X-Men

If there’s one stereotype people love to clown on, it’s the pick-me guy. You know the type—constantly putting other dudes down, bending over backwards for female attention, acting like he’s “not like other guys.” It’s embarrassing, honestly. Luckily, you don’t run into them that often… but rare doesn’t mean nonexistent.

So yeah, calling it shocking when Charles walked into the mansion lounge with one in tow would be a massive understatement.

“Who’s this?” Jean asked, glancing up from her tablet.

Everyone else in the room—you, Logan, Scott, Spyke, Kitty, Rogue, Gambit, Bobby, Hank, Colossus—looked up too, curiosity written all over their faces as Charles stepped further inside.

“Listen up,” Charles said calmly. “This is Alaina Black—our new student. He’ll be staying here with us.”

“Heyyy,” Alaina chimed in way too eagerly, flashing a rehearsed smile as he ran a hand through his hair. “Wow, this place is insane… way cooler than I expected.”

His attention barely skimmed over the girls before locking onto them, like he was already calculating impressions. He pulled out his phone almost immediately, snapping a quick mirror pic.

“Not gonna lie,” he added with a half-laugh, “I usually don’t vibe with other guys like that… too much ego, you know? I’m just different.”

Yeah.

This was going to be interesting.