xp_logs | Julian Enlists

After a great deal of thought, Julian asks to join the X-Men.

BACKDATED: To the 20th of December

More nervous than he'd been in a while, Julian knocked on Miss Monroe's door, straightening his shirt as he waited. He was here to do something very stupid, that would likely be one of the most difficult things in his life, but he hoped the rewards would make it worthwhile: he was here to join the X-Men.

"Please come in." Ororo glanced up from the reports she had been reading, smiling warmly at the dark-haired young man who stepped into her office. "Julian, hello. How are you?"

Moving swiftly, Julian crossed the room and shook Miss Monroe's hand, firmly. "I'm okay. I was wondering if I could talk to you about something, though." The young man took a seat across from his teacher.

"Yes, of course. I am always happy to speak with students about anything. What is it that you would like to discuss?"

Figuring the best course of action was to be up front, Julian smiled confidently, "I'd like to join the X-Men."

Years of practice meant that Ororo's surprise barely registered on her face - the faintest lift of her eyebrows was all that indicated any emotion at all. "I see. How long have you been considering this?"

"Since I got here and found out about the team." He and Nate had talked about it numerous times when he was still here and the training he'd been receiving was towards this goal- though Julian knew he still had a long way to go. If nothing else, he'd gotten better- practicing with eggs now, he could actually float two- sometimes three- without them breaking.

"I see. And why, exactly, do you want to join the X-men?" She wasn't trying to be cruel, but it became quickly apparent if a student had actually thought about what they were getting themselves into once they started describing their reasons for wanting to be on the team. There were very few wrong reasons, but a certain level of maturity and forethought were needed in order to prove oneself ready for such a commitment.

"I want to help people," Julian said plainly. "I've done some...well, let's just say, stupid, things in my life so far. I've hurt some people who were close to me and I need to make up for that." The fact that this would make his parents cringe was by and far on the top of the list of reasons, but tact required him to say, "I'd also like to put my powers to good use."

Ororo considered informing the young man that joining the X-Men was not done to atone for personal mistakes, but knowing some of the people that had passed through the team, well... she couldn't really say that, in good faith. "The team certainly allows you to help those that need it," she said with a nod. "As long as you are willing accept the risks that entails."

"I am," he answered earnestly. "I saw the toll that it can take when I was studying under Nate."

"I am sure you did. You could not have had a better teacher, in many respects." If anyone was going to teach caution against burning out - and getting knocked about too much - it would be Nate.

Julian chuckled softly, a charming smile crossing his lips, "He always got back up though. I know I have a long way to go with my powers training, but I'm getting a bit better and I can still be useful."

Ororo nodded. "Of course. It sounds as if you are sure of what you want, and that is the most important thing. It will not be an easy task, but as long as you are dedicated I am sure you will succeed."

Julian blinked, "Wait, so...I'm in?"

"Well, it's a bit more complicated than that," Ororo said with a chuckle. "But yes, in essence."

Inwardly Julian gave a little cheer that he was sure the Stepfords could probably hear from wherever they were in the mansion. "Thank you Miss Monroe, you won't regret giving me this chance."