3rd POV:
''Nature and nurture,'' Peter came to them after a few days and said to them. They were in they hallway, awaiting lessons to start.
''Yes!,'' Bell hissed, immediately understanding what Peter meant. He was immensely satisfied.
''It is in our nature to be violent. But you said that we had 80 years of relative peace, which was an outlier,'' Peter began feeling confident. He did spend the last few days on the matter in his free time.
''Which means that we CAN learn to be better, diplomatic, not violent,'' Gwen concluded agreeing with it.
''But as you once said, the truth with most things, as always, lies in the middle. Too much of anything is deadly, even virtue. We should not forget our nature. Instead we should learn to mind it and use it where nurture fails, by that I mean diplomacy. Be too kind and those that lean more into their nature will walk all over you. Lean into your nature too much and you will make no allies and you will have constant war on your hands,'' Peter continued,'' So in the end, you WERE advocating for violence. But ONLY if diplomacy, or nurture fails.''
''Exactly. Sometimes to get something done, you don't need a scalpel, but a hammer. The right tool for the right job. It is only a matter of determining where to use which tool. And THAT is the real challenge,'' Bell nodded.
That part required critical thinking and unfortunately humanity is a long way away from being able to do that properly, at least most of them. Especially when one adds herd mentality into the equation.
Bell never underestimated the effects of herd mentality. Doubly so, after having ruled for decades.
Peter sighed both in relied and some frustration. He was worried all his pondering the past few days would have gotten him to the wrong conclusion. But also frustrated at Bell.
''Couldn't you have just said that? In the end, what you and I believed is not too far apart,'' Peter complained and huffed when he saw Bell shrug.
Humanities violence/nature was a power and Bell was saying that they should use it responsibly to do good, when diplomacy/nurture failed. That is how both of their philosophies could be combined.
''You should know Bell by now. Never a completely straight answer with him sometimes,'' Gwen chuckled a little.
Peter grumbled. At least he was right that things can be done without violence. But it did not feel like a victory as Bell already believed that, clearly. And not only that, Peter had to begrudgingly admit that diplomacy often leads nowhere. At best it is a combination of the promise of violence and diplomacy that forces people to come to a compromise that gets things done. He looked up historical events too, while pondering. The Fall of the Berlin Wall really was only possible, because of a lot of right conditions.
So much for being right.
Still, Peter gave him a halfhearted middle finger out of frustration.
Bell chuckled and grabbed them both by the neck to hug them to his body, he quickly gave Gwen a kiss on the cheek too making her smile in appreciation.
''The people will only be as kind as the world will allow them to be. Despite all its faults, these 80 years of relative peace are an indication that we are heading in the right direction. Let us make sure that we protect this peace from our overlords machinations and all others who wish to cause mayhem and misery. If not through words then through arms. Peter I have plans for the future, Gwen already knows and has agreed, and I want your genius by my side and more importantly my friend. So, Peter, will you help us?,'' Bell asked him.
''Of course. Whatever it is, I'm in,'' Peter immediately agreed, no questions asked.
Bell and Gwen shared a look and nodded. It was time. They talked about it before hand and while Gwen was not informed with how Bell would tackle things, she decided to leave matter in Bells hands. This whole philosophizing was probably to see if Peter was truly fit to be let into some of their secrets.
Gwen felt confident enough that she was now experienced enough to train Peter and show him the ropes. The time was also optimal as summer break was 1 and a half months away. That would leave them with a lot of time to do many things.
Bell on the other hand would not share that he was a reality warper with Peter. (Gwen had her opinions on that, but Bell made it clear he was gonna share that info only with his CLOSEST people, like her and Gwen guessed Jean too).
If he asked, Bell would say that he was a powerful telekinetic, this way he could explain away his abilities as telekinesis was very versatile. And if he asked where the money came from, then he would say from his music channel and stock trading, as well as having recruited some other people that though like them.
They only planned so far.
'Making the mother of all omelettes here, Gwen. Can't fret over every egg.'
They would plan only so far, set goals and improvise the rest.
Gwen rolled her eyes at that time, as he explained it to her. She knew he was making one of his stupid quotes again. It was his tone. FAR too giddy, while trying to sound dead serious.
She still found it cute, however. And he had fun, she was not gonna ruin it for him.
''My man. We are glad to have you on board,'' Bell squeezed Peters shoulder a little.
''I guess you can fill me in later. Lessons are about to start. But Bell, Gwen, do you promise that in the end the world will be better off with what we are doing?,'' Peter asked them. Yes, he agreed readily since they were his friends and he trusted them, but he still wanted some minor insurance.
''I promise,'' Bell told him sincerely.
Peter nodded, the matter now completely settled for him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nexus moved with purpose towards Kitty. Meanwhile she saw him coming towards her and she smoothly began making her way towards Rogue and Laura so that she wouldn't be alone with him.
Not that that really deterred Nexus, the presence of others,to talk with her.
Except, Raezen picked up something urgent in the internet.
Nexus clicked his tongue. It was not even a decision or debate what choice he needed to do. Katherine would be here, the one that needed help would not. Through that victims need for help was passing, it was more important then his need for answers.
In that case Katherine: 2 and Nexus: 0.
---
Robert Herman starred at his reflection.
Today his mutant and metahuman hating father got into a particularly loud argument with mother. His mother... he loved her. He really did. She cared for him, but as the only breadwinner in the house she was not always here and thus Robert was subject to his fathers vitriol towards all things 'unnatural'.
And if he did not agree with his father then he would get physical with Robert.
It was fine, just a few more months and not only would he have finished school by then, but also be an adult. He would find a job immediately and move out and then he would try to convince his mother to divorce his father.
She deserved better than this and Robert was sure the only reason why she was still together with his father was because a child needed both parents to grow well.
So much for that.
But today was different. His father hit his mother and he saw red, he tried fighting back, but now Robert understands why there are weight classes in boxing. Robert was lean and his father a little fat, he had a beer belly, and despite not working out his father still easily threw Robert against the wall.
For a moment he looked as if he wanted to continue to beat him while shaking mother off who wanted to plead with him not to beat Robert, but then they both looked at him as if he grew a second head.
And shortly after that, his father looked at him with so much hatred, that Robert immediately knew that he had to get out. He ran to the bathroom, locked it and that is when he saw.
His skin looked slightly pink and thick and it was translucent allowing him to see the insides of his organs.
''No! Don't grab the gun!,'' Robert could hear his mother scream. There was another noise, probably a slap.
Why? Why did this happen? Why did he transform? How come he had abilities now? What would he do and where would he go?
Questions swam in Roberts mind, but he whatever their answers would be, he would and could not stay here. He knew his father. From here on out, Robert was no longer his son, but the enemy.
He immediately opened the window and climbed out onto the roof of the garage. He heard the noise from where his father shot the gun to open the locked bathroom door.
The noise startled him and he fell down the roof. He could have jumped down relatively safely, but now he landed on his back and while he did feel his organs slightly shake it did not harm as much as he thought.
Not that Robert had any time to contemplate, he picked himself up and continued to run. Just anywhere away from his father.
His father came out of the house, having abandoned his gun, probably mothers doing as she came out shortly after him. His father yelled after him to come back, a bottle of alcohol with cloth in it and a lighter in the other. His intentions clear.
Robert just ran. He ran down the street. Cars stopped and looked at him. Some people saw the situation and told his father to calm down, others got in his way only to be shoved aside. Meanwhile others tried to get in Roberts way, clearly sharing the same beliefs as his father. Luckily he could evade them or were shoved aside from other pedestrians.
Others brought out their phone and began recording or streaming, Robert could not tell exactly. One or the other.
The commotion attracted the police, especially as he caused a traffic since he began running on the streets away from his father and every other pedestrian. It also attracted the police that his mother called to their house, as they received reports that the police on sight needed back up.
Robert ran and ran, not noticing most of it, until he could run no more. Too many cars were blocking his way. Robert briefly hesitated before deciding to walk on the cars, but the brief moment of hesitation allowed his father to close in, lit the Molotov and throw it while multiple people were either screaming, encouraging him to either continue or stop.
Robert panicked and threw his hands over his head in protection.
It was at this time that Nexus came through a portal and grabbed the thrown Molotov out of the air. He squeezed his hand into a fist and the bottle shattered, fire spreading across his forearm and splattering across the street. With some shake of his arm and a few stomps of his boot the fires were extinguished. Nexus briefly looked back at Robert to see if he was fine, before turning back towards the crowd.
''This is not a circus show. There is nothing to see here, move along now,'' Nexus waved them off. Of course he knew they would not do that, but he was never one to miss an opportunity and the cameras were running...
''I don't let myself what to do by a freak of nature,'' Roberts father stepped forward and spat.
''Nexus, please allow us to arrest this man. We need to take him for attempted assault and disturbing the peace,'' one police man stepped forward and tried to calm things down. He just wanted to get home to his family and he knew how dangerous Nexus was, he did not want a fight breaking out.
Nexus merely held up his index finger in his direction and moved it playfully as if talking to a misbehaving child that he had to deny his toy.
''A freak, am I?,'' Nexus asked him.
Mr. Herman sneered , gathering snot in his mouth and then spat at Nexus. It landed on the flat of a sword that Nexus materialized in front of his face.
''You and your kind deserve each other. Fuck off, this planet was conquered by humans and is inhabited by humans. Earth is meant for humans. Why don't you and all others like you crawl back to the hell hole you came from and leave earth to us civilized folk?,'' Mr. Herman spat, earning himself some sneers but also a few quiet agreements from the crowd.
Mr.Herman stumbled back, not much as there was a crowd at his back that pushed him back, but just a little as Nexus materialized another sword and moved it to hold it a hair breath away from his neck. The crowd went quiet with anticipation.
Nexus hummed and then let the tip of the sword fall into the street.
''Pick it up,'' he instructed.
''What?,'' Mr.Herman asked.
''Pick. It. Up,'' Nexus instructed again. Mr.Herman looked at the sword and then at Nexus. He did not pick up the sword, suddenly looking a little uncertain.
Mr.Herman was not Nexus that knew how to manipulate the crowds. He was not trained to spot the nature of a man quickly and use it against him. Mr.Herman thought that picking up the sword would make him commit to actually attacking Nexus and not just throwing his words around. A whole different beast of applying his morals and stance.
Different from attacking his freak of a son. (Subconsciously he immediately categorized his son as weak as he was his son and he his father, the power dynamics should be obvious in this case. At least they were for Mr.Herman. But he knew that Nexus was not his son. Nexus was not weak.)
He could not know that Nexus would not kill him one way or the other. That all this was going to turn into a play.
Something that Nexus counted on. A big man throwing his weight around to mask his fear or his insecurities and envy. A man that went after the weak. A man that would not fight for his beliefs. Not here and not now.
''No? I thought not,'' Nexus remarked, the crowd hanging on to his word, having noted Mr.Hermans reaction, consciously or subconsciously. Some of the people held up their phones higher to get a better view.
''You insult yourself, my good man. You have been protected by this 'freak of nature'. Your life has been secured by this 'freak of nature'. It is thanks to this 'freak of nature' that mankind still holds earth, that you enjoy the safety that you do. Conquest implies not only the ability to take something, but to have the strength to keep it,'' Nexus made sure to speak clearly and always make the accompanied gesture to imply his words were sarcastic at certain points as he spoke to Herman.
Nexus stepped onto a sword that slightly elevated him above the crowd.
''But remind me, who was it that defended earth from the Chitauri invasion? It was seven remarkable individuals. How confident you must have been in your own ability to protect earth. I remember the people below me, running around like headless chickens, they were not going to protect anything except themselves. And it seems the government MUST agree with you. For truly they sent not a single nuke to that city. Or perhaps, they trusted us seven to do what is right,'' Nexus spoke louder. Nothing like forcing the governments hand just a little and putting them in a though spot.
The fact that the public did not know they wanted to send a nuke was a blessing in disguise for Nexus. Either what he was saying was true or the government did not act. In both cases the public would have to side with them here, for no one could deny it was them that saved earth that day and protected the people to the point no one died. The fact that he did it by himself was rather unimportant as there were bigger things going on here.
''But perhaps this man speaks truly, my people!,'' Nexus spoke now even louder, almost to the point of yelling,''Perhaps I truly am nothing but a freak of nature. Perhaps I should lay down my sword and mask and stop taking pride in my abilities and my accomplishments from them. What say you?!''
''NO!!,'' the crowd yelled a little desperate, drowning out the naysayers, all clearly understanding what Nexus implied.
''Should I stop what I am doing? Are you in accord with this man?,'' Nexus called out.
''NO!!,'' the crowd replied louder.
''Do you want me to continue what I am doing?!,'' Nexus asked them.
''YES!!,'' the crowd yelled, stirring into a frenzy, Some of the metahuman hating people began to sweat, recognizing where the wind was blowing.
''Despite being a 'freak of nature'?!,'' Nexus asked them.
''YOU ARE NO FREAK OF NATURE!!''
''YES!!!''
Both answers were yelled out. The police men on sight were starting to panic. They did not have their riot gear on them to control their protest or pacify their stirring.
Nexus held up his hand, the crowd slowly quieted after some time.
''It seems the people have spoken. Gentlemen, arrest this man for attacking both body and dignity of a citizen of earth. Unlike some people, I'm willing to follow proper procedures and trust in our systems to mete out justice. Like civilized folk, my good man. See the difference?
As for you, my fellow people, I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you, but please disperse and let us respect the privacy and dignity of this man,'' Nexus gestured to Robert and also held up his arm up, the one that he grabbed the Molotov with, the small singes from the fire there for all to see. The contrast between the 'freak' acting more civilized (and resolving things peacefully despite clearly having all the power here) and the 'civilized folk' acting less civilized (and inciting violence) being established for all to see. People picked up things like this and that would shape opinions.
Then he stepped down from his sword.
While the crowd began dispersing, those who thought like Mr.Herman being the first to go, the rest followed more slowly. Be it either out of hero worship and the desire to continue laying their eyes on a celebrity or out of curiosity and need to film as Mr.Herman was being arrested. But the crowd did disperse after some time, alright, for it was not a city wide rally and more of a district sized commotion. The cars also began traveling again the long traffic slowly resolving itself.
Nexus would have loved to talk about powers being a blessing, that evolution or scientific progress will ensure more and more people will progress towards the certainty of developing powers. He could have made comparisons to guns, that some abused them and others used them correctly (to protect people).
Nexus could have done and said a number of things. But now was not the right time. And besides, certain arguments could not be made by him as they would be considered biased. No. They had to be made by non-metahumans.
He said today what he had to say, to achieve just enough that needed to be achieved. ...And resolve this as peacefully as possible.
The news would spread and add to the already growing debate going on in the internet about metahumans.
Nexus offered his hand to Robert, who after starring for a bit and then at his face, took it and was pulled up from the ground. Ms. Herman also came forward and hugged her son in relief not minding his skin and appearance.
''I can not thank you enough for what you have done,'' she looked like she wanted to say more to Nexus, but was interrupted by a police officer that came over. After a brief and thankful nod towards Nexus, he informed her that he needed her testimony.
---
It was some time, close to an hour, but eventually the three of them found themselves in the Hermans home.
''There is a school, in Westchester County NY. Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters. The name may imply that the school is only for very intelligent children and while that is, in some ways true, it is actually a play at the School being filled with others like him. There he can learn to control his abilities. I noticed you haven't turned back,'' Nexus explained.
''I tried. I can't. Would they even accept me? I finish school in six weeks. Hell I have my exams in two weeks,'' Robert asked him.
''I can take you two and you can talk with Xavier. It is not the first time, that he has found himself in that situation and he has resolved it before. At the very least you can talk with him and see to what decision you can make by having laid all your options before you. There are also quite a lot of people there that are not students, so I wouldn't worry about it too much,'' Nexus answered him. He already checked (subtly). Robert had the X-Gene.
''Are you a teacher there?,'' Ms.Herman asked him.
''I'm a ...sort of teacher. I come around every weekend and teach the students how to apply their abilities and give them suggestions, so yes. But most of the heavy lifting is done by two others, it is just that my powers are so versatile that I'm often brought in to consult them,'' Nexus explained. He was not about to explain all the intricacies that were going on at the school. They were strangers and they could refuse.
Robert could tell her if he did join.
Robert and his mother looked at each other for a bit, having a silent conversation between themselves.
''We would like to take you up on the offer,'' Ms.Herman told him.
---
Hmm? The X-Men and a few others seemed to have gathered together in a group in the back of the mansion on the meadow. That was the first thing he noticed when the three of them went through the portal.
''What is so interesting?,'' he asked Kurt as the three approached them. Kurt barely spent a moment looking at him and then at Roberts appearance before replying.
''Ms.Munroe and Professor Logan went out to also recruit two students. Well, more of a student and a teacher... maybe. Jubilee is putting on a show with her fireworks and most of us are just curious. You haven't really seen us recruit others like us till now, didn't you? We are always curious and gather like this. But also to make them feel welcome and make it clear that they can find a home here,'' Kurt explained,'' And who are these people?''
''This is Robert and Ms.Herman. They wanted to talk with Xavier to see what they should decide,'' Nexus explained, patting bother of their shoulders.
''Nice to meet you,'' Kurt immediately held out his hand.
''Aren't you disgusted by my appearance?,'' Robert asked self-consciously starring at the hand.
Instead of answering Kurt deactivated his watch that changed his appearance and showed him how he actually looked under his disguise. Blue fur, three fingers on hands and legs and a tail with a spiked tip.
''Tadaa. We will have to see if Professor Hank needs to make a power dampener or a device that changes your appearance. Unfortunately I literally can not turn back, so I have to settle for changing my appearance, despite being able to control my abilities. We will have to see which is the case with you. So?,'' Kurt held out his hand again, not turning his watch back on.
Robert this time eagerly shook his hand and Ms.Herman did so too.
''So who joined?,'' Nexus asked him.
''Jubilee as I told you. Or well, Jubilation Lee, but she insists on Jubilee. She was taken from the juvenile home by Logan and as I said she can control and create fire works. And the other is a man who was recruited by Ms.Munroe. Remy LeBeau or Gambit as he prefers. He can control kinetic energy and 'charge' it into objects. The bigger they are the longer it takes and then 'they go boom'. He showed us a few card tricks. And apparently Ms.Munroe was turned into a kid and they defeated someone named the 'Shadow King'. She was pretty vague about that so you will have to ask her,'' Kurt explained.
While Nexus just nodded and looked a little contemplative, Robert and Ms.Herman starred incredulously. Not because of the powers, but because an adult turning into a child was absurd to them.
Hmm. Nexus rubbed his chin a little and observed Jubilees abilities. Gambit was just standing aside, so he would do so later with him, but Jubilee was...
Oh shit.
He needed to quickly get to training her in her powers, because she was not causing small sparkles and fireworks with her powers, she was using Energy Plasmoids. Similar enough energy that Bell felt inside the sun, back when he created his first black hole. She had the ability to create and detonate a nuke ... potentially.
''And Xavier? I do need to talk to him about Robert,'' Nexus asked him.
''Oh, he is right there in the front, so it will take some time till you can get to him,'' Kurt explained.
Nexus sighed. Nothing to do, but wait till they completed the initiation ritual then.
---
Robert would take the offer to finish school at Xaviers School and stay more besides that to learn to control his powers. He offered to take up the task of making food in the cafeteria for others to pull his own weight, once he graduated and till he learns to control his powers. Thankfully they found out he could change, just that it was very hard and he needed to learn control for it to happen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day, on sunday after the spar, Nexus tried seeking out Kitty again.
Gambit and Jubilee decided to become part of the X-Men. And while he did not have to say much to Gambit, since he was well aware of his powers and knew how to use them, it was Jubilee that was shocked to learn how far she could take her powers.
It was a good training session, even if Jubilee didn't quite create anything more powerful then a more powerful firework. For now they could function as distractions and blind people.
''Sugar! Can we talk? It is urgent,'' Rogue called out to him, when she saw him on the hallway.
Nexus let out an annoyed huff and watched Katherine go before turning back towards Rogue.
Katherine: 3; Nexus: 0.
It was fine she needed to win always, he just needed to win once and get her to talk.
''Yes? With what can I help you?,'' Nexus asked her kindly.
''Not here. I want to talk with you somewhere quiet,'' Rogue requested.
---
They made their way to her room.
''First I want to thank you for putting a good word in for our people. Most of us already saw the video and commotion that Roberts father stirred and how you handled it. Soo... Thank you, for not making things worse for us as well as not letting a fight break out,'' Rogue smiled at him.
''Sure. You are welcome,'' Nexus told her.
Rogue sighed then and sat on her bed, gesturing for him to sit on it too. Nexus instead sat on the flat of a broad sword that he summoned and let float in the air. He was in his battle attire and a little dirty. He did not want to dirty her bed. Now if he was out of his battle attire, it would have been a different matter.
Rogue frowned displeased at his action. Did he hate her? He was the only one that her powers did not work on so why was he shying away?
''I don't want to dirty your bed. My attire is a little dirty,'' Nexus explained seeing her expression. No reason to let miscommunication fester and sour relationships.
Oh. Rogue felt silly now. He was just trying to be considerate. She gestured for him to sit on her bed again and this time he did it, his shoulder almost brushing hers.
''So. How can I help you?,'' Nexus asked her.
Rogue sighed gathering her strength. She was unsure what to do about the fact her abilities were not working on him, but it was Kitty and then Laura too that encouraged her to confront him.
And so she did.
''Sugar... I was not always part of the X-Men. Before coming here, I was, however briefly, part of another group after I ran away from home,'' Rogue began, momentarily stopping as she felt silly for starting to talk about her life story instead of getting to the point.
''Yes?,'' Nexus encouraged her to continue, able to tell that it meant much to open up.
''...They called themselves the Brotherhood of Mutants. I left them shortly afterwards as I just could not stand their extremism and I was eventually picked up from the streets again. This time by Professor Xavier. I... The reason I'm telling you this is because I want to make clear that I met many people. All with various abilities and powers and experience and none could withstand my powers. Some were able to very briefly do that, but my power always won over theirs,'' Rogue continued.
''Until me,'' Nexus pointed out.
''Until you,'' Rogue agreed,''Sugah, Ah need to know. How are you doing this?''
She was starting to slip a little into her southern accent in her emotional state.
His body was made of swords. Nexus could giver some kind of bullshit excuse. Say that he was not really skin and bone and that she was not really touching him, but something resembling skin. But...that would raise more questions then answers, something he did not want to deal with right now and he did not really want to lie to her.
''Explain to me again, remind me. How exactly DO your powers work?,'' Nexus asked her. He already knew, but he wanted to be throughout so he asked anyway.
''Ah can absorb powers, memories, abilities, maybe life force too, but ah'm not so sure about the last one. If contact is brief then ah have the powers only temporarily. We suspect it could be permanent if ah absorb everything... which also could lead to their death,'' Rogue explained.
''Can you control it? As in can you target only one specific aspect, at the very least. Ignore powers, go only for memories. That kind of thing,'' Nexus asked her.
''No,'' Rogue swallowed, calming herself down a little,''I can target specific memories. I have learned to do that much at least, but for that I need only the briefest touch. Any more and then I just start absorbing all memories and power and all other type of stuff uncontrollably. Like a broken dam.''
Memories, huh? If she could not separate between powers and memories then that might be the answer. Because he did not defend himself against her ability with his reality warping. She needed SOMETHING to fight with against him in their spars, so he would have allowed her to absorb some energy and tried to give her only energy that allowed her to control swords. But nothing came of it.
''And you absorbed the energy from the power dampener, correct?,'' Nexus asked her.
''Yes. It was not instant. And Professor Hank suspects that a bigger battery will allow me to enjoy the benefits of the dampener for longer, maybe even up to an hour, but for that he needed to come up with a better energy source. And he is looking into many things, I can't expect him to focus only on me,'' Rogue said the last part bitterly.
''Has he looked into the Arc Reactor? Or what about that kid, with the X-Gene that neutralizes other X-Genes?,'' Nexus asked her. He needed to learn his name sooner or later.
''No, in both cases. His expertise is in biology and while he can tinker with technology, he is no Tony Stark. Sugar, I assure you I thought long and hard about this request and my circumstances. I want to touch you. Please,'' Rogue made her heartfelt plea and moved closer to Nexus.
Stranger danger. Stranger danger.
Nexus considered some of his options.
''Have you considered asking Stark for an Arc Reactor?,'' Nexus asked her.
''No. Sugar, do you find me repulsive. We don't need to do anything ...just touch. Shoulder to shoulder would be enough for me,'' Rogue tried again.
They both knew it would not stop at shoulder to shoulder and Nexus did not want more members to his harem. He could tell her that he had a girlfriend, but god save him from the drama if he slips up and reveals he has a harem. Her desperation would want her to be in and a part of that harem.
''That is not really something I feel comfortable with. Regardless of the fact whether I find you repulsive or not. Which I don't, by the way. Before I agree, how about you let me try out a few things to help you. Please?,'' Nexus asked her.
Rogue briefly had a look of anger on her face, but calmed down. It was not an outright refusal and she still had her chance.
She was not gonna raise her hopes up and she could wait till he exhausted all options, if it would make him comfortable.
''Fine,'' she told him.
---
''Stark, can you lend me one of your Arc Reactors?,'' Nexus came into the living room of the Avengers Tower through a portal, startling them all during their dinner. They nearly jumped his bones, considering him an enemy, but they calmed down.
''No,'' Stark immediately replied,''What is with everyone just entering my home unannounced. Jarvis, what do I pay you for?''
''You don't pay me, Sir. And I can hardly predict teleportation or wormholes. I lack the equipment for it. Though I could try running the calculations, if Sir wishes,'' Jarvis respectfully offered.
Tony sighed:''No, Jarvis, I was just joking. Again. No. I'm not giving you an Arc Reactor, no matter the reason.''
Nexus shrugged. He tried asking nicely.
''You must be the warrior Nexus. It is a pleasure to meet you. I hope one day you and I will fight side by side properly,'' Thor, who for once was not called off-world and was eating with the others, stood up and gave Nexus a greeting. Both clasped each other around the forearm and slapped each others biceps.
''Likewise. Perhaps we could even test our steel against each other. I would love to see how my swords fare against your hammer,'' Nexus conversed amicably making Thor laugh.
''One day,'' Thor agreed and Nexus nodded.
''While unfortunate it is no real loss to me. Alas, I have other matters to attend to. Bon appetit,'' Nexus gave them a two finger salute and entered a portal after cutting it open.
The others returned to their plates and small talk.
...
''Wait...How did he know EXACTLY where to find us?,'' Bruce asked the real questions.
A small portal opened and a piece of paper flew out. Natasha grabbed it and read it to herself first, she snorted and then read it out loud.
''Quid Pro Quo. You know how this game is played, not my fault if you are a bad player. Good luck, Stark,'' she read to them.
Tony blinked not quite immediately understanding what Nexus meant.
''Motherfucker,'' Tony cursed as realization hit him.
''Language,'' Steve chastised.
''Jarvis, begin running multiple diagnostics across the building. Anything out of the ordinary, report it to me. I want those listening devices found. Get to it!,'' Tony ordered Jarvis.
---
Of course, Nexus knew that Tony would not give him the Arc Reactor, he just wanted to mess with him. For he could have just as easily stolen the blueprints for the miniature reactor as Raezen.
Being in such a close proximity allowed him to easily stretch out his energy and analyze his suits and the Arc Reactor, which he did during their brief interaction.
He never really was interested in it as he had something better.
The Fusion Reactor.
Unlike Nuclear Power Plants that operated under the principle if fission, Fusion Reactors produced much more energy then either Arc Reactors or Nuclear Reactors. And it was completely clean energy too.
His Magnum Opus.
Well...His Magnum Opus of his rule. Nearly 13 trillion in money, almost a decade of work and experimenting with smaller sized models for safety, 100s of physicist and engineers all toiling under his orders and god knows how many other established workers. And in the end they succeeded.
It was their work, primarily, but he did allow himself to take some minimal pride in it. By the time he died, he ordered four to be built. If Killian was wise he would build upon his success, if not...
Well, he lived here now. His concerns lied here too.
Godspeed, Killian.
He still remembered the blueprints from when the scientist ran him through, explaining everything to him and that they succeeded and it was not merely a false alarm, all thanks to his photographic memory. He was just lacking context to truly understand what they were telling him for the longest time.
Something that changed since he could think at a faster pace.
But Nexus did have to admit that the Arc Reactor had one advantage over both fusion and fission reactors. It could be made small. Very small. Fits in the palm of his hand small.
Nexus held out his hand and began forming material out of thin air and began shaping it, exactly as he remembered it from Starks labs.
Within minutes, he starred at the small glowing device in his hand. Stark really did outdo himself. Not only creating this, but also a new element for it.
It is such a shame he was not daring enough to be more aggressive in pushing for his Arc Reactor to be more commercialized. The benefits far outweighed the drawback of the public having such technology close to them.
Oh, well. Starks loss was his gain.
---
Hank was tinkering with the power dampener for Rogue, trying to exchange the normal battery and make the Arc Reactor fit. He was surprised that Stark actually lent them an Arc Reactor, but Hank was just eager to help Rogue out.
They were in his Science Lab.
''Say, how EXACTLY does the dampener work?,'' Nexus was trying to make some conversation and was leaning against the Blackbird or X-Jet as some of the X-Men call it.
''It does not really remove the X-Gene. For that we would need DNA editing machinery or powers and that is too dangerous besides. What it does do, is seek out the nerves that are used to control their mutant abilities. It is the same principle by which Leechs power works. Unlike the dampeners however, his automatically seeks those nerves. That is also why I need to calibrate the dampener specifically to each individual since powers and this nerve synapses differ. If you want to make it even simpler, then you can think of it as a Neural interface with only one purpose,'' Hank explained.
''Leech?,'' Nexus asked confused. Who named their kid like this?
''The green kid you rescued from HYDRA? The one that idolizes you to bits after you rescued them all? It is thanks to him that I was able to make those dampeners. We talked while he and I were working together, you know? Unlike most, his ability and appearance manifested before his puberty and his parents both started hating him... and threw him to the streets. Only to then be picked up by HYDRA and given the name Leech. I tried tracing back his origin to find out his real name, but I didn't manage that and Leech was too young to remember his real name,'' Hank sadly recounted.
Ah, so Leech was Subject 002 or L-2. Nexus remembered reading from the HYDRA files. He winced a little. It seems his handlers did give him a name even if they never put it on paper. Nexus kind of regretted not going through their mind more properly to know his real name, but hindsight is twenty twenty.
''That is also why I and Kurt have to use watches. Our X-Gene is always on and even if we lose most of our powers under the dampeners, THAT fact will not change, our appearance will not change. I need to make one for Robert too. And I also need to make one for Leech too, since he also can not change his appearance,'' Hank talked away.
''Has he not considered taking up a different name? Leech, I mean,'' Nexus pursed his lips,'' It is not a name. It is an insult.''
''Nope. Said, it is the name he met you under and where his life changed for the better since he met all of us. He takes pride in his name. Wouldn't hear about it, no matter how much anyone tried,'' Hank chuckled sadly.
''Fair enough. Different people will react to the same thing differently. Individualisms greatest gift ... and it's curse,'' Nexus replied. Granted there were things like Herd Mentality, but Herd Mentality did not always influence Individuals. Particularly strong individuals could also go against the grain, so the statement was true either way.
''And you? How did you find out about your powers?,'' Hank asked him a sort of camaraderie developing between them.
''...My awakening seems rather mundane compared to what you all had to go through. One day I woke up and I just... could call for swords. I guess. There was no great tragedy or great curse involved. Just your average tuesday,'' Nexus sounded a little ashamed. Mostly because for a brief moment he considered lying to build upon that camaraderie, but that was not his style.
''I'm glad to hear that. Bobby also had a simple awakening. I hope one day, future generations of Mutants will share in your serendipity, both of yours,'' Hank expressed his wish.
''Hm. The world is dangerous out there. Let us try our best to ensure that we will both witness that day. When it comes,'' Nexus came over and patter his shoulder a little.
''Indeed,'' Hank agreed.
''And the appearance changer. That device, how does it work?,'' Nexus asked him.
''That one I had to come up by myself. If I had the help of someone that I once used to know then... Agh. It doesn't matter. Bottom line is that it is my creation. What it does do, is change not mass, but light. It creates a small field around us and reflects light in just the right way. If you were to touch us, you could tell that, something was wrong. That it is a illusion,'' Hank explained.
Nexus hummed, starting to think on how many ways such a device could be applied in and make suggestions to Hank if he could.
''Say, how old are you anyway?,'' Hank asked curiously as he grabbed a screwdriver. Talking with him and seeing him act, gave Hank the impression that Nexus was very old. Maybe older then Logan, considering how Logan sometimes acted.
''...Promise not to use the criteria to look me up?,'' Nexus asked him,'' Or share the info with others, even Xavier, until I feel comfortable?''
Not even Xavier? Hank was not so sure about that, so he had to think a little bit before replying. He was not about to give Nexus his word on the premise that he would break it, as that would violate his trust. Not something he liked to do after he helped the children so much.
''I promise,'' Hank told him, when he was completely sure of his choice.
Nexus was silent for a bit, watching his face for any deception, Hank had to guess.
''I'm 17,'' Nexus replied. A bit of a white lie, as he was actually sixteen and was going to be 16 in early august. Peter being the youngest of them all. But saying that he was 17 now implied that his birthday was in the previous months OR that he was going to be 18 this year. That would mess up the criteria search up by a LOT, if Hank did decide to break his word. Something he would immediately know as Raezen.
Hank jumped startled and accidentally let the screwdriver fall. He pushed his glasses on in disbelief and picked his work up again.
''17?... Are you sure? I work with teenagers every day, or meet them more like. Their moody, temperamental and somewhat self absorbed, not in a bad way. More like trying to find their own identity and self kind of way. Aaaaand they also like to show off. All qualities that you don't really display. Are you SURE you did not undergo some sort of tragedy or some such,'' Hank asked him.
Nexus was silent for a long while and leaned with his butt against the edge of the table while starring off into the distance for a while.
''To say that I had a completely happy life would be a lie. We all suffer in our own way, in our corner on this vast rock. Either alone or surrounded by friends and family. Such is life. But no. It was not my powers that brought about this suffering. My powers came after my suffering,'' Nexus told him.
Hank let his shoulders hang a little. He wanted to ask what he went trough, but he recognized that tone. The subject was finished.
''Suffering brings about character, I guess,'' Hank remarked mirthfully.
''Almost anyone can withstand adversity, coming out more or less broken. If your REALLY want to test someones character give him power. That is when you really see their character. There is a reason I trust mutants and those with powers just a little more then those without. You all have these remarkable powers and all you do with it is live, live and have fun with your powers without harming anyone or try to do good,'' Nexus wistfully replied.
Of course, Nexus wasn't gonna pretend that there aren't those with power that would hide their real character. After all, he himself was a prime example of someone with power and subterfuge. But Nexus felt that the statement was generally true all the same.
''...There are those who would abuse their abilities,'' Hank admitted.
''Indeed. For in the end, both humans and mutants are a part of mankind. And such is human nature to sin... and to rise above it. Those people that abuse their powers are no more different from people that abuse their guns. They must be treated, in both cases, the same,'' Nexus told him.
Hank got sadder. He could agree with Nexus. But suffering also brought about character, not just power. What must he have gone through to be so wise? It almost felt like talking to Charles, only Nexus was decades younger then him.
''We should call Rogue. I'm done here,'' Hank told him instead. He was not completely done, but for now they would only test their proof of concept. The appearance of the collar was inconsequential for now, the most important part was that he connected the Arc Reactor securely.
---
Rogue came quickly, but her pace was not matched by her enthusiasm. She did not have her hopes up in them succeeding where they previously failed just because they had a better battery now.
Nexus was watching Hank put the collar around her this time, as they could not risk the Arc Reactor being knocked away by her movements. Whether they failed or not, at the very least he could watch her with full attention this time and see how her power worked. Up till now, he was either not there as other X-Men lent her their power or he was too focused on their spars to pay full attention to her.
''Alright, everything is set. Rogue, please stay still and let us see how long the collar lasts. I'm turning it on right now,'' Hank ran her through the process so that she would be calm. She already knew the process, but Hank found that people seldom wanted to be THAT defenseless and being kept out of the loop was pretty defenseless.
The collar briefly turned on and it was on for a few moments. Then it quickly turned off. All three people in the Science Lab blinked.
''What the hell? That was shorter then the other one,'' Rogue explained. She did not have her hopes up, but even she did not quite expect this. If anything she only expected a few more extra minutes compared to the other one. Not enough for anything meaningful to get done.
''Well,'' Hank fumbled for some time,'' I wouldn't consider it a complete loss! We can try to find a middle point between the strengths of this battery and the old one. It seems the stronger the battery the quicker your powers absorb them.''
''There is no point. Professor Hank, thank you for trying anyway, but I give up and you have better things to do,'' she removed the collar herself, put it on the table and walked away feeling miserable.
Nexus came up to the table and picked up the Arc Reactor.
''I was only lent it. Stark will expect it back. Sorry. I will go after her,'' Nexus told him and put the object through a portal in his pocket dimension.
''No. I understand. Good luck, Nexus,'' Hank told him.
Nexus nodded and Hank watched him go after her.
---
Nexus would not get so far as to call her ability a reality warping one trick pony outright. But it was a pretty accurate description Nexus felt like. The question was now, how far could her ability punch up? She could not steal his powers, but what about Jean and Phoenix or Stan?
Essentially what it was doing, was greedily suck everything that could be useful to its host. A sort of energy manipulation functioning under the premise of vampirism for more then just blood. The more powerful an ability, that is the more 'exquisite' and 'luxurious' and 'deluxe', the more her ability wants to absorb it, more and more greedily, like a vampire with good blood. It would explain why she could touch others more and others less briefly.
Hmm. Then again, Nexus was sure it had a limit and would not work on powerful enough people. She was powerful. Yes. But she would never be a threat on the cosmic or universal level...probably. And while he called it a reality warping one trick pony, that was taking things maybe a little too far.
That said. Her ability was powerful. Very powerful.
And it absolutely had a mind of its own. Though it would be more accurate to call it instinct, since it was not really a thought. Taking ensures survival. The more you take, the more you survive. Didn't she say she lived on the streets for a while. So probably some trauma.
It always circles back to trauma, huh?
He found her far away sitting curled on a bench. Her face tucked into her knees.
''I have considered some things. Your ability seems to take. Maybe if we visit some sort of past trauma and resolve it we can find a solution. You did say that you lived on the streets for a while. And people on the streets need to take to survive,'' Nexus began.
''...''
''Rogue... I know you well enough. You are not the kind that just gives up because things got tough. We failed. I say we try again, until we have succeeded in our attempts. We try until we have exhausted all options. We should talk with the Boss and if he doesn't suit you, you could talk to Jean or Madelyne, about your trauma,'' Nexus tried to motivate her.
''...''
''...Rogue?,'' Nexus asked, now genuinely concerned. Sure people could overcome almost any adversity, but not everyone could. And once the limit was reached things got dangerous...
Depression. It was a slow and insidious killer.
''I did not get my hopes up,... but I still find myself so, so, disappointed,'' Rogues voice slightly cracked.
Nexus let her pour her heart out.
''Do you have any idea, what it is like to be surrounded by so many friends and family, to want nothing more then to hug them in happiness and comfort and receive the same in turn only for me to walk on egg shells, terrified I could kill them with the wrong touch?,'' Rogue asked him.
Nexus really did get her, just without the fear of killing or harming people at the slightest touch. When he was a baby and still trying to punish himself due to his guilt, he had to admit he was starved for affection and enjoyed every moment his parents touched him. And he was trying to avoid it.
She on the other hand was actively seeking it out. Much more sociable then him too.
''I'm just human, Nexus. I want... No. I need contact with others. And... And...I can touch you! Why do you push me away? Have I done something to displease you? I ... I can make it right. I will make it right. Please,'' Rogue was starting to get hysterical and removed her head from her knees. Nexus, had seen that expression a few times, back in his first life. She suffered greatly.
She carried her suffering for so long.
Yes. Sometimes ...Often she put on a smile and a brave front for her friends, but she didn't know how much longer she could ignore her solution. Here was someone in front of her that she could touch and he was pushing her away.
It was too much... It was simply too much pain for anyone to carry, regardless of what Nexus said to her. She could not try again.
Nexus put both his hands on her shoulder and squeezed her in comfort.
''There will be rules. Just because we will engage in skin to skin contact does not mean we won't continue to try and find a solution. There will be boundaries. I have a girlfriend. But aside from that I'm willing to help you,'' Nexus told her firmly.
Rogue looked devastated and tears formed in her eyes, they did not fall. Of course, he had a girlfriend.
Of course.
''I can agree to those terms,'' Rogue agreed readily, taking her wins and losses with grace, now that she got what she wanted.
---
They found themselves back in Rogues room.
''So how do you want to do this?,'' Nexus asked her.
'' I want to hug you.... Could you removed all your clothes?,'' Rogue asked him eagerly.
Nexus rolled his shoulder and sighed. All his clothes? His boxers too or his mask?
''No. That is too much for me at once. I will remove just my jacket and T-shirt. Maybe another time,'' Nexus struck a compromise.
Rogue looked disappointed for a bit. Still, she decided to look on the positive side and nodded. She began making her way to her bathroom.
''Were are you going?,'' Nexus asked her.
''To remove my body suit, Sugar. Unless you want me to undress in front of you?,'' Rogue offered him. He just nodded and waved her off, cursing himself in his head for having agreed to this insanity.
When Rogue came back she was just in her tank top and some very short pants and some white socks. nexus was waiting for her, sitting on her bed with a naked torso. Rogue had to admit that his mask looked a little weird without the back of his head being obscured by his hoodie, but she had bigger concerns.
And she liked what she was seeing. Then again, she should have figured he had an athletic build.
Before Nexus could say anything she sprang in his lap threw her arms around his chest, locked her legs around his waist and put her chin on his shoulder all in an effort to make as much skin to skin contact as possible.
''I can do this for two hours, but then I need to go,'' Nexus warned her. She hummed, letting him know she heard him, but otherwise she just squeezed.
And she did use up the full two hours, till Nexus alarm rang. Sometimes she squeezed a little more, sometimes less, sometimes she rubbed her arms or legs across his back, but otherwise she maintained the position for two hours.
Nexus had to remove her from him a little forcefully, but he did so carefully, not wanting to risk her coming to harm. He quickly dressed said his goodbyes and the went through a portal.
Rogue just starred after him. Her skin feeling like ants was crawling across them and her body aching a little from not moving two hours out of her position and yet she never loved anything more. Not since her older memories, back before she had her powers.
(- - - -Warning: Light Lemon- - - -)
Rogue stretched across her bed.
She knows what she agreed to. The rules and boundaries he set. She knows and yet...
Rogues hand slowly trailed across her chest, her stomach and then finally moving beneath her underwear.
How could he expect her to abide by his rules when she tasted the forbidden nectar. That is how Eve must have felt in Eden and the forbidden fruit. Could anything feel so right and so sinful at the same time?
She bit into her other hands index to muffle her moan as she began pressing her thighs together and began furiously rubbing with reckless abandon, not really following any rhythm.
Judging by how healthy and young his skin looked he was most likely younger then 30. She could work with that. And his character... was there really anything that needed said? She would have loved to see his face too, but she had to admit, he could be plain looking and she would still be satisfied.
She could work with that. She definitely could.
She gave up trying to muffle her moans with her index and just bit her lips instead, choosing to move her free hand to one of her breasts for more pleasure.
She would do anything for him. Anything. She could not give this up. She did not share in his hopes that there is an alternative solution to her problem.
She twisted herself on her side and buried her head in her pillow, having failed her attempts to muffle her moans by biting her lip.
Fuck his girlfriend. What could she offer him, that she couldn't? She would devote herself to him.
Her legs trembled as she pressed her head further into her pillow and felt herself release. They shook for a while after that as she moved back on her back and starred at the ceiling, her face flushed and her chest moving up and down from her slight panting.
He would be hers.
He would be hers. Nothing else could satisfy her now.
(- - - -Warning: Light Lemon End- - - -)
---
Jean received a short text on her phone from Bell asking her if he could come to her room and if she was decent.
''Jean, I really need to talk to Phoenix right now. Could you two arrange that?,'' Bell asked her immediately after having received her answer and teleporting in her room.
Damn it was really bad, if he did not even greet her.
She nodded and her eyes change shortly afterwards from green to amber.
(Somewhere Logan tensed, his instincts going crazy, telling him to run away as he suddenly felt the presence of two very powerful people. One was probably Nexus, the prick learned to throw his 'source' off and Logan could no longer tell where he was, just that he was in the area. The same could be said of the other figure.
Hmm. But if Nexus was here and no alarms rang out then he would keep watch, but otherwise stay calm. Logan forced himself to continue drinking his beer.)
''My beloved, what has you so stressed out?,'' Phoenix coyly asked him as she moved around him and hugged him from his back, making sure to press her assets into his back.
Bell paid it no mind. He knew that Phoenix was practically a walking encyclopedia, since she possessed knowledge of other universes. He would make use of it, unless she denied him.
''Rogues ability to absorb memories and powers. Are there any worlds where she succeeded in learning to control her ability?,'' Bell asked her.
''Oh my, you ask such difficult questions. She is almost like you. It is quite rare indeed to find a variant of her that learns to control her abilities. And it is always because of a different reason. I'm assuming you set yourself up to the task to solve the perplexing puzzle that is our dear southern belle,'' Phoenix trailed her fingertip across Bells jaw, teasingly. Her question more rhetorical then anything. She did not need to read his mind to know how he operated.
''But then again, you are not asking the right questions, my beloved,'' Phoenix purred in his year, trailing her hand across his chest.
Bell narrowed his eyes, ignoring her advances.
''...How many variants of her have found happiness despite their lack of control?,'' Bell asked her.
''Uncountable. But then, there is always that hunger to all living beings. Isn't there? You know what hunger I speak of my beloved. Pay her no mind, she is just throwing a tantrum right now. Soon enough, she will find her happiness like all the rest of her variants. Whatever she is going through right now, will be passing and fleeting. If you cared to fulfill that hunger of all sentient beings then you would never have time for me,'' Phoenix dismissed uncaring, only wanting to put his mind at ease.
Jean facepalmed in her mindscape. God, Phoenix was bad at this.
Bell closed his eyes.
Fuck.
In his defense, he did recognize that look. One of depression and if he was honest, her pleas did pull at his heart strings. Most of the people here were slowly upgrading themselves from good acquaintances to friends, some even to good friends. He would need to think about giving them protections too.
Well, that was his mess to clean. A short conversation where he put his foot down should clear things up. He would write it off as a moment of weakness, which was true in a sense, but not a weakness of flesh.
(If only he had spied on Rogue after he left. And Phoenix only bothered reading her rivals mind, leaving the rest to Jean.)
Bell sighed and relaxed a little.
''Hm. I have to thank you for answering my questions. When do you want me to take you on a date?,'' Bell asked her.
''Preferably a date that will not interfere with Jeans studying,'' he hastily added, before she could answer. For all he knew she could say now or tomorrow. He remembers his own time during final exams, in his first life. God, was he pissy when he was bothered for too long at a time during that period. And Jean only recently began studying.
Phoenix pouted
''Jean says after her final exams. But that is two weeks away!!,'' Phoenix complained.
''There is nothing we can do,'' Bell told her completely serious.
''We have to respect her wishes. Unless, of course you wish to leave her body, which you won't do,'' Bell added.
''You could try to control your void powers, finally. You could shield my presence completely from anyone with that... I think. I have to admit I don't quite know all the workings and applications of your void powers,'' Phoenix told him.
''Trust me. I'm working on it. It's just ... not easy. Anyway. In that case, I will take you on a date in two weeks,'' Bell told her.
''Will we mate by the end of it?,'' Phoenix asked eagerly biting his earlobe playfully.
''No. That is still some time away. For ALL of us,'' Bell hastily added at the end, when she looked about to explode. Bell could imagine what she was thinking. Something about Gwen and receiving privileges. Besides, Jean needed to be comfortable as he would be doing it with her body in both cases. Unless he learned to control his void powers.
''Hmmm. Can I at least receive a kiss now?,'' Phoenix asked.
''...You can if you want the kiss to be completely meaningless and hollow. I could force myself to kiss you. Or you could have what Jean had and add some meaning and feeling to it. I understand you felt everything she felt at that time? But I kissed her, not you,'' Bell told her.
Phoenix sighed and let go off the hug moving to sit on the chair at the table.
''You and your human customs. I guess the joke is on me for falling in love with a human. Very well,'' she suddenly turned playful again,''I guess now you only have to solve one other puzzle then. One that was eluding you the past few days. How very vexing it must be for you. If only there was someone that may answer you in Katherines stead, more readily and with less complications. Surely, that would simplify matters.''
''Thank you for the offer, Phoenix. But I don't want to trouble you or take advantage of you. I only troubled you with Rogue, because it was urgent,'' Bell explained. A matter of life and death, really.
''Of course, my beloved,'' Phoenix smiled knowingly,''I do wish you luck with Katherine.''
Bell nodded and said his goodbyes to both of them, having felt like he bothered Jean during this period of learning enough.
Jean blinked being given control back.
She snorted as she moved around to face her table.
'He really does enjoy his 'hunts'. Doesn't he?,' Jean asked Phoenix in her mind.
'I admit I may have taken his words out of context. He did say them during battle. But, afterwards I couldn't help but notice that it seemed to apply to quite a lot of his ways. He enjoys seeing his efforts bear fruition. Simply being handed something, would be easy. No? And thus he only resort to easy answers when things are urgent,' Phoenix shrugged mentally.
'...Wouldn't that apply to you too then, technically? You are throwing yourself at him, and while he says he wants to do things properly, maybe he subconsciously finds an aversion to your behavior and pushes you away?,' Jean asked her friend. Hey, she did tell Bell that she wanted to become a therapist. She already looked up a few things, very briefly as she had different priorities, but enough to learn some things.
And she didn't necessarily need telepathy for all her problems to find answers. Bell, has shown often enough to understand humans without invading their minds.
...She was still gonna peek every now and then, for her guilty pleasure. So long as she did not mess with their minds it was fine. And she would keep their secrets so it should be extra fine.
'I... have not considered this. You could be right, however. But I don't want to wait!,' Phoenix whined.
'C'est la vie,' Jean shrugged, finally focusing back on her papers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bell could not wait too long. The anticipation (cough* frustration *cough) was killing him and despite only trying for a few days to talk to Katherine, he decided to be just a little more aggressive.
So immediately after school he sought her out at Xavier School.
But first, he was no swine. Nexus observed her for a short while, while invisible, to see if she started (like Jean) to study for her exams.
After sufficient observation, he determined that he could approach her. Now he just needed to get her to confess.
Nexus knocked on the door to her room and she opened it.
''Hello, Katherine,'' he smoothly let himself into her room and noted how symmetrical her room looked. And clean too compared to Jeans or Rogues or Gwens. Or Peters, Nexus added at the end. He was... in a concerningly amount of girls rooms, now that he said it out loud in his head.
''You and I need to talk,'' Nexus got to the point. He did say that she needed to win, always and he only once.
Katherine looked resigned, but not really surprised.
''You are right. Let's talk.''
(A.N.: 11619 words. Sorry for the cliff hanger, but thematically it won't fit in this chapter and I will probably hit the word cap. Hope you enjoyed reading it. Cheers.)