"What... what made you decide that?" asks Professor X, finally regaining his voice. "You know, another member of the Brotherhood tried to join us, but he gave up in a few days."

"Yeah, well, I'm not Avalanche."

"So I see. Still, seeing as you are Magneto's son-"

"Magneto is dead! I have nowhere else to go! The other members of the Brotherhood don't see it yet. We're almost out of money. Once we won't afford living any more, the only alternative we will have will be stealing. And I'm not a thief."

Nice speech, I must say.

"I must ask the others", says Professor X, regaining his composure. He closes his eyes for a second in concentration, and I guess he's broadcasting the signal for a general council. Pietro winks at me.

I'll kill you. Too bad I don't have telepathy. I would tell him a thing or two.

"Elsie, would you please see Pietro to the common room and have him wait there?"

"Yes, Professor." I turn to Pietro, "Follow me." Jerk.

"Have you lost your mind?" I burst out, once we're outside. "What in Slim Shady's name do you think you're doing?"

"What's it look like I'm doing?"

"Well, it looks like you're - erm - joining the X-Men." Lame-o, my conscience growls.

"That's right."

"Why?"

"Like I told the prof, I don't want to be a thief. Besides, living with you guys sounds like a challenge, doesn't it?"

"Tell me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here, right now."

He winks, "Because you like me."

"W-what?"

Now that was definately unexpected.

"Yup, you like me. I mean, how could you not?"

"Well, I-"

"See?"

I sigh, "Just move your skinny butt to the common room, so I can go read my damn letter."

"What letter?"

"A letter from - nevermind, OK?"

"Oh. OK."

Silence.

"By the way, I missed you."

I glare at him, "What do you mean?"

"I missed some intelligent conversation, that's all. The Brotherhood are not that bright."

"Oh. Well - wouldn't you know, we're here." I shove him into the common room. "Bye!" Then, I run away. Like that would do me any good. In a matter of seconds, Pietro stands before me. "We need to talk", he says seriously.

"Right now?" I ask.

"Yeah, right now. Let's go to the common room."

I follow him reluctantly. Once we're both in the common room and sitting comfortably on a couch, I say, "Well? What is it?"

"There is", he begins, and I can feel the uncertainty in his voice, "another reason for which I wanted to join the X-Men. Something that doesn't have anything to do with the Brotherhood, or the X-Men, or Magneto."

"And that reason is...?"