Chapter 12: Look Who's Back

She was dreaming.

She had to be dreaming.

Because there was no way in HELL that she had heard Emma correctly.

"Excuse me?"

Emma rolled her eyes, for what seemed like the umpteenth time since she had set foot in the mansion. "Don't make the situation more awkward then it already is."

Rogue stood still, waiting for Emma to continue her explanation. However, after five minutes of silence, she became a little more than annoyed.

"What do you mean you're pregnant? How the hell did that happen?"

Emma looked at her with one blonde eyebrow raised. "Well, when a man and a woman love each other, or like each other, or just want to get laid—"

Rogue quickly threw her hands up in the air. "Stop. Just stop. I'm serious. Who is the father?"

Emma continued to stare. "Do you really need to ask?"

Rogue had a series of thoughts run through her head. To be honest, she started going through the process of elimination…the only person it could be…was Scott. It all made sense. She must have been the one he was talking to in the garage the other day. Another realization suddenly hit her.

"Does Jean know?"

"Why, are you going to run and tell her?"

"I'm not, but you and Scott sure the hell are!"

Emma stood from Rogue's bed. "You know, I'm not exactly thrilled about the whole situation either. I'm not exactly what one would consider 'mother material'."

Rogue didn't want to hear it. "Well maybe you should have considered that before you had unprotected sex with someone's fiancé! And not just anybody, but our team leader?"

"It's not like I forced him to do it!"

Rogue placed her hand on her hip. "Are you sure?"

"Are you saying that I used my telepathy to get him to fuck me?"

"Did you?"

For the first time in her life, Emma Grace Frost felt like she was going to cry because her feelings were genuinely hurt. Damn pregnancy hormones.

"I don't need this." She turned and started to head towards the door.

Rogue flew over and blocked her exit. "Wait, I'm sorry. I'm beginning to learn that I am the type of person who CANNOT handle surprises."

"Obviously."

The two once again stood in silence.

"Just so you know, I didn't plan it. I didn't scheme or connive, it just happened. And it was one time. I actually felt bad afterwards. Can you believe it? Me! Feeling bad?"

Rogue went to her and tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder. "I actually can."

Emma lowered herself back down on Rogue's bed, and suddenly began to sob.

"Look at me! I can't even handle a pregnancy properly!"

"Have you told Scott yet?

"Yes. The worst part about it is that he actually took it really well."

Rogue thought back to the scene by the garage. To her, he didn't appear to be taking it that well.

"Emma, the other day he looked…slightly frustrated." She knew that she had to choose her words carefully to keep Emma from bursting into hormonal tears.

"That's because I told him I was considering giving it up, but I just cant bring myself to do it."

"So, does Jean know?"

Emma nodded her head. "Yup." She started to hiccup with sobs again. "I told Scott that I couldn't help how I feel. That I loved him and wanted to be with him."

She then unexpectedly laughed sardonically. "He told me that he cares for me immensely, but he loves her. He told her that very day."

Rogue was actually surprised. She was extremely mad at Emma and Scott for what they had done to poor Jean, but at least they had the decency to tell her about it. She was also shocked at Jeans cool conduct that past week despite the situation.

Rogue sat down besides her heaving mess of a friend. "How did she handle it?"

Emma wiped at her eyes. "How one would expect. She slapped him, called me a few choice words. None that I haven't been called before. But she said that they would work things out, and I could work my way out of their life. She even started talking about visitation arrangements!"

Despite the messed up situation, Rogue had to try hard not to smile. Jean was a planner, and she tried to make the best out of every circumstance, no matter how complicated it was.

"How far along are you?"

"About six weeks. That's the worst part! It was so early that I didn't want him to tell her yet. But Mr. Bold and Noble had different plans."

"Well are you sure you are? I read that some women don't find out until they are further along in their pregnancy." Rogue learned a lot of valuable information when she watched the show I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.

"Oh trust me, I know. I'm a telepath. I could sense the neural connection of the brain as soon as it attached."

Rogue nervously looked at the clock. It was 6:45 PM. Although her makeup was already done, she still needed to get dressed. As much as she wanted to stay and comfort Emma, she did have a very important mission to attend to.

Luckily, Emma chose that moment to change the topic herself. "Anyway, now you know. I would appreciate it if you kept that information to yourself. Lets get you in your dress."

Rogue lifted her dress from the bed, and brought it with her in the bathroom. Her nerves were far from calm and collected. She felt bad for Emma, but the timing was just absolutely horrible. She didn't know if she could handle the mission without her.

She shook her whole body to relieve some of the tension. She had learned that little bit of advice from Logan. It actually did help.

She turned her attention back towards her dress. She cut the tag off, and stepped into the fabric, pulling it up along her curves. There was a very slim zipper on the side, and after she effectively maneuvered herself into the fabric, she pulled it up. She looked at herself in the mirror. The dress hugged her body more than she thought it would. But overall, she though she looked decent enough.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Emma had already cleaned herself up. She caught a glimpse of Rogue and sighed.

"That dress is marvelous. I'm surprised that you're comfortable showing that much skin."

"I'm not, but I have a role to play."

She glanced over, and saw that it was seven o'clock exactly. It took about forty-five minutes to reach their destination, so she had to get a move on.

"I'll be back tomorrow. We'll talk then, ok?"

Emma nodded her head in response. "Ok. Be careful. You can do this."

"I hope so."

XXXXXXXXXX

What was the deal with women? No matter how much a certain time is stressed, they still take forever to get ready. One would think that they simply would start their complicated process of 'beautifying' themselves earlier so they were on time.

He had been waiting in the foyer for a good twenty minutes. Him and Rogue weren't exactly on the best of terms at the moment, and this sure wasn't helping. He glanced at his watch for the fifth time that night. He felt a twitch in his eye, and reached up to rub it. He hated wearing contacts, colored or not.

Remy heard the familiar clicking of high heels on the hard wood floors. About time.

He heard her coming down the stairs behind him, and he refused to turn in her direction. He was annoyed and ready to get the mission started.

"Sorry I'm a little late. We'll still be on time."

"I hope so—"

He turned to speak with her, and felt his words float away with his breath.

Her hair was fashioned simply and elegantly, and decorated with some type of small, decorative diamond piece by the base of her neck. Her white streaks were hidden by dye because of their mission, but she still looked very, VERY appealing. Her eyes had always been beautiful, and even though he previously thought it to be impossible, those emerald jewels were even further enhanced and absolutely glistening.

Her jewelry was simple, but he couldn't concentrate on that right now.

That dress.

He would have to find out the name of the designer and send them a thank you note.

The color matched her eyes perfectly, and it clung to her body like it was molded just for her. Her mounds of ample flesh sat perfectly full and lush on her chest. He could even see the contour of her impeccably shaped body beneath the fabric.

"I forgot my clutch. I'll be right back."

If he didn't think her appearance could get any better, he was wrong. As she turned to retrieve her item, he saw the most spectacular sight he had ever seen in his adult life, and he had seen a lot.

The back went so extremely low, that he was certain if she turned a certain way, he would be able to see the top of her round, perfect ass. Her skin looked mouthwatering to the eyes, and he was sure that just to touch it would send him over the edge. She had that delicate, feminine curve down to the very bottom of her lower back, and it flared below her waist and morphed to form her succulent, luscious curves. The dress flowed to the ground and finally released itself from her body in the form of a slight train.

She turned back towards him. "Lets go."

"Is Emma not going?"

She seemed to become slightly flustered. "No…she doesn't feel well."

The color that rose to her cheeks made her appearance even more appealing.

Thank God he was wearing colored contacts, because he was pretty sure that his eyes were burning bright scarlet at the moment.

He cleared his throat. "After you."

XXXXXXXXXX

She knew he was going to be pissed. Even though it was only seven, he originally wanted to get going around 6:45.

She rushed to make her way down the stairs, knowing that he was probably frustrated at her tardiness. As she caught her first sight of him, she felt a swell of lust run throughout her body. He was dressed to perfection in his suit, and looked very clean cut and almost edgy. His form looked irresistible through his clothing, and she blushed at the thought of what was underneath all of it. She wished she could see him like that again soon.

As he turned towards her, he seemed to hesitate for a moment. She noticed he was wearing brown colored contacts, and instantly wished she could see his natural eyes. It seemed like he took a moment to study her, and she began to feel self-conscious. Maybe her dress didn't look as good as she thought it did.

She needed to move away from his judging glare. She made an excuse.

"I forgot my clutch."

She quickly walked to the nearby coat rack where she had hung it previously.

She turned, and noticed that he hadn't moved an inch.

"Let's go."

"Is Emma not going?"

"No…she doesn't feel well."

It almost looked like he was snapped out of a deep thought. He shook his head, and offered her his arm. "After you."

XXXXXXXXXX

They made it to their destination with only a few minutes to spare. When they pulled up in their limo, both were shocked at the massive size of the place. It definitely gave Xavier's mansion some competition.

She turned to him, making sure that their briefing was on the same page. "Remy, your Daniel Reis, a scum bag lawyer who just recently became a member of Trask last month. You obviously originate from New Orleans, but you moved up here to join. You think all mutants are filthy because your wife left you for one.

He smirked in her direction. "Once they see me, they'll know that cannot possibly be true."

She wanted to smack him. How could he joke at a time like this? "Right now is not the time Remy. Now all you need to know about me is—"

He cut her off. "Nothing. Your name is Brandy, and you are my escort. Trust me, none of these fools actually care to get to know their women intellectually, they only want to get to know them internally, if you know what I mean."

It took her a brief moment before she understood. She looked at him with an expression of disgust clear on her face. Before she could reply, he spoke again.

"Well Chère, lets get this over with, shall we?"

She knew that he was talking about the mission, but it sounded almost as if he was directing it towards her.

She reached for his arm, and plastered a smile on her face.

They followed a sidewalk surrounded by shrubbery, until they came to the main entrance. Of course, it was guarded with bouncers.

She nonchalantly looked around, pretending to admire the estate. She immediately noticed hidden guards through out the property. Emma was right when she said that it would be heavily guarded.

They made their way to the door, being stopped by a very large man.

He didn't even look up from his list when he spoke. "Name."

"Daniel Reis, and guest."

"Identification."

Rogue reached within her clutch and presented the large man two I.D's that Emma had obtained for them.

The man finally glanced up at them. He looked Rogue up and down. A slow smile crept across his dark features. "Mr. Reis, you've done well."

Rogue wanted to punch the man in his face, but instead she smiled sweetly in his direction, and dipped her neck. Slightly.

Remy didn't miss a beat. "Yes. She is a beautiful specimen, but these types show their true beauty and talent when they are…less clothed."

The man let out a low laugh, and Remy smiled in her direction. She kept the smile plastered on her face. She couldn't stand him. She spoke sweetly, while enhancing her smooth, honey like accent.

"I have been trained well to work with any type of client and to accommodate them the best that I can, even if those accommodations are very tiny and limited."

Remy's smile faded, and Rogue smugly turned her head.

She realized that she might have made a dire mistake when the bouncer's look darkened. "You dare speak out of your place?"

When she didn't reply, he burst out laughing. She felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"You've got yourself a feisty one Mr. Reis, make sure she takes it down a notch inside, or else I will bring her home with me and show her how a lady of her rank should act."

Remy spoke to the man as if he had known him for years. "If she does it again, you can have her for the night, free of charge."

The two shared knowing looks, and they finally were admitted entrance.

Remy looked over at her, and gave her a lop sided grin.

She realized what her role would be tonight. To just shut up and look pretty, only speak when spoken too, that kind of sexist crap.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, and brought her in close as they walked down a long hall that would lead them to the ballroom. "I suggest you start acting like I'm the sexiest thing on this earth and you can't wait to get me out of here and tear my clothes off."

He was going to eat up every moment of this. "Fine. But don't forget why we are here."

She grabbed onto his arm and caressed her hands along his chest as they approached their destination.

"That's better."

If looks could kill, he would be dead right now.

As they entered the ballroom, she was surprised at how crowded it actually was. For being an elite group, there sure were a lot of members.

She felt the eyes of men staring at her with lust and longing, and the eyes of women staring at her in jealousy.

He wrapped one arm around her waist, and dipped his head close to hers. "When you need to speak to me, just make it appear like you are whispering seductively in my ear. They'll buy it."

She knew her next move would be daring, but she proceeded without caution. She ran her finger along his ear, and beckoned him to lower himself to her height. She pressed her body firmly towards his, and gave a delicate nibble to his earlobe. She immediately felt his hardened response, and she grinned to herself. She whispered, "So something like this should be ok?"

His breathing became slightly quicker in pace. "That'll work."

She laughed, and sent him a psychic message. You forget that I can use Jean's or Emma's telepathy.

He gave her a startled look, and for once, she got to give him a smirk of her own.

She turned with a newfound confidence towards the crowd. She could do this.

XXXXXXXXXX

Two hours later, she was becoming worried. They only held this dance one damn time a year, and they hadn't even had a glimpse of the man of the night. William Stuart apparently was hard to detect. She had had to put up with constant pointless conversations, and hadn't gotten any closer to finding Mr. Stuart or anything of valuable information. The only upside was she got to feel on Remy when and wherever she wanted. She didn't think that he minded so much either. She looked up at him, admiring his profile. He noticed her staring at him, and he turned to her and spoke.

"You like the way Remy cleans up?"

"Do you like the way I clean up?"

Both knew that the other fully appreciated the way that they had presented themselves this evening.

Remy brought her closer. "Tu est tres jolie."

She had taken some French in high school, and he had just told her that she was beautiful. She blushed slightly and moved closer towards him.

"You want to dance Chère?"

She couldn't contain her smile. "Sure."

He led her to the dance floor amongst the other couples, and encased her small hand within his. She looked up and noticed the look that he held within his eyes. She was now experienced enough to know what it meant. She proceeded to stand on her toes so she could reach his mouth. He saw her movement, and lowered himself to meet her half way. A drunken, obnoxious guest interrupted the moment.

He couldn't have been any older than thirty. He had obviously been drinking too much when he smacked her on the ass, and then addressed Remy. "Oh no! I see the look in your eye! Don't fall for these types. It's all an act you know. Its their profession."—His last word caused droplets of spit to leave his mouth and land on Remy's cheek. Remy wiped it of with a finger, rather annoyed at the interruption.

"Thanks for the advice."

The drunken man turned to Rogue, and took a moment to look her over. "I can see why he's lost himself in you. You are the most attractive woman here. You should come with me—" hiccup "—to my room."

Rogue had to take a step back. His breath reeked strongly of alcohol.

She remembered her role. "I apologize sir, but I am escorting Mr. Reis this evening."

The man stumbled back slightly. "Don't know the name. You don't want to be here with a nobody, do you?"

She was becoming impatient. "Mr. Reis is very well known in—"

The drunk cut her off again. "Doesn't matter, he's nothing compared to William Stuart."

Rogue and Remy gave a quick glance to each other.

She decided to put on a show. She walked over and leaned herself on the man, which was a hard task because he could barely manage to stand up straight. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Stuart this evening. Do you know where he is at?"

The man smiled at her with his eyes half shut. "You're lookin' at him."

She quickly had to hide the surprise on her face. Out of all the people here, she would have never picked this guy out of the bunch to be their target.

Remy noticed her hesitation, and stepped in. He stuck out his right hand. "Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Stuart. We have heard so much about you."

The man went to stick his hand out, and missed Remy's hand completely.

The man suddenly turned his attention back to Rogue. "How about you and me head up to my room? Have a few glasses of champagne?"

Rogue didn't hesitate with her answer; she knew what she had to do.

"I would be honored."

Remy abruptly stepped in. "I'm sorry Mr. Stuart, but she has already been paid with my funds, and is mine until tomorrow."

"Shall I remind you that you are a guest in my house?"

Rogue sent him a psychic message. Remy, I have to go up there. You know I can handle myself. Just wait for me in the limo, ok? If I am not down back down there in an hour, you can come looking for me.

The drunken man didn't catch the series of facial expressions that Remy just went though.

Remy gave a slight bow. "Very well. I will wait in the limo."

She nodded her head, and she was soon taken out of the ballroom towards a very grand staircase.

She made it to the second floor, which was a big accomplishment considering the man leading her looked like he was about to keel over.

When they made it to his room, he actually took out a key and placed it into the lock. When the door swung open, he gestured for her to walk in.

She walked in and took in her surroundings. It was a rather large room, and it was heavily decorated with elaborate furnishings. It seemed almost pathetic how hard he tried to show off his wealth.

She was brought back to her senses when she heard a clicking noise behind her. So, the sly bastard had locked the door.

She turned around and noticed that he was loosening up his bow tie. He spoke with slurred words. "So, you like the party?"

"It was nice."

"I'm glad you had fun. Now shut up and do your job."

She smiled internally. The bastard had no idea what he was up against.

She batted her eyelashes and walked towards him. When she came directly in front of him, she realized that her part wasn't going to be that hard. The man's eyes were closed and he was swaying back and forth. She reached her hands up around his neck, and used her own mutation.

She had only done it for a second, and the man was already out. He was already so drunk, that when he came to he would just figure that he passed out. She glanced around his room to make sure there were no hidden cameras. She criticized herself. She should have checked for those first. When she found the room was clear, she hoisted him up and tossed him in his bed. She then brushed her hands off and proceeded to go through the room.

She looked in drawers, in usual hiding spots, even under the mattress, but she found nothing. She was quickly becoming frustrated. Her time was running out.

She thought of just flying out the window, and having a look in the different windows throughout the mansion, but quickly decided against that because of all the security.

Instead, she unlocked his door, and cautiously stuck her head out into the hallway. When she was sure the coast was clear, she proceeded to leave the room and do some exploring.

She ensued to look in all of the rooms on the level. She was disappointed when she discovered most of them were guest rooms. Seriously, how many guest rooms did a person need?

She knew that there was another floor above her, and set out to go up the other staircase.

When she reached the third floor, she once again proceeded to go through the numerous rooms. At least it didn't appear to have as many on this floor.

She noticed it had almost been an hour already, and she knew that Remy was probably getting anxious. She was about to give up, when the door at the end of the hall grabbed her attention.

It was the only room she had seen so far that's door was actually closed. She glanced around as a precaution, and quickly headed towards it.

When she tried to turn the handle, she found that it was locked. She had to make a decision. The only option she had was to break the door, and she wasn't too fond of that idea because she REALLY didn't want to leave any indication that someone had messed with Mr. Stuart's stuff. That could be a disaster. If she had absorbed Kitty's powers in the past, this would be a walk in the park. She really had to look into asking Kitty when she went back home.

If she found anything of value, and he found it gone, the whole operation would most likely be moved or changed, and that would truly be a shame because she felt like she was close to finding something.

"You really would make a horrible thief."

She nearly screamed, until she turned and found herself face to face with Remy.

She whispered angrily, "What the hell is wrong with you? You're supposed to wait in the car!"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I got bored."

She took a moment to look into his eyes. She gave a grin and cocked her hip out, crossing her arms in the process.

He was beyond confused. "What?"

"You were worried about me. Admit it, you care about me!"

He looked at her strangely. "Never said that I didn't."

She guessed that was his way of trying to make amends. If they had been anywhere else than here, she would have crashed her mouth upon his. She decided to get back to business.

She cleared her throat to signal the subject change. "Do you think you can pick this?"

It seemed that he had the lock picked before she even finished her sentence. He cautiously opened the door.

Rogue stepped in right behind him. They had found the main office. Jackpot.

She immediately went to the large desk and started rummaging through the drawers. She found nothing of value, and became frustrated when she looked up and saw Remy just leaning against a wall.

"Umm, aren't you going to help me?"

"You just look so cute when you are obsessively determined. Besides, you are looking in the wrong spot."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's in that safe"

She looked about the room, and couldn't locate any safe. She turned around and looked at him like he was nuts. "I don't see any safe."

"That's because it's a stealth safe."

She had a blank look on her face.

He pushed himself off of the wall and walked towards a couch that was positioned at the far end of the room.

She still didn't get it. "Remy, that's just a couch."

"It sure is. How many people keep a couch in their private office? They maybe have one or two chairs, tops, but that's about it.'

She suddenly understood. "You meant that the couch is actually—"

"His safe." He finished for her. He went towards it and flipped the cushions off. Low and behold, there was a safe built into the base, with a flat screen panel for a code entry.

She was rather impressed. "How did you know that?"

He raised an eyebrow in her direction. "I'm the prince of thieves Chère. It would be a shame if I didn't notice it."

She became concerned when she noticed it had a keypad, and not the conventional twist dial lock. "How will we figure out the code?"

"These number pads only take a four digit code. This will be easy."

He charged the tip of his finger, and brought the red light to the pad. The red hue of the light enhanced the smudges that were on four of the number keys. He reabsorbed his charge, and got to work plugging in different series of numbers that included the numbers two, nine, six, and five.

She looked towards him. "Wow. That's a neat trick."

"Yeah. It has its perks."

After his forth attempt, there was a popping noise, and he lifted the door open.

Inside there were normal items that one would expect to find in a safe, like money and jewelry. But off to the right there was a plain manila folder. Rogue grabbed it, and immediately began to search through its contents.

It appeared to be some sort of contract, written by Mr. Stuart himself. It was a legal agreement between himself and…Sinister. It basically discussed options for the funding of some kind of project. It was simply called Project 4567. How clever.

Further back there were signed documents by Sinister and….

Sebastian Shaw!

She knew that bastard was in on what ever it was, but why? The document must have been older since it had his signature on it.

She continued to glance over the file, and it discussed protection for the both of them. She was beyond confused.

"I found something. Let's get outta here."

They both stood and quickly rushed out of the room. Remy locked the door before they shut it behind them.

She couldn't help but feel giddy with excitement. She actually had something of use, and would probably find out more once she had a chance to read it over.

Her happy demeanor was quickly interrupted when she heard a voice. "What are you two doing up here? This area is off limits to guests!"

Remy didn't miss a beat. He answered before she even had a chance to turn around.

"I apologize. I was trying to locate a private section to get better…acquainted with my guest." He brought her close to him.

Rogue turned around, and stood completely still from shock. Her heartbeat had significantly increased, and she felt extremely short of breath.

The man was Shaw.

Sebastian Shaw.

To be continued…

Thanks again for all the awesome reviews. Sorry for the short a/n, but I had to post this from my phone because I am having computer problems. Damn technology.