Lust builds as reality changes

Grey-Frost University

Kitty sighed as she dropped her bookbag when she entered her dorm room. Between training as an X-Woman and her studies, she'd been busy the past few weeks, so any free time she'd get was very much appreciated. Not that Kitty was complaining -- she'd really enjoyed her work as both a student at the University and as an X-Woman... and she *really* enjoyed the sight of both her attractive teammates, professors and classmates alike, all of whom seemed to be wearing less than they did when the semester first started. Not that Kitty thought much of that, though. She herself had followed the trend, too, wearing a short skirt and a low cut white t-shirt tied around her waist, finding herself very much enjoying the leers she'd gotten in her classes that day, especially from instructors Psylocke & Storm.

"Hey, sugah. Y'all look beat right now."

Kitty's roommate, Rogue, was lounging on the couch, reading. She was wearing a small yellow tube top, very small daisy dukes and cowboy boots, which made her roommate take immediate notice.

"It's been a long day," Kitty admitted, flopping down onto the couch beside her roommate. "I've been working my ass off lately..."

"Ah can tell," Rogue grinned as she set her book down, speaking in that southern accent that Kitty had begun to find sexier and sexier as time went on. "But considerin' how cute that ass is, Ah'd say the results are worth it."

Kitty blushed at Rogue's remark and smiled. "Thanks. You know... yours is pretty cute too."

"An' ah work hard to keep it that way... gotta keep up with the rest a' y'all," Anna said, eliciting a chuckle from Kitty.

"Tell me about it. If this wasn't an all-girl college, I think every guy I went to high school with would have sent at least a dozen applications to this place," Kitty mused.

"Maybe... can't say ah miss 'em, though," Anna answered. "Ain't really interested in dating guys right now..."

As she said it, a vague image crossed Anna's mind. It felt like another time, another world... a man with a cajun accent. He had the ability to charge objects with energy... his weapon of choice was a pack of playing cards. But that was ridiculous! She'd never even met anyone like that before. And she certainly felt nothing for this vague image. Kitty, on the other hand... well, Anna Marie certainly felt an attraction to her.

"Yeah, same here," Kitty admitted. "With being an X-Woman and the course load I have, where would I find the time for guys?"

While Kitty didn't have the time for guys, she'd have certainly made time for someone like Rogue. Or Jean. Or Emma. Or Psylocke. Or Storm. Although she was stilltoo timid to admit it, her inhibitions were fading and her lesbian urges were building.

"So what's your evaluation of Kitty Pryde so far?" Emma asked Jean.

"She's been excellent so far," Jean praised. "Between training and field work, I don't think I've seen a better initiate."

"I agree," Ororo added. "I think she'll be quite the asset to the X-Women."

Rogue echoed the sentiment. "She's also a real sweetheart, that one. Talented. Smart, too. Ah like her a lot -- we've become great friends."

"Hmmmph. I've seen worse," Laura added. Knowing Laura, the X-Women knew that she was paying Kitty a huge compliment.

Emma nodded. "I share your opinions. With her grades and attitude, I believe she'll be an exceptional X-Woman... as well as a shining example of mutantkind's best."

Plus, she's a real cutie, Emma thought to herself.

"I heard that," Jean's voice echoed in Emma's mind.

"Me too," Psylocke thought.

"Well come on now! Am I wrong?" Emma asked telepathically. The other two telepaths had the same answer.

"No. No, you're not..."

Stark Tower

CEO's Office

"...Combined with SHIELD tech, this software should be able to intercept any incoming or outgoing messages the Purifiers send, from the janitor to Stryker himself," Pepper told Natasha.

"Thanks, Pepper. I know you're busy, so I appreciate the help," Natasha answered. Virginia "Pepper" Potts, also known as Rescue, was a fellow Avenger teammate of Natasha's, but as CEO of Stark Industries, she had plenty of business to attend to; right now, she had to deal with someone in the company who had been leaking corporate secrets to Hammer Industries.

"If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask my personal assistant," Pepper said, referring to the woman standing beside her.

"Mary Jane Watson. Pleasure to meet you," The pretty redhead introduced herself to the other pretty redhead. In front of a third pretty redhead.

"Likewise," Natasha said, shaking MJ's hand. The two women left the office, MJ explaining how the software interfaced with SHIELD's tech, among other things.

Following the conversation, MJ walked Natasha to the elevator and rode it down with her. "And remember, if you need any help, let me know."

"I will, Miss Watson. Thank you for your assistance."

As the elevator door slid shut, Natasha's phone started buzzing. She opened it to a video call from Jean Grey. Natasha chuckled to herself -- it seemed like everyone she'd been in contact with lately had been a gorgeous redhead, like herself. *Maybe they're drawn to me,* Natasha thought. *Though I certainly wouldn't complain about it...*

"Miss Grey. Perfect timing," said Natasha. "I've just gotten some software from Stark Industries that should gather us all kinds of info about the Purifiers and whatever they have planned with HYDRA."

"Sounds promising," Jean said. "When do you think you'll have it online?"

"I've set up a meeting with Graydon Creed. As you know, he has close ties with the Purifiers," answered Natasha. "I'll be going in undercover -- with any luck, I'll be able to plant something in his phone and get out of there without him noticing a thing."

Jean approved. "Excellent. Creed's bound to have all sorts of useful info on him. Call me when you have more info."

"Will do," said Natasha. "I'll talk to you soon."

Natasha ended the call and looked at the Stark Industries building. A strange feeling started gnawing at her -- why was it called Stark industries again? She faintly remembered the name Stark, but couldn't place it at all...

...and then Natasha saw Firestar flying across the sky above her, and her mind turned to gorgeous redheads again.