Her Queen of Hearts 3
"How could you let them know?" boomed the voice of authority. "How did they know?!"
"We don't know sir." was the meek reply that added fuel to the officer's rage. "We had placed the best security on this place and I had my men surround it at every entrance – "
"What possessed you to believe they use doors, you Klux?" The officer had no idea how to counter this problem, being sent as a representative by the main man with a few armed soldiers. He took a deep gulp of oxygen, laying his hand over his face and sighed, "Do you believe the thief came from that Xavier institution?"
"We cannot be sure, sir. They are mainly naïve kids and a few adults who watch them closely."
"What are the identities of those few adults?"
The head of police of Bayville had to count the names down on his fingers. "There's Professor Charles Xavier," His recital was torturously slow to the officer's patience that grew thinner by the minute. "And Logan, also known as Mutant X. Ororo Monroe, who has the ability to control the weather and Hank McCoy, who is an ex-professor who has become a large, blue furred beast."
"How can four adults possibly control the riot of kids under one roof?"
"Well, there were some recent recruits over the past year since – "
The officer had already stormed off with his men.
Hand in gloved hand, they came to the hall where mutant kids were sending drink cans flying into a black plastic bag that disappeared and reappeared with Kurk. Ray Crisp set the vacuum, without plugging it in any socket, on cleaning the carpet that recently underwent a makeover of fruit punch and nacho cheese. There were Jamie Madrox-es who ventured on helping Kitty rearrange the furniture to the most original positions possible as she stuck her hands through them for bits of junk hidden in places like in the vase and under sofa seats.
The couple strolled through the atmosphere, concealed by the wild laughter and exclamations of "What the –" and "Hey!" The noise began to die away as they stepped into the kitchen, where they met the bare shelves and cleared tabletops. Nonetheless the X-men were family enough to leave enough hotcakes for two on a tray and half a carton of juice. Rogue handled the juice into glasses. Gambit fired up the tray and the pancakes warmed up. A couple of minutes later they were about to tuck in when Jean and Scott appeared on the scene.
"So where were you two?" raised the one in the shades, quite light heartedly.
"Rogue here knocked me flat." Remy gestured casually. "She wanted to apologise in private."
The corners of her mouth curled up. She poured syrup onto both plates.
Jean laughed, "For not coming to your birthday, I bet."
"Where were you anyway, Gambit?" Scott was not too ready to be on first name terms with the new addition to the X-men team, and an ex-enemy besides.
Answering with his movements rather than his words, he turned to Rogue before replying, "Gettin' my cheré the gift she deserves." He wiped away a trickle of golden sweetness off her lip with a gloved finger. He stuck it into his own mouth, cocking up his brows for a brief moment.
"And what was this gift she deserves?" Jean's voice rose in pitch with every word, winking at Rogue.
Rogue cut in on him. "Everythin' I ever wanted."
Jean exchanged looks with her boyfriend and he shrugged his shoulders. Gambit gave an impression of unconcern as they took off elsewhere, but Rogue's shoulders were quite tensed.
He swallowed his mouthful. "Take it easy, cheré. They don't know anythin'."
"You think she went inside our heads?"
"She wouldn't. Besides, she isn't the nosy type." He poured over the rest of his juice into her empty glass. "How about we drive down to a joint just outside of town t'day? Spend a lil' time out of this place? Away from everyone?"
Rogue was rudely interrupted by a squeal that burst through the door. "No way! She's going shopping with us!" Kitty walked right through the table and yanked Rogue to her feet. "The mall is opening their brand new extension at twelve! C'mon, or we'll miss the all new shops!"
"Kitty, please." Rogue pulled away and glanced at Remy. "It's my birthday. And you know I hate shoppin'!"
"Awww, c'mon Rogue!" Kurt jumped in. "I heard there's a new –"
"Guys!" yelled the voice of authority. "We're gonna be late if we don't move!"
"Hold on to your shades, Scott!" yelled back Kitty. "Rogue's gotta come!"
"I don't want to! Guys!" she shook off the hands that held her. "Seriously...!"
The pair sighed. But persistent Kitty insisted on having the final word. "Well, if you wanna join us, call us first okay? I'm gonna take you to the biggest shop! They've got your style for sure!"
"Okay." Rogue answered, unconvinced.
"See ya' man!"
The sounds of a dozen teenagers squeezing into Jean's SUV and humming of motorbikes followed as quickly as they left. Rogue found him at the sink, drying the dishes, expression mutually annoyed by the outbreak. She went over to him, leaning on the side.
"So," she continued. "Where was this joint?"
"Out in the country, a couple hours ride from here." He smiled. "Not a distance you can't handle right, cheré?"
"You mean, on your bike?" Her blush came though the pale foundation.
"How else?" His grin was widened. "Ask them for a ride?"
"No." The thought sent a flood of horror through her. "I'll go get changed."
"You do that, cheré. Meet you outside." He turned and left for the garage, not once taking a second glance at her, as was his habit to never look back. It gave him an air of mystery and charm that had kept her attracted for the past whole year, instead of the cliché romance of smooching couples she often met on the streets.
She vanished to her room and powdered her face, pulled out her darkest lipstick and lined her eyes. She stepped back to observe the change, poking her reflection for weak spots. Noticing none, she changed her gloves and slipped on black ankle leather boots. She checked her butt pocket, making sure she felt the rustle of plastic. Finally, she opened her door and stepped out, looking straight into Logan's eyes.
"Where you're goin'?" his suspicious gaze questioned more than his words did.
"Gambit's takin' me out for awhile." she replied. "Like, out of town."
"That's quite far." He huffed. "Don't get in trouble, ya' hear?"
Rogue smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Logan." She sauntered down the corridor, her back to him.
He did not like that. Rogue is growing up too fast.
Gambit was leaning against his motorbike, head bowed over a fresh pack of poker cards. He was almost a magician with them, shuffling at light speed single-handedly, in the literal sense. He apparently had changed at lightning speed into his uniform, which Rogue always wondered if it was a full piece or could those pants be undone on their own? He glanced up suddenly, as if his ears caught her wispy footsteps coming down the stairs. He grinned and handed her a black helmet, as he set a brown one on his head. Rogue stood by the bike, waiting for him.
"Ladies first." He gestured to the front seat.
"No way."
"You've no choice, cheré." He held out his trench coat, letting it flutter in the breeze.
"Fine." Not wanting the bother of a flying coat in her face, she put her leg over, followed by Gambit who kicked away the stand and the engine hummed off. They passed through the metal gates and Rogue breathed the outside air. She sat upright with her hands on the rounded panel before her, letting the wind completely whip her hair around. Gambit leaned forward and rested his chin on her shoulder, then slowly ushered her to lean back. She had nothing to hold on to but just rested on his toned chest. The roads were packed with cars and trucks on that Saturday afternoon, but he stealthily zigzagged between the snail slow traffic, much to the jealousy of the other drivers. Suddenly Rogue caught sight of a familiar black SUV, and she gripped his arm.
He laughed and slowed down to tap on the driver's window. He waved. As tight-lipped Scott rolled down the window, a torrent of responses fired out:
"What the –"
"Not fair!"
"So you're coming after all?"
"Hey! Hey! The love boat's taken off eh?"
"Where you guys going?"
Gambit laughed in their faces and worked the bike's engine, plucking at Jean's nerves, and then accelerated at full speed out of their sight. He left a line of dust that flew into the still vehicle, sending the youths inside spluttering and yelling. Rogue loosened her grip on his arm and relaxed against him.
"What was that for?" She looked up into his visor.
"It is nice to rub it in over traffic, especially when they're late." He chuckled. "Did you see Jean's face?"
"Yeah. Worth a picture on the wall back at the institute." He was funny, in the most annoying ways, but still funny anyhow. He turned at the fork onto the empty side, where the hectic buzz of urban roads seemed so distant. "It's so beautiful out here."
The crowds and sophisticated roadways were displaced by undulating greenery and worn asphalt. There were no trees and the gentle sun gleaned upon their backs, as the road glared a hypnotic straight line. Spots of wild purple in late bloom swayed at the sidelines, being forcefully bent uncomfortably when the bike raced past. Like most highways on the outskirts of town and beyond, there were no lampposts and few signboards, so getting lost was not a problem.
"Yeah. No city can replace this." He took his eyes off the road and laid them on her. Hers were hazy, reflecting the freedom of the world outside the mansion.
Soon they were on their way to the joint he promised which was merely a small brick house surrounded by sand sat amid overgrown grass and weeds. A broken sign with the name of the stopover, 'The Last Sto –', carved into its wood clung by a single chain onto an old pole, bent and browned with rust. If not for the two cars parked by it, there was no other sign that the place was occupied.
Gambit slowed his motorbike to a halt, the crunching of gravel alerting the mutt by the door. His ears pricked up and his eyes scanned the two humans that came toward him. His nose raised and absorbed every scent, and suddenly he barked and leaped toward the man. Rogue jumped back. Gambit put his hand on the mutt's snout, rubbing he furry head and ruffling up the floppy ears, much to Rogue's surprise.
"Been here often?"
"He's a good boy." The dog tried to jump onto Remy, who just grabbed the animal by the paws and dropped him. "Down mutt."
Rogue spotted a plump apron-clad woman step out of the joint, fists on her tubby hips.
"Well, butter mah' backsi'e and call meh' a biscuit! What wild' win' blew Remy Lebeau here?" Her accent was downright heavy with a country folk's tongue.
"The Old Boy still around, Maddy?"
"Yeh' he is! An' still strong enouf' tuh' throw yeu' out if yer' make trouble. Keep yer' hands tuh' yerself', yer' hear?"
"My hands are here, nowadays." He put his arm around Rogue.
"Yeu' poor, unfortunate girl." The woman smiled at her, jest dancing in her sharp eyes. "He got yah' into any trouble yet, deah'rie?"
"You have no idea." Rogue smiled back at the woman's friendliness. She glanced across the scene and felt rather attracted to this place.
"Well, well! A sight for sore eyes!" A husky voice came through the door, in the same cultured tone as well. The voice came from an aged body of a man who had spent his youth in hard labour, shown through the wrinkled, sun-baked skin. His eyes were sharp and piercing, evidently betraying the hidden power from his past. "Well, come in! Come in! Don't keep 'em waitin' awll' dae'with all ya'll chitty chattin', girl!"
"Yeah, Pa."
Gambit smiled and walked in with Rogue by his side. Passing the old man though, Rogue felt Gambit's arm pull away. Turning, her eyes trailed between Gambit's calm expressions to the stern looks of the old man. Maddy snuck behind them and stood by Rogue, whispering, "They go way back, deah'rie."
"Where'd yeu' keep 'em cards, sonny?"
"Right here, Old Boy." He patted his coat pocket.
"Well, keep 'em there, yer' hear?" He leaned into the younger man's ear and whispered something inaudible to both Rogue and Maddy.
Rogue could have sworn a grim mood passed over his face, before he resumed his smooth features. Then he turned away from the old man and took her arm, as Maddy led them to a table in the back corner of the restaurant, where the aroma of cooking was strongest. There were a few other tables in this small space, of which two were occupied by eight large, muscular men. Rogue could not believe these guys could have possible fitted into those small cars outside. They turned to glance at the couple who seated themselves down in Maddy's chatty presence. Gambit had one eye on their waitress and the other on them.
"Two usuals, Maddy." He smiled at Rogue. "Coffee? Or something stronger?" He winked.
"Coffee?" The man knew how to switch moods real fast.
Maddy trotted off into the kitchen with their orders, where the old man kept watch on them. Gambit nodded and he vanished.
"What's up with him?" Rogue sensed a tension in the home. The brown pictures were hanging crooked n the yellowed walls, their images gone sepia with age. Small lamps decorated the space between each frame, barely lighting the room. It bore the age of the 1930s, almost transporting them to that very time. The tables and chairs were creaky and the floor groaned with every movement of feet.
"I trashed this place once." He shifted his eyes to the gorillas for a quick instant.
"What happened?"
"Nothing." He did not expect her to buy that lie.
Abruptly, one of the burly men with the plaited beard clicked his tongue. Gambit kept his eyes on Rogue. She shot a challenge at them with a sharp look. The man flashed his yellow teeth into a dirty grin before puckering his lips. Rogue sneered and focused on Gambit instead.
The men burst out laughing, their guffaws shaking the old building violently. Gambit put his hand under her chin, tilting her head to look at him.
Their next move made Gambit turn slowly in their direction. "Mutant's whore!" he laughed.
"Keep the peace ya'll!" cried Maddy, standing between the two parties.
The whole group was in an uproar. "More beer, girl!" Another one of them chuckled.
Maddy took off to the kitchen, returning shortly with their orders, followed by a couple of steaming dishes. The rich scent wafted through the air as the plates bumped onto the table. The platters held minute steaks smothered in brown sauce, chunky with chopped carrots and celery, with a baked potato on the side topped with sour cream and bacon bits. Rogue had, for an instant, lost all memory of beyond two seconds ago, and sat spellbound. Maddy handed Remy two pairs of utensils and they dined in silence, broken solely by drunken sniggers.
The tension was hell for Remy.
Unconsciously his hand kept slipping into his trench coat pocket and Rogue would swiftly pull it out and grasp his fingers, until he needed them back for his next bite. The suspense of the unknown chewed the back of her skull like the mutt who was outside ramming his teeth against a dry, white bone. When her stomach could hold no more, she put an arm on his taut shoulder, meeting his hostile gaze meant for those bastards across the room.
His plate was left half uneaten when he flagged his hand for the bill. He paid it like a good man, took Rogue's arm and unhurriedly walked out. The hot breeze whipped their faces and the stiffness left his limbs. The mutt hopped around the couple. Rogue patted the soft head. He let out an exhale and apologised for the ruined lunch.
She shook her head and they boarded his bike. As he started the engine, the eight came tottering out of the door.
"Hey, freaks!" The one with the plaited beard hollered.
Gambit wasted no time in accelerating at full speed out of earshot of their jeers. He slowed down five minutes later.
"So," She was getting impatient for this nerve-racking moment to end. "Where are we going?"
"Far away from those humans." He grumbled. He then began the short tale. "Used to venture out to the North, having a good time at The Last Stop before heading on the road. One day, they came in, talking about mutants – how worthless we are. They got bored with the ale and all; challenged everyone to cards. I played. We used my cards. I won; you can imagine they weren't too happy 'bout that. They put me on the wall and smashed a bottle in my face. Next thing they knew, the cards were blowing up everywhere and I was gone. They hunted me for awhile – got familiar with my face. I got familiar with theirs, too."
He gave a moment's thought. "I never gone back to The Last Stop until today. They had to be there."
"Serious?" She found it more melodramatic than befits from this mysterious man. "You don't go blowin' up things every time you're mad..."
"I wasn't what I am now. No worries, cheré."
"Anymore old enemies down the road?"
"I promise, no."
He had walked right into the spacious office after the slight brawl with that Wolverine fellow. He kept his word and waved away his men to wait outside. Seating himself in the chair opposite the professor's, he pulled out neither briefcase nor papers, but simply waited on Xavier to start the ball rolling.
And he did, promptly but with a peaceful ring to his tone, "Yes, officer?" His manner was calm and the officer felt rather relaxed in his presence. "What seems to be the problem?"
The officer took a breath. "There has been a break-in at one of the warehouses last night. The tightest security measures have been taken to prevent all intruders from entering the restricted facility by most means necessary."
"What has been stolen?" The professor chose to dismiss the underlying statement for the moment, more concerned with the main purpose of the government-sent representative.
"It's government secret." His note was firm and final. "I'm sorry, but I am not allowed to confide such information."
"Well," Xavier put his fingertips together. "I apologise, but I cannot see any room for discussion on these terms."
"I'm not here for a discussion, Professor. I am here to inform you that your mutants are under suspicion for the illegal handling of government property."
"I assure you, officer, none of my mutants would know about this. I can vouch for all of them."
"All of them?" He paused to observe the mutant's expression.
Xavier's face bore no line of doubt.
"I need to know all the identities of those above 18 years of age. Then I will release the rest off the record while we investigate their histories."
He drove them around the rest of the day. Travelling forward aimlessly through valleys and over hills. She kept her eyes ahead, absorbing the open space with her hands on his laps beside her. The chilly air hit her first, but he lined his arm across her shoulders, controlling the bike with a single hand. Rogue blushed time to time as she shifted in her seat, when her bottom brushes against his you-know-what. He never reacted beyond a slight chuckle in her ear, which she would snap at in her embarrassment.
Just before sunset, they ended up on a white hill, dotted with cyan and magenta, outlined in green. The orange glow on the horizon darkened the sky between black and itself, with tinges of yellow and pink. They settled down to watch time pass in shades of light, indigo followed after pink. As he plucked a few flower petals and threw them over her head for no apparent reason, violet caught up. As she popped a pill, twilight began.
They fell into each other's arms; both had their gloves thrown off into the blooms that surrounded them. Any witnesses of those moments were muted, save for the rustle of crushed grass beneath their bodies. He had watched the tablet roll down her throat, gave digestion a singular moment to respond, and then attacked at her full ferocity. He had shifted himself to sit closer before pulling her hips closer and crashing his mouth into hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She ruffled his auburn hair, trailing her bare fingers along the angles of his chiselled face. When she reached his jaw line, he held her hands and pulled them around his narrow back. Without space between them, she toppled over, breaking the kiss and landed on his lean body.
Her legs were apart and his lips accidentally touched the skin of her neck. Then his lips decided to test her neck again, forcing her to breathe harder. Kisses were laid upon her pale skin that was followed closely by goose bumps. The kisses travelled to the back of her neck and behind her ear while his hands slipped under her blouse. Those hands ran up and down playfully, intentions meant only for the curves that her back gave to him. Warm breath and a purr tickled her ear as she sniffed at the fragrant blades of grass before her face. Her hands curled upon his shoulders and she kissed him passionately.
Her tongue met his inside his mouth as she explored the space, caressing his ceiling and licking away at his teeth. His hands moved faster along her spine. His tongue encircled hers and lapped under it. He grinned upon extracting a soft moan. She moved her hands across his chest and up his neck to hold his face. His arms locked her body onto his. She pinned him down.
He felt his consciousness began to trickle away.
Instinctively she sat up, releasing him from her deadly touch. He groaned and rubbed his temples. Reaching out with his long arms, he caught their gloves and they dressed in. He then propped himself on his elbows and chuckled at her anxious expression.
"How'd you like that, cheré?"
"I don't wanna stop, Remy." She took out another.
"Save it. 'Sides it's gettin' cold out here." He sat up and put his hands on the clothed sides of her waist. "Logan won't be happy someone's past her curfew."
She scoffed. "It's my birthday. He ain't gonna tick so much."
"But it's a four three ride, cheré." He laughed. "Continue en route?"
She helped him to his feet and they drove off in the dark, the empty road lit only by a lone spotlight from his bike – simply perfect conditions. She leaned on his chest and gulped the pill down. Removing her gloves once more, she put one of her arms around the back of his neck and with the other hand, stroked the tuft of his goatee. He sat still as she traced his jaw. Her fingertips reached his thin lips, which he kissed. He suddenly stuck out his tongue and saliva caught her nearest finger. She drew back her hand at once in surprise and looked into his glowing red eyes. He lifted his visor and hers. His face drew closer. Her eyelids fluttered slightly before shutting in expectancy. She felt his lips touch hers.
He did not advance. "I need'a drive." He lifted his head away and fixed his sights on the pitch-black road.
Rogue opened her eyes and blinked, realising he just teased her. So, you wanna play this game?
She placed her hands on his laps and pushed herself higher. She raised her head to kiss below his jaw. He inhaled with a grin, keeping his eyes on the road. His grin widened as her lips tried snatching at his. He let her have her fun; she needed this moment after so many years after all. She deserves this. He leaned forward so he could have her back leaning on him. He sighed as she relaxed upon him – a woman's way of displaying her trust. He took a hand off the handle and wrapped it around her waist, slipping it under her shirt. She took his hand back out. He looked down at her. She worked away the grey band and tucked it into her pants pocket. His eyes shone as he felt her pluck at the clothing finger by finger, finally sliding the garment off. Then she let his hand free. His head tilted to the side, smiling.
He put his arm where it belonged and she held onto him, resting her head upon his shoulder. She felt his chest rise and fall with each quiet breath behind her. She listened to the sounds of the night – still, cold and full of rest. The hum of the motor droned on, beyond it the gentle ruffling grasses and whispers of the breeze lulled her senses. The wind was biting her, and she shuddered somewhat.
He noticed her sudden buzz of movement. He took his hand from her waist. Hanging the arm out, he motioned it out of the sleeve of his coat. With one arm free he let the wind pull the entire garb over to his other arm. He took the handle with both hands now.
"Take my coat, cheré." She grabbed it. He let go of the handle that arm held onto. The coat would have flown off, but she put her own arms through it, with the backing in front.
"Thanks." She shifted herself comfortably into his chest once more. Urgh, she kicked herself mentally, stop knocking that thing!
"You're welcome." he chuckled. A hush came by them as she curled up in the warmth.
He watched the darkness carefully, focused more on the areas outside the ring of light than what it revealed. The cold never could get its claws into his senses, leaving his mind sharp and aware of the dangers of open roads. There was one of it; the rumble of something huge and heavy turning in from the opposite corner. An eight-wheeler without its headlights on came lumbering by and he swiftly avoided it. He was not one to be sentimental, but some people should never drive. He felt her head roll off his shoulder and onto his arm. She jolted back up before leaning on him again.
He put his arm around her, despite the risks of bare skin.
"Mmmph." she murmured.
"Goodnight, cheré."
An hour later, the roads became lighted with a tangerine glow from lampposts, casting a dim brightness that stunned his sight for an instant. Blinking the moment away, he sped up down the streets, passing a few cars and their drowsy drivers along the way. He drank in the idle ticks of time. Time gave him freedom from it in these wee hours. So much so he believed barely a half hour went as he drove into the institution's garage. He removed her helmet first, letting her locks fall in the relief, then took off his. He tossed the helmets on the floor and lifted her from the vehicle, bridal style. He headed for the elevator and elbowed the button to the first level. When he stepped out, he carried on in the dark, towards her sleeping quarters.
Immediately he was blinded. He stumbled back a pace, shutting his eyes from the glare. Someone grunted at his moment of weakness. He let the light in by a narrow slit and addressed his captor in a low voice, "Alright, you caught me. But first, monsieur, let me put her back."
He sauntered off into the black corridor, and walked the whole passage. He came to her door, shut and he had no more hands. He thought of waking Kitty, sleeping inside, when a hairy arm reached over and noiselessly turned the knob.
"Put her in, bub."
Gambit did, ruefully. He came back out with the cop at his heels. Back in the living hall, he could vaguely make out a person in a wheelchair.
"Professor." He casually saluted the man.
"Gambit," Xavier began on a grave note. "Where were you on the night Rogue had her birthday?"
"Mon. Outside, gettin' her my present." He answered without indecision.
"Exactly what I was hoping you wouldn't say." He turned his head toward the infamous thief.
"Exactly where were you?" Logan growled.
"What?" He needed to throw the guard dogs off his scent. "You want the precise coordinates?"
"That would be nice." Came the gruff reply.
"7185."
"Hmph! Tough."
"Gambit," the professor was unwilling to dilly-dally the night away. "Were you in the warehouse last night?"
"Hmmm? My coordinates say downtown, Holly's Place."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Someone after me?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"The entire government."
"Ah." He crossed his arms. "Nothing new to me."
Xavier looked into the man's eyes, hardened and resolved they were. He sighed and put his fingertips together. "An officer will be coming back in two days. You have until then to clear any doubts."
"Cleared, I assure you." His smile was positive.
"Fine then." Xavier felt the burden float a bit. "Now, into another pressing matter; Logan told me he caught Rogue and yourself in skin contact."
Gambit let a smirk grow.
"How was it possible?" asked the professor.
"Cheré found a way." He waved his hand in the direction of the corridor. "Ten minutes is her record. As long as she doesn't focus on her powers."
"Really?" Logan cut in. "Then why is it you went down after the second kiss?"
"That was my fault. I surprised her."
"Well, I compliment you then, Gambit." Xavier offered a handshake. "If Rogue can gain absolute control, we will have you to thank."
Remy LeBeau shook the professor's hand firmly. He may not have much guilt consciousness, but he felt he had jumped into his own trap. Bidding the two men good evening, he left for his own quarters. He strolled down the numerous passageways to the east wing and unlocked his room. He walked in and shut the door, turning the lock. He ambled to the window and pulled the curtains, then let himself fall into a frenzy. For a second he let panic flood his mind then it cleared away as swiftly. The gears in his scheming mind reeled on as he reached for the packets. He went into his bathroom with them and dropped all but one into the water tank of the toilet bowl. He took out his bottle of mouthwash and drained the colourless minty liquid out. He filled it to the brim with water. He dumped a pill into it and shook the bottle about. He put the sachet with the others.
He put the solution into the cupboard and washed up for some sleep.