Jupiter woke up just as the bell rang. The sound was loud enough to jolt him out of the shallow nap he had fallen into, and he stretched as the classroom erupted in movement.
"Jupiter," his teacher called, tone sharp and exhausted. "If you're going to sleep in my class again when we have a test coming up, you might as well—"
But Jupiter was already halfway to the door, slinging his bag over his shoulder and merging with the stream of students leaving. The teacher sighed, muttering something under his breath about lazy teenagers, but Jupiter didn't care. He just wanted to get out.
Once he stepped into the hallway, the noise hit him dozens of voices blending together, the sound of lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking against polished floors. Normal high school chaos. He rubbed his eyes, still half asleep, and walked out through the front doors into the bright afternoon sunlight.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
Pulling it out, he glanced at the caller ID and froze for a second. Jean Gray.
He blinked, confused. He'd only met her twice, both times through Ororo, and they hadn't exactly bonded. She was polite enough, but she had that quiet intensity about her that made conversations feel like she was reading between your words, like she already knew what you were thinking before you said it.
Still, curiosity won out. He swiped to answer. "Yo."
"Hey," came Jean's voice, warm and slightly amused, like she had been expecting that exact tone from him. "You're not doing anything today, right?"
Jupiter frowned slightly, adjusting his bag strap as he walked down the street. "Not really. Why?"
"I was thinking you could come over to our school. We're having a little get-together. A party, technically," she said, sounding casual but with that subtle undertone of persuasion. "We can invite outside guests, and I figured I'd ask you. You're close with Ororo, and you're… well, you're cool."
That last part made him pause. Her voice had this confidence to it, smooth but playful, and it threw him off just a bit.
He raised an eyebrow even though she couldn't see it. "I see. Does Ororo know you're inviting me?"
There was a small laugh on the other end. "She doesn't have to. I'm inviting you, not her. Besides, she'll be there, and I doubt she'll complain."
Jupiter stopped walking for a moment, considering. Something about this felt off. He didn't know Jean well enough for her to be this casual with him. Maybe she was just being friendly or maybe she wanted something.
He leaned against a nearby lamppost, the phone pressed loosely to his ear. "You sure this isn't some elaborate experiment?" he asked dryly.
Jean laughed again, light and genuine this time. "No experiments, promise. Just music, people, and maybe some bad dancing. Unless you're afraid to show up."
He smirked. "You trying to challenge me, Gray?"
"Maybe," she said, her tone teasing now. "Or maybe I just want to see what the great Jupiter is like outside of Ororo's shadow."
That one hit a little deeper than he expected. He chuckled quietly, but there was an edge to it. "Outside of her shadow, huh? You say that like I'm her sidekick."
"I didn't say that," Jean replied quickly, though her tone softened. "But you have a presence. It's… different. I was curious."
He didn't know what to make of that. It wasn't often people described him that way, and it felt strangely disarming.
"Alright," he said finally, pushing off the lamppost and starting down the sidewalk again. "Text me the address. I'll drop by."
"Great," Jean said, satisfaction clear in her voice. "See you soon, Jupiter."
The call ended, and he stood for a moment, staring at his phone screen as it dimmed.
"I guess I should tell ma," he murmured, scrolling through his contacts until he found Ajak's and pressing call.
After a few rings, the line clicked, and Ajak's calm, familiar voice answered. "Jupiter?"
"I'm going to a party," he said quickly, leaning against a lamppost. "I don't know when I'll get back, and no, I won't end up drunk." He added the last part thoughtfully, remembering the guest Ajak had mentioned that morning.
"I see," she replied evenly, her tone both understanding and firm. "As long as you come back not intoxicated or injured, I think it's alright."
"Alright, bye ma," he said, ending the call and slipping his phone back into his pocket.
He pulled up the address Jean had sent him. Not far. He could easily walk there. The thought of walking was oddly comforting; it gave him time to think, to plan, to stay aware of his surroundings without being trapped in a car or crowded public transport.
The walk passed quickly, and soon the familiar outline of a large school came into view. He paused for a moment, taking it all in. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The name carried weight, as though the very air around it hummed with quiet power.
He frowned slightly. Ororo had mentioned her school before, her voice carrying pride and affection whenever she spoke of it, but she had never actually told him where it was. Somehow seeing it in person was… anticlimactic. Not because it wasn't impressive, but because he had built it up in his mind. The real thing, standing there in front of him, was just a building like any other, though the scale and the meticulous upkeep gave away its private status.
After walking through the front gates, he stopped at the door, hesitating. Knocking was… risky. Too many variables. Someone could open the door, someone he didn't want to see first. It was safer to call Jean.
He pulled out his phone again and dialed her number. It rang twice before she answered.
"Hey, Jupiter," Jean said, her tone light but carrying that same undertone of authority he remembered.
"Hey," he said, leaning against the wall. "Can you come to the door? I don't really feel like knocking and hoping someone else opens it."
There was a pause on the other end, then a laugh. "Sure. I'll be there in a second."
Jupiter slid his phone back into his pocket, glancing around the front yard and the entrance. The building was large, with clean brick walls and polished windows. A few students milled around, chatting or walking past him, but none seemed to notice him.
He exhaled slowly, letting himself relax just a little. It was a party, a normal human interaction, something he rarely experienced.
A figure appeared at the door, movement graceful, familiar, and he knew immediately it was Jean. She waved with that small, confident smile of hers. "You're punctual," she said.
"Yeah, well, someone has to be," he replied, returning the smile, though faintly.
She opened the door wider, stepping aside. "Come on in. Don't worry, it's not that crazy…"
Jupiter hesitated at the threshold for a second, taking in the interior. Music and laughter drifted out from the main hall.
"Lead the way," he said finally, stepping inside.
Jean smirked knowingly, letting the door close behind him. "I thought you'd say that."
They walked through the large building, weaving between clusters of students laughing and chatting. The music was low enough not to be deafening but loud enough to give the whole space a casual, lively vibe. Jupiter's eyes scanned the room, taking note of exits, the layout, and the subtle fluctuations of energy around the room. Even in a simple party, awareness was second nature.
That was until someone bumped into him. Jupiter steadied the person with ease before they fell. "Are you alright?" he asked, looking down.
For his age, Jupiter was considerably tall, nearly six feet. His stature came naturally from his divine lineage, which made him tower over most of the students here. The girl he steadied looked up at him, her brown hair streaked with white catching the light. Her green eyes met his electric blue.
"Yeah, yeah, thanks for catching me… big guy," she said with a smile, brushing herself off.
"Are you one of the invites? Ain't seen you 'round here before," she asked, her voice carrying a soft southern lilt.
Before Jupiter could respond, Jean turned, her expression caught between amusement and mild exasperation. "Seems you met Anna," she said, nodding toward the girl.
"Yeah, I invited him. Jupiter, meet Anna. Anna, meet Jupiter," Jean introduced them, her tone light but authoritative enough to make it clear she orchestrated the meeting.
Anna blinked, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. "Wait… hold up, this guy's Jupiter? Like, Ororo's friend?"
Jupiter raised an eyebrow, amusement creeping into his expression. "Am I known around here?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. He hadn't expected Ororo to mention him outside of casual stories, and he found it mildly entertaining.
"Yeah, of course! How'd we not know?" Anna said, smirking, her pride obvious. "Ororo's only friend outside of school, after all."
The way she said it carried a tone of importance, as though being Ororo's friend was some kind of status symbol. Jupiter couldn't help but let his confusion deepen. He had known Ororo, yes, but he didn't expect it to carry any weight like this.
"Well," he said, letting a small smirk tug at his lips, "I guess that makes me special, then."
Anna laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Special? Definitely. Just… don't let it go to your head."
"Unfortunately, it already has," Jupiter said with a lazy grin, his tone so dry it was hard to tell if he was joking.
Just as he finished speaking, he felt it eyes on him. The kind of stare that carried weight, familiar and sharp. He turned his head, meeting the unmistakable gray eyes of Ororo Munroe. She was walking toward them, calm and composed, but her expression revealed nothing. It wasn't anger exactly, more like quiet disapproval wrapped in that usual poise she carried.
"Ororo!" Jean called out, her face brightening as she waved.
Jupiter smiled faintly. "Well, this should be fun."
"How are you here, Jupiter?" Ororo asked when she reached them. Her voice was soft but firm, the kind of tone that carried authority without trying.
"Jean invited me, so I came over," he said casually, pocketing his hands.
Her gaze didn't waver. "Did she now?"
He knew why she was reacting this way. It wasn't that she disliked him, it was that she knew him. Or at least, thought she did. She'd once called him one of the most dangerously charming people she'd met, which, coming from her, was saying something. And given his nature, she wasn't wrong. Jupiter didn't hide who he was. If he saw someone beautiful, he didn't pretend otherwise.
So standing here, surrounded by two of her closest friends, he could practically feel her suspicion radiating off her.
"Are you mad I came over? Such hate is truly unfortunate," he said with a straight face, his tone so unbothered it caught both Jean and Anna off guard.
Jean blinked, torn between laughing and intervening. Ororo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if he'd already given her a headache.
"I didn't say that," she said finally, "but now I have to watch you."
"Watch him?" Jean asked, genuinely confused. "He's my guest."
Ororo folded her arms, her tone sharpening slightly. "He's a deviant."
Anna choked on a laugh, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Ororo ignored it and continued, "I've seen it. Any girl that catches his attention ends up tangled in his games. I've been the only one keeping him in check, and you—" she glanced at Jean "—invited him to a party."
Anna snorted outright this time, shaking her head with a grin. "You're really portraying him like some kinda predator. Isn't he your friend?"
Ororo looked at Anna, deadpan. "That's exactly why I'm warning you."
Jupiter raised an eyebrow, looking mildly offended. "A deviant? That's harsh, even for you."
"You've earned the title," Ororo shot back without missing a beat.
"Have I?" Jupiter replied smoothly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'm celibate. How could I have partaken in such acts?"
Jean coughed into her hand to hide a laugh, while Anna openly grinned, clearly entertained by the banter. Ororo, however, only narrowed her eyes at him in disbelief, as if weighing whether he actually believed what he just said.
Before she could respond, a voice called out from across the room.
"Jean!"
Jupiter turned his head toward the source, spotting a guy with short brown hair and dark-tinted glasses weaving through the crowd. His posture was straight, controlled, someone used to being the responsible one.
Jean perked up immediately. "Scott! I was just hanging out with these guys," she said, gesturing toward the group as he approached. "I was gonna head back, but I got sidetracked."
Scott stopped beside her, offering a polite nod before his gaze swept over everyone. First Ororo, then Anna, and finally landing on Jupiter. He hesitated for half a second before extending his hand.
"You must be one of the invites. Scott Summers. Pleasure to meet you."
Jupiter clasped his hand firmly. "Jupiter," he said simply.
"Like the planet?" Scott asked, polite curiosity in his tone.
"Like the god," Jupiter corrected with an easy smile.
Scott blinked, momentarily thrown off by the confidence in the answer. Ororo exhaled quietly, a mix between a sigh and a laugh escaping her as she shook her head. She knew him too well to be surprised anymore.
Ajak must have known exactly what she was doing when she'd given him that name, Ororo thought. The arrogance fit him like a second skin.
Anna let out a small laugh, her southern accent cutting through the noise. "You think you can live up to all that hype, sugar?" she teased, tilting her head playfully.
Jupiter didn't even hesitate. "Of course. How could I not live up to my own hype?"
That earned a few reactions. Jean smiled, Ororo muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "unbelievable," and Scott gave a faint, uncertain chuckle, clearly unsure how to take him.
"Right," Scott said finally, turning back to Jean. "Are we heading back now? Bobby's been complaining without actually saying anything."
Jean sighed in amusement. "That sounds like him. Yeah, we should go." She looked between the others. "You guys coming?"
Anna crossed her arms, smirking. "Only reason I'm still here is 'cause I got dared to dance. Otherwise, I'd already be long gone."
"Uh-huh," Jean said, half-suspicious, half-amused.
As they started walking, Ororo fell into step beside Jupiter, her gaze cutting sideways at him. Her eyes narrowed, silent but sharp, clearly warning him that she was still watching.
He caught her look and smiled faintly, unbothered. "You wound me with your lack of trust," he murmured under his breath.
"I call it experience," she replied evenly, not missing a beat.
They entered another room connected to the main hall, where the atmosphere was a little quieter. The thrum of music faded into the background, replaced by chatter and laughter. A small group was gathered near the center, a blond guy with bright blue eyes and a confident grin, standing beside a brunette girl with warm brown eyes.
Scott raised a hand in greeting. "Hey, Bobby. Kitty."
"About time," the blond guy said—Bobby, clearly. "Thought you ditched us."
Jean smiled. "I'd never."
Bobby's gaze drifted past her, landing on Jupiter. "And who's this? New recruit?"
"Friend," Jean clarified before Jupiter could answer. "Visiting for the party."
"Ah, one of those friends," Bobby said, smirking as he leaned back against the arm of the couch. His tone was playful but laced with that typical Bobby mischief. "Got it." Kitty elbowed him lightly, her expression unimpressed. "Don't scare the guy off before he even gets comfortable," she said with a small roll of her eyes.
"Don't worry," Ororo interjected smoothly. "He isn't scared off easily." She crossed the room with quiet grace, taking a seat on one of the armchairs near the window. The soft hum of music from outside filled the silence for a moment.
"So what game were you guys playing while I was gone?" Jean asked as she sank into a spot beside Scott. She tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear and glanced at Bobby.
"Just two truths and one lie," Bobby replied, his grin widening. "Though it was getting good before Scott decided to shut down the more… entertaining parts."
That earned him a sharp look from Scott, who straightened slightly, arms crossing over his chest. "Entertaining isn't the word I'd use," he said coolly. His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried that quiet edge of disapproval Scott could manage.
Jupiter caught the subtle exchange and smirked faintly, sensing the shift in energy. He'd seen that kind of control before, someone trying to keep order while the rest wanted chaos. "I think I would've liked to see where that went," Jupiter said casually, his tone teasing.
Bobby immediately perked up, pointing toward him. "See? The new guy gets it."
"Of course he does," Kitty said, sighing as she shook her head. "You always side with the troublemaker."
"Only when they make things interesting," Bobby shot back.
Jean laughed quietly, glancing toward Ororo. "And you say he's the one we should be watching?"
Ororo gave a small, amused smile but didn't look away from Jupiter. "Both of them, apparently." Her eyes lingered on him for a beat longer, as if trying to read past that calm expression of his.
Jupiter only smiled in return, leaning back slightly with effortless composure. "If I knew there'd be such scrutiny, I'd have prepared my truths more carefully."
"Then let's see if you can handle the game," Bobby said, grinning like a cat who'd found a new toy. "Your turn, Jupiter. Two truths and one lie."