AN: It's a shame I don't own the X-Men; I could spend my time making you folks happy instead of doing things like remedial math.
O-o-o-o-O
"Fuck you Julien" Remy sighed. He couldn't believe he had been lax enough to not notice anyone coming up behind them. Yes, Julien was a very talented Assassin, and trained to be quiet, but that was no excuse. What the hell was he doing here? He wasn't exactly the afternoon stroll in the park type of guy. Was he following them? Surely Julien had better things to do, even if they hated each other's guts. Besides, it wasn't like he was doing anything wrong; surely Marius's cronies in the justice system kept him up on what was going on, so he'd know what Remy's sentence was. "What do you want?"
"Such language, LeBeau," Julien clucked disapprovingly, and looked Rogue over with disdain. "I just happened to be in the neighborhood and wondered why my little sister's fiancé was slumming it in public, in broad daylight."
Rogue scowled. "Who's your friend, Swamp Rat?"
Remy sighed. "Rogue, this is Belle's brother, Julien. Julien, this is Rogue, the mutant I'm keeping an eye on for my community service."
"Ah, the mushroom's brother" Rogue laughed.
Julien glared at her. "Bella's not a mushroom, she's a plant….I mean it's a plant" he stumbled, and Rogue just laughed harder. Remy couldn't help but grin at this. It was fun to watch Julien get made a fool of, even if Belle got indirectly insulted as a result.
Julien recovered though. "Does 'keeping an eye on someone' include afternoon naps in the park? You two looked pretty cozy together."
"What's wrong with taking a nap? It's a nice day for it..." Remy paused. "Wait, why am I explaining myself to you? I'm doing my job, keeping the blind girl company. It's none of your damn business." He didn't mean to talk like that about Rogue, but the last thing he needed was Julien carrying tales to his sister. Belle knew what was going on, but she was also very jealous, and Remy didn't want her considering Rogue a threat, which of course she wasn't. She was just his assignment.
"I just love being talked about like I'm not here, don't you?" Rogue commented sarcastically to no one in particular. "Listen Jules, Remy here was just taking me out for a little field trip. No big deal, no reason to get your panties in a twist. Your brother in law isn't cheating on your sister with the little blind girl" she said, rolling her blank eyes. The movement looked weird to Remy, her empty eyes being moved but unable to be focused on anything.
"He's not my brother" Julien snapped, and Remy could tell from the look on his face that he wanted to add that he never would be, not if Julien had anything to say about it. The man truly gave Remy the creeps sometimes. The rest of the time he just wanted to see him take a long walk off a short pier, preferably while wearing concrete shoes.
"Leave Rogue out of this, Julien. If you've got something to say, say it to me." Remy really didn't need Rogue getting caught up in the soap opera of his upcoming marriage, and he really didn't want her getting anywhere near Julien Boudreaux. She had enough problems as it was.
"Rogue" Julien said, curling his lip in disgust. "Who the hell names their kid Rogue anyway?"
"A better woman than whatever whelped you" the object of his disdain replied angrily. "It's times like these when I'm glad I can't see. Saves me money on the mental floss."
Remy just grinned at this. Maybe he didn't have to worry about her around Julien. If he was lucky, maybe he'd even get to see her cane him. It would be nice to see someone else on the receiving end of that thing for once. Right now Julien wasn't close enough though.
"I see why they keep this little chienne locked up" Julien retorted.
On second thought, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea, Remy thought to himself, taking in the look on Rogue's face. The last thing he needed was Rogue getting arrested for assault, which was what was going to happen soon if Julien kept going on the way he was.
"ANYWAY" he said loudly, stepping between the two and hoping Rogue could judge from his voice that he was now in her way, "Getting back to my original question Julien, what the hell do you want?"
Julien grinned evilly. "Nothin' much. Thought I'd see how you liked doing time. Not where I'd like to see you doing it, of course, but you're still under the eye of the law and doing penance for your evil deeds" he said in a holier than thou voice.
Remy snorted. "At least my 'evil deeds' don't carry the death penalty, which is what'll happen to you when you finally get caught. I hope I get to see you fry some day." Then his demon eyes glowed bright enough to show faintly behind his sunglasses. "And don't think I don't know you had something to do with my arrest Julien."
The other man tried looking innocent again. "How could I want to do something to hurt my petite soeur?"
"Oh please, you'd have a knife in me already if you didn't know your father would nail your head to the wall."
"And don't you ever forget it" Julien whispered, the hatred practically rolling off of him.
"Some family relationship" Rogue commented from behind Remy. "You planning to have a reception after the wedding, or funeral?"
"Rogue, stay out of it, please" Remy said tiredly. He really didn't need this. What he did need was a drink. He'd have to wait until he got home to have it though. Tante Mattie would skin him alive if he came home on the motorcycle with alcohol on his breath.
"Julien, either say something useful for once in your life or go away."
"Just looking out for my little sister, you know" Julien said innocently. "Can't help but be suspicious, especially with your reputation."
"Oh yes" Remy commented with a heavy degree of sarcasm "Just can't help myself. Death by sex sounded like such a good idea, too." Since he had his back turned to Rogue he didn't see the brief look of hurt cross her face.
"Death by sex?" Julien asked in confusion.
"Nothing. Nevermind" Remy said. The look didn't completely leave the other man's face, but Remy didn't notice it. He was trying to think of how he could get out of here before he punched Julien's lights out. Thankfully Rogue solved that problem for him by whacking him in the back of his leg with her cane.
"Come on, let's get out of here" she said, not able to see Remy's glare as he rubbed the sore spot, nor the grin on Julien's face at seeing Remy get beat on by a blind girl. "I thought you were going to take me out to lunch."
"Not if you're going to keep nailing me with that thing I'm not" He retorted.
"Well get me something to eat, and I'll stop" Rogue smirked.
"Fine" he said. "But you have to keep that thing to yourself for the rest of the day". Getting into one of his usual arguments with her completely distracted him from the fact that Julien was standing not too far away watching them with interest.
Rogue seemed to consider his ultimatum. "I suppose, but it had better be good food. He's not invited though" she said, waving her cane in Julien's general direction.
"Of course not" Remy said, remembering that the other man was there. "I'd prefer to keep my appetite." He flipped Julien off and started walking back to his bike.
"Turn left then keep walking straight" he told Rogue, and didn't bother to see if she was following him. She seemed more than capable of keeping up. He didn't count on Julien's hatred of being ignored though, and so was surprised when a minute later he heard a solid whacking sound and a loud yelp of pain. Turning around he saw Rogue standing with a glare on her face and her cane gripped tightly in her hand, and Julien holding his knee with an expression of severe pain on his face. Before a person could blink, Remy had two lit cards in his hand and a deadly look.
"What are you doing, Julien?" he demanded, all humor gone.
"Nothing!" the wounded man spat. "I just wanted to talk to her."
"He grabbed me" Rogue said angrily.
"You can walk home or be carried back" Remy said, the deadly look on his face deepening. "Your choice. Choose quickly."
His future brother in law gave him a look of pure hatred and started limping away.
"Best keep your little chienneon a leash, LeBeau" Julien said warningly.
"Keep walking Julien, and stay the hell away from her." Remy waited until Julien had gone far enough off to not be a threat before taking the charge out of his cards and putting them away in his coat.
"Come on, let's go" He said, grabbing her free hand. He wanted to get out of here before Julien got a chance to start following him. Rogue tried to protest but he didn't pay attention, just started walking her to his bike.
"Just shut up for once Rogue" he muttered, eyes kept straight ahead. "If you still have my memories then you know that man's an Assassin, and a good one. It's still up in the air who's going to take over the Guild when the old man dies, him or Belle. He could kill you right in the home if he wanted to; make it look like you slipped in the shower and no one would be any wiser. Or he could have it pinned on me, and which of us would be believed? I'm a convicted criminal, and he's never even gotten a fucking parking ticket. The judge that sentenced me is in his papa's pocket. So just come on with me Rogue, let's go get some lunch and hopefully you won't have to run into him again."
She remained quiet for a minute. "Isn't he worried about hurting his sister though?
Remy snorted. "Sure, but he wouldn't worry about it too long. That twisted little thing would love nothing better than to.…….comfort.…..his sister" he said, feeling disgusted. The way that man looked at Belle sometimes, it made Remy's skin crawl.
"That's gross" Rogue said.
"I know" he replied. "I can't wait to get her out of that house. We're gonna get our own place, away from both of our families, then if Belle takes over from Marius, we'll run the Guilds together when our fathers retire." And there will be the true peace Remy thought to himself. No more wars. Any squabbles will be handled internally. We'll have a united front.
"What would you do with Julien then?" Rogue asked curiously.
"If I had my way we'd drop him off the nearest high rise head first" he commented with a trace of malicious satisfaction. "Belle wants him to work with her though, or go to the west coast and manage affairs out there; she knows that he and I would never be able to work together. She still refuses to believe that he had anything to do with my arrest. I swear she'd forgive him anything."
"Doesn't she realize how he is though?" she asked, and he could tell from her voice that she was confused.
"I don't know. I don't think so, or if she does she's in a heavy state of denial. I sometimes think Marius knows, but doesn't want to see it. I don't want to hurt her by telling her though, she loves him very much. After we're married, and if we can get him out of New Orleans, I think it'll be okay."
Then they arrived at the bike, and Remy decided to drop the subject. "We need to change the subject though or else I'm not going to be able to eat my lunch" he said, dropping her to hand to get the helmets out. "So where do you want to eat?"
Rogue shrugged. "I don't really know any of the restaurants around here. There was a little deli that Irene and I went to before.….before I came here, but we lived on the other side of town and I couldn't tell you what the name is."
This was the first time that she had really mentioned her foster mother, and Remy was surprised.
"Well, what kind of food do you like?"
"The usual stuff, though I've had Indian a few times and that was pretty good. It can get pretty spicy."
"Can't be as spicy as my Tante's gumbo" he commented with pride.
"I don't know, you may rethink that after you've had a good vindaloo" she said with a laugh. "Today I'd just be happy with a decent sub. Sarah's a good cook, but she just can't compete with a deli."
"Deli it is then" Remy said. "Hand me your cane, we'll trade". She extended her cane out to him and put her hand out for the helmet. They settled themselves on the bike and he turned his head back after he felt her arms go around her waist. "There's this little place a few blocks away we can go. Hopefully it will be as good as your last deli" he said, and started up the bike to leave the park. And hopefully I can get my appetite back too he thought to himself as they took off.
O-o-o-o-O
"Hopefully it will be as good as your last deli" Rogue heard him say, and while she was sure it was a good place, she doubted it could take the place of Gil's; her and Irene's favorite little lunch stop on days when they had to go to the hospital for Irene's checkups. They wouldn't go on the days of the chemo treatments, because of the nausea that the drugs left her foster mother with, but on just routine checkups they'd usually stop by the deli afterwards, have a sandwich at one of the patio tables outside, and listen to the sounds of the city. There would sometimes be street musicians, and Irene would often drop a dollar or two for them. Like the bards of long ago, she explained, these people sang for their supper, and should be thanked for their music.
No, it wouldn't be replaced, but as she had told Remy, it would be better than the cafeteria food, and she wouldn't have to listen to the quiet mutterings of the other residents as they collectively ignored her. Despite the unpleasantness a few minutes ago, Rogue found herself hungry, and she looked forward to lunch regardless of who the company was. Well, except for that creep she thought to herself. What a sick fuck. She didn't know Remy's fiancée at all, but she didn't envy her having Julien for a brother. She could still hear his voice; rich and smooth as butter, but with a maliciousness to it that reminded her of a villain in a movie; the kind that passed along in society unnoticed until he pulled off whatever his scheme was. He'd pissed her off talking to her the way he had, and when he'd grabbed her arm, well that had been the last straw. The crack her cane had made when it hit his knee had been very satisfying. Remy had seemed to enjoy her taunting him too, if the sound of his voice was any indication, and given the loathing they seemed to have for each other she was glad to amuse him. She couldn't get over how he had reacted when Julien grabbed her though. He had sounded dangerous, and she still got a slight chill replaying it in her mind. Had he really been that concerned for her? Of course if anything happened to her he'd be up the proverbial creek without a paddle, but still...it had been a pretty heavy reaction. No one had ever stood up for her like that before, and it raised him up a notch in her estimation of him. She wouldn't tell him, and it wouldn't save him from her cane if he deserved it, but it was progress in the right direction. In the right direction of what though? Maybe, dare she think, a friend? Lying awake last night, she'd had time to do some thinking. She'd be turning 18 eventually, and when she did she'd be free, able to leave the home unless the government did something stupid before then, and she'd be alone. No family, no friends. Nothing. Maybe though, maybe Remy could help her a little; point her in the right direction to finding a job and an apartment. The events of today just strengthened the idea that she shouldn't push him away completely. I can't believe I'm letting myself change my mind about him so quickly she thought. But why was she determined that she needed to push him away? This past year, the heartache of losing Irene, the neglect and humiliation of the home, all making her want curl up inside and hide. The home wasn't the world though, was it? Why was she allowing it to define her world, how she would treat herself and others? Remy wasn't them. He didn't treat her like she was a freak, like she was a danger. He didn't have a problem giving back what she gave him. Why shouldn't she actually give him a chance?
This passed through her mind as they drove through the streets, and it made her feel better, allowing her to lift her face and feel the warmth of the sun again. The rush of the wind, the sound of the engine and the cars around them was very welcome, so very welcome as a change from the silence of the home. Too bad she had to go back to it eventually, but for now she'd enjoy herself.
The ride seemed to end too quickly, and before she knew it they had parked and she let go of Remy so they could get off of the bike. After putting the helmets away he handed her the cane but took her hand in his arm.
"Let me walk with you" he said, and she was glad he didn't use words like 'lead' or 'guide'. "It's not very spacious in there, and I can guarantee you'll be bumping into everything."
So Rogue tucked her hand more securely into the crook of his arm; yes, she didn't like being led, but she also didn't like tripping and bumping things and looking like a fool. She had to admit, was rather gentlemanly of him, and she kept the cane folded up and tucked under her arm as they walked into the deli. The yummy smells of meats, cheeses and fresh baked bread filled her senses, and her stomach growled. Fellow customers chattered around them, and a pop station played in the background. They stopped in front of what Rogue assumed was the counter and Remy let go of her hand.
"So what would you like?" he asked cheerfully, seeming to have recovered his good mood of earlier. "They've got pretty much whatever you could want on a sandwich."
Rogue thought for a moment. "I'll take Italian meats on French bread" she said finally. "With onions, oil and vinegar, and extra hot ham."
"Well it's obvious you don't have a hot date tonight" he laughed, and she poked him. He gave her order to the clerk who greeted them a moment later, and requested a pastrami sub.
"I thought a good Cajun boy like you would be ordering a po'boy" she teased.
"You shouldn't pay attention to stereotypes Rogue" Remy said as they waited for their food. "Yeah I like traditional Southern food, but man can't live on shrimp alone, and Gil makes a damn good pastrami sandwich."
"Sooo sorry" she chuckled.
Remy gave a snort. "You? Apologize? I never thought I'd live to see the day."
"Hey, keep it up and you won't live through the day" she warned him mockingly.
"Good luck walking back then" was Remy's smug reply. "Can you bring the food to our table?" he asked the clerk. "I want to make sure my friend finds a seat okay."
The clerk agreed, and Remy took Rogue's hand again.
"Sorry, but I've only got two hands and I didn't want you stumbling around while I carried the tray."
Rogue just nodded. He hadn't pointed out the fact that she was blind to the clerk, just sounded normal. For a guy who had never worked with the blind before, he seemed to be learning quickly. And he had called her his friend. After walking across the room, carefully navigating around tables, he stopped.
"There's a chair right in front of you" he said, and placed her hand on the table. She found the chair with her other hand and sat down, laying her folded up cane on the table.
"What do you want to drink?" he asked.
"Iced tea please" she replied, and he went to get their drinks. Finally Remy, the drinks and the food returned, and he sat down to eat. As usual Rogue took off her gloves then passed her hand carefully over her plate to find where everything was. Apparently the sub came with chips and she munched on a couple before taking a bite of her sandwich. Ahhh, heaven. In this case heaven was salami, pepperoni and two types of ham, with provolone cheese and veggies on crusty bread. Nope, not quite as good as Gil's, though Rogue thought that probably had more to do with the quality of the company rather than the food. Gil's did have better bread though.
"So are you having fun so far? Remy asked after a few minutes of eating in companionable silence.
She had to laugh. "Okay, let me see. I got birdshit in my hair, had to put up with you washing it out in public, and then get harassed and grabbed by an obvious candidate for perv of the year, and you want to know if I'm having fun?" she paused for a moment then smirked. "Of course I'm having fun. Nothing interesting like this happens at the home."
"Heh, I can't imagine the place surviving if it did."
"That's true" Rogue replied. "I wouldn't be sorry to see it go though."
"Ah, but where would you go if it did?" Remy asked.
"I don't know" she said musingly. "I don't have my diploma yet, and I don't know what GED programs have in the way of Braille study materials. I'd probably end up in whatever type of facility the state decided to send me too next."
"Not right, not right" Remy said in disapproval. "You need to be in school. I'm definitely having a talk with Candace when we get back. You need to be able to take care of yourself when you leave there. They can't expect you to stay forever though."
"I think they might though" she replied quietly. "There's talk among the others, even among Candace and the staff, about what should be done with mutants. They're talking about groups that are lobbying the government to have laws passed about mutants. Some groups want us locked up or tagged so they can track of us. Like we were animals or something. Candace talks about how she wants the best for everyone, but sometimes I think she agrees with them. It makes me angry Remy, but at the same time it scares me too." And it did, it truly did. If she thought she was locked up now, how would it be in a facility just for mutants, possibly not ever let go, all for the sake of 'public safety'?
"I know" Remy said in agreement. "I've been hearing the same things. The main group, the 'Friends of Humanity", is the worst of the bunch. Some people are saying that they're taking mutants and conducting experiments on them, like rats in a lab. And nobody seems to be doing anything to stop them. I heard someone mention a group of mutants up north once, who were trying to stop things like this, but I don't know if I believe it."
"What, like a bunch of superheroes or something? That's crazy" Rogue laughed.
"Well like I said, I don't know if I believe it. Someone needs to start talking sense to these guys though, otherwise things could get ugly." Rogue finished half her sandwich and took a few swallows of her iced tea.
"How do we keep ending up on these depressing subjects?" she asked finally.
"Don't know, there are a lot of them to talk about though, it seems like. Well do you know any jokes or anything?" Remy said through a mouthful of food.
She clucked at him in disapproval. "Didn't your Tante ever tell you not to chew with your mouth full?"
"Nyah"
"Pffffft. Fine. Here's a joke. 'Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy ducked.'"
Remy paused a moment. "I don't get it."
"Oh brother. Here it is again. 'Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy ducked. I know it's an alien concept for you, but think about it."
"Aaarrrrrgh. I get it, I get it" Remy groaned. "That was bad." "Heh heh heh. Of course it was. I haven't told that joke in a long time"
Rogue grinned. "Now you tell one."
"I don't have to. I've got you sitting in front of me."
"Ohhhhh, you are so getting it when we get out of here."
"Now now, be nice to the designated driver" Remy chided her.
"Oh fine, I'll behave. Until we get back at least" she said with an evil smirk.
"Are you sure I'm on a trial period?" Remy asked with what sounded like mock worry in his voice.
"Of course you are. I would have smacked you already otherwise."
"I feel so grateful" he replied, and she could definitely hear him mocking her this time.
"Hey, I think I'm behaving here" she protested. "Yeah, because I promised you food."
"Well it's not like I'd do it out of the good of my heart."
"Yeah, then I'd know you were lying."
Rogue couldn't help it. She started laughing at this. She really hadn't had this much fun in a long time. "Seriously, I am having fun."
"Good" Remy replied, and she could tell he was pleased by this.
"Well I don't know about you, but I'm full" he said eventually, and Rogue nodded agreement.
"Do you want me to get you a bag to wrap up the rest of your sandwich?"
"Yes, please" she said, finishing off her iced tea. Remy got up and came back a couple of minutes later; she could hear him wrapping up their sandwiches. She got up and grabbed her folded up cane from the table. Remy took her hand and they walked out of the deli. After packing the food away in the bike's compartment they got themselves settled on it.
"It's starting to get late in the afternoon. Probably time to head back" he said.
"I suppose" she replied, really not looking forward to going back to the home. "Sorry chere, not much I can do about that" he said apologetically, and started up the bike. He seemed to be taking the scenic route back though, because it took a lot longer than it had to go to the park. Rogue wasn't complaining though, she was enjoying the feel of wind and sun though, not knowing when she'd get to do this again. Eventually they arrived though and after packing the helmets back away Rogue unfolded her cane and they headed into the building.
"What do we do with your sandwich?" Remy asked her quietly as they walked.
"Let's go to the cafeteria, Sarah will let me put it in the fridge."
"Okay."
The head cafeteria worker was preparing for dinner when the two came into the room. "Hey Rogue, where have you been? Candace was looking for you; you missed lunch." It was kind of nice to hear the concern in Sarah's voice.
"Oh we went out to the park and stopped for a late lunch on the way back" Remy said. "Rogue couldn't finish hers though. Can she keep the rest in the fridge here?" he asked politely.
"I was hoping to have it either for breakfast or lunch tomorrow" Rogue added.
"Sure" Sarah said, and Rogue could hear her come over to them. "That's no problem. Probably better than what we'll be having anyway." She assumed that Remy gave her the sandwich because she walked away again. "Remy, Candace wanted you to come see her when you got back" Sarah said as she headed towards what sounded like the direction of the kitchen.
"Alright" Remy said, and Rogue could tell he didn't sound too pleased about it. "Do you want me to walk you to your room or do you want to go back on your own?" he asked her.
"Nah, you go on ahead" she said. "I'll be fine." Candace probably wasn't too happy with Remy right now, for taking her out and not letting anyone know where they were going. "The less you keep her waiting, the better."
"You're probably right. I'll see you tomorrow then. Hopefully it won't be quite as 'interesting' as it was today" Remy laughed, and started to walk off.
"That's assuming you survive until tomorrow. Good luck" Rogue called, and headed to her room.
O-o-o-o-O
Remy turned his head and watched Rogue walk away, cane tapping, and the smile left his face. With a sigh, he continued walking to Candace's office. Yeah, she probably wanted to talk to him, but he had a few words to say to her too.
O-o-o-o-O