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"The sort of brother you've been all your life," Axe muttered in French, tossing back the rest of his tonic water, now wishing he could allow himself something much, much stronger.

Although his smile dropped, Xavier looked no less amiable, only a bit regretful. He paid no attention to Axe's subtle guiding to use French, and replied, "It is true I am visiting on… shall we say, less than pleasant business. Someone who has not proven to me to be as lucrative an investment as you are."

Mustering the strength to sneer, Axe pressed a hand over his heart. "So you admit there is some worth to me after all. I am touched. But you did not come to here, to this heathen party, to have a drink and catch up, I think."

"No," shaking his head and regarding him affably, Xavier tilted his head to one side. "I came here because I need you to do something for me." A self-deprecating smile formed when he saw the misgivings scrawled all across Axe's face. "Oh, I know. It smarts to even have to say it."

The sickness subsided into the muscle-quivering sort of rage only his family could arouse in him, but it was better than the other kneejerk fear response. He was an adult, he was in-control of his life, he had put everything far behind him. "You would condescend to ask me for help?" Axe mocked. "The lows these dealings must have sunken you to."

Unperturbed, Xavier rearranged an errant lock of his hair. "It is not asking, as you will do this for me. What I won't condescend to do is humour you into thinking you will understand the particulars of a delicate matter such as this. But you can get me close to someone who needs a little... encouragement from me." He smile widened. "Your worthless career is actually going to serve me some purpose, so what you should be feeling is grateful."

"And I will help you out of the goodness of my heart?" Axe demanded angrily, shoving away from the wall with his fists balled tightly enough that even his dull nails were scouring skin. "What do I care? Sink in your investment; it makes no difference to me."