Disclaimer: Jab We Met and X-Men Evolution belong to Imtiaz Ali and Marvel Respectively. This is purely for my entertainment.

Author Notes: Hi without the usual blah, blah let's get on with the story and thanks as always to Azalea Rose Black for being beta for my story.


Sometimes well after midnight they were in sight of the institute. They had travelled non-stop and if Remy was on the highway again anytime within a month it would be too soon. For the past half-hour he had been following Rogue's directions towards her home. The neighbourhood around them had changed from blocks of apartments to grand mansions as they drew nearer. They had taken turns driving the car which thankfully hadn't let them down again though he doubt he be recommending that particular dealership.

Rogue didn't call ahead about their arrival as it was fairly late by the time they entered New York. She was hopeful that a few guest rooms would be available. Though with how the place ran she'd be more surprised if they weren't.

Remy had gotten them there quicker than she had anticipated; not following the speed limit wherever he could get away with it.

The familiar surroundings bought a smile to her face as she remembered many fond memories at the place. Although she kept in touch constantly she had hardly visited making excuses for papers or some other work. She knew she wouldn't be able to lie to them in person as easily. It had cost her a lot to keep something as big as a forbidden relationship from her family. She valued trust and loyalty deeply and what she was doing felt too much like she was betraying everyone she cared about but it couldn't be wrong if it was for love, could it?

Remy drove them towards the iron gate stopping for her as she entered this week's pass code Logan had given her. The gates were automatically locked from eight in the evening until six in the morning. Anyone with permission to go outside would need a pass code after those times. The lights on the digital pad turned green and the gate started to open silently. Stretching ahead of them was the long driveway ending in a circle around a water fountain. Following the driveway to the left led towards a large garage tucked to the side of the mansion. It looked just as she remembered; a vast door and windows big enough to climb through easily (She knew this from personal experience) The grounds stretching around it looked just as she remembered too; the forest on the north and east while the west side led towards the cliffs.

"Take the car to the side, we can park it in the garage." She spoke pointing the way.

"Don't t'ink I'll be stayin' long enough to need a parkin' space."

Wait, what? She looked at him in surprise, "But ya have to meet them. Trust me they'll be glad."

He looked as if he was going to decline her offer again as she hurriedly went on, "Besides Ah couldn't let you stay in a hotel at this time of night after we came all the way up together. We're friends right? There will be plenty of spare rooms."

"Rogue I don't know 'bout dis." He spoke reluctantly but something in her expression must have shown that she wasn't going to budge on this as he turned the car towards the garage. "Dieu, oui. Fine."

The parking space opposite the garage was occupied by several buses. He parked inside the large garage already holding around 15 vehicles ranging from Harley bikes, sports cars, mini vans to SUVs and small buses.

They grabbed their items from the back seats, He quietly followed her through the garage and into the kitchen. He was so damn quiet she felt as if she was breathing too loudly. She led the way towards the grand staircase and up the first floor turning left, her destination the guest rooms.

The door opened into a modest sized empty guest room but the sheets were set and the adjoining bathroom had towels and basic toiletries as well as a small balcony.

She turned to face him surprised as she nearly bumped into Remy; he had entered the room behind her quiet as a ghost.

"This should be all right. They usually have a couple of rooms prepared. It gets busy, but if ya need me Ah'm on the third floor. Take the first right, left and then left, mah door's at the end of the corridor." Feeling flustered by his lack of response she went on. "And um…Ah guess ya know where the kitchen is an' we usually hang around the Rec-room. Ah could show you where that-"

"Rogue s'fine. I'll find you in de morning unless you wanna stay in here." He interrupted her babbling smoothly giving her a roughish smile. It was nearly three in the morning she thought wryly did his flirting have an off switch?

She hadn't realized she was nervous about what he would think until now. He hadn't said anything at all about the place. A nonchalant expression on his face the entire time she spoke. Gawd! He hadn't even met anyone yet.

"Well night." She moved outside closing the door softly behind her. Why the heck did she feel so awkward? She picked up her stuff near the staircase and made her way towards her old room.

Opening the door she was surprised to see it exactly as she remembered albeit cleaner. Her old posters; the map above her desk she had put up dotting all the places she wanted to visit; the wind chime hanging by the window; the shelf full of books and knick knacks; though the lack of messy clothing on the floor made it seem larger to her. Her bed had been made too. Putting her luggage in front of the walk-in closet she quickly changed for bed too tired to even take a shower.

Five minutes after her head hit the pillow she was asleep.


The door closed softly behind her and he made his way through the room into the adjoining bathroom needing to remove the days grime from him. Ten minutes later he stepped out in loose track tracksuit bottoms his hair still wet from the quick shower. Feeling better just from the shower, sleeping in an actual bed sounded like the best thing right now.

Once he lay down sleep escaped him. His mind kept going back to everything, starting from Bella though the familiar constriction in his heart at the thought of her was gone. His love for Bella had been there for so long it seemed like a part of him. Despite the bad blood between their families he had thought that they belonged together. Sure they had other relationships but there had never been any doubt in his mind once they got together who he wanted to marry one day. Whether their families had agreed to it or not, to him his decision was already made either way. But the love Bella had for him, if it was ever there, was gone; he didn't realize at first the changes in her, the appointments, the sudden busy schedule. He was never one to constantly question where she was. Looking back he felt like a fool. He'd given her everything but she never really belonged to him.

Punching his pillow in frustration his thoughts turned to Rogue the past couple of days had been a good time but this wasn't his life, he didn't belong in her world. He'd stay for two days at most maybe by then he'll feel okay about leaving her, just to make sure that she be ok.

He hadn't trusted anyone in a long time but Rogue with her persistent ways had wormed her way in. He didn't want to rely on anyone, that only led to disappointment but somewhere along the way he realized that she wouldn't let him down. He lay awake for a long time unable to drift asleep his thoughts spinning around him.


There's this space between dreaming and being awake. Where you're aware of what you're dreaming of and you want to change it. If you just will it enough you might make it through without this being a nightmare.

Rogue was powerless. She could only watch herself stumble through the mist running after the train again and it was getting away…the voice announcing the train timings had changed from a smooth female voice to an Australian accent telling her that she was destroying the custom car. What car? She didn't even have her luggage! The platform was infinite before her…maybe she could catch up…if she kept running. She had to get on it or she'd be lost…the train gave another whistle…

Rogue sat up suddenly as her alarm buzzed again. She looked around in confusion, rubbing her eyes her dream slipping through her mind something about trains? The clock beside the bed was silent. The alarm was coming from one of her bags.

She yawned, stumbling out of bed. Light was streaming through the curtains, she hadn't even closed them last night. It looked to be somewhere around noon. Opening her backpack she found her mobile in one of its pocket. Turning the snoozing alarm off she checked her mobile. There were no calls from Pietro. Squelching her disappointment she stood abruptly grabbing blue jeans and a plain green t-shirt to get showered and dressed. The whole time her mind occupied. What was wrong? God, she hoped he was okay. It wasn't like him to be out of touch like this. She hurried through her morning routine before leaving her room she grabbed the phone tucking it in her pocket.

The mansion was loud and noisy. She realized that mostly everyone would be hanging around the mansion or out around Bayville. It was a Saturday.

A scream pierced the hall suddenly just as she reached the stairwell and she was unexpectedly tackled from behind a moment later.

"Oof."

"Ohmygod!Rogue!Rogue?...Rogue!" Kitty let her go slowly staring in shock. The two friends looked at each other for a moment staring at changes that might have occurred since they'd been apart.

"Calm down Kit, yeah it's me in the flesh." Rogue tried to hold back a grin at Kitty's dumbfounded expression.

"But it's been so long. Why didn't you call ahead to let us know you were coming? When did you get in anyway? Ohmygod, it's so great to see you." Kitty spoke in a rush and grabbed her again in a hug.

Rogue gently disentangled herself. "Slow down Kit. Last night at two, Ah didn't want to wake anyone up. Come' on lets grab something to eat Ah'm starving, you can tell me everything then." She linked arms with Kitty as they both went down the stairs. She groaned as Kitty offered to make her an early lunch or a late breakfast. While she was glad most things hadn't changed this was something she knew she wouldn't have missed.


Remy woke from the onslaught of voices coming from just outside his door. Opening his eyes blearily he glared at the door in annoyance before stuffing his head back under the pillows. Five minutes later and he given up on sleeping as a lost cause, grumbling he changed quickly glancing at the time as he got dressed. It was nearly three in the afternoon.

Opening the bedroom door he stumbled into a group of girls huddled together. He seemed to have interrupted some animated discussion as one of the girls with short blond hair had her hands up in some gesture. They all froze staring at him.

Remy plastered on a smile at them as he spoke. "Any of you belle filles wouldn't know where Rogue is would you?"

They continued to stare at him in silence.

Remy opened his mouth to speak again when one of the girls in a bright yellow jacket pointed towards the right. "Umm…she was in the kitchen a while ago."

He gave her a grateful smile, "Merci petite." As he walked away he could hear them feverishly whispering behind him.

"That is just sex on legs."

"God Tabitha!"

"Well I'm just saying it like it is. Someone's definitely been holding out on us."

"Yeah, but isn't she with Cody…"

As he turned the corner remembering his way to the kitchen easily from the night before the voices dispersed behind him. He reined in the urge to ask who Cody was; he find out soon enough and much more discreetly. He got a few curious glances as he moved towards the kitchen though nobody approached him. The kitchen looked even bigger in the daylight, equipped with state of the art appliances and marble work tops; whoever Xavier was he sure didn't skimp out on anything. Rogue was at one of the counters eating an extremely late breakfast of pancakes and coffee, from the looks of her plate she was very nearly done. She was surrounded by a small group of people talking animatedly, completely relaxed. She looked up as he approached giving him a small smile. The others had all gone quiet staring at him. Rogue seemed to realize this as she suddenly started to introduce him.

"Hey guys this is mah friend-"

"Robert Lord." Remy interrupted smoothly not wanting to hand out the information that came with his name. He didn't want the judgment or drama that came along with his identity.

Rogue didn't correct him though she looked slightly surprised.

"Um…yeah he's a friend from college. We decided to come together since he had some business up here."

"What did you study bub?"

The voice didn't come from the group surrounding Rogue but from a man standing by the open fridge. He seemed to be appraising him and from the look of it didn't seem to find him much of a concern as he turned back towards the fridge searching inside.

"Law." He answered smoothly, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah? How's that workin' out for you?"

"Great, criminals pay really well." His whole posture relaxed yet arrogance in every stance right down to the way he spoke.

The man grunted something without turning around; turning back he saw the group staring at him though Rogue was trying to hide a smile.

"Well you've met Logan…and um this is Kitty, Kurt and Bobby." Rogue gestured towards each of them as she spoke.

Remy acknowledged the petite brunette giving her a smile, and a nod towards the guy weirdly wearing a Hawaiian shirt and another guy with short brown hair as he sat at the counter grabbing a muffin.

The silent atmosphere at the table suddenly broke. Rogue looked horrified. The brunette, Kitty gave him a huge smile and both the guys looked positively gleeful.

"Ah saved ya some pancakes." Rogue snatched the muffin from his hands as she spoke quickly, shooting the boys glares as she shot an apologetic look at Kitty. "Um…They'll er…um go to waste…" She looked like she wanted to say more but seemed to think better of it.

He looked at her in confusion as she abruptly got up grabbing a covered plate and bringing it over along with a mug of coffee, placing them in front of him. She spoke quietly and only for him. "Eat up your gonna need this."

He heard a snort behind him as Logan closed the fridge.


After the late breakfast in the kitchen or was it lunch? Rogue decided to show him around the institute. A quick tour so he wouldn't feel lost in the mansion, though he didn't seem to have a problem finding his way around the mansion. He seemed to have a good sense of direction; the whole drive up here and he hadn't needed to stop once and ask for directions.

They ran into the Professor as he was leaving his office with Hank, one of Rogue's favourite teacher and the school doctor. She had said an all too brief hello earlier but they hadn't had time to chat properly as Professor Xavier was on his way to a meeting. As a leading expert in genetics his opinion was often consulted by others in the field. He had told her to find him later and as she bent forward to give him a hug Rogue felt truly at home, at Xavier's she always knew her place.

"Ah Rogue it's been too long." He said hugging her back, "Are you here to stay for a while?"

His voice, as always, had a calm effect on her and she was surprised to find herself teary eyed, she hadn't realized how much she had missed the place. Giving a hello to Hank she replied to the Professor. "For now yeah but give me a couple of weeks and we'll see then."

She stood back gesturing to Remy who had been silently observing them and introducing him as a friend she ran into from college who helped her out of a bit of a tight spot.

The professor gave him a welcoming smile. "Any friend of Rogue's is welcome to stay with us Mr. Lord. It seems we're in your debt. There's no need to be formal here your among friends and more than welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Remy shook hands with the Professor and Hank, "Merci you have a great home, M' tempted to take a closer look at some of de art."

The Professor seemed pleased by this. "I shall look forward to perhaps discussing them with you at dinner. I'll see you both then."

Rogue led him to the Rec-room. Remy had been polite with everyone he met so far but something had changed; he gone back to giving one word answers and blank faces. He even seemed to be keeping distance from her. Maybe she was being unfair. The Lebeau's business was known as one of the best in the field owning many priceless and sought after arts and jewels. As well as many other businesses; they always jumped on the latest business opportunity. They were famous for their political influence and old money family. He was possibly from one of the most powerful families in New Orleans. Remy's name often popped up in the papers surrounding different scandals as the wild son, girls made a few hundred selling stories. Maybe with his experience he didn't think he could trust her or was it them, her family that made him realize who he was and where he belonged? Not with her, he had his world to go back to a world in which she didn't belong.

Wanting to distract herself from her thoughts she said. "Ya know ah feel bad for not warning ya bout Kitty's cooking."

"Out of all de things you mention bout you're family you forget to mention their tendencies to poison their guests." He had smile on his face.

"Come' on it wasn't that bad…" Rogue felt that despite Kitty's dangerous cooking she had an obligation to defend her friend.

"It cracked de tile when you dropped it chere."

"…and anyways Kit made them for me."

"She wanted you to leave so quickly?"

Their banter stopped at they reached the Rec-room; it was fairly crowded with the pool tables and the TV both occupied as well as a few board games set up around the room. A few people glanced up at her and Remy as she led him to an empty leather couch in the corner.

"Bet you the rumours have already started bout us. And Ah think Kitty's up to something she kept givin' me weird looks earlier."

"Thought dat was 'cause you dropped de plate of muffins."

"Yeah but ah think it's more than that she was-" Rogue stopped abruptly as a large group of students including Jubilee, Jamie, Kurt, Bobby and it seemed like half the female population of the institute settled around their secluded corner.

A look at Remy's face showed that he didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed. Glancing at her he got a mischievous look in his eyes as he clearly decided on the former. A charming smile on his face as he spoke loudly, "And bout dat hot and heavy sex you wanted to have how 'bout you pop into my room tonight?"

Rogue's eyes widened and her face turned red in embarrassment and anger. He did not just say that. Eyes narrowed in a deadly glare, through gritted teeth she hissed. "Swamp Rat ya are so dead."

The silence around them seemed ominous as everyone waited for her famous temper to blow up at him. She turned her glare at the crowd around them and they hurriedly scrambled away mumbling about homework or hearing Logan calling them. Thank God Kitty wasn't there though Kurt looked a little green as he approached them.

He settled across them, looking at her and visibly swallowing before speaking. "I told them it was a bad idea."

Before she could say anything to that he had turned to Remy who wasn't even trying to hide his highly entertained expression. "Did I mention I'm her brother?"

"Adopted brother," Rogue mumbled.

"Same difference sis," Kurt shot right back at her.

Remy was looking at them both and Rogue could see the differences he must be comparing between them. They did not look alike at all; Kurt with his dark hair and eyes and his laid back humour combined with their different accents and Rogue's pale looks, people did not see them as related and for the most part would not guess at any relation.

She gave him a quick explanation, "She left Kurt to the system when he was a baby and adopted me later, though God knows Ah wonder why she wanted to raise a child."

Kurt looked as if he wanted to say something to that but held himself back for her sake.

She knew he didn't hate their mother like she did. That he wanted to forgive her and wanted her to do the same. She couldn't. She wouldn't. Some things can't change and their some choices you can't go back on. They hadn't even known at first their relation and had gotten on each other's nerves constantly. Kurt with his fun nature and the idea of personal space a bit foreign to him and her with her go away vibes to anyone who tried to get close, but eventually he had become a good friend.

Raven had tried to contact her and when the Professor was settling all the legal matters of getting Rogue to stay as a part of the school. He had discovered Kurt's and her connection to each other.

She hadn't known what to do with the information had been angry at the Professor for telling her about it. What did he expect from her? She knew she was in denial but after her experience with families she hadn't expected the information to do any good. Kurt though had been ecstatic and if she remembered correctly persistent. He hadn't let go until she let her wall down enough to let him in. It seemed a life time ago when she been a cranky teenager with serious trust issues.

Kurt was now either trying to intimidate Remy or find information about him and from the looks of it failing at both miserably. Remy appeared friendly enough but there was look in his eyes that told Rogue he knew exactly what Kurt was up too. Before Kurt or any of her friends could embarrass her any further she stood up interrupting them.

"So Ah'm gonna catch up with the girls, Ah'll see you later."

Remy stood up as well, "I need to get into town as well got a few things need to sort out."

"You should take Kurt and Bobby with you they can take you around Bayville."

"Da we'll show you everything to do round here," Kurt clapped Remy on the back unaware that Rogue was purposely tagging him along with Remy. Hah! That's what he got for that comment earlier. The gossip would have spread by now and no matter how much Rogue denied it she doubt it would do much good. Giving Remy a smile she left them but not before getting a challenging look from him in return.


The cafeteria was a large room with tiled flooring, doors leading to the gardens as well as tables in various sizes equipped to seat around a hundred and fifty students. The staff tables were near the doors leading outside. She saw Remy sitting there by Miss Munroe, Kurt and Professor Xavier as she approached the table with Kitty a tray in their hands. Dinner in the cafeteria most nights was a noisy affair and today seemed even worse. They had lost track of time chatting in her room and only the grumbling of their stomach had reminded her that it was time to eat.

She was relieved to see Remy enjoying himself as she felt a bit guilty for leaving him for so long.

At her arrival he looked up, "T'ought I lost you chere."

"You won't be rid of me that easy, just catchin' up with Kitty." She said sitting down a question in her voice as she went on, "How ya find the tour?"

He grinned at that before replying, "Informative you wouldn't believe the stories Kurt has to tell."

Rogue narrowed her eyes at him saying nothing but if anyone at the table saw her attacking her food particularly viscously they wisely didn't mention it.

The conversation at the table carried on with Ororo and Professor Xavier trying to make Remy feel welcome. Ororo kept filling his plate with more food when it looked like it was about to finish. Rogue smiled at the idea of him being another victim of her mothering not that most people ever complained.

Professor Xavier's voice cut through her thoughts suddenly, "Ah Jean I was wondering when you would join us."

Jean took a seat smiling at the table, "Sorry Professor the classes ran a bit late and I dropped a friend off before coming over." She suddenly blinked looking at Rogue, seeming to realize she was there for the first time. "Rogue? When did? Why didn't you say...ohhit's great to see you."

Rogue smiled back at her, "Likewise Grey ya look good. This here is a friend of mine …. Umm Rob this is Jean."

Remy who been silently watching looked pained as she discreetly nodded in Jean's direction lifting her eyebrows suggestively a smile on her face. That didn't seem to stop him from hitching a charming smile on his face. "If I'd known dis place was full of belle femmes I would have made Rogue bring me here sooner."

Jean blushed at his attention though she busied herself with some food. Kitty looked like she was ready to swoon right there.


Remy was walking towards his room sometime after dinner. The whole day had been interesting to say the least. Clearly this wasn't a place lacking in drama and frustratingly it reminded him somewhat of home, even Jen-Luc with all the scheming plans for his future.

An arm shot out suddenly grabbing him just as he prepared to pull the attacker out Rogue's head emerged from the corner.

"Shh do yawanna bring the whole mansion here?"

"Rogue what are you-"

"Just follow me, I'll explain everythin'" She whispered furiously as she walked along the corridor while he let himself get pulled behind her before she stopped in front of a door. It looked just like any other to him but she opened it going inside and pulling him in behind her.

It was pitch dark inside before the sound of a light being clicked on was heard. He was in a small supply closet with cleaning supplies scattered inside. Rogue was standing in front of him looking panicked.

"Rogue, what goin' on?"

"What's going on? What's going on? I tell ya what. Kit is soo dead that's what!"

"What happened?" Remy was mystified Rogue had seemed fine at dinner though now that he thought about it she hardly spoken to Kitty.

"Oh God Ah so did not see this coming."

He frowned as Rogue garbled on incoherently in her anger. He caught the word "Kitty" again as well as "Pietro" A sudden feeling in his stomach and he didn't know if it was a good or bad thing grabbing her by the shoulders he looked directly in her eyes as he spoke soothingly. "Rogue, Rogue chere look at me, calm down. Tout vabien se passer. Start from de beginning oui? Slowly."

She was looking at him strangely her eyes flickering over him as she confusedly started. "Umm…Ya know when me and Kit were hangin' out-"

The door abruptly opened and they blinked towards the bright light. Jean Grey stood there looking at them suspiciously. She raised her eyebrows archly a questioning look on her face. Remy realized how close he was standing to Rogue holding her tightly. He let go stepping back slowly.

Jean cast him a piercing look before turning to Rogue, "Marie anything you want to talk about?"

At Jean's voice Rogue snapped out of her silent stare following him out of the storage cupboard. "Not particularly unless you're interested in college life, Ah wouldn't want to bore ya Jean."

Jean gave him a hesitant smile as she grabbed Rogue pulling her aside, "Rogue are you all right? And don't try that stupid college line again-"

Despite Jean's effort he could hear them clearly as Rogue hissed back, "Jean don't worry its nothing-"

"It didn't look like nothing." Jean said quietly with a frown on her face.

"Ohhh possessive, don't worry he's only got eyes for you no need to get jealous." Rogue said a smile playing about her face her tone sly and confiding.

Jean sputtered for a moment in shock her face reddening. Remy leaned against the wall uncomfortably aware that they probably knew he could hear every word.

Jean glanced at him before whispering to Rogue adamantly. "Rogue you know Scott and I are dating-"

"What! Since when? He finally got the guts to ask you out?"

Jean continued to blush as she replied, "Well I had to give him a little push but yes. He's away visiting Alex for a few days."

Rogue spoke quietly "But Ah had it all planned out…err Ah mean… great and about time too."

Jean smile. Remy wondered if it would be too rude of him to make a discreet exit. The direction this conversation was going and soon they be asking him to paint nails with them. He shuddered at the mental image.

Rogue glanced back at him before turning to Jean, "Ya have to tell me all about it."

Jean looked at him as well before replying to Rogue. "Sure see you in a bit."

Just as Jean turned to walk away Rogue faced him standing on her tip toes so she could whisper in his ear, "Look Ah can't talk now but meet me in the morning at six am on the roof, front side. We ought to have plenty of time and privacy."

He looked at her in curiosity as she threw back a, "Don't be late" over her shoulder walking away in the direction Jean had gone.

"See you at six chere." He mumbled in the empty corridor as he finally made for his room again.


Translations:

Belle filles: Beautiful girls

Merci: Thank you

Petite: Little one (small)

Chere: Dear

Tout vabien se passer: Everything will be ok

Further Author Notes: Just to let everybody know that I have made more edits to the previous chapters again the plot does not change at all but I've gotten rid of some of the details about Bella we don't need to know them she's not coming back and you can imagine how you like about her fooling around. All the changes are minor and do not affect the story in the big scheme of things. Also next chapter a certain someone will be showing up…