3rd POV:
Nexus landed on the small helipad of the Avengers Tower and dismissed his wings. Oh, he knew they already updated the file with everything they have 'learned' while they observed his spar to make contingencies as well as find out his identity. He didn't need Raezen to know that.
But he was not about to give them any useful or truthful information. Ergo, since monday was a school/ work day, he made another body while his original one was at school. He could hardly reveal that he was a student. Let them continue to suspect that he was some sort of adult/ war veteran.
It was weird controlling two active bodies and he would immediately stop doing that once done here. This was not like with Raezen where stuff was passive and monotonous.
Nexus walked up to the door and made to knock on the door, only for them to open before he could manage to knock.
''Please feel at liberty to enter. They are awaiting you in the living room,'' JARVIS told him trough the speakers. The living room was literally the room he stepped in, from outside, so there was no need for directions.
''Yo,'' Nexus greeted the four on the couch with a two finger salute. Steve stood up and shook his hand.
''I told you he would keep his word. Thank you for coming, Nexus,'' Steve told them and then turned back towards Nexus.
Tony rolled his eyes in exasperation.
''Yes, very nice. What's your play? Why kill HYDRA like this? Personal Vendetta? Eliminating the competition? Something else? I did not appreciate you putting the tracker in my coffee, I could have choked. Is Loki's Scepter in your possession?,'' Tony rabid fired off his questions.
''So, much for subtlety,'' Bruce muttered while taking off his glasses to clean them.
''Being direct can't hurt. So?,'' Tony shrugged his shoulders.
''I should have let HYDRA live? Why would you want that? I do not appreciate being spied on. And I would need a picture of Loki's Scepter to know what you are referring to,'' Nexus answered his questions.
''A picture? Of course. JARVIS,'' Tony called out, deciding to play along. The AI was smart enough to understand what his master wanted and a hologram of Loki's Scepter was visualized in front of all of them.
Nexus looked at it for a few moments, before snapping his fingers and pointing at it.
''I remember it! Yes, I used it to deactivate the portal during the Chitauri Invasion. Why would you assume it was with me? I remember dropping it after using it,'' Nexus said.
''It's not with you? We were hoping it was. Can you at least remember if it was in one of the HYDRA bases you cleared? That Scepter is important. We can't lose it,'' Steve sighed gravely.
''Hmmmmm. I can't remember encountering it. Then again, I did not clear every base personally. Only those in cities and high density areas. The others... well, you know. It could be in the rubble?,'' Nexus told them.
''Nexus, please. The Scepter is important. Really important and dangerous. Thor told us we can't lose it under any circumstances. We have to find it,'' Bruce pleaded.
''If it is so important and dangerous, then why didn't Thor take it with him back to Asgard, when he took Loki?,'' Nexus asked him. Along with the Tesseract, but Nexus wasn't gonna mention that.
''That is classified,'' Natasha replied, speaking up for the first time. Personally she had to admit that he was right in asking those questions. The truth was that they didn't know. Thor, presumably on Odins orders, only took back the Tesseract and Loki. He merely told them to safeguard the Scepter and Fury presumed he would come back for it later.
''Fair enough,'' Nexus said.
''That's it? No more questions,'' Tony mocked incredulously at how quickly he gave up.
''Well, she said it was classified,'' Nexus sounded so sincere when he said that.
''Can we move on to other questions then? Who did you work with? Who hacked the Triskelion?,'' Natasha asked.
''Maybe I worked alone,'' Nexus replied.
''Nexus, please. You are one matter, but we know too little about this mysterious figure. They could be dangerous. Maybe they used you so that they can remove competition or something else. We have to know,'' Steve told him, deciding to give him some benefit of the doubt. So far nothing he said sounded like lies to him. Though they would need to confer with Natasha afterward as she was trained specifically for interrogations. She told them that she would read his body language during these talks.
''Dangerous?,'' Nexus suddenly chuckled, sounding very amused,'' Everyone is dangerous, Captain. Even the most mundane people. Why do you think HYDRA was so invested in spying on the masses? Oh, they certainly had contingencies for mutates and mutants, but largely they were interested in information.''
''Fine then. And what is your partners intent,'' Tony asked.
''Now? No clue. We only worked together against HYDRA for personal reasons,'' Nexus lied.
Finally, some headway to all their questions.
''How did HYDRA wrong you?,'' Bruce asked.
''The problem with making the whole world your enemy is that there is always a bigger fish then you. Eventually you will step on someones toes that will take exception to that and will punch back. And hard,'' Nexus began, not answering the question.
Natasha narrowed her eyes slightly. That was a warning or maybe even a threat. She looked at the others and saw that it flew over their head, as they continued to be cautious, but otherwise relaxed.
'''And that is where Raezen came in?,'' Steve guessed.
''No, it was not Raezen. It was someone else. Someone named T-Bug, an alias I'm sure. I possessed the power, but I lacked the means to track them down. It was a mutually beneficial partnership. Once HYDRA was dead the two of us parted ways,'' Nexus continued.
Some more progress, if what he was saying was true.
''Do you know anything about this person? And why did he contact you? Or was it the other way around,'' Bruce asked.
''He contacted me. At least I think it was a he. His voice sounded masculine in the phone. Said that he saw me on the TV during the Chitauri invasion and knew I was the right person for the job. At first I wanted to decline since I am not a mercenary, but once he mentioned HYDRA I was in. Best choice I have ever made, especially since he did not merely want revenge, but also to save the victims,'' Nexus told them.
For a few moments The Avengers looked at each other. They have posed all the questions and have received some answers in return, be they lies or truths. They needed to decide that afterward.
''What you told us could be of great help. Thank you. By the way, since you are no longer occupied by HYDRA, we hoped to extend to you an invitation to join the Avengers. You can still do your own stuff, but in times of great peril we work together to defeat the threat,'' Steve diplomatically told him.
''What are you talking about? I'm already part of the team, the whole world says so,'' Nexus tilted his head.
''Of course, it is nice to have you on the team,'' Steve replied back a little amused.
''Well then, be seeing you. Don't worry, I know when to drop by in case you need me'' Nexus saluted and walked out before flying away with his sword wings.
They waited for a few moments, before the men all turned towards Natasha.
''...He is good. There was no fluctuations in his voice. And his body language did not suggest nervousness. His story also checks out. Either he is a better liar then I or he is telling the truth. Maybe if I could see his face, but I doubt he will show us his face for a while,'' Natasha bit out annoyed.
''What about the part where he said he was only working with one person? We were sure he worked with a hacker and now we are certain. But what about the one that helped cure Barnes from his mind control? Unless the hacker did that too?,'' Tony asked them.
''It is plausible. But from what he said, he only seemed to have talked with that hacker and never met them. Maybe he was told to deliver Bucky somewhere and then someone else brought him to that hacker? Or a third person, if there is one,'' Bruce argued.
''JARVIS...,'' Tony began.
''I already did, Sir. T-Bug is a character in the video game 'Cyberpunk: 2077'. That is the only instance of mention I have managed to procure of this name,'' JARVIS replied.
''So we have nothing,'' Tony spat.
Technically he could see who had the video game in their possession and then narrow down the suspect list, but with how popular Raezens games and movies were, they were talking about millions. Some of his products had nearly a billion of fans. Add in the fact that some people would rather watch a let's play instead of playing the game themselves, for one reason or another, and the suspect pool only grew larger. A pool that was also growing by a few people every day.
Add in the fact that it might also be a woman using a voice modulator to sound like a man and matters would only get more murky from here on out.
It was utterly infeasible to use this information for anything. He needed to go old school and find a way to hack 'T-Bug' and track them down.
''We don't know where the Scepter is. We don't know who he worked with and if they are dangerous. We don't know if he was telling the truth about anything he said. And we certainly can't forcefully question him, not until we find a weakness to exploit. The only one who could stand up to him, would be Hulk thanks to his regeneration, while the rest would die from swords exploding our of their chests. Maybe Thor too, if he is that durable. We don't even know what his agenda for us is. He joined too quickly,'' Bruce counted sounding a little despairing.
''We know he is a good person,'' Steve replied.
''Steve, I thought that you have learned not to be so trusting anymore since you lost your trust in the government. You can't expect the best from people, as that does not magically make them good people. In case it flew over your head. He threatened us when he was talking about there always being a bigger fish,'' Natasha informed them.
''He did not threaten us. I'm certain. As for why I am so sure he is a good person? Just take a look at everything he did up till now. Tell me, he is an evil person. Yes, he is secretive and he certainly has his agendas. But I doubt his plans are evil or nefarious,'' Steve earnestly replied.
They saw Nexus' works on the TV. He does a lot when there are some kind of disasters all over the world and people are loving him for it. Even IF Nexus had an agenda, ambition did not make one a bad person. Steve was firm in that belief.
He was even taking on the role of a teacher to train students and technically ensuring more heroes live to continue helping, instead of dying in their first fight.
''I mean... he said he will come meet us again. Eventually. Maybe we can try again to see of his story stays the same,'' Bruce offered.
Well...it was a good a plan as any. Tony and Natasha huffed, while Steve gave Bruce an appreciative smile.
Back to square one in finding that Scepter then.
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The sewing kit was one thing. Easy and quick to pack up should her parents knock on her door and force her to open the locked door. But making gadgets was another matter entirely. The product could be small, but the way there was cumbersome and slow. Not easy to pack up and would take a lot of space when hiding. At least the unfinished product that is.
So when Bell offered her to make her gadgets in his basement she took it. Melina almost never enters his man cave, he said. Cleaning is left to him and stuff.
Gwen should have knows Bell would do something mischievous.
She was currently sitting on his lap, while he was sitting in the chair and rubbing her back. She had to admit, while it was a little embarrassing, it was otherwise quiet comfortable, even if she pretended otherwise.
''Electric screwdriver, please,'' Grew requested, holding out her hand for Bell to put the screwdriver in her hand. More like he created it out of nothing, but same difference.
She did promise him to take his help when it comes to her safety.
Gwen returned back to looking under the magnifying glass as she carefully tinkered with her mask. She thought about making some sort of interface for her mask so that she would have some functions with her on patrols. Like listening to police reports.
While she was working Bell moved his hand from her back and put it on her thigh. She turned a little to look at him in the periphery and saw him resting his head on his arm and the arm rest. He cast her a smile.
''Why did you team up with the Avengers? I thought you don't think much of them,'' Gwen asked him returning back to her tinkering. She was a little surprised he put his hand on her thigh, but she didn't mind at all.
''Legitimacy,'' Bell replied.
''Huh?,'' Gwen replied back.
''What do all the Avengers have in common,'' Bell asked her. She was smart, he did not deny that, but he learned that there existed different kinds of smart. Curing cancer was different from understanding human nature.
For a while Gwen said nothing, just returned to her tinkering. She requested a soldering tool to melt the metal on the chips.
''Their identity is known?,'' Gwen guessed right after a while.
''Correct. Continue,'' Bell sounded pleased.
''...Well, I suppose knowing someones identity makes all the difference? Because people know that Tony Stark is Iron Man or Steve Rogers is Captain America, they seem more human. More approachable. Less prone to mistrust,'' Gwen sounded a little unsure but hearing Bell hum approvingly made her continue more confidently.
''Correct. While calling it 'joining the Avengers' is a bit of a stretch, I can not refuse a cooperation completely. You and I are vigilantes. Our image must be above reproach, as every one of our failings will be scrutinized harder then any others.
If I deny them cooperation completely, they will think I have something to hide. And no, the fact that I killed HYDRA did not earn me bonus points with them. At least it didn't earn be minus points either, so there is that.
All they need to do is say to the public that I am an enemy and my image is tarnished. Regardless of the fact that I am more popular then them in the publics eye, they will turn on me, because I am alien to them. Knowing someones face is a huge boon in trusting matters.
Likewise, the Avengers have seen my power. They know I'm not completely truthful or suspect it at least. They know they can not be to aggressive in questioning me or burn to many bridges for that matter, less the entire situation turns very ugly very fast,'' Bell explained, elaborating on what she already touched for further clarity.
''Hm. So it is a matter of balancing their scrutiny against their sense of self preservation. If one gets bigger then the other, then actions will be taken regardless of how many drawbacks it has. Why not tell them the truth or truly work together with them at least?,'' Gwen asked.
Bell chuckled mirthfully.
''Did you know that The Avengers are no longer under government oversight? S.H.I.E.L.D just pretends to the government that they still are,'' Bell revealed to her.
''Isn't that your wet dream then?,'' Gwen chuckled, but continued after a moment of running things over in her head,''It is a barrel that is waiting to spill over.''
''I assure you, I have wet dreams, but not of this,'' Bell joked. Gwen fiercely blushed and quickly hit him with her elbow in his sides.
''I'm making the mother of all omelettes, Gwen. I can't worry over every egg.
The Avengers showed that they do not trust the government anymore. But I think they lack my conviction to make the world a truly better place. Until I see otherwise, I know that they will stand in my way. So no, I will not join them. Not fully at least,'' Bell informed her.
Gwen nodded continuing to tinker with her mask.
''I don't think she was molested. Jean, I mean,'' Gwen told him suddenly. What he told her about his investigations up till now, has been on her mind since the two met ans she started working on her mask.
''Hm?''
''You don't necessarily need to discard the possibility. But I think it has more something to do with pattern recognition. Till recently you had to deal with your own trauma, soooo.... Anyway. It sounded more like someone wanted to keep her isolated,'' Gwen shared her thoughts.
''That sounds plausible. She has no where to go, after all. But then why want her to keep at that school? If it is Xavier, it certainly benefits him to do that. If it is Jean, she wants to be kept away from her home and the isolation is just a byproduct,'' Bell argued. Those are things he already considered, but he did not mind Gwen sharing her input. Two minds are always better then one, especially when both are smart.
''Then it is up to you to eliminate both possibilities and find out the real truth. I think a third party is playing an elaborate game. At least that is the theory I'm most leaning towards. It is only a matter of finding out what the goal is,'' Gwen said.
It did not matter what one knew, but what they could prove. At least that is the things were in court. Real life was a little more complicated. She felt, she was allowed to have strong suspicions or prefer one theory over the other. That said, some manner of proof would still be preferable.
''Hm. Very well. By the way, want us to go skydiving on Sunday?,'' Bell changed the subject.
Gwen cast him a sideways glance before returning to her mask.
''You are spoiling me, Bell. I did say I prefer simpler dates,'' Gwen replied.
''Why not both? Both is good. Besides, it would be nice to strike off one of my wishes from my bucket list,'' Bell shrugged.
''You can walk amongst the stars and you have a bucket list,'' Gwen joked.
''I made that bucket list when I was quiet young and not so in tune with my powers. I would love if you were by my side when doing some of my wishes. I can be by your side to for your own bucket list,'' Bell defended himself.
''But then we would run quiet quickly out of wishes. How bout this, we do one date simple and one extravagant. And every time we do an extravagant one we do one of your wishes,'' Gwen proposed.
Bell narrowed his eyes and moved his hand from her thigh to hug her around her waist and press her to his chest.
''You're not slick, Gwen. We can change it up when we do an extravagant date. One time my wish and the other yours and so on and so forth,'' Bell whispered in her ear.
Gwen slacked a little.
''...Fine. I can agree to that. But I don't have that many wishes on my bucket list,'' Gwen rested her head on his shoulder.
''That can change, if you want to make your bucket list longer,'' Bell offered.
''Hm. Skydiving takes a while, I doubt you could have trained your students and then set it all up in time,'' Gwen narrowed her eyes a little at him.
Bell pursed his lips and whistled innocently.
''Bell, don't vandalize the simulation room, just so you can spend more time with me,'' Gwen chastised.
''Hey. It is hardly vandalism if they thank me for it. It is for a good cause I swear,'' Bell argued.
Gwen just rolled her eyes and smiled, before giving him a kiss on the cheek and returning to her project.
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''Jean, I arranged for an activity for the two of us. It would be splendid if you joined me,'' Scott confidently approached her in the hallway.
''Scott, we need to talk,'' Jean addressed him seriously.
Scott, clenched his jaw a little to hide his worry. He never was in a relationship, but even he knew of that infamous and dreadful sentence. Nothing good would come of it.
The two of them found themselves on the rooftop. Scott diligently following after her.
''Is there something wrong, Jean?,'' Scott asked her.
''Scott, listen. You're a good guy and a dear friend of mine. But I think have the wrong impression here or all my rejections have not gotten through to you, so I will make it clear now. You and I will never get together. I just cannot see you in ANY romantic way. I'm sorry if that sounds to harsh to you, but because you are my friend I do not want you to waste your time on fruitless endeavors that will never bear fruit. I want you to move on and find happiness with someone else,'' Jean told him kindly, but firmly.
Scott stood a little straighter and clenched his fists.
''So who is the other guy?,'' Scott asked her a little angry.
''There is no other guy. And even if there were, what does it matter? You are not gonna convince me to give you a chance by beating him up,'' Jean sternly replied, ignoring the part of her being that drew her to someone right now.
She barely knew the guy, even if she did have the impression that he was kind. And she did like how he allowed her to be in his presence to drown out the voices without acting weird or asking questions.
But that alone did not mean she loved him or was romantically interested. Maybe if he showed her his face and she got to know him better, then it would be another matter.
Not that any of these points mattered as he had a girlfriend.
And yet something about that fact made her burn with something. And all the same something compelled her to be very close to him. Obsessively so. Even now she earned for the weekend to come faster.
She did not know why and it was confusing, as it was vexing and frustrating.
Scott clenched his jaw further, grinding his teeth against each other.
''Scott, chin up. I know you are not the kind of guy that likes to give up. But sometimes, it is best to move on. You are just going to waste your time with me. I know you will find your happiness somewhere else. Good luck, Scott,'' Jean offered him kindly before walking away from the rooftop and leaving Scott behind.
Scott continued to grind his teeth against each other for a while longer, until finally sighing and moving to lean against the railing of the rooftop, while also letting his head hang.
It hurt to be rejected. To not have ones feeling reciprocated.
But he did tell Dr.Essex that he would not stop until 'Hope' rejects him properly. And she did. He was gonna stay true to his word, but...damn it hurt.
He needed someone to talk to.
---
''Young Summers, how are you today? Normally it takes a little longer for us to meet each other again after a session. This time it is shorter then usual. Not that I mind of course. Is it about Hope? Did you want to share the good news with me?,'' Dr.Essex asked him chuckling a little and directing Scott to sit on the couch again when he entered the room.
''Your wife...Was she your first love?,'' Scott asked after a moment, making himself comfortable. He adjusted his red glasses a little, so they would not fall down. He could hardly take his optics with him, as Dr.Essex was not meant to know about the X-Men.
''Hm. I see. My wife was my first love. I'm guessing things did not go smoothly,'' Dr.Essex sighed, feeling sorry for Scott. Essex tapped his pencil on the notepad.
''No, they didn't. I'm sorry, you probably have patients with more important issues to deal with. I don't know why I came here,'' Scott shook his head, suddenly feeling very silly. He made to stand up from the couch, intending to leave the room and end the session prematurely.
''Sit down, Scott. You would be surprised, what sort of 'issues' actually trouble some of my patients. I have time for a young man with a broken heart. Besides, you know there is no refund policy once the therapy session has been booked. You should have thought about not coming her earlier,'' Nathaniel told him patiently.
''Right, sunk cost fallacy,'' Scott recounted a memory where he was younger and Essex gave him a lesson on that.
''Indeed. Well. What went wrong? You weren't assertive enough?,'' Essex asked him quickly.
''No. I'm pretty sure I was. I have followed all your suggestions and stuff. But, no. She didn't give me a reason why, but she made it clear that under no uncertain terms will the two of us ever get together. I came here, because I hoped to find a way to deal with a broken heart. Well, more like I was hoping for some sort of wisdom how one can move on, when your feelings aren't reciprocated. That is why I asked if your wife was your first love,'' Scott informed him.
''And you have just given up?,'' Essex asked him.
''Of course. I respect her enough to accept it, when she tells me that she will never love me. Besides, you told me to be a man and be assertive. A man keeps his word and I have said that if she firmly rejects me, I will drop the matter. Only, I never thought that things would turn out like this,'' Scott sighed.
''Have you considered persisting anyway? Do no take it the wrong way, but studies showed that sometimes women don't know what they want. Maybe she was angry for one reason or another and decided that is what she needed to do, reject you that is. Women are pretty emotional creatures,'' Essex told him.
Before Scott could reply again, the faulty coffee machine made a noise again distracting him momentarily. Scott turned his attention back towards Dr.Essex.
''So what will you do now?,'' Essex asked him.
''Probably move on,'' Scott replied after a long while, then he sighed,''Never mind, Dr.Essex. I think we should finish the session early today. If you don't know heartbreak you probably can't offer me any advise.''
''I see. So you are just giving up. You told me you really love Hope,'' Essex reminded him.
''Yes. But if she doesn't want to, then I can't force her. No offense, but what you said sounded pretty rapey,'' Scott frowned at Essex.
''I apologize. It was not my intention to give you that impression. I only wanted you to be happy,'' Essex clarified.
''I appreciate it, Dr.Essex. But I will have to find my happiness somewhere else. I'm really sorry to have bothered you to begin with,'' Scott stood up and quickly made his way out, foregoing his manners this time around. He started feeling uncomfortable halfway trough. He guesses he had to find out by himself how to deal with this pain.
Essex watched the closed door for a while, until finally standing up and throwing his notepad and pencil on the table.
---
''Scott! Scott, I wanted to talk with you. Look, about yesterday, I am really sorry. It's just I heard some one say that you only love me because of my body and I just got... so angry,'' Jean replied after running down the hallway to catch up to him.
''Oh. No, that is not true, but you don't need to apologize for that,'' he replied awkwardly. He made to continue walking, wanting to spend some time away from her to gather his thoughts. At least until weekends, as then he would be forced to be near her.
''Wait, one more thing. About that offer...Is it still open?,'' Jean asked a little shyly, putting some of her hair behind her ear.
Scott frowned a little confused. So which was it ?! She needed to stop playing with his emotions like this. Just a few days ago she rejected him and now this?
''I thought you made it clear you and I will never get together. What changed?,'' Scott asked her at little hostile.
''I told you. I was angry. I'm really sorry, Scott, that was foolish of me. Look, if recent events made you lose interest in me, then... I understand. I'm sorry to have hurt you,'' Jean showed understanding, although her expression was a little twisted as if she was trying to hide her pain or worry.
She turned to walk away, only for Scott to call out to her.
''Wait... I... The activity I have prepared ran its course. But I can prepare something else. Unless you want an impromptu date?,'' Scott left the option open for her.
''An impromptu date sounds nice. I doubt we can prepare something more throughout, since we have to spar with Nexus in a few days. But we can do that another time,'' Jean smiled, hugging her books to her chest.
''That sounds good. If we take the train after school we can go to Manhattan and visit a restaurant that opened recently. Does that sound good?,'' Scott asked her.
''That sounds wonderful,'' Jean beamed.
Scott watched her walk away as they had different classes after saying goodbye to each other.
Huh, guess Dr.Essex was right after all.
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''Well done. Last time I only offered you wisdom. This time I will offer you criticism.
Wanda, Jean, be more creative and assertive with your telekinesis. You are being relegated mostly to support roles, which is good as your defensive capabilities will keep everyone alive, but surely you can be more aggressive and split the roles between each other. One of you can take hold of my body and fling it around endlessly. And that is just the tip of the ice berg.
Pietro, Kurt, consider always having a weapon on you. Knifes preferably. If killing is not your style then use a blunt weapon, like a sturdy baton. Confer with Hank if you want to procure one. I understand armor wastes your energy and restricts your mobility, but try to find anything at all anyway. Some defense is better then no defense at all.
Piotr be more aggressive. I can feel how you are pulling your punches to not even break one of my bones.
Bobby, same as Jean and Wanda. You are creative but attack my body more. Freeze it under subzero temperatures. Or freeze the air, take hold of the ice and use the constructs to bludgeon me. You are already sometimes creating tracks for you to slide in the air, why not take it a step further?
Katherine... well there is hardly anything I can criticize. You seem to have a good grasp on your own powers and pushing them further and further. I suppose having a small weapon could be good, but I am sure you can just push your hand into my chest and rip out my heart with your intangibility.
Rogue, you can't always rely on the hope that you will be able to absorb your enemies power and memory. Either absorbs someones ability completely or carry some weapons on you. But I will try to come up with something else for next weekend, if killing is not your style.
Laura, I leave the matter to Logan. There is hardly anything I can criticize, except fighting with less rage.
Scott as the leader, you must internalize your teammates criticism and be aware of their short comings. Make suggestions of improvements and become more creative with their powers. Either by talking to them or studying up on them. Take pride that even like this you come up with good plans and playing to your teams strengths. But you could do much better. As for your powers, same with Katherine, minus the rip out my heart part.
But that is something you need to work on it for a while. I'm sure Logan and Bucky will be ready to lend you a hand with it,'' Nexus rolled his shoulder and rubbed his wrist three areas that they managed to hit him quiet hard in.
While he personally thinks that they should be willing to kill their opponents, he could hardly force them to do that. He was not THAT much of a hypocrite that he did not mind Gwen doing that and yet raised issue with the X-Men doing the same. That did however mean that they could possibly make their lives harder for themselves.
''Are you trying to get us to kill you!?,'' Bobby asked.
''No. But unlike Logan I can bring out most of your strength ... and like Logan I can take most of your hits. I assure you that is why I offered to train you in the first place and why I was hired. I can survive you at your absolute best. Remember what I said and off you go. Go wash yourselves or something and remember what I told you,'' Nexus waved them off.
He watched them exit the simulation room.
---
''You shouldn't encourage them to so easily take a life,'' Xavier chastised strolling down a path around the mansion in his flying (wheel) chair. He requested that the two of them talk to each other after the spar.
''I'm not doing that. I'm making them aware that the option exists,'' Nexus shrugged.
''Killing is no trivial matter. It changes some one irreversibly,'' Xavier continued.
''I know. I felt it. Charles, I understand you are a pacifist and prefer a peaceful resolution over conflict. But some people NEED to die. It would be a shame if your students died, because they fanatically refused to do the deed,'' Nexus kindly told him.
Charles sighed.
''It would be indeed be a shame. I just wish we wouldn't have to resort to such barbarism,'' Charles lamented.
''The world is unkind. Sometimes one must make ugly choices,'' Nexus replied.
''You sound like Logan now,'' Charles joked. And like someone else, but her would not mention that to Nexus.
''Then he speaks with good sense. Hard to completely dismiss the wisdom of a nearly 300 year old man, even if he has forgotten most of it,'' Nexus shrugged.
''It doesn't help that he tries to share the wisdom in his usual gruff manner. Many times he has complained that students refuse to listen to his words. It gladdens my heart to see you be more successful in that,'' Charles complimented.
''You're welcome,'' Nexus said.
The two of them walked for a bit in silence.
''Now, I did not request for the two of us to talk just because I wanted to make small talk. I did want to ask you about something, to be specific. Your mind. I can not peer into it. It is... empty. And yet empty somehow does not feel like the right word. I can also feel my telepathic abilities being a little stunted now that I am so near you. I hoped you would shed some light onto it,'' Charles politely requested. It needed mention however that he felt it even when he shook his hands, when the two of them met for the first time. But he judged it not to be a good time to address it then.
Nexus was silent for a few moments.
''I mean that in the kindest way possible, Charles. Some things are better left unexplored. While I like the truth, take it from someone who has seen it. The human mind was not meant to comprehend everything. Some truths can drive most men mad. You do not want to know what is in my mind. All you need to know is that it is no threat to you, Jean or any other telepath. It is a protection for those around me,'' Nexus replied, his voice grave. e would give the impression that he could control his void mind.
''... You are referring to something akin to eldritch horror. I see. You have starred in the abyss then and returned back safe. I thought eldritch horror only existed in Lovecrafts stories,'' Xavier assumed.
Like Icarus he risked almost getting too close to the sun.
''All stories have an element of truth to them,'' Nexus warned him.
''I see. Perhaps then, I will take your warning,'' Xavier replied, reluctantly dropping the matter. It would hardly do for the children to lose him as a protector. Then again, Nexus might be lying. Not that he could tell if he was.
''I'm surprised Hank managed to repair the simulation room so quickly,'' Nexus began conversationally intending to start directing the conversation in a certain direction.
''The simulation room is an integral part of the students training. At the danger of not sounding humble, I would like to boast that here at our school we provide our students with as many opportunities as possible,'' Xavier proclaimed.
''...You really care about these children. Why? Is it because you are kindred spirits? Or something else?,'' Nexus asked him.
''I admit that in large I care for them because they have the X-Gene. Many of them are shunned by their parents and so I have taken it upon myself to provide them a home and give them an education in a safe environment, both academic as well as learning to control their powers, so that they do not land on the street due to a lack of education,'' Charles began.
''It also reduces the chance of these kids resorting to crime. They DO need to eat like all other people,'' Nexus hummed.
''...I do admit that is one byproduct of my action. But primarily I want to give these kids a home. I was an only child. I inherited both fortunes of my parents. If I have the money, why not use it to do something good?,'' Charles argued.
''Then you are a better man then most. But Charles, you have to understand the current things are not sustainable. Your money is gonna run one day out OR you will die before then and there is no guarantee that your successor will continue your effort. And not only that, it is a miracle that the public is not yet aware about mutants, what with there being more and more cameras everywhere,'' Nexus warned.
Granted there were the Friends of Humanity. Right now there were only a handful of them and most called them conspiracy theorists, but with more and more Metahumans appearing, both mutates and mutants, their ridicule has lessened.
''I know, I dread the day once it comes. I doubt peaceful coexistence can continue like this once it happens,'' Charles sighed. He had S.H.I.E.L.D and more importantly Fury to thank for that. Thanks to their mutual goals and (somewhat) understanding he had kept the X-Men largely away from the public and Fury, Charles believed, ensured all recordings of them did not see the news.
But dreams have a way of ending and one must always wake up to the ugly world. His friend told him that once. They parted ways, not peacefully, both seeking a different response to the day that will one day come.
The two were silently walking by each other for a few moments once again.
''Besides it is not just people with the X-Gene that I take in. Sarah for example and a few other teachers sympathetic to our cause, for one reason or another. Then there are people like Miss Wanda, who do not have the X-Gene and yet she is part of the X-Men all the same. The students are not required to repay me for everything, but most do at their own volition. Be it either monetary or, as some did recently, by promising to return with a teachers degree and provide help this way. Things are not as bleak as you may thing in that department,'' Charles explained.
And conveniently he said nothing about the other matter. About the cameras. Nexus would give him that reprieve.
''EVERY opportunity? I know you have a medical bay and also tons of activities in rooms and stuff. But what about matters that are not so visible? Like therapy sessions. Sometimes mental issues are more serious then any bodily harm, in fact it may lead to bodily harm,'' Nexus asked him.
''You are speaking about a school counselor. I occupy that position alongside being the director of the school. Why? Do you need help in something? I'm willing to lend you an ear and offer some words of advise if that is what you wish,'' Charles offered kindly.
''Hmm. Maybe. I was just thinking, trauma comes form the latin word 'τραῦμα' and means wound or damage. And I was thinking what differentiates these types of wounds and damages from others of its kinds to the point a differentiation needed to be made,'' Nexus finally reached the point he wanted to talk about.
Jean may be more powerful, for some reason, despite being younger. Which meant that she was less experienced then Charles, but had a higher potential despite not having her powers completely under control right now. And yet despite his experience Nexus was sure he could read Charles' mind, so long as he keeps him a little distracted, makes his mind focus on a subject (bringing it to the front of his mind and thus less defended) and does not spend a lot of time in his mind.
None of the teachers Jean had interacted with before coming to Xaviers school did anything of the sort, of harming the students in any way. He already checked Hank, Logan, Ororo and many other teachers. Now only Charles was left.
In and out. Quick and easy.
''I wasn't aware that you know latin,'' Charles asked surprised.
''I'm a man of many talents,'' Nexus shrugged.
''Fascinating. As for your question...Hmm. I would have to say that trauma is a wound that lingers. Despite the wounds visibly healing It festers deep under your skin, deep in your subconsciousness and causes you distress, knowingly or unknowingly,'' Charles reduced his studies on the matter to it's most essential.
''It lingers, huh? But then how does one deal with it? The beauty of individualism is that no one responds the same to any one matter. Some welcome death sword in hand others bargain for a few breaths more and so on and so forth. I suppose trauma is treated similarly. How do you prefer to treat trauma,'' Nexus asked him.
''That depends on the student. One does not simply get rid of trauma. I did say it lingers. The best and most optimal way is to confront oneself with it and find a resolution to that which plagues one, so that one may learn to live with it. Some do it, as you said, very directly. Others prefer to have that trauma continue inflicting pain for one reason or another. Meanwhile others, prefer to suppress it and never dare to confront it, ensuring that their nights will never be peaceful. It is a touch and go situation with every student that comes to me for help, I must always see what works and what doesn't,'' Charles informed Nexus.
''Hm. You DO get the benefit of being a telepath. Have you ever used your powers to better help your students?,'' Nexus asked him.
Charles,instead of answering, looked off into the far distance. The question quickly having invoked some sort of memory.
Nexus wasted no time in pouncing on the opportunity and quickly get to work.
''I... I would love to use my powers to help people, but most do not like to have their deepest innermost thoughts seen by anyone. I was made aware that, though I may be well meaning, I should ask for permission first,'' Charles told him a little hesitant at first.
Nexus chose not to address the fact that he tried to read his mind the first time he came to visit Laura. It served no purpose.
''No philosophy is universal or bulletproof. Sometimes extraordinary problems require extraordinary solutions. What if one day the day comes, where you will be forced to enter someones mind without their permission? The alternative being destructive,'' Nexus asked him.
''...,'' Charles was silent.
''I see I have touched on a sore subject, I apologize. I ask because I have someone that struggles with their issues and I don't know what to do with them,'' Nexus lied, offering Charles an olive branch after he found his answers.
''I see. I'm guessing it not Miss Laura or yourself, for that matter. If you want you can bring the person to our school and I can seek to help them,'' Charles quickly offered, wanting to change the subject.
''I would need to to discuss it with that person. Their situation is... delicate,'' Nexus diplomatically told him.
''I understand. Just know that the door to my therapy room is always open, should they change their mind. But for now, I wish to retire to my office. I have taken up enough of your time and a directors troubles never end. Not with my students,'' Charles chuckled, with Nexus giving a huff in reply.
The two shook hands and Charles rolled away none the wiser to what happened.
Nexus stood there for a bit watching him before taking the few extra steps to be near the lake and watched two swans do their dance.
He had what he wanted. And with it, more then he could have ever expected. Charles did not molest Jean. Thank god for small mercies. He would not wish that kind of trauma on anyone.
Jeans awakening was strong enough that Charles felt her psionic presence even without the Cerebro. He came to her house, talked with her parents, learned that she witnessed and, more importantly, felt her friends death from her perspective when he gently entered Jeans mind.
It was also when he entered her mind that he understood just how (truly) powerful Jean was, so in an effort to keep her and those around her safe he sealed her memories and with it a LARGE portion of her own powers. The fact that she only recently awakened her powers allowed Charles that window of opportunity to do so.
Charles knew that he could no longer enter her mind again. She was, even now, too powerful for him. And he considered her mindscape too dangerous to tread now, with her lack of control. A part of Charles also did not want to undo the barriers he put on Jean.
Turns out that he did not mess with the parents minds. But shortly afterward, after taking Jean with him to the school, her parents contacted him and told him that they did not want their daughter back. Charles having seen many parents spurn their own children, merely accepted it and decided to raise Jean himself. Like many other students, he started seeing her as a daughter and he only wanted the best for her. Thus, out of well meaning intentions, he did not want to let Jean remember that tragic incident.
In a way, that was negligence, that Charles did not investigate when Jeans parents no longer wanted her back every break, after acting so worried for her. Not that Nexus could completely fault Charles for that.
But the rest he could fault him for.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
And so far, from what he has seen, all this seemed like a mess and a half. Like a powdered barrel waiting for the smallest spark to explode.
Nexus watched the swans put their head against each other. Those animals mated for life. What beautiful creatures.
Sometimes, Nexus wished to be like them. If not a swan, then some other kind of animal. Wholly unconcerned about the happenings of the world.
A simple life away from all the humanity.
Away from all this fucking bullshit.
Nexus sighed. Who was he kidding? He was not the type to run away.
Nexus went over all the details again. There still could be the possibility that it was Jean that messed with her parents mind. But all things considered, that seemed unlikely.
Turns out Gwen was right then. A third party, that wanted or needed Jean here at school. For one reason or another.
But for what?
A telepath for sure. Nexus was starting to remember why he disliked other telepaths. No, that is just his confirmation bias speaking. Charles is not evil, even if he is part of the problem.
If it is truly a third party, then all his investigation has led him back to square one. Maybe a little bit more knowledgeable then before, but this knowledge did not tell him what the goal of this third party was.
Unless he would go out of his way to drape the whole world in his energy again and search for the enemy this way. But he did not want to resort to that so quickly again. Even with his now improved AoE detections thanks to the Web of Life and Destiny, Nexus knew there were still dangers.
Perhaps he would have an idea if he spent more time near or with Jean.
---
''Yo, Laura, Katherine, what are you doing. Where is Rogue?,'' Nexus asked them, while walking up to them. The two girls where sitting on a blanket on the meadow. It was the the middle of February and today was sunny. It also hasn't snowed or rained in a while. But it was still a little cold and thankfully the two wore some thick clothes.
''Professor Nexus, how are you doing? We are doing good and playing some cards. Rogue wanted to spend the day inside,'' Katherine replied smiling and waving at him.
''Never address me like that again. Just call me Nexus. And what are you playing?,'' Nexus asked them kneeling outside of the blanket and looked at Lauras cards while giving her a head pat.
''She is trying to teach me how to play poker,'' Laura replied.
''Ha! At least you have the blank expression down,'' Nexus chuckled amused.
''That is what I said too! We just started. Do you want to join us? I can teach you too,'' Katherine offered.
''No, I will just watch you two,'' Nexus waved them off, turning to sit on the blanket as well, with his boots outside of the blanket so he won't dirty it.
''Suit yourself. You are the one missing out,'' Katherine shrugged.
''Is this the first time you are teaching her the game?,'' Nexus asked Katherine.
''No. The third. She struggles with comprehending it,'' Katherine replied.
Nexus made an understanding sound, choosing not to comment on Laura frowning in frustration. So she still did not like when she struggled, thinking people were making fun of her.
''You are missing the chips and stuff,'' Nexus pointed out.
''Meh. This is just some fun. No reason to bring in money and all that,'' Katherine replied. It would also make the game more complicated and she wanted to start Laura with something simple.
''Stupid. Do people really gamble their life saving on a game of luck?,'' Laura commented.
''Well, yes and no. We aren't betting anything. But...yeah. If you go in Las Vegas then you can, I guess,'' Katherine replied.
''Besides, it is not COMPLETELY a game of luck. You can calculate the cards to increase the likelihood of you winning. But if you do that then the House is going to kick you out,'' Nexus added.
''Why?,'' Laura asked at that.
''Truth is, the game was rigged from the start.
Most realize that when they lost everything. But then it will be too late.
Regardless of what most people say, the House is meant to make money. It is not meant to let you win, except sometimes to sell the illusion to idiots that they can get rich off of it. In other words, if you DO win by calculating the cards they are gonna take issue with that,'' Nexus told her.
Katherines mouth twitched at that quote, recognizing it from the past.
''Even dumber then,'' Laura criticized.
''Then you are smarter then most,'' Katherine complimented.
Laura predictably lost the round. Again. She growled but quickly composed herself.
''By the way, have any of you seen Jean?,'' Nexus asked them halfway through watching the next round. Sure he only came here a few times, but every time he was here Jean like to spend time near him to dull out the voices.
''No. But she is most likely with Scott,'' Laura said.
''Oh?''
''Yeah. Turns out she decided to give Scott a chance and they went on a date,'' Laura told him.
Nexus narrowed his eyes behind his mask.
''But she was so sure that she and him would never get together. What made her change her mind?,'' Nexus asked them.
Both girls shrugged their shoulders.
''Dunno. Maybe she decided to give him one single chance before telling him no and she found out she actually enjoyed herself a lot. The two of them together have been sickeningly sweet with each other,'' Katherine murmured distracted, checking her cards and running the calculations in her mind.
''Is that so? You two continue and have fun, I have some other matters to attend to,'' Nexus instructed them and stood up.
''Good luck,'' Katherine called out while he was walking away. Nexus raised his hand to them without turning around.
With an unknown telepath, anything Jean did and decided must be under scrutiny.
---
Jean walked the hallway and rounded a corner only to almost crash into Nexus.
''Nexus, sorry about that,'' Jean apologized to him.
Nexus remained silent and merely took a step towards her. Jean felt the atmosphere change and she looked around for other people. She took a step back and Nexus took another towards her. The process repeated until she hit her back to the wall.
Nexus contemplated just reading her mind as well, but if she was more powerful then Charles, and he could not feel when she tried to read his mind, then she would probably feel his attempts to read her mind.
''I have heard the most interesting gossip. You and Scott are together now?,'' Nexus began.
Jean narrowed her eye at him in confusion and quickly in suspicion.
''Is that... Wait, is it what I think this is about?,'' Jean asked him.
''I don't know, you tell me,'' Nexus dispassionately told her.
''Nexus, we are student and teacher, it would be highly inappropriate. And just because I happened to spend some time with you does not give you the right that the two of us have a chance of getting together. Besides, you told me you had a girlfriend,'' Jean sternly chastised him.
''Mhm,'' Nexus merely commented and continued to stare down at her.
Jean readied her telekinetic powers to push him away the moment she would feel him have any unkind thought about her.
!?!?
Nexus stepped back a few steps.
''Sorry about that Jean. It's just last time you were so decisive about telling Scott he will never have a chance and told us you would reject him properly. And now this? I feared he managed to coerce you somehow into a relationship. I did not mean to frighten you,'' Nexus apologized.
''And THAT is how you chose to go about things?,'' Jean asked him perplexed, suddenly much more positively dispositioned to him, now that she knew his actions stemmed from a place of concern.
''I have been told by a lot of people I can be intense. And too often victims choose to remain silent. I have learned being more firm makes them more inclined to talk. One fear of somebody winning over the other, type of thing. He really did not coerce you?,'' Nexus asked her.
''Ah, I see. No, he did not coerce me o anything. I just decided to give him one chance and things went off from there,'' Jean smiled at him.
''Hm. Very well, just know that I am ever ready to help, if any of my students are in trouble. My well wishes to the two of you,'' Nexus told her kindly.
''Thank you,'' Jean beamed at him.
''Well then, off you go. Sorry to have held you up, Jean,'' Nexus made a 'move along' gesture.
''No apologies needed. Your actions came from a place of concern. Thank you for looking out for us. Bye,'' Jean waved while she hopped away.
Nexus waved back, his eyes trailing after her till she was out of his sight. Finally he let his hand down and just in the hallway for a few moments.
He felt her telepathic probe.
The moment he did so he immediately checked her DNA to see if she was a shapeshifter or something of the sort. He had to admit he was not completely sure, if it was Jean, but it definitely was not a shapeshifter. He needed to go later to the medical bay and investigate Jeans blood samples there.
All X-Men had to give their blood samples regularly to see if their powers (and X-Gene) were stable and ready to be used on the battlefield without danger. It also allowed for other stuff like allowing Hank to find any diseases or irregularities.
...
...
...
It was a perfect match. Nothing that would raise questions. And yet, her behavior underwent too drastic a change and more importantly he felt her telepathic probe.
A perfect clone?
Technology was not yet advanced enough to do that. Superpowers then? A team? A telepath and someone that manipulates genes or maybe molecules or perhaps even matter.
But why Jean? Her powers? That made no sense then. If she was a perfect clone, then why could he suddenly feel her telepathic probes? What was she missing compared to before?
Could she be a host to something? Something that boosts her already great powers even further. This 'Jean' was powerful still, but he knew he could take her with ease now. As his public persona Nexus that is.
If she was a host, then maybe it is not about Jean at all. It is about that thing in her, whatever it may be. A team that is throughout and paranoid seeking to extract that thing from the real Jean, without anyone being all the wiser.
Yes, Nexus could see it. The second guy clones her with his powers, the first one copies all the memories to the copy with his telepathy and the third one (or second or first or maybe a forth or fifth or maybe there was no team and only one guy like him) extracts the thing from the real Jean to use it for themselves.
But then if she was a perfect copy of Jean, why suddenly the change on some stances? Why get together with Scott, when she was before so firmly against it? That behavior raised questions. He wouldn't have arrived here if that were not that case.
Perhaps the real target was not the thing that Jean was hosting, if there is something like that at all, but for her to get together with Scott. It would be one possibility why that group wanted her isolated. Wanted her here. Near Scott. But for what purpose then?
Children? But for what? Or something else, that was not children?
Nexus began pacing.
Perhaps it was Scott that was the real target and not Jean. But then what for? Why Scott and not Jean? Why one that was less powerful over the other?
His infinite energy from that dimension? That was the only notable thing about Scott, no offense to him.
Nexus clicked his tongue. Jean did say that when she looked into Scotts mind, she saw no reason why he liked her.
Compulsions? From that unknown telepath?
For fucks sake, Nexus cursed in his mind and stopped pacing.
All of these theories sounded plausible even if some less so then others. Too many variables, too many components, too many unknowns, too little evidence. He was missing critical puzzle pieces. He didn't even know how far that groups reach extended and if he should raise the alarm.
Worse. He approached this entire situation thinking that Jean was plagued by trauma. And she was, but that cause all of this. And now he has even more questions, more so then before. He was not merely back to square one, he received a massive setback.
He only knew two things for certain.
This 'Jean' may very well be just a victim. She did not register as a threat or an enemy.
The real Jean was in danger and he needed to hurry the fuck up.
...
...
...
...
...
...
Scott. He needed to start investigating everything on Scott. It made no sense as he most likely was a victim too. But for now, Nexus had nothing else to work with except grasping at straws.
If THAT yielded no results, he was willing to make full use of his powers in order to find Jean, regardless of the consequences of someone tracking the energy back to him. Some of the students managed to become tentative friends of his and he was sure they would grow to become good friends if given the chance.
And even if that were not the case, it was as simple as him wanting to help someone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''Tadaa!,'' Gwen said opening the door to her apartment and presenting her modest pink dress to Bell who was standing in the hallway. As per her wishes, they decided not to do anything extravagant right now.
''Aren't you overdressed? We are only going to a pizza stand, not to some fancy restaurant. What if you get grease on it?,'' Bell commented absentmindedly.
A voice snorted from behind Gwen and stepped forward. It was George.
''Hey! That is not what you are supposed to say,'' Gwen complained.
''Oh, please. You could wear a trash bag and still manage to look disgustingly attractive. But fine, the dress really suits you,'' Bell complimented distracted. Not that this compliment meant much in Bells opinion. As someone who lived before coming here, compared to his previous life, everyone was very attractive and good looking. Even the nerds were good looking.
It was ridiculous, really.
''Ugh, you ruined the charm,'' Gwen sighed.
''Listen, I'm not gonna ask what you two are up too. I want Gwen back by ten. You will not bring her to any club and/ or any party, NO DRUGS. And if she is in danger... Be a man,'' George firmly set down the rules. Gwen was by his side, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
The fuck kind of impression does George have of him?
''Of course. I have no intention of seeing Gwen come to any harm,'' Bell shook Georges hand who hummed in turn.
''Guess, I will have to take that. You two have fun and stay safe,'' George waved them off and watched them walk away.
''Bell, are you alright? You seem distracted,'' Gwen immediately addressed the matter when they were far enough away from her father.
''I am distracted. You were right. Someone wanted to keep Jean isolated for one reason or another. I'm befuddled, that is all. Sorry, this is supposed to be our date. I can get my things in order afterwards,'' Bell apologized shaking his head.
''I don't mind. Can I help?,'' Gwen asked him.
''Not now. Too many questions have arisen. I'm confused and I'm in the thick of it. You probably will be even more confused from second hand accounts. Don't worry, I will share things with you afterwards, when I have a better grasp of the situation. That said. You really do look good in that dress, I just worry it will get dirty,'' Bell explained to her.
''Of course, I had to dress nicely. This Stan, is the whole reason why you dared to take that step with me in this relationship. I have to thank him and I want to give a good impression,'' Gwen told him, while taking his hand in hers.
Bell chose not to make any lewd jokes about hand holding. They got stale fast.
''Should I be concerned that you want to dress better for other men then me?,'' Bell joked.
''That depends. You haven't told me all that much about Stan. Is he a DILF?,'' Gwen joked back comfortably. And as a sort of revenge for all his crass jokes till now. Not that she COMPLETELY minded, but still.
(Meanwhile:
Stan spat out his drink in shock. He profusely apologized to his costumer and began drying him as well as offer a free pizza.)
Bell gaped at her. On one hand, his humor was rubbing off on her. On the other, he was suddenly very annoyed, but he had no one but himself to blame for opening that subject. In the future he would refrain from such jokes.
He didn't know he could be so possessive.
She also had no idea who Stan was and how bizarre that sounded.
''Maybe next time, don't make such jokes. Hm?,'' she pulled him towards her to give him a quick kiss.
''Minx. I see I have been rubbing off on you. But much to learn yet, you have, young Padawan,'' Bell warned her.
''Let's not turn this into some sort of contest. I don't mind you joking too much, but this is not for me,'' Gwen told him, smiling at him. She knew Bell was not the kind that completely forgot what was on his mind, but she was glad to give him at least some sort of reprieve.
''Ok. We should be arriving shortly. Are you nervous?,'' Bell pointed out. Papi's Pizzeria was not that far from Gwens apartment. just a short walk away.
''A little,'' Gwen admitted.
''Stan is a chill guy. You are acting like he is my father or something. I know you are thankful, but come on. Breathe in, relax. Do you want me to do the introductions to break the ice?,'' Bell calmed her down.
Gwen took a breath and nodded. After a few more meters they entered the pizzeria.
''Yo, Stan. Look who I brought,'' Bell greeted, when the two of them came over to the counter.
''Bell! And you must be the Miss Stacy, the one he told me so much about. A pleasure to meet you,'' Stan wiped his hands and shook Gwens hand.
''A pleasure to meet you too. Can I just say, thank you for helping Bell with his issues. I appreciate it more then you can imagine,'' Gwen thanked him appreciatively.
''I was once young and in love too. I might have some idea how much you appreciate it,'' Stan replied mysteriously.
''Please, please, take a seat. I will be with you shortly,'' Stan pointed at a table.
Gwen and Bell made their way over to the table and Bell held out the chair, before pushing her with the chair to the table.
''What a gentleman,'' Gwen cooed, batting her eyelashes at him.
''Please. I can imagine that the dress would get creases if I didn't help you,'' Bell joked.
''I'm starting to get the impression you love my dress more then me,'' Gwen joked back.
''Curses. You have seen through my master plan. Nooooooo,'' Bell theatrically wailed, albeit silently as to not disturb the other customers.
''So is this really the best pizzeria in town,'' Gwen asked him amused.
''Just as beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so does taste. Maybe you will like it like I do, maybe not. If so, it is no great loss,'' Bell propped his head on his arm and starred intensely at her. Couples didn't need to like everything that their partner liked. One want to love a partner not themselves. Or were they narcissists?
Gwen blushed and moved a strand of her hair behind her ear.
''You look handsome too,'' Gwen complimented back.
''I know. I always look good,'' Bell shrugged with a smug smile.
Well... he wasn't exactly wrong about that.
''Yes. Even in a trash bag,'' Gwen recalled his earlier words.
''See? We can look good in trash bags together. Maybe if we are smart we can put some sort of brand, like Prada, on it and we can walk down the path together. And I'm sure everyone will eat it up like the idiots they are,'' Bell mocked.
Gwen gently kicked Bell under the table.
''Bell, don't be THAT rude,'' Gwen chastised.
''You are right. Mom did tell me not to bully mentally impaired or challenged humans. I will stop now,'' Bell acquiesced graciously.
''So, what can I bring the two of you love birds?,'' Stan suddenly appeared while Gwen was gaping at Bell.
''I would like the usual, Stan. As for the Missus. That is up to her,'' Bell said. Gwen jumped like a deer caught in the headlights. She still hasn't recovered from how rude Bell was previously.
She made to quickly and nervously open the menu and looked through it. In her panic she quickly gave up however.
Bell watched her reactions while continuing to prop his head on his hand and hide his smile behind it.
''I would like to have what he will have too,'' Gwen eventually said. Stan scribbled something quickly on the paper.
''Very well. I will give the order to the chefs and then we can talk,'' Stan walked away.
''We haven't ordered drinks,'' Gwen complained with a small glare towards Bell. It was all his fault.
''It is included in the usual,'' Bell told her.
''Oh.''
Shortly afterwards Stan came back and sat at the table on Bells side.
''How did the two of you meet?,'' Gwen eagerly began her questions.
''Ah! Good memories. As you can see, i'm not as young as I used to be. And sometimes there are things I can no longer lift. It was quiet late and all my workers went home. And voila, there he was the solution to all my problems. I offered to make him something and from there we just hit it off,'' Stan recounted.
''That does sound like Bell, alright,'' Gwen smiled at him.
''Yes, always there ready to offer a helping hand,'' Stan added.
Bell gave them an unimpressed look. Where they trying to embarrass him?
''Butter me up more,'' Bell demanded seriously.
Both snorted.
They continued to converse some more until the pizza arrived. It was a pizza with black olives, ham, salami, mushrooms and some basil as toppings. Cold water was the beverage.
Gwen had to admit it was the best pizza she had ever eaten.
They continued to talk some more after that.
Until the two found themselves back to her home.
''He was really nice. Even if your friendship is a little weird,'' Gwen said while the two were outside her door.
''Meh. We are making it work,'' Bell shrugged.
''I can see that. Bell, I had a wonderful time today,'' Gwen thanked him. Bell pursed his lips and gently grabbed her hand while pulling her towards him.
''Any time spent with you is a great time for me. I'm happy you enjoyed yourself,'' Bell hugged her around the waist.
Gwen smiled sadly while stroking his cheek.
''I'm gonna throw the words you once said to me back to you. You are not slick. Thank you for going ahead with the date anyway, but I can tell you worry for your friend. I told you we could have called things off and I would have understood,'' Gwen reminded him.
Bell released some breath and hang his head.
''Well, it is not like I have bee completely idle. I have been investigating things as Raezen. Tomorrow I will just take a more active role,'' Bell defended himself.
Yes he was grasping at straws, but he was not about to investigate for a needle in a haystack. Not without doing some research first.
''There is never a moment of rest with you huh?,'' Gwen fondly remarked.
''Would you have it any other way?,'' Bell asked her.
''That depends. Do you want me in any other way?,'' Gwen whispered, only to immediately realize how she phrased that.
''No. I prefer you just the way you are. Faults and all,'' Bell replied..
''...'', Gwen was surprised when he did not take the chance to make a crass joke.
''I do have my moments,'' Bell pulled her a little closer.
''That you do,'' Gwen smiled leaning closer and put her hands around his neck.
Finally the two of them were close enough to kiss.
(A.N.: 12326 words. Hope you enjoyed reading that. Cheers.)