Disclaimer: Jab We Met and X-Men Evolution belong to Imtiaz Ali and Marvel Respectively. This is purely for my entertainment.

Author's notes: Yes I know another chapter but I wrote and edited the whole damn story so it's all ready to be posted I'm just having a last read through before putting it up.

"You're not planning t' punch me are you? Henri dats you m' lookin at, maybe I deserve it goin of like dat, not t' mention de business I left on your heads t' handle. It was stupid but I wouldn't take it back...I read what all de papers are saying about my disappearin' act. Remy LeBeau can't handle de pressure, father cuts him out of de business. Ha, I even read one talking bout me being banished from de city by de family, blah, blah, blah. S' all merde. Here's de truth; Our share prices are at their lowest, all de new investments don't seem t' be doin too well either, we got a lawsuit goin on. Basically we're in deep shit, this boat s' bout to sink, de shit is gonna hit de fan." He paused here looking at everyone in the conference room. "And here's another truth nothing worse could happen, s' only gonna get better from here and it will. A person will always get what they really want, if they fight for it, if they want it enough. I want dis company t' be de best, what it used t' be. So maybe I wake up tomorrow and we got ten new problems t' worry bout but we'll face them straight on. All those delayed projects t' keep up with. Take it back t' its roots, when people heard de name LeBeau Enterprise and knew we were de best. How Pere kept it when he used t' run de show, maybe s' time t' show him; Boss no need t' get high handed. We got it covered. We'll run dis company without him, show the old man up for once. What do you guys think of dat?"

Henri was looking away trying to keep in his laughter while JP gave him two thumbs up. Remy grinned at them. The room was filled with the heads from each department. He had called a meeting, partly to explain his sudden absence, partly to show the new direction the company would be taking. But his planned speech had seemed irrelevant once he stood up and what came out was the truth sans filter. What he wanted to say without the diplomatic bullshit. As the silence continued a few people started clapping unsure of what reaction to give, before the whole crowd joined in.

Inside the air-conditioned room Remy sat with JP, a lawyer representing their company and his brother Henri. Across them sat Candra in a pristine white suit with her team taking the seats around her. For the last ten minutes her lawyer had been droning on insistently about one wrong or another done to his client. He had blocked him out after the first five minutes and had leaned back in his seat zoning out, Henri sent a withering look his way which he ignored.

"My client does not want to settle any arrangements at this moment. She's here only on the request of Mr. LeBeau. The loss to her business because of the incompetency of your company is intolerable. There is no more room for negations."

"You talk a lot mon ami." He said casually as if speaking to a friend. "You must be glad for dis job den let's you talk all day, I keep runnin' into people like you lately."

The lawyer gave him an odd look taken aback to be talked to by him after the attention he had received earlier. "Excuse me?"

Picking up a file from the desk he went on. "Dis is your client's claim? I've sat here hearing you drone on and on about de terms and conditions, nobody reads de fine print anymore huh? But don't worry I took a look at it earlier. I've laid our terms out t' my friend here. Any information withheld from us at de client's discretion which leads t' us not acquiring de item as contracted is de client's liability. I've looked at your file a lot of de information doesn't seem t' add up one might say you didn't want us t' know de true value of de item." He said with a nod towards the lawyer. "He'll sort it out any other details with you unless your client wants to cancel de contract? Non? den I'll let you get on de work."

The lawyer glanced at Candra before he opened his mouth again but before he could get a word out Remy interrupted easily. "Relax man, my lawyer will sort out de details of our continuing contract." Picking up the phone from the desk. He dialed the receptionist outside. "Can we get some refreshments sent in here, merci Cherie."

A glance at Candra revealed her seething expression though she tried to hide it behind a professional demeanour. Her being one of the company's major shareholder had led her arrogance to believe she could get more treasure out of a sinking ship.

He had just made it clear where they stood now. If she wanted to mess with them. She was welcome to try but the kiddie gloves were off. He stood giving her a smile for the precise purpose to piss her off.

"Send me de papers when dere ready. I want t' look it over before we sign anything."

The stunned silence in the room was all the cue he needed. Leaving the meeting room with its pristine walls and glass table behind, his PA followed him out along with JP.

"Jane, Call Louise I have a new idea for our charity dis year. I'll be perfect for changing de perception of de public and bringin' a fresh new image to de kinds of work we do in de city. We need t' highlight dat."

"Yes sir." She replied quickly as she walked behind him making notes on her tablet.

"And what was dat thing I hated? Dat used t' want me t' shoot my brains out? Stake owners! Arrange a meeting with dem soon as possible."

"Remy?"

"Oui?"

"What happened?" JP sounded worried more than anything else.

"I don't know, you tell me mon ami."

"You said you went to New York?"

"Oui, what about it?"

"Did you forget to mention some Buddhist pilgrimage done along the way?"

"Oui, something like dat."

"Are you planning to solve all your problems today? Next thing I'll hear is your planning to see your old man."

"Dat reminds me I've gotta convince Merci t' come back sooner. How long do you t'ink those stake owners are gonna bullshit with us once she's back on de team?"

"You think she wants to work again?"

"Trust moi, I talked t' her. She thinks de kids are old enough now and anyways she can bring em with her, I just gotta fix up her contract right."

"All I'm saying is your makin the rest of us look bad with the amount of work your doing." JP called after him but Remy was already at the elevators the door's closing on JP's baffled face.

The weeks flew by and he concentrated on the company more than anything. It was a distraction for him and a responsibility he was finally committing to. It had taken the time spent with Rogue too realize this but he didn't want to run away from his future anymore but he was damn well going to get there his way, without compromising who he thought he was. Henri had practically been running the thing on his own. Most of the positions higher up were people in the family and they had a lot of those, cousins and extended cousins but each and every person there had proved their worth had shown that they belonged there. It was a family built business running down from generations and they each had their part to play.

He knew his family was wondering what had happened on his trip but he hadn't told them anything beyond what his destination was. He had to prove it to them that he was better then what they believed of him. That the faith Rogue put in him was justified that he was deserving of it somehow. He tried not to think of her now, what she might be doing but turning a corner he would think he seen her in the most absurd places off all; outside the glass doors when he was in a meeting, at his flat in the quarter. A shadow passing through the room showing him what he missed, what might in a different world would have been his. Not changed at all but exactly as he had last seen her. Happy, smiling at him, talking to him. His eyes unable to tear away from her face. He wished those moments to last longer. That the reality was the dream and the moments spent in the illusion with her the truth.

It was a sickness, he hoped it wouldn't go away. He didn't even have a picture of her, he didn't want t' forget her. This obsession, this must be love and what he thought before a poor imitation something that paled in comparison to the constant ache in his heart. He could finally admit it to himself, but only if she was far away. Denying himself while being with her would be more intolerable then he could suffer.

The New Orleans Post 13 Aug 2015

LeBeau Enterprises recently lost their credibility of being the best when it comes to acquiring rare treasures to name a few things but with the lawsuit months behind these guys have proved they're more than just a business in a suit. That the best are here to stay with a dozen new ventures their names could easily be linked too. A privately owned company the net value off The Enterprise is unknown however it is believed the profit this year has surpassed all expectation. A company Gala is scheduled at the end of the month where almost anybody who's anyone will be seen.

The surprising results came after the return of their CEO Mr. Remy LeBeau. Who's abrupt departure raised many questions from the inhabitants of the city itself, rumored to be caused by the broken engagement from daughter of rival company Bourdeux. Both parties have neither confirmed or denied the rumours and remain suspiciously tight-lipped but an inside source claims that reconciliation may soon be on the horizon as both parties were seen in a club together despite arriving separately. Ms Bourdeux who kept her last name after her recent marriage was seen arriving without her husband. Trouble in paradise already? We here at The Post love nothing better when business, love and scandal are involved and Mr. LeBeau delivers every time. His decline from the City nightlife will be missed by more than a few lonely hearts.

He didn't really want to be in the club but his cousin Etienne and Lapin along with JP had dragged him out tonight telling him that his social hiatus had gone on long enough. It had been easier to come rather than waste time arguing. He regretted it now. In the beginning he had made an effort to go out every weekend but the girls all looked the same now, their company had lost all appeal. He could just as easily drink at home without getting his face splashed across the tabloid and had continued to do so for the past months but apparently his disappearance from the social scene had caused enough of a ruckus that they had taken him out tonight.

He was now in a booth by himself JP had disappeared soon after their arrival but his cousins had stayed with him longer eventually Lapin's interest had been taken by a busty blond and Etienne after giving an eye roll in Remy's direction had gone off to perform his wingman duties. It had been half an hour since he seen either of them so he assumed things were going better than expected.

He lost count of the amount of time the glass in front of him had refilled and now he was drinking directly from the bottle, well on his way to becoming drunk. Raising the bottle to his lips he looked around trying to locate anyone he came with but the lighting in the club was dark the atmosphere decadent. All the people dancing, laughing it was busy and loud and he wouldn't locate them from sitting here. A last glance around, suddenly his heart stopped then started beating at triple its rate, getting up, he pushed people out of his way ignoring their disgruntled comments at his actions making his towards the corner where he thought he saw her. Maybe she was visiting the city? Why didn't she call? He ignored the thought that he hadn't called either.

There she was, her back towards him a drink in her hand, wearing a black dress. Was she here with him, her husband? Mercifully he didn't see any guy around her and she was talking to a female friend.

"Rogue, Cheri?" His voice sounded desperate even to his own ears.

Her friend looked up as she turned around. "Umm...hi."

It wasn't her. The same hair but the stripe was missing and her eyes were a golden brown. As he continued staring at her a blush worked its way to her cheeks, She was very pretty he decided.

Looking at him politely, she spoke loudly to be able to be heard over the noise. "Do I know you?" The voice was wrong too, but it was pretty.

Remy just stared the disappointment working its way inside, his heart slowing down, realizing he was staring he shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. Wincing immediately as his head throbbed, he must be drunk. "Non, desole you looked like someone I used t' know."

She looked at him as if unsure what to say to that and he realized that she was nervous and shy, unsure how to respond to his strange reaction to her. Her friend stood behind her and a little to the side as if protectively but not yet alarmed. They didn't know what to make of his behavior.

He had stared, not flirted and had been desperate in his approach. She was pretty and he loved her hair, and the skin was just pale enough. He wouldn't mind staring at her longer.

"But I like t' get t' know you if you let me buy you a drink Cheri."

She gave him a smile and thanked him graciously as if that had been some silent queue the friend gave him a short smile before turning away with a. "Call me later." Thrown over her shoulder. Remy led the way towards the bar.

Sometime later Remy had fisted her hair in his hands, his tongue in her mouth. She made a small noise of protest when he moved his mouth away from her lips to kiss her jaw but it turned into a moan as he moved towards her neck. Her hair was as soft as he imagined and he pulled it tighter. She was pretty but she smelled wrong not lilies and lilacs but like roses, freshly cut roses. She pulled away from him to take a deep breath and he regretted her action. He missed her so much already.

"Should we-" He gave her another hard kiss that left her breathless but she suggested firmly. "Maybe we should slow down?"

They should but that would give him time to think and he didn't want time to think he wanted oblivion. He wanted to take her to bed, make love to her and pretend she was the one he wanted.

She put some distance between them by standing up, a small part of him pleased to see how unsteady she was on her feet, he wanted her to be just as affected by his touch. He wanted her to burn for it, just like he did. He stood up putting his arm around her waist, to steady her, to take any excuse to keep touching her.

She bit her lip, looking at him shyly and he found it so endearing considering they couldn't keep their hands of each other a few moments earlier. He liked her, liked talking to her and she looked enough like his Rogue that he could pretend, for tonight.

"I don't want you to think I'm like that with guys. I've never done anything like this before but I really like you-" Flustered she broke of not knowing if that was the right thing to say. If she had ruined this, whatever this was by opening her mouth.

It felt like a bucket of cold water. He could take her to bed he knew she would go with him but she hate him later whenever she realized that he took advantage of her attraction. She wasn't the kind of girl he normally picked up those girls knew he only wanted one thing and they were more than happy to participate. This girl was the kind who take her guy home to meet the parents. This girl reminded him of Rogue. It was all wrong and muddled up in his head now.

He leaned towards her giving her a soft reassuring kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for de nice night Cheri, I'll call a cab f' you." He said smoothing thing over letting her know that it was better if she went home without his number. That he was here for a good time and nothing more and that she had provided that already.

The look she gave as she got in the cab said she understood, perhaps he explained things more then he intended, parts of the night felt like a blur to him. He remembered calling the cab, waiting by her side as it arrived.

He found his cousins later letting them know he was taking the cab home, leaving a message for JP. He was more than ready to call it a night, perhaps he would finish this party privately. He had more than enough alcohol at home, he reach his oblivion somehow.

The New Orleans Post 2 December 2015

Art collection believed to have been destroyed in WW2 have recently come into the possession of LeBeau Enterprises. Details about the paintings are being kept from the public but a private auction will be held in the city. The items have been valued to be in the billions of range. The acquisition came after Mr. Remy LeBeau' recent trip to Europe. He was unable to give us a comment of his part in the acquisition but a spokesmen from the company had this to say, "LeBeau Enterprises is delighted to have unearthed such hidden treasures. 10% of all proceeding from the auction will go to New Orleans heritage site to help preserve our beautiful city."

The building in the background was newly renovated. A few of the city officials gathered around as the ribbon was cut. The News reporter speaking with the crowd behind her giving the details. "These institutions are being opened up all around the State. A safe haven for disadvantaged, abused, children. A place which can be run by them for them. Giving these children a chance to control their own future for once. In a safe environment, monitored by those who care. A charity funded completely by LeBeau Enterprises. Mr. Remy LeBeau had this to day earlier."

The image cut to show a press conference as a man stood in front of a podium. "A lot of places don't fill up because de kids are t' scared t' be sent back home, t' lose de freedom they gained. A place like de Institute lets them decide t' stay without any personal information taken but helps them reach their potential and help them make a future."

A reporter asked. "We've seen a sudden increase in the many donations your company's linked to. In recent months and this multimillion dollar project has people asking why these big projects. Despite the generous donations given throughout the years. The company seems more personally involved, some would go as far as too say you're heading these projects. What would you say about these opinions?"

"As much as I would love t' take credit for all de work, most of it has been as you said going on for a long time, when we work well we like t' give t' back t' de community anyway we can. Whether dats making our products more accessible t' de average American or doing our part in de world t' make it a better place. This particular project however has been my baby dedicated t' a special friend of mine."

The screen cut back to the image of the reporter as she stood outside the building discussing the unconventional way it would be run.

Jamie was bored. He was grounded from going out this weekend after missing curfew last time and despite his best attempt to trick them into thinking he'd been home on time they refused to believe his completely plausible story. It was possible for someone to mistake him, clearly he couldn't be in two places at once and since he was in his room, it had to be someone else.

That hadn't gone too well with Ms Munroe and now Jamie was stuck inside when almost all the students spent their weekend in Bayville. Laying down on the couch in the Rec room with a bowl of popcorn resting on his stomach he flicked through the channels at the commercials. The bowl nearly tipped as he moved to adjust himself more comfortably. In those few seconds his eyes away from the screen he heard a familiar voice, glancing up quickly he saw that he had paused on a news channel and the person speaking was none other than the man Rogue had run away with.

"Miss Munroe!"

Remy was making his way out of the office for an early lunch with JP, he had a meeting in the afternoon with his design team. Meeting JP in the front lobby they both made their way across the marble floor as he updated JP on one of their clients work.

"De deal with Danvers is goin fine but I'll feel better about it if you or Merci visited her gallery before we make de final purchases-"

Abruptly there was a angry yell nearby before somebody grabbed his suit collar roughly pulling him to a sharp halt and landing a punch square on his face. Ignoring the pain his instinct kicked in and he started to make a move to dislodge the intruder's grip. But the loud voice quickly registered to its owner, dumbfounded he stared in shock as Logan snarled in his face. "Robert Lord was it? Remy fuckin LeBeau!"

JP not knowing what the hell was going on tried to pull Remy away. Remy had frozen in shock and behind Logan he could see Jean and Hank approaching Logan hastily. The security at the doors had rushed forward trying to put themselves between him and the unknown threat. Remy had made no move to untangle himself from Logan's grip but realizing how quickly the situation could escalate as Jean and Hank were surrounded by security and Logan looked ready to throw another punch.

"Step down!" He shouted at the his security who seemed unwilling, understandably to let him be near Logan. Looking his guys in the eye he let them know he meant it when he said. "I can handle dis." Thinking distantly that Logan swearing at him loudly in the back was unhelpful.

JP stood by his side giving hostile looks towards the strangers but following Remy's lead and helping to compliance their security personnel as they had stepped between their employers and the unknown threat.

Meanwhile Jean and Hank had finally reached Logan and were pulling him back from further attack, Hank blocking his vision of Remy by putting himself in the way and Jean talking him down quietly. Logan though restrained from physical violence had continued swearing at him without fail using words that extended even Remy's comprehensive knowledge.

He faced them as the shouting finally died down. What were they doing here? He let his surprise show in his voice as he greeted them. "Mr. McCoy, Logan, Hi Jean."

Logan pushed through to the front again, barely restraining himself as he snarled in his face. "Where is she? Where the hell is Rouge?!"

Remy stared at Logan as he continued to question him, clearly he had misheard but he couldn't think of any other reason for their appearance. A sick feeling settled in his stomach, ignoring the throbbing pain starting on his face. It felt as if he been punched in the stomach rather than his face. It had to be some sort of joke, he rather deal with a bad sense of humor then the reality of what Logan's words meant.

Logan's face looked deadly serious as he growled at him in accusation. "You better stop staring boy and answer my question." There was menace in the words spoken and a clear threat, but Remy only glanced at Jean and Hank their expressions confirming Logan's accusation. Rogue was missing.

Translations

Merde: Shit

Pere: Father

Mon ami: Friend

Non: No

Desole: Sorry