Special thanks to Hope Hannigan who has been sweet enough to help me with the French translations and ensuring I clean up my mistakes for last update. Thanks darl'!

-Gams

Chapter Twenty-Four- Patience, Patience

By the time they returned to the ship, Rogue had run her voice raw and the events of the day had begun to take their toll. She was grateful for the silence between herself and her trio of saviours-come-captors. She had no desire to answer questions or be berated as an insolent babe. Though she hated the idea of being carried back like a disobedient child who had run away from home, she had to admit that her actions were not something to be proud of. Chills ran up and down her spine as flashes of the last hour rewound and played in her mind. She had nearly been raped by a group of men. Any girl her age would be nothing but a puddle of endless tears by now but her pride wouldn't let the events of the night get to her. Still, she knew that she was trembling more from the shock than the pain in her injured hand. Her overtired mind began to concoct possibilities once they arrive at the ship. Imaginings of being thrown in the brig or latched to a ball and chain played in her mind's eye but they quickly put to a stop as soon as they arrived. She was relieved in fact to find that she was being led back to the room she had woken in.

Piotr placed her gently into a chair and offered a kindly smile in an attempt to cheer her spirits. She managed a meek one in return before Logan spoke.

"Now this time stay put. Got it Stripes?"

Rogue returned the stern order with a timely roll of her eyes but he barely acknowledged the look (merely by grunting), as he turned to the gentle giant.

"Piotr, don't let her near the windows-"

Raven's amused sniff caught their attention from the doorway. Logan narrowed his gaze.

"Did you have something to add, Captain?"

Raven unfastened herself from the doorframe and came into the room at a leisurely pace. Her unusually coloured eyes danced with amusement at her gruff companion's obvious disgruntlement as she replied dryly.

"Really James you amaze me sometimes. She's injured and fatigued from today's adventures so I doubt she's in any state to be embarking upon a new one. Piotr- go see Doctor Bardon about bringing something for her injuries-"

Logan motioned to interject but Raven was quick-tongued and already herding Piotr and himself out the door.

"I shall remain and keep an eye on her in case she get's any ideas. Though I'm sure it's only to give you some piece of mind."

"Raven-"

Logan looked positively irate but Raven took no heed except to push him out the door with a final word.

"Shouldn't you be alerting your Captain as to the whereabouts of his wife?"

Though Logan did want to protest most evidently, he settled on giving a gruff nod of agreement and promised to be back within the hour before taking leave. Raven pushed the door shut with a slightly irritated sigh before turning back to face her charge. At the sight of the girl nearly falling off her own seat, she heaved another heavy sigh that was both fed-up with Logan as it was with her. But there was compassion in those harsh eyes and it was duly pointed at Rogue as she approached. The Captain pulled a chair out of the corner to face Rogue as she spoke. Her voice was blunt and to the point but even so, concern laced its way into her words.

"How is your hand? Do you think it is broken?"

Rogue pulled away her injured hand from her chest. She hadn't taken the time to look at it until then and the sight was not pleasant. Blood, dirt and fresh bruising covered her small hand and it hurt to move it even an inch. Rogue turned it painfully before her own gaze, her teeth gritted as she hissed the air. Raven sympathetically clicked her tongue against top of her mouth.

"You must've caught your knuckles on his teeth my dear. That wasn't a well-aimed punch."

Rogue's gaze found a particularly interesting notch in the floorboards as embarrassment and pain became muddled together. She rested her injured hand against the cool surface of the desk and tried her best to not slip out of her seat. Raven made an effort to catch her down-turned gaze again as an amused smirk spread across her lips.

"Though I don't think I've ever seen someone punch James Howlett and get away with it."

Rogue's embarrassment diminished a little as her pride built but a shred of confidence. She rubbed the forming tears out of her eyes with her free hand as that pride took a firm hold again but nevertheless she could not help but admit folly to this pirate captain.

"Ya must think meh a classic fool."

Raven surprised her by shaking her head.

"Not at all. But you do remind me of someone... She was almost as foolish as you."

Rogue gave a bitterly amused half-chuff of laughter before managing to rasp.

"Ah am a fool…if mah actions are any comparison."

Raven shook her head, causing Rogue to stare with wonder. Rogue had come to notice how those unusual eyes withheld her true emotional state and yet somehow she was certain that at this moment, she was revealing something to her on a level only those eyes could communicate. Certain suspicions planted seeds into Rogue's thoughts as Raven reasserted her last words.

"You are not a fool my dear. You were lucky however, that you have so many to look out for you. Many a girl has not had the same luck as you…"

As Raven trailed off in her own words, so did her gaze. It slipped to the empty confines of space with a strangely distant look. Her expression became unreadable for a few moments before she seemed to realise herself and her mind returned to the small quarters of the ship. Her expression turned stern again in a fashion that was entirely her own and nothing like the growling James Howlett's. Without a word, she stood and made her way over to a table standing in the far corner of the cabin. She returned to sit with a bottle of whisky and two crystal glasses. She set them on the table and poured a healthy amount into each. Raven barely raised her own glass in a short, silent toast before drowning it down in one, long gulp. Rogue followed swiftly by taking the drink in one swift swig. She was desperate for distraction from the pain in her hand and the swelling in her head but unfortunately the whisky was harder to drown than the Captain had made it look. Throat burning, she coughed what was left of it down and clasped her chest with her only free hand. She heard Raven give a soft chuckle of amusement.

"You had best not do that again until you are fit to drink. That ringing in your head will only worsen with whiskey."

Rogue let out a slight groan as she pinched the bridge of her nose and slumped against her seat. The pain in her hand was beginning to seep into her head, adding to the blaring sensation ringing in her ears. She suddenly regretted taking that free pint of ale at the tavern. Raven seemed to read her thoughts as she gave another sympathetic chuckle before pouring her a goblet of water. Rogue managed to rasp a thank you but it fell on deaf ears. The sound of footfall and raised voices outside the door broke the silence, causing Raven to visibly tense. She held a hand to prevent Rogue from moving. Raven took to her feet, as the door was hastily swung open. Rogue felt her heart lodge itself in her throat.

Remy stepped into the room with haste only to stop halfway through the door. His eyes locked directly on Rogue. Pinned in her spot, she felt those strange eyes speak volumes in parts; First astonishment shone in those red embers only to be replaced by a mixture of relief and anger. His brow set into a frown. She had never seen such a look on his face. It made her uneasy but what was left of her pride didn't let her show it. She tightened her jaw and sat up best she could as he approached her but he was detained when Raven spoke up.

"LeBeau. So nice of you to finally grace us with your presence."

He stopped mid-stride to face Raven who blocked his path. Rogue noted how she hovered almost between them like a shield. She stood proudly with a hand resting on the hilt of her cutlass. Remy took notice of her weapon at so close a hand and gave a stiff nod of acknowledgement. Rogue was actually surprised by the lack of pleasantries in his response, making her more anxious with each passing word from his lips. He seemed further away from the man she had met more than ever. At least with the façade Damien Black she knew where she stood. But with this Remy she was totally uncertain.

"Captain Darkholme. I wonder if y' would mind leaving us for a moment."

It wasn't a question and both women knew it. Raven exchanged a glance with Rogue before answering, slowly.

"Of course… I hope Mister Howlett took the liberty of explaining tonight's events."

Remy gave another stiff nod as he replied coolly.

"Oui. He explained everyt'ing. I mus't t'ank y' for y' assistance."

Raven picked up her discarded hat from off the table and adjusted it on her head as she replied in a stern tone of voice.

"You seem to be owing me more favours than I am handing out LeBeau."

"And y' will be reimbursed in all good time Raven. Now please, if y' wouldn't mind…"

Raven gave a short nod and made towards the door. However she paused when she reached the open doorway. Her gaze returned to meet Rogue's following stare before she turned to speak to Remy again.

"I sent for my physician to come treat your wife's injuries. I shall see what is keeping him before I take the watch. Goodnight."

And with that final offering given, Raven left. Remy shut the door behind her and kept his hand latched to the doorhandle for a moment. A deep sigh heaved between his shoulders as he slowly turned to face her. He began slowly, his voice heavy with newfound weariness that nestled beside his agitation.

"Do I have t' keep y' here under rope, lock and key chére?"

When she said nothing, he hardened his brow into a meaningful scowl and took a shallow stride into the room as he spoke.

"Do y' 'ave any idea how foolish it was of y' t' run off like dat?"

Rogue felt some of her strength return as she set her expression into a defiant glare. It had some effect. Remy stopped making his way towards her and remained a moment with his feet planted to the floor. When she still said nothing, he let out a deep-held breath and ran a hand over his face in exhaustion. She could feel the frustration in him simmer down as he tried to regain a calm and collected disposition. Though his anger at her actions was still visible, it was now subdued by something else. Patience. He had been quick to take notice of her injured hand. He carefully approached her, his voice gentle.

"Let me see dat-"

He reached out for her injured hand that had lain impassively on the desk only for Rogue to snatch it out of his reach as she stood and backed away from him ad far as possible. She kept her expression defiant and unyielding as a look of genuine hurt spread across his face at her actions, only to turn swiftly into exasperation. He reached out for her hand again and when she backed away again, he grew impatient.

"Rogue, y' have t' let moi see dat hand. Y' might have broken some fingers f' all y' know-"

He had gotten but an inch away from her tightly clasped hand when her free hand reached out and slapped him clean across the face with an audible slap. Remy stood back slightly only to stare at her as shock spread across his face as visible as the ripe, pink hand-mark on his right cheek. They stood staring at each other a short while before Rogue spoke for the first time. Her voice was dangerously low with warning.

"Do not touch meh."

Remy felt the desk behind him as he numbly leant against it. After a short while, he removed his hand from his stinging cheek. A sardonic chuckle escaped him finally before he spoke.

"Guess I deserved dat one…"

Her glare only soured a little more as she crossed her arms carefully and took a defiant stance in spite of her exhaustion. Beads of sweat cooled against her forehead as she made every effort to remain completely in control. All frustrations of the past few months returned in full and pour into her words through gritted teeth.

"Ah'm not doin' anythin' until ya start explaining what the hell is goin' on."

Remy heaved a heavy sigh from his shoulders. He sounded more tired than tender as he spoke.

"Chére I will explain everyt'ing mais y' have t' have dat hand looked at-"

He reached again for her hand only for her to slip out of his reach again. She bit back a small cry as her battered fingers brushed against his. The pain of it masked behind her frustrated retort.

"You promised meh that ya would explain everything after we were married! It's past that and ah'm done waitin' for-"

Rogue was cut short by the arrival of the doctor who was polite enough to knock briefly before stepping inside. He was a portly old man with a shiny, balding head. He came in wearing a kindly smile but it quickly weakened with discomfort as he acknowledged Rogue's venomous glare and Remy's frustrated expression. The physician stood a few feet away from the door, one leg bent back in the prepared motion to leave as he spoke.

"Beggin' y' pardon Captain LeBeau, sir- I can come back-"

Remy shook his head and ran a hand through his messed auburn hair as he approached the doctor. He reached for the tray in the doctor's hands as he spoke.

"Merci Doctor Bardon. I t'ink we can manage wit'out y' assistance tonight. Y' may return t' y' duties."

The doctor looked between the two and nodded, anxious to be leaving the newlyweds before the yelling match resumed. As soon as the door was shut, Rogue opened her mouth to speak only for Remy to raise a hand in mid-air to silence her. He spoke sincerely, his voice wrapped in mild weariness as he spoke.

"Please chére let's not do dis yet. Y' are hurt et I am tired. I t'ink we have both had enough f' one day. Please, sit down and let me look at dat hand. I assure y' I know what t' do."

As he expected, Rogue was not easily moved by his pleas. He heaved a sigh and took her by the arm without holding back an ounce of strength. She made to shove him away but he was as tall as he was stronger than her. He pushed her down into her seat again near the desk. Frustration found its way through his voice when she tried to move again.

"Dammit Rogue, y' hand needs attention! Don't struggle or I will tie y' t' de chair."

Rogue glared up at him as made one final, futile shove. She hissed back.

"Ya wouldn't dare."

He matched her glare with a sly albeit peeved expression.

"Try moi ma chére. I 'ave de mind t' teach y' a lesson after de stunt y' pulled."

"Ah'm not a damned child-"

"Den stop acting like one et sit still."

You could slice the frustration in the air with the knife it was so thick. Rogue made one last attempt to wrench her arm free only to brush her injured fingers against the table edge. A muffled cry escaped from between her clenched teeth and she made to grasp her injured hand to her chest again only for Remy to catch it instead. He grasped her wrist gently. When Rogue opened her mouth to protest, he cut her off in a cool voice.

"Dat offer t' tie y' t' de chair still stands."

At her pride's expense and the insistence of the pain, Rogue bit her tongue and finally relented.

Remy ignored her peeved expression as he sat in the chair Raven had occupied and set about inspecting her injuries. He clicked his tongue and gave a disgruntled sigh though his words spoke some relief.

"Y' didn't break any fingers mais y' 'ave some brusin' et y' knuckles are cut…"

His frown furrowed as he gave closer inspection of the cuts. He turned his gaze to meet hers again as he spoke.

"Did y' by any chance cut y' hand on someone's teeth chére?"

Rogue found that notch in the floor become all the more fascinating again as she avoided his gaze. She heard him heave another heavy sigh but he said nothing else. Not yet. He told her to keep her hand up and not touch anything with it as he began to rummage around the tray that Doctor Bardon had left them. He stood only to get a pitcher of water and a basin and returned to set it on the table. He added a few smelling ingredients from a few bottles that caused Rogue to wrinkle her nose with suspicion. She voiced her distrust of the concoction.

"What is that?"

He had rolled his sleaves and reached for her injured hand in answer only for her to pull back again. She winced but did not defer her suspicious glare. He raised a brow at her in warning as if to say "We can do dis de hard way or de easy way." At that warning, Rogue reluctantly lowered her hand into the china basin herself. The murky white water, though it smelled distinctly of a number of things, was cool and it was quick to sooth her aching hand. He told her to keep her hand in the water and she obliged silently. However when he reached for her face with a cloth he had soaked in the water, she became hesitant again and dodged his attempts. He glowered at her irritably.

"Rogue, y' have a split lip-"

"Then hand meh the cloth. Ah can do it mahself-"

"Y' can barely sit up straight. Now stop bein' stubborn et let me see to it."

His voice was firm and cool and it infuriated her to no end. She almost preferred his charming façade and teasing antics to this firm-toned version. Rogue continued to scowl but she didn't try to evade his hand as he reached out, grasped her chin in one hand and began to gently dab at her bloody lower lip. When the dried blood was cleaned away however, his hand didn't move. He brushed a thumb over the spot.

"Someone punched y' in de face…"

It was more a statement in that suddenly distant tone of voice that escaped his lips. Nonetheless, Rogue nodded slowly to confirm it. Her husband's demeanour changed rapidly again as an exasperated sigh escaped him. His brow furrowed as he spoke in a condescending but considerably gentler tone of voice.

"Y' shouldn't have gone off like dat Rogue. It was a very stupid idea."

Rogue felt her diminished anger spark with newfound ammunition. She arched a credulous brow at him.

"Ah got knocked out by one of your watch dogs and woke up on a ship with nothin' but the clothes on mah back an' the door locked. How was that a better situation?"

He matched her glower as he withdrew his hand from her chin.

"Have y' seen y' self chére? Y' look like a sea urchin who jus' got de tar beaten out o' dem! Oui! It was a better situation dan de one dat led t' dis!"

He indicated to her dishevelled appearance expressively. Rogue took the opportunity to look down at herself properly. Her white shirt was stained in a mixture of the Frenchman's and her own blood. Her skin was caked in a thin layer of dirt and grime and her hair was a mess of short, limp curls. Though she hated to admit it…he had a point. She was brought out of her reverie by his disheartened sigh. He leant forward to face her at eye level as he spoke.

"Y' were safe here Rogue. John told y' dat I would be returnin' soon t' explain every'ting! Y' did not have t' run off."

Rogue's glare returned to full effect. Her injured hand sloshed slightly in the basin as she straightened in her chair.

"Can ya honestly blame meh for running away? Ya haven't said one thing that's true t' meh since the day we met! How can ya expect meh t' do as you ask when ah can't even trust ya to tell meh the truth? Ah don't know what about ya is real or just- just some façade! Ah don't even know your real name!"

For once, her words seemed to have more than just the effect of making him angry. He grew silent and his expression softened to something more unreadable. They sat there a short while as their frustrations stilled to a halt. Finally, he reached out for her injured hand that had surfaced too far out of the water. Blood seeped relentlessly again from the cut over her knuckles as he grasped it and placed it back under the water. When he was sure she wouldn't pull away, he grasped the small cloth and bathed it again in the same water before wrapping it around her injured knuckles. She hissed painfully at the contact.

"Ah! Would ya be more careful?"

To her surprise he didn't chastise her for her outburst. Instead, he took more care to be gentle as he tied the makeshift bandage loosely around her knuckles. The blood began to clot the fabric and bled into the murky water like swirls of red ink.

"Désolé chère." (Sorry)

Rogue was admittedly stunned to hear an apology let alone hear it slip out of his mouth so softly. Her anger lost its edge and she became silent as she watched him. It dawned on her a little later how similar this situation was to when she had been tending to his wounded shoulder except their roles were now quite reversed. Rogue felt her previous anger and frustration burn out until there was little but her exhaustion and a shaky grasp of consciousness left. She became transfixed by his actions in an attempt stay awake as he kept her hand elevated by the edge of the basin, his fingers wrapped gently around her wrist as her hand continued to soak.

"What else happened t' y' tonight?"

She raised her now-heavy gaze only to be surprised to find he was staring at her again, or more that he had been the entire time she had been watching their hands. Those strange red-on-black eyes were warm with reassurance as he waited for her answer. Her gaze fell again as she considered what to tell him. Finally, she managed to rasp.

"Ah thought James filled ya in on the details."

He shook his head.

"Not all of dem."

Rogue bit her lower lip slightly as she hesitated. It felt like it was one thing to admit her foolishness to Captain Darkholme but an entirely different thing to admit it to him. Her brash actions had nearly cost her more than she had bargained for. She could still hear their cruel jeers and catcalls like a never-ending echo in her mind and it caused her to feel positively ill with the memory. She was brought out of her tortured thoughts when she felt something warm slip over her other hand. She looked down to find his other hand gently overlapping her own in a gentle hold. When she looked up, those eyes caught her and did not let her look away. The hypnosis was unavoidable what with the feeling of reassurance and safeness practically radiating off him.

"It's alright. I won't be mad, y' can tell moi. Je vous promets." (I promise)

A deep sigh found its way out of her before she began to speak. His hand didn't move from hers and she made no effort to remove it.

"Some man at a tavern…he tripped meh over an' found out what ah was and…bein' drunk ah suppose, he thought it good sport t' make fun of meh an wouldn't let meh go. Ah sliced at his hand with a dagger an' he let go. He got angry of course…then he an' a few other dawgs followed meh an' they-"

She felt something become lodged in her throat- was it her heart? The discomfort made saying the next part too difficult to muster words for. She skipped the more unsavoury details.

"That's when your watch dog James-?"

His voice came out in an almost disconnected voice. Like he was there in body but not in spirit.

"Logan. He be m' first mate."

She nodded and continued.

"A fight broke out an' the same man grabbed meh from behind…Ah punched him in the face when he tried to…"

Her heart lodged in her throat again as the shadowy memory of the look in her attacker's bloodied face resurfaced in her thoughts. She couldn't get the words out. Chills of revulsion began to tremble through her as the memory of his hands stroking her throat, edging closer to places she reserved for no one resurfaced. She was no stranger to violence but this had been different to the kind of violence she had become accustom to at the hands of her grandfather. It left her feeling revolted and even if it had not gone to the extent Captain Darkholme had warned her about, she felt violated. Those violent hands had marked her, leaving invisible stains on her skin. Rogue didn't realise how much she was trembling or that she had been biting back a sob until she felt Remy's hands moved to cup her face between them. Her gaze levelled with his, her tears blurring her vision. Those red-on-black orbs glowed with warmth, like embers in a fireplace. His voice was soothing as he hushed her gently.

"Shhh… Y' don't have t' explain anymore. It's alright…"

Rogue felt the hot tears streaming down her cheeks and closed her eyes as her head dipped down slightly; embarrassed by her display of weakness. Had she not promised herself she wouldn't be like this again? Her promise seemed to crumble under his gaze. His warm hands continued their efforts, stroking her cheeks and wiping away her tears as he continued to utter soothing words of comfort. She felt whatever determination she had to keep strong and hardened against his efforts crack under the warmth of his touch. She was thankful he didn't go to the extent of pulling her into his arms. She knew she would fall to pieces if he did and what little that was left of her pride wouldn't allow such a thing. However when he asked if she wanted to lie down, she realised just how close he was to accomplishing such a feat. He was kneeling in front of her, his hands still cupped around her tear-stained face. Slowly, she eased out of his hold and nodded mutely at his suggestion. She removed her hand from the basin as she stood up. Rogue was glad to see it wasn't bleeding profusely anymore. However before she could make her way to the small cot bed, Remy stopped her. He held onto the wrist of her injured hand.

"Jus' sit back on de bed chére. Should probably bandage dat up first."

He took her silent nod and pushed her gently down to sit on the edge of the mattress. He pulled up one of the chairs and sat himself in it in front of her before he began to expertly wind a fresh bandage around her hand with as much gentleness as possible. Rogue refrained from speaking or going out of her way to berate him when he made the odd mistake of pulling the bandage too hard against her hand. It was a while before either of them spoke. When he finished his task however, he hesitated. Rogue waited, watching as his thumbs drew invisible circles over the bandage-clad back of her hand.

"Y' are right chére."

He didn't raise his gaze to meet hers yet. He spoke but his fingers continued to stroke her hand in a more self-soothing motion.

"I haven't been truthful wit' y' et I've given y' every reason t' question m' intentions. How can I expect y' t' do as I ask if y' cannot trust moi?"

He finally looked up at her. Rogue felt pinned under those eyes.

"Even though it was a necessity t' keep so much from y' I cannot blame y' f' takin' off as y' did."

At her silent staring, he added with a hint of a familiar smirk.

"Even if it is was a foolish t'ing f' y' t' do in de first place."

Rogue would've berated him if she weren't so exhausted so she settled for a tired scowl. She felt the growing pull of exhaustion and gravity towards the bed as they fell into another silence. Remy had to tug gently on her wrist to get her to stay awake as he spoke gently.

"Ask what y' will Rogue et I will give y' all de answers y' want. Mais perhaps in de mornin' non? Y' need t' rest."

Rogue shook her head as she adjusted herself to sit leant against the wall. Her feet hung over the edge slightly as she spoke.

"Ah want t' know a few things b'fore anythin' else happens."

He gave a disgruntled sigh but nodded. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before telling her to ask her questions.

"Is your real name actually Remy?"

Remy arched a brow at her in a surprised expression. Obviously he had anticipated a more informative or detailed question but he answered nonetheless.

"Oui. It is. Captain Remy LeBeau t' be more precise."

She nodded sleepily. He wished he could convince her to rest instead of endure these questions that could very well keep till morning. But he knew that she would only put up another fight if he refused. Her next question came as to no surprise.

"So…. You're not a Lord then?"

He couldn't help a small smirk of amusement.

"Non. Not a Lord. Are y' disappointed t' learn dat?"

She gave a meek shrug.

"Ah'm not too particular about titles."

His expression became graver with the weight of her response. Was that guilt she saw kindled in those unusual eyes? He hesitated before answering. He ran a hand through his slightly mussed auburn hair as he spoke.

"Mais y' are particular about names, oui?"

She stared at him for a while, her expression unreadable for a few moments until she spoke.

"Ah'm particular about truths."

He nodded in understanding as his gaze slipped to the floor again. Another unsettled silence fell between them until Remy was certain she had fallen asleep only to look and find her staring at her hands. It was then he noticed how her fingers fiddled with the cuff edges of her coat- his coat, he quickly realized. He couldn't help but smirk a little. The coat was a little big for her frame, the cuffs of the sleaves extended past her knuckles even though the sleeves had gathered high around her elbows.

"What are ya starin' at?"

Remy caught her bemused expression and grinned.

"Jus' dat…mon coat looks a lot better on y' den it does on moi. I'm flattered y' t'ought t' wear it."

His smirk broadened as Rogue suddenly stopped fiddling with the cuff of the sleave. He chuckled.

"No need t' stop on m' account."

She scowled at him.

"Ya can have it back-"

She tried to loosen the shoulders by wriggling but it only caused her to wince as her injured hand got caught in the sleeve. He was holding her to keep her still before she could try again.

"Y' hold onto it f' now chére. It look better on y' anyway, non?"

She matched his smirking face with a glower and made to push away his warm hands that were wrapped firmly around her upper arms to keep her still. He let go but only to move one hand to her forehead. The smirk across his face faded to a more severe expression as he turned his hand to briefly feel her cheeks.

"T'ink y' comin' down wit' a fever chére. Y' best get some rest now. Sleep it off."

Rogue wasn't at all surprised. Her head had been blaring this whole time with a mixture of dizziness and a dulled aching, it was a wonder she wasn't unconscious yet. But for her pride, she would be asleep that minute.

To her surprise, Remy stood and got the water pitcher and poured some fresh water into the basin as he held a new cloth in between. With the wet cloth in hand, he sat down before her and began to gently press it to her forehead, cheeks and neck. Rogue didn't have the energy to insist she could do it herself. The coolness of the wet cloth eased her a little but she soon felt the room shift sideways as she slipped into the comfort of the bed. Her eyes grew heavier as she turned onto her back with a disgruntled sound. She barely noticed him remove her boots or when he scooped her up in his arms just a few inches off the bed and adjusted her in the cot so that she lay with her head on the pillow. A few minutes later, she heard him pour the rest of the water into the basin and the coolness of the wet cloth returned to her face. She closed her eyes at the soothing sensation and let out a deeply held breath.

Remy watched as her eyes fluttered open again. Those emerald eyes were glazed over with exhaustion but even so…they were beautiful. He folded the wet cloth and rested it on her forehead again. He took the calm moment to look her over. She was a far cry from the vision of loveliness he had married yesterday in her men's apparel, dishevelled appearance and short-cut hair. He fingered a white lock of hair and sighed heavily.

"Y' had t' cut y' hair ma chére?"

He hadn't expected a reply. Her rasp of a response caught him off guard.

"Thought it'd be more convincin'…passin' mahself off as a boy an' all…"

He liked how despite her lulled state of exhaustion her Southern drawl managed to roll off her lips like warm honey. He couldn't help tracing a finger through her new haircut, down her jawline and back to the wet cloth on her forehead.

He spoke softly, a warm smirk on his lips.

"Don't t'ink anyone could not notice what y' really are ma chére. Even wit' y' new haircut et mon coat."

He tugged playfully at the collar and she let out a small sniff of amusement as she closed her eyes again. Her hand deftly came to rest over her face and brush against his lingering hand. He blinked back his surprise when he felt her fingers close over his in a weak squeeze. She said nothing to explain her actions when she released the pressure. Remy found himself craving the pressure of her hand against his. It was the closest thing to her trusting him he had felt since their heated interlude in the Inn the previous night. He found his other hand stroking her face before he could chastise himself. If she were conscious, she wouldn't be letting him so close and while he couldn't blame her for it, even so…it was far too tempting not to take advantage and at least pretend that she trusted him...needed him.

Being needed, he sighed. That was a first.

"Remy?"

He broke from his trail of thought at her voice. He turned to find she still kept her eyes closed but he sensed she was still awake.

"Oui Rogue?"

"Don't think this changes anythin' between us but… thank you…"

He gave her a bemused look.

"What for chére?"

He didn't get an answer. She had fallen asleep.

Hardest Chapter I've had to write in a while. I wanted to put so much into this and I know I have but we're not quite out of the jungle yet.

Note for Hope Hannigan: If you could let me know if I need to change any of the small translations I'd appreciate it darl'!

Also, will go back over this to check for spelling/grammar mistakes. Just wanted to FINALLY post this chapter up!

REVIEW!

-Gams