Alamo stood before Wolverine and Storm, his hat in his hands, shifting uncomfortably like a schoolboy called to the principal’s office. He was many things—fighter, thinker, lone rider in the modern era—but right now, he was just a man who had apparently broken the wrong plates.

  "Alright folks, I'm very, very sorry fer my behavior," he drawled, eyes flicking from Logan to Ororo, then toward the garden where Bobby and Jubilee had been lingering a few moments ago. "An' I'm sure Bobby an’ Jubilee are sorry too."

  Logan folded his arms, his perpetual scowl deepening. "Bub, we invited ya into our home an’ ya break stuff?"

  Alamo exhaled. "I was completely unaware that these were Miss Monroe’s plates."

  Storm let out a deep, measured sigh, the kind of exhale that carried regal disappointment rather than outright anger. "I brought those fromnations."

  Duncan stiffened. . That meant they weren’t just plates. They were mementos, artifacts from a life he could only begin to imagine. He wasn’t the type to sweat the small stuff, but there was a difference between small stuff and the completely destruction of precious private property.

  To destroy private property, felt like a betrayal of his own principles. He did it before out of necessity, but out fun, it made him sound very hypocritical.

  Still, in for a penny, in for a pound. At least a bit of personal responsibility would spare his own conscience from suffering the way of acting in complete opposition to his words.

  "We were just havin' a bit of fun, y'know. It’s my fault—I’m supposed to act responsible," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Rogue wasn’t ‘round…"

  Storm tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Did you have fun, Mr. Nenni?"

  The honesty came before he could stop it. No hesitation.

  "I ain’t gonna lie, it was very amusin’."

  Logan furrowed his eyebrows further, a bit of teeth showing in his expression. "Kiddo, ya better pack—"

  "Logan, stop it." Storm’s voice was gentle but commanding, a whisper of authority that could still calm a hurricane. "I forgive you, Duncan."

  Alamo blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Thank you, Miss Monroe."

  Storm’s lips curved into something resembling a smile—small, fleeting, but genuine. "It’s been months since I saw Jubilation have this much fun," she admitted, her gaze momentarily drifting toward the hallway where Jubilee had likely retreated. "It is clear you make a lot of people here comfortable."

  Alamo cleared his throat. "Erm, ahem. I’m bein' polite, ma’am."

  "Polite or not, you have adapted better than I expected."

  Logan, who had remained skeptical throughout, narrowed his eyes slightly. Then, almost too casually, he muttered, "Jubes likes ya?"

  Alamo opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Storm cut in smoothly. "She does, Logan. No need to be this overprotective."

  Logan grunted but didn’t back down. "Ya know, yeah, ‘Ro. But don’t ya forget that I’m watchin’ ya, bub. Ya hurt anyone, ya’re out."

  Alamo met Logan’s gaze evenly. He understood the warning for what it was. Logan wasn’t just acting as a protector—he was laying down a line in the sand. But Duncan had no intention of hurting anyone here, much less the ones who had finally started to trust him.

  "I’ll do my best," he said simply, tipping his hat.

  Logan didn’t respond right away. But then, with a low grunt, he turned on his heel and walked off, leaving Duncan standing in the quiet with Storm.

  As Wolverine and Storm left, the quiet hum of the night settled over the Xavier Institute’s grounds. A moment later, a rustling from behind the hedge broke the silence, followed by the unmistakable sound of muffled giggling.

  Jubilee and Bobby stepped out like two guilty children caught sneaking candy.

  "Okay, Dunkie," Jubilee said, dragging out his name with mock sincerity. "We're sorry..."

  "Yeah, Alamo," Bobby added, throwing his hands up in surrender. "We really meant no harm at all. I mean, it was pretty cool—you can't deny that."

  Duncan sighed, adjusting his black cowboy hat back onto his head with slow deliberation. These two were impossible.

  "Alright," he said at last, his voice taking on a serious edge. "Next time, we gotta break Cyclops’ stuff, not Storm’s. Y'all understand?"

  Jubilee grinned, pumping a fist in the air. "Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!"

  Bobby laughed. "That man’s optic beams could disintegrate a mountain, and yet, I guarantee he’d lose his mind over a missing visor."

  Jubilee suddenly tilted her head at Duncan, her expression shifting into something softer. "Can't you stay here forever?"

  Duncan hesitated, just for a second. There was something in her tone, something almost genuine. A question wrapped in playfulness but not without weight.

  he said simply. No elaboration. No teasing remark.

  Jubilee frowned but nodded, pretending she hadn’t expected a different answer. "Well, in that case..." She clapped her hands together, regaining her usual energy. "Let’s go back to the living room! Let’s get this party started!

  The mansion’s living room buzzed with life as drinks and snacks made their way around. Idle chatter filled the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter.

  Eventually, the crowd naturally divided into two distinct groups.

  By the kitchen, the mentors stood together, their conversations more measured, contemplative but warm. Xavier, ever the observer, sipped water calmly, his gaze resting on the students with quiet contentment. Beside him stood Cyclops, Storm, Beast, and Jean Grey, all engaged in quiet discussion.

  Meanwhile, across the room, Duncan found himself drawn to the livelier half of the group.

  He sat comfortably in the softer glow of the living room, surrounded by a younger but equally sharp-minded crowd. Rogue sat at his side, her presence familiar, steady. Jubilee leaned against the couch, Iceman sprawled across a chair. Kitty Pryde sat cross-legged on the floor, gesturing animatedly as she spoke.

  Then, Gambit and She-Hulk arrived, freshly showered, looking relaxed but ready to join in. Gambit smirked as he sauntered in, his usual swagger in full effect.

  "Mon ami," he greeted Alamo, flashing a knowing grin. "You look like you settlin’ in just fine."

  Duncan tilted his head, grinning slightly under the brim of his hat. ", I'm just here temporarily, might I reiterate."

  She-Hulk chuckled. "Dismal scientist what a change, I never expected you to be this..."

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Rogue shook her head smirking. "Normal?"

  She-Hulk burst out laughing and extended her hand theatrically at them. "Yes! Exactly."

  "A good product is built on innovation." Alamo said, thinking the line would land smoothly instead everyone just looked confused, so he continued. "Y'all know, like in how it's important to build new things-" Before he could finish, Rogue tapped his shoulder.

  "We get it, sugah. Don'cha worry."

  He cleared his throat. "My bad, I tend to get exicted with certain topics."

  Jubilee's voice cut through.

  "All nerdy and borin'."

  "I don't agree with one third of what comes from his mouth, but at least I can appreciate the fact that he actually studies it." She-Hulk said, elbowing Gambit.

  "An' Gambit don' study?"

  "You don't need to, , you're perfect in ways that matter." She winked.

  "I'm sure ya're green from all the nasty ya have inside, " Alamo retorted, shaking his head in mock disapproval.

  Rogue simply rolled her eyes chuckling at the Joke.

  Jubilee suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous level of excitement. The lively chatter in the living room paused, as if everyone could already sense the impending chaos.

  "Enough of this nonsense," she declared, stepping forward like a general rallying her troops. "Let’s play UNO!"

  A beat of silence. Then, Duncan blinked. "What?"

  Jubilee reached into her jacket and pulled out a pristine, unopened deck of UNO cards, holding them up like she had just drawn Excalibur from the stone.

  "I’ve been savin’ these puppies for a while," she announced proudly, shaking the deck. "And I have all the intention of usin’ them."

  Bobby leaned back, arms crossed, a smug smirk spreading across his face. "Oh, you poor souls," he said with the gravitas of a seasoned gambler. "I will freeze your asses with my UNO skills."

  "Bobby, shut up," Kitty deadpanned, not even looking up from her drink.

  "Aha!" Jubilee grinned wickedly, pointing a dramatic finger at the group. "But there’s a secret rule."

  That got their attention.

  "Whoever has UNO," she continued, lowering her voice for dramatic effect, "has to do a challenge."

  Gambit’s brow arched, intrigued. "Spicy. I like it, Jubes."

  Rogue smirked. "What kind of challenge, sugah?"

  Jubilee grinned wider. Too wide.

  "It’s a secret," she purred. "I’ll come up with it on the spot."

  Alamo, arms crossed, watched her with wary amusement. "Alright, Jujubee, just don’t break down the house."

  Jubilee held up a hand in mock solemnity. "Oh, I’ll be a good girl, trust me."

  Somewhere across the room, Logan suddenly tensed, as if he felt a disturbance in the Force.

  Jubilee had just started dealing out the cards, her expression filled with mischief and unspoken schemes, when a voice cut through the air, stopping the game before it could begin.

  "Rogue, Alamo… could you come here, please." Charles Xavier spoke

  The words came from the kitchen, firm yet even. There was no anger in the tone, no immediate indication of doom—but that didn’t stop a cold, creeping sense of anxiety from settling in Alamo’s gut.

  Rogue turned toward him, brows slightly furrowed, sensing his shift in posture.

  "Ya good, sugah?"

  Alamo exhaled, rolling his shoulders like a man about to walk to the gallows. ". Sorry, I think they will chew my ass 'cause I broke Storm’s plates."

  Rogue’s face scrunched in disbelief. "Ah was away fer half an hour an’ ya already broke stuff, Duncan Nenni?"

  Duncan held up his hands defensively. "I was coaxed inta it, Anna Marie."

  She gave him a flat look. "Ya’re an adult."

  "I was tryin’ ta be friendly, okay?"

  Rogue let out a slow exasperated sigh, shaking her head before softening just a little. "Fine. Ah’ll give ya points fer tryin’, mistuh."

  A brief pause. Then Duncan grinned, though it was smaller than usual—a little shy, maybe a little too innocent.

  "Oh, thanks."

  Rogue tilted her head, considering him for a second, then said, almost offhandedly:

  "Can ya nevah use the mask again?"

  Alamo could see a glint in Rogue's eyes, something unspoken, something that made him feel a comfort he tried to keep away.

  That caught him off guard. "What, why?"

  "Ah think Ah like ya bettah without it."

  Alamo blinked, then quickly turned his gaze forward, adjusting his hat. "Mask is a combo deal, Rogue. But I promise ta not use it when we talk."

  She smirked. "That’s good ‘nuff fer me."

  Finally, they made their way into the kitchen, where Charles Xavier, Scott Summers, Ororo Munroe, and Logan stood waiting. The weight of their gazes was unmistakable. This wasn’t just a casual conversation.

  Rogue adjusted her gloves slightly, keeping her voice even. "Somethin' ya wanted ta talk 'bout, Professor?"

  "Yes, Rogue," Xavier said calmly, his fingers interlaced as he studied them both.

  Duncan crossed his arms, shifting his stance slightly. His instincts screamed that this was more than just a talk about broken plates.

  Xavier’s next words confirmed it.

  "Am I to believe you trust Duncan Nenni?"

  Rogue turned to Alamo, narrowing her eyes for a moment, as if she were about to question something herself—then, with absolute certainty, she answered.

  "Ah do. He saved mah life."

  Alamo opened his mouth to protest what he perceived as an exaggeration, but before he could—

  "Ya did, no debate," she interrupted, cutting off whatever downplaying remark he was about to make.

  Xavier nodded, satisfied with the answer. His gaze softened slightly. "I understand the younger mutants like him?"

  Rogue smirked slightly. "Yeah, he’s trouble, but he’s ."

  Xavier turned his attention fully to Alamo now.

  "Storm told me what happened in Chicago," he said.

  Duncan shrugged. "Oh, ‘bout the Sentinel? Oh, it was nothin’ really, just bein’ sure nobody would get hurt."

  The professor studied him for a moment. "You swear no allegiance, but you didn’t hesitate to protect X-Men and Avengers alike."

  Alamo’s jaw tightened. His answer was simple. "Oh, I do have allegiances. I have allegiance ta , Professor."

  A small, knowing smile crossed Xavier’s face. "I understand that. I believe you also believe in coexistence."

  "Ain’t no coexistence without liberty," Duncan replied smoothly, tipping his hat slightly. "But yeah, sure do."

  Xavier tapped his chin thoughtfully before continuing. "I also understand you don’t kill."

  Alamo nodded. "I didn’t have ta so far. I aim to keep it that way."

  There was a pause. The room was quiet enough to hear the distant sound of Jubilee’s laughter from the other room, but in here, the conversation remained weighted.

  Xavier exhaled slightly. "Look, Professor. I'm very glad fer the invitation fer bein' here. But I don't want ta be an X-Man," Alamo said, shaking his head. "Y’all have yer box, an’ I have mine."

  Xavier’s expression didn’t waver. He nodded slightly, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

  "Well, I just heard that the product has to innovate to survive. I believe this would be a great adaptation… or is this too much innovation for you, Mr. Nenni?"

  Alamo immediately narrowed his eyes. That phrase. That exact phrasing.

  "I hope ya heard that an’ didn’t read it from my mind."

  "You can rest assured that I indeed heard it," Xavier said, his tone measured and patient.

  Duncan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Well, Professor, I reckon ya have the right idea. Products indeed adapt, but the essence of markets is the same—supply an’ demand. Currently, I have no supply for yer demands."

  Xavier leaned forward slightly. "Oh, but I believe you do. As controversial as your principles might be, I understand that you have shared ideas of furthering mutant rights—to achieve liberty for our kind."

  Duncan’s lips pressed into a firm line. "My kind is the individual, Professor. I’m an individual, and so are you."

  Xavier pondered for a second, he looked briefly towards Dr. McCoy then he looked back at Alamo.

  Then Xavier finally nodded in agreement. "But you believe we can secure better protections for our natural rights, no? Life, Liberty, and Property. Is that not what you believe in?"

  Alamo hesitated, then cleared his throat. "Ahem. Yes. That’s right."

  Xavier smiled. "Then give the X-Men a chance."

  Alamo immediately started to shake his head. "Prof—"

  "I’m not done yet," Xavier interjected smoothly. "Give us a chance. I’ll allow you to stay without being part of the group. We can set up a room for you. You can work, spend time with the people you like, at least until this investigation is over. You can leave before or after it ends—you’re entirely free to choose how to handle it."

  Duncan tilted his head, studying Xavier carefully. Damn telepaths always knew how to phrase things just right.

  "Oh, ya’re usin’ all the buzzwords here, Professor," he muttered. "Ya sure ya didn’t read my mind?"

  Xavier chuckled lightly. "You're far easier to read than you give yourself credit for. Again, I did not read your mind at any time."

  Alamo exhaled and glanced at Cyclops. This was usually the moment where he’d put his foot down.

  "Did Cyclops agree to this?" Duncan asked.

  Cyclops, arms folded, he gave Jean a glance before answering. In exchange she only nodded as if to nudge him into speaking.

  "Everyone deserves a chance. I might not like you, but other people I trust do. That’s enough for me."

  Duncan grinned slightly. "Real bundle of joy, that one."

  Logan, still quiet in the background, smirked at the remark.

  Duncan finally turned toward Rogue. She had been watching him closely, her expression unreadable.

  She tilted her head, lips quirking slightly. "Don’t look at me," she said casually. "Ya already know what Ah think."

  That didn’t help his inner conflict.

  Alamo’s thoughts raced.

  He wanted to stick to himself, as he always had. That’s what he did. That’s what he’d always done. It was how he survived.

  But… he had helped the Avengers. He had fought alongside the X-Men.

  Was he doing exactly what his parents asked him not to do?

  Was he actually… becoming an

  He swallowed dry.

  "Alright," he finally said, adjusting his hat. "Here’s the deal. I’ll do all that. We’ll get Creed an’ Trask." He looked Xavier dead in the eye. "But I like to remind y’all that I’m still not an X-Man. That clear?"

  Xavier nodded slightly. "Very clear."

  Then, he extended his hand.

  Duncan stared at it for a moment before finally shaking it.

  His hand clasped Xavier’s, firm but steady. He told himself this was temporary—that he was just buying time. But deep down, some part of him wanted it to be a lie.

  "Welcome to th—"

  "Nu-uh," Duncan interrupted, holding up a hand. "Try again, Professor."

  Xavier chuckled. "Welcome to your new workplace, Mr. Nenni."

  Duncan smirked. "There ya go."