New Orleans, Louisiana 1980
Walking down the flight of stairs she silently followed the familiar path to the lab as her high-heeled boots could be heard echoing down the empty hallways of the once crowded building owned by one Nathaniel Essex. With each step she could see the barely lit lights lining the walls briefly flickering on their last life. Without hesitation she swung open one of the doors not at all surprised to see the very man studying a sample of blood as he stood hunched over.
"Ah it's good that you're here." He only briefly glanced up to see the purple haired mutant before returning to his work. "How is our young escapee?"
"I'm afraid there's been some unforeseen development." She apprehensively stepped forward. "I was able to track his movements to a place not far from where we believe he appeared. I can't be sure since there seems to be something blocking my telepathy…" Frowning she remembered the many times she tried to find his exact location but failed. "But if I had to guess…he might be staying at some sort of school."
"Xavier…."
"What?" She frowned confusingly unsure if she heard him correctly.
Secretly grinning in a way that showed his sharp malicious teeth he turned to walk past her down the hall she had come from and up the flight of stairs. "There's no need to worry my dear Psylocke, everything is going as it should. Now all we need to do is bide our time before we can welcome our dear Gambit back into our arms."
"How can you be so sure that he'll willingly come back? I thought the point was to exterminate him."
"That is the plan if does not come on his own accord. But trust me when I say he will understand in time that this is where he belongs whether he wants to or not." He began to turn the corner until he stopped at a familiar metal-looking chamber now restored.
"And what of the others?"
Gleefully gliding his gloved hand over the sleek metal, Essex only hummed in response. It took them longer than he would have originally liked, but they managed to rebuild another time capsule that allowed them to use it at their will. "The others are of no importance as of now, we have the capsule in our possession, so be a dear and let both Sabretooth and Bella Donna know we are still in the process of locating our dear friend."
"You're still waiting on her?"
"History tells us more than we care to know at times. When I know for sure that she will once again rise from the ashes that's when all the pieces will finally move into their rightful place for the future to fulfill its long overdue destiny."
"What about him? He will want an update, won't he?"
Smiling Essex gestured for her to step forward. "He will be very pleased with the progress we've made. After all, without him we would've never have gained all the technological advancements we have made in creating this very machine."
"Understood."
"However, I will have to make plans for relocation."
"And the other capsule?" she asked once she got into the machine. "The one Gambit destroyed?"
Smiling, he slowly looked back down the stairs. "That will remain here, it's of no use to me right now."
Nodding, Psylocke silently watched him punch in the numbers awaiting to complete the orders given to her.
"Oh and Psylocke?"
"Yes sir?"
"Keep an eye on our dear friend, yes?"
"Of course."
Westchester County, Upstate New York present time:
Feeling a cold shiver down his spine from his spot against one of the lockers, Remy suddenly felt an uneasy feeling wash over him.
"Um… is everything alright?"
Quickly blinking back at the girl he had been talking to, he tried to rack his brain about what she could possibly have been talking about that he had missed. "Of course petite, just been t'inkin' 'bout all de ways dis one could show you a good time."
"W-well what did you have in mind?" she gave him a coy smile when he began to trace the tip of his finger against her blond bangs.
"Quite a few things actually…." His lips turned into a devilish smile when he saw her try and move closer.
A few feet away Bobby, Rogue and Jubilee were speed walking down the hall after they received word that Logan and Scott were on their way back from picking up two new recruits. "Are you sure? When are they supposed to get here?" Rogue asked Bobby who kept his eyes forward to try and not run into any of the students filtering the hallways at this time.
"The professor said they were supposed to be here any minute. Some of the other teachers are already waiting."
"Who do you think it'll be?" Jubilee eagerly skipped next to her while trying to keep pace.
"Not sure." Rogue frowned when they passed a few of the students they had classes with and a very relaxed Remy talking up another girl.
"He's at it again." Jubilee impressively shook her head nearly bumping into another student before she caught herself. "I swear that is one smooth talking Casanova if you ask me."
"How about we focus on the more important things." Rogue rolled her eyes at the smaller girl who still had her eyes glued to the pair by the lockers.
"I'm just saying I don't think I've ever seen him without a girl constantly hanging or drooling all over him. He's like the definition of sex appeal walking around this place."
"Really?" Bobby frowned in disgust. "I don't think that that counts for all girls here though."
"Bobby's right." Rogue forced herself not to look back as they passed. "It's plain disgustin' the way those girls keep throwin' themselves at him."
"Woah Rogue, gotta say that accent of yours keeps getting thicker by the day." Jubilee saw her friend briefly glance at her in surprise. "I like it."
"Yeah, you should do it more often." Bobby smiled at her while placing his arm around her tense shoulders.
Chuckling Remy looked up in time to see a welcoming set of long auburn white hair quickly pass by as the blond girl continued to seductively twirl hers around her finger.
"So, what do you say we-"
Quickly patting the girl's arms Remy excused himself before running off in the same direction. "Gotta go petite, I'll catch you later, hein?"
"But…!"
"Where's Kitty and Piotr?" Rogue asked Jubilee.
"Why are you asking me? Not like I know everyone's business around here." Jubilee shrugged before slyly grinning. "But I do know there supposed to meet us there."
"Both of them? Together?" Bobby asked, receiving a curious glance from Rogue.
"Um yeah?" Jubilee looked between them before akwardly quickening her pace. "My this is a long hall hahaha."
"What's with all de sudden excitement around dis place?" Remy gracefully chimed in as they headed to the lobby.
"New arrivals." Jubilee quickly informed piquing his curiosity.
"Don't remember it bein' like dis when dis one arrived here." Remy gave a slight pout before turning to look at Rogue. "Although can't complain 'bout de welcome party I received."
"What?" Bobby raised a confused brow.
"Look swamp rat ain't ya supposed to be busy talkin' some innocent victims' ear off or somethin'?" she sarcastically smiled.
"I assure Chere dis one don't go anywhere I ain't wanted."
"Really?" She couldn't keep the sarcasm dripping from her tone as she gave him a pointed look which just made him smile and look the other way.
"Oh come on Rogue, like you said he's part of the team right?" Jubilee gave a small giggle.
Any other choice words Rogue had for the cajun quickly evaporated when he turned a cocky smirk her way after Jubilee's comment.
"Is dat right?"
"Any news of when they'll be arriving?" Bobby asked once they made it to where the others were already waiting but kept his expression neutral when Kitty and Piotr finally joined them.
"They should be arriving-" Ororo along with the rest of them jumped back in surprise when as if conjured by magic a flurry of black smoke appeared in front of them before two familiar men, a woman, and a blue-tailed mutant who they quickly recognized made an appearance.
"Kurt!" Rogue fondly smiled, being one of the first to move and give him a small hug which after a moment of realizing who it was he shyly returned.
"Rogue."
"Urgh." Logan groaned stepping aside on wobbly legs after the weird trip they just had making him be in one of his foul moods. "You actually do that all the time elf?"
"Es tut mir leid Herr Logan." Kurt gave him an apologetic smile as Rogue pulled away. "But I promise you'll get used to it."
"Who says I will?" he grumbled, making his quick escape to the kitchen in hopes of finding something to quench his mood.
"He'll be fine." Rogue reassured him. "He's always like that after a long trip."
"I see."
"Who's dis?"
Turning their gazes towards the voice, Rogue saw Remy leaning against one of the far walls with his arms folder over his chest and eyeing the blue mutant like he came here to personally mess with him. Despite that she wouldn't allow him to ruin her good mood after seeing a dear friend again after so long. Ever since he had saved her from the plane and their missions on Alkali Lake, they had made sure to keep in touch forming a close friendship in the process since at that time he wasn't ready to join their team which was why she was happy to see him now.
"I must apologize for not introducing myself. My name is Kurt Wagner, but you may also call me the Incredible Night-"
"Kurt's one of the new teachers we've talked about." Ororo was the next one to give him a warm hug before turning to the other woman who was still eyeing her surroundings with an unimpressed sigh. "Along with Emma Frost."
"Pleasure." She hummed distastefully, not even bothering to acknowledge any of them as her smile and dark blue eyes were as cold and lovely as her last name. "But let's not make anything permanent just yet shall we."
Rogue now understood another reason why Logan may be in one of his foul moods if he had to accompany this woman for a few hours.
"Emma remember even if you're a guest here for the time being. I would appreciate it if you got to know the students as well. Who knows maybe you'll come to like it here." Scott frowned as he began walking to the professor's office. "Perhaps some appropriate clothing…"
"Something the matter with what I'm wearing?" She smiled as she watched him leave.
"If you'll please follow me, the professor would like to see you two."
"Of course." Kurt quickly teleported next to Ororo as they began heading in the same direction Scot had.
"Hi, it's Ms. Frost right?" Jubilee extended her hand which the woman slowly shook. "I'll probably be one of your students. Name's Jubilation Lee but you can call me Jubilee."
"Emma's just fine." She waved off.
"No disagreements here." Remy murmured letting his eyes drag over the attractive blonde's figure. She was dressed in expensive clad white clothing that gave anyone that looked her way a clear view of her perfect breasts completed with a pair of white pants that showed off her curves.
Rolling her eyes Rogue irritatedly shook her head when she saw Bobby just as flustered, and not just that but she could've sworn she saw Piotr's face turn a deep shade of red before he turned away. 'At least he has some kind of manners.' She crossed her arms making sure to give Bobby an unamused look.
Clearing his throat Bobby quickly looked away and tried to reach for Rogue's hand but she swiftly moved it away.
"So, all of you are students?" Emma let her eyes give Remy a once over.
"Sure are." Kitty's hardened glare remained on both Piotr and Bobby as they tried to keep their eyes at a respectable level.
Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head Bobby had a hard time keeping the blush from his face. "I'm Bobby, this is Rogue, Kitty, Pete and-"
Nodding Emma turned to the last person in the room. "Well lookie what we have here, and you are?"
"Bonjour." Remy said with a small bow letting his lips curve into that charming smile. "Name's Remy LeBeau or Gambit if you prefer."
"My my my aren't you a delicious treat." Emma's smile matched her intrigued eyes.
"Merci, at least someone here appreciates a good southern snack." He side-eyed Rogue who rolled her eyes in return.
With a secretive smile Emma turned to look at them. "Pleasure to meet you all, but I'm afraid I'm needed elsewhere at the moment."
"If you want, we can show you were to go." Bobby offered.
"I think I can manage." Emma smiled.
As she passed by, they could see both boys discreetly watching her leave while Remy whistled in appreciation as he watched the sway of her hips.
"Interestin' dat one."
"Of course you would say dat." Rogue quickly snapped making him whip his head in her direction with a puzzled expression as she stomped up the stairs.
"Seriously guys, maybe a little self-control next time." Kitty huffed as she followed after the white streaked haired mutant.
"Unbelievable." Jubilee shook her head being next to leave.
"What did we do?" Bobby quizzically asked both boys who just stared back just as confused.
-X-
"Can you believe those guys?" Kitty panted from her positions at the vertical bench after doing a set of sit ups. After classes the next day they had decided to work off some of their anger and frustration in the gym since they had no Danger Room sessions today.
"I can." Rogue pressed her lips together as pushed her legs out all the way from the leg press machine before pulling them back in. She tried not to let it get to her knowing that they were teenagers after all, but would it hurt to have at least a little common decency? Not to mention her own boyfriend was practically drooling over one of their new teachers. Gripping the handles tighter in her gloved hand, she pushed her legs out again when the thought of how a certain pair of red on black eyes were watching Miss. Frost the whole time made her blood boil. "I don't care, he could do whatever the hell he wants." She said between clenched teeth unaware of both Kitty and Jubilee -who was currently stretching on one of the mats next to them stopped what they were doing to stare at her.
"You mean Bobby?" Jubilee asked as Kitty went to sit down next to her. When she didn't get a response, she shrugged her shoulders and instead focused on the other side of the gym where they could still see the boys themselves working out knowing they were still not welcome. "Yeah, if my boyfriend did that, I'd probably go ballistic." When she saw Rogue shot her an unamused glare Jubilee guiltily grinned. "But I think you got it."
"What did we expect anyways." Kitty let her eyes drift over to their side. "After all it is a known fact dating all the way back to their cavemen era that they are hormonal teenage boys on the verge of whatever gross self-discovery they're on. Give a guy a barely dressed woman and they go crazy. Nothing's changed. Not now, not then." When she saw Jubilee smirk Kitty just dismissively waved her hand.
"Woah, I guess Rogue's not the only one pissed." Jubilee chuckled lazily stretching her legs out. "Scared to be on the wrong side of Kitty Kat here."
"I'm not." Kitty tried to shrug it off. "It's just…we're training to become X-men, so I'd hope they'd show some kind of respect at least and self-restrained."
"I don't think that really counts for that." Jubilee gave her a look that showed her that wasn't her best argument as of yet.
"Maybe ah'll just knock some of that respect into that thick skull of his." Rogues' eyes dangerously narrowed as she watched them from the other side of the gym.
"Now she's starting to sound like Logan too." Jubilee giggled. "I'm sure he'd be proud."
-X-
"You figure out why they're still not talking to us?" Bobby frowned from his position on a nearby bench.
Shaking his head Piotr continued working on the chest press while sneaking a quick glance at Kitty who was busy laughing at something Rogue had said.
"We were just being nice." Bobby took a sip from his water bottle as he let himself cool down. "She should understand that. And besides it wasn't just me, you guys were there too."
"De difference mes amis…" Effortlessly jumping down from the pull up bars, Remy walked over to grab his own water before taking a big gulp. "Is dat while I an' muscles over here are free to do as we please..." He nodded towards Piotr who stopped his workout on the machine to listen in. "You on de other hand let your eyes wander where it shouldn't have, all de while you already have someone an' someone special at dat." He pointed out. "Any fool could see why de fille upset."
"You mean Rogue?" Bobby confusingly turned to look at him now.
"Course. Who else you have in mind?" Remy raised a knowing brow.
"No one of course." Bobby furrowed his brows as he focused his attention back on the girls. "Rogue and I have been together for some time now and our relationships strong. She knows it's nothing like that. I was just being friendly."
"Right." Remy nodded while he took another drink from his water bottle. "All I'm sayin' is dat you better know how to treat a lady right before someone does it for you."
"And let me guess…you'd be the one huh?" Bobby scoffed as he got to his feet.
"And here we go…" Piotr deeply exhaled in preparation of what's to come.
Shaking his head Remy couldn't stop the ghost of a smile on his face. "Never said dat."
"You know I've seen the way you look at her." Bobby slowly narrowed his eyes as he stepped in front of him.
"An' what way is dat?" Remy's eyes challengingly gleamed at the other boy.
Clearing his throat Piotr carefully scanned the gym to see if any teachers were around since the last thing he wanted was another scolding from none other than Wolverine.
"I'm not stupid Gambit."
"Could've fooled me." He knew he shouldn't provoke another fight, but that thought was currently pushed way back when he saw Bobby's fists warningly turn to ice.
"Look I don't necessarily like you, but I'm forced to work with you. Doesn't mean I or anyone here trust you. So, whatever happens between me and Rogue's none of your business understands."
"Is funny you feel de need to tell me dat, considerin' not a moment ago you told me how strong your relationship was If I ain't mistaken." Remy nodded towards the girl in question that just finished doing her reps on the machine. "Who exactly you tryin' to convince? Me or you?"
"Guys I think that's enough." Piotr began getting to his feet and placed a hand on Bobbys shoulder.
Pressing his lips together Bobby warningly narrowed his eyes at the other mutant before him. "How about you just keep your comments and Rogues name out of your mouth."
"What? You worried dat your lady friend might take a likin' to me?"
"You mean girlfriend." Bobby quirkily corrected.
"I do believe dat's de term." Remy casually nodded as he raised the bottle to his lips once more. Usually, a girl having any sort of significant other wouldn't bother him this much since that would only add a brief obstacle in his way, but the way that word now constantly made his stomach twist in disgust anytime he thought about it made him clench his jaw in order to contain his annoyance as he met his teammates gaze. "Best you remember dat next time."
Scoffing Bobby angrily shook his head, turning to grab his towel before heading for the exit.
"I don't think provoking him is the best idea." Piotr stood beside him as they watched Bobby leave.
"Oh yeah an' why's dat?"
"Bobby may seem cold right now but he's also a good friend." Piotr gave him a sideways glance. "He may have his moments just like the rest of us but he's someone you'd want on your side, someone to watch your back should the need arise."
"An' yet somehow, I doubt he'd be in a hurry to watch mine." He said as he walked away to get more water from the water cooler. On his way there he pondered over what Piotr had said and yet found it difficult to believe someone like Bobby and he would manage to ever get along. It wasn't like he disliked the guy since he barely knew him, but he wasn't going to put his guard down around any of them just because he got along with most. One of the first rules about being a thief…only look out for yourself since people tend to be unpredictable.
"My my look what we have here." Purred a familiar voice.
Turning his head sideways he was surprised to see Emma Frost leaning back against the wall as she continued to observe some of the students around her. Unlike the last time he saw her, she was now dressed in a pair of workout pants and crop shirt with the same white as before. He couldn't deny the fact that she was easy on the eyes, but the way she looked as hungry as a fox in a henhouse made him slowly approach her with caution since he never was one to be anyone's prey. "Bonjour."
"Mr. LeBeau if memory serves me right."
"Enchanté Mademoiselle." Smiling, he could see her not even attempting to hide the fact that she let her eyes roam around his body, having seen it on many women's faces throughout his life. "Dat be correct, but Remy's just fine."
"Remy?" she quirked a perfect brow.
"Well, I just figured since you'd like us to call you by your first name, it'll only be fair for all of us to be on first name bases non?"
"Remy it is then." She watched him with intrigued eyes as he respectfully bowed in front of her. "Aren't you the charmer."
"Only when de occasion calls for it."
Now smiling she moved her hair aside as she looked up at him. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Only good things I hope."
"Among other things." She hummed thinking back on what was told to her about his situation.
Gripping the bottle in her hands, Rogue found herself stopping on her way to refill her water bottle when she came upon Remy obviously trying to work his charms on the new teacher. 'Why would that even bother me?' She inwardly frowned and lifting her chin was determined to walk past them not wanting to give him the satisfaction of watching her cower back like some weak little hurt girl. He wasn't hers and never would be since she was happily dating Bobby.
So focused on what she was doing she wasn't fully aware of where she was heading until a feminine giggle stole her attention, making her turn her head in the wrong possible moment when she saw Emma lightly place her hand on his bicep before pain shot through her. "Shit!"
Parting his mouth to speak, he instantly stopped when from the corner of his eye he saw Rogue pass by a second before she walked face first into the nearby wall. "Rogue." He grinned watching as she furiously kicked the wall with the toe of her shoe and rubbed her forehead. "There she is."
"Hmm?" Turning her head to see what had caught his attention, Emma saw the same girl from before. "Oh sweetie, are you alright?" she worriedly asked.
"Yeah. The wall just…moved." She embarrassingly mumbled trying and failing to keep the deep blush from her face, hoping the ground would open up and swallow her up right then and there. The instant she looked his way she knew that was a huge error on her part by the slowly growing grin on his face. 'He's probably just loving this right now…'
"You sure you alright Chere?"
"Mm-hmm." Nodding she quickly excused herself and began making a beeline to the water cooler. "Can't believe I just did that…"
"Desolé, but I'm afraid dis one's needed elsewhere." He began walking backwards as he tilted his head in goodbye.
"I'll be seeing you around Remy." Emma kept her gaze on him for another second as recognition instantly replaced any other doubt she previously had.
As Rogue continued to grumble frustratingly to herself, watching as the bottle continued to fill up, she didn't hear the silent footsteps behind her until she turned and almost crashed into something else again. "Gawd! Don't do that!" Clutching the bottle to her chest she tried to steady her now pounding heart as she glared up at a pair of ruby red eyes amusingly staring down at her. "Ah know it's in your profession and all, but could you stop sneaking up on people."
"I'll try." He chuckled watching as she gave him one more menacing glare before attempting to walk around him. "But you sure you're alright?" His concern tone had her momentarily slowing her pace out of surprise, clearly not having expected that from him. "Dat looks like a nasty bruise dere." He attempted to move some of her hair to the side to get a better look at her forehead but stopped when she flinched back.
"Bruise?" Refusing to accept that he was the cause of her growing blush when she felt his fingertips just mere inches from her face as well as the possibility of her powers activating had her fighting the sudden urge to run out of the gym for fear of that happening.
He could see the way she kept looking anywhere but him and could feel her anxiety growing. "Relax Chere, I was only kiddin'." He pointed to their reflection in the small mirror nearby. "Should really watch were you're goin' though."
"And you should keep your hands to yourself." She fired back now even less in the mood to talk as she continued to march out. "Instead of tryin' to get under everyone you met."
Frowning he repeatedly opened and closed his mouth out of confusion until she closed the door behind her and disappeared from view.