The scent of sterilized metal and humming electronics filled the briefing room beneath Xavier's School. Professor Charles Xavier sat at the head of the table, flanked by the senior X-Men—Storm, Cyclops, Beast, and Wolverine. A holographic map hovered above the table, displaying a simulated mission environment.
"I believe it's time for a new exercise," Xavier began, his voice calm but firm. "A team mission simulation. Full scale. I'd like the students to observe... but I'd also like Adrian and Peter to join."
Wolverine raised an eyebrow. "The tech kid? You sure he's up for that?"
"Not just tech," Beast interjected. "His intellect is off the charts, and his support work with Adrian has been essential. It would do him good to experience real-time operations—even just in a simulation."
Xavier nodded. "And Adrian? He's shown remarkable control over his abilities, even under pressure. It's time to see how they function together under team protocols."
Adrian's POV
"Achoo!"
Adrian sniffled as he rubbed his nose. "Someone's definitely talking about me," he muttered, voice nasally from the sudden sneeze.
Peter, sitting beside him in the corner of the Danger Room observation deck, handed over a tissue without missing a beat. "Here. You're probably allergic to praise."
"Thanks," Adrian grunted, taking the tissue and blowing his nose.
Peter leaned forward, excitement bubbling in his voice. "Still, your progress is insane. You're mastering your quirks like it's second nature."
"Maybe," Adrian replied, folding the used tissue neatly. "But we both know it's not just about me. You need to train too, y'know."
Peter blinked. "Wait, me?"
"Yes, you," Adrian said, smirking. "You're built like a pair of toothpicks tied together with school glue. You need some protection training, man."
Peter looked skeptical. "C'mon, I'm just the guy in the chair. That's my role. Strategy, support, and gear. I'm no frontliner."
Adrian leaned closer, raising an eyebrow. "That's so irresponsible. What if one day you end up with powers and you don't know how to handle them?"
Peter scoffed. "That's not going to happen. Beast already scanned my DNA. No X-gene. No powers. Nada. What would I even get? Super-powered allergies?"
Adrian's lips curled into a condescending grin. "I don't know... maybe spider powers? You're such a bookworm, you'd probably bite yourself on purpose for research."
"Hey! I'm not that nerdy!" Peter snapped, though the blush on his face betrayed him.
Adrian gave him a long, deadpan stare. "You once screamed in joy after seeing a genome analyzer."
Peter threw up his hands. "It's state-of-the-art tech! Stuff like that is decades ahead of what the public has. It's incredible."
Adrian snorted, but the amusement didn't leave his eyes. "Yeah, and you're incredible too, in your own fragile, paper-thin way."
They both laughed—genuine, full-hearted laughter that hadn't come easy in recent weeks. In that moment, between battle simulations and looming missions, they remembered why they'd bonded in the first place: shared dreams, shared struggle, and the kind of friendship that kept them both grounded.
As Peter waved his hands dramatically in defense of genome analyzers and scientific marvels, Adrian smirked, ready to fire back with another quip. But just before he could, the metallic doors of the training room slid open with a soft whoosh.
Both boys turned.
Professor Xavier entered, calm as ever in his hoverchair, accompanied by Storm, Beast, Cyclops, and Wolverine. Their presence shifted the air in the room—less casual, more focused.
"Adrian. Peter," Xavier said warmly. "I trust your training has been productive."
Adrian straightened, still slightly winded from earlier. "Yeah, just pushing limits," he replied with a small smile. "What's up, Professor?"
"We're organizing a training mission," Xavier said. "Something more practical—outside school grounds. And I would like both of you to join us."
Adrian's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds great."
Peter blinked. "Wait… me too?"
"Yes," Xavier said gently. "Your skills are valuable, Peter. This won't be just a test of powers, but of teamwork and adaptability. You'll be observing and assisting."
"But I don't have powers," Peter said, caught off guard.
Beast chuckled and stepped forward. "Your mind is its own kind of power. You just need to use it where it counts, young man."
Peter hesitated, unsure. But then Adrian gave him a sideways glance and raised an eyebrow. "Come on, Peter. Think of it as a field test for your gear… and your nerves."
Peter sighed. "Alright. But if I get eaten by something, I'm haunting you."
Wolverine grunted in amusement. "You'll be fine, kid. Just don't lag behind."
The moment passed with a shared nod between everyone. Adrian's eyes were alive with anticipation. Peter was nervous—but excited in his own way. Whatever this mission was, it would be the first time they'd officially work alongside the legendary X-Men.
And something told Adrian this wasn't just another exercise.
The soft hum of jet engines filled the underground hangar as the Blackbird prepared for launch. Its sleek black hull reflected the blue glow of runway lights embedded in the floor. Adrian stood just below the boarding ramp, tightening his gloves with a flick of his wrist while scanning the hangar with wide, curious eyes.
"This is way cooler than I expected," he said, his voice echoing a little.
Peter stood beside him, his backpack slung over one shoulder and a tablet in hand. "This thing looks like it eats F-22s for breakfast."
Beast approached, adjusting his glasses. "It could, if we programmed it to. But thankfully, we're not at war."
Storm gave them both a nod as she strode up the ramp. "Let's move. We're wheels up in five."
The two teens exchanged a glance—Peter nervous, Adrian grinning—and boarded the jet behind her. Inside, the seats were set in two rows, military-style. Logan was already in the back, arms folded and eyes closed, clearly not in the mood to chat. Cyclops sat near the front, scanning the mission briefing on a holo-display, and Nightcrawler teleported in with a bamf, startling Peter.
"Whoa—okay, that's gonna take getting used to."
Nightcrawler chuckled softly. "You get used to it. Eventually."
Adrian sat down near the rear, stretching out a bit. "So, where are we headed anyway?"
Beast responded while checking the flight route. "Northern California. Abandoned military weapons testing range. Good for simulations, varied terrain. Don't worry—nothing's alive out there."
"Except us," Logan muttered.
As the Blackbird's engines roared to life, Peter buckled in, eyes flicking between Adrian and the cockpit. "Can't believe I agreed to this…"
Adrian gave him a nudge. "You'll be fine. Just don't barf on me."
"No promises."
The jet rose from the underground hangar with smooth precision, the roof above sliding open to reveal the overcast sky. In seconds, they were airborne, cutting through the clouds toward the west coast.
It wasn't just another day of training anymore.
For Adrian and Peter, this was the start of something bigger