Gothicthundra

Mutant Baseball

The sound of birds chirping in the distance on a nice warm summer's day was an illusion of peace and tranquility at its best. The grounds of the Xavier Institute were always bordering between peace and chaos, and this day was no exception. Hank McCoy, in an attempt to further strengthen the truce between the Brotherhood and the X-Men and perhaps mitigate any animosity had come up with a possibly dangerous idea. Baseball was a common summer activity among the X-Men and while it often went slightly array when powers we're fully banned, they had gotten better at managing it in time... so inviting the Brotherhood to play as an opposing team had seemed like a step in the right direction... at the time.

"This is a bad idea Hank," came Logan from where he relaxed in the stands not far behind where Hank stood watching the teams' discussing rules in front of them.

Ororo gave a small hum from where she moved to sit in front of Logan.

"If it's such a bad idea, then why are you watching, Logan?" asked Ororo with a raised brow.

"I said it was a bad idea, not bad entertainment, 'Ro," smirked Logan. Ororo shook her head and gave a slight smile, though unease rested in her eyes.

"While we've had a few property causalities in the past few baseball games, having a separate team is a good way to test their restraints and strengths as a team," Hank argued, but he couldn't help but feel unease.

The unease wasn't exactly the Brotherhood and X-Men facing off in a spirited game of Baseball or the damages there was certain to be... it was the newest regular team member of the Brotherhood, or rather reluctant new housemate. Pyro. When Hank had premised the idea and Kitty had invited the other team, Pyro had not been a factor. While it was rumored among the X-Men that Pyro had become the new Tabitha of the Brotherhood, meaning he came and went with no real reason... it had not been confirmed that the Australian fire lover was in fact a now permanent resident and member of the Brotherhood of Mutants. Which was to say the least... unpredictable. It was assumed there might be petty arguments, a few small squabbles, and a lot of annoyance among the typical members of the Brotherhood and X-Men, but Pyro was a wildcard.

"An unexpected guest indeed," whispered Hank under his breath.

At the moment, it seemed fairly innocent as the two slightly uneven teams discussed terms as more students and friends filed into the stands to watch. Hank had suggested grabbing one of the other younger X-Men recruits to even it out with the addition of Pyro to the Brotherhood, but that had been dismissed as almost an insult. While the X-Men tended to wear varied baseball or sports pants with whatever Xavier Institute shirt they had laying around whenever they played each other. There had apparently been a discussion among Scott, Jean, Kurt, Kitty, Rogue, and Bobby to wear matching attire in the form of a black and grey baseball shirt with the 'X' on it as a united front. This might have been more of a last-minute choice as the Brotherhood had all come wearing matching blue T-shirts with a white BOM logo that looked either airbrushed or spraypainted on. While the X-Men looked more like a baseball team in theirs, the Brotherhood, while matching, looked more like they had come back from an event with merchandise as some were cut or cropped in different ways versus completely uniformed.

"I do think this will make for an interesting afternoon," said Charles as he rolled to stop next to Hank, "Let's hope the new scoreboard makes it to the end this time."

"That's why Amara is keeping score this time," said Ororo where she gestured to where the young women sat by a manual score board, "Though I do think that Ray would do a better job this time since it is no longer digital."

"Didn't the previous one before that catch fire, and that wasn't digital," said Logan as a reminder.

"If anything happens to this one, I think we'll just go back to pen and paper," stated Charles. His eyes darted towards the trees.

Logan glanced and gave a sniff and a smirk.

"What is it?" asked Ororo as she looked from Charles to Logan.

"It's nothing, just a rather large turnout today," said Charles. He nodded towards where among the students and other X-Men; Amanda, Paul, and Arcade had also joined them.

"Who invited the little hacker?" asked Logan.

"Kitty or perhaps even the Brotherhood," suggested Hank, "I think one or two of them got along with them back at Bayville."

"Pfft, a dilutional misfit detached from reality, why am I not surprised," mused Logan.

The sound of birds screeching erupted not too far from the tree line behind the stands. Logan and Charles shared an amused exchange as the birds vanished into the distance.

++

If there wasn't so much chatter among the spectators of the stands, they would have heard the annoyed growl and angry chatter of uninvited guests in the trees behind them. Especially after one of the uninvited guests had angered a few nesting birds when trying to stay in the trees above.

"You didn't need to knock Remy out of the tree," hissed Remy, "You followed me, remember."

"Then stay out of my way," hissed Mystique, "Any my view."

"Why exactly are we here?" asked Magneto as he swatted a branch out of his face as he stood behind the two.

"I didn't exactly invite you," muttered Mystique, "And I had a morbid curiosity to see the game... and not as a bird."

"You still didn't have to follow Remy in here," grumbled Remy, "Then continue to follow me."

"Why should we have found a different way in when you made it so easy," smirked Mystique and then looked at Magneto, "The Brotherhood is right, the security has gone downhill in this place."

"I noticed," stated Magneto, "Being able to walk through a hole in the shrubbery without having to use my powers was more than a little concerning."

"Couldn't you two have just... attended?" asked Remy.

The other two didn't answer this and instead Mystique gave a dismissive waive as they instead all focused on the games about to begin.

++

It appeared the two teams had reached a clear rule agreement as they began to step away from each other.

"Now remember, the rules are as followed-," began Scott, turning his X-men baseball cap backwards.

"Anything goes so long as it's not a direct attack on each other. So, Toad, no slimming, kicking, or tongue-lashing people. Fred, not body slamming, diving, or knocking people across the field to defend bases or otherwise. Pietro, keep the homeruns to a reasonable minimum and no rearranging people so they can't defend base. Wanda, hexing the ball and bat is fine, but try not to purposefully aim for someone directly. Tabby, keep the bombs to yourself. I will not try and bury anyone or outright trip them," stated Lance. Scott cleared his throat and Lance sighed, "And Pyro."

"No setting people ablaze," Pyro grinned.

"Mostly just don't be... you," nodded Lance. Pyro frowned.

"I feel that was a direct attack on my personal character," scoffed Pyro.

"It was," confirmed Lance. He nodded towards Scott.

"Alright X-Men, same rules applies to us. Kurt, no teleporting people off bases or tail tripping people. Rogue, I don't think I have to worry about this but keep your hands to yourself. Kitty, no phasing people off the base or through items. Jean, you can't float people off the bases or manipulate the ball after it is hit, " Scott turned to Bobby, "And Bobby, no feet freezing, ice blocks, or freezing the bat to people's hands."

"Can I freeze the ball to the bat?" asked Bobby.

"No," said Scott firmly.

"Aww," grumbled Bobby, clearly having had the intentions of doing so.

"Still, it leaves a lot of possibilities open," whispered Pietro to Tabitha who smirked in response.

"We play until everyone on the Brotherhood team has been rotated," finished Scott as he tossed the bat to Lance, "Brotherhood bats first."

The X-men took their positions as the Brotherhood deciding batting order. Scott had moved to the umpire position, a far heavier grade of material now since Amara had set the previous one ablaze. Rogue, rolling her eyes as Kitty and Kurt chatted alongside her, took first base. As she gave a glance towards the Brotherhood, she tightened her glove straps, clearly not eager to have an accidental physical touch from any of the opposing team. Kurt teleported from where Kitty has assumed second base, he was confident he could handle it on his own, this no need for an additional player. Jean had chosen to pitch this round and as the Brotherhood broke from each other, she ushered Bobby towards his location. Bobby skated on a small ice sheet he'd created to third and gave a wave over towards the other recruits.

"Show off," snorted Jubilee before blowing a bubble with her gum. A Clear smirk on her face, "You know I offered to step in."

"I think they're trying to keep fire damage to a minimum," said Sam, "I mean, they already have to worry about Pyro."

"And Amara," stated Rahne as she took a drink of her water, "Though putting her at the scoreboard made of wood seems rather dafty."

"I'm sure she'll be fine," said Roberto, "I mean she's not Ray."

"Come on, that was an electrical situation, and I still don't think it was my fault," scoffed Ray.

Paul, who had been sitting a little up in the three level stands, slid passed the arguing group to where Amanda sat next to Jubilee and behind Arcade/

"You know, Scott tells me some of these games get wild, but this is the first one I've managed to actually get too," said Paul, "Should I have worn protective gear... you know, as a non-mutant spectator."

"I wouldn't worry about it," said Amanda. She smiled towards where Kurt had flopped to the ground and waved at her. "I mean, too much. I've only gotten to one of them before, and the only ones in real danger are those playing... and some trees, a few statues, a window or two, and whoever is umpire."

"What about scoreboard fires?" asked Paul as he nodded towards the chatter behind them.

"I was at that one," said Amanada. She whispered, "It was totally Ray's fault."

"Hey!" yelled Ray in defense as he overheard.

"Don't yell at our guests, Ray," came Charles's voice calmly as he had moved to park in the space in front of them. His eyes looked towards Arcade and a few laptops he'd set up, "Why Mr. Webber, an interesting choice to bring to a baseball game."

"Yeah man, your goanna miss the game," said Jamie as he raced to join the others in the stands and holding a large bag of popcorn.

"I'm working on a new game design, and I figured it's a good way to video tape so I can get more body angles," stated Arcade as he hit a button on the two laptops and placed them beside him, "Kitty said she didn't think it would be a problem so long as its only mapping. Although if the commentary from everyone behind us is any indication... I think Toad may be right that posting some clips online might be a great idea."

"I'd stick to the mapping Mr. Webber," stated Charles as he pulled out a crossword, "Wouldn't want your accounts online to get banned."

"A mapping is good," stated Arcade after a beat.

"Is it about baseball?" asked Paul.

"No," smirked Arcade, "Mutants."

Any further conversation fell away as the game officially began. Lance was first to bat and took his position as Jean playfully tossed the ball up and down before pitching it in his direction. The ball soared perfectly straight and Lance swung the bat, only for it to spiral out of his path and right into Scott's glove.

"Strike one," called Scott as he tossed the ball back to Jean.

"It was-" Lance cut himself off before smirking, "Alright, I see we're starting off a little... rocky."

"I knew we should have made a pun clause in the rules," sighed Scott.

"Alright, Red," smirked Lance, "Let's try that again."

The ground gave a slight rumble.

"That ain't gonna help you, Alvers," called Rogue from first base, "An earthquake can't bat."

"We'll see," replied Lance.

Jean raised her brow at his words but threw a nearly perfect pitch headed straight towards Lance. It made it halfway before starting to zig-zag at the same speed. A small quake under Jean made her balance waiver but not her focus. The ball spun around the bats swing and right into Scott's hand once again. He called another strike with a small chuckle behind it causing Lance to roll his eyes. Lance assumed position again and Jean threw another pitch; the ball spiraled this time. It would have continued to swerve out of Lance's swing and to Scott's hand if not for a small quake. The quake seemed small and as if to throw Jean's focus again, but as the bat swung and the ball went to zag, a flurry of rocks flew up in a straight line towards the pitch. It stopped short of Jean but it was enough to startle her and the ball was able to make contact with Lance's bat. A few rocks flew along with it as the ball soared to the outfield.

"Kurt!" yelled Kitty.

Kurt jumped up from where he'd been laying along the grass. Clearly having assumed there was no way any of the Brotherhood would be able to hit Jean's ball, least of all Lance. He looked at Kitty before realizing the ball was already rolling along the grass. Lance sprinted past first base and Rogue and slid onto Kitty's base where he stayed despite his team egging him to keep going. The ball flew from Kurt to Kitty with more than enough time to have reached Bobby's base, but Lance made no effort to continue.

"Safe!" yelled Scott, he gave a grumble as Todd came up to bat.

"He could have made it to the next base," stated Wanda. Tabitha snorted.

"Oh, easily, but he wanted to flirt with Kitty," said Tabitha, "No one should be surprised.

Lance in question was doing just that.

"Fancy running into you here," smirked Lance.

"Of all places, right," giggled Kitty as she leaned closer to him and touched the fabric of his shirt, "You know, you look kinda cute in the get-up."

"Not as cute as you do in yours," he flirted back.

Lance was so caught up in the flirty banter that he couldn't hear his teammates yelling at him, and completely missed Todd actually hitting the ball, let alone headed his way. Until Todd smacked headlong into him mid-hop. Kitty yelped and the two phased through her and to the ground below.

"Lance, what the heck," yelled Todd, "Yo, you're supposed to be running."

"I didn't- damn," yelled Lance as he hastened to his feet and sprinted.

Todd hastily hopped back to second base near Kitty. Lance made a valiant effort to reach third based but before he could make the final step, an ice rink circled the base. Lance slipped and stumbled as he tried to catch his balance, but by the time he made it- Bobby was already holding the ball and Lance slid right into it.

"Out!" yelled Scott.

"No fare Summer!" yelled Pietro, "Frosty can't ice the plate."

"I didn't ice the plate... just its parameters. Remember, anything goes," said Bobby as Lance stepped back onto the uniced grass, "He would have made it, had he not been flirting with Kitty."

The Brotherhood gave a collective look of annoyance and disapproval at Lance.

"My girl is in tight baseball pants, what was I supposed to do?" asked Lance as he leaned against the fence behind the Brotherhood.

"At least Toad managed to make it to second base," stated Fred.

"I'm shocked he even hit the ball," said Pietro.

"Jean, why didn't you spiral it for Toad?" Scott called out to Jean.

"Because I thought he wouldn't hit it, let alone out of the area," said Jean as she picked up the ball and readied another throw as Wanda stepped up to bat.

"So, you just gotta hit the ball with the stick-" started Tabitha.

"I know how to play," snapped Wanda. She rolled her eyes and got into position.

"Did she or did she not ask what the point of baseball was on the way over," said Tabitha.

"I was talking about being here in general, not the sport," glared Wanda.

"She didn't exactly clarify," defended Pyro.

"Thank you," encouraged Tabitha as they focused back on Wanda.

"Can you hurry up and pitch so I can get away from them?" asked Wanda.

Jean smirked and tossed the bal. It zigged and spiraled and darted every which way. Then froze in a blue glow right in front of Wanda. She barely put effort into her swing, but the ball continued its dance Jean had started... just in the outfield. Wanda handed her bat to Pietro and casually walked towards base. The ball continued to mock the players, and every time Kurt attempted to grab it, he was teleported a few feet away.

"You can't hex people," stated Rogue as she gestured to Kurt as Wanda walked by.

"I didn't," she smirked as she kept walking.

"She hexed the ball," sighed Jean as it now rolled along the grass.

"Nice job you two," grinned Pietro as Todd and Wanda both casually joined the rest of the Brotherhood.

The ball finally stopped moving right in front of Jean.

""Well, we did say anything goes," said Scott as Jean glared at the ball now in her hands.

"You're right Scott, we did," stated Jean.

++

"Hey Chuck, the insurance is paid up, right?" asked Logan.

"I made sure of it when Hank suggested the idea," stated Charles, "Even made sure our fire policy was increased... just in case."

A remark shared as Pyro went up the bat.

++

A few rounds, several fireballs, a phased ball lost inside a tree, a possible new faultline started, and a forgotten slime ball later... the Brotherhood was in the lead, much to the growing annoyance of the X-Men. It was Pietro's turn to be pitcher, which seemed like a relief over Wanda. She continued her hexing in various forms that had caused several mishaps. The only one she hadn't, was Jean's... who'd unfortunately been ousted rather quickly by Pietro in outfield. Scott smiled as Pietro readied a pitch, relieved by a normal pitch. It's what he had assumed until something white whizzed passed him and through the fence behind where Lance lay on the ground.

"Strike," muttered Lance, covering his head, "But could you lower that a few notches there Pietro."

"Fine..." grumbled Pietro, as Hank through them yet another ball.

"I take it back Hank... this was a great idea," laughed Logan as he looked behind the tree lines again.

A sound of something metal being hit a several more birds swiftly flying away seemed to give him great amusement. Hank raised a brow and was about to inquire why the change of heart... but was more confused by the grin on Charles face and chose to get answers later. Especially as another loud whizzing sound caught his attention.

"Strike two!" yelled Lance, shaking his hand that he'd caught Pietro's pitch in.

"It went through the bat!" yelled Scott holding up the smoking bat with a clear hole in it.

"Pietro," sighed Lance.

"Uhg, fine..." Pietro slowed his pitch a little more, "Didn't hear us crying about Jean's pitches."

"YEOW!" screamed Scott as the ball made contact with the bat and he dropped it.

"Strike three, you're out!" yelled Lance holding the ball, "That's what you get for trying to bunt during Mutant Baseball..."

Scott glared at him as he rubbed his hand and walked back to sit on the bench.

++

"I'm going to get my medical bag," said Hank, standing up.

"Already got it," cut in Charles, picking it up from the grass without looking away from his crossword book.

"Man, mutant baseball is so much more amusing than regular baseball," said Paul, "Kinda bummed I missed this before."

"Yeah, it's the only time a metal baseball bat can get melted by the pitcher," chuckled Arcade, "My software couldn't even pick up Maximoff's speed on that first pitch.

"I mean, it's kind of the thing with superspeed," said Roberto, from where he'd been chatting with a few new younger students.

"I hope Mr. McCoy brought a whole lot of painkillers," whistled Sam as Pietro sent another pitch soaring passed Rogue, "I feel bad for Lance."

"I can't believe that they are actually losing to the Brotherhood," muttered Amanda.

"Yeah, that is really shocking... and kinda sad," said Jubilee with a head shake.

Amanda looked at the scoreboard where Amara was straightening the numbers. Unaware that Pyro had deviated from his position in the outfield and left Wanda on her own.

"What's Pyro doing?" asked Ray.

"From here... looks like he's checking her out," said Paul.

"Really?" asked Arcade dryly, "Is that observation skills that got you into Yale... because they need better standard."

Paul rolled his eyes.

"You know... that gives me an idea," said Amanda as she left the bench and hastened towards the scoreboard as Jean went to bat.

She made her way just as Pyro's absence was noticed by his team. Jean had managed to hit the ball and send it flying with her ability to stop Pietro's fast balls.

"Pyro!" yelled Lance, "Get back in the outfield!"

"OI, I'm just taking in the sights!" Pyro snapped back.

Amara spun around to see Pyro leaning on the platform below her. He gave a flirty wink and smile.

"Uhg! You perv!" snapped Amara and shot a fireball at him.

He jumped aside but caught the ball of fire.

"I'll cherish it," he grinned and began walking backwards towards the outfield.

"What do you think you're doing?" yelled Pietro, "Stop flirting with the score keeper, it ain't going to help us."

"Aw, let 'em," stated Todd, "We're winning anyway and Wanda's been handling the outfield just fine."

"Yeah well, it's time to switch anyway," said Fred.

"Toady gets it! We're like two twin flames destined... you can't just deny it," sighed Pyro got back over to them.

"Aw, that's so cute," said Tabitha.

"And she's wearing short-shorts mates...," finished Pyro as he looked over his shoulder back at Amara and gave a dreamy sigh.

"Charming," Wanda rolled her eyes, "I hope you get burned."

"Me too Sheila, me too," Pyro gave another wave to Amara who huffed and turned back towards the board.

Amanda stood at the base of the platform watching Amara grumble under her breath as she resumed sitting cross-legged at the edge.

"Hey Amara?" asked Amanda as she leaned where Pyro had been previously.

"What's up?" asked Amara as she leaned towards where the other young women had joined her.

"Looks like the X-men are loosing," stated Amanda looking at the board, "Kinda sucks."

"Yeah, I guess... ?" asked Amara, brow raised at Amanda's tone, "I mean it happens."

"Well, I was thinking maybe you could give them a little hand?" Amanda nodded towards the feild.

"Like cheating!?" asked Amara. Her eyes went wide, "Amanda, I wouldn't think you'd be for cheating."

"No!" hastened Amanda. She glanced at where Pyro stood spinning the bat as Rogue readied a pitch, "I simply meant a little distraction tactics."

Amara's cheeks flushed.

"You mean, like, flirt?" asked Amara. Her eyes darted to where Pyro was chatting with the rest of the Brotherhood, "With Pyro?"

"I mean, kind of," said Amanda. Amara's face grew redder, "But I meant more... physical distractions? It is hot out and aren't you wearing your swimsuit under your shirt?" Amanda gestured towards Amara.

"What?!" Amara looked positively flustered and then slight angry, "That is- sneaky- underhanded. I-I don't want him ogling me."

Amanda felt suddenly embarrassed for suggesting this to Amara and nervously played with her own hair and looked over towards where some of the non-playing X-men, Recruits, and students sat. Then back to Amara, who still read faced, gave a slight wave to the game. Amanda glanced to see Pyro grinning and giving a large wave in her direction as Toad got a strike. Amanda raised a brow and looked between the two, the embarrassment fading.

"What was that?" asked Amanda. Amara quickly looked away and tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"That's all you're getting from me, Amanda," Amara's eyes didn't meet Amanda's.

Amanda fought a smirk and instead let out a loud sigh and shrug as she turned back towards the stands.

"That's fine Amara. I'm sure I can ask someone else to be a distraction," stated Amanda, "I'm sure Jubilee wouldn't mind-"

"No!" snapped Amara. Amanda looked over her shoulder to see an angry look ghost over her features, "I mean- She couldn't distract someone like Pyro; besides all it would do would distract Bobby. Fine, but that's it."

Amanda nodded in understanding as Amara discarded her overshirt and resumed her position at the scoreboard.

++

Pyro spun the bat in his hand as they watched Kitty temporarily take over pitching as Rogue took a seat to clear her mind after a had made the fatal mistake of landing on her face.

"Okay Pyro, you're up!" hummed Pietro, "This should be easy, she sucks-"

"Hey!" yelled Lance.

"She does..." sighed Wanda. There were a few murmurs of agreement.

"Eh, even if she didn't, I'm not worried," smirked Pyro, "Even if I miss, it just gives Amara some time to enjoy the sun."

"We're winning right now, and we want to keep it that way," said Lance.

"Yeah, and if you're going to flirt with anyone, use it to distract the ref or ump," stated Pietro.

"Please don't," said Kurt from where he was currently umpire.

"Also, I don't think it would get us far with Mr. McCoy either," Lance continued.

"I dunno, I can be very charming, mates," winked Pyro,

"Just hit the ball and run," sighed Wanda, "It's getting hotter and I'm losing interest in how this game will end by the minute."

"You get to be umpire next," said Todd, "You know, in case you wanna try some of your magical influence again."

Wanda seemed to think for a moment.

"Hmm, tempting," she hummed.

Pyro took his position and readied his bat as Kitty nearly dropped the ball as she tossed it up and down as she'd waited.

"Alright there, Sheila," smiled Pyro.

Pyro frowned and swung but missed as the ball wasn't even close to his bat.

"Strike," called Kurt as he rolled the ball back to Kitty.

"Hey Pyro, if the balls not near the bat area- don't swing," called Fred. Pyro rolled his eyes.

The next pitch came and Pyro didn't swing this time.

"Strike," stated Kurt. Pyro swung around to glare at him.

"Ay, I didn't swing there did I?" asked Pyro.

"But it was a good throw, so it's a strike," stated Kurt confidently.

"That's right done over," scoffed Pyro as he resumed his position for the last pitch.

A voice cut over the field from over by the scoreboard.

"Good luck, Pyro!" cheered Amara.

Pyro's frown faltered at her voice, and he glanced over towards the scoreboard. It was a mistake to do-so mid swing, but he held no regrets from it. Amara was leaning against the scoreboard in a clear attempt at looking flirty, but to anyone other than Pyro, it looked awkward and as if she had a cramp or pain in her side. But she no longer wore her X-Men shirt she'd been wearing and instead wore a modest by cute tankini top that had purple flames across its white fabric.

"S-She's wearing..." a wide grin spread across his face, "Flames..."

"Oh, for the love of..." Wanda trailed off as the ball was easily missed by the distracted Pyro.

"Idiot!" yelled Lance, "Pay attention to the-"

"Strike three, you're out!" yelled Kurt as he held the ball again.

"That's deliberate distraction," argued Pietro.

"There's nothing in the rules about distractions," Scott smirked as they got ready to switch again.

"Oh, if the X-men wanna play dirty," smirked Tabitha, "I'm pitching next so this will be perfect timing."

Tabitha began to pull the edges of her cropped blue shirt up. Pietro hastily stopped her.

"Gees!" said Pietro pulling her shirt back on, "I wanna win too, but I don't think flashing them is the answer... well not today, anyways. We're still ahead so we don't have to stoop to their level, yet."

"Relax Speedy, I was at the pool with Amara before this, " Tabitha patted his cheek, "Besides, it's been ages since I've been able to properly mess with the X-Men. You in Wanda."

"Absolutely not," stated Wanda.

"She's already distracting enough, we don't need now Helen of Troy situation out here," stated Todd firmly.

"The number one reason I won't participate in this," Wanda nodded towards Todd.

"Don't need people trying to kill each other to look at 'yah?" asked Todd. Wanda looked towards the trees.

"Sure, yeah, that's why," said Wanda.

Todd took a moment and then crossed his arms.

"I would not ogle you," glared Todd, "I'd politely glance, but would not ogle."

"That's really disrespectful," stated Pyro. He looked at Wanda, "I would."

"I hate it here," sighed Wanda, "Can we just get on with this."

"Pyro, you're playing outfield, so Tabitha doesn't 'distract' you," stated Lance, "And don't look at the scoreboard."

"I'm starting to feel targeted again," said Pyro, who headed towards the outfield.

They all headed to take their positions, Tabitha taking the time to pull off the crop altered blue top she'd been wearing and pull in through the loops of her shorts, so it hung to the side.

++

"Whoa..." said Sam, eyes wide as he covered Jamie's eyes.

"Hey! I'm watching this-" said Jamie as Sam's hands off his eyes, "Oh now I see why."

"I mean to be fair, I think we started this," Laughed Logan as he had acquired the popcorn, "Can't expect the Brotherhood not to match antics."

"This is why the beach volleyball rematch was canceled," said Ororo.

"I thought that was because the sand turned into a glass hazard due to certain power hazards?" asked Hank.

"That's the legal reason why," stated Charles as he finished his crossword puzzle.

++

Amanda let out an annoyed sighed as Bobby missed the first ball.

"Amara, we need to step this game up," Amanda stated, "We're still behind-"

Bobby finally hit the ball, but Pyro caught it.

"Great, even if Tabitha's antics don't work. Toad and Pyro are both in the outfield," finished Amanda.

"But how?" asked Amara who had stopped attempting flirty poses for both discomfort and the fact Pyro wouldn't even look over anymore.

Amanda thought for a moment and then smirked.

"I got an idea," she said, "I'll be right back, I have to go get my purse."

"You left your purse unattended with the Brotherhood here?" asked Amara as Amanda sprinted to the stands, "That's the stupidest or bravest thing I've ever heard."

++

The X-men groaned as Kurt rejoined them after being called out by Wanda.

"If it isn't enough that she's playing dirty and tossing bombs, I think Wanda is doing something to the bomb balls," groaned Kurt as he wafted slightly singed fur on his arm, "Uhg now I smell like burnt fur."

"With that and sulfur, you've just smelling like a real peach there, Kurt," teased Rogue. Kurt stuck his tongue out at her, "Real mature."

"Do you think we should... also step up out game?" asked Kitty in a whisper as she gestured to Tabitha.

"Kitty!" said Jean, "I don't think we need to stoop that low."

"I mean... we kind of already have," stated Bobby as he gestured to Amara.

"It's just a game," sighed Jean.

Scott let out a yelp as Wanda hexed his bat to fly into the trees. Jean glared and her eyes fell to where Amanda was racing back over towards Amara with her purse.

That's a good idea.

++

The bat that had flown into the trees now lay broken in half and tossed behind where Mystique, Magneto, and Remy still watched the game. Remy, luckily, remained the only one unscathed by the game's fallout. Magneto having bit hit by a fly ball, that his helmet had taken the force of it, and as of seconds ago a hexed baseball bat had tried attacking Mystique before she'd busted it into pieces.

"Looks like the X-Men are stooping lower than the Brotherhood," stated Magneto, "How very disappointing to Charles."

"It's turning into a game of skins again shirt," stated Remy. The guys had also joined their female teammates in the new antics, "Remy gonna need a cold shower-"

"Will you two shut it," hissed Mystique, "What is that human girl up too?"

She was focusing on where Amanda had returned to Amara

"Now... what is that human girl up too?" asked Mystique as Amanda began to whisper to Amara.

++

The playing teams we're currently taking a water break, which meant scheming and the X-Men seemed to have reached a new peak in planning.

"Should we do the same?" asked Pyro as he looked to where Scott had tied his shirt around his waist, "Even the playing field?"

"We could," said Pietro, "I mean Toad alone, if we angle him right the sun reflection will blind them all and they won't be able to see."

"You're so funny Pietro," Todd gave a fake dry laugh, "I am not that pale."

"If this was a Victorian era, it would set a new standard," stated Wanda.

"For someone who complained about documentary Wednesday, you're the only one paying attention to them," said Pietro. Wanda rolled her eyes.

"Hey, Toad and I do. You don't have to attend if you don't wanna, " said Fred, "Excuse me for trying to broaden our horizons and intellect."

"Guys, focus," said Lance, "Don't be distracted by- Tabitha are you listening?"

"I'm going to be honest when I say I haven't heard anything you've all been saying," said Tabitha. Who'd been starting at where the X-Men were moving to their new positions as they completed yet another switch with the Brotherhood, "You guys think maybe about doing some early morning workouts like the X-Men do? Because man are they looking good."

"Every telepath here, can see what you're thinking," said Todd as Tabitha's eyes lingered on a few of the X-Men.

"Good, I hope they enjoy the movie I'm making," Tabitha smirked as she tapped her head with her finger, "I have a great imagination."

"We know," said Fred, "It's why short story Wednesday got changed in the first place."

"Gosh, write one steamy fanfiction and suddenly it's too much to handle," scoffed Tabitha.

"Well, when you wrote us in it... yeah it really ruins the energy of the whimsy," said Todd.

"Pyro literally shared a full-on graphic scene and you all love it," snapped Tabitha.

"To be fair," Lance nodded in Pyro's direction, "It is literally his job to write those."

"And they're really good," said Fred.

"Oh, mates, you flatter me," beamed Pyro.

"I can write fanfiction and change the names too," scoffed Tabitha.

"But can you get multiple Pulitzers on it?" asked Pyro. Tabitha glared.

"Let's not turn on each other," said Lance, "Save that for home when the X-Men aren't watching. It makes us look pathetic. Bobby's pitching, so let's go. Toad, you bat first this time."

++

The crowd had gotten bigger as the game had continued and Hank looked from the lack of clothing to some of the new students.

"Perhaps we should age restrict the attendance of these events," cringed Hank.

"Eh, it's nothing they wouldn't see on any television or media nowadays Hank," cut in Logan as he took a drink of his beverage, "There ain't no difference in what they're wearing here and what they wear at the pool nearly every day around here."

"A good point," said Charles, "But perhaps any future events involving the Brotherhood should be limited attendance, for safety. Nothing too terrible has happened... yet."

"We still have two more rounds," said Ororo, her eyes looked to the scoreboard, "And I dare say a turn is about to take."

++

Toad tossed the bat to Pyro as he shuttered and shook off the ice from the exploding snowball. They we're still winning despite him not being able to figure out which ball was the real one to hit.

"Pyro," said Todd, "Good luck, there's ice balls and snowballs flying everywhere."

"No worries Toadie, his little ice tricks can't compete with my fiery personality," grinned Pyro as he lit a lighter, "A firebat should do the trick."

They watched as he made his way to bat and said equipment was turned into a burning device.

"Do you think the gloves are fireproof?" asked Fred. Toad shook his head.

"Nah, or they wouldn't have needed Bobby to shoot the ones' he made in the second game," said Todd. He looked to see where Rogue as umpire had moved farther back.

"Alright Frosty, let's go," said Pyro.

Bobby glared at the bat, but Pyro watched as the baseball iced over and were joined by a few snowballs from Bobby's other hand. Pyro focused on which ball to hit, but a voice cut into his psyche.

"Thanks for the lotion, Amanda!" was Amara's voice from the scoreboard.

"Don't look... don't look..." Pyro willed himself to focus on Bobby.

"Uhg, hey can someone help me put lotion on my back," came Amara, "Ray?"

Pyro's focus failed and he tossed the bat without thinking.

"I'm out. I quit," yelled Pyro as he nearly ran over his teammates to race towards the scoreboard area.

++

In the trees, the three spectators stood as they watched the flaming bat hit the stands and everyone hastily clear the area.

"Uhg, I hate that I'm beginning to like that human," Mystique shook her head, "I misread her in school, apparently she has some brains for guile afterall."

"That's a good thing?" asked Magneto.

"I mean to survive in this world, you gotta have some," said Remy, "You think the games over?"

The sound of fireworks and someone screaming about the scoreboard being on fire came across where they stood.

"Pretty positive," stated Magneto as he watched water covered in blue light floating above the field, "I don't want to find out what hexed water and fire may do."

"Yeah, I'm out of here," said Mystique who shapeshifted into a bird and vanished along with the others fleeing the area.

++

The field was a series of yelling, arguing, floating water that seemed to be make small explosions rather than stop the stands on fire or the scoreboard. The sound of thunder rang from above right before a downpour began.

"Thank your Ororo," said Charles as he held up a large umbrella where he, Hank, and Logan stood under.

"I think it's safe to say, any scored activities are pen and paper from now on?" asked Hank.

"A Projector maybe?" suggested Charles.

"This was nice and all, but I think I'm gonna go for a ride," said Logan standing up and stretching as fireworks, ice, hexes, blasts, slime, and gloves flew, "You in 'Ro?"

Ororo's eyes stopped glowing as the storm above began to break as they fire was diminished.

"I think I shall join you," said Ororo, "If another fire does occur among the chaos, just call me."

The two departed and Charles collapsed his umbrella.

"I think it was a hopeful idea," said Charles, "Perhaps just a little of an overreach."

"Perhaps... Basketball would have been better," said Hank with a sigh.

"Or better yet... board games?" suggested Charles.

"Inside?" asked Hank.

Charles watched as Sam flew through the fence.

"Perhaps not," Charles nodded.