EDITED! Last time I'm fiddling with this one!

Rating: M

Here I stand

Rogue let out a contented sigh as she stepped into the confines of her own bedroom. With the flick of a switch, her queen size bed, desk and wardrobe came alive with light. She stepped over the few scattered objects that littered her floor as she made her way towards the bed. Once there, she spread her arms out like wings and fell into its welcoming comfort. An eased sigh escaped her as she closed her eyes for a moment. Though she enjoyed her job- both of her jobs, sometimes her day-life as a normal working girl and the life she led behind institute doors and spandex suits became so muddled together she felt squished between them. Intuitively, she unbuttoned the first few buttons of her blouse. Her green and black spandex of her X-Suite peeked out from beneath her open collar. Rogue frowned at the now-offensive clothing. She had been called out of an important client meeting this morning to help stop a couple of mutant rebels from burning down a Cure centre. The Cure had gone public not six months ago and already times had become more turbulent and unsure amongst humans, mutants and the so-called cured. To say the least, it had given her and the X-Men a heavy schedule. Rogue let out a long yawn as she slipped lazily off the bed. She untied her hair from its tail as she whispered to herself.

"A long bath is all ah need at the moment…"

She was about to step onto the cool tiles and strip off when a light buzzing noise caught her ears. Rogue immediately turned her gaze to her purse that sat on the floor beside her bed. With a defeated sigh, Rogue wandered back to the bed and pulled out her cell phone from the depths of her bag.

"Hello?"

A husky chuckle of amusement replied to her uninterested response.

"Bonjour ma belle. Are y' free for some vigilante escapades dis evening?"

The exhaustion and boredom across her face turned to a fraction of a smile as she replied.

"Ah'll check mah schedule."

She made to check her invisible schedule as he chuckled once more.

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Later that night…

Rogue had never meant to be friends with Remy LeBeau. At least, that's what she had convinced herself of when she was trying not to like him. However, after his insufferable consistency at miraculously showing up everywhere from her favourite café to her work office, sending her emails, calling her on her phone (though she did not give him her number) and 'just passin' through', Remy managed to work his way into her life indefinitely. She liked to think he was an acquired taste; infuriating, mysterious and charming at first but funny, honourable and tender second. Two years later, they were still friends. He still flirted and teased her to no end. She still blushed and growled at him to stop. However, as time passed, her blushes and growls turned to rolled eyes and knowing chuckles. She even passed a few of her own flirts and teases these days and he revelled in it gleefully with similar replies. However unlike normal friends, their main meeting turfs were unorthodox and then some. Instead of parks, they met in alley ways. Instead of going to the cinemas or hanging out in the comfort of a rec room, their playground was the rooftops of New York City where they joked and laughed as they played the roles of vigilantes.

The rain that had drenched the day had finally come to a New-York minute stop. The sleepless city was left damp and sleek in coats of water and grime while the air was moist and chilled. Their breaths turned to vapour from their position on the rooftop of a six story building. It was colder than it was on the streets below but ideal for people who did not fancy the idea of other people overhearing them. The Chinses take-out they had bought after their latest escapade was cold before they even opened the boxes. Thankfully however, the good company overwrote the dissatisfaction of eating cold duck in plumb sauce. Rogue fiddled with a piece of duck with her chopsticks as she spoke.

"Still can'te believe that guy tried t' shoot ya."

Remy grinned. Rogue daftly compared it to a Cheshire cat's grin as he proceeded to tease her with it while he replied.

"Chére, I t'ink y' may be in danger o' finally admittin' dat y' do care about dis ol' Cajun."

Rogue let out a small laugh. She gestured with her hands dramatically as she spoke.

"He was tremblin' lahke a rattle snake tail! Hell, he was just a kid! Fifteen at most!He didn't know how t' point-an'-shoot let alone rob a bank. Ah think he was close t' faintin' when ya took off ya shades. Probably thought ya were a demon from hell."

Remy feigned a look of hurt as he picked at his own food. His lean, muscular frame leant fluidly against the side of a fire escape ladder. Meanwhile his usual brown trench coat was miraculously off and hanging on the opposite rail. Excess water dribbled down the ripples of his coat. Rogue couldn't help but silently thank the rotten weather for that gift. She couldn't deny that Remy was much better to look at without his trench coat. She just wouldn't admit that to him verbally. He pouted adorably as his demon eyes shone in the dim lighting.

"Y' know, I t'ink I die a little inside every time y' make comments about mon yeux." (my eyes)

Rogue gave a mock sympathetic expression before she rolled her eyes and turned back to her food. It was spoiled cold, so she set it down on the crate beside her.

"Well ah think ya get some kind o' sick satisfaction at gettin' girls to go all weepy an' apologetic about ya eyes. Do ya still use that 'it was a surgical defect that left me scarred' ta get girls?"

Remy frowned confusedly.

"When did I tell y' dat?"

Rogue mentally slapped herself. "Damn psyche remnants still pokin' around." Even with her powers under control and her psyches behind mental blocks, some little facts and mannerisms of the people she had absorbed in the past still managed to slip out. Rogue explained this to him as she pulled out a fresh beer, another little provision they had picked up for the night. She was surprised to find a genuinely concerned expression across Remy's face when she looked back.

"Dey giving y' any trouble ma chére?"

Rogue's two-toned waves of hair shimmered in the flush of light that managed to creep up the building side as she shook her head.

"Nah. Jus' a couple o' things slip through now an' again. Lahke, ah was talkin' to Kitty a couple of weeks ago about stupid things we'd done when we were younger an' ah told her about this drivin' lesson she had with her dad one tahme that went haywire. She gave meh this 'how-the-hell-did-ya-know-that?' look an' ah realised she never told meh that."

She shrugged it off as she took another swing from her beer. She tried not to notice how Remy looked at her as she quickly changed the subject.

"How's it goin' at the garage by the way?"

Remy abruptly removed his gaze from her. He picked at a small prawn at the bottom of his take-out box as he shrugged in turn.

"John hasn't blown anyt'ing up dis week so t'ings are alright."

Rogue half-choked a small chuckle between swallowing a swig of beer. She put the back of her hand over her mouth as the liquid tingled at the back of her throat as a light blush painted her cheeks. Unbeknownst to her, Remy found the look quite attractive and gave a small smirk as she tried to compose herself again. That blush remained kindled as she replied.

"How's the Aussie? -Besides settin' a new record f' not breakin' anythin'?"

Remy chuckled as he stood up. Having finished his stone-cold meal, he set it down on the crate and sat himself down beside her. She wordlessly offered him a beer and he took it with a polite nod of thanks as he replied.

"He's alright. Crazy as always. Mais y' want t' hear a little piece o' gossip?"

A charismatic grin tugged at his lips as she grinned and replied.

"Didn't take ya for the gossipin' kahnd but by all means, what is it?"

Remy smirked and to add dramatic effect, he leaned in closer and covered the side of his mouth as he whispered.

"John's hooked up wit' de Scarlet Witch."

Rogue's eyes brightened with genuine interest.

"Oh really? When did this happen?"

Remy let out a low chuckle as his smirk broadened to a mischievous grin. He threw no caution to dramatic effects as he replied.

"Was locking up de garage last night et I was just… about t' check de storage room when I heard-"

Rogue abruptly raised a hand to his mouth and cut him off before he could finish.

"Ah think ah can live without details!"

Remy grinned against the bare palm of her hand. Despite the trivialness of the contact, he relished silently in the feel of her skin. It was soft, unblemished by lack of use and exposure. The closest thing Remy could compare the softness of her skin to was the softness of a rose petal. Remy mentally shook himself as she withdrew her hand not two moments later. He lightly cleared his throat. 'Get a hold o' y'self Remy.' A mutual silence passed between them as they drank and scanned their gazes over the rooftops before them. Only the sound of distant police sirens and traffic could be heard amongst the quiet. After a while however, Rogue could take the silence no longer. She turned to him while he kept his gaze set on the horizon.

"Remy?"

He turned only after the call of his name.

"Hm?"

Rogue blushed lightly as she replied.

"Ororo asked if ya an' John wanted t' come over for dinner tomorrow night."

Remy averted his gaze to the rooftops once more. He let out a deep-held sigh before he spoke.

"Don't take dis de wrong way Roguey, mais I'm guessin' dat Ororo et y' are de only ones who know about dis arrangement, non?"

Rogue bit down lightly on her lower lip. Her look said everything. Remy gave an ironic smirk that was as natural to him as breathing. Rogue knew it was a façade he used; a joker's smile. It meant he wanted to mean well but knew better. He knew better than to think that the X-Men would allow him into their home with open arms of welcome. He had kidnapped Rogue, had been one of Magneto's lackeys and he had cut down a couple of X-Men's prides down to size in the process. He had done everything that could convince them not to trust him and that was it; they didn't trust him. Only Rogue, and Ororo who had known him through his father, were those who vouched in his favour. But such a small percentage of a whole was not enough to gain mutual acceptance.

"Tell 'Ro I appreciate de offer mais I can't make it. Between y' et moi, it's probably best if I don't."

Remy tried to ignore the pleading look she gave him. Those pools of emerald green were irresistible if not positively stunning. He wondered if they were a part of her mutation. Whenever he looked at them, they shone bright with her emotions. Even in a foul mood those eyes spoke volumes no words or facial expressions could voice. He turned his gaze back to the horizon once more as he took a last swig of his drink and signed. A few moments of silence were all it took before Rogue spoke again. Her voice was oddly softer than its usual tone. It was tender if not wise.

"Ya don't need t' care about what they think o' ya."

He pulled a Joker's smirk as he chuckled softly. He refused to look at her as he replied.

"What do y' t'ink o' moi?"

He turned in time to see her look down at her hands that fiddled nervously with the edges of her sleaves. That blush he found so adorable on her returned to her cheeks as she spoke.

"Ah think ya don't deserve their judgements. They don't know ya lahke ah do."

Remy's smirk faltered to genuine surprise but he was quick to put it back as he retained his composure. He let out a small sigh through his nose.

"Are y' gonna tell dem dat y' hang out wit' moi every night t' prove I'm not a bad homme?" (man)

Rogue's head rose. He was struck by those pools of endless green before she bit down on her lower lip in an anxious look. He had expected her to punch him playfully but she didn't. Instead, she became insecure. She shrugged slightly as she returned her gaze to the floor. She spoke in that unnatural gentle tone of voice.

"Ah dunno… don't know how they'd take that…"

To be honest, she was worried they might stop her. Out of all the craziness that was her life at the moment, her nights hanging out with Remy was like a breath of fresh air. She found herself dependant on him for that breath of freshness, that and…

"Y' shouldn't care what dey t'ink o' y' chére."

At that, she did punch him. Remy let out a husky chuckle and rubbed his sore arm. She may be a lot smaller than him, but she had a knack for mean punches. He had bruises to prove it too. They fell into a more comfortable silence before Rogue spoke up again.

"Can ah ask ya somethin'?"

Remy grinned and wiggled his brow suggestively as he replied.

"Y' can say anyt'ing y' want Roguey, I won't judge."

Rogue didn't take it as an innuendo like he half-had. She locked her gaze with his and waited a moment for the humour to pass before she spoke. With a sincere look, she asked.

"Why won't ya join the X-Men?"

Remy's grin turned to a thin line across his jaw. When he didn't answer, Rogue continued.

"Ah know the Professor offered ya a place when the Apocalypse fiasco ended."

He had indeed. Several times in fact. Remy had respectfully declined each offer. He had been thankful when the Professor hadn't pushed him. He let out a silent, deep sigh before replying a few moments later.

"I don't belong dere Rogue. They're all clean records and preps. My record got more blood et black stains on it den most men put together. Trust moi, I don't fit de bill."

The look she gave him just about broke his heart and swelled such a compulsion to touch her like he couldn't believe. Those emeralds he had come to love were swollen with all kinds of emotions that called out to him through his empathy like a Siren's call. After a while she spoke. Her voice was small but strong with determination.

"You're wrong. On both counts."

He gave her a bemused look as she continued.

"Ah've done a lot of things ah'm not proud of. Got enough stains on mah own record t' blacken mah soul. So has Logan, Jean, even the Professor has a few bad deeds under his name. You wouldn't beh the first X-Man to have some blood an' dirt on their hands. And ya won't beh the last, Remy. Ya won't."

Remy was stunned to silence by her words. They spoke such honesty; he could feel it. She had never been so open with him before, never bared her soul so blatantly without show of restraint or anxiety. He could not believe such a woman could have any bad deeds under her name. Not this angel of mercy that seemed to want to hang around him despite his shady past. He stared at her for a couple of moments with sheer awe across his features. She pulled her black bomber jacket a little closer to herself as the cold nibbled at her exposed wrists. That blush returned to her cheeks as Remy wordlessly picked up his now-dry trench coat and slipped it over her shoulders. She let him wrap it securely around her. He took the time to test the boundaries as his hands slipped over her small shoulders. She trembled slightly from the cold. The tremors coursed from his hands and over his body like currents. He sat back down and turned his gaze to the skies. Barely any of the stars were visible from the city but a few managed to wink at him. After a while, he let out a defeated sigh and replied.

"I'll t'ink about it."

He felt hope ignite in her and it gave him thrills he didn't know he could feel. Her happiness, no matter how small, was his. It always had been…always would. He turned to face her with a sincere look.

"No promises, jus'…I'll t'ink it over. D'accord?"

To his delight, a small smile spread across her full lips. He nearly groaned out loud as she innocently licked her lower lip. Seductiveness was effortless and oblivious to this woman. He drank it despairingly. He couldn't make a move on his closest friend fore he treasured her friendship and her company too much. He treasured her like a man lost in a desert who treasured the last gulps of water in his flask. Knowing she would readily drop everything in her plans to come see him most nights sent thrills of excitement and pleasure through him that he couldn't describe. He found himself genuinely happy with her in his presence. It was a feeling he had rarely felt in his adult life. He would easily become drunk on such a feeling. He would easily crumble if he lost such a feeling; if he lost her.

"There's no pressure, Cajun."

He returned to the present and smirked at her teasing remark.

"After dat lil' speech? Really?"

She chuckled in return. Those emeralds shone effortlessly as she replied with a sincere tone.

"If ya decide t' join, ya can count on meh vouching for ya."

Remy found himself struck silent again. He had never had anyone believe in him quite how Rogue did. Rogue, a woman who had more reason to hate him than most, was willing to vouch faith in him against all opposition. He felt his heart swell with something stronger than desire or friendship. In the heat of the emotion, he daringly reached out for her. His hand cupped the side of her face and stroked it gently as he whispered.

"Merci ma chére. Y'…y' don't know how much dat means t' moi."

To his delight, she blushed pink and smiled at once. However, that gentle smile disappeared as she felt himself lean a little closer. Her eyes continued to shine as her lips parted slightly in a blank look. To his amazement and delight, she mimicked his actions. He felt his heart begin to pound at a rate that left him excited and blinded by need. He needed this. No matter how much he didn't want to risk his friendship with her, another day that went by that she didn't know that he wanted her would be torture. So he closed the gap between them and captured her lips. They were softer than he imagined they'd be. They were like rosebuds, supple and ready for spring's blooming kiss. He was gentle at first. He gave her the key and door to leave and stop this but she didn't. Instead, she raised her hands and wrapped them around his neck as she deepened the kiss. Her lips were heaven. He devoured them like the demon he was as he pulled her closer.

Somehow, some twenty minutes later, they managed to make it to his apartment; kissing and groping between muffled laughter as they stumbled up the stairs. As soon as the front door shut, he turned her around and lifted her up so that he could press her against the door. She moaned as he began to nibble and kiss her neck. Her legs wrapped securely around his hips as her hands became lost in his sopping wet hair. It had started to rain again when they made their way back to his apartment. They were both drenched to the bone but the cold was fought off by the fire that had been ignited between them. It burned through them in a firry passion. Gently, between moans and laboured breaths, Rogue managed to speak.

"Remy?"

"Hm?" He grunted between kisses as he recaptured her lips. She felt positively giddy at the taste of him. The mixed taste of alcohol, Chinese food and water couldn't dilute the permanent taste of cigarettes and spices. Between kisses, she replied.

"Can we get outta these wet clothes first?"

That seemed to be the magic words as Remy gave her a wicked grin before he scooped her up and began to make a bee-line down the hallway. Minutes later, she was in nothing but a pair of black panties and a bra while Remy wore nothing but his uniform pants. Her hands trailed over his chiselled abs as he lay on his back on the bed. She straddled him, grinning as his fingers ran circles over the flesh of her hips. She revelled in his touch. This was all very new to her but she wasn't about to have second thoughts. After vaguely drying off, they continued to kiss and undress each other until they came to the point of no return or sudden demise. Remy let his hands glide over her stomach and brush the top of her breasts as he spoke. His husky tone of voice sent pleasurable tremors down her spine.

"Y' sure y' want t' do dis chére?"

Rogue grinned down on him. Though she was admittedly a little nervous, she wasn't going to stop here. Gently, she leant forward and lay so that their chests were flushed against each other. She traced the tip of one of her fingers over his left cheek as she replied huskily.

"Are ya?"

Remy grinned before he gently turned her over and began to trail kisses and nips from her neck to her shoulder, to her breasts. He skilfully unhooked and slipped off her bra before capturing one of her soft mounds with his mouth. Her gasp of pleasure and surprise left him more aroused than ever. He continued to fondle her body in his exploration, making sure to put to memory what made her sigh and what made her moan. She was practically mewing by the time he reached for her underwear and tenderly slipped it off her legs. He took a moment to let his scarlet gaze linger over the perfect curves of her body. She blushed a light pink as she lay with her head on his pillow, her arms sprawled on either side of he head like a halo as she looked up at him. She was practically angelic. The rain drizzled gently against the window panels as he sat up and shimmied out of the rest of his clothes. Stark naked, he crawled back to her and captured her lips in a lingering kiss. Before he could realise it, she was pushing him onto his back and trailing her own lips over his jaw, neck and abs. They were feather-soft kisses, teasingly and painfully feather-soft. Her kisses and light nips left him groaning in pleasurable pain. If ruining his friendship with his closest friend was this good, he'd do it again in an instant.

He watched her in her actions. Those silky auburn and white waves tumbled over her shoulders as she let her hands roam over him. It was as if she were trailing her hands over a map, hot on her intended trail. He could feel his arousal worsen as she purposefully slid over him so that she could lock her lips with his. He could take no more of this. With a light groan, Remy turned her on her back again and reached for the necessary protection in the bedside draw. He was stopped when she told him they didn't need that. Remy had grinned at her genius before capturing her lips again. He plundered her mouth feverishly as her arms wrapped around his neck and held him closer. Finally however, enough was enough. Gently, Remy pulled away and positioned himself in front of her. Their eyes never broke contact as he slipped inside her. A half-pained gasp escaped her as a pained expression spread across her face. He began whispering encouragements in both French and English as he gently pumped his hips against hers. The pain subsided as the pleasure took over. He rode her tenderly at first, to get her used to him before he began to quicken the pace. He moaned her name into her ear as she mimicked his actions. Rogue ran her hands down his muscular back as she sighed loudly. Her actions made him groan in pleasurable-pain. Hot sweat drenched their already damp bodies as they cried out into the night. Finally, Rogue felt herself climax and gasped only to be followed shortly by Remy. He collapsed against her and lingered there as she stroked his hair tenderly. He rested his head against her neck as he pressed his lips to her collarbone. A minute later, he rolled over but took her with him so that she lay at his side. Her head rested against his chest as their breathing went from erratic to calm. Remy pulled the sheets over them and held her close as sleep began to pull at his mind. In no less than a few minutes, both were sound asleep.

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The next morning…

Remy woke to the smell of vanilla and lavender; her scent. A light groan escaped him as he shifted and felt around for the warm body he had slept beside only to come out empty handed. His unusual eyes opened ever so slightly. He flinched at the sudden light in the room but once his eyes adjusted he was about to take in his surroundings. The bed was unmade, pillows were scattered across the bedroom while he was the only occupant of the bed. Remy frowned lightly before the events of the night returned to him in one swoop. Another light groan escaped him as he fell back into the bed. She was gone. He lay there a few more minutes, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he reflected on the passions of the previous night. When he finally moved, it was to check the clock on his bedside table. However he was quickly distracted. Hope kindled in his eyes when his gaze fell on a small piece of paper on the table top. His name was scrawled familiarly across it.

I was late for work so I didn't wake you.

Call me tonight?

-R

Remy let out a deep sigh through his lips as he scratched the back of his head. Despite the disappointment of waking up alone, a grin spread across his lips. Did this mean she wanted this? He had enough experience behind him to know that if a woman left a note after a night of passion, asking for him to call him that following night, it could only mean she still wanted him. He grinned from ear to ear.

She wanted him.

After a shower, a shave and a cup of coffee for a late breakfast, Remy headed back to the bedroom to clean up. He didn't change the bed covers; the smell of vanilla and lavender was still there. He was stripping off the sheets when something black, green and yellow tumbled onto the mattress. He gave a bemused look as he reached out for it. A small smirk spread across his lips. It was Rogue's X-badge. He had noticed that she carried it around constantly. It was her way of swearing loyalty to her team. The same way he had a tattoo on his right shoulder blade that swore his loyalty to the Thieves Guild. He understood her need for expressing fealty but the object in hand left him frowning with profundity.

He knew she wanted him, for Rogue was not a woman that struck him as the type to throw caution to the wind when it came to giving her heart or her body away. But what would happen now? Her family already disliked him. How would they take to knowing that she was with him? They'd resentfully accept that they were friends perhaps, but as lovers? Remy sat down with the X-badge in hand. She wouldn't give up her team. For him, maybe she might consider it but he would not force that on her. They were her family; her guild. Leaving his family had been a tough decision and it constantly left him wondering if he had made the right choice. He wouldn't wish that on Rogue. A silent sigh escaped him.

"Would it be so bad t' join dem?"

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Two days later…

Rogue let out a depressed sigh for what felt like the millionth time that day. It had been two days since she and Remy had slept together and he had not called her since. After he hadn't called on the first day, she figured he might have forgotten or didn't get her note. She had frowned at the latter idea. She had left it in the most obvious place. There was no way he couldn't have seen it. In desperation, she called him but he didn't pick up. She constantly checked her voicemail between work and training sessions but he left no messages. By the end of the first day, she was mad at him. How could he toy with her like this? Angry, hurt tears had swelled in her eyes but she'd forced them back with stubbornness only she could master. On the second day, she didn't check her messages. She didn't carry her phone on her and she tried not to think that the other night had been a terrible mistake. She had woken that morning after, achy but content. Remy had managed to wrap one of his arms around her waist while his breath tickled the nape of her neck. She had stayed there about an hour or so, content with just lingering in his arms as the morning passed. Then her phone had gone off and she realised she was late for work. She had been reluctant to leave so abruptly.

An indignant sniff escaped her as she adjusted herself in her sofa seat.

"T' think ah felt bad leavin' him lahke that."

A grunt of annoyance escaped her as she turned back to her book. However, her reading was abruptly put to an end when the sound of girlish giggles and chatter erupted from behind her. From the open door of the rec room, Rogue distinctively heard Jubilee, Tabitha, Amara and a couple of new recruit girls as they passed by. She rolled her eyes at their girlish behaviour. Had she really thought Kitty was the worst gossip in the mansion? With an irritated huff, Rogue slapped her book shut and walked to the door to give them a piece of her mind.

"What the hell is goin' on here?"

The girls stopped abruptly like dears in the headlights before Jubilee stepped forward. The Asian girl had a mischievous grin across her face as she spoke.

"There's a new recruit who's just arrived!"

Rogue rolled her eyes. She thought as much. Every new 'hot' male recruit was shamelessly stalked by most of the X-Girls. Rogue pitied the guy almost instantly. However her pity turned into self-pity as Amara practically shackled her wrists as exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh my gosh, Rogue, you've so got go see him! He's so gorgeous!"

"He's practically sex on fire!"

All the girls bobbed their heads in agreement before Amara continued.

"He's got this whole, sexy, Cajun Charmer thing going on, doesn't he Tabby?"

Rogue didn't hear Tabitha's response as she felt herself become stunned and still. The blood drained from her face as her eyes widened. Amara and Jubilee gave her worried looks and asked if she was alright but she barely acknowledge them as she turned away. She was five steps away from the Professor's office when the door opened and the very devil-not himself stepped out, followed by the Professor. The Professor was in the middle of answering Remy when he realised her presence. He gave a warm smile as he acknowledged her.

"Rogue, you remember Remy LeBeau I imagine?"

Rogue wanted to laugh at the irony of his comment but restrained herself as she gave a silent nod as she turned to look at Remy. He winked at her and all her anger and hurt towards him melted away. The Professor gave them conjoint looks but was wise enough to excuse himself with the excuse of having to meet with Hank in the lab. The couple remained silent until the Professor was well and truly out of ear shot. Rogue found herself unable to speak. What was he doing? Remy grew worried at her stunned look. He had a feeling she would be angry at him for not contacting her but never had he seen such a look across her face. Was he that deep in trouble? He began to apologise nonetheless.

"Je suis désolé ma chére. I should have called mais I was trés busy wit' selling mon apartment et packing my t'ings." (I am sorry my dear)

Rogue's expression didn't falter. It wasn't a good sign. He let out a defeated sigh as he took a step towards her. To his amazement, she let him take her hands as he continued.

"I wanted t' surprise y' chérie. I didn't mean t' upset y' or make y' t'ink dat de other night was-"

"A mistake?"

Her words were almost choked but they were not angry. Not knowing what else to say, Remy dug a hand into his trench coat pocket and pulled out her X-badge. He put it in her hand as he spoke.

"I'd keep it t' see how long it took y' t' realise it be gone, mais I got my own badge t' lose."

The badge fell carelessly from her hands. Not a moment later, Rogue threw herself at him and captured his lips in a desperate kiss. A moment or two later, he recovered from the surprise and wrapped his arms around her. He deepened the kiss and grinned inwardly at her response. He should've joined the X-Men years ago. When air became necessity, they broke apart but remained locked in each other's arms.

"So…"

"So…" He grinned.

Rogue returned his smile before playfully punching him in the shoulder. He half-laughed-half-grunted-with-pain as she replied.

"Pick up ya damn phone next tahme ah call, okay?"

He chuckled at her as he returned his hands to her small waist.

"Won't need to call moi anymore chérie. Holler an' I'll come, d'accord?"

She chuckled with amusement before her expression turned severe. Gently, she brushed his fringe out of his eyes. The action left him spellbound as she spoke softly.

"What made ya change ya mind?"

He didn't have to ask to know what she was referring to. He let out a deep sigh as his expression turned serious. He raised a hand and stroked her cheek as he replied.

"Y' one o' de reasons."

Rogue hadn't expected that. She blushed lightly as she replied.

"An' the other reason?"

He smirked lightly.

"I want t' be here. I've talked wit' de Professor et I t'ink his cause is worth fighting for."

Rogue raised a brow at him.

"Ya'll just in it for the challenge aren't ya?"

Remy chuckled but that that sincere look across his face didn't dwindle.

"I like a challenge mais…"

He pulled a hand away from her and indicated to something attached to his belt. It was a similar X-badge to hers with the only difference being that his was black with a magenta coloured X across its face. Rogue daftly wondered if the Professor had known all along that Remy would eventually join them.

"Dis is one I want t' see t' de end. No matter how long it takes."

Rogue smiled up at him. She hadn't been so proud of him before. His expression remained severe as he raised a hand to cup her face. He leant a little closer as he spoke in a husky whisper.

"Dis be where I stand, Rogue. Beside y' et de X-Men. If y' will have moi."

For that instant that she stared up at him with those stunned emerald pools, he feared she would reject him. Doubts ate away at his hope but it was not devoured completely. A moment or two later, Rogue clasped the hand that cupped her cheek. She replied softly as she squeezed it.

"Here ah stand Cajun. If ya want meh, ya have meh."

They shared similar smiles before Remy captured her lips in a feverish kiss. They plundered each other's mouths as they fell against the wall. With muffled laughs, Rogue pulled him back onto his feet by his shirt and captured his lips again as she pulled him towards her bedroom door. Evidently, they had some 'house warming' to attend to before they faced the rest of the team.

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-Sigh- feels so good to be back in the game. Even for a short while.

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Disclaimer: Don't own X-Men, they are Marvel property.

-Gams