Chapter Twenty-One – The Early Birds

A week later…

His skilled hands roamed upwards against her warm skin as he pushed the hem of her dress higher and higher until it came over her head. It fell onto the floor without much care as he captured her lips again, albeit a little sloppier than he intended but he made up for it with fever. He invaded her mouth with the flick of his tongue against her lips, granting him access instantly. Their tongues battled mercilessly as she pulled at the hem of his shirt with her delicate fingers. Her nails clawed at his toned chest, causing him to groan pleasurably and grin against her lips. He turned on her with his hands wrapped around her small waist and let his mouth trail from her mouth to her jaw as they fell against the wall. With her legs wrapped around his hips and her back to the wall, he was finally able to trail his lips to the nape of her neck. He sunk his teeth into the supple flesh between her right shoulder and beginning of her neck, causing her to gasp and let out a low moan. Though his vision was blurred and his senses were a little off, the sound she made caused him to shiver with pleasure. Few moments passed before he lifted her into his arms, his mouth locking with her kiss-swollen lips, and made a bee-line towards the large bed…

-End of dream-

Remy woke with a startled gasp. Cold sweat drenched his forehead as he sat upright with a jolt, panting the chilled morning air of the room. Realisation was quick to hit him when he turned to find that the opposite side of the bed was completely untouched. Rogue had definitely not been there that night. He ran a hand over his face and let out a frustrated groan. He couldn't stop dreaming- no, he couldn't stop thinking about that night. Memories of passion and drinking in her sighs and moans haunted him like a plague during the night. He woke most mornings with a fresh batch of disappointment followed, like this morning, with a cold shower. Remy ran a hand over his face and took a deep breath before slipping off the bed and trudging towards the bathroom door. Ten minutes later, he walked out refreshed and shaven but disappointment and re-found self-frustration remained unsullied in his mind. He dressed slowly, pulling on a pair of grey track pants and a white T-shirt, before making his bed. He tried not to think about how these were the same sheets he had once wrapped around her as he tucked them in and straightened the pillows. Once the usual burden was finished, he made his way towards the kitchen or more, the coffee machine. He cursed irritably in French when he heard the coffee grinder catch air. Remy's expression turned darker when he realised that there wasn't a spare coffee bean pack in the fridge. He ran a hand over his face with an irritable growl as he pulled out the dreaded container of instant coffee from the pantry. He muttered irritably to himself as he boiled the kettle and set up an instant mug. Instant was better than nothing at all.

"How can y' forget t' buy coffee? Its de one t'ing dat can get y' t'rough de day…"

He ran a hand over his face that trailed over his hair to the back of his neck. He scratched it irritably before letting his head fall back in a deep sigh. His eye caught the clock on the wall; six-o-four in the morning. He was not a morning person, he didn't have work until noon and he was pretty sure his biological clock didn't even recognise anything before noon. Remy let out a loud yawn as he slumped forward against the kitchen bench.

"Not dat I can sleep after a dream like dat…"

It was becoming a common routine to him. Dreaming/remembering about that night with Rogue, waking up, taking a cold shower, coffee, wondering why he was awake when he could be sleeping peacefully, more coffee. It was no wonder he was out of coffee. Remy ran both hands over his face as he pulled himself back to an upright stance. The water had boiled by then, so he made his coffee and trudged into the living room to sit down and watch the early morning news; another thing that had become common routine as of late. There were definite ups to living alone in a pent house apartment. The large rooms, open space, bachelor pad décor, the weekly cleaning service, the gratification of having a woman tell him what a great place he had when he invited them up etc. The only downturn was that it left him a lot of room for reminiscence and self-wallowing with no one to judge him but himself. That was never a good thing, especially now when he thought himself so pathetic and troubled. Remy made a disgusted face. He had skulled the rest of the putrid instant coffee down his throat in one large gulp. The artificially bittertaste remained in his mouth even after he brushed and washed his mouth out. After cleaning himself up and forgetting about breakfast, like routine, he reached for his wallet on the bedside table and pulled out a small piece of paper.

Since the first ultrasound appointment, a new event had been added to his pathetic routine. Only, it didn't seem as pathetic as the other parts of his morning routine. Printed in black and white across the small square of paper was an ultrasound photo of his babies. Of course, they didn't look like babies yet. They were more like indistinguishable dots, really. Even so, he couldn't drag his eyes away from them. His fingertips trailed the edges of the photo as he stared intently at it. A vague sort of smile spread across his lips for two reasons. For one, he couldn't seem to stop himself. Two, he couldn't help but think about how ironic it was that he did this and so often too. Had it been some other guy that was in his position, he would be sniggering at them or shaking their hand and wishing them luck. He would think it was weird for an expectant father to be so fixated on a pair of dots on a piece of paper. Now, he still thought it weird but in a wonderful kind of weird. These were his children. He felt a shiver run down his spine as the thought crossed his mind; it surreal just thinking about it, even more so when he added Rogue to the equation- His reminiscing was pulled to a halt at the definite ring of the doorbell. He jolted slightly, as if awoken from a pleasant dream, before pulling himself off the sofa. He carefully put the photo back into his wallet and placed it on the kitchen counter on his way to the door. It didn't cross his mind as to how strange it was to have someone nock on his door at six-thirty-two in the morning until he opened the door. He blinked twice as Rogue quickly slipped into the apartment with a smile across her frost-kissed face. She was already making her way casually to the kitchen as she spoke.

"Mornin'. Do ya have any orange juice?"

Remy stood in the open doorway with his mouth half open and a bemused look across his face for a full twenty seconds before replying from the entrance.

"I t'ink so. Check de fridge…"

He shut the door silently before making his way slowly into the kitchen. He arrived just in time to watch as Rogue tilted her head with an already half-empty plastic carton of orange juice at her lips. He watched with a mixture of boyish confusion and a slight trigger of something else, as she gulped down at least a third of the carton's contents. She let out a satisfied sigh and licked her lower lip as she lowered the container. Remy daftly remembered buying that three litre carton the day before as he stared at her. It was practically empty now. Rogue gave a sheepish smile at his bemused-amazed look and chuckled nervously as she replied.

"Sorry. Ah ran outta this stuff last naght an' mah supermarket was still closed at fahve-thirty in the mornin' so…"

He did a double take and blinked.

"Five-thirty in de mornin'?"

She gave another sheepish grin and nodded as she put the carton on the bench top.

"Yeah, ah woke up cravin' the stuff for some reason an' ah couldn't go back t' sleep so...yeah. Ah didn't wake ya did ah? Ah know ah kinda dropped in without warnin'…not that that's new…"

He shook his head as he suppressed another yawn of exhaustion. Damn instant coffee wasn't kicking in yet.

"What are ya doin' up so early then? Ah thought ya didn't start work until noon?"

He blinked quickly a couple of times. It was only then that he noticed things about her current appearance. Despite the warm-looking leather coat with the tawny faux-fur rim around the hood, the woollen scarf, skinny jeans and boots that she wore, Rogue's cheeks and nose were stained a pale pink from the cold. He frowned concernedly as she was shivered slightly. He ignored her questions and took the three steps between them to cup her face. Her skin was chilled against his slightly warmer hands.

"Come wit' moi, y' need t' warm up."

He tugged on her hand and led her towards the living room where the electric heater sat only to stop suddenly in his steps. She gave him a bemused look as he turned to face her again. It was as if he had seen her in a different light all over again. He raised one brow at her as he spoke.

"Chére, how did y' get here?"

Rogue feigned innocence as she bit down on her lower lip. She felt like a child about to be scolded for walking through the rain without a coat.

"Um…ah kinda caught a cab…"

Remy turned around to face her, letting out a frustrated sigh as his hands moved to her shoulders. He gave her a stern look that was so not-Remy and so-Logan. Rogue nearly snorted with amusement. She kept it to herself as he began the pending lecture she knew he was going to unleash.

"Chére what were y' t'inking? It's six-thirty in de mornin'! It's not safe-"

A frustrated growl escaped her as she rolled her eyes irritably. She cut him off in retort.

"Remy ah'm more than capable o' catchin' a cab on mah own. Gawd, how many things are ya gonna try an' 'ban' meh from doin' on mah own?"

"I'm not bannin' y' from doin' anyt'ing- I'm tellin' y' dat some t'ings y' shouldn't do on y' own because-!"

"Because of what? Because ah'm pregnant?"

"Oui! Because y' pregnant et because dere are some t'ings a femme shouldn't do like catchin' a cab at six-thirty in de mornin' on deir own! Do y' know how dangerous dat can be? What if somet'ing happened t' y'-"

"Nothin' happened t' meh! Ah'm completely fahne-"

He gave an incredulous snort as he replied. His hands shifted with emphasis as he continued to freak out, to put it mildly.

"Oui, dis time! Y' could've jus' called moi-!"

"Oh, so now you're mah keeper or somethin'? Remy ah can take care o' mahself!-"

"If y' had called moi, I would've gone out t' get y' orange juice, pickles an' milkshakes, a cow, whatever-"

She glared murderously at him as she growled back.

"Remy, ah'm not an idiot!"

He let out a frustrated sigh as he ran a hand over his face. Instant coffee wasn't working!

"I never said dat!"

She let out a Logan-like snarl as she retorted heatedly.

"Well ya spelled it out easy enough!"

They remained silent for a few short seconds before Remy raised his hands towards her in an effort to try and calm her down. He spoke softly though his nostrils were still flaring angrily.

"Chére, I'm jus' looking out f' y'-"

"No, you think ah'm about t' do somethin' stupid while ah'm pregnant an' all b'cause they're your kids too!"

Remy stopped for a moment. Did she honestly think that? Sure he worried that something might happen to the twins during her pregnancy but that was natural fear wasn't it? It was obvious, in the almost offended tone of voice she used, she had conjured some irrational conclusion that he cared only about her safety because of the twins. He felt a little stung and guilty by that thought. Did seventeen years of friendship mean nothing now? Remy shook his head slightly. He had to remind himself that she was more prone to irrational thought and emotions. Suddenly however, Rogue pushed past him and walked out of the kitchen hurriedly before Remy could react in time to stop her. Panic sparked through him for a moment as he followed at a quick pace only to catch a glimpse of her as she disappeared behind the bathroom door. Remy furrowed his brow confusedly as he called to her from outside the door.

"Chére what are y'-?"

"Ah just drank three litres of orange juice, what do ya think ah'm doin'?!"

Remy could only raise his hands into the air in a defeated sort of gesture. He waited a few minutes, leaning casually against the doorframe with his arms folded. When he heard the toilet flush, he stood up straight again and took a step back from the door but she didn't come out on cue. It was several more minutes of silence before Remy let out a deep sigh. He leant back against the doorframe and rested a hand on the door as he spoke. As it always seemed to be when they picked their fights, (and he was the one to apologise) his voice was gentle toned and apologetic.

"Rogue, I don't t'ink dat y' gonna do somet'ing stupid. I jus'…I jus' t'ink dat someone else might try t' take advantage o' y' et y' or de bébes will end up gettin' hurt or… worse. I'm sorry, d'accord?"

He winced visibly and let out a deep sigh as he ran a hand over his face for what felt like the millionth time. He continued in an awkward fashion when she didn't speak up. It was like the words and meaning he meant to convey had become lodged in his throat, making him anxious and uncomfortable.

"I'm jus'… worried…I…"

"I don't like not bein' around y'. I don't like not bein' dere when y' need somet'ing, even de small t'ings! I don't like missin' out on dis…" He wanted to say so many other things, but he held his tongue on all. Even so, he wouldn't have had the chance to say it as the door swung open suddenly. Remy slipped awkwardly against the door but straightened himself as Rogue stepped out of the bathroom. There was a vague, almost lost-for-words look across her face but on the other hand there was evidence of old tears rimmed around her eyes and cheeks. She frowned confusedly as she spoke.

"Okay, who are ya an' where is the ego-maniacal Cajun ah know?"

Remy made to reply but stopped, frowning confusedly. When he replies, it was his ego talking.

"Ego-maniacal Cajun?"

Rogue rolled her eyes.

"Ya not exactly the guy that exposes all his emotions when he's feelin' insecure, Remy."

Remy continued to frown but in his thoughts he came to agree reluctantly. He was usually very cool and calm with his insecurities, even around Rogue who could just about read him like a book anyway. He cut off the trail of thoughts when Rogue returned to the matter at hand.

"Are ya really that worried about meh?"

Remy would've shaken her had she not looked at him with those watery green eyes and bite down so anxiously on her lower lip as she habitually did. His shoulders slumped in defeat as he nodded. He pushed a few boundaries to cup her face in his hands as he replied gently.

"Chére, are y' kidding? I've always worried about y'. An' wit' dese deux (these two) on de way,"

His gaze fell to her flat abdomen for a moment to emphasise his point before reattaining her gaze. A vague smile spread across his lips while her cheeks flushed pink.

"How can I not?"

Rogue bit down on her lower lip but the corners of her mouth were raised in a half-smile. They lingered in that state for a good few moments before Rogue let out a defeated sigh. She became apologetic as he took her hand wordlessly and led her towards the living room.

"Ah'm sorry ah got ya so worried, Rems."

He smirked and chuckled softly but said nothing else. He got her to sit down on the sofa while he turned towards the electric heater in the corner of the room. Rogue watched him with a vague smile spread across her lips and a blush still fresh across her cheeks. She had had no idea that Remy actually worried about her. Sure, logically he should be, what with her carrying his children and all but she hadn't acknowledged it. He generally came off to her as possessive and overprotective at times, but never worried. Never nervous. She rolled her eyes at her own stupidity but blamed a part of her misjudgement on her currently overly hormonal state. She wasn't quite used to the side-effects of pregnancy yet and she doubted she ever would be too.

"Y' want somet'ing hot t' drink chére?"

Rogue blinked back into reality only to realise Remy was facing her from his stance in front of the warming electric heater. She shook her head, causing Remy to pull a crooked grin as he continued.

"I don't t'ink I have any more orange juice Roguey."

Rogue snorted her laughter lightly and shook her head as if to say 'very-funny' as Remy continued to grin like a comic genius. After the heater began to rev up a little more heat, he came to sit beside her on the sofa. The television continued to mumble softly in the background as a comfortable silence fell between the two. When it ended about a minute later, Remy, who had been battling over a new idea in that time, reached out for her half-way with his hand and spoke. There was an innocent cautiousness to him that made Rogue raised a sceptical brow at him while he questioned her.

"Can I try somet'ing chére?"

Though he didn't say it, his eyes asked her to trust him. They always did when he asked her if he could do something he wasn't quite sure she'd approve of. Trusting him completely, Rogue nodded but kept a raised brow as he shifted. He slipped slowly off the sofa and onto the floor beside her but as he did so, he gently picked up her feet and put them on the sofa. He motioned for her to lie back, which she did but not without curiosity spreading across her face. He gave a small, reassuring smile before he did anything else. He carefully put his hands on either side of her waist. Neither knew but both felt the jolt of electricity that ran through them. However, before any recollections or misinterpretations could be made, Remy lowered the left side of his head to her abdomen and closed his eyes for a moment. Rogue felt her heart rate skip a few beats as a frown of bemusement spread across her features. She managed to whisper.

"What are ya doin'?"

She was quickly hushed by Remy as he continued to rest his ear against her abdomen and keep his eyes shut. It was a few more moments before Remy opened his unusual eyes and met her gaze. He looked like a disappointed little boy which nearly broke her heart upon sight as he spoke up.

"I can't hear dem."

Rogue furrowed her brow again but there was a shadow of a smile at the corner of her lips.

"What did ya think ya were gonna hear?"

He looked a little sheepish as he smirked up at her and replied.

"T'ought I might hear deir heartbeats."

Rogue couldn't help the small smile that spread across her lips before she chuckled softly and replied.

"Doctor McCoy said when ah reach ten weeks, we can use a stethoscope t' hear their heartbeats. Ah doubt ya'll beh able t' hear 'em yet though."

Remy shared her smile for a moment but he was quick to catch onto her words with a bemused face.

"When did he tell y' dat?"

Rogue replied naturally, not knowing the pang of envy that struck Remy at her words.

"Yesterday mornin'. Ah was jus' thinkin' about the babies' heartbeat an' how fast they were at that check up. Ah was curious, and he did say t' call him if ah had any questions so ah did…"

Remy let out a deep sigh through his nose as he turned his head. Rogue furrowed her brow at him as she pulled herself up to an upright position. She rested a hand on his shoulder as she questioned him.

"Remy?"

He turned slowly to face her with a blank sort of look across his face. His eyes however, gave him away. He turned away again after a moment before speaking.

"I'm jus' feeling a petite (little) bit useless et excluded right now, chére. Dat's all."

Rogue still looked confused.

"Why-?"

He turned to look at her over his shoulder, opened his mouth to say something but stopped before the words slipped off his lips. He gave an aggravated sigh as he turned back and slumped against the sofa. Remy ran a hand over his face again as he asked her to forget he said anything. He felt Rogue's anxious gaze practically burn into the back of his head. He knew he had made her worried. Guilt began to swell again, causing him to sigh with self-frustration. That was when he felt her move behind him. He watched from the corner of his eye as Rogue slipped off the couch and sat beside him. Her gentle hand rested against his shoulder. Normally, he would turn to look at her but he couldn't. His pride (and mood) was too high strung. Rogue was the first to speak.

"Remy, ah told ya ah wanted ya t' be involved in this as much as ya wanted. If- if ya feel that way…tell meh why. Please?"

Damn it. Now he couldn't (for the life of him) resist answering her truthfully. His pride and dark mood was thrown completely out of the window as he slowly turned to face her. Merde. The worried look written across her face made him feel that unnecessary amount of guilt swell again. Meanwhile, Rogue couldn't help the aching feeling that rested in her chest as she looked at him. She reached out for his hand and squeezed it as she encouraged him to explain.

"Please Rems?"

It was a few more moments of silence but eventually, Remy squeezed her hand and nodded. He shifted to face her a little better as he spoke.

"Roguey,"

He rubbed his thumb against her knuckles as he paused. He met her gaze again as he continued.

"Call moi selfish, mais, de arrangement we have now…wit' moi being involved wit' y' et de bébes…Chére, it's not enough."

Rogue furrowed her brow a little more as she replied.

"What?"

Remy heaved a sigh as he continued.

"I feel like I'm missing out. Dat I'm two steps behind y'. I mean…y' know more about dem den I do- No, wait, dat…dat doesn't make sense…of course y' would know more about dem, y'…"

He let out a huff-sigh and frowned as he failed to make sense of his reasoning. Rogue, however, was beginning to get glimpses of understanding. Gently, she reached out to cup the side of his face. Instantly, he directed his attention to her eyes. She stared at him for a moment, taking note of the slight yellow tinge that still outlined his left eye from the black-eye he had worn for the past week. As promised, Rogue hadn't told Kurt or her mother about he babies. The time had been well spent as Remy's eye began to heal nicely. He was almost his old self again but not at this moment. He looked so lost, so unlike himself, that it nearly broke her heart to watch him battle to explain how he felt about this. Softly, Rogue spoke.

"Got any ideas about how ya can keep up wit' meh?"

Remy stared at her for about five seconds. Five seconds in which he gave her a completely expressionless look that she hadn't any means of understanding what was running through his mind. The warm silence was ended as he spoke up.

"Move in wit' moi."

It was more a request-statement than a suggestion.

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Please review both updates! I'd like feedback for both! Thanks guys!

-Gams