As so much time has passed since the last chapter, many events have taken place in the X-Men comics. Although many of them have not yet been slotted into the time-line of this story, they may well be in future chapters. Please do not take any events in the comics e.g. death of Psylocke, as having occurred also within the world of this story.

Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 9: Beginning

Remy¡¦s POV

The beginning of the end.

Sounds melodramatic but our return to the mansion did mark a turning point in our relationship. I was na¡¦e to think that the status quo would remain unchanged by the visit. I think that Jubilee knew before I did, had even anticipated it. I realise this only in hindsight, and it bothers me that little Jubilee was the wiser of us. Should teach me not to underestimate precocious mallrats.

We arrived in Westchester just after dusk and I watched Jubilee covertly out of the corner of my eye, dividing my attention between her face and the road before us. Her expression was distant as she watched familiar landmarks pass by. An unpleasant lurch in my stomach reminded me of my own anxiety, but I wasn't really interested in my own emotions at that time. I felt control slipping away, Jubilee drifting away with it.

I focused on the road before me and ignored a tightening sensation in my gut. We eventually left the town of Westchester behind us and turned down the third-class roadway which led to Xavier¡¦s. The route was unlit, hemmed in by hedgerows and trees. As we neared the mansion gates, a group of hooded figures gathered there were silhouetted by the car¡¦s headlamps. I caught a glimpse of a pale young face before they scattered into the woods that surround Westchester. I stopped the car, preparing to leap out and give chase when Jubilee lightly grasped my shoulder. I glanced at her but realised she wasn¡¦t looking at me and followed her gaze.

The mansion¡¦s wrought iron gates had been plastered in handmade posters, the words written in capitals in freehand. They spouted the typical anti-mutant diatribe that I am accustomed to. God, Allah, Muhammad and even Satan were invoked in order to communicate the authors¡¦ fury and hatred. However it is water off a duck¡¦s back at this stage. That sort of display is disheartening and infuriating but not uncommon. Despite this, I was concerned for Jubilee who had been spared bigotry of this intensity for awhile. I turned to offer a comforting smile, but found myself staring in confusion at a stone-faced Jubilee. Her expression was unreadable and impenetrable. Characteristics I had long ago considered a part of my repertoire, but never Jubilee¡¦s. She stood still, taking stock of the situation before us before walking calmly over and removing the posters carefully from the gates. I regarded her studiously but failed to find any emotion displayed on her face. Jubilee had always been open with me before, why had she suddenly closed herself off now? A fist seemed to be twisting my stomach and I resisted the urge to rub my abdomen.

Jubilee finished removing the posters and placed them in neat pile at her feet. A moment after I realised her intentions she ignited her powers with a muffled ¡¦paff¡¦, creating a cluster of brightly glowing spheres which floated above her upturned palm.

¡¦Only one thing to do with rubbish like this,¡¦ a flick of her wrist and all that remained of the posters was a pile of smoking ashes. She looked back up at me and grinned crookedly. The return of a familiar Jubilee reassured me and I grinned back. She strolled back towards the car before hoisting herself up onto the bonnet. She was waiting for me to buzz us in.

The intercom, while inconspicuous, was of Shiar design and required both a voice identification code and a retina scan to merely open a private line to the mansion. I stepped back and looked up at the security camera I knew to be above us.

¡¦Bonsoir mes amis, nous sommes arrivees.¡¦

The line crackled briefly before the voice of Emma Frost came across, cool and faintly disdainful, ¡¦Evidently. Return to your car and we will open the gates.¡¦

I sketched a demi-bow and smiled a charming smile as only I can before turning my back to the camera and rolling my eyes at Jubilee. She grinned, waved cheerily in the general direction of the camera before returning inside the car. As foretold the gates swung gently open before us, allowing us to enter before quietly shutting again. I drove down the curving driveway slowly, wishing to prolong the short journey, before parking the jeep in a shadowy spot near the mansion.

I like shadows, so sue me.

Despite this and the tinted windows of the car I knew that we were still visible to certain gifted members of the mansion, our actions would be restrained.

She was outwardly confident. Her hands were lightly clasped on her lap, her mouth slightly curved upwards. She seemed to be relaxed. But after living with her for over six months I had finally learned some of Jubilee¡¦s tells; the infinitesimal gestures and quirks which revealed her state of mind. She doesn¡¦t bite her nails or chew her hair. She only chews her lip when she¡¦s relaxed but mulling something over in her head. She doesn¡¦t drum her fingers, gesture with her hands or tap her feet as an outlet for suppressed anxiety. Instead, occasionally, her nostrils flare slightly. At that time I was so enamoured of her that I found it endearing. Later I would compare her to a rampaging bull and not always in private.

She turned to look at me, perhaps sensing my gaze, and smiled. Not her usual full wattage grin, but a gentler more intimate smile designed to reassure. I realised that while I was convinced that she needed my support, she believed that I was nervous. Which was true but I would have preferred to remain the rock of support in her eyes.

We sat in silence for a moment, regarding the red brick building before us when Jubilee surprised me by laughing softly.

¡¦God, we look at this place like it¡¦s a prison.¡¦

Realising the expression of uninhibited gloom on my face I couldn¡¦t help but smile at her observation. She took my hand in hers, rubbing her thumb in circles against my knuckles.

¡¦Is it wrong that I want you to turn the car around and just keep on driving?¡¦

I raised my head and looked at her but she had her head down. I tried to compose a suitable response, ¡¦It¡¦s t¡¦be expected that you¡¦d be anxious.¡¦

Jubilee didn¡¦t reply verbally to my inept attempt at comfort. Instead she unlocked her seat belt and planted a light kiss on my forehead before wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Pleased at her response I returned the gesture, genuinely believing I had made her feel better.

¡¦I do love you Remy,¡¦ her voice was a little muffled in neck but the words carried anyway. A little panicked by this sorrowful declaration, I attempted to pull away and look at her face. However I was thwarted by Jubilee who clung stubbornly to me. She may be petite but she¡¦s very strong, especially when digging her heels in. Relaxing my hold on her, I allowed her to bury herself into my duster once more. I didn¡¦t understand where this burst of emotion came from, Jubilee¡¦s emotions usually tended to swing upward rather than downwards so I merely patted her back and murmured cliched French phrases into her ear in what I believed to be an effective method of comforting. Usually I knew exactly the cause of Jubilee¡¦s discontent. This time someone had forgotten to inform me.

When she eventually released me I could see tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, but as usual she proudly refused to let them go. I lifted my hand to brush them away but she ducked her head. The movement created in me an intense desire to kiss her, my mind shouting, ¡¦I can do this properly. Much better than I can hug.¡¦ But, ever mindful of our position, I merely lifted her hand to my mouth and pressed my lips firmly to her fingers. She gave a brief smile before withdrawing hand.

¡¦Let¡¦s go.¡¦ She hopped out of the jeep and I was left sitting inside feeling that I had missed something.

We gathered our various bags together and walked towards the front door. Without further delay Jubilee pressed the doorbell once. Her hand had barely dropped to her side when the large oak door was flung open before us. An exuberant Robert Drake appeared on the threshold.

¡¦Jubes!¡¦ Before either of us could say a word, Jubilee had been drawn into a crushing bear hug, ¡¦old buddy, old pal,¡¦ Drake garbled. Although she attempted to return the hug, I could tell the lack of oxygen was acting as a damper on her enthusiasm.

¡¦Drake,¡¦ he glanced at me, eyes narrowed suspiciously, ¡¦the fille needs air.¡¦

Flushing darkly Bobby released Jubilee and stepped back, muttering an apology. Jubilee was an equally attractive shade of puce and I patted her back sympathetically while she tried to regain her breath.

¡¦Sorry Jubes but,¡¦ he grinned, ¡¦it¡¦s just been so boring without you!¡¦

Jubilee had recovered at this stage and grinned unabashedly up at him, ¡¦Bobster,¡¦ she told him confidentially, ¡¦you¡¦ve gotta take the highs with the lows.¡¦ She slipped an arm through his and steered him back into the hallway of the house, talking animatedly all the time. She had clearly forgotten about both the luggage and myself.

Hmph.

Jubilee halted in her tracks and turned around.

Mentally I apologised for prejudging her.

She made a flitting gesture with her hand and said in airy voice, ¡¦The bags, Jeeves.¡¦ Then with a wink and a cheeky grin, she guided Drake around the corner and out of my sight. As I mentally chastised myself for being such an utter schmuck, for lack of a better word, I hoisted the various bags onto my shoulders. I tucked two under my arms and hooked another around my neck before staggering towards the elevator. Now was not the time to impress myself with my, admittedly, excellent balance and poise by attempting the stairs.

After depositing our bags in our respective rooms, I tracked down Jubilee by following the murmur of voices into the den. Before entering I hovered at the doorway, taking note of the various persons in the room. Jubilee had exchanged the company of Drake for that of her Academy friends who were clustered in a corner. Along the far wall was a long table laden with a variety of foods. I made a swift catalogue. The bulk of the three main teams were present. Only those who had no previous affiliation with Jubilee were absent such as Neal Sharra and Tessa Shaw, whom I had briefly met on my excursion with Ororo¡¦s team.

Storm was conversing quietly with Kurt and Worthington in the centre of the room. I watched as Drake fiddled with the stereo before a song with a heavy bass filled the room. Most people winced but Drake merely grinned and attempted to initiate some sort of tribal dance with Frost who promptly turned away to talk with Sean. Unabashed he approached Jean, who proceeded to try and dance around his two left feet. Where Jean went Scott usually followed but, to my surprise, he was on the opposite side of the room with his back to his wife. Summers was talking with Logan, of all people. Strange but none of my business. With the X-Men you quickly learned one thing about the dramas which occurred regularly in the mansion; other people¡¦s relationship problems were like black holes. Just steer clear and try not to get sucked in. Finally I spotted Xavier chatting with Rogue and Betsy near the drinks, and Hank sitting with Bishop on one of the sofas. Although Rogue and I had resolved some of our problems, I still had to confess to some trepidation upon meeting her so soon. However I was not afforded the time to ready myself as Bishop spotted me in the doorway. Deciding that to linger outside the room was no longer an option I slipped inside as unobtrusively as possible and made my way to Ororo¡¦s side, pausing to snatch a random drink. Unobtrusive is hard to manage in a room with three telepaths and a man with a nose like a fuckin¡¦ bloodhound. My mental shields afford me some stealth, but in close quarters like this when I¡¦m not consciously shielding even my presence will show up on the ol¡¦ telepathic radar. While I was saved the embarrassing halt in conversation, the noise level did hitch for a moment before returning to its previous pitch.

¡¦Remy!¡¦ Stormy closed the distance between us, her arms outstretched. I took both hands in mine and lifted one, then the other to my lips.

¡¦Padnat, you miss me?¡¦

Having repossessed her hands, she folded her arms across her chest and arched a snowy brow, ¡¦As much as one can miss such an incorrigible rogue as you.¡¦

¡¦You wound me to the core, mon amie. Truly you do,¡¦ I placed a hand over my heart to illustrate my hurt but my words were belied by the irrepressible grin on my face. Ororo Munroe had long been a trusted friend and a respected ally and I had not realised how much I missed her company. Although the woman held more grace and poise in her pinkie than I had in my entire being, I had always viewed her as a younger sister and her warm welcome had temporarily banished my worries about the visit.

Ororo put an arm around my waist and I draped an arm across her shoulders and slowly we made our way towards a two-seater sofa in the corner. Once we were settled comfortably she turned to me, amusement writ on her face.

¡¦Explain to me, my friend,¡¦ she asked, ¡¦how it is that you always manage to raise the hackles of our esteemed colleagues?¡¦

I smiled wryly, knowing that as we spoke Wolverine was drilling twin holes into the back of my head with his eyes. ¡¦It¡¦s a skill, chere. One that I¡¦ve honed and perfected over time.¡¦

Ororo¡¦s expression shifted to concern; ¡¦I do not like seeing you isolated from the team so often.¡¦

I sobered slightly, ¡¦Believe me, I¡¦m not doing it deliberately,¡¦ I glanced towards a laughing Jubilee and her friends, ¡¦but if retaining the X-Men¡¦s favour requires betraying the trust of another, forgive me if I am not willing to comply.¡¦

¡¦Remy,¡¦ her tone was admonishing but gentle, ¡¦you know me better than that.¡¦

I gave my companion a mildly sardonic smile, ¡¦And I know how much you want everyone to get along.¡¦

Ororo huffed slightly but returned the smile, ¡¦I hope that I do not place the value of a quiet life over that of an honest one.¡¦

I laughed, ¡¦Now you¡¦re just playin¡¦ with me chere, when everyone knows that you are the most honest and hardworking one among us.¡¦

Ororo¡¦s rich laughter and a knowing smile rewarded me, ¡¦You¡¦ll understand Remy, that I take the words of an accomplished flatterer, such as yourself, with a pinch of salt.¡¦

¡¦So cynical,¡¦ I sighed dramatically, ¡¦at such a young age. Such a pity that a belle fille like you be so world weary.¡¦

¡¦And it is such a pity that you,¡¦ Ororo shot back, ¡¦will not give a straight answer.¡¦

¡¦I have forgotten the question.¡¦

¡¦How surprising.¡¦

¡¦Do not worry about me, padnat. Remy is much too good-looking for the X-Men to scar him.¡¦

¡¦I hate when you talk in the third person.¡¦

¡¦And I hate when you talk to the weather but do you hear me complainin¡¦? No.¡¦

Ororo pursed her lips primly, ¡¦Verbal commands help focus my abilities.¡¦

¡¦Yeah, sure,¡¦ I snorted, ¡¦you just like to pose and hear yourself talk.¡¦

I laughed at Ororo¡¦s gasp of indignation but groaned when she punched me in the solar plexus, ¡¦That¡¦s no way for a goddess to act,¡¦ I gasped.

¡¦I am no goddess.¡¦

¡¦Obviously.¡¦ Jubilee had left her group of Academy friends but I located her quickly next to Sean and Emma.

¡¦How far has this gone Remy?¡¦

My eyes snapped back to Ororo who was casually surveying the room while sipping from her wineglass ¡¦Pardon, chere?¡¦ I enquired politely.

¡¦Do not be deliberately obtuse my friend, it does not suit you.¡¦

¡¦Neither does puce,¡¦ I joked, ¡¦puce...obtuse. It rhymes, geddit?¡¦ I quickly turned my chuckle into a cough at her evident lack of amusement, I looked around the room quickly, ¡¦I¡¦m thirsty, need a refill chere?¡¦

She sighed, ¡¦Either your subtlety has become a little rusty or you plan to discuss this with me in a more private locale. I sincerely hope that it is the latter.¡¦ And with that she stood and glided away to speak with the Professor.

I scratched my chin thoughtfully and leaned back on the sofa. Ro¡¦s quick analysis of the situation was unfortunate but not unforeseen. I knew that while my training and mutant abilities might keep my thoughts safe from the telepaths, it would not take long for Ororo to realise the true story. Unfortunately, not even I could trick my best friend.

Although there were many conversations being carried out around me I had the uneasy sensation of being watched from all angles, of being carefully observed, analysed and criticised. Jubilee would probably attribute this to my ¡¦amazing narcissism¡¦, as she was prone to call it. I stared into my class and swirled the ice slowly. Yes, I may be egocentric but with my looks and skills I think I deserve a little leeway. However I don¡¦t like attention like this. I prefer attention I can orchestrate, of the watch my left hand while my right hand steals your wallet type.

I let my gaze wander around the room no one met my eyes. Jubilee had moved onto Scott, who had separated from Logan, and was clearly employing all her charm to crack our esteemed leader¡¦s stoic mask. Good luck to her. I think he is actually becoming more uptight rather than more relaxed, 29 going on 65. For my own peace of mind I quickly located Logan standing near the French windows, puffing on a cigar. He was wearing his patented scowl and bared his teeth when he saw me watching him. It wasn¡¦t a smile or sneer, but a display. Yeah, I get the message. Back the fuck off.

I sighed and returned my gaze to the dregs of scotch at the bottom of my glass. Time for another drink. The restrained atmosphere and forced cheerfulness of those surrounding me was grating. As I weighed the pros and cons of traversing the hostile territory to the buffet, the sofa cushions next to me dipped under someone¡¦s weight.

¡¦I hate the law,¡¦ Jubilee stated cheerfully.

I smiled but kept my eyes down, ¡¦Why?¡¦

She brandished a glass in front of me, ¡¦Ginger-ale. I battle murdering fiends,¡¦ she took a sip and wrinkled her nose, ¡¦and they give me ginger-ale.¡¦

¡¦Don¡¦t think the sales clerk at Harvey Nichols constitutes a rogues gallery.¡¦

¡¦Please,¡¦ she leaned forward, "I bet she has an entire store room full of innocent people who wanted to return things."

"Store credit is perfec'ly acceptable, chere."

"Pff," she leaned closer, her mouth near my ear. The attention on the sofa trebled and I could not help a slight smile, "Psst Remy," she said in a stage-whisper."

"You puttin' on a show petite?"

"Maybe," she replied. I could hear the laughter in her voice and knew she was just as aware of the attention as I was. Only she was enjoying it, "or maybe I just want the rest of your drink."

I didn't bother debating it and handed over the glass. Really, I deserve everything I get. I watched her quickly drain it and place it on the floor.

"Thanks Rem," she leant over and briefly kissed my cheek before departing for other company. The room seemed to shudder for a moment; conversations ceasing then restarting with renewed vigour. I groaned inwardly; did Jubilee not realise how she had added fuel to the fire? I glanced at her and knew immediately that she was perfectly aware of the consequences of her actions. She just likes to stir things up. I gave a mental shrug, made my way over to the drinks and helped myself. I was still standing there half an hour later when the Professor cleared his throat and the room quietened instantaneously. Whatever the man's faults may be, he certainly has us well trained.

"I know Jubilation and Remy must be tired from their journey so I will try to make this as brief as possible. Firstly on behalf of everyone here I welcome back these two. You have both," I liked the emphasis on 'both', "been dearly missed. Also I think that everyone here will agree with me when I commend Jubilee's determination to finish school and the constant friendship and support that Remy has provided her. Now you must forgive me, but I have an early day tomorrow and will thus retire now. So allow me to say once more; welcome back Jubilee and Remy." He raised his glass in toast and was followed by the others.

Conversations resumed and Xavier slipped out discreetly. I was on my 5th (6th?) scotch and decided to follow suit. Catching Jubilee's eye I indicated my intention to leave which she acknowledged with a nod and half-smile. Trying to avoid being trapped into talking to any of the others I kept my head down and silently left the room.

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Although I had left the party early it was in no way due to fatigue. The scotch hadn't dulled my senses or slowed me down. Instead my thoughts were running at an uncomfortably fast rate, flitting through my mind at lightning speed, unrelenting images and memories beating against my mind's eye. Which was why, at three in the morning, I found myself sitting on the roof of the mansion with a pile of ash and cigarette butts next to me. Jubilee isn't too fond of my little nicotine addiction and usually tries to regulate my consumption. I know the fille is only doing it in my best interests but I have to say it's my least favourite aspect of flat sharing. Now, I was making up for months of cutting back.

I didn't hear Logan approach, which was either a testament to the extent of my preoccupation or Logan's stealth, and thus was surprised to find the Canadian standing right in front of me.

"Yer slipping," he stated before lowering himself into a crouch, leaning back on his haunches.

I flicked another butt into the pile and looked past him towards the horizon, "Somethin' I can help you wit'?"

"To start with," he scratched his knuckles, "you could give me a reason why I shouldn't gut you right now."

I smiled and lit another cigarette, "All the pretty femmes left alone without me."

"I don't think it'd be too hard to fill your shoes Cajun."

And people call me cocky. I was tempted to tease Logan till he went snap by dropping veiled innuendoes about my relationship with Jubilee. But I wasn't really in the mood and I was more afraid of what the petite might do if she found out than what Logan might do to me. It was time to find out what the man wanted so I could get back to some quality brooding.

"Listen Canuck, I enjoy friendly threats as much as anyone else but it's been a long day so if ya don't mind," I began to rise but was stilled by the distinctive *snikt* of unsheathed metal claws.

"Siddown bub."

Discretion is the better part of valour so I sat. I had no real desire to be a digit, or worse, short within the next five minutes.

Logan examined the shining blades for a moment before allowing them to retract again. I've worked with this man for years, I was insulted that he thought that I'd be intimidated by such a crude tactic. I flicked my cigarette with my thumb to knock off the ashes and glanced at him impatiently.

He seemed to be uncomfortable. This I deduced from both his hesitation in speaking and the tic in his jaw, me I'm a real Hardy boy. Since I am a sadistic bastard I smiled at the infamous Wolverine's unease.

"I already promised Jubilee not to hurt a hair on your pretty-boy head Cajun," he grumbled, "so even though the thought of disembowelling of you makes my day, yer safe. For now," he added. "But I need to ask you a few things about Jubilee and what she's been doin' since she left the Academy," he ground his teeth together, "I got a lot of blanks to fill in."

Despite my best intentions I felt sorry for the homme. Jubilee had not been as understanding with her surrogate father recently as she usually was. To me it seemed like she still harboured some enmity towards him which they would probably soon deal with in an overblown dramatic manner which might include a display of violence of some sort and end with forgiveness and tears. I shook my head, the mansion was making me even more cynical than usual. However, though I intended on helping him I did not intend on capitulating so easily.

"So mon ami," I drawled, placing particular emphasis on 'ami', "you need Remy's help, eh?"

"Dammit Cajun, you gonna talk or what?" he snarled at me.

"I'm still considerin' it," I replied, wrinkling my brow as though in deep contemplation, "I usually prefer my requests to be unaccompanied by threats though."

"Fuck you LeBeau," he was already making his way to the edge of the roof.

I chuckled and called out to him, "I neva said I wouldn't help you."

"You're a dick," he stated but slowly returned to my side.

"Oui."

Content with our mutual understanding we sat together without speaking for a few minutes. I silently smoked my cigarette, watching the tendrils of smoke curl upward in the night air. I was trying to gauge how much information I could give him without betraying Jubilee's trust while still helping the man. Logan removed a cigar from the inside pocket for his leather jacket, inspected it carefully before biting off one end and sticking the cigar in his mouth. I lifted my hand, "Wanna light?" Logan grinned around the cigar.

"No thanks bub, I prefer my sideburns unsinged."

I returned the grin, accepting the temporary truce. Then I began to bitch about Jubilee's militaristic no-smoking campaign. After a moment Logan joined in and we both moaned and whined about the girl who had us tied up in knots. Slowly this led to other quirks of hers that had both endured and as the time passed I let slip little bits of information about Jubilee's new life. About her friends and school, her newest likes and dislikes her new favourite band and philosophy towards life.

Logan never pushed for more details so the conversation continued smoothly until I reached the time when we had arrived here and realised that I had no more to tell. Understanding this Logan changed the topic to the X-Men's recent endeavours.

Little more than an hour had passed when the conversation petered out. Logan was mulling over what I had told him and I was enjoying the quiet. Until he spoke.

"You piss me off again Cajun and Jubes won't be able to save ya."

I looked at him from the corner of my eye, "I appreciate the warning."

He grunted and disappeared from view.

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I wasn't concentrating on my destination when I left my smoking spot. I was just strolling along the rooftop, hands shoved deep in my trench coat pockets and randomly chose a balcony to drop down onto. From that balcony I would drop down onto the lower floor and my own balcony. The doors onto the chosen balcony were open, the curtains pulled back by sashes allowing me a clear view of the room's occupants. Or in this case, a single occupant: Jubilee. A moment of internal debate found me entering the room silently and making my way to the bed.

What can I say? I was hooked on the femme.

The bedside lamp was still on and illuminated her sleeping face. Pillows propped her up and a book lay open on her lap. I picked it up, intending to place it on the dresser when I realised that it was a scrapbook. On closer inspection I saw that it was from her years in the Massachusetts Academy. I shifted closer to the light and peered at a picture of the group on an excursion to New York, Times Square being apparent in the background. I quickly located Jubilee. She was sandwiched between two of her team-mates, one arm slung around a blonde girl's shoulders (Husk, if I remembered correctly) who had an arm around Jubilee's waist. On her other side was a dark-skinned boy who was grinning at the camera and resting an arm on Jubilee's shoulder. I was unable to place the face until it suddenly clicked. Everett. Jubilee's best friend, the boy who had died. I found myself studying the boy's face, trying to find the special quality that had made him the subject of her unrequited love. Trying to see any common element shared by him and me.

Eventually my eyes were becoming unfocussed so I closed the book quietly and placed it on the dresser. I returned to the bed and gently tucked the covers around her, regarding her for a moment. I often forget just how young Jubilee is, not even eighteen yet. Barely more than a child and yet¡¦I'm with her. I reached out to turn off the lamp when a hand on my knee stilled me. I turned and found her gazing at me with sleep clouded eyes, her brow puckered in confusion. I waited for her to speak as she propped herself up on her elbows.

"Remy," she watched me bemusedly, "is everything ok? What time is it?"

"Everythin's fine chere. It's round four now. I'm just a little restless is all," I patted her hand and rose from the bed, "go back to sleep ma petite, we can talk in th' mornin'." I waited for her to lie down but instead she continued to eye me quizzically.

"Has somebody said something to you?" she asked accurately.

I thought of Ororo's enigmatic words and Logan's blunt threats.

"No one has said a thing. Don' worry for me, I can take care of myself. D'accord?"

An emotion flitted over her features, but was gone before I could put a name to it. I heard her mumble a 'oui' before leaning down to kiss her.

It was a brief, chaste meeting of lips but I've always liked how she curls her fingers around the short hairs at the nape of my neck and caressed the skin there. It came to me that the thing I liked best about Jubilee was kissing her but as this was a thought unworthy of any enlightened 21st century man I quickly pushed it aside. I should probably have considered that random thought further. I pulled back slightly, kissed her forehead and then stood up.

"Sleep well ma petite," I turned off the lamp and headed towards the open window. Her voice halted me.

"You would tell me. If there was something wrong, if you were worried. Right?"

I turned and looked at her. She had lain down but her eyes were open and fixed intently on me. I wasn't truly worried about anything, I thought. I could talk to Ororo and deal with Logan. It was nothing she needed to worry about.

"Of course. Goodnight chere," I gave her my most charming grin, kissed my fingers, walked to the window and then dropped off the balcony to fall to the balcony below. Nothing like a grand exit.

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I woke early the following morning and spent several minutes simply staring at the ceiling. My room had been untouched in my absence and a thick layer of dust lay over the few furnishings. In truth, I probably wouldn't have noticed any changes. The only belongings I kept at the mansion were clothes, cards, lock-picks and body-armour. Hardly items of great sentimental value. I had left the window wide open the previous night in an attempt to air the place out. I had succeeded in that the stuffiness was now gone from the room, but I could easily detect several cobwebs in the corners and around the light fittings. I'd have to don my apron and grab a duster in order to make the room a little more habitable. Resolving to make a stab at the cleaning after breakfast, I swung my legs onto the floor. I hadn't bothered to unpack yet so I instead to the chest of drawers in the corner. A quick rummage relinquished both a clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I dressed slowly. It was still early, only around half past six. I had managed to snatch a mere two hours sleep, but unfortunately I'm one of those people who can't go to sleep once they've woken. I didn't think anyone would be up yet, besides the truly dedicated or insane like Summers and Wolverine. I could quietly dose myself with caffeine until the rest of the house woke.

I straightened the duvet on the bed and cast a cursory glance around before leaving the room and padding barefooted down the boys' corridor to the back stairway.

Since the mansions' reversion to a full-time school the dormitories had undergone a stricter division according to gender. As far as I could gather, teachers and team-members such as myself retain our private rooms. Thank God. The students share 2/3 to a room. I'd peeked into a few the previous night. The quiet of the corridor was broken only by the snoring coming from behind some doors. I reached the staircase and descended silently, my thoughts focussed on the acquisition of coffee. I walked past the door to the cellar and into the dimly lit kitchen to find that someone had beaten me to the percolator.

Jubilee was leaning on the kitchen countertop, staring fixedly at the coffee maker. She was wearing her habitual t-shirt and pyjama shorts as well as a pair of¡¦Big Bird slippers. Well no one's ever accused her of good taste. She cocked her head sideways on hearing me approach then looked over her shoulder.

"Hey Gumbo," she smiled widely at me and raised a questioning eyebrow, "you're up early."

I returned her easy smile and rested my elbows on the counter next to Jubilee, "You make me sound parrasseux, chere."

"Well I thought that with the late night you had an' all," she switched her attention back to the percolator, " that I'd be the only early riser of this duo." She opened the cupboard, took down two mugs and filled them up. I took mine, swallowed the scalding liquid quickly and placed the mug on the table to find Jubilee watching me, paused in the act of heaping sugar into her own coffee.

"More?"

I nodded and she re-filled the mug. This went the same way as the first. Jubilee quirked a smile and filled the mug again.

"Rough night?"

I rubbed a hand across my eyes, Dieu she was persistent, "No, not really."

"No?" wide disbelieving eyes. I hate when she gives me the eyes.

"I slept fine 'tite. You?" I'm not at my sharpest first thing in the morning am I? Jubilee seemed perfectly prepared to take advantage of this.

"Remy," she put down her mug and sidled up close to me, wrapping an arm around my waist, "you turned up in my room in the middle of the night." She caught my chin between her thumb and forefinger, tilting my head downwards so that I was forced to make eye contact, "You said you'd tell me if there was something wrong."

I shrugged but was faced with her calm, enquiring gaze. Oh the eyes.

"Mebbe a little restless."

"Score one for honesty. C'mon what's up?"

I grinned and dragged a hand through my hair. Jubilee may not appreciate this but I try to protect her, even from the little things. However she has the nasty habit of knowing me too well and knowing when I'm keeping something from her. But one of my rules for life is this: if you don't want to tell the truth, try flattery first. Everyone loves an ego boost and it's easier than lying outright.

"Cold, lonely bed chere¡¦"

And yet, she continued to stare. So much for flattery.

"Change in time zones."

She wasn't buying it. I don't lie to Jubilee. I sighed inwardly.

"Chat with Wolverine."

Jubilee's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline.

"Should I check for missing body parts?"

"Not to worry chere. I'm all here."

She began to pat my torso and thighs, "Sure?"

I began to feel vaguely insulted. I'm quite a dangerous man in my own right, "Why do you think I'd be missing body parts? Why can't he be the one with chunks taken out of him?"

She gazed up at me sceptically, "Bub, Logan regrows chunks of flesh before breakfast and limbs in the afternoon."

My sense of injury grew, "I think yer exaggeratin' a little."

"I don't," Jubilee replied then tilted her head inquiringly, "so what did you talk about?"

"You of course," I took a sip of coffee.

"Oh?"

"No 'oh' chere, 'twas a private conversation. Ask the Canadian about it."

"Ok," she dropped her eyes from mine then raised them again, slightly narrowed this time, "you still haven't told me why you were in my room last night."

"Well ma belle, every minute we spend apart is agony," I began theatrically but was cut short by a sharp pinch to my arm, "Ow."

"Yeah, well that's what you get for making fun of me," Jubilee smiled cheekily up at me and pinched my hip.

"Y'know¡¦ouch¡¦I think dere's a sadist lurking under that harmless exterior," I made a grab at one of her hands and pinned it behind her back.

"Oh yeah?" she nipped me once more with her free hand before it too was pinned with its partner.

"Yeah," I grinned down at her and she returned it before leaning up on tiptoe to capture my lips.

Yes we knew that we were being reckless, that we were in a house full of people who could in all likely-hood kill me if they found us in this position. And yes I, as the mature, responsible adult in the relationship should have known better. I did know better. I just didn't really care at that moment.

I released her hands in order to frame her face with my fingers, threading my hands through her hair. She skimmed her fingers along my waist under my t-shirt, slipping her thumbs into the belt-loops of my jeans to pull my closer. Her hands stayed at my waist, fingers brushing over my back and sides. I could feel my muscles twitching under her touch and felt Jubilee smile against my mouth.

"What?" I mumbled

"You're ticklish LeBeau," she whispered back, ghosting her fingers across my stomach.

I chuckled into her mouth. She pulled back and planted a kiss on my chin, "You're all scratchy."

I rubbed my chin self-consciously, "Sorry."

"No, I like," she kissed my jaw then stepped back from the circle of my arms, "we should stop."

Yes I see the irony in the hormonal teen being the voice of reason. I dragged both hands through my hair, blowing out a frustrated breath of air.

"Okay," I backed away, leant against the sink and watched Jubilee as she began to pull food from the fridge and the various presses surrounding it, "what are your plans for the day?"

She shrugged and began to measure flour into a bowl, "Dunno. Angelo mentioned going into Westchester. Then again," she paused, measured the sugar and poured it in, "I should probably spend some time with professor, see what he has to say about my power development¡¦" she broke off to shake her head to move a lock of hair, "could you?"

I nodded and moved behind her, taking the elastic band from her pro-offered wrist and brushing the hair back from her face with my fingers. I quickly pulled her hair into a loose ponytail and kissed her shoulder gently before returning to my previous spot.

"There's also Sean and Emma who'll probably want to run a complete physical and mental evaluation. Maybe Scott will want to get in on the fun too," she grinned ruefully.

I dug my hands into my jeans' pockets, "Spend the day wit' your friends. They can run tests any time."

She added milk to the mixture, "I'll see what the guys have planned. What about you? You doing anything particular?"

"Cleaning my room."

She laughed and turned on the heat on the cooker, "You party animal."

"Hey," I raised my hands in protest, "some of us aren't as in demand as you, petite."

The back door to the kitchen flew open and Paige Guthrie charged in. Jubilee regarded her with an amused grimace.

"Nice early run, Guthrie?"

The blonde girl smile brightly. She just exuded marketable chirpiness, "Personal best, she began to do stretching exercises, jogging on the spot to keep her muscles warm, "you should try it Jubilee, really gets all the endorphins goin'."

Jubilee rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Yeah, I just love being tired and sweaty at a disgustingly early hour."

Paige's eyes flickered towards me momentarily. Oh for Chrissake. Get your mind out of the gutter girl. I glanced surreptitiously at Jubilee, under cover of picking up my mug. She was biting her lower lip, a smile tugging on the corners of her mouth. I turned my attention back to Paige who was still talking.

"Lee, for an energy wielder you're unbelievably lazy. Studies have shown that¡¦"

Jubilee cut her off with an impatient wave of her hand, " Paige you should know by now how interested I'm not in statistics."

Paige frowned disapprovingly but apparently knew well enough to drop it and glanced at the stove, "We got any bagels?"

Jubilee opened the bread bin and rummaged around, "Nope," she looked at me, smiling endearingly.

I pushed away from the sink, "I'll go get some. How many should I get?"

"It's ok¡¦uh¡¦Mr LeBeau," Paige said.

I suddenly felt very old.

"I don't really want some," she continued.

My only recourse to remedy this situation was to be charming. I hate formality. I took the girl's hand and raised it to my lips, further flustering the poor girl, "Call me Remy, chere. And it would be my pleasure."

She didn't know where to look, "Well if you're sure¡¦Remy."

I could see Jubilee's shoulders shaking with repressed laughter that she covered it up, badly may I say, with a coughing fit. Cheeky pup. She fished a set of keys out of a drawer and jingled them.

"Here," she handed them to Remy and cast a significant look at his feet, you might want to consider some footwear."

I grinned in response, kissed her forehead and padded out of the kitchen in search of shoes. As I left I heard Paige whisper urgently to Jubilee.

"Jubes, what's goin' on with you two?"

Then I heard Jubilee's responding laugh. So much for being discreet. In future we'd just have to avoid physical contact. No matter how innocuous.

I headed back to my room and pulled on a pair of boots before going to the garage for my bike. As I bypassed the kitchen I saw Jubilee and Paige involved in an intense, whispered conversation. And this was only day 1.

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When I returned I found that more of the mansion's occupants had arisen. Ororo was seated at the table, a bowl of fresh fruit in front of her. Bishop was next to her, tucking into a plate of pancakes. Paige stood, freshly showered, at the far end of the table, plate in hand, talking to Monet. I nodded to her and placed the bag of bagels on the table. I received a brief smile of thanks before she resumed her conversation with the tall girl. Jubilee was seated on the counter-top, legs crossed, giggling at something Bobby had said. I pulled a chair out and sat across from Ororo.

"Where are our fearless leaders, padnat?"

She made a show of frowning but replied in an even tone, "This is no longer the common dining-room, Remy. We have so many students now that we have had to build a new cafeteria," she smiled proudly then turned her attention back to her food, "the staff eats there."

"Then why is he here?" I thumbed in Bobby's direction.

Ororo smiled in amusement, "Robert maintains that if he spends breakfast with the students he'll have indigestion for the day."

"Shouldn't you be there?"

She looked regretful, "I don't have time to teach anymore. I'm never here so I can't even give lectures to the older students," she snapped herself out of her reverie and smiled at me, blue eyes twinkling, "Come to the attic after breakfast and we will catch up on everything, my friend." She reached across and patted my hand before rising, rinsing her bowl in the sink and leaving the room.

I sat there for a few moments before realising that I was the subject of some careful scrutiny. I turned my head to find myself eye to eye with Bishop. I sighed.

"Somethin' you want to say, mon ami?" I asked mildly.

He swallowed the food in his mouth before speaking, "LeBeau, I am very fond of Jubilation and if I were to discover that you have, in any way, hurt her I would be obliged to-"

"Tear me limb from limb, eviscerate me, make sure I could never have children," I grinned sardonically at the large man, "you've been beaten to it. I'd say you should take a number and get in line."

Bishop seemed disgruntled and tried again, "Yes, but be aware that-"

"You're watchin' my every move," I stood up, "don' worry, I handle Jubilee with kid gloves," an irrepressible grin lit up my face, "metaphorically speakin', of course." I left him to contemplate that, going to Jubilee and interrupting her conversation with Bobby.

"Pardon mes amis," I inclined my head to Bobby and turned to Jubilee, "you set for the day, chere?"

"Yep," she beamed at me, "me, the guys," she nodded towards Paige and Monet, "and Bobby, we're going into Westchester for the day, maybe see a movie or something. We haven't decided yet," she looked up at him questioningly, "you made plans? You could come with us?"

I managed to restrain my laughter, "Dat's ok, I'm gonna spend some time with Ororo. Get caught up on everything."

"Ok¡¦I'll see you tonight then, at dinner?"

"D'accord," I nodded at her and Bobby, "see you both tonight."

As I passed Paige and the White Queen-in-training I attempted a charming grin but received a wary smile and a frosty stare for my efforts. I sighed inwardly and exited the kitchen. It was still quite early but I decided to visit Ororo's room anyway.

Ororo's attic is one of the defining features of the mansion. For as long as I can remember it has been the one place here where I have felt completely welcome. I crossed the carpeted corridor to the entrance hallway and the main staircase. As I ascended the steps to the first floor I passed a group of new students who regarded me with curiosity. A smile provoked a few timid ones in return. On the first floor there was a queue forming outside the girls' showers. I went up to the second floor and walked to the end of the girls' corridor, ignoring the surprised squeaks and slamming of doors. The door to the attic was unlocked and I walked in climbing the stairs slowly.

"Ro? You here?"

"Yes, come up."

The air inside the attic was moist and heavy with the fragrances of the many flowers. I climbed the last step to find Ororo watering her plants and looking unbelievably cool in an exotic print silk skirt and fitted linen shirt. Rain clouds hovered around the room, directed by her power.

She tossed me a smile over her shoulder, "I wasn't expecting you so soon."

I shrugged and walked to her side, "It was a toss-up between you and cleaning my room."

Ororo's rich clear laughter filled the attic space and my heart warmed at the sound, "And I won. I'm flattered."

"You should be, it's very dusty."

She linked her arm through mine and guided me to a set of bamboo furniture. She settled herself on the two-seater, curling her legs gracefully underneath her and waited for me to settle myself. Her eyes were still white with power as the miniature rain clouds continued their task.

"Now my friend, tell me everything."

"Everything?"

"Well," she considered me thoughtfully, "I would settle for the PG version."

"Why does everybody here think I'm some kind of sex maniac?" I asked indignantly.

Ororo chuckled, "I think you have been demonised in your absence."

"You shoulda seen the way that Paige kid looked at me," I huffed, "like I was gonna eat her or something."

She raised an eyebrow.

"I only kissed her hand in a very gentlemanly manner," I protested.

"I'm sure," she ran a hand through her hair and regarded me seriously, "you know what I want you to tell me."

I looked down and noticed the pendant Jubilee had bought me laying on my chest, "Have you known fo' long, chere?"

"I didn't know until now."

I glanced quickly up at her, "Well that's hardly playing fair."

She shrugged, her eyes cast down demurely. Why was it that all the women in my life could wrap me around their little finger? She raised her head and met my gaze with now blue eyes, the rain clouds having dissipated, "Stop procrastinating and tell me about it. From the start."

I blew out a breath, "I found her in Heathrow," I started, "I was waiting for a plane to Sydney, to meet up with you actually. Wanted to surprise you and, well, Rogue by joining the team. Then I saw her," I glanced up at Ororo, "I only meant to talk to her. See if she'd been talking with the others, here. Then when I spoke wit' her. Well, I had never seen our petite so angry. So, I took her home with me. Got her settled in, had her talk to me. Tried to get her to open up."

"Looks like it worked," Ororo observed.

I smiled wryly, "Yeah. But she didn't just want to be listened to, she wanted to listen."

"So you opened up to her?"

"I didn't want a shoulder to cry on, but I needed her to know that I trusted her as much as she could trust me. Turnabout is fair play, after all."

"When did it change?"

I shrugged and looked down at the ground, "I don' know. I knew things were changing, for me anyway, for awhile. But I ignored it, tamped it down. Until after New Year's¡¦"

"What happened?"

"I kissed her."

"You started it?"

"We both ignored it, decided it was nothing. Then the X-Men arrived. Shook us up, Jubilee especially. She was upset so¡¦"

"So?"

I grinned, "We declared our undying love for one another. It was all very Hollywood chere."

Ororo sighed, "I take that it's serious then?"

"I guess you could say dat."

"Have you slept with her?"

I raised my head to meet her gaze squarely, "No."

She stood up and began to pace in front of me, "Remy you know what the others will say."

"Yes."

"She's barely 18 and you're," she stopped and smiled gently, "you. Over 8 years her senior and a lifetime more experience. What about Rogue?"

"Rogue and I, we would have never worked chere. You know that, we know that. I think everyone knew before we did."

"So you decided to move onto someone new?"

"You know me better than that."

She sat down next to me, taking my hands in hers, "I do know better. But this is what they'll say. You're already unpopular here. Tell me Remy," she looked at me earnestly, "how much do you feel for her?"

"I don't know," I replied helplessly, "I know I love her but it's different from before, different from Rogue, different from Belladonna. At least, dat's what I think to myself," I glanced up at her sharply, "but what if I'm wrong chere? What if it's exac'ly the same?"

"I can't help you with that, my friend."

"I know goddess, but thought you'd have all the answers. Wise person that you are."

Ororo laughed, a little bitterly I thought, "Yes, because I always make the right decision."

I raised my eyebrows, "Sounds like you're in need of a shoulder to cry on."

She smiled wearily, "Not now."

"I'm pretty much done bearin' my soul for the day. You wanna have a go?"

"Honestly Remy, we will talk about it at another time. Let us focus on your problems for now."

"Chere, don't you know? I got no problems," I stood up, releasing her hands, "you need to talk, you know I'm here for you."

Ororo rubbed her forehead, "I know."

"Not now though?"

"No," she gave me an affectionate smile, "I appreciate the offer."

"No problem chere," I leant over and kissed the crown of her head, "you know where to find me." I began to head for the attic stairs

"I do. Thank you, and Remy," she called, "we will talk more about you later. All right?"

I smiled, she's a very stubborn woman is Ororo. Never lets anything go easily, "Sure chere, later."

I left Ororo then. It had been the first time I had talked about Jubilee with someone else and to be honest I found it draining. The mansion was quiet now, classes having started for the day. I made my way back to my room and closed the door behind me.

It was just as dusty as when I'd left it. No spring-cleaning fairies had been in my absence. I sighed and pulled out an old t-shirt from the chest of drawers. This one was torn and threadbare but it would serve its purpose. I swept it over the surfaces of the furniture, wiping away the dust. When finished I threw the t-shirt in the wastebasket before collapsing onto the bed. My two hours of sleep was catching up with me.

I lay, thinking, there. About Jubilee, as always, but Storm and Rogue too. Because Rogue had been such an integral part of my life for years and Storm was right. Had I just replaced her overnight? How was I so easily dismissing something that I had hoped for since I had met her? She had offered me a real relationship with her, when we were in London, and I had turned it down. Did I do it for Jubilee? Was I completely over Rogue? All these thoughts, all these questions were bouncing around the inside of my head. I knew I had Ororo to talk to, but now I knew that she had worries of her own. Worries she wasn't willing to discuss with me. Yet. Rogue? That would go down well: "Chere, I'm reconsiderin' that offer you made but I have to rethink my relationship with my 17-year old girlfriend first". Moving on to option three. Jubilee, just as bad as number two - I love you but I don't know if I love you enough. I'd promised Jubilee that I'd never abandon her, that I'd always be there for her. It hadn't been an empty promise, I always and still had every intention of keeping it. I don't think of her as an obligation, but what if what I'd done was merely taking my promise too far? I've never been good at platonic relationships with women, with the exception of Ororo. I didn't want to think that I was continuing a pattern with Jubilee.

My thoughts continued in this circle for awhile. I knew that I could never be with Rogue. Did I want to? Not really. I'd always wonder whether we could have made it work, but instinctively I knew that we couldn't. We didn't trust each other enough. Didn't even love each other enough to try and truly trust one another.

And Jubilee? Well we'd just have to wait and see.

**************************************************************************************************

I awoke several hours later to the sound of the door bouncing off the wall. I sat up groggily and rubbed my eyes.

Frost stood in the doorway, diamond skin glittering, eyes narrowed. She smiled thinly, "Time for us to chat, Mr LeBeau."

Christ, what was with these people? I took care of the girl, not kidnapped her. I have limited patience, which was being stretched severely for Jubilee's sake.

I blinked to clear my vision and stood up, yawning, "Okay. Say your bit."

She sauntered into the room and ran her fingers over the furniture, wrinkling her nose in distaste at the dust evident on the glimmering digit. She glanced at me and continued her inspection of the room. I ignored her, grabbed a packet of cigarettes from on top of the chest of drawers and moved to the window.

"I won't take up much of your time."

"Good."

"I can see you're very busy," she gestured to the bed.

I grinned shortly and waited for her to get to the punch line.

"You're an arrogant little weasel LeBeau," she started, I nodded for her to continue. It seemed that everyone was going to take shot at me today.

She stalked towards me, a sneer distorting her face, "Did you think that I'd let you get away with this? Keeping one of my kids hidden away from me?"

Paranoia thy name is Emma Frost.

"If it wasn't for your power, I'd have stir-fried your brain by now."

"Listen femme, I only did what Jubilee asked me. She asked to be kept hidden from you," I replied calmly, "your problem is with her, not me."

"You're my problem!" she hissed, "I know you've seduced. I can see it when-"

"You don't see anything," I barked, "I'm the best friend she has," I turned back to the window, "even you know that."

"I don't know why she trusts you."

I smiled bitterly to myself, "I won't leave her, she knows that."

"LeBeau," I felt her move closer and tensed, "Jubilee may trust you but I don't. I know what you really are." She moved away and I was able to relax. The sound of her boots on the wooden floor indicated her departure and I turned around. Once again I was alone in the room. I breathed a deep sigh of relief. And that was Frost in a good mood. I've known her to be much scarier and vindictive.

I crushed the cigarette butt and flicked it out the window. It was time to go down for dinner.

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I found the cafeteria by following both the students and the aroma of food. It was large high-ceilinged room with long tables running in parallel rows. The Professor was at the top table with Ororo on one side and Summers on the other. Most of the staff and X-Men were seated with them. Jubilee I found, however, was seated with the students and chatting enthusiastically to a boy with a beak. She caught my eye and waved at me, then gestured back towards Ororo. Joy of joys, Stormy had saved me a seat. I attempted a smile and headed towards her.

"Remy, you're late!" she exclaimed, "did you have trouble finding us?"

"No chere, just lost track of time," I stopped myself from looking over at the White Queen as I said this, "where do I get some grub?"

"Over there," she pointed to counter built into the wall which I hadn't seen earlier, "get the soup. It's very good."

"T'anks," I grabbed a tray and returned to the table several minutes later, laden down with food. I settled myself quickly between Ororo and Hank, "well, dey certainly don't skimp on the portions."

The Professor glanced up, "No, we're very happy with how the cafeteria has worked thus far."

Conversations buzzed around me but I didn't involve myself until Hank, friendly soul that he is, asked me a question, "Have you kept yourself busy with Guild business since you were last with the team?"

"Uh, no," I looked at him, "I've just been staying in London most of the time. I did one or two jobs fo' the Guild. And that one time I helped Stormy out."

"Don't call me Stormy," she murmured automatically, not actually paying attention to what we were saying.

"So you've been staying at home with Jubilee?" he questioned.

I studied him for some hidden agenda, "Yeah, pretty much."

He broke into a toothy grin, "Very admirable."

I regarded him bemusedly, "If you say so, mon ami." He returned his attention to his meal and I was left searching his words for a hidden barb.

Soon afterwards Jean, who was sitting across from me, drew me into a discussion between her and Kurt. When I finished talking with them I noticed Ororo smiling into her ice cream.

"What?"

She opened her eyes very wide, "What?"

"I amuse you, chere?"

She patted my arm, "Always, Remy," she glanced around the room, "aren't you amazed by the number of people here now?"

"Yeah, kudos to the prof. Hey chere, who's that girl over dere?" I inclined my head towards a girl, with skin a burnt-orange colour and distinctive black markings on her face, who was arguing quite loudly with Bobby.

"That's Stacy X, one of our newest recruits."

"She's not a student?"

"No, she's on Warren's team."

"What's her power?"

Ororo smiled, "Pheromone control."

I grinned, "Handy power."

She snorted, "I thought you'd appreciate that."

"Anymore interesting characters I should know 'bout?"

"I don't know most of them," Ororo sighed, "but Bobby does. Ask him to bring you up to speed." Seeing my expression she added, "he might be a little difficult sometimes, but he doesn't have any real problem with you."

"Good to know."

Professor Xavier was starting to get up. I couldn't get over this whole walking thing. I didn't think I'd ever see him out of a wheelchair, "Remy? If you'd like to come by my office tomorrow we could talk."

Talk? What did I need to talk to him for? "Sure prof, after breakfast."

People were beginning to finish up so I put my tray on the revolving carousel, told Ororo I was going for a smoke outside, to which she replied with a rolling of the eyes, and made my way out to the back patio. I was on my third cigarette when I heard voices passing by, two figures came around the corner and walked further into the garden. It was a few minutes before I realised that it was Jubilee and Logan.

End chapter 9 **************************************************************************************************

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