Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
Authors Note: Okay………..I really don't know what Westchester is supposed to look like, so I just made it the way I imagine it would be. The school is always getting attacked and they have freaking Jets and stuff flying in and out all the time. I just imagine that it would be a bit more secluded…..you know to keep the body count down of innocent bystanders when all the explosions happen every other day.
This is a pretty big chapter...I didn't intend it to be so big but...the muse hit me and, well, it pretty much just wrote itself. I didn't want to separate it into smaller chapters because I felt that the topics and conversations had too much to do with each other. It would've lost it's feel if I separated it. Then again I might just be crazy. Tell me what you think?
Jaz- Glad to see that you are still by my side! As for an explanation…hmm…soon, but not anytime soon. You will just have to wait it out.
Madhatter668- Like I said before…you sound like the only one who enjoys Jean's evil behavior! But, hey, to each their own. If you like how Jean behaved before, then you are REALLY going to enjoy what I have in store for her in future chapters!
Jean1- You know, it is always your reviews that leave me feeling a bit…nervous? As for the whole Beast and Logan and their senses thing? Do not worry my friend. I tool all of that into consideration. I never actually said that he knew anything. I merely stated that he too had heightened senses. But…hmm…I may be lying as well. Who knows? LOL. As for Warren? Don't worry, I have plans for him my dear. I actually have plans for ALL of the X-Men. Remember my summary, this will effect the ENTIRE team.
Rogue Gal- I TOO WILL SPEAK IN CAPITALS! Hahaha I love Romy as well. No better couple out there in my opinion. If you like Romy however, you are gonna LOVE chapter 11. Things between those two will get mighty…close.
Jen- Do you have a copy of my story? Rogue's character is in for a big surprise! One that will knock Remy's socks off! One that will also stir up many mixed emotions from every X-Man present.
Jade- I thank you for staying by my side. It did smart a bit too see that I lost reviewers, but there are those faithful few that are sticking by me. As for traumatizing you…yeah, sorry about that. But I will ease your pain and write tons more Romy in from now on! Promise…that is, till things get all…oops…nearly said too much. As for Remy and Logans reaction to their…Ahem…episode. Don't worry, that will come up next chapter. And trust me when you say that you will not want to miss out on their conversation!
Tara- The Click sound was of the time changing. As for Remy's reaction on the Logan issue. Next chapter will cover it. I too enjoyed the penis joke. I love Ace Ventura!
Addtothenoise- Thank you. I try. As for their paranoia? Check out this chappy, then tell me what you think?
XDianaMoonx- Shit hitting the fan? Honey, you don't even know that half of it. I am happy that everyone thought my Beast idea was a good one. I was worried that not many people would go for it. I too love Ace Ventura! Happy to see that you are going to stick by my side also. I agree that not many people like seeing Remy or Rogue, or even Scott and Jean paired wit anyone else…I am one of those people. But sometimes, you just have got to try something different.
Chica de los Ojos Café- You are so funny? Did he smell something fishy? HAHAHA!
Amazing red phienox- No, I have not given up on this story. As long as I have faithful reviewers then I shall keep on updating! So REVIEW!
Isandahalf- Awesome update on Symbiotic! Just had to get that out of the way. You keep saying 'droll', I am afraid that I am uncertain as to what that word means. I hope it isn't anything bad! EEPS! You views on each character is pretty right on the money there. The Hank issue will be resolved…very slowly. As for Betsy and Emma? Well…you wouldn't think that I would leave them out of the fun now would you. Those two are bound to try to stir up trouble soon. Why, just read this Chapter to find out. And thanks for the awesome reviews. Please keep them coming!
D- Okay, I know I cheated you all out on the sex scene. To be honest, I chickened out. I thought people would think me a pervert and so on. Now that I know that there are many felloe perverts out there with me, I will write one or two…maybe four (hehehe) in future chapters. As for Jean's stick in her ass? That comment had me rolling around with laughter! You so bad!
WolvGambit Le Diable Blanc- Glad to see that you are enjoying it. I know you like your fluff so I will try to make it a point to write some fluffiness in future chapters. Chapter 13 for sure will be filled with it!
Now, enough of all this BS! On with the story! Don't forget to REVIEW people! I need them if I am to continue this story!
Green Eyed Monster
Westchester's, Salem Center was not a very big town. Not many office buildings graced it's presence. Instead great big houses, mansions, ran along its immaculate streets. The side walks had cute little grass gardens decorating their exterior instead of Bus Stops, garbage cans or dirt. Children played street hockey, fathers washed their cars in their driveways and women felt it safe to take a nice jog after sunset. It was your typical upper class suburbia. Where the rich frolicked in their swimming pools, tennis courts, fancy cars and lavish homes.
There was one structure however that stood out from them all.
If you made the corner around Breakers St. and kept going straight down Cullington Dr., you would happen upon a dirt road that lead only towards the right up a steep hill. That road was known as Graymaklin Lane. It was a long road with nothing but tall trees as its scenery on either side. If you decided to take the trip up that road after about thirty minutes you would come to a set of great iron gates that Buckingham Palace would envy. The rails would reach over 15ft high and would stretch across either way for as far as the eye could see. On the direct left of the entrance you would find a 6ft brick wall with a silver plaque mounted onto it, and it would read: Xavier's Institute For Gifted Youngsters. If by some miracle you were permitted access across the gates you would find yourself in a dense forest with only a narrow gravel road leading into it. After about a fifteen minute journey down that road you would come to a clearing…it was there that said structure stood.
It was a huge mansion that stood four stories high. It's design appeared to be an Old English one. It had a brick driveway that circled a huge fountain of the Saint Michael wielding his sword, slaying a serpent. A grand stairwell lead to two enormous dark wooden doors. Four pillars proudly stood their post out in front as Ivy vines lovingly wrapped themselves around them. The structure was breathtaking, and that was just the outside. One could only imagine the 'Marvels' it housed within.
If you were to turn left of the gargantuan home, you would be able to make out a lake in the far distance. To it's side you would find a smaller two story building keeping it's company, a Boat House more than likely. To the right of the mansion you would see a hiking trail that lead into the forest that surrounded the entire property. That path lead into many different directions throughout the wooded area but if luck would fall upon you and you would happen to find just the right one then it would lead you to a small clearing at the edge of a cliff. The view would leave you in awe. If you were standing there at that exact moment however, you would be able to make out a small sleek looking object soaring towards your direction. A bird maybe? No. Looking a bit more closely you would be able to see its hard shiny exterior and hear its steady humming as it approached. Continuing your observation you would finally see that the mysterious object was a plane. A jet actually. But no jet that any Navy Fighter Pilot in his wildest dreams could ever imagine.
But if it was a jet, then why was it flying so fast towards the side of a cliff? Shouldn't it pull up or change direction?
If you were standing there at that exact moment in time then you would've been witness to one of those "Marvels" that the school held, because neither did the jet change direction or pull up. Instead it stayed its course. Straight ahead. You would've probably closed you eyes, saw your life flash by in mere seconds, prayed to whatever Gods you believe in or something equally as dramatic. That is, if you were standing there at that time. But you weren't. No one was. So no one was there to witness the miracle of the jet disappearing straight into the side of the cliff.
During the wee early mornings inside Xavier's was about the only time there was a sense of tranquility felt throughout the mansion. Not many people where up besides your early birds, which where found few in number there. Everything was calm and quiet and peaceful. But as the saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.'
A slight rumble past throughout the school. Nothing to panic about but enough to stir the inhabitants of the mansion who were not already awake. It was actually a sensation all who resided there had become quite accustomed to. If they so wanted to, some could've even ignored the rumble and continue sleeping. For that rumble was a sign that the Blackbird had flown home to its nest.
Orroro stood in front of the stove, stacking an ever increasing amount of flapjacks onto a plate that sat on the counter to her left. She knew that three of her teammates had returned home from their mission last night, and by the sound of the Blackbirds arrival a few minutes ago, another three more had just arrived. 'Better make more food.' she thought. She was in high spirits. It had been quite awhile since all members of the X-Men were found home at the same time. Usually they were out running around as if their heads were removed, rarely catching glimpses of each other. How wonderful for them to all be reunited again. 'Hopefully nothing disastrous will happen to ruin this happy occasion.' she inwardly sighed.
"Smelling good Stormy." At the sound of the husky Cajun accent Orroro spun around with a brilliant smile on her face. Her 'brother' was home after all.
"Remy!" She floated over to him an pulled him into an affectionate embrace, "Welcome home my friend. I have missed you! And do not call me by that ridiculous name!"
"Alright Stormy." he replied with a wicked grin.
With mock anger, she playfully shoved him onto a stool next to the island that stood in the center of the kitchen. How she had missed him, annoying charm and all. "So tell me my friend," she began as she return to her flapjack duties, her back to him, "What went wrong in Vegas. I am assuming things did not occur as you might have predicted." Remy's head shot up, a nervous feeling spread through him.
"Why you say dat!" He had not meant his voice to sound so forceful.
Orroro turned to face him, a blank expression n her face, her head cocked slightly to the side. She was somewhat confused by his outburst. "My friend…I checked the logs. No new mutant has checked in. I simply concluded that our invitation was refused. I meant no offence to you." She took in his slightly stiff demeanor. Not many would notice but Storm was Remy's best friend. She could always notice those subtle changes in his person. "Are you well Gambit?"
Remy had to force himself to relax. 'Calm down you fuckin' idiot!' His famous smirk appeared and his body visually relaxed and fell into its usual cockiness. "Je suis desole Stormy. We got in kinda late and I's still a little stiff from de flight. I also not used to being up so early. It only be…." he paused to look at the clock that was mounted on the wall, "Merde! It's 6:30am! What de fuck!"
"Remy." Her tone was a scolding one. She didn't appreciate his choice of words.
He shrugged his shoulders in a very exaggerated way then slouched over, elbows resting on the countertop. "Hmph. So dis what 6:30 am be looking' like," he claimed mischievously as he glanced around the room, taking everything in with mock awe.
Storm turned back towards the stove and began cracking eggs into a bowl, preparations for the omelets that were to come. " I should think that you would be very accustomed to what 6:30am looks like. Is it not the time that you usually stager home from your nightly escapades." He couldn't see her face but he knew that she had a wicked smile dancing there. Thank God she let his odd behavior earlier go. That's what he loved about her. She minded her own damn business. Something that he thought she could teach to a certain nosey few that lived here. She asked no questions and trusted her teammates completely. She trusted them with her life and respected them enough to believe that they would do the right thing. 'Damn' Not liking where his train of thought was taking him, he decided to continue his little game with her.
He made a hissing sound through his clenched teeth. "Ouch! Stormy! I did nothing' to you!" He laughed playfully, "Why you go and wound me like dat?"
"Who wouldn't?" came a dry response.
Both Remy and Storm turned towards the source of the new voice.
Cyclops stepped into the kitchen, followed closely by his wife, whom for her part was a tad shocked to see Remy up at 6:30am. Okay maybe she was embarrassed as well. He was usually up around twelve or one. She would have to play it cool.
Upon seeing her best friend Orroro rushed Jean to give her a big hug. "I have missed you Jean. How was you trip? Are you well?"
"Fine Storm, and you? Need some help?" she asked, desperate to distract herself from the fact that she was in the room with Remy and her husband. "Yes thank you Jean, it is nice to know that someone offered." It was quite obvious that her comment was directed to Remy, who merely rolled his eyes in return. Both ladies moved towards the stove to finish the breakfast that Storm had already began.
It didn't slip Remy's notice how Jean didn't meet his eyes as she past him by with a quiet, "Good morning." He merely nodded his head in response. Watching the way her body swayed as she walked away triggered a flood of memories to wash over his mind. Memories he needed to forget about. But did he want to forget? He enjoyed himself that night. It felt good. Forget? Maybe not. Maybe he just didn't want anyone to find out.
Luckily, he was pulled out of his improper thoughts when a hard voice questioned him, "What are you doing here?"
Remy looked up to see Cyclops leaning against the counter across from him. He took in his leaders appearance for the first time since he entered the kitchen and noticed that he was in full uniform. Clean. Starched. Pressed. 'At 6:30 in de fuckin' morning!' Remy made a disgusted face. 'Man don' know de meaning of the phrase 'Down Time'. His wife jus' got home from being away for almost five days! Hmph. Maybe dats why she come to Logan and me the first chance she got.' He mentally shook his head at those thoughts, 'Stop it LeBeau! Don' think that!'
"Isn' it a little early for a uniform homme?" he asked him.
"No."
Remy just shrugged his shoulders at that then leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. Both Storm and Jean were still cooking, blabbing on about something girly or another. 'Jean looks relaxed. Maybe I got notin to worry 'bout.' Cyclops voice interrupted his thoughts again, "You didn't answer my question Remy." Gambit inwardly groaned and forced himself not to roll his eyes. It was way too early to deal with Cyclops. Okay…so maybe he just didn't want to look at him because he fucked his wife the day before, who happened to be in the same room now, who happened to be talking to his 'sister', who both happened to be close friends with the woman he was in love with.
'Fuck.'
'At least I don't have to deal with looking' at de Wolverine right now.' he silently thanked God for that one small gesture.
"Good morning Logan," Storm greeted.
And as usual, God spit in his face.
Gambit just rolled his eyes in annoyance, 'You gotta be kiddin' me.'
"Morning," came the Canadians response. He took the seat next to Remys, "Put a couple of more sausages on the grill girls. I'm fucking starving." He turned his head towards Cyclops, ignoring the aggravated sound Storm made, and noticed him staring at Remy. Gambit for his part looked like he was in a world of his own. 'Uh oh.' "What's going on?" he asked, in his usual gruff rude tone.
"Just wondering what Remy was doing down here so early?" Scott replied.
Logan, merely grunted at Scott's query. He was about dismiss the whole topic because quite frankly he didn't care, but thought better of it. He decided to press the matter just for the sake of asking. He needed some sort of distraction to take his mind off the fact that he had technically been intimate the day before with two of his teammates that were in the room. Not to mention Storm was there, in all her glorious distraction. He couldn't let anyone on by acting strange. "What are ya doin' here Cajun? Ain't noon yet." Logan asked. What the fuck was Gambit doing down there? He was usually never one to be found up this early. They were supposed to act normal. Maybe the Cajun couldn't sleep...Logan knew he couldn't. 'Better watch his back.'
"You one to talk mon amie," Remy chuckled, with his normal laid back attitude, but inside a relief swept through his entire being thanks to Logan. Maybe it would be easier to face Scott with Logan around anyway. Both Logan and Scott continued staring at him awaiting his response, only Cyke appeared a tad bit more put off than Logan, probably for being ignored for so long. Logan for his part looked like he really didn't care. "De Blackbird jus' come in." he evenly stated.
Logan pursed his lips together and nodded his head in understanding. Cyclops, not been the brightest apple in the bunch pressed for more. "So...," he trailed off, clearly not satisfied with his answer.
"So...," Remy repeated mockingly, causing the Wolverine to chuckle, "So what?"
Not liking being the butt of their joke, Scott snapped at him, "So what does the Blackbird have to do with you? You've slept through it before."
Gambit scoffed, thinking that the answer would be somewhat obvious, "True, but I haven't seen ma chere in over a week. She been gone to Muir since before we went on our mission."
"Ah," Cyclops said taking the seat in front of him, as if the secrets of the world were just revealed to him just then, "You're waiting for Rogue. I just finished their debrief in the War Room not too long ago. I believe that they're in the locker room right now. They should be up here any moment now...blah blah blah blah..."
Remy just continued to stare at him, pretending to take in all he was saying. 'Dis usually 'bout de time I start fantasizing 'bout Jean just to make dis torture easier. But, I don't need to fantasize 'bout dat anymore. Tasted de real thing already.' From his peripheral vision he could see Jean and Storm putting everything into serving plates, preparing to take them out to the dinning room. Even though she was all smiles and cracking jokes with Storm, Remy could see the nervous glances she kept shooting towards her husband, the stiffness and slight hesitation in her body as she followed Storm out the kitchen. 'Don' blame de petite fo' being so nervous. Not easy leaving your husband alone in a room with the two men you fucked brainless the day befo'. He then realized that Scott was still talking to him, 'Dieu! Does he usually talk to me dis much! What de fuck he talking 'bout?' He then felt the eyes of the Wolverine boring into his side. He glanced at him and noticed his mocking smirk. 'Fuck you old man.'
Wolverine new that the Cajun was uncomfortable with Cyclops rambling on directly in front of him. Even though his entire body language was completely relaxed, Logan new otherwise. He could smell it. Not that he could blame him. He wasn't all that comfortable himself. 'I mean just look at him over there,' he thought to himself, 'The saps completely oblivious. Going on about God only knows what. Not a care in the world.' He took a deep sigh then, 'Pfft. Wonder what he'd do if he knew what his beloved wife was doing yesterday morning. I'd fucking kill her if she was my woman.' It was then that he began to see Cyclops in a different way. Yeah what he did to Jean was bad, but he didn't do anything physically. Was there a difference? Cheating was cheating right? But she cheated with two different men. He just mind fucked Emma. Ugh. He began to see himself in a new way as well. To say that he didn't like what he saw would be an understatement.
"...so, Hank and I found out that it was actually the Mainframe that was causing the problems, so you can just imagine the fuss there was to reboot the system to..."
"Yeah, that's great Cyke," Logan interrupted, "Anyways, I was thinking. Why don't we go do something tonight? You know...uh...grab a beer or something." He noticed the look on both his companions faces. Scott's appeared to be a mixture of many emotions, as if he was undecided on which one to feel. There was confusion, surprise, doubt but also slightly pleased. Remy on the other hand looked completely blank, as if he felt nothing at all form what Logan had just said. Logan however knew that inside Remy must of have been completely horrified. 'I'll have to talk to the Cajun later.' He turned back towards Scott, whose expression was slowly becoming a suspicious one. He had to force himself not to just get up and forget the whole damn thing. 'Nobody said making friends was gonna be easy.' "Hear me out," Logan began, "How long has it been since we've gone out for a little down time? Awhile right...it's been awhile right Cajun?" he asked turning towards Gambit. 'Come on ya stupid Cajun, get my back here.'
"Yeah..." Remy replied slowly, somewhat suspicious himself. He was at a complete loss of words. What was Logan up to? Why would he want to go out with Scott of all people? He didn't get it, he didn't like it, and as if that wasn't bad enough Storm and Jean walked back in during their conversation.
"What's going on?" Jean asked, noticing the confused look on her husbands face, the cautious look on Remys and the flustered, or as flustered as he could get, on Logan's. She tried her hardest not to panic.
"Logan hear suggested we go out tonight. 'Grab a beer,' is the way he phrased it I believe." Scott answered, his eyes never once leaving Logan. It's not that he wasn't pleased, he always wanted to grow closer to his teammates outside X-Men issues. But why now? Why all of a sudden? Something was up. He just knew it.
Picking up the suspicion that was leaking out of Scott with his empathy, Remy decided to speak up, he did after all have an idea where Logan was going with all this. "I think we all could use a bit down time myself homme." He said with an air of nonchalance as he glanced towards Logan. 'Yeah I got your back ol' man.'
"Remy, every time is down time for you." Scott dryly told him.
"Well I for one think that it is a wonderful idea. It has been quite sometime since all of us have gone out together. Come now Scott, even we Leaders can relax for one night. There is no immediate threat occurring." Orror said, completely oblivious to the real reason for the outing. Her attention went to Jean then, "Convince him Jean. Would it not be splendid for some R&R?"
"...umm...yeah...yeah, it would. That's a great idea Logan." Jean stammered. 'What are they doing?' She shot Logan a questioning look, one he merely ignored. 'He's not going to say anything is he? Maybe I should read his mind, just to be sure.' Just then Remys eyes shot towards her, giving her a cold stare. He had picked up her suspicion and curiosity towards Logan hard. It was pouring out of her by the buckets. The look he was giving her said it all, 'Don't even fuckin' try it.' He didn't need to be a mind reader to know what she had planned. Being that suspicious and curious of someone, especially after what she did with them...well, it would only be natural for the mind reader to give in to her temptation.
At Remys look, Jean lowered her eyes. 'Why would I even think about doing that? I would've never done that before! I've got to stop being so tense. But why does he want to hang out with Scott tonight?' Luckily, her husbands voice brought her out of her thoughts.
"I know what's going on here." he said, giving them all a hard look," It's so fucking obvious. I can't believe I didn't see it before."
Okay...maybe not.
To say that Jean, Logan, and Remy didn't tense up would be lying. All three held their breath. All three were pretty much were thinking the same thing also. 'He knows! How? Did Jean's shields fall? What do I do? Where the closest exit?'
"You guys are just trying to get out of tomorrow mornings Danger Room session aren't you?" Scott said smugly, thinking he had them all pegged.
You could almost make out the relieved sigh that escaped them. Ignorance was bliss. At least in this case, Scott's ignorance was their bliss.
"Okay then, " Scott went on, none the wiser, "I'll just let the Professor know so he can bump security to maximum..." Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes. "What! Better safe than sorry right?" From the look on their faces he decided to go with a different approach, besides if this was his ticket to becoming closer with his teammates then he would have to cool down a bit. "Okay okay. How about 7:30pm, everyone meet in the foyer? That sound good to everyone?"
"Actually, that sounds great. But tell me Fearless..."
Everyone turned towards the entrance of the kitchen where the owner of the new voice stood.
"Is this a private party or can we all tag a long?"
The words were spoken by their teammate and resident joker, Iceman. Flanked by none other than the telepathic ninja Psylocke and the untouchable Rogue.
"Pass the hash browns please..."
"We got any orange juice left?"
"Hey BUB, that last sausage is mine..."
"Sugar, can ya scoot over a bit? You're kinda in my elbow room."
"Je suis desole mon chere."
"Ugh! Who made these eggs!"
"I did!"
"They're great! Really!"
"So…What happened in Vegas?
At the sound of Psylocke's question being asked, all team members turned to look at at least one of the three the question was directed to, awaiting their response...
Waiting...
Still waiting...
The words 'shocked silent' hung through the air. Jean didn't know what to do. She could see everyone waiting patiently, if not a bit confused by their silence. She wanted to speak, to say anything, but no words would escape her! The question was not laced with any malice or suspicion, it was a perfectly harmless question. One usually asked when team members would return from their appointed missions. Why wouldn't her mouth open! All she could manage to do, and it was purely an instinctual act of self preservation, was dampen her psychic connection to her husband. It wouldn't be enough for him to notice but just right for her desired results. This way he wouldn't be able to pick up on her emotions. Her nervousness, anxiety,…guilt?
Logan wasn't doing well himself. There he was yesterday, claiming that the only person he would have to worry about keeping there mouth shut was Jean, but as soon as the words 'Las Vegas' was mentioned he resembled a deer in headlights. 'Say something you fuckin' idiot!' he berated himself mentally. But why should he speak? He usually always kept to himself. Wouldn't it be more suspicious if it was he who spoke first. Maybe it was just easier to think that way so he wouldn't have to take the blame when this whole thing blew up in their faces!
Even though you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at him because of the nonchalant attitude he was giving, Remy was the most affected of the three. So completely caught off guard was he by Psylocke's question being thrown out of no where, that he didn't have time to put up his shields to stop the onslaught of emotions barging into him. Their growing suspicion by their silence was maddening. Their curiosity was shaking him. They were always suspicious of him! Always questioning his motives! Always curious of his happenings! Damn them! Damn them and their suspicion!
'Non. Calm down Remy. Dey not your emotions. Dey not your emotions.'
He glanced towards both Jean and Logan, who both wore similar shocked expressions. He was going to have to do some serious damage control, especially with the way Psylocke's eyes were narrowing. He knew what she about to do. If they didn't want to speak she was going to get the answers herself! 'It's show time Remy. Show dem whatcha got.' Despite the fact that he had been so affected on the inside he never let it show on the outside. His body language remained relax and arrogant. He gave a playful laugh towards everyone seated and mischievously said, "Don' you know de sayin' mes amies 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas'." A wink was then added for dramatic purposes.
A sudden flood of laughter filled the room. With the way he had phrased it, everyone automatically assumed it was probably a joke the three had prepared to do. Remy knew they bought it. He could feel their acceptance with his empathy. 'So trusting,' he silently taunted. Everyone but one however. Elizabeth was never one to be so easily convinced. He still felt the suspicion flowing from her. The only reason she had hesitated to get her answers was because of the distraction Gambit had caused with his comment. But that hesitation was all the time he needed to shoot Jean a knowing look. He didn't worry about the odds being against him that she would not be looking in his direction for those brief seconds. He knew she would. He'd bet on it, and as usual he was right. He knew she would for two reasons. One, she wanted to see what he'd say to save them from that potentially disastrous situation, two, his comment probably triggered memories of their 'time' there. Whichever of the two was really no concern to him. All he was concerned about was acting fast...Psylocke was going hunting.
He made a silent gesture with his eyes first towards Logan then towards Psylocke, to which Jean immediately picked up on it's meaning, 'Watch his back. Psylocke was on the prowl.' Jean didn't have to worry about herself, Psylocke would never be able to break down her walls, she being a more powerful Psy and all. Remy was impenetrable to telepaths so he was in the clear. Logan however was not. She immediately dove into his mind and created and illusionatory image. By the time Psylocke entered all she saw were memories of their attempt to recruit the mutant, them doing some shopping and a little gambling. Nothing too bad. She felt Betsy withdraw from his mind with a bit of disappointment for not finding anything, she then really relaxed when she saw her return to her conversation with Warren.
Now that everyone was back to their own private conversations Jean knew she could let herself relax.
"So...nothing at all happened, then?" the Beast, who was seated to her left, softly asked her so that o one but herself could hear him.
'Okay, maybe not.' She turned towards him and sensed his worry above all else. The temptation to read his thoughts was driving her crazy. 'Stop being so paranoid! It was quite possible for him to be worried about something else. What with all the experiments he had going on down in his lab'. "No Hank. Unfortunately our target refused our offer, but what else is new, right?" she laughed
"And that's it? Everything else went okay? Nothing...umm...you sure you were okay over there?" he softly asked her, careful to keep his voice down so one one but her could hear him. By his expression, it was clear that he was genuinely concerned for her.
"Of course Hank. Why do you ask?" she was becoming quite nervous again. She looked up towards Gambit to see if he could help her out of this, but as usual, he was too busy making obvious passes at Rogue. Logan too was busy speaking with Sean about God only knew what. Hanks voice interrupted her.
"It's just that…that...well...never mind," Beast eyed her a bit more, then reluctantly dropped the issue with a small smile.
Not liking the way he had looked at her, or his curiousness about their mission she decided that she had to take matters into her own hands. She needed to get everyone's attention on a completely different topic. Even though they had all go back to their own conversations she could still filter out a couple of conversations having to do with Vegas. 'I don't want anyone focusing on anything having to do with Nevada.'
"So," she said aloud, gaining most of the attention from those seated at the table, "How was the mission to Muir? What was all that about anyway?"
If there was one thing that Jean knew the members of the mansion loved above all else, it was gossip. Juicy gossip. And you didn't get much more juicier than the mission to Muir. It had everyone wondering, except the Rogue, Iceman, and Psylocke of course. Seeing as how they were the ones that were on it. As predicted, all eyes turned on them, with Las Vegas being the last thing on their minds.
A sense of De Ja Vu hit the breakfast table as silence reigned its ugly head yet again. Oddly, both Bobby and Betsy turned their focus on Rogue, as if asking permission to speak. After about a few seconds a cute smile graced her features as she tried sheepishly to say, "What happens in Muir, stays in Muir?" Again laughter erupted from the table.
"No, seriously though," Psylocke went on to say, 'We originally went to the island to help Moira subdue Proteus. It seemed that has was acting up again." Everyone either nodded their heads sadly or sifted uncomfortably in their chairs. Michael Mac Taggert, AKA: Proteus, whom happened to be Moira's son was always an uncomfortable topic to discuss. His uncontrollable powers was the cause of the young mans insanity. They knew what Psylocke had meant when she had stressed the phrase, subdue. It wasn't a very pretty sight to see what techniques they needed to use to calm the boy down, especially when the poor boy was only thirteen years old.
"But when we got there the problem was pretty much taken care of," Betsy continued, "So, we just stayed on to help Moira with the repairs and...umm…some research." No one seemed to notice how her eyes shifted towards Rogue when she said that.
"So," Bobby exclaimed, taking the focus off the topic at hand, "What time is the party tonight?"
"It's not a party Bobby!" Scott claimed in his leader voice. Ignoring the groans and moans that began to rise through out the room, Scott went on, "It's to be an 'outing'. Some down time for all members to relax and spend time together and……"
"Sing fucking Cumbaya it sounds like." Warren finished for him, which earned a round of chuckling from his friends.
"All I'm saying is that it would be nice for us to go out and act civilized for a change! Is that so wrong?" Scott exclaimed.
"Of course not darling," Emma cooed as she pressed herself against the table in his direction, "I agree with you whole heartily."
"Where we going?" Bobby blurted out, which amazed some of those seated at the table considering how much food he had stuffed into his mouth.
"Well if our Fearless wants civilized, it is safe to say that our more frequented locations will not be up to par," the Beast said while giving Bobby a disgusted look due to his poor table manners.
"Shit Cyke...when I suggested we go out, I meant somewhere where we could relax. You gonna take attendance too Bub?" Logan gruffed out, slightly annoyed.
" I believe that what Scott has planned is a wonderful idea…" Emma began.
"Thank you Emma." Scott said with a nod of his head, oblivious to eye roll Jean gave.
"Whenever the opportunity does arise for us to venture out, we usually visited Harry's or some other such hole in the wall. I for one would love to get fancied up and indulge in something that we rarely get to do chance to do…such as dancing!" Orroro finished excitedly, followed by a burst of agreements.
"Hmm. Not a bad idea Storm. Okay people, here's the game plan. We rendezvous in the Foyer at the appointed hour. Now, with eleven of us venturing out, it will be imperative for us to take at least a minimum of two vehicles. Designated drivers of course will be appointed. Since our course of action has been agreed as a civilized one then I am forced to implement a dress code. None of the following will be permitted, jeans, t-shirts, ball caps…that goes for you Bobby, tennis shoes, shorts, or any sports wear of any kind. Tomorrows Danger Room Session has been cancelled so no curfew will be administered, although, caution is advised. That goes especially for you Remy. Questions?
……………………?
Everyone stared at Scott with blank expressions. Was this supposed to be a night of fun or mission against Magneto? He seemed to of had went into Leader mode and not even realize it. Scary. It was the sound of a soft giggle that broke the silence, followed by a sweet voice with a southern twang, "Jeez Sugar. When ya put it like that, I can hardly contain the excitement for tonight's mission…oops…I mean 'outing'." Rogue sarcastically joked.
Remy scooted his chair closer to her and ran a strong hand up her thigh as he very huskily said, "Don' worry 'bout dat chere. Remy make sure you get plenty excited tonight."
It was Psylocke who got the ball rolling, "Ugh! Please!"
"Get a room!"
"Are you serious?"
"I think I'm gonna be sick."
"Do lines like that really work?"
"Nice one LeBeau."
"Rogue…slap him."
"Aye boyo…I'm eating here!"
"Pfft!"
During the chaos a random biscuit was thrown at the Cajuns head, but missed it's target due to the uncanny reflexes of the thief. He deftly caught it with the hand that was traveling a northern route on Rogue's leg as he turned towards the source of the alleged attack. He found himself staring into the light gray eyes of the Wolverine. With a slight smirk and a playful twinkle in his eye, Logan silently thanked him. He knew what the Cajun did earlier. It was the only solution he could think of as to why Psylocke didn't steal the knowledge from his mind.
Remy nodded his head and said something everyone else would take as playful banter…
"Watch your back."
….but Logan would understand its true meaning.
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Chapter 10!
Wow….I never thought that I would make it this far. How did you guys like it? All the X-Men reunited again. Yeah. Is that a good thing?
I hope why you all understood why I titled this chapter, 'Got my back?' There was a lot of that going on. But it seems like they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Hmm?
Anyway, I hope that you guys liked it because I really enjoyed typing it.
Next chapter, things are going to get really AU. Not personality wise…most of the characters will behave as they usually do, but more their history. Nothing major. Just certain issues that I didn't like that happened in the comics. So I am going to do them the way I think they should've happened. Hope no on minds that much.
Please review. I thank everyone who does, but please don't stop. The more I get, the more my muse hits!
REVIEW! PLEASE!
Next chapter- A lot of heart to hearts people, ranging from Jean and Emma to Beast and the Prof! Uh oh….is that a good thing? Remy and Logan have a chat, Psylocke goes 'hunting', and the secret about Muir. Oh...and ROMY ROMY ROMY! FINALLY!