Author's Note: Goodness gracious, this chapter was a hard one! So much emotion, but I really enjoyed writing this. Especially the end. God, that was fun! ;) As stated before, the happiness and good joy had to end at some point. And what better way to do it than a family reunion?

Excuse my absence, if it means anything to you. As you may or may not know, I have put up another story on this lovely website entitled "Life Is Beautiful" for The Book Thief. It'd mean a lot if y'all checked it out. If it's not up your alley, that's all good in the hood, too. :)

IMPORTANT: Starting Monday I'll be back in school, well college, but I'm still a high schooler. I reckon I'll have a lot on my plate, no? Updates will most likely be more choppier than usual due to this, so bear with me folks? :)

With that, please do your reading thing and don't forget to review/follow/favorite and all that special stuff that makes my heart soar! Today's chapter is by Nickelback. Admittedly, not my favorite, but it just works for this chapter. Enjoy, my lovely readers! :)

Chapter 14: Savin' Me

Rogue POV:

New Year's Eve:

It was sad to see the holiday coming to a close end. Next week, it would be time to go back to school which was just a darn shame! So many amazing things happened over break. The overall year? Yeah, I couldn't wait for that to be over. This past year was just about as rocky as it could get.

On the one hand, I lost complete control over my mutation, accidentally unleashed Apocalypse, and pushed my "mother" off a cliff. But in the midst of it all, I eventually gained control of the absorption, got closer to those who I love most, took a surprisingly fun trip to New Orleans, lost my virginity, and fell for a Cajun. As if my life couldn't get any more cliché.

By now, most of the mansion's recipients were back from spending time with their families, not that I much cared. More people equals more noise.

Speaking of more people coming back, Logan returned yesterday from Washington State. Apparently, he took his bike halfway and caught a plane. From there on out, it was hitching hiking to trailheads in the Cascades and long car rides to Eastern Washington- Ellensburg, I think it was- for coyote hunting. According to him, it was just as snowy and cold over there as it was here. Except for the supposed tap water. He said that it was way better than New York's or anywhere else he's been.

By now, most of the snow had cleared out or turned to slush at the very least. It was still below freezing temperatures, which just made everything extremely pointless. I mean, if it's going to be freezing cold outside, why not have snow falling to the ground?

But, that didn't matter none. I had all I wanted on this lovely night. I had a warm bed, hot chocolate and my very own Cajun charmer with me. In other words, life was pretty good.

Currently, we sat on his bed, watching Jurassic Park. We were at the part where the two velociraptors are hunting down the children in the kitchen. Involuntarily, I shivered. I had always hated this part. Just the thought of being hunted down by something so menacing was unbearable to think about. "Cold, chéri?" Remy asked from beside me, draping a protective arm across my shoulders as to bring me further into his embrace. As if were hardly possible.

"No," I said defiantly. "This was the epitome of mah childhood trauma," I laughed.

He looked at me, baffled. "Really?! Ah, c'mon dis is not'in'!"

"Compared tah…" I started, waiting for him to finish.

"Je ne sais pas… Da Exorcist?" He responded.

I looked at him quizzically. "There is no way ya fathah let ya watch that as a child!"

"Jean-Luc don' care much what we did in our spare time. His only concern was of The Guild an' gettin' da job done," he said in a solemn tone.

I grabbed his hand in mine just to let him know that I was there for him. As I ran my thumb over the creases of his hand and contemplated what to say next. Choosing my words carefully, I said, "Jean-Luc doesn't deserve a son- adopted or not- as good as yaself."

He sighed, contentedly. "Yo' always know da right t'ing tah say." He looked at me lovingly, his deep-red eyes almost as hypnotizing the first time I saw them. We just stared at each other, long and hard, trying to reveal the secrets of each other's pasts as John Williams' symphony filled the background signaling the end if the movie.

"Shall we go socialize?" Remy asked after a long while.

I checked the time and found that it was nearly time for the customary countdown to the New Year. It was not mandatory that the whole mansion be together for it, but considering that the Professor insisted on having a small get together in the Rec Room, with plentiful amounts of food, it was hard to refuse the kind offer.

"Do we have tah?" I complained, knowing full well, I'd get up any way.

Instead of speaking his response, he flipped over my side of the bed and grabbed ahold of my hips. I was so caught off guard that I barely had time to register him throwing me over his shoulder. I was so baffled by his action, but how could I be? It was totally a Remy move.

"Hey! Let go Swamp Rat," I yelled as I began to playfully thrash within his grasp. "Ah swear tah Gawd, Ah will give ya a wedgie if ya don't let meh down!"

At this, he just spanked me and told me to hush. He actually spanked me! After more failed attempts of trying to escape his firm grasp, I finally gave in and let him carry me, rather uncomfortably out of his room and through the foyer before he let me down. Finally! God, there were so many confused looks from the others. It was painfully embarrassing.

When the Cajun let me down at the bottom of the steps, I lightly punched his arm. Surprising him, I chastely kissed him on the cheek. Letting my lips hover above him warm skin, I whispered as quietly as I could, "Ya will nevah see meh naked again."

At this, he visibly depleted and his face fell in mock sadness. "Ah chere, don' beh like dat!"

With that, I sashayed away from him, purposely swinging my hips a little more than usual to get some type of point across. Halfway across the room I could just barely make out the sound of his accented voice calling after me, saying, "Tease…"

At that, we walked into the Rec Room, me leading the way, him starring at what the good Lord gave me.

"Rogue!" A squeamish voice called from the crowd of people nearby. Kitty, I deducted. Nobody else could carry such volume as she does.

As for the codename, Remy was still the only one who knew of my real name thus far. Don't get me wrong, I planned to tell people, but I wanted to do it during a time when it wouldn't be making a scene. That was the last thing I wanted. Besides, I liked having a secret amongst a household of nosy people. It was just nice to have something to keep to myself and that of which I love.

Love. Oh Gawd, love…

It's such a simple, four-lettered word, but it means so much. I know Remy loves me; he doesn't need to say it for it to be evident. But, does he know that he loves me? Maybe this is all just some illusion… What if this is real, though? He's shown me time and again that he loves me, but have I him? It's just something more to discuss tonight, I suppose.

"Hey, Kit," I said, pulling myself out of my inner turmoil.

"Can you believe that this year is, like, FINALLY coming to an end?!" she excitedly exclaimed.

"Yes, an' Ah'm ovahjoyed, tah say the least," I said.

"You don't sound 'overjoyed,'" she pointed out.

"Guess ya'll jus' have tah believe it, then, huh?" I said a bit too smug for my own good.

Kitty was about to retort with something Kitty-like when Bobby announced that we officially had one minute until the New Year.

I looked around at all of the occupants of the mansion from where I stood- near the plentiful tables of food, of course. Jean and Scott sat close together on the couch, while Piotr sat across from them in the arm chair, all of them having a conversation. Something must've been funny because the stoic Russian soon burst out into laughter.

Ororo was enjoying the company of the Professor and Mr. McCoy, giving kind and graceful smiles while holding her beverage. Every now and again, I saw the blue former chemistry teacher raise his hand and close his eyes, as if to recite a quote or famous poem. Something that he alone was well-known for.

Logan, was of course missing in action. But, who could blame him? He likes being around crowds about just as much as I like traveling north for any reason. He was probably in his room or in the garage. I'd have to remember to bother him later.

In the corner, near the pool table, I saw as Tabitha and Amara fist bumped each other after getting a ball into the pocket. By the look on Ray and Roberto's faces, I'd have to guess that they were losing. I mentally chanted that girls rule and boys suck.

I saw Kitty now animatedly talking with Kurt and Jubilee, Kurt being his usual fuzzy self. I felt happy for the blue elf that he was able to find a nice girl such as Amanda and feel comfortable around her, even though she's human. That just makes it all the more better; knowing that someone doesn't hate us.

Sometimes, I'd think back to the memories that I stole from so many of these people and I felt sorry for them. Everyone had their insecurities and hardly any of them were reassured that it was only part of life. Like them, I still had my concerns of whether or not I would lose control. It all came in different forms, though. Kurt was afraid of his handy-dandy wrist watch breaking, Kitty falling through floors like she had so many times before, Ororo's calm demeanor breaking, Logan going feral, Scott losing his visor during a crucial time, Jean Grey's worrisome future.

It all came to the same conclusion. Fear. Everyone was scared of something, and we had teachers like the Professor and Ororo to help ease their minds. But, was it really enough? How could two people, who have other jobs to do, do that by themselves? Especially not being certified!

"C'mon guys, gather around!" Screamed a cheerful Bobby as we were down to the last twenty seconds of the year. Surely enough, I was pulled into the whole hullabaloo by Kitty. I finally found Remy standing next to his Russian companion and figured that that was where we were headed.

The sexy Cajun smirked at me and I couldn't help the shiver that ran up my spine. It was as if every time I was around him, he kept me on my toes. He has said again and again that I'm somewhat of an open book, even though I catch him off-guard with my actions sometimes. I may be an open book, but he is a complete enigma to me. I can never seem to predict what his next action would be. It must be a thief thing, I concluded.

"Where yo' been hidin', chéri?" He asked.

Smirking at him, "Around."

As the Russian and the cat stood side by side, holding each other as if life itself depended on it, I stood in front of Remy as he lazily draped his arms around my middle section. Content, I leaned back into his chest and smiled. It was too hard to contain. "Why're yo' smilin' so bright-like?" He asked, bemused at my carefree expression.

Gesturing at the affectionate position we were in, I said, "Good way tah end the year," I laughed.

I leaned back even further and he laid his chin on the crook of my neck, leaving a chaste kiss on my jawline before counting down with everyone else in the room. "Five…"

"Four…"

"Three…"

"Two…"

At "one," my head was turned by one of Remy's hands as his lips crashed down on mine for a searing kiss. As everyone cheered "Happy New Year," I was focused on the fact that this kiss would be wildly frowned upon if Logan was around and was highly inappropriate, considering all the young children around.

I slowly pulled back and he did the same. "Wow…" I ever so eloquently said. Much like the other stolen kisses we've shared, it was as if the world stopped spinning. Nobody else matter. It was just him and I in this little world we created. Together.

And that was when I figured for sure that I loved Remy Etienne LeBeau. And I was damn well set on telling him so. But, not here. Gawd, anywhere but here!

"Do ya wanna take a walk?" I said, a bit more composed now.

"Lead da way, Anna," he whispered so no one else would hear the secret title I kept so dear to my heart.

Instead of staying inside the stuffy mansion, we decided to take a walk to the gazebo. I grabbed a small, wool cardigan, but he didn't take anything of the sort. I would've grabbed something heavier, but knew that he would keep me warm.

On our way to my seemingly favorite spot, we made small talk to pass the time as to not have an unwanted tension between us as an owl could be heard in the distance, almost soothingly singing it's repeating chant. "So, have any New Year's resolutions?" I casually asked.

"Get lots of exercise," he winked at me as I turned around fully with a flabbergasted look. "Que?" He asked.

"Ya can beh such a…" I thought of a word to use. Going with German, "Saumensch."

I proudly smiled at his confused face. Even with just the moon as our light source, I could perfectly make out the furrowed eye brows and slightly agape mouth. "What does… Is dat German?"

"Ja," I simply stated. I'm so happy Kurt took it upon himself to teach me bits and pieces of his native language.

"Mais qu'est ce? Yo' jus' bat dose gorgeous lashes at anyone an' dey give yo' une free language lesson?" He asked.

In French, "Pourquoi des cours! Worked on ya." I smiled triumphantly at his baffled expression.

"Clever girl," he said, referring to the Jurassic Park movie we had watched only a mere hour or so ago. I laughed at the thought of him comparing me to a velociraptor. "What 'bout yo', Miss Anna Marie? Any resolutions dis year?"

Given some thought, I said, "Aftah graduatin', Ah wanna talk tah the Professor 'bout counselin' an' goin' intah psychology tah help the younger ones cope with their abilities. Ah jus' wanna help people," I stated firmly.

"Why counselin'?" Remy asked, genuinely curious.

"Tah give 'em moral support. 'S somethin' Ah didn't have much in lahfe, 'specially when the absorption manifested… 'Fore that, even," I said a bit absentmindedly. Sobering up, "Somebodeh needs tah beh there for 'em an' that's who Ah wanna beh," I said more boldly. And I couldn't be more true to my word. "That, an' Ah need tah take a trip… back tah Mississippi."

I've thought it over more times than I can count, but ultimately decided that it was time to tie up loose ends. Especially with Irene and Cody. On the one hand, I felt complete anger and uncertainty towards Irene, but felt utter remorse at the thought of poor Cody and how I couldn't tell him sorry for what I'd done to him.

"Yo' hometown?" He asked all too knowingly.

I nodded, solemnly as we sat on the bench in the gazebo. After all, it was still a tender subject. I really didn't want to do it. I'd like to just run from my past mistakes and problems, but I couldn't. Life wasn't that easy and I would never be able to move on without doing it.

" C'est somet'in' yo' gotta do," he said, while soothingly caressing my cheek. "Some t'ings… yo' jus' can' hide from."

Ah couldn't agree more.

Curtly laughing, I said, "Ya an' Ah; we could write a book 'bout it."

"Been down da same roads," he finished. "'Cause we're perfect fo' each ot'er. We belong toget'er."

I distinctly remember that not being said in the bayou. New year, new memories, Ah guess.

It was a few more minutes before any of us said another word. Now or nevah, I kept chiding myself. Jus' three words. Maybeh, four dependin' on how Ah phrase this…

"Remy," one word down. "Ah…Ah think that Ah-"

I was cut short when I heard the cocking of a gun. At that, we both turned to the noise. I don't know about Remy, but I was surprised. Outraged beyond belief that this crazy woman was holding a gun to one of us, but surprised nevertheless.

"Mystique. WHAT are ya doin' here?" I asked, none to graciously.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Remy's hand slowly make its way towards either his playing cards or bo-staff as I mentally prepared myself to turn on my mutation-to flip the mental light switch on.

"A mother can't visit her own daughter on such a lovely night?" She asked condescendingly.

"A mothah doesn't abandon her child an' then lie tah them latah in lahfe," I vehemently spat back. "If only Kurt could see our 'mother-dearest' pointin' a gun at her only daughter."

"You leave him out of this! He was always meant to become an X-Man. You? Me? We were to be reunited as mother and daughter and have the luxurious life that I wanted for us," she said, lowering her gun slightly.

"The life ya wanted for us… That's grand. Listen here, Mystique. Ah make my own decisions. Not ya, not anybodeh else!" I said, my anger slightly getting the best of me.

"Rogue…" she sullenly began. She didn't even dare say my real name. Pathetic. "Why do you hate me so much? Everything I have done has been for you- for us."

I actually couldn't believe this woman. She has some nerve! One, trespassing on my home. Two, making these silly declarations. And three, being so damn stupid. Before I could speak another word, my male companion spoke on my behalf. "How dense can yo' pos'bly beh?" Couldn't have said it better myself, I smiled inwardly.

"Excuse me, Cajun?"

"Yo' damn well heard moi!" he nearly screamed in outrage, standing to his full height as the she devil rose her gun to him. On instinct, I stood too, ready for whatever might come next. "Yo' have abandoned, used, lied to an' abused her! Yo' don' deserve her love," he practically spat.

In my mind, all I could think about was cheering on Remy, even though I knew perfectly well that it would be wildly inappropriate to do so. I wasn't even mad that he was defending my honor in a typical guy way! This was just all too fascinating.

"How did ya find us, Mystique?" I questioned. Best to tone it down before something bad happens.

She laughed humorlessly. "May the owl share her keen sight and intuition to help you see things that are hidden, my dear."

"The blasted owl…" I scolded myself for not catching it earlier.

"Always knew yo' pushed 'er off une cliff fo' good reason…" Remy said, clearly talking to me, but loud enough for her to clearly hear it.

"I have had enough of you, LeBeau!" The blue woman yelled, outraged. I could hear her pull the trigger of her handgun and was angry that the safety wasn't on. Didn't anyone evah teach this crazy ass 'bout gun safety an' what not?

As she pulled the trigger, my body moved on instinct. Everything felt like it was going in slow motion as I tapped into my inner strength and pushed Remy as forcefully as I could. I stumbled into the spot of where he once was standing and felt the heated metal of the bullet enter through my right shoulder and clavicle.

I could feel the soft, but tough muscle tissue tear apart and felt the bone underneath crack under the pressure. Literally. Oddly, it didn't hurt, not yet at least. I fell to the ground from the sharp impact and trajectory of the bullet, landing on the side that had been wounded. At this, I let out an ear-splitting scream, now able to feel the full burn of the metallic object and the immense pain erupting anywhere from my collar bone to my chest and my shoulder blade.

I could feel and smell the warm liquid beginning to seep out of my injury, knowing that it was my own blood. Considering I could smell it at full capacity, I assumed there was a lot. I also figured that it wouldn't take long until I passed out.

I could only focus on the pain, God, there was so much pain. It was just too much to hold in as I began to cry over my injury. I didn't dare open my eyes as the tears stung my eyes and ran down my face like lava. I could feel myself being picked up and a whole new pain erupted in the arm. It felt enflamed, even though it wasn't and I screamed out once again, wanting to berate myself for acting so weak. Some of the pain began to disappear, but I didn't dare open my eyes. If crimson had a smell, that would be the pungent odor that was invading my nose.

However, my senses began to dull, much like my body. I could feel myself growing more limp as I heard a frenzy of voices and gasps and a distinct accented voice chanting, "Stay awake, stay awake, Mon Dieu… s'il vous plaît rester éveillé!"

I could feel myself slipping, even though I tried to listen to the alluring voice. "Je t'aime, Anna Marie, Je t'aime! S'il vous plaît… no, no, no…"

I had heard all I needed to hear before I fell into a state of oblivion rather calmly, even though there was probably a bullet still lodged within me. Content was a bit of an overstatement. More like… at peace. I was at peace.

Told you guys the happiness would be ruined. :) I have much in store for you lovely beings. Keep in mind, next chapter is a Kitty/Piotr one told through Kitty's perspective.

With that, here are your translations and remember to keep it classy, meine Freunde! (Tis German) AND don't forget to leave reviews! :)

French Translations:

Mais qu'est ce- So what is it

Pourquoi des cours- Why of course

S'il vous plait rester éveillé- Please stay awake

Je t'aime- I love you (But you guys probably already knew that)

German Translations:

Saumensch- Pig

Ja- Yes