Chapter 13: My Business

Back at the Mansion…

"X-men I called you here because it seems that Mystique showed up at the Mohammad's house and shook our fellow guest up a bit. Luckily, Emma Frost was in the area and fought her off. This is grave because, Mystique knows who has the amulet." The Professor spoke looking out at everyone.

"Who has it professor?" Ororo asked crossing her arms over her chest.

The Professor put his palms together and rested his chin on his knuckles. "Florence does."

"So you want us to go find him?" Jacob voiced.

"Where do you suppose we look? We have tried using Cerebro but all we got was that he is on the west side of the world. He could be anywhere from Alaska to Antarctica." Jean explained calmly.

"So do we know for sure that it isn't at the museums or still in the tombs?" Bobby asked.

"It isn't there. Nicole called and told me there was nothing of sorts there. Apparently they looked thoroughly." The Professor enlightened.

"So what do we do now? We got to find Florence before Mystique does and causes who knows what." Kitty exclaimed.

"Well Hank is looking up government records from any of Florence's credit card spending and recent purchases. This information will tell us the region he's in. Then with Cerebro, I can try locating him again but with a more condensed heading." The Professor explained.

"So vhat do ve do now?" Kurt asked.

"You get some rest tonight. In two days, you head out to secure this amulet. X-men prepare yourselves." The Professor commanded eyeing them all with concern.

"What about Gumbo and Nicole? Shouldn't they be comin too?" Logan asked.

"I will call them at the earliest. Right now however, they need their… rest." The Professor said as he smiled knowingly. The two were seemed oddly friendly during their video chat session and quite comfortable voicing their opinions to each other as well. He then wheeled from around his desk. "Like what you all should be doing now."

In the kitchen…

Chantel was getting a bag of chips in the kitchen as a snack. Jacob annihilated her bowl of spaghetti and drove back into town with Logan to get some take-out for the X-men since no one got to really eat due to the increased preparations for the upcoming mission. She grabbed the bag she had stashed away for safety purposes before deciding on getting her a cold soda. She had just got a glass from the cabinet for a soda she wanted to nurse when Ororo, Rogue, and Jean walked in discussing tomorrow's mission.

"This is bad Ororo! I feel like something really bad is going to happen." Jean confessed crossing her arms above her breasts.

"Well there is nothing we can do now till Mr. McCoy sends us the information." Storm said as she pulled out a seat at the table.

"Ah can't see why we don't jus' track Mystique down. I'm sure she'll lead us to it like she does everythin' else." Rogue said as she sat on the counter top. "Eric said she is far too gone to turn a new leaf. Maybe her upbrinin did more damage than can be repaired?"

"Eric?" Ororo questioned raising an eyebrow.

Rogue waved her hand nonchalantly. "He's changed so I'm tryin to do what the Professor advised like the rest of you should be doin'." She stated pointedly. "Besides we should be going after Mystique."

"Well even if we could do that, Mystique would still get there first since we don't have a clue where to go and if this trinket is really as dangerous as she thinks it is." Jean explained turning to see Chantel open the fridge and dig inside. "What do you think Chantel?"

Chantel sighed hoping that she would have a few minutes of peace before diving into active duty conversations. Her hand pulled out the ice tray and she began filling her glass. "Well I think that we should just prepare ourselves like the Professor said. If we need to fight, then we rumble like we always do. Once everyone is back here, I'm sure we can all move forward and get to the bottom of this." She went back into the fridge and saw a can of soda at the bottom and reached for it with appreciation filling its cool exterior.

"That's another thing. Shouldn't Remy and Nicole be called back immediately?" Jean asked the group.

"Well morning should be starting soon over there so it makes no sense to call them to come when they will leave anyway. It will be morning there anyway which means they will spend our night time flying back." Chantel voiced popping her soda can and pouring the contents in her glass happily.

Ororo smiled brightly. "Besides, I think this is good for them both to practice being on a mission team together. Their fighting styles suit each other quite well."

"That's somethin' I have been meanin to ask you about." Rogue said as everyone turned to face her. Chantel picked up her glass and quickly took that as her cue to escape while she could.

"Chantel."

The young woman sighed before faking a smile and turning to face the trio. Rogue's glare was hot on her skin. "What's goin on with Remy and Nicole?"

Chantel shrugged her shoulders choosing to take a sip of her drink before responding. She gasped from the fizz of her carbonated drink and moved closer to the counter to respond. "I'm not sure. Maybe you should ask them." She stated taking another sip of her drink while avoiding Rogue's gaze.

Ororo shared a glance understanding her plight. Choosing to save Chantel she cut in knowing that Rogues tenaciousness can be tiresome if not annoying. And it wasn't Chantel's right or business to say without Nicole's expressed consent. "I'm sure they both are keeping whatever they have sealed. It's a good thing to keep new relationships slow and quiet to allow growth."

Rogue bit her lip not wanting to accept the idea that Remy could just blow her off completely and move on without a formal conversation. After that incident in Antarctica, he had come back after months and blew her off like she was nobody. He didn't even treat her like a friend. Then it came to being allies, he would be cordial otherwise dismiss her completely. Before the little incident, they were already freshly separated because of their own relationship failures. Then to also go through the ordeal where she glanced into his mind to escape Magneto's Centidel really took a toll on her. Then he was trialed for his past pushed things over the edge. She didn't mean to leave him there in the cold tundra but she came back to rescue him. That had to stand for something!

They had searched for weeks and found nothing. Ororo was depressed half the time because she thought she lost a great friend. The younger generation were angry at the concept that he was simply left behind and cast aside. They took it as if their favorite uncle had passed away and none of them came to the older generation for anything if it could be helped. They received word that he had survived and went after him only to be pushed away. Everyone mourned him during his absence. Then he had come back two years later and the Professor let him back in without a word. No one ever questioned what happened or his loyalty ever again. It took time for Remy to warm up to everybody and to also reestablish connections. When Jacob came and Chantel, those were the only two people at first he genuinely trusted next to Storm and the Professor. Now some young chick just strolls in here and basically becomes his new best friend, not to mention his focal point. The whole thing drove her insane.

"Ya'll don't find their age difference strange?" Rogue asked combing her fingers roughly through her hair.

"What's strange? Remy may have found someone that makes him happy." Ororo stated crossing her arms in defense not liking Rogue's justification. Rogue had been through a lot and granted was a very strong and capable woman. But, constant shifting desires and emotions was enough to put Ororo into a cyclone of its own creation. "Maybe he has found a love that works for him."

"Hello, she is 24 and he is what 33! She's about as green as those tomatoes you have rowing in the winter. Also, Remy has a past so deep that not even Professor could dig through it all. He does not need to be with that little girl." She stated with finality.

Chantel wanted to just leave the room. Chantel knew many things and one thing that was painfully obvious was Rogue's unhappiness and jealousy. After all Remy couldn't stand her anymore and made it clear. He didn't trust her except on the battle field and he barely could do that. Now Rogue was trying to hold on to Logan because he was a safety net should things with their previous sworn enemy had cooled. Chantel didn't think that was fair but unlike Rogue she could not go laundry diving on that day. She admitted she had a special spot for Remy especially because of the friendship they shared. She had learned immediately from the past about his…mistakes. But, Remy was a good person who just was just dealt a very bad hand. And now he was beginning to find a little bit of happiness and trying to turn things around. Her friend Nicole was an amazing woman and she knew that this wasn't a simple crush. Nicole truly cared if not loved this man and to hear her friends be talked about in such a fashion left a bad taste in her mouth. Chantel shrugged her shoulders choosing to remove herself from the whole toxic conversation.

"And he doesn't love her! He can't love anyone besides himself." Rogue argued as her last sentenced registered inside of her. Remy couldn't love. He couldn't do it then with her so he sure as hell can't do it now with another.

"Jesus Christ Rogue!" Jean exclaimed. "Give the man some credit."

"Yes Rogue. That was uncalled for. You of all people should know how far he would go for his loved ones." Ororo spoke crossing her arms.

Chantel was getting tired of the conversation with Rogue. She was tired of seeing Rogue flaunt around the house like she didn't do anything wrong, always playing the victim, always whining about her barely being able to control her powers. She was now capable of controlling them as long as she wasn't scared or in combat. Also no one brought up her transgressions or even threw in her face that she chose a new path to follow. One in which Eric was very much a part of. The rest may not have known it but she had seen how she struggled to hold onto Logan just to fight against her attraction to Magneto. Chantel knew a lot to put the woman in her place but maybe she would use that for another day. However, enough was enough.

"You can't say anything else about Remy and Nicole, Rogue. Let it go already. You are not with him anymore, so you have nothing to do with what he does on his personal free time. If he wants to go out and be with someone then that's not our business. And furthermore you have Logan to worry about now Rogue. If I were you I would focus on my own right now." Chantel said cryptically drinking her soda while staring at Rogue.

Everyone grew silent and Rogue hopped off the counter to keep herself from going into rage. "What are ya tryin to say?" Jean came over to hug her friend tightly feeling the rage come off the woman as she stared Chantel down. Ororo stood looking to Chantel with a nervous glance.

Chantel grabbed her chips and what was left of her soda off the counter. "To mind your business." She stated before leaving the room annoyed to stroll into the living room where more pleasurable company and conversation awaited her.

Remy and Nicole had landed the jet in the hanger and was now walking to the Professor's office sharing light conversation and laughs. When they entered the Professor was sitting at his desk smiling and looking at them expectantly.

"Welcome back you two!" He greeted rolling his chair around his desk. "I trust your journey home was well?"

They both nodded and the Professor took note at how close they were standing to each other. Nicole didn't seem irritated but rather bright that afternoon in a floral dress. Remy looked a lot chipper and laid back, holding their bags in his hands. The two looked as if they just came from vacation instead of a search and intel mission.

"Good! Nicole, you will go to Edna's place to get you your new uniform. Chantel will be down shortly to take you both to Edna. She is a dear friend of mine and quite the character." He smiled watching Nicole nod her head and look to Remy.

"Remy I'm sure you're tired and I will debrief with you both later." The Professor stated. "You should get some rest."

Remy tilted his head gentlemanly. He heaved their bags up further on his back and turned towards the door. Nicole reached out to take her bag but he moved it playfully swatting her hands away. Then he looked down at Nicole and just winked at her. Nicole smiled watching him proceed out the door. Nicole just sighed and turned back towards the Professor who had a knowing smile on his face.

"I see your trip was enlightening." The Professor said as he rolled in front of Nicole and offered her a seat on one of the cushioned chairs. She sat down and the Professor was now at her side.

Nicole's face lit up with a blush. "How much of this you know Professor? How much do you know about…Remy and I?. Ya know…" Nicole took her fingers and entwined them to demonstrate what she couldn't say.

The Professor laughed and patted her on the knee. "Dear Nicole, I don't need psychic abilities to see the change in you both of you. When you walked through the door your attitude spoke volumes. Your presence is radiating joy." A chuckle came from his lips that sounded like a father laughing at the antics of a child.

Nicole's face was now a red tomato. She looked away out of embarrassment. The Professor stopped his laughter and now sported a soft encouraging smile. "You both have my blessings and I just want to let you know that Remy is quite the individual and a good person. He's had his mistakes like the rest of us and like any good person here he is trying to work through them. If you have any doubts don't let it stop you from connecting with him. Expression with him is key my dear and unfortunately that is a lesson you must learn without my aide."

Soon they heard footsteps coming from the hallway heading toward his office. The Professor's words sunk deep inside of her like a brick as she thought about it further. Remy had gone through a lot but being with him just made her happy. She cared about his feelings and thoughts but did she really know him enough where she could help him through the tumultuous past he carried like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Chantel came through the door and had a big smile on her face to see her buddy.

"Hey!"

Nicole's face brightened and she waved her hand. "Hey."

"Well Edna's complementary car is waiting for you both. She doesn't like to wait." The Professor said as he wheeled to Chantel.

She let him pass and they both followed him outside to the car. A man stood holding the doors opened with a smile. They got in and the professor gave them an envelope that he told them to give to Edna. When they pulled off Nicole was looking outside the window staring at the scenery that went by. Chantel turned to Nicole and sat Indian style. She had the biggest grin on her face. "I ran into Remy."

Nicole turned to her friend trying to play dumb. "So…"

Chantel smiled and wiggled in her seat. "I asked him what happened and he had the biggest smile on his face. He wouldn't say anything but he did take your suitcase to his room."

Nicole's cheeks were red again. But she decided to get it out the way since this was her best bud in the world. "We… are dating."

Chantel's eyes budged and her smile got slightly larger. "Like really!" She squealed.

Nicole's face flushed as she nodded hoping to have Chantel's approval. Chantel launched on Nicole and was hugging her. "I can't believe my little tadpole has gone into the world and is dating! Especially with our beloved Remy! It's about time!" Nicole rolled her eyes and smiled moving to get Chantel off of her. But Chantel's grip was fierce. Nicole smiled and hugged back laughing at Chantel's false motherly accent. Finally Chantel let go and moved back in her seat. "So how did you do it?"

Nicole looked at her in question. "Do what?"

Chantel wiggled her eyes and Nicole slapped her on the arm. "No! We just went on a few dates that's all! Nothing crazy. We're taking things slow. Besides, I like the way things are going. He's so sweet, caring, and edgy as well. The only thing that concerns me is if anyone will say anything negative about us. I don't think he can suffer another blow to the heart, Chantel."

Chantel eyebrows went up at this. She thought about the conversation in the kitchen and was debating on whether or not to tell Nicole about the feelings in the house. She decided that as a true friend to Nicole she would tell her the issues but not who said what. "Well I must ask you before this goes any further. Can you honestly tell me, that you care for him?"

Nicole looked at her friend like she was insane. "Uh…have you been listening! I wouldn't be here gushing my thoughts to you if I wasn't involved and turned into this hot mess of feelings."

Chantel bit her lip and got ready to explain. "Well you see, Remy has been through a lot. I mean A LOT! Plus he is older and I'm sure that soon he is gonna want to look for the real one Nicole."

"Where is all this going? Get to the point Chantel." Nicole said as she narrowed her eyes.

"Fine! Look some of the crew back in the house are protective of Remy since he had a rough time some few years back that could have cost him his life. You know…the forbidden story of Antartica. They want him to be happy and to find the right one who isn't going to cause trouble. Now you my girl so I got your back but I'm begging you! Please don't do anything…that's going to hurt him!" Chantel pleaded.

Nicole looked down at the floor wondering about the situation. Before she came something happened apparently of all places in Antarctica that caused a lot of pain and strife. She never asked because she felt that it wasn't her business and if someone felt like telling her than they would. And she had a feeling already who didn't see eye to eye with their relationship. After all the woman didn't hide her dislike much. "Well I'm not leading him on so… you can tell whoever says what that I'm in it too with him. I'm not sure if this is marriage and quite frankly we are just dating so everyone can back off. As for me personally I promise I will not do anything to hurt Remy intentionally. So whoever has a problem you can go tell them to kiss the darkest part if my behind. And if its Rogue which I'm sure it is, you can tell her to mind her business and focus on her own full plate. She's got too many entrees last time I checked."

Chantel sat back in her seat listening to her friend spill tea and throw shade. Her eyes went wide. "Wait…you know? You know about Rogue's situation?"

Nicole rolled her eyes. "Of course. I walked by a once and saw her all up in Eric's face. Which by the way is still Magneto to me. I'm all for forgiving but that's a lot of shit to forgive that he has done. Oh but she quickly runs to Logan when she feels scared. She has the nerve to come at me with that mess." Nicole waved her hand. "I'm not the one."

Chantel sighed knowing that Nicole's attitude and Rogue's wrath was going to make for one giant explosion. Chantel nodded her head before sharing a bright smile to diffuse her friends annoyance. "Well…damn."