Archive: Sure, just ask me first at smokhea@aol.com
*Special Note*: Ch. 8 was one of my fav's, I'm glad a lot of you liked it. Plenty more stuff like that to come. Ch 1-8 was set up for the introduction of each character and the beginnings of this story. Chapter 9 will introduce a new character that will add to the drama that's about to unfold. Ch 1-8 were basically written in May, the chapters after 8 are coming straight from my memory (so I might take a little longer then usual to update). This story has a beginning, middle and definite end. I fully intend on finishing it : 0 ) I would like to thank all the new readers who took the time to review as well as all the regulars. This is another long one folks, Enjoy.
Warning: The proceeding chapters may deviate slightly from X-men canon. It's hard to follow everything that happened in the comics exactly, so I'll use some things and change other things. Just go with the flow, it will make the story more interesting.
Chapter 9
Say It Ain't So
(Rogue/Jean)
Rogue made her way to the Living Room of the mansion, as the morning sun started to climb the sky. She had spent most of her night duty in relative peace, however the voices she pushed to the back of her mind, were beginning to push their way to the front again. All she could hear were their constant mumbling, which was beginning to irritate her. She was feeling stressed out and needed to do something, anything to relieve the aggravation.
Nothin' like a li'l bit of TV to fry the brain. She thought as she entered the Living Room.
When she arrived she the found the room was already occupied. Jean was curled up on the sofa reading a novel.
Look at miss prissy, lyin' over there, reading her stupid book. Why can't we all have it so easy? Rogue was angry, though she really had no reason to be; Jean getting special treatment was nothing new. But when you are dealing with dozens of voices in your head, anything will set you off.
"Good morning, Rogue." Jean said without looking up from her book.
"Mornin', Jean." Rogue said walking towards the sofa. She took the seat next to her. "Yah look well rested…"
Jean looked towards her teammate. Should I take that as a complicate?
"Ah haven't seen you do any work since we got back from our last battle. It mus' be real nice to be screwin' the boss." She finished with a satisfied smile.
"Yes, it is nice." I won't let her get to me. It's better I don't encourage her in continuing these verbal jabs. "Looks like my calendar will be clear for the whole month."
"Oh! You're no fun! Ah wanted to have an argument." She pouted. "Jean Grey Summers, always the peacemaker." Rogue pulled her hair behind her ears. It was then that Jean had her first look at the infamous Genosha bracelet. She placed her book down on the coffee table.
"That's beautiful jewelry."
Rogue let her lips curl into a smile "Don't play coy with me Jean. Ah'm sure your husband told you about it."
"You're right he did tell me." She said as Rogue looked past her out the window.
"Let's see now. Hank, Remy, Scott, Logan, Bobby, Ororo, and finally Jean, so everyone in this house knows about mah bracelet."
"And I was the last to find out." Jean said with some disappointment.
"Don't take it to heart, Ah guess you were jus' out of the loop." She said with a shrug.
"I guess so." Jean began to transform into psychologist mode. "Have you turned it on yet?"
"Nope. Not yet."
"So, when will you turn it on?"
"With Cyke actin' like a military drill instructor, it will probably be a long while. Ah have to wait 'til things die down before Ah can use it." She said as Jean agreed with a firm nod. But what Jean really wanted to do was bring Remy's name into the conversation so she could analyze Rogue's reaction.
"I'm sure Remy is excited." I was always one for the direct approach.
"Uh-huh." Rogue answered rather plainly; her face turned to the blank TV screen.
'Uh-huh?' I was hoping for more of a reaction. Jean pressed forward. "Now you can touch him."
"Now Ah can touch anyone." Rogue corrected still facing the TV. Her response further confused Jean.
"But I'm sure Remy is the one person you truly want to touch." Rogue turned to her with a sparkle in her eye.
"What makes yah so sure, sugah?" Finally something interestin' to take my mind off all the mumbling in my head.
"I've seen the way you look at him."
"You have?" she asked. Jean shook her head yes. "And how do Ah look at him?"
"You look at him like a woman in love."
"Ah do?" Oh please! "How does a woman in love look?"
"Are you trying to deny your feelings for him, Rogue?"
"Ah'm trying to figure out when you became so interested in mah relationship with Remy. You've never cared before."
"That's not true, I've always cared." She stated. Rogue rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry he's not around, yah don't have to lie. You've never given two shits about the thief."
"I don't know where you got that idea. Remy is a nice, sweet person…" Rogue looked at Jean in a flash.
"When did you join the Gambit Fan Club? Ah always knew that Storm, Wolvie and Hank were members, when did they let you into the secret organization?"
Jean let out a sigh. This conversation was already getting out of hand. She took a deep breath and continued.
"Let me start over, Rogue. I am here to talk with you about the bracelet. Now that Xavier is away, I have been assigned to help you cope with the transition of having negated powers."
"Blah, blah, blah, whatever." She said with the wave of her hand. "So Ah won't have any powers for eight hours, Ah don't need a therapy session for that."
"What about your feelings for Remy."
"Remy? Where jus' friends."
"Rogue, you two share a passion that is hard to deny. Are you telling me that your ability to now touch won't affect your present relationship with him?"
"Yes, that's exactly what Ah'm telling yah. Remy is givin' me some breathing room until Ah adjust to everythin'."
"So you do intend to continue your relationship with him once the bracelet is activated."
"Would yah have a problem if Ah did?" Rogue asked knowing that Jean's answer would be a definite 'no'. Jean's never fully gotten over Remy's involvement in the Mutant Massacre. She wouldn't want me to go anywhere near him.
"No, I would not." Jean answered to a surprised Rogue.
What? Jean doesn't mind me dating Gambit? "Something's not right here."
"Huh?"
"Since Ah sat down, you haven't been talkin' about me. You've been talkin' about me and Remy."
"So?"
Rogue continued to stare at Jean in shock. Something was different about her…the way she acted…the words she used…
"Have you spoken to Remy about mah bracelet?"
"Yes, last night. However, I do not see what that has to do with anything…"
A light bulb went on over Rogue's head. "What did he say to yah?" She asked suspiciously.
"What he said is confidential."
"Because of the patient/doctor relationship?"
"No, because of friendship. It was a private conversation."
"Wait, wait, wait a second!" Rogue held up her hands in a stop motion. "What did yah say? You and Remy are friends? Did Ah miss something?"
"What do you find so shocking?" She asked defensively.
"When yah say friends, you mean it in a X-Men sort of way…right?"
"I mean, he is someone who I find to be truthful and honest."
Truthful and honest? Rogue wondered, suddenly everything became clear. Trust and Honesty! "Holy Shit!" She had an amazed look on her face. "That bastard actually got to yah didn't he?"
"What are you talking about?" She asked even more defensive.
"He is truthful and honest?" Gambit actually got her to play that stupid game. "Even Ah didn't fall for that one. Jean, what's the number one rule in the house concerning Remy?"
"Never play a game with him."
"And yah jus' had to do it, didn't you?! You thought yah could handle him…trust me, you didn't handle him. You played with him and got screwed."
"What are you saying?" She was confused.
"Ah'm sayin' that a friendship is all about trust and honesty. Sound familiar?"
Yes. Jean thought, but was too surprised to speak. How does she know?
"Did he talk you into a game based on questions? You asked first and then he asks, but yah have to answer first? Did he tell you to trust him? Did he tell you he is your friend?"
Jean did not have to say 'yes' out loud, the word was written all over his face.
"It's true what they say: The devil mixes the truth with his lies. Ah'll let you in on a li'l secret about the Cajun. He calls himself Gambit for a reason…" Rogue got up from the sofa, went towards the bookshelf and reached for the English Dictionary. She flipped through the book as Jean watched in what can only be described as astonishment.
"Ah-ha!" She began to read from the book tracing her fingers along with each word. "A Gambit is an action or set of actions in a situation or game, which you do in order to try to gain an advantage, but which often involves takin' risk." She looked up from the book. "Right here in black ink is the definition of Remy himself. Ah don't know what you said to him last night, matter of fact, Ah don't have to know. Whatever he got from you he used it to his advantage. He played yah like a…like a…" Damn! "Ah'll have to get back to you on that later…" She placed the dictionary back on the shelf and sat back down.
"I don't believe you." I can't believe you.
"Jean, he walks around with playin' cards! He has his mental shields on 24/7! You tell me what that all means?" Jean continued to listen as Rogue rambled on. "It's your ego, Jean. If Xavier couldn't get through to him, what made yah think that you could?" Jean lowered her eyes. "Don't look so sad. If you didn't tell him much, you don't have anything to worry about. So, what did yah tell him?"
She returned her gaze back to Rogue. The doomed look on Jean's face said it all.
"It's that bad, huh?" Rogue asked with a hint of sympathy.
"Let's just say for arguments sake, that it is that bad. What would he do?"
"Ah don't know." She shrugged. "Ah guess it'll depend on his mood. Blackmail, extortion…" She gave an evil smirk, "…an indecent proposal maybe?"
"What?!" She clutched her blouse as if someone was about to rip it off her body.
"Okay, maybe he won't go that far, but he would do what any gambit would…take advantage of the situation."
"He was sincere when he spoke to me."
"He could feel what you were goin' through with his empathy, and then he most likely turned it off. Like what you do with your telepathy. It's easy for a person to be sincere when they're an empath. Remember that he can empathize with anyone and understand exactly what he or she is goin' through. He can empathize with you just as well as Sinister, with ease. Ah'm sure that's how he could justify workin' for that evil bastard. Gambit's good at what he does."
"Don't you trust him?" She did not have to wait long for Rogue to answer.
"Yes…with all mah heart. Remy could…he could pull me in his arms and convince me that the sun is purple and Ah would believe him." She spoke with loving warmth in her voice. However, she soon snapped back to her previous tone. "But you don't have to tell someone everythin' to trust 'em. There are certain things Ah would never tell him. He would always ask, 'Rogue, what's your real name?' And Ah would say, 'Fuck you, Remy! It's none of your business.' " She smiled to Jean. "That's what you should have told him last night."
"Maybe he has changed." God, please make it be so.
"In one night?" She vigorously shook her head 'no'. "That's not possible. You see, even though you haven't been payin' him any mind all this while doesn't mean he's been doing the same. He's been watching you since the minute he arrived, lookin' for your weakness and his opportunity to exploit it." She laughed. "I'm sure he was salivating at the chance to screw with your head.
"Really it has nothin' to do with you as a person. But as a rule, Remy hates shrinks and he really hates telepaths. And you jus' happen to be both.
"Make no mistake about it. Even though you asked your questions first, he had total control of the situation. Ah'm sure he got you to tell him things you've never told a soul. Whatever he told you about himself was probably stuff he didn't mind sayin' to anyone."
"You don't know that. He's told me things that came straight from his heart, that nobody knew."
"Really? Did you happen to ask him about his life on the streets? Or his life with Sinister or the Thieves Guild." Rogue could tell the answer was no. Jean thought about it.
I wanted to ask him all of those questions. But somehow the chance never presented itself during our conversation.
"Of course not," Rogue continued. "Because those are things he's never told a soul. He manipulated the entire situation from the beginnin'. He's an expert." Rogue paused setting up for another bombshell.
"Do you know who Remy considers his true friend?"
"You?"
"Nope, Storm. And yah know why? Storm accepts him for what he is. Storm will give him his space and wait for him to approach her with his problems. She is extremely patient, she's the perfect friend for a snake like him. Someone who will respect his privacy. Do you know who knows Remy the most?"
"Storm?"
"Wrong, again. It's me. He's been in mah head. Ah know his inner self, not because he told me, but because Ah stole it from him. Remy would never willingly give away his private thoughts…especially to you. Don't take offence to it, it's jus' the truth. Not only does he now know you inner thoughts…he got you here persuading me to date him again." Jean's eyes widen in shock as Rogue continued.
"Tell me Jean, was it part of mah therapy to have you push me into a relationship with him?"
Shit! I was supposed to tell Rogue to focus on herself before she even thought about getting involved with Remy. So why did I change my game plan… She signed when she realized the moment her plan went out the window. It all changed when I bumped into Remy last night in the kitchen. Could Rogue be telling me the truth?
"No, Ah didn't think so. Ah think he jus' wanted to see if he could manipulate you…and it worked. Everythin' else was jus' the icing on the cake. If I were you, I would watch him very closely."
"But why would he use me? I was only trying to help him. I don't understand."
"Of course you don't understand. Face it Jean, you're li'l miss perfect. You come from a nice family, grew up in a great neighborhood, you were most likely a popular girl in school with good grades. You can walk out on the streets and know one will know you're a dirty mutant. You're not like most of us. Ah get suspicious looks from people when Ah walk around all covered up. Logan has metal that pops through his skin. Remy's red eyes will always give him away on sight, and Scott, well you know about that.
"You've never experienced the need that most of us have to second guess everyone and everythin' because of our visible differences. And even before are mutation, me, Remy, Logan, even Scott were brought up in a life where we couldn't trust anyone. You've never experienced that kind of life, so you'll never truly understand. Using others is jus' second nature to people like us…we use 'em before they use us…that's our motto!"
"So what do you suggest I do now?"
"Let me tell you a story. *Remember awhile back when Ah was blinded in battle…"
"Yeah, I remember."
"Gambit was still pretty new to the team, but we had already started to date and flirt a bit. Anyway, after Ah became temporarily blind, Remy wanted to help me cope with mah disability. He said Ah had to learn to depend on the people who cared about me to help me through it. He wanted me to walk on the diving board that led to the pool, so that Ah could learn to be dependent. Ah thought it was a stupid idea."
"Did you do it?"
"Yup. He convinced me to do it by tellin' me rule number one: Trust the people you care for. Then he told me Ah had another two feet to walk."
"And?"
"And, Ah walked. The first step Ah took after he told me to go…there was no more room left to walk on the diving board. He was lying to me. Ah started to fall."
"Did you fly?"
"The diving board wasn't that high, Ah would not have had enough time to fly before hitting the water."
"So he let you fall into the pool?"
"Almost. At the last possible moment he caught me, which leads me to rule number two: he said, 'you're very vulnerable right now. Don't trust anyone.' Ain't that some shit?"
"What did you do after?"
"Ah cursed him out and flew away, yah know, the usual." She said with a shrug. "Ah am going to give you the same advice he gave me so long ago. Trust the people you care for. And…as far as Remy is concerned, you're vulnerable right now. Don't trust him!" She noticed that Jean seemed to be deep in thought. "Are yah listening to me?"
"I hear you."
"Good. Ah'm goin' to bed. See yah."
Rogue walked out of the room more then satisfied with her accomplishment. She did not totally believe everything she had just said to Jean.
Yes, there's a good chance that Remy was playin' with Jean. But Ah'm sure he jus' wanted to see how much he could get out of her about herself. He loves turnin' the tables on psychologists. He loves analyzing people who are tryin' to analyze him. Ah'm also sure he wanted to see if he could get her to speak in his favor when she would talk to me about the bracelet…his plan worked; That conniving bastard. She smiled at the thought. Let's see how Remy acts now that Jean is suspicious of him. That'll teach him to screw with people…but Ah did drag Jean into it.
What can Ah say? My day is fucked, and Ah wanted to fuck up somebody else's day. Really Ah would have done something to anyone, unfortunately Jean just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ah better get mahself to sleep before these voices get any louder. Rogue flew the rest of the way to her room.
School's Out
(The Full Cast)
It was 4:45pm when The X-Men gathered in the War Room. They had each just received a call over the com-link from Scott to report in the meeting area to discuss some changes to their schedules.
Scott watched as the X-Men assembled into the room, each taking their usual seat. Normally the team would enter the room filled with talk and laughter. Today they entered with solemn hellos and faint smiles. It was evident to Scott that having the team on Red Alert for all these weeks was starting to take a toll on everyone.
I guess it was easier to get up early and train when they knew for sure that danger was at our doorsteps. Now that they know we really don't have to be working so hard, all their energy seems to have evaporated. Scott thought to himself.
Ororo tried her best not to make any sort of contact with Rogue, which was hard to do considering that their assigned seats were next to each other. The weather goddess was already in a bad mood because of other piled up emotions, the last thing she needed was Rogue egging her on to lose control for her own amusement. It was already hard enough for Ororo to keep her feelings sedated so that it did not unwillingly affect the weather. She waited somewhat patiently for Scott to speak.
Henry rested his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand. He was really exhausted. Between work duties and his medical research, there was not much time left to relax. Then again, the X-Men never did have time to relax while on Red Alert.
Logan sat restlessly with a toothpick in his mouth. He was eating leftover chicken when he received the message to report to the War Room. He wasn't tired at all, but being taken away from his meal left him really pissed off.
Scott better finished this damn meetin' before my food gets cold. He thought with a sneer.
Bobby looked across the Planning Table to Rogue. He hadn't seen her since their meeting in the kitchen yesterday morning; they had both been so busy afterwards. At least he hoped that was the reason for not seeing her. All night he was thinking about how he flirted with her and hoped she wasn't now trying to avoid him for taking the flirtation too far.
I hope I didn't scare her off. He thought troubled. He waited nervously for her to make eye contact with him…hoping she would make eye contact with him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she looked over in his direction. Her eyes were tired almost distant looking, but soon a small smile curled on her face.
Great! She's not mad at me. Bobby thought as he returned her smile. He felt a great burden being lifted off of his shoulders.
Right now Bobby's actions in the kitchen were the least of Rogue's concerns. When she woke up from her nap, the voices in her head were subtantianlly louder. Especially, the psyche who seemed able to retain his identity of self in her head days after he'd been absorbed. He had seen a lot of interesting things in the depth of her mind and he wanted to talk to her about it…though she had no interest in conversing with him.
…Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue? Shut up! Rogue…
Underneath her distant look there was a fierce battle going on in her mind. As of this moment, it was a battle she seemed to be losing.
Jean took her regular seat near the font of the table; her mind had been racing all day with what Rogue told her earlier about Remy. She let her eyes wander in the direction of the Cajun thief as he yawned and stretched his long arms.
Rogue says that Gambit is playing games with me…I hope to God it isn't true. I trusted him…
Her train of thought stopped abruptly as Remy made eye contact with her. He gave a slight raise of his eyebrows, which was meant to be a very lazy hello, then turned his attention to Rogue.
No, I don't believe her; I can't believe her. Gambit would not betray my trust…I hope. Jean thought anxiously. She started biting her nails, a habit that hadn't done since the 7th grade.
As Remy predicted, he had been too busy to do anything besides work, eat and maybe sleep. He hadn't seen Rogue since the day she said she still wanted to be friends in the laboratory. He only caught glimpses of her flying around the estate while on her night duty. When she was up in the air, she always had a smile on her face. But today, she looked to be in deep thought, almost depleted.
Chere, chere, chere. Why you so sad? He smiled shrewdly. He thought about kicking her under the table to get her attention…
I better not. I'm too tired t' defend myself if she retaliates by kickin' me in my precious, precious family jewels. He laughed to himself, silently wishing he could hear her laugh with him.
***
The black Range Rover made its way through the twists and turns of the deserted Westchester roads. The motorist made it a point to drive over the intended speed limit, for there were no traffic or pedestrians to worry about hitting this far out in the country. As for the stray animals, the driver did not seem care; the car was strong enough to withstand the impact if necessary.
The driver saw the final destination up ahead: The Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. The mission: Deliver a message to Scott "Cyclops" Summers, then hot tail it out of the mansion and start the first day of a well deserved vacation.
***
Scott approached the front of the room, getting the team's worn out attention with his hidden stare.
"I'll make this short and to the point. After a lot of thought, I've re-considered my earlier order to continue on a Red Alert schedule. As of this moment, the X-Men are now officially on break." He watched as his teammates stared at each other in silence, not knowing how to react to this new revelation. Bobby was the first to speak up.
"Hey, teasing us like this isn't funny, Cyke."
"I'm not teasing, I'm serious." Scott replied. They all continued to look at each other in disbelief.
"Sure you are, homme." Remy said sarcastically. "So what did you really call us here for?" Scott let out a big sigh.
"I called everyone here because I'm letting the team have some time off." Irritation could be heard throughout his voice.
Logan listened to his leader twirling a toothpick in his mouth. "You, are giving us time off?" He snickered. "I don't buy it."
"Listen to me." Scott paused taking the time to look at everyone. "You are all off Red Alert!"
In unison the team members turned to Ororo, their second in command, to get her confirmation on what Scott just said. However, since Ororo was not informed of this decision, all she could do was shrug her shoulders. They again turned to Scott with renewed skepticism.
Scott opened his mind link with Jean to vent his frustrations.
When I act like a tough leader they get mad, when I try to ease up on them they are suspicious. I can't win with these people!
Jean tried to calm him down.
They are just a little taken aback by your sudden decision, that's all. Let me try to help. She responded to him telepathically.
Jean stood up and took the spot next to her husband. She faced the team with a huge smile.
"Congratulations, everyone! We're on summer break!" She yelled with excitement. Jean's confirmation was all the team needed to believe their leader, instantly they erupted in applause and laughter.
"I think I speak for de entire team when I say, t'anks Jeanie." Remy looked over at Jean and winked. He could feel that his words had an affect on Scott. Putting two-and-two together, Remy figured out that Scott was irritated that Jean was getting credit for a decision he had made.
Let de games begin! Remy thought devilishly. He looked over to Rogue and gave her a mischievous grin; Rogue knew exactly what he wanted her to do. It was time to have a little fun. The game: Let's see if we can piss off Scott.
"Yeah, thanks, Jean." Rogue chimed in and gave the same mischievous grin to Bobby. He also knew what to do.
"We really appreciate this, Jean." Bobby added; he turned to Logan and with the same grin passed on the imaginary 'piss off Scott' baton.
"Yeah Red. We all knew you could do it!" finished Logan. He was the last person that would take part in this game, for they knew in advance that Henry would not want to participate and that Ororo couldn't play because she had to maintain her 'responsible' leader status in the group.
"This was all Scott's doing." Jean said trying to convince them in vain.
"You don't have to protect your husband, Jean. We know it had to be you who changed his mind." Bobby said as he folded his hands behind his head.
"Ahh, but the million-dollar question is: What did Jean have to do to change his mind?" Rogue wondered out loud wiggling her eyebrows.
"I'm sure all she did was suck-…" Remy was interrupted mid-sentence.
"Enough, Gambit." Scott warned with fury.
" -er him into it." Remy finished his sentence as the team burst into laughter. "What did ya think I was gonna say, Cyke?" He asked innocently.
"Nothing." The leader grumbled.
Come on sweetie. That was kind of funny. Jean shared with her husband through the mental link.
Really? Then maybe you can suck…er me tonight. He could hear her silent laughter ring through his head. But their private discussion was cut short when Logan's voice cut through the room.
"Good, this break couldn't have come at a better time. I think I might go to Canada and get some things settled."
"Louisiana, here I come!" Remy shouted.
"Wait a minute!" Scott broke in. "Don't bother making any vacation plans."
"See, I knew it. There's always a catch." Bobby mumbled with disappointment.
"You are all required to stay at the mansion." Scott continued. "I don't want anyone taking off from here." Grumbling was heard throughout the room.
"That sucks!" Rogue said, it came out louder then she intended. The others, minus Ororo, chimed in with agreements.
"Don't worry." Came Jean's understanding voice. "You are allowed to leave the Institute, but we don't want anyone straying too far just incase there is an emergency. Therefore if you do leave, you must return within 12 hours and always have on your communicators."
"Well, when yah put it that way…" Smiled Rogue.
"Yeah, that sounds reasonable." Bobby agreed.
Logan joined in. "I guess it's not too bad."
"True. Why couldn't you explain it to us like that, Cyclops?" finished Remy.
Scott gritted his teeth in frustration.
Don't take it to heart, Scott. They are going out of their way to annoy you. Thought Jean to her husband.
Well, it's working. He responded. Scott focused back on the group.
"Then we are all at an understanding. Everyone one will remain at the mansion…everyone except Hank." Scott turned to Henry, who shot up out of his daydream and looked up at him in surprise.
***
After punching in the codes to the front gate, the vehicle glided into its regular parking spot. The X-Man got out of the car, ran up the front steps and into the main lobby.
The lobby was empty. The X-Man walked through the kitchen, Living Room, Rec. Room, and the Family Room, but could find no one in sight. The mansion was unusually quiet, which was strange for this time of day.
I thought the X-Men were on a break? I'm surprised the team isn't running around the place like idiots. The X-Man wondered.
"Computer? Where are the other X-Men?"
"Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Gambit, Jean Grey, Rogue, Wolverine are all located in the War Room."
The War Room? Why are they in there? Nevermind the reason, I'm just here to deliver a message and then I'm gone..
***
Henry looked at his leader in astonishment, not knowing what to say about his decision to leave the base.
"Now, this is unexpected." Henry uttered. I hope I do not have to go on a solo mission. I was really looking forward to some time off, even if I have to spend it in the mansion.
"Hey what's the deal? How come Beast can leave?" Asked Bobby.
"Hank will be attending the World Medical Conference in London. There will be a lot of information there that can aid him in his research."
"I cannot believe you heard about it!" Henry was flabbergasted. "I thank you Scott. I've been looking for the opportunity to attend one of these seminars for what seemed like a millennia. It was just that we were always too busy."
"Medical Conference?" Rogue mumbled twirling her hair. "Sounds kinda borin' to me, Hank."
"It's not just your typical run-a-the-mill Medical Conference, Rogue. This seminar will touch on all the latest research in mutant/human anatomy."
"Anatomy?" Rogue asked confused.
"Anatomy is the study of the structure of the bodies of people." Answered the doctor with professionalism.
"If that's the case…" Remy saw a comical opening and dived for it. "Hey Scott, I gonna be doing dat anatomy stuff with a couple of girls I met de other night. I should be gone a couple of days." He gave a sly smile as laughter rang out through the room.
"Funny, LeBeau, but Hank will me doing actual research…"
"I can write up a report if ya want it that bad, homme. I might be able to get it video taped too." He gave a devilish grin.
"Gambit, be a pal and make a copy for me." Bobby added.
"Sure…for a price."
"How about five bucks?"
"Make it ten."
"Yo, Wolverine. Can you spot me five bucks?" The room was filled with giggles.
Even though Bobby and Remy had certain issues against each other, they were able to push them a side for the common goal of driven Scott loco.
"That's cute guys, enough with the banter. Hank will be the only person allowed to leave, is that clear." He waited until everyone on the team nodded.
***
The X-Man took the hidden elevator to the secret base on the lower floor. No footsteps could be heard throughout the hollow halls as the X-Man walked silently through the long maze. Stopping in front of the War Room the X-Man prepared to punch in the final codes that would open up the sliding door.
***
Scott began his speech on the importance of teamwork.
"I'm trying to do an exercise to see if we can actually get along together when we are not training. So I expect everyone to be socializing, not running off in a corner by themselves. I also expect for the chores around the house to be done on schedule. There will be no excuse for not doing them because we won't be training as hard as usual. This means, I want the dishes washed, the furniture dusted. I want someone to take out the trash and hoe the lawn…"
Access Granted Confirmed the voice of the computer. Everyone turned their attention towards the entrance as the door slid open.
Betsy AKA Psylocke stood at the door with a deadly stare. Her long purple hair flowed down her back. She was dressed in a short white belly-top and tight leather pants. She eyed everyone in the room, almost daring someone to speak. One person decided to take her up on the offer.
"Well, well, well…speaking of trash an' hoes…" It was just too much for Remy to stay quiet.
"Shut the fuck up, Gambit." Betsy retorted in record time in a strong British accent.
"Why don't you come here and make me." Remy said calmly, wanting to provoke the situation.
"I thought you'd never asked." Betsy was never one to back down from a physical challenge. Especially when she never liked the guy who initiated it.
Great! Finally some action around here! Rouge thought with renewed excitement.
"50 bucks on Pyslocke." Yelled Bobby. "Anyone willing to take that bet?"
"You don't have 50 bucks to lose." Laughed Rogue.
"I'm not gonna lose." He smiled.
"Oh please! Ah'll take that bet, Gambit will kick her ass!"
"That's enough you two." Scott directed to Rogue and Gambit. "Psylocke, take your seat. Gambit, keep your mouth shut." He ordered.
Betsy took the vacant seat next to Remy, which was where she normally sat. Remy looked at her long enough to see her give him a satisfied smile; it vexed him. Betsy and Remy were like oil and water, on a personal level they just couldn't mix. He swiveled his chair back to Scott.
"Psylocke, we haven't had any contact with the other X-Men in days. What has been going on?" asked Scott.
She took a deep breath and spoke to him with jaded eyes. "When we went to Australia we encountered more difficulty then we expected."
"Why didn't Xavier call us for back up."
"We were keeping a close eye on you 'down under' and saw how busy you were. But we handled everything on our own." She said with indifference.
"So, why are you back two weeks early?"
"We finished everything faster than we expected. Yesterday we were in Washington DC, at a meeting between some senators and Xavier. After the meetings were over we got a surprise visit from Lilandra. There was some emergency going on in Shi' Ar and she needed the professor's help. By then we were aware of the vacation time that was provided to the X-Men. Xavier and Bishop left with Lilandra. The other X-Men disbanded wanting to take full advantage of our time off."
"Where's Jubilee?" Asked Logan. Betsy turned to him with a disgusted look on her face.
"What?" There was slight confusion in her voice. "Oh…I don't know. She disbanded…like the others." Her words were choppy, almost forced.
"Where did she go?"
"I said…I do not know, Wolverine." From her body language one could tell that she was filled with tension. She was like a well-shaken pop can that everyone knew not to open…everyone, except Logan.
"You let a 17 year old girl run off and not know where she's going?"
She exploded. "I never knew I was her fucking guardian, Logan!" Her sudden out burst surprised everyone in the room. "I didn't sign up with the X-Men to be a baby sitter. You should keep track of your own kid!" Everyone looked around nervously.
It was one thing for Betsy to yell at the Cajun that was funny. But to talk back to The Wolverine, especially when it seemed like you lost his favorite sidekick? There
was going to be bloodshed.
She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples trying to ease the tension.
"Psylocke? Are you okay." Scott asked with worry.
"Uh-huh." She mumbled. "Look, I'm sorry for yelling at you, Logan." To the relief of the team…except Rogue…Betsy came back to her senses. "I haven't had a descent night's sleep in days, I've been snapping at everyone." She stopped for awhile as if she was trying to remember something. "It turns out Jube has some friends in DC…She wanted to spend some time with them over the break. Xavier knows about them…and said it was all right for her to stay. She will be supervised by adults."
Logan gave a slight nod with his head, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
"Do you know how long Xavier will be gone for?" Asked Scott.
"No, it could be awhile, though. However, he did say he would make contact with you when the time was right."
"Thanks for the report."
"No problem. The reason I came back is because the professor wanted me to deliver the message and I had some clothes to pick up in my room. Anyway, I will be leaving for England tonight. I want to spend sometime back home with my family."
"Alright…" Scott was saying when he saw Remy's hand shoot up. He was waiting patiently to be called upon.
"What is it now, Gambit."
"If Psylocke can go back home to London…why can't I go back t' Louisiana, or Wolverine t' Canada? 'Ro could go back home t' Africa and Rogue could go back t' Mississippi…"
"In actuality, I was born in New York, this is my home." Explained Ororo.
"And Ah don't wanna go back to Mississippi." Added Rogue.
"Ladies, please…I'm jus' tryin' to make a point. It's not fair for Psylocke t' leave if we can't."
"What are you talking about? I thought we were on vacation?"
"Gambit's right. Psylocke, you won't be able to leave the mansion. I've just informed everyone that we would all be staying here. I want us all to be together as a group."
Remy would have wanted Betsy to leave for England, but knew making her stay would get her angry. It was Remy's turn to give Betsy a satisfied smile.
"Alright, boss." Damn, I should have called them from England and told them what happened to the professor.
"I've gone ahead on my own and planned a little 'play day' for us the day after tomorrow. Just incase you all need a push in the right direction of socialization."
"A 'play day'? What are we, in grade three?" Bobby asked sarcastically.
Rogue looked up from the table. "What are we gonna be doin'?"
"We'll be playing a team sport." Answered Scott.
"What sport?" Asked Logan.
"I don't know…Baseball."
"That's stupid Cyke, we don't even have enough people to cover the playing field." Bobby complained.
"Fine. We'll play…Football."
"I really don't feel like being tackled by you guys." Betsy added to the conversation.
"Don't be a sissy…" Bobby wined.
"Then we'll play 'touch' football." Scott retorted.
" 'Touch' football? What are we in grade three?" Bobby asked again as chuckles rang out.
"Why don't we just play 'pick up' basketball?" Jean suggested.
"Hey, that's a great idea." Said Bobby.
"Yeah, good one Jean." Added Rogue.
"I don't know where you come up with them, Jean." Replied Logan.
Don't worry about it, honey. They are still trying to annoy you. Jean thought mentally to her husband.
Well, they're still doing a good job. Scott replied to Jean.
"Then it's settled, we will be playing Basketball the day after tomorrow." Scott paused to let everything sink in. "Are there any questions?"
"I have a question." Bobby said with his hand up. "How long will we be playing for?"
"We'll be playing…"
"Actually Cyke, my question was directed toward Jean."
"Ahh, we'll play it by ear." She answered.
"Any other questions?" asked Scott again.
"Ah got one." Said Rogue with her raised hand. "Do we get to pick are own teams when we play b-ball?"
"I'm sure we will…"
"Ahh, mah question was also for Jean."
"Sure, we will be able to pick our own teams." Jean looked over to the last raised hand.
"I'll just assume Gambit's question is for you, Jean." Scott mumbled.
"Yes, Gambit?"
"I jus' wanna know if you'll be takin' de new X-car for a ride tonight?" He asked innocently.
Jean froze when she realized he was saying a direct quote from one of her daydreams about him. Her face became flushed as she sat down rather slowly in embarrassment.
"What car are you talking about, Gambit?" Scott asked as everyone turned to Remy in confusion. Remy's question had nothing to do with the 'piss off Scott' game. They all looked at him with a "huh?" expression.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm jus' a li'l out of it." Remy replied as Scott looked over to Jean slumped in her chair.
"Jean, are you okay?"
"Ahh, yeah. I just felt really weird for a second. I only needed to sit down."
"Are you sure…"
"Yeah, I'll be alright." Rogue was right, he is playing games with me. That fucking bastard. If he thinks he can get away with making a fool out of me, he has another thing coming.
Remy looked towards Jean, to give her a playful smile. However, he soon realized that she was avoiding making eye contact with him.
Looks like I crossed de line...again. Normally, he wouldn't have mind, then someone else caught his eye…Logan.
Logan looked at him with a serious glare. It was obvious to Remy that Logan knew something was up between him and Jean. Logan looked at Remy and raised his index and middle fingers at the same time. Remy knew exactly what it meant. This was the second time Logan witnessed Remy do something negative to Jean. Remy now knew that Logan was keeping score…and just like America's favorite past time, Logan had a simple rule: Three strikes and you're 'out'. 'Out' meaning, you will be beaten by Logan into a bloody pulp.
"Since all the questions seemed to have been answered. I will say the three words you've all been waiting to hear: You are dismissed."
As usual everyone got up and stretched. Although, Scott noticed already that things seem to be taking a new turn. Remy actually remained in the room; he was usually the first person to leave. Scott also noticed that people were breaking off into small groups and talking with each other. He watched the scene with amazement.
Maybe my plan for the group will turn out well after all. He turned to watch Henry as he was conversing with Ororo.
I better not get ahead of myself. There are still a few things I have to settle with Beast before he leaves.
******
You have just graduated from Chapter 9!
*That actually took place in X-Men 17.
Author's Note: Jean/Rogue scene- Do you think Remy is sincere or not? Wait and see, it's all leading somewhere.
Full Cast- Betsy was introduced to further expand on the relationship of each X-men. Trust me, she will add sparks to the mansion. I got a few good stuff planned in the next couple of chapters.
Answers: Kathryne - Logan's point in chapter 4 was that when Rogue was dating Remy without the bracelet, she never explored any way to express their feelings for each other sexually. He also thought that even with the bracelet, Rogue still wouldn't want a sexual relationship with Remy. Is Logan right in his assessment of Rogue? You'll have to wait and see. (And yes, with the bracelet her hymen is breakable)
Reviews would be nice, please and thank you. Expect the next chapter to be packed with lots of interaction!
Next Time: Scott asks Hank to do something that goes totally against his ethics. Bobby confronts Rogue about the "kitchen" incident. Ororo has a Beef to pick with Scott. Jean and Remy draw their battle lines (fight, fight!). Bobby tries to find out what's bugging Betsy. Remy tries to make a "date" with Ororo…and oh so much more, Jean/Scott, Remy/Logan, Rogue/Remy…