A/N: Hi everyone again. 'M very sorry to have to say this, but this marks the day of perhaps the last once-a-day updates (besides tomorrow and maybe Friday, depending on when my vacation begins). I am going off on a vacation trip with the family and I won't have internet while I'm there. 'Course, I'll still write, but when I get back, three more of my college classes will be picking up to make a total of seven classes. With such a workload ahead of me, I don't know if I'm gunna be able to update as often as I've been for you guys. 'M very sorry 'bout it and I'd much rather be writing stories than doing homework, but ya know, gotta succeed in life too. So anyway, I just wanted to give you all a warning so you don't think I've disappeared on you when no updates appear this weekend and they start coming in shorter intervals. 'M sorry 'bout it guys :/ but I'll do my best to keep writing as often as possible for you. With that said, here's the next chapter. Hope you all like it =)
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Remy gaped in alarm at the sight of her and rushed to her side. Tenderly lifting a hand to her chin, he barely grazed her fine facial hairs with the pads of his fingers. "Are y' okay, Rogue?" He asked in concern. "What happened?"
Rogue flinched as he ran his fingers over her bruised jaw and then trailed up to her split lip. She could feel her cheek swelling too, from Bobby's last blow. "Ah'm okay." Rogue assured him, reaching up and taking his hand. "Ah just…well, Ah got into a fight with Bobby."
Remy glared at the boy over Rogue's shoulder as he stalked into the room grumpily and shot a glare at the back of Rogue's head. "Y' don't want any ice o' anythin'?"
Rogue shook her head. "No, Ah'm okay Remy, really, don't worry 'bout it."
"Y' sure, chere?" Remy asked doubtfully.
Rogue nodded. "Yeah, Ah'm fahne."
Remy dropped her hand. "In dat case, I got an icy-ass t' kick."
Rogue opened her mouth to call out and stop him, but Remy already left her side. "Hey Bobby!" He called out. Bobby turned back at the sound of Rogue's voice. Without hesitating, Remy proceeded to punch Bobby in the face. Bobby dropped like a pin and Remy glared down from above him. "Don't ever touch maa sweetheart again ya asswipe!" She kicked him in the side for good measure while he clutched at his nose on the ground. Bobby moaned and rolled onto his side.
Remy returned to Rogue's side and patted her on the shoulder. Rogue gave him a high sign. "Was that entirely necessary?"
"Sure it was, chere. Look what de bastard did t' my face!" Rogue rolled her eyes. "Besides," Remy added. "Nobody hits m' Rogue-chere an' gets away with it."
Rogue opened her mouth again to respond, but she was cut off by Scott's voice booming throughout the Danger Room. "Everybody, line up! We've got a new type of session today."
Remy tugged on her hand. "Come on, chere, let's go." They walked over to the single file line that was forming in the middle of the Danger Room. Remy stood at her side as Scott made his way in front of them all.
"Bobby!" Scott barked. "Get in line before I make you do laps!" Bobby, still clutching his nose and with an arm over her side, stumbled to his feet and lined up on the opposite end of the line from Remy and Rogue.
Scott, seemingly oblivious to the injures that had already been suffered, started at the end of the line and began handing them what looked like play guns that he had strapped to his back. "These are stun-rays." Scott explained, handing one to Remy first and then to Rogue as he went down the line. Rogue examined it curiously for half a second before throwing the strap over her shoulder and holding it limp in her hand. "The object of this game is somewhat like Laser Tag: once shot with one of these, you'll go down for the rest of the session until one team has won the game. It will feel like a short shock to your system before you lose all motor functions from the neck down temporarily.
Scott continued. "Now, you are allowed to use powers, but you must knock out the other players with the stun-ray. You'll start at far ends of the Danger Room that I'll assign momentarily and wait for your landscape to form before getting the go-ahead to attack."
"Are we allowed to pick our own teams?" Kitty asked hopefully.
"No." Scott cut off the idea. "You'll be assigned a teammate based upon your own abilities, mutation, and previous competency in the Danger Room." Scott finished handing out the stun-rays and trotted back to the middle of the line, turning to face them. "The last team who has at least one or both of its members un-stunned will win the game. This focus of this exercise is to help your precision, tactical strategy, and to work together with constructively with a partner."
"What are teams?" John asked curiously.
"John, you will be working with Betsy." John grinned viciously. "Kitty, you're with Alison. Tabitha, pair up with Remy. Bobby, you're with Rogue."
Rogue gawked and cast Remy a desperate look. "Scott, can Ah team with Ro—"
"There are no team changes." Scott specified strictly. He gave Rogue a dark look before fixing his gaze on Remy and winked.
Rogue blinked wordlessly. What was that about? She had little time to think about it though, as Tabitha sidled up to her and wrapped an arm around Rogue's waist. "Hey sexy." Tabitha pressed up against her side, shoving her gun into Rogue's gut while doing so. "I like the idea of collapsing on you. Come on, Remy, show me your gun."
Rogue suppressed a groan—doing so would probably only turn Tabitha on more. She looked up at Remy with anxious eyes. "I'll find y' quick." Remy promised quietly, glancing in Bobby's direction doubtfully. "I'll need de help too."
With that, Scott ushered Rogue off quickly, brushing Tabitha off her with a stern expression as they made their way to their end of the Danger Room.
Bobby trudged up to Remy as Scott shooed him away. Bobby glanced up at Rogue with a ridged jaw and clicked his teeth. "Rogue."
"Bobby. Tat bloody nose looks good on y'."
Bobby sighed in deep aggravation. Remy brushed past him as he made his way to the corner Scott directed them to. Bobby wiped at his nose with the back of his hand and ran to catch up with Remy. "Rogue, I didn't mean to offend you by—"
"Offend me?" Remy asked incredulously. "Y' hit m' boyfriend! I don't care if y' don't like it or understand it, Bobby. I want y' ta get this through y' thick head: y' are not my keeper an' I don' need or want y' ta 'protect' me."
"He—"
Remy cut him off quickly. "Enough, Bobby. There's nothin' y' have t' say t' me anymore." The lights overhead dimmed and solid walls began rising out of the floor before the Danger Room colored them over as forest trees and pathways. Steel coils became vines and walls became hedges, everything changed as the simulator around them ran into gear. Remy started for one of the pathways without another word, but he heard Bobby padding after him anyway. Remy sighed deeply; would there be no end to Bobby's mad obsession?
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Rogue crouched before sticking her head around the corner and checking the next bend. It was empty. Silently, she scuttled forward on quick toes and began making her way down the next passage.
"I love it when you sneak around and use your thiefy skills." Tabitha complimented loudly. "It's so sexy!"
"Shhh." Rogue hushed her. "You'll alert someone ta our position."
"Ooh, you're right. Wouldn't want to do that." Tabitha's tone hushed slightly. "You have the most gorgeous ass, Remy."
Rogue glanced over her shoulder to see that Tabitha was clearly checking her out up and down. "Come on, Tabby, focus."
"I've never been more focused." Tabitha grinned, still analyzing Rogue's current body.
Rogue shook her head and turned back around. She started off again and made it to another corner in the maze. She ducked down and scoped out the scene to see if anyone else was around. The two branching off pathways were deserted for now. Rogue had just made the decision to turn and head right when Tabitha grabbed her butt tightly and squeezed.
"Whoa!" Rogue scooted forward and turned around quickly. "What do you think you're doing, Tabitha?" Rogue demanded quietly.
Tabitha grinned slyly and swayed up to Rogue as she pushed up against her. Rogue backed up a step, but found herself walking back into a wall. Tabitha moved forward quickly and waggled her eyebrows at Rogue. "Let's heat this game up a little, shall we?" She was pressed up close against Rogue and Rogue could feel her breath on her neck. She lifted her arms to push Tabitha away, but Tabitha took the opening and grabbed Rogue's sensitive member through her jeans, cupping her. Rogue gasped and pressed back further against the wall, willing it to collapse back.
"Tabitha!" Rogue grabbed the girl's wrist and pulled her hand away. "Stop that!"
Tabitha licked her lips lusciously and didn't move back. "Nobody's watching." She purred softly. "Gimme a thrill, Remy." She punctuated the sentence by dragging her tongue across Rogue's neck. This just cannot be any more disturbing.
Gently, Rogue put both her hands on Tabitha's shoulders and held her away from her. "Look, Tabby, not that y' not pretty or anythin', but I don' t'ink Rogue would like me playin' around with y'." Tabitha pouted. "Sorry." Did Ah jus' apologize fohr bein' assaulted?
"Well…okay."
"Okay?" Rogue asked, confused slightly. That's it? Ah expected a little more fight than that.
Tabitha sighed dramatically. "If Rogue doesn't want you having fun, that's your call."
"…thanks…" Rogue nodded unsurely, letting go of Tabitha's shoulders and half expecting the girl to leap on her the moment she got free. "Let's go disable the others now, alright?"
"Okay." Frowning, Rogue started down the left pathway again. She had barely taken two steps before she felt an electrifying zap strike her at the base of her neck. "Ahhghh!" Rogue spasmed for a moment before she lost all feeling in her limbs and fell to the ground with a profound thump.
She was turned over onto her back two seconds later by Tabitha, who was standing above her. "She might not like it if you come playing to me, but she can hardly be mad at you for being a hapless victim, can she?"
Rogue's eyes widened in horror as Tabitha seated herself on Rogue's lap. "Tabitha, don't!"
Tabitha smiled pleasantly. "I think it's cute that you're behaving all noble for Rogue, Remy, I do. But you deserve a little play time too, I think, and I know just how you like it. Don't worry, I'll tell Rogue that you were the victim." She winked. "We can role-play it out if you want."
"Tabby—" Rogue swallowed anxiously. "Ah—Ah'll buy y' some strippers, okay? Ah'll even getcha some toys ta play with!"
"Ooh, that's a generous offer, Remy. Would you be joining me in this stripper event? I'm not put off if there are more girls than guys there." Tabitha reached for her front zipper on the spandex, form fitting X-uniform. She started to tug it down. Somebody save me. Rogue silently begged.
Rogue? A familiar British accent cut through Rogue's thoughts.
Betsy! Rogue mentally exclaimed jubilantly. Ah've never been so happy ta hear another girl's voice in mah life!
Settle down! I don't want you to jump and attack me. What's going on?
Ah need help, fast. Rogue pleaded. Could ya please find me quickly, Betsy?! Rogue flinched as Tabitha stopped unzipping her at her hips. She pulled back the form-fitting leather and laid her hands flat on Rogue's chest before digging her nails into the skin and dragging downward. "Ow!" Rogue yelped. How does any guy think that's sexy?! It hurts!
Oh my God, Rogue!
What? Rogue's eyes darted around her expectantly. What?
You had a boner! Betsy exclaimed laughingly.
Betsy! Rogue strained against her unresponsive body as Tabitha lowered her head to her chest and started licking the area. Rogue could feel it too, it wasn't like she was paralyzed, just unresponsive to her brain's commands. Ah'm gunna get another if ya don't help me!
I'm coming, I'm coming. Betsy reassured her. Someone else is getting there quicker though.
Who's someone? "Hey, Tabby! You hogging that handsome stud all to yourself or are you gunna share?" Rogue's stomach dropped. No! Oh please no! Not Alison too!
She was answered as the girl in question came into view, smiling as always, happy as ever. Tabitha grinned salaciously. "There's always room for more." She dug her nails into Rogue's shoulder and Rogue let out a little moan as they drew blood.
"Girls, please!" Rogue cried out, frantic. "Ya can't just—!" Alison shut her up quickly by pressing her mouth against Rogue's. Rogue sputtered. Alison tried to slip her tongue into Rogue's mouth, but Rogue kept her jaw clamped tightly shut.
Please don't get hard. Please don't get hard. Please don't get hard. Rogue repeated the words like a mantra. Empty ketchup bottles. Poor, sad empty little bottles…
"What's going on here?" A new voice rung out in the air. Tabitha and Alison both lifted their heads to the newcomer (which Rogue was extremely grateful for).
"Hey Kitty." Tabitha greeted casually.
Alison bobbed her head at the girl. "What's up?"
"What's up?" Kitty looked at them incredulously. "What're you doing? Is that Remy?"
"Sure is." Tabitha turned back to Rogue and entangled her hands in Rogue's short hair.
"We're just having some fun." Alison nodded again.
"Kitty, help me!" Rogue beseeched in distress.
Kitty gave a surprised look while Tabitha covered Rogue's mouth with her hand. "We're role-playing." She explained. "Remy's the hapless victim. We're here to help him." She lifted her hand off Rogue's mouth and lowered her body down over Rogue's until their lips were touching. Rogue tried to turn away, but Tabitha kept her head still with the iron grip in her hair. She breathed into Rogue's mouth and then came back up, putting two hands against Rogue's chest and pressing down, as if she were giving Rogue CPR. "We'll save you, Remy! Don't worry!"
"Why don't you join us?" Alison offered magnanimously.
"Uh…sorry. I really don't go for more than two people."
"Kitty, help me!" Rogue called out again.
"He's calling for you." Tabitha grinned.
"No!" Rogue protested. "No, stop! Ah—" Tabitha again covered her mouth and Rogue's words muffled into indistinguishable grunts.
I've been hit! Betsy's words suddenly ricocheted through her mind.
WHAT?! Rogue's heart raced. They won't let me go!
Tabitha looked up at Alison. "The patient needs to be gagged! Alison, if you would please?"
"Of course!" Alison reached into her uniform and shuffled her hand around for a moment. If she pulls off her bra an' stuffs it in mah mouth, Ah'm really jus' gunna kill mahself.
Oh, Rogue, you poor thing. Betsy sympathized with her. Logan thinks you were masturbating with Remy's 'toys' to get your kicks.
Rogue rolled her eyes. Ah'm in hell. Alison pulled out a white handkerchief from somewhere inside her suit then. Ya gotta be kiddin' me. Rogue thought incredulously. She keeps a handkerchief inside her bra?
"My usual restraints." Alison said, as if that explained everything. Tabitha lifted Rogue's head while Alison fastened the handkerchief around Rogue's mouth. Rogue kept her mouth tightly shut, well aware of the places Alison's handkerchief could have been.
"Kitty, come on!" Tabitha encouraged. "You like Remy, don't you?"
"I like single partners." Kitty replied. And yet, she is still here watching me get tied down.
"Aww, Kit, you've probably never tried it this way." Alison waved her over. "Come on, it's fun! I promise!"
Kitty looked uneasy, but both Tabitha and Alison were waving her over. Hesitantly, reluctance clearly evident, Kitty moved over to where the girls were gathered. "Touch him!" Tabitha encouraged, scooting over off of Rogue to make room for the third.
Kitty blushed shyly, obviously not as confident as she had been in the closet with Rogue when she had to do this in front of other people. "Go on." Alison encouraged.
When Kitty took too long to do so, Tabitha took her hand and pressed her palm against Rogue's chest before rubbing her fingers over it. Slowly, but progressively, she guided Kitty's fingers down.
"Are we having an orgy?!" John asked in excitement. "Count me in!"
Alison was quick to pull him down by his shirt and mash her mouth against his in a hungry kiss. Kitty had coyly phased her hand out of Tabitha's grip during the distraction and was now tracing Rogue's chest with her finger lightly. "So defined." She mumbled softly, still blushing.
"I told you so." Bobby's voice floated into the clearing.
"ROGUE!" Remy's voice was clear and distinct above all the others as they murmured and touched experimentally. Rogue had never heard anything so beautiful in her life as Remy's voice was then. She didn't even care that he had called her out by name.
There was a short little electrical burst as Remy shot down everyone in the hallway with his stun gun. Tabitha and Kitty collapsed on top of Rogue and Alison and John collapsed together elsewhere. Remy rushed forward and pushed Tabitha and Kitty off Rogue before gathering her up in his arms and hugging her tightly. "Chere, are y' okay?"
It was clicked then; everyone except for Remy's team had been frozen. The mental paralysis that had kept her from moving her limbs suddenly dissolved. Rogue found the use of her arms and legs again and quickly folded herself into Remy, clutching him tightly against her. "You saved me!"
Rogue was first to break away from their embrace. She took Remy completely by surprise then when she grabbed his chin in her hands and pressed her lips against his and started kissing him passionately, pouring all her emotion and relief and happiness at his being there into the kiss.
Midway through again, Rogue stiffened and drew back very slightly. Remy observed her expression with concern. "Chere?"
Rogue clung to Remy and pulled him close to her again. Only then did Remy understand that Rogue's hesitation wasn't for the same reason she'd stopped kissing him the first time. "Remy!" Rogue whispered quietly, eyes darting around at everyone present who were similarly shaking off the stun-effects from the guns and glancing up at the both of them.
"Shhh." Remy soothed quietly, speaking only loud enough for Rogue to hear. "Empty ketchup bottles, Rogue, jus' dink o' de bottles."
"Ah hate livin' in ya body." Rogue spoke in a low undertone, fighting to ignore the people around her and concentrating on her steady breathing. It was hard, being so close to someone else like this, but Remy was effectively hiding it by keeping her so tight.
"It does make de arousal painfully obvious, heh, especially in dese leather getups." Remy chuckled lightly in a deep, sotto voice.
"It hurts in this getup." Rogue muttered softly.
"I dink I t'ought up o' somethin' t' get back at Jeany fo' dis an' force her hand."
"What?" Rogue asked, Remy could feel her heart beat increase. "What is it?"
"Shhh." Remy calmed her, chuckling quietly. "I tell y' later, me."
Betsy appeared around one of the sliding-down walls then. Sweating, looking frantic, she yelled in a huff. "There's a fire in the locker room! Scott needs help!"
That got a lot of attention. Bobby and John both raced for the room while Kitty and Alison realized that their stuff might be in danger and charged after them. Tabitha left more reluctantly, probably due to some mental probing from Betsy. Around them, the Danger Room was returning to normal.
Remy and Rogue stayed kneeling on the floor in each other's grasp as Remy held her. Betsy winked at the both of them. "Sorry for the delay, Rogue. Guess I showed up a little too late to save you."
Rogue was blushing again, but extremely thankful all the same. "Thanks fohr the 'fire', Bets."
Betsy nodded. "No one's gunna remember anything...suspicious, be assured. I'll just…leave you two here for now, then."
She turned and strolled casually out of the Danger Room, leaving them alone. Remy patted Rogue reassuringly on the shoulder. "Y' better now chere?"
"We're not kissin' again until Ah get mah body back." Rogue stated firmly.
"Again?" Remy questioned, grinning hopefully. "So dis wasn't jus' a spur o' de moment excitement t'ing!"
"We'll see." Rogue said promisingly. "Two's a coincidence, three's a trend."
"Let's make a trend." Remy put in eagerly. Before Rogue could begin to voice anything, Remy caught her lips again. Rogue was hesitant at first, but she quickly got lost in the moment and Remy was overjoyed when he felt her respond to the sensitive kiss. Again oblivious, or simply not caring about their predicament, the two joined and fervently shared a memorable moment as they became lost in each other.
Remy was the one to pull back this time. He pointedly glanced down at Rogue's body and Rogue groaned softly, turning her head away. "Shit, not again!"
Remy grinned broadly. "Y' know what dey say, chere: two's a coincidence, three's a trend."
"You're dead, Cajun. As soon as--Ahhh! Ow!" Her grip on his shoulders tightened.
Remy was impossibly pleased and smiling like a fool. "Turned on, chere?"