign.
“Nice to meet you my name is Leigh!” I held out my hand shacking. He glanced at me, then he smiled. “Charles, Charles Xavier. Nice to meet you too.” He grabbed my hand and shacked it gently.
“MCR-1 is in the active condition, it produces eumelanin, which causes dark hair. Which is yours and 85% of the populations.” I blinked at him a couple of times trying to understand what that pretty boy was saying. Well, I had no idea. I stared a Raven with a “help me out please” look. That did not help, so I conclude that it was a compliment I said. “Thanks.”
“Anything for a beautiful girl like you.” He winked at me. I felt like my whole body was about to explode and I bet I was red as a tomato. “Charles, stop. And you know our deal.” Raven gave him an annoyed look. She said the last part quieter.
“Fine.” He crossed his arms, then looked at me again. “So, Leigh do you live near?” “I am sorry. What did you say, Raven? What deal?” They both faced each other at the same time. They both looked anxious. It made me nervous. So, they talked about me before. And they had a plan?
“Well.” Raven cough. “We made a bet so that- “” That I can’t buy any lady a drink tonight.” Charles quickly finished the sentence and winked at me. “Umm…Okay.” I gave a nervous laugh, then took a sip of my drink. They were hiding something.
“Now if you’ll excuse my ladies, I have a bet to complete.” Before he left, he added. “Other than this of course. You can watch me if you desire.” He glanced at me. “I’ll be on the other side of the bar.” He pointed at some guys. One of them was holding a big tube. He turned around and walked up to them.
“Okayyy. Sooo, you met my brother Charles. It wasn’t that bad, right?” She gave a nervous smile and a little laugh at the end. “No, it wasn’t.” I was still looking at him. “Instead, it was quite pleasing.”
“Shall we go there?” She asked. “Yeah, I think it would be fun.” I started walking. I saw, Charles getting on top of a table as we approached. When we got there one of his friends -I suppose- gave him the large tube that was filled with beer.
I stood next to Raven as everyone started shouting. “Drink! Drink! DRINK!” The crowd became louder and louder. Raven next to me shouted too. Charles looked around, searching for me. When he found me gave me the biggest smile he could and started chugging. And chugged and chugged. To be honest it was pretty impressive. I’ve never seen anyone do such a thing.
He finished in about 2 minutes. Everyone was cheering. Raven raised her hands, then Charles shouted. “YEAHH!” Everyone was laughing. After that he got off the table and hugged Raven. I was jealous. I wanted him to hug me.
“Oh, I’m so proud of you.” Raven said with a smirk. “You are not that impressed, right? He glanced at me. I sighed and laughed a little. “Of course I am, not everyone can do this…. thing.” I looked to the tube. He gave me little laugh. “I think we need another drink.” He looked at Raven. “And you need a cola.” “I thought that you are not supposed to buy me drink.” I smiled. “Well, if Raven doesn’t mind.” “I certainly do not.” She spoke. “But be back soon.”
When he left, I asked. “Why don’t you drink something with alcohol, Raven?” I saw her getting upset. “I don’t know. I just don’t like the taste, I guess.” She looked to the floor. “Okay, I don’t know it’s just weird.” I glanced at Charles direction as I sat down. I saw him chatting with a girl. She had brown hair like mine.
“For a pretty bean, with an MCR-1 gene, I have five.” I overheard them speaking. He said the same to me. Of course. What a dick. He was just using his games, but Raven stopped him, so now he is with another chick. I rolled my eyes as I looked back to Raven.
“Is something wrong?” She asked concerned. “No.” Somehow when she asked, I became more anxious and upset. I felt like I was drowning. “I need some fresh air.” I said as I ran out of the building. She didn’t even have time to realize what was happening I was out.
As soon as I stepped out the cold hit me. I was so stupid. Stupid. STUPID! I only knew him for like an hour. I don’t even like him. But it feels like I have known him for like a decade.
I ran to the closest ally and sat down. I hate him so much. Closed my eyes. I felt like I could lose control of my powers any minute. Why am I so upset?
“Why, why, why?” I stared beating my head as tear drops fell from my eyes. I took a deep breath. I need to clean my head. Or I’ll expose myself. That I’m a mutant. I decided to use the technique that my mother showed me. Inhale. Exhale. I continued doing that until I opened my eyes and realized that there were plants around me. A lot.
I got up quickly, wiping off the tears with my sweater. Then took a few steps so I would be suspicious. I stood there inhaling and exhaling for a minute or two. After that I made the flowers disappear. I am a creepy, a weirdo. Why would anybody want me? I don’t belong here.
When I decided to go home, I saw Raven ran to me. “Is everything okay, Leigh? I’ve been searching for you for the last couple of minutes! Why did you leave?” She looked nervous. Really nervous. “I needed some fresh air; I have said it before when I left.”
“Oh, okay. Are you sure? You can tell me anything.” Well, anything, yeah but not this. I looked down to the ground. “We should go back inside. I’m sure that Charles already got the drinks.” I gave her a little smile, so that she wouldn’t be that worried. That didn’t help.
“Alright, if you say so.” She said while guiding me back to the building. “I’m so happy that I have you, Raven.” I spoke. “Yeah, meet to Leigh, me too.” She smiled as we stepped into the pub.