Chapter Text
Aloha!
Chapter 1
Suspicious Timing
The calm small waves of the ocean that were gently glittering in the afternoon sun, suddenly burst into heavier ripples. The sun was temporarily blocked by the Blackbird coming in for a landing. A blemish on the otherwise picturesque island setting. Logan had barely finished shutting off the engine before Kurt had already teleported off the jet and the door was being opened. He let out a sigh as the people on board pooled out as if they we're being held captive. He rolled his eyes as Ororo laughed in the seat beside him.
"They act like we don't have a beach back home," said Logan as he stood up.
"Home is always a wonderful place to be, but a vacation is always a place one wants to be," replied Ororo as she stood, "Though I do hope for us all to be checked in before they all wander off to the nearest tourist farce."
Logan snorted.
"I already made sure there's plenty of room in the storage for whatever garbage they try and drag back to Bayville," Logan stepped off the ramp with Ororo to the bright tropical sun causing him to cover his eyes.
It was hot as it was the height of summer heat on the Hawaiian island they we're currently vacationing on as a group. It had been a rather spur of the moment trip decision. It had been originally intended to simply drop Scott off to visit Alex for a week, but Charles had suggested a nice getaway for the team might be nice. No boats this time. Since he and Hank would be having guests over, setting up potential new staff for an increase in students, and a conference to prepare for, it was an ideal time to empty out the mansion. Logan had some suspicions on who at least one of the guests might be, and it was a wise choice to leave.
"Aloha!" cheered Bobby next to them, already sporting beach ware and sunglasses, "I could do without the heat, but the water is definitely calling me!"
"I can't wait to try some surfing," stretched Roberto, "But the sun is calling me!"
"It's a bit too teth for me," Rahne was fanning herself as he looked towards the water.
"Yer tellin' me," huffed Rogue as she pulled at the front of her top, "I'm gonna melt on this trip."
"Like, maybe if you wore lighter colors, you wouldn't be so hot," cut in Kitty as she tinkered on her phone.
"Kitty, promise you won't be texting Lance all vacation," sighed Jean, "I get it that you wish he'd taken the offer to come with us, but you need to enjoy this trip too."
"I won't," breathed Kitty, "He just made me promise to tell him when we arrived, so he wouldn't worry. You know how he feels about flying."
"Unfortunately... we all do," Kurt grimaced, "Some more than others."
"And by the time there was an invite extended, he was already on his own flight," huffed Kitty.
"Such a shame," Scott said with more than a little hint of sarcasm.
Kitty rolled her eyes and ignored him.
"So where did the Brotherhood go on vacation, again?" asked Jubilee as Kurt walked off shuttering at the brief time Lance occupied the mansion.
"Don't know. Like, we made each other a promise not to tell each other," Stated Kitty, "That way, if we went somewhere better than each other's, we wouldn't get mad."
"That's smart," stated Sam, "Don't need to start a weeklong argument."
"I mean, we for sure are in the better place, right?" asked Roberto, Bobby nodded.
"Alright, gather around," called Ororo, "The resort is just up passed this small hill. Everyone, grab their bags so we can check in. Anything left on the jet will be going with the jet to its proper parking area later."
There was a clambering of excitement as everyone began grabbing the luggage they had brought with.
"I'll get your bags, Amara," said Jamie, multiplying himself and getting her extra luggage.
"Thanks, Jamie," said Amara as they all began heading up hill.
"Once Logan and I get the keys, we will come and give you room," Ororo spoke over them, "Let us not overwhelm those working here with a mass of people all at once."
"Hey, Scott, this includes you as well there, bud," called Logan towards the back of the group.
A few turned to see Scott had already started headed down towards the beach.
"Alex lives a few blocks up the beach," defended Scott, "We made plans to meet up for lunch."
"You can get your key and then go meet up with your brother," argued Logan, "I'm sure neither of you are gonna starve."
"Eh, let em go," said Kurt as he teleported to lean on Logan, "I'll give him his key later."
"He can wait," Logan ordered. Kurt blew a raspberry and teleported back to where he had been carrying Rogue and his bags.
They had finally reached the resort, a beautiful and wide building that looked as if it was only one level. In the distance and more inland you could see taller resorts and buildings but there's was located right on the beach. Logan and Ororo walked inside, the door barely closed before they heard arguing and what they were certain was the sound of fireworks.
"Looks like we're gonna have to go over rules again," grumbled Logan.
"Logan, what are the odds we might actually have a peaceful trip?" asked Ororo as they made their way up the last big of the walkway stairs.
"You want honesty or for me to lie?" smirked Logan. Ororo gave him a pleading look, "I'm sure it will be fine."
Ororo raised a brow.
"Was that the honest statement?" she smirked.
"Your choice, darlin', your choice," stated Logan.
Ororo shook her head as Logan opened the door with a small chime to make their way inside the resort.
Music blared loudly as a rental jeep sped down the narrow roads. The sound of seagulls screeching as they flew out of the way of the chaotic vehicle. Rocks and dirt flew as the Brotherhood made their way down the backroad that let to their resort. As they hit a new high speed, it was apparent that when Lance wasn't driving his own vehicle, he was a downright menace behind the wheel. They had been stuck in traffic from the airport for over an hour, after Todd nearly got eaten by the luggage carousel trying to locate their "lost" luggage... which had been found getting ready to board another flight. But finally, vacation had officially started as they could see the long one-story resort, right off the beach. Fred sat at the back of the jeep, leaning against the unstrapped luggage that didn't dare move as he rested against them. The backseat was occupied by Todd, Wanda, and Tabitha. Todd, who was currently leaning out the driver's side rear window... basking in the salty, slightly sulfur tinted air ducked back in as they hit a rather bumpy part of the road. Wanda sat on the passenger side, giving up her attempt at readying as they bounced around as Lance sped up even faster. Tabitha seemed not to ming as she stood up in the middle seat between the two to lean on the brace bars and enjoy the wind.
"Keep your eyes on the road, Avalanche!" yelled Wanda as they veered off the path.
"Relax, sis! I'm watching!" Pietro waved her off from the passenger seat, "You're kind of off the road."
"Man, I told you guys this was better than the shuttle," grinned Lance.
"Sure, when I drive like this you freak out at me," yelled Tabitha from where she'd been cheering from above them.
"Well this ain't my jeep and we got the insurance," grinned Lance, "So let's abuse it!"
"Glad you ain't still pouting about Kitty going on a separate vacation, yo," stated Todd. Wanda swatted his arm, "What?"
She gestured to Lance who had slowed his speeding slightly.
"I'm fine guys," scoffed Lance as they rounded a corner, "Technically I was invited but we we're already boarding."
"So where did the Professor ship them off too again?" asked Tabitha, "I'd ask Amara but someone broke my phone?"
Tabitha glared at Wanda. She seemed unbothered by the glare.
"Maybe you shouldn't play paparazzi at six in the morning," suggested Pietro. Tabitha rolled her eyes at him.
"To be fair, I was just trying to slap it away, not hex it," stated Wanda.
"Yeah, well now there's a phone permanently embedded in the banister," sighed Tabitha as she flopped back in her seat and crossing her arms, "I'm a little miffed they didn't invite me on their vacation, too."
"Might have something to do with you living back with us again?" suggested Fred.
Tabitha shrugged.
"Still, rude. I was a delight on that cruise," stated Tabitha.
"I'm sure you were," said Lance. Tabitha mocked his words under her breath.
"Ahoy!" yelled Fred, pointing up a hill to a large that finally came into full view, "About time!"
"I still think it's interesting that Mystique would send us on vacation with no strings attached," Wanda looked out the window at the trees.
"I mean, she could be planning something," said Tabitha, "But also, we might have driven her to just getting us away from her. She can't always be the one to leave."
"To be fair, she's stuck around a lot longer than normal," said Todd. He raised a brow, "You don't think there is something happening, do you? I mean, we go on vacation and the X-Dorks going on vacation?"
"I hope not," replied Fred, "I've kinda gotten used to messing with them without a war breaking out."
"Guys, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth," sighed Lance. He looked at Pietro, "You haven't heard anything, have you?"
"Not a thing," said Pietro as he picked up Lance's phone as it chimed, "As far as I know, truce still on, no big political agendas or attacks- Kitty texted that they landed safely."
"Good, I'll text her once we get to the resort-" Lance was cut off.
"I told her you loved her and that we landed well too," Pietro smirked.
"Can you not," blushed Lance, "But thanks."
Another chime.
"She said, 'Love you, Baby. XOXO, call me tonight," read Pietro in a mushy mocking tone.
Lance snatched the phone out of his hands and tossed it back on the council.
"What time are you calling her?" asked Pietro, "Do you need the room to yourself tonight."
"Shut it," snapped Lance as they pulled into a parking spot.
They all got out of the jeep and stretched in the hot sun. Fred easily grabbed all their luggage as started heading into the resort.
"Ah, sun, surf, and relaxation!" yelled Tabitha, putting on her sunglasses, "I can hear the beach call my name."
"Let's check in and head to the beach for something to eat," suggested Fred as Lance opened the door for them.
They made their way to the reception where one of the staff was hastily typing a long list of keycards into the computer. Another man greeted them with a wide smile. He looked down at the computer and too several envelopes on the counter.
"We have reservations," said Pietro. He looked towards the others, "Whose is under?"
"Are you the Darkholme party?" asked the man as he looked at the clock, "The shuttle came back a few minutes ago and said you had chosen alternative transportaion."
"Yes, we are," said Pietro. He whispered to the others, "Mystique using her real name again?"
"Who knows," shrugged Todd, "But it is today."
The man at the desk clearly chose to ignore the conversation and continue.
"Your rooms are down that hall and across from each other. You have rooms D12, D13, and D15," said the guy, handing them six keys. You have dinner reservations down at the Kaanapali tonight at six."
"We do?" asked Pietro.
"Yes, your stay is for one week. You have everything paid for already, dinners, a spa, tickets to the contest, concert tickets, luau reservations, and an all-access pass to the pool and hot springs. As well as there's a waterfall walk trip near the volcano- weather allowing," finished the man.
They all exchanged shocked looks. They's simply assumed they were on their own once they made it to the destination.
"You're kidding?" asked Wanda, "Since when is she so generous?"
"Why would Mystique do that?" asked Fred, "Maybe we are going back on the truce."
"Oh man," sighed Tabitha, "I just got the attic set up the way I like it. I'll have to bail guys if that's the case.
"Alright, everyone calm down," said Pietro as he took the keys, "I'm sure it's just getting us out of her hair."
"It better be," scoffed Lance, "Kitty and I are in a great place and I'm not dealing with the drama again."
"Yeah, it might make that future wedding a bit of a problem, yo," smirked Todd.
Pietro shoved Todd as they headed towards their rooms, the sound of a chime from a door opening censored the choice word Todd used.
Logan and Ororo made their way to the reception desk where a man was hastily finishing up getting multiple cards keyed in. He looked up with a cheerful smile.
"Hello, we have reservations under the Xavier, Institute," stated Ororo. The man let out a sigh and held up the cards he'd been keying.
"Fantastic, I just got all the cards ready for you," he replied. "We have six rooms reserved for you and all expenses are paid, and you have spa and dinner reservations at the, Tiki Hut this evening," said the man, "As well as a lovely hot spring and waterfall trip package. We do apologize but tried reaching out do you. We unfortunately overbooked and there had been eight rooms put aside. We do have suited on the other end. If not-"
"It's fine," said Logan, "They can bunk up."
"I appreciate your understanding," the man looked relieved, "We have the rooms; D-10, 11, 14, 16, and D-17 & 18."
The man handed them the keys and the envelopes for the packages. Logan took the envelopes while Ororo took the keys
"Let's go explain to them," said Ororo, "Thank you."
"It's a matter of us keeping an eye on them," said Logan.
The two walked back out the door discussing who was best to bunk with who, completely missing the loud boisterous chatter coming from the other entrance.
Remy rolled his eyes as Pyro continued his detailed rant about how rude he found it that Pitor had bailed on them last minute. He was used to Pyro's loud voice and non-existent filter, but he too would have preferred a buffer like Pitor as well on this so-called vacation.
"I mean, I thought we we're all finally starting to bond again," scoffed Pyro, "He even covered for me after the whole Magneto debacle."
"As did Remy," Remy gestured to himself.
"Well, that I expect, but Pitor's kinda a little too honest," Pyro waived his hand dismissively, "I mean, seriously mate. Mags may have booked this trip, but I upgraded it. Waist of a master suite all because he'd rather go off to Rush-and-shove."
Remy rolled his eyes as they reached the reception.
"Welcome, how can I help you?" asked the man behind the desk.
"We gotta booking under Flaming Publication," said Pyro, "It got upgraded from- What did he have it under?"
"It was originally under Neto-Core," sighed Remy.
"Oh yes, the upgraded package, " smiled the man as he typed into his computer, "We moved you from the suite to the executor suite in D-20. The all inclusive package remains but you have additional access to the spa, dining, full access room service, and personal spa attendees, in case you wish to have them come to your room instead of visiting the spa. Tickets to both the competition, concert, a luau dinner, and reservations tonight as the LoKahoona this evening."
"See, mate, and that's why we upgrade Pyro style," smirked Pyro, "Alright there, we'll take our keys and we'll shoot through."
A large folder was handed to them with keys.
"You know podnah, I'm still confused why ol' Magneto even paid for this trip to begin with," said Remy, "Not that Remy ain't thrilled to be getting a vacation... but it's been a while since we done much of anything, so why a vacation?"
"No idea, but I ain't complanin' and neither should you be," stated Pyro.
The two walked down the long hall towards the executive suite at the end.
Logan and Ororo stood and watched as everyone in front of them tried to claim who was bunking with who and ignored the two elder mutants attempt to dictate options. Logan let out a loud whistle and the group stopped the loud chatter.
"As nice as it is with you all deciding rooms, we have other plans," stated Logan, "First of all Bobby, you're bunking with me."
"What?" Bobby's eyes shot wide, "Why me? I was going to bunk with Roberto-"
"Yeah, well you're bunking with me, Frosty," continued Logan.
"Hah-Hah," laughed Jamie as Bobby let out an annoyed groan.
"I wouldn't be too happy there Roberto, Sam, and you are also sharing a room. Figure out who's sharing a bed." said Logan, "If any of you decide to whine about it, you can march up to the front desk and ask for a cot. From experience, sharing a comfy bed with a close friend is a hella' of alot better than a foldable canvas with a mat on it."
There were grumbles among those sharing.
"Logan and Bobby. You can have D-16," said Ororo as she handed them keys, "Ladies, I have D-18. Rahne, Jubilee, and Amara you three will also be sharing."
"That's fine with us," shrugged Jubilee as she grabbed the keys from Ororo, "I don't mind sharing with either of you two, fight among yourselves."
Amara rolled her eyes.
"Maybe, we want to bunk with each other," said Rahne. Amara looked horrified by the idea.
"Wow, that hurt's Rahne," scoffed Jubilee, "Amara?"
"Can I have the single bed?" asked Amara hopefully.
"Of course you can Princess," winked Jubilee as she put her arm over Rahne's shoulder, "Looks like it's just you and I as cuddle buddies Rahne."
"To be a fly on that wall?" whispered Bobby to Roberto.
"This is why you have to share a room with Logan," muttered Roberto back to him.
"I'm assuming it is Scott and I sharing a room?" asked Kurt as he held out his hand for a key.
"Seems so, Elf," sighed Logan as Ororo handed them the key to D-10, "I had to choose between you and Bobby to keep an eye on."
"Me?" asked Kurt in mock shock, "I am a perfectly capable adult."
"Who found it appropriate to dance on the nose of the jet again as a dare from Bobby," stated Rogue. Kurt rolled his eyes at her, "I don't know whose bunking with who, but its safest if I ain't sharing a bed with anyone."
"Kitty and you can share a room, no bed sharing for safety reasons," smiled Ororo as she handed the key to D-14, "Jean, I hope you don't mind us rooming together in D-11?"
"None at all," grinned Jean as she took her own key.
"Okay, now that it's all sorted," said Logan, "Go unpack. Slim, I know you're hankering to depart from us, but I assume you'll be joining us for dinner tonight?"
"I'll be back for dinner," said Scott, "Jean, you are coming with or meeting up later?"
"I'll meet up with you guys later, go have fun with your brother," smiled Jean as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, hey Kurt, mind taking my bags?" asked Scott. Kurt teleported beside him and grabbed the bag before returning next to Rogue, "Thanks, buddy."
"No problemo, Scott," grinned Kurt as he tossed it on his shoulder and grabbed his and Rogue's bags again.
"Thank you," smiled Rogue.
"How do you rate?" asked Kitty. Suddenly her bag vanished from her hands as Kurt's tail took it, "Why thank you, Kurt."
"Of course, ladies, anyone else need a hand... or tail?" smirked Kurt.
The luggage not being held by Kurt began floating.
"I think I can take care of the rest, Kurt," smirked Jean as the floated passed them.
"Bunch of show-offs," snorted Rogue. She looked to see Kitty on her phone, "Is this gonna be the whole trip?"
Kitty rolled her eyes and put her phone back in her bag.
"No, it won't be," said Kitty as they walked into the resort.
"At least its air conditioned in the resort," said Kurt, "It's hotter than I expected."
"Well according to Kitty," said Rogue who attempted to sound like Kitty, "Like, just wear lighter colors-"
Kitty cut her off.
"I said that to you Ms. Doom and Gloom color palette," scoffed Kitty, "Kurt can't like, just shave himself."
"I bet Mr. McCoy is glad he isn't here," said Sam who was just ahead of them, "He'd be roastin' with all that fur."
"Still, kinda sad their missing this vacation for a conference," replied Kitty.
There was nod of agreement as they headed down the long halls to their rooms.
It was late evening at the mansion, and the tranquil peace was only interrupted by the sound of classic music playing through the study. Hank casually lay on the lounge couch reading a book and sipping tea in complete bliss. Every so often the sound of sliding chess pieces might capture his attention. Charles smiled confidently as he checked Magneto's piece. While it was truth there was much to be done with getting the school ready for new students, staffing, and a conference. The time was really being used as a peaceful reset and a time to have civil conversations without making the environment awkward for its normal residence.
Magneto gave a soft sigh as he reset the board while Charles pulled out his mobile phone.
"Looks like they are all checked in safely," Charles called to Hank.
"Good to hear," smiled Hank, "I shall continue to keep Ororo and Logan in my thoughts and prayers."
"I'm sure they will be most capable of handling your current team and students," said Magneto as he took a sip of his drink, "It does feel rather pleasant not to have set up a meeting around who is present here."
A scoff came from the bookcase as Mystique walked out with abook and a glass of wine.
"You're telling me,"She sighed as she sat in an armchair, "Neither of us are the most welcome here, but if we're going to continue this 'time of togetherness and peace' we are going to have to actually find a way to move forward."
"Something that this week, I am in great hopes to do," said Charles, "While it would be nice, Magnus, for you to assist in teaching new students... I do believe it would not go over well."
"That's an understatement," said Hank. He looked over at them, "We can't blame them."
"No one says we do," confirmed Magneto, "But let's hope a good vacation from reminders of the past can assist in a calmer future."
"And hopefully new staff," said Charles, "While I am aware neither of you two might qualify-"
"I have several alter egos and an outstanding degree in childcare and education," stated Mystique.
"Ah, yes Raven," said Charles, "Nothing quite like instilling a sense of trust while pretending to be someone else."
"Merely a suggestion," shrugged Mystique as she poured herself another glass.
"Suggestions is what we need this week," Charles looked at the clock, "In the morning I do believe you stated you have a few options stopping by along with some of ours?"
"Yes," said Magneto, "And thank you again for graciously offering your home to them while they are here."
"Not like the boarding house is suitable for habitability," grumbled Mystique, "It was nice for once to be able to hear myself think walking around that place."
"Yes, the Brotherhood is quite the lively bunch," stated Charles with a slight frown, "Funny how you choose those words Mystique, because I feel they have been frequenting the grounds here more than some of those whole live here."
"Thus, something else to discuss on this week," sighed Magneto. He glanced at Mystique, "I have been trying to dissolve the Acolytes, but it appears they are not as easy to disband."
"Why are you looking at me?" asked Mystique. She glared, "You want them to move into the boarding house? How many bedrooms do you think that place has?"
"Options to discuss in the morning I'm sure," cut in Charles, "Or later this week. Let's just focus on assisting staffing. Politics and available spaces can be discussed much... much later."
"Agreed," said Magneto, "But it will have to be discussed as the base is no longer... there."
Hank put down his book.
"You sent them on vacation and dismantled their home?" asked Hank.
"Not yet...I don't know how much clearer I can be when asking them to leave," sighed Magneto, "I assume it not being there will be the clearest way."
"Pfft," scoffed Mystique, "If there anything like the Brotherhood, they'll just set up camp at its previous location. I could destroy that house, and they would still be there."
"How charming that you've made that place into a home," smiled Hank. Mystique rolled her eyes.
"It's more like codependency and idiocy, "grumbled Mystique, "But who knows, I booked them a volcanic walk, perhaps not all will make it back."
"You don't mean that," smirked Charles. Mystique opened her mouth to argue, "I may not be able to fully see inside your head Mystique, but some are louder than others."
She chose to not respond and sip her drink by the window.
"Did you say, a volcanic walk?" asked Hank.
"Yes," Mystique waved her hand dismissively, "It's part of the islands charming tourist features."
"What island did you send them too? Iceland? Sicily?" asked Hank. Charles seemed to be paying closer attention.
"I thought you sent them to Jamaica?" asked Magneto.
"No, that's where the X-Men went," said Mystique.
Charles and Hank looked at each other with wide eyes.
"The only other place that comes to mind that would have a volcanic walk, would be Hawaii," stated Hank.
"Yes," both Magneto and Mystique said at the same time and then looked at each other.
"Isn't that where you sent the X-men?" asked Magneto.
Charles nodded.
"Well, what are the odds they'd run into each other?" shrugged Magneto, "It's a big island. There are mutliple islands."
"Yes, but I'm assuming we all sent them to the same one," said Charles, "Not many have volcanic walks in the package."
Mystique muttered under her breath.
"Good luck, Hawaii."
TBC