A/N: Hope y'all had a great Christmas! I got some of the stuff I was asking for, although I am still trying to figure out how to install my Bluetooth adapter.
Chellerbelle: And many, many more! :) I might check out the sex-ed one, since you put it like that...we'll see what goes. ;)
roguey21: Yeah, that's for sure! I have a younger sister, too. They do wear you out! Even after they have supposedly grown up! LOL!!!
Kii: Awww...thanks! I am the opposite. I guess I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I can't stand to be late. It drives me nuts!
Remy A.L.: Yes, our duo deserves a night off, every now and again. Bobby's and Roberto's actions are kind of a typical guy's...cut and run! LOL!! I figured since Kurt and Angel are the next ones up to be parents, that they should get in a little 'practice'. I was scrambling, trying to figure out the chapter and those two didn't even come to mind, y'know? (I think of it as I type.)
drummerchick66: They deserve some sympathy since this was their first time *hugs*. It does take a lot of patience!
Courtneykutie: They did, the poor little things.
Disclaimer: I didn't receive any certificates this year, so no. Maybe for my birthday?!
Rogue and Remy have adjusted to their new apartment nicely. It is spacious, with four bedrooms, and a master suite. It is also much quieter, without the chaos of the other residents underfoot. Even better, they have their own kitchen, so they can prepare their own meals. They have their mail brought over daily by whomever is elected to do it. Logan sometimes brings it over himself. Rogue knows it's because he misses them. Even Remy. When they were at the mansion the last few months, the two men would play cards sometimes. Maybe she would have to invite Logan over sometime for that purpose. Perhaps have some of the other guys come too and make it a poker night. Yeah, that would be fun for him! Then their wives/girlfriends could come along and they could either sit around and talk, have a game of their own or depending on the numbers, have one big game. The two of them have played. He even taught her a few of his tricks. Sometimes it even got...interesting. A smile comes to her face as she thinks of the spirited hand they'd played last week, and where it ended up.
The twins have their own room, painted a pale green. They are now on formula and baby cereal. Hank looked them over a couple of days ago and declared them fit and healthy. Then Jayden decided it would be fun to pull his fur. Hank just laughed heartily and tickled him, bringing a squeal from the tiny boy.
A knock at the door brings her back to the present. Rogue finds Angel at the door, clutching a stack of mail.
"Here you go, hon. I wanted to get out and walk awhile, so I thought bringing your mail over would be a good excuse. Besides, I wanted to visit a bit."
"Like ya need an excuse ta come over an' see me!" Rogue proclaims, giving her a heart-felt embrace. "Come over any time ya want, sugah. So , what's goin' on over there?"
"Well, Scott and Jean have decided to give their place on the apartment waiting list to us, since we have our little one joining us soon." Angel informs.
"That's great! It'll be nice havin' ya here. It was nice of them ta give ya their place."
"We can't wait! The prank war has gotten out of hand. Those brothers have targeted Bobby since Remy isn't there as much any more."
"Oh no. Then I'm glad we're not there, although it does make me curious what Bobby will do ta get them back."
"I saw him sitting with a rather large pile of underwear and a pair of scissors, so I'm thinking he already has a pretty good idea. Kurt noticed and started laughing his tail off. Next thing I know, he's down there with him holding his pocketknife." Angel and Rogue chuckle at the picture.
"What did they do ta Bobby ta make him do that?"
"Apparently, they took pictures of him by rigging up a hidden camera. He was taking an 'ice bath' with his rubber duck. They took the pictures and posted them all over the mansion."
"Oh no. Did Sage-"
"Yes, she did. Funny thing is, she already knew about that. She didn't seem to mind a bit and called those two 'a couple of immature children who had nothing better to do with their time', then kissed Bobby in front of everyone."
"I'm not sure I would've wanted ta see that, but I'm happy she stood up ta those two."
"Yeah, but the two of you had such a way of getting them back." Angel wistfully states.
"Well....who says we're done with that?" Rogue grins evilly.
"I knew it!" Angel replies slyly. "Can I help this time?"
"Hmm...maybe it'll be 'jus' us girls." Rogue craftily utters.
"I'm liking the sound of that."
after a few more moments, Angel stands and stretches. "Well, it's been great talking with you."
"Yeah, same here. Remember, ya don' need an excuse. Come see me anytime! If ya want, bring Kurt too. Don' be a stranger, now." The ladies embrace and Angel reminds her "Don't forget, before too much longer we will be moving in here, too. Then we'll have some real fun."
"I can' wait fer that day!"
Remy returns home in the early afternoon, chuckling to himself.
"What's so funny, Rems?"
"It would appear dat Bobby got 'is revenge on dose deux. Oh, desole cherie. Did y' 'ear w'at dey did t' Iceboy?"
"Yeah, I did. Angel was here an' she tol' me."
"Den I'll pick up fr'm dere. Bobby snuck in an' got all deir underwear an' cut dem in 'alf. Kurt saw w'at 'e was doin' an' 'elped 'im. Y' shoulda seen deir faces w'en dey wen' back t' deir room an' saw de pile sittin' on de bed. I was so proud." He wipes an imaginary tear from his eye.
A sudden telepathic command interrupts their laughter.
~Rogue, Gambit, I need see you in my office immediately.~
They shoot a concerned glance at each other, pick up the twins and make the short trek back to the Institute proper. They then leave them with Uncle Kurt and Aunt Angel and head over to the professor's office. There they find Logan and a policeman. Logan is glaring at the cop, flexing his knuckles.
Professor speaks up at Logan's menacing growl. "Gambit. It would appear that you are being arrested on charges of aggravated assault against one, Cody Robbins." He gravely announces.
Rogue gasps with her hands over her mouth, then speaks up. "No! Why is he doin' this now, months later? If anyone's guilty, it's him!" she shouts.
"Rogue." Professor speaks up over her protests "Do not worry. For now, we must let the police do what they are ordered to do, but we will fight back. I have a good friend who happens to be an excellent lawyer. He will decipher this mess and justice will persevere. Has bail been set yet?" he addresses the officer.
"No, Mr. LeBeau will be arraigned tomorrow morning. It will be set then."
"We will be there to post it. When does his arraignment hearing begin?"
"At 9 am. I'm sorry to do this, as I believe there is something fishy going on here, but you're going to have to come with me. If you come peacefully, I won't use the handcuffs until we reach the station."
"D'accord." Remy murmurs then turns to Rogue. "It'll be okay, cherie. I'll beat dis, y'll see." She sees the determination and raw anger in his eyes as she kisses him. "Give de twins a kiss fr'm deir pere."
"I-I will." She holds him close, fighting the tears filling her eyes. "Ya be careful now, y' hear? We'll get ya out tomorra mornin'."
The lawman takes Remy to the unmarked vehicle out in front.
Logan snarls "This just ain't right, Chuck! There's somethin' goin' on here, an' I don't like it. The Cajun was defendin' Stripes."
"I am aware of that, Logan. It would seem that Mr. Robbins is seeking revenge against the two of them. As I stated a few moments ago, I am going to call my friend and utilize his services. Rogue, since it would be inadvisable for you to stay in the apartment alone with two infants, you will return here for the night."
Rogue bites her lip, the tears flowing freely. She nods and slowly exits to gather enough things for the night.
Professor's voice is heard from the office. "Yes, I need to speak to Mr. Goldmann, please. Tell him Charles Xavier is needing his assistance immediately."
Through the evening, Rogue says little, though the ones who know her best, notice that her anger is mounting. After getting the children to sleep, she stands out on her old balcony, but takes no joy in the midnight sky sprinkled with stars. Instead, her thoughts are centered on two men. One who seeks revenge for something she had no control over. She knows now that he isn't the best friend he once was. That Cody is gone, eaten away by hatred. The other man sits in a cell because of that hatred. This one defended her out of love and devotion. She prays for both. The release and acquittal of her husband is first and foremost, but she also prays that Cody finds liberation from his extreme prejudice and will come to forgive her, someday.
At 7:30 the next morning, Rogue drops the twins off with Rahne and Amara, as she has been summoned into Professor's office for a meeting with him and the attorney, a Mr. Goldmann.
"There you are, Rogue. We will be discussing what is going to happen in the courtroom this morning. Mr. Chandler Goldmann, this is Mrs. Marie LeBeau, Remy's wife. Marie, this is Chandler, a good friend and ally. Chandler, I turn the meeting over to your capable hands."
Next chapter: What will happen? Muahahahahahaha........ I know that in real-life, Gambit would've been arrested immediately after that 'incident', but this idea came to me today, so I'm using it! Hahaha!!! Just kidding. :)