Nathan and Jean Paul

[x-cynosure.livejournal.com]

Nathan and Jean-Paul go out to eat and, despite the fact that they should know better, make plans for summer.



Even though Nate had been the only one to take him up on it, Jean-Paul had come through on the promise of dinner. Apparently ex-mercs who showed up battered, bruised, and generally wrung out with only an empty boathouse to come home to rated a trip to Peter Luger's to explore the healing properties of red meat. The steaks were excellent, as was to be expected for that venue, and the two friends lingered over the meal.

"I want to go back to that city for no particular reason, one of these days," Nathan said idly, sipping at his drink - non-alcoholic, as he was still on (less powerful) pain medication. "For a week or two. Just to see a little more of it."

"Oh yes?" Jean-Paul sipped his water. "What was the appeal?"

Nathan waved a hand. "History, scenery, political climate..." His lips twitched. "I got a taste when I went over there with a group from the school, for the bombing memorial. We didn't know we were going to be there for the appearance of the world's first mutant head of state. They had the most amazing street party..." His expression softened slightly, remembering.

The speedster smiled. "Glad to know that one of us hasn't been sleeping through history. But it sounds like a good trip. You should set some time aside when you can. Neither of us is getting any younger and 'one of these days' turn quickly into 'should have'."

"I should take Rachel," Nathan murmured, but wistfully set the thought aside. Running around in public with his daughter was still not a safe option. "I would have brought you back a souvenir," he went on, his tone turning joking, "but there was limited time for shopping, sadly."

Jean-Paul laughed softly as the waiter cleared their plates. "You are lucky. I am too relieved that you came home relatively intact this time to feel neglected, and that the semester is almost over. I think my number one priority this summer is going to be to learn to keep a realistic schedule."

"Dear God, what will you do with your time off?" Nathan drawled, looking over the dessert menu. "Besides taking the gosling on a road trip and various forms of debauchery with Gavin."

"Finish hammering out next term's schedule with Jean-Phillipe for one thing...but mostly debauchery," he confessed, grinning. "Am I wrong to suspect Muir will be seeing more of you?"

"Muir, and Tel Aviv. Sun, sand, great nightlife... and about a dozen people who will come down on anyone who decides to try and kill me like the wrath of God," Nathan said. "Plus, the kids over there are getting big, and Rachel needs to spend more time with them than she has been." He paused, then decided he didn't really need to get into next-generation pack-bonding with Jean-Paul. It sounded odd enough to himself when explained, to be honest.

"I really am trying not to make plans." Jean-Paul hadn't lost his smile. "It is like waving a red flag in the face of the universe. Spontaneity shall be my shield."

"Then I'll plan for you," Nathan said briskly. "You need to come along at some point to Tel Aviv. I think you'd like the villa, and, I'd get to show off the main office." He smiled, laying the dessert menu down. "We have a great beach. We could tie you to one of the lounge chairs and make you do nothing."

"If you show me a decent stretch of beach, you may have a hard time convincing me to do anything. I do not remember it being so cloudy in Westchester the last time I was here." Jean-Paul chuckled. "And if Jake sulks, I can threaten to stuff him into a suitcase and bring him along."

"Oooh, do. We can let the children terrorize him. He used to be a guidance counselor, you know," Nathan said with a perfectly straight face. "He knows how to handle the young and exuberant."

"I know, and it makes me wonder just how desperate Xavier's was for staff at that point." Jean-Paul paused long enough to order the lemon sorbet. "Though once he finds himself in a strange land surrounded by your very old friends, I do not think I will be able to pry him out of my suitcase."

"Oh, pfft. Dom will ply him with alcohol and sugar, he'll be fine." And when had he suddenly assumed that Jake would indeed be coming along? Nathan decided on the pecan pie, handing over the menu. "I do need to drag you over to Muir at some point during the warm weather too, though. The island's an entirely different place in the summer."

"I would like that. I do not think we covered even half of the mainland last time." Jean-Paul shook his head. "I should kiss that 'realistic schedule' good-bye, shouldn't I? I think my summer is already booked."