Disclaimer: I do not own the xmen
You might be tempted to skip through the vows, but don't there's a surprise inside : )
Rogue felt nervous and she was not even really getting married. She did not know how to act around Remy. He probably thought she was weak holding onto him like she did that day. Remy was like her own personal knight in shining armor always there to comfort and defend her. Scott had been furious when the music system was found taken from his car. There was no doubt that it had been him; the queen of hearts card left where the system should have been was as good as a signature. He left that card as a message for her.
Since 'that day' Rogue had only seen the Cajun twice and both times had been uncomfortable at best. They were both not talking about the 'incident' and acting far from their usual flirtatious bantering. Rogue shook her head and glanced in the mirror at her dress. It was the only element in this whole scheme that Rouge got something she actually liked.
Kitty had wanted to put her in a big puffy frilly dress, which Rogue wholeheartedly argued against. They had been in town when Rogue ducked into a sort of chic store that specialized in retro and antique imitations. That when she saw the dress. It was modeled after Victorian style gowns, but was relatively new. The dress was a sheath cut that was tight from the waist up but flowed freely and loosely below that. Over the thin satin slip was a sheer layer with delicate flowers and ivy embroidery that added a nice touch without being overdone. The sleeves to the dress were capped and the front and back dipped into dangerously revealing v's.
Rogue loved how she looked in the dress with her hair in soft gentle curls and the fabric of her dress pooling around her feet. She accompanied the dress with long antique silk opera gloves that had small buttons trailing up the side. She had purposely done her makeup with a twenties frame of mind with heavy emphasis on the eyeliner and lipstick. The wine color lipstick was shocking against her lily white skin and made Rogue feel like an old time movie star.
"You know you look beautiful. Remy is going to die when he sees you," Wanda said coming up next to Rogue. Several voices in Rogue's head agreed with Wanda. Even Logan said she looked nice, but a second later he told her she was stupid for listening to 'Gumbo'. Scott was mumbling something about betraying the team.
"Yeah, he will won't he?" Rogue said as she eyed the two glass flutes in her friend's hand. The contents looked like champagne. Wanda was filming this show, but had still dressed for the occasion in a simple gothic black dress.
"Here, you look nervous as hell." Wanda handed one of the glasses to Rogue. After a short mental debate Rogue accepted the offering and downed it instantly. "Wow, Rogue, that isn't water."
"Ah know. Ah'm just a little nervous. Do you think that's weird?" If Wanda thought something was weird it was a clear sign that you took a wrong turn and should stop immediately.
"No especially since you like him," her darker friend said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"What gave meh away?" She knew that this had been coming for a while. Wanda rolled her eyes before retrieving the bottle of champagne and refilling both of their glasses.
"Rogue, no woman would do something like going through with a fake wedding ceremony to convince a guy's family that he was married if they didn't have feelings for the guy," Wanda explained. Rogue sighed and took a small sip. The girl had a point. "What I want to know is how much you like Gambit?"
Rogue opened her mouth not certain what she would say when suddenly Rogue and Wanda were no longer alone. Kitty had phased herself back into the room. Rogue had never been so happy to see her bubbly friend before. Usually Kitty had horrible timing, but for once luck was shining down on Rogue. She honestly had no answer for Wanda and wanted nothing more than to pretend she could barely tolerate the swamp rat.
"Oh my gosh, Rogue you look amazing. You know what would make it look even better? The veil I like bought," Kitty said as she took a seat on the bed.
"Not happenin' Kit. Ah ain't wearin' no veil." Rogue said firmly. Kitty sighed and then seemed to see the Champaign glasses.
"Am I the only one like not drinking?" Kitty said with a huff.
"Who was drinkin'?" Rogue asked. If Remy showed up to this thing drunk off his ass she was going to kick that cute behind of his all the way to New Orleans.
"All of the boys! Don't worry about Piotr he can handle his alcohol." Kitty said in a proud voice. Yeah because Rogue was overly worried about Piotr.
"They all can drink like nothing else, so I won't worry too much. John isn't stupid. He might take my threat to withhold sex seriously." Rogue sighed before drinking the remainder of her second glass of champagne. Today was going to be eventful.
"Oh, I like have the engagement ring and let me tell you, it is absolutely stunning!" Kitty said before producing a ring to Rogue.
It was a beautiful and very old ring. Probably from the eighteen hundreds if Rogue had to guess. The ring consisted of a sizable round diamond with two small black pearls flanking it. It looked dainty and delicate like old society money. At the same time the ring was classy and not over the top. Rogue slipped the ring on over her gloved hand. It was a snug fit with the gloves, but would be a perfect fit without them. Rogue examined the band closely wondering if it had been refitted to her ring size, but how would the Cajun know to even do that?
"Wow" Rogue said out loud not having anything more to contribute. She was a little nervous to be wearing such a ring. It probably cost a fortune.
"Oh my gosh this is like so amazing. I like can't wait for the ceremony!" Kitty squealed. Rogue watched Wanda's hand glow faintly blue as the dark witch struggled with the urge to hex the valley girl. Kitty had annoyed Rogue a long time ago, but living with her for so many years made her nearly immune to the Kitty annoyance factor.
"When do we need to leave?" Rogue asked.
"I'm going to go set up the camera." Wanda said and excused herself from the room.
"Oh, I would say we have like ten minutes. Do you know everything you have to say?" Kitty asked while she checked her hair out in the mirror.
"All ah have to do is repeat what John tells meh to say. It ain't rocket science." She wanted to get going and put this 'wedding' behind her. Kitty pursed her lips at Rouge, but quickly let it go.
"When are you two leaving for New Orleans?" Kitty moved to her packed bag on the bed and began rummaging through it.
"In two days," Rogue said with a smile that Kitty completely missed. It was going to be fantastic to be down south. Of course Rogue was going to have to deal with Remy's family finding out they were 'married' and quite possibly assassins, but it seemed worth it.
"Logan has been like going on and on about Remy taking out Scott's music system since he did it on Institute property. He's going to be suspicious if you suddenly disappear. Why did Remy steal Scott's music system anyway?" Kitty demanded as she rose to her feet with a small black box in her hand.
"I'm leavin' a note with the Professa sayin' that ah am helpin' a friend out and not ta worry. He had his reasons ta do that ta Scott." She wanted to defend Remy, but at the same time she wanted to keep what he did for her between them.
"Well that might work. Logan will like probably try to go after you anyways. I don't feel bad about Scott. That was like total karma or something. Here this is for you," Kitty said as she held out the small box. Rogue accepted it cautiously. When she opened the lid she saw a pair of small teardrop shaped sapphire earrings.
"Kit, what are these for?"
"You need something borrowed and blue," Kitty informed her. Rogue rolled her eyes, but knew that there was no way she was getting out of wearing the earrings. It was sort of sweet in a way. "You have something old since your gloves are old and that dress is new."
"Kitty, sug, this is a fake weddin' ya understand that right?" Rogue asked. Sometimes she felt that Kitty was half-convinced that she and Remy really were getting married. Kitty had such an over active imagination.
"I know that, but I felt like it still needed to be done. Put them on they will probably look beautiful." Kitty insisted. Rogue carefully removed them and attached them to her ears. Glancing in the mirror Rouge had to agree with Kitty they added a needed touch.
"Come on lets go like get you fake married!" Kitty said in a singsong voice and yanked Rouge forcefully to her feet.
Rogue's hands grasped the bouquet of white roses for dear life as the music began to play. Kitty had already marched down the aisle and now it was her turn. No one was 'giving her away' so there was no one there to give her a push. For a flicker of a moment Rogue thought that if this was her wedding she would want Logan standing next to her promising he could get her away if she changed her mind.
However, this was not a real wedding so there was no reason to be nervous. Taking a deep breath Rogue walked into the light of the room set up for the event. Inside was beautiful with white and blue flowers everywhere. Their sweet fragrance comforted Rogue and encouraged her to take that first step inside. From there it was easy. It looked like a real wedding with Remy waiting for her at the end. His eyes were wide and completely glued to her face. He seemed to love the dress or at least her curves in the dress.
A blush crept into her cheeks as she made the last few steps. Remy took her hand in his with a million dollar smile plastered across his face. He was an amazing actor because with that look in his eyes anyone would be convinced that he was in love with her. John cleared his throat and Rogue finally noticed that they were standing in front of a white lattice arch covered in white roses. Kitty was good.
"Nervous?" Remy's voice whispered into her ear causing her to shiver. Rogue shook her head slightly before looking into his eyes. God he was good at this.
"Dearly beloved!" John said with an enthused and bellowing voice. If anything gave them away it would be John. He sounded like he was trying to imitate a southern Baptist minister. "We gather here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If anyone has cause as to why these two should not wed peak now or forever hold your peace." He paused only a moment before continuing. "Seeing as no one has spoke we shall continue with the ceremony. At this time the bridesmaid would like to recite a poem." Rogue forced a smile hoping that this would be the one and only poem recited. Remy simply gazed adoringly into her eyes as if he could not believe she was doing this. Hhe deserved an Oscar. Rogue knew he was playing his part, but she was also flattered by the look.
"I selected this poem to read today at Rogue and Remy's wedding. It is called "Sonnet from Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
How do I love thee?Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, - I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death."
When Kitty finished the poem there was a long moment of silence that hung in the air like a vow. For a second, Rogue felt that pretending these words were true was wrong. But, then realization slammed into her like a two by four across her face. A part of her did love Remy if only as a friend. That thought, and the sudden squeeze of his hand eased her worry and solidified her resolve.
"Do you have the rings?" John asked. Remy blinked and flinched as if shaken from deep thought. He recovered quickly and from the pocket of his jacket produced two rings.
"Yes, I have the rings," he said in a quiet voice.
"Okay repeat after me," John instructed. "I Remy, take thee, Rogue to be my wedded wife."
"I Remy, take thee, Rouge to be my wedded Wife," he repeated with a smile and a spark in his eyes.
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer," John prompted.
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer." Remy's thumb began to make circles against her hand.
"In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance," John said.
They were pulling it off. No one had busted out laughing yet and nothing was on fire . . . yet. "in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance." Remy finished his vows and then slipped on a simple white gold wedding band onto her finger.
"Rogue, please repeat after me, I Rogue, take thee Remy to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward," John said.
Rogue took a deep breath before saying, "I Rogue, take thee Remy to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward." That was not too hard. She could do this . . .
"For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey," John said with a small hint of amusement.
"For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to—" Rogue said and paused. Obey? Who picked these vows? Remy looked like he was holding back laugher. So he picked them out. Obey? "respect," Rogue finished. Even in a fake marriage she was not promising to obey no one.
John continued as if he had not heard her slight change. "Till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance."
"Till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance." She took the thick white gold wedding band and carefully slid it on Remy's finger.
"I now pronounce you Husband and wife, you may now kiss the Bride," John said with a small sigh. Apparently, he was a romantic. Rogue smiled at her 'husband' who was pulling out a white handkerchief. Well that was inventive too bad he did not know what she knew.
Rogue launched herself at him wrapping her arms around his neck as he stumbled back holding her by the waist. His eyes were wide with shock as Rogue pressed her lips firmly to his. The shock wore off quickly as his lips moved against hers and his hands pulled her tighter against him. This was Rouge's first real kiss. She became lost in the sensation of touch as his tongue slipped into her mouth caressing her from the inside. She eagerly returned the gesture.
"Oy, you're supposed to kiss the shelia not suck her tonsils out!" John exclaimed. Rogue blushed and firmly pushed Remy away. His face was priceless . . . awe and plotting all at the same time.
He moved in close to her ear and whispered, "You have been keeping things from Remy, chere."
"Oh my gosh that was so sweet it was like so real!" Kitty said cheerfully. Wanda turned off the camera and headed to the group crowding around Rogue and Remy.
"Thanks for all of this, Kitty," Rogue said to her friend. She had been angry with the girl for getting to so into a fake wedding, but now she was kind of glad.
"Oy, mates, I got de papers. Now if you'll excuse me I got a room upstairs," John said as he walked over to Wanda. "Coming love? Weddings make me horny." He pulled her into his arms while pinching her butt.
"It wasn't too bad, Rogue. Congratulations." Wanda said with a small wink. Rogue knew her friend was referring to the kiss. Rogue smiled and waved goodbye and Wanda allowed John to pull her out of the room.
"Alright, ah'm changin' out of this dress and going home," Rogue said and took a step forward only to be pulled backwards. Remy dipped her back with his arms supporting her.
"Goin' home? Dis is our weddin' night, chere. Why don't we use one of de rooms we got and continue where we just left off with dat kiss. You shouldn't keep such things from Remy," he said while he eyed her lips as if he wanted more of them. Rogue blushed before pushing down on her feet to get back upright and out of his arms.
"We ain't married, and ah ain't sleepin' with ya ever," she said angrily. He was such a pervert.
"Rogue, if you don't mind Piotr and I are going back to the rooms and change. I'll edit the video and get it to you tomorrow," Kitty said as she grabbed the camera. "Don't worry about clean up, I hired a few people to take care of it."
"That's fine Kit. Thanks for everything." Kitty nodded before her and massive Russian disappeared to probably copy Wanda and John's idea.
"When did you get control, Rogue," Remy asked sounding hurt. This made Rogue turn sharply to him. His face mirrored his tone making her sigh.
"Ah don't, not really. The Professa and ah have been workin' on it. We clocked it last session like two days ago a three minutes till mah powers kick back in. It ain't instant. Ah have ta purposely relax and sort of will them off. It's sort of hard to explain. Ah also can't do it for long so far. Ah get tired after doin' it a couple of times."
He seemed disappointed at this, but quickly recovered. "Thank you, Rogue. Dis means a lot to dis ol' Cajun," he said gallantly and bowed while taking her hand and planting as kiss on her knuckles. Rogue chuckled as his antics.
"Ah don't mind helpin' ya. Besides this was sort of fun in a way." His eyes brightened and glowed at her statement.
"Rogue . . . dat was one hell-of-a kiss." Rogue swatted his arm playfully as they walked side by side out of the room.
"You wanna go to a bar and pretend we just got hitched and see how many free drinks we can get?" Rogue asked when they had just crossed the threshold. Remy burst into laughter.
"Oui, Remy likes the way you think, chere."