He got up off his knee, "Excuse me," he bowed then followed her out of the room.

He ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. He checked his room but she wasn't there. He walked through the bathroom and into her room. She wasn't in the room either. He ran his hands through his hair, sighing in frustration. He had expected this to go differently, way differently. He looked at the box in his hand. He opened it, revealing a white gold ring with a two carat emerald stone with three one fourth carat diamonds on each side. It was the perfect ring for her. He felt a breeze coming from the back of the room. He looked and noticed the back French doors to the balcony were open. She was standing out there, her back to him. She turned when she heard him coming towards her. He was about to speak but closed him mouth when he saw tears coming down her face.

"Why," she asked, "Why would you do that? Why, Remy, why? You know what's gonna happen and we aren't even together. Did you think it would be funny? To humiliate me like that?"

"Non," his hands cupped her face as he used his thumbs to wipe her tears, "Non, look," he showed her the ring, "I was being serious. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings Rogue. But I want to be with you. I don't want you to be with Sam or anyone else for that matter and if you survive I want to marry you some day. I hate whatever this is that's going on with us right now and I'll be damned if I let Julienne put his hands on you."

She looked at the ring and cried, "Remy, I can't marry you and I can't say yes."

Remy closed the box, "Why not?"

She slammed her fist on the balcony rail, "'CAUSE IN A FEW MONTHS I'M GONNA BE DEAD! Damn it Remy! You're so thick headed," more tears flowed down her face, "Don't you think this is hard enough for me? Don't you think I want to be with you too and maybe marry you some day? Why do you have to make all this harder than what it has to be?"

He pulled her into him, "I'm sorry Rogue. But if that's really how you feel then I have to ask you. I am going to find a way to make things right and that means being with you," he got down on one knee again, re-opening the box, "So, Anna Marie Alders, Rogue. I am asking you with all I have. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

She looked at him, then at the ring, "I," she hesitated, "I can't Remy. I'm sorry."

He stood back up, looking at the floor, "Then will you please just pretend for now. Just so Marius will leave you alone and so will Julienne. I promise I won't overdo it with the affections."

She took the ring, placing it on her hand, "Fine," she took his hand, "Let's do this thing."

He followed her out of the room, still holding her hand. He kissed her quickly at the bottom of the steps. They both took a deep breath then walked into the dining room. He kissed her hand before they both took their seats for the second time. Emil rubbed Rogue's back, assuring her everything was alright. She smiled at him. She was beginning to understand why Emil was one of his best friends.

"So Remy, I was just telling Belladonna that you'd be more than willing to go out with her sometime this week," Jean-Luc smiled at his son.

Remy smiled back, "Actually père, I won't be able to. I don't expect you to wrap your thick skull around the idea that I'm here with my fiancé but I am. Therefore, you will not be able to play pigheaded matchmaker. And I have made it quite clear that I have no interest in being with Belladonna. So I'd love it if you'd stop fucking trying."

Jean-Luc's mouth fell open, Henry burst out into laughter. Mercy smacked his chest causing him to laugh even harder. Emil stifled a laugh of his own. Etienne nearly choked on his diner. Theoren coughed to hide his snicker. Julien and Marius glared at Remy, both thinking Belladonna was an extremely good catch. Though neither man could deny, Belladonna really had nothing on this Rogue. She was perfection. Rogue's hands covered her mouth, shocked that Remy would ever speak to his father like that. Remy was not in the mood for his father's games tonight.

Belladonna glared at her hand, "Well, isn't that a nice little ring you have."

"Oh my," Mercy extended her hand across the table, "My engagement ring is just like dat. The only difference is instead of an emerald, mine has a sapphire."

Rogue smiled, extending her own hand, "Yours matches your eyes too. Emeralds are my favorite stones."

Mercy looked at Rogue, sapphire meeting emerald, "Sapphires are mine."

Belladonna's ice blue eyes glared at both of them, "Well isn't that lovely for both of you. Maybe you can have a party to celebrate. You can even buy Remy a ruby ring to match his eyes. And you can surround it with onyx so it matched perfectly. Then you can buy a little pair of sunglasses to hide its freakiness. Leave it to him to find you again. Still not disgusted by the reject."

Rogue glared at her, "Wow, are you really that jealous? What reason is it? The fact that I have the man you want or that my boobs are this size and real."

This time the only people that didn't laugh were Marius and Julien, "You have no right to speak to my sister that way you little salope."

Rogue let out a dry laugh, "I'm a slut? Du hast kein Recht zu sprechen. Siehst du das Ding, das sitzt neben dir? Wie kannst du es wagen sogar zu mir sprechen, dass du dummer Ochse Weg," she noticed everyone staring at her, "Was? Hörst du, wie diese Idioten sprechen? Gerade in Ihrem Haus. Es ist lächerlich. Sie haben keinen Respekt. Sie kommen hier und erzählte Papierkorb, dann handeln sie beleidigt, wenn Sie sagen, etwas zurückzugeben. Sie sind einfach righ Papierkorb."

Remy made her look at him, "Chéri. Calm down petite. You're speaking in German."

She looked at him, "Heb je me niet verteld te kalmeren. Deze mensen zijn ongelovigen!"

His eyes widened, "Does anyone have any idea what language that is?"

Mercy bit her lip, "Maybe…Ik weet dat ze zijn. Geloof me, we allemaal een hekel aan hen. Ze zullen het huis uit zodra het diner wordt gedaan. Henry zal er zeker van."

Remy looked at Henry, "Leave it to you to find a linguistic."

Henry shrugged, "My girl comes in handy when we got a job in another country. Looks like Rogue would to, or for out of country vacations."

Mercy cleared her throat, "She was speaking Dutch."

They all looked at her, "What," Remy asked before looking at Rogue, "Where in the blue hell did you learn Dutch?"

She looked at him, "Ah told ya ah knew a lot of different languages."

"Okay," Emil clapped, "Let's get back to eating."

"Chienne," Belladonna mumbled.

Rogue slammed her hands on the table as she stood, "Se on siinä! Saat perse pois että tuoli niin voin ehkä se!"

Sapphire met emerald again, "Ole vielä pikkuinen. Yritä rentoutua. Hengitä, hengitä vain."

Rogue took a few breaths and sat back down, "Kiitos Mercy."

Mercy nodded. She was glad the little girl from Remy's past was here again. She'd missed her attitude and free spirit. If truth be told Rogue's attitude hadn't changed that much. Mercy noticed Rogue didn't seem as happy though. She'd have to ask Remy about it at some point before the pair left. She was extremely happy Rogue had said yes to Remy's proposal. She would make a great addition to the family. Minus Jean-Luc, everyone seemed taken with her and they'd only known her for a few hours.

The rest of diner went by smoothly. No fighting or matchmaking. Remy had to push Belladonna's hand off his thigh a few times and Julien kept his eyes on Rogue. He played different fantasies in his mind. He could go for a good tumble with that girl. She had to be good if the famous ladies' man wanted to marry her. He looked over to see Remy staring at the girl. He couldn't place the look in his eyes at first. A smile broke across his face when he realized it was love. The Cajun adored this girl. This was going to be a fun vacation. Julien was going to get revenge for the way Remy treated Belladonna.

After dinner the men went to Henry's 'office' for drinks and cigars. Mercy and Rogue helped Tante Mattie put away the leftover food and washed the dishes. Rogue laughed as Mercy splashed water at her. Tante Mattie laughed as the two girls laughed and talked. She was happy Rogue had come. Mercy needed another girl to pal around with. Plus she seemed to be a good influence on Remy. It was about time that boy found a girl he truly cared about. He finally had his head and heart in the right place.

Rogue felt strong arm wrap around her waist. She smiled as she felt a pair of lips kiss the top of her head. He spun her around, placing one hand on the small of her back and the other under her chin. She placed both arms on his upper arms, looking into his ruby on onyx eyes. He smiled as he gave her a quick peck on the lips. She looked at him sadly as he pulled away. She quickly recollected herself before anyone could notice. Belladonna rolled her eyes as Henry wrapped his arms around Mercy's shoulders and kissed her cheek. Rogue pulled away from Remy, walking over to Belladonna. They all watched, though they all tried to act busy.

Rogue took a deep breath, "Look, we keep getting off on the wrong foot. Ah understand that you don't like me but I don't want to be mean to you. So I'm sorry for dinner. Can we try this over again. Hi, my name is Rogue. It's nice to meet you," she extended her hand.

Belladonna took it, "Belladonna, it's nice to meet you Rogue."

Rogue smiled. Belladonna looked at the girl. She could see what Remy saw in her. She was accepting, always accepting. From the first day she walked into their school in second grade and now. She was also kind hearted. She knew Rogue could have just continued to be rude. The fact that Rogue was doing this because she genuinely felt bad made Belladonna respect her. Belladonna smiled back. She couldn't deny it, she couldn't hate or even dislike this girl. Even she began to see that this girl, this strange girl, was what Remy needed.

"Mercy asked if I wanted to go shopping next week," Rogue looked back at Mercy, who smiled and nodded, "Would you want to come with us?"

Belladonna looked at both of them, "I'd like that very much."

Rogue smiled even wider, "I'm glad. Can we go to the store that you got those shoes from? I have a bit of a boot fetish."

Belladonna laughed, "Then you're gonna love the store I got these from. All they sell is boots."

Everyone watched as the three girls headed for the back porch, talking over their shopping plans. Henry looked at Remy, who shrugged. Theoren shook his head. This girl was good. He couldn't deny the thought that she'd make a great politician. He laughed a bit at the idea. The two leaders exchanged a look. It wasn't of concern or disapproval, but one of shock. Even Julien hadn't seen that one coming. Everyone left about an hour later. Rogue and Belladonna had exchanged cell phone numbers. Belladonna told Rogue she'd text her in the morning. She noticed Jean-Luc standing near the back door, looking out at nothing in particular. She cleared her throat as she approached him, causing him to turn and look at her.

She spoke softly, "We've never had a chance to really meet each other. I'm Rogue, which you already know. Look, I know you want Remy to be with Belladonna and you've never wanted him around me. But I do care about your son very much and I know I don't deserve him. I'm sorry for the scene at dinner. I don't expect you to like me Monsieur LeBeau but I just wanted to say I'm sorry and that your son is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He's a good man."

She bowed her head and began to leave, "You're a good person petite," she turned back around as he spoke, "What you did saying sorry to Belladonna. That's something most people wouldn't do. 'Specially given their history. Why'd you do it?"

She looked him straight in the eyes, "'Cause what I did was wrong. Granted she did things wrong too but if I was her and all this stuff has happened I'd act the same way she did. Sir, I didn't do it to make a good impression on the people here. I don't do that kinda stuff. She didn't deserve to be treated like crap. She's a human and I didn't treat her like one."

He looked at the girl for a moment, "I misjudged you Rogue. I've been thinking about myself, not my son. We all can tell, just by the way he looks at you, that he loves you. He's never proposed to anyone. I forced him and Belladonna together. But you are good for him and I am sorry. For misjudging you and not welcoming you like I should have. You're gonna make an amazing addition to this family."

She smiled at the man, "Thank you sir. Goodnight."

He looked into those captivating emerald eyes, "Goodnight Rogue and please, call me Jean-Luc."

She nodded and left, passing Remy as she did so, "She's something," he looked at his father, "Henry said you wanted to see me."

"She is indeed," Jean-Luc agreed, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior, not just tonight but over the years. I know I haven't been a good father to you. But I see a difference in you and I know she has something to do with it. Remy, I want you to be a member of this family and a part of this guild. You are a great thief but I also want you to be happy and if that means staying with these X-men and doing good then I want you to do that."

"Why," Remy asked, "Why do you wanna be a father now?"

Jean-Luc sighed, "I'm getting old Remy, someday I will meet the judges and I don't want to do that knowing that I didn't do all I could for my family. I am sorry for all I have done to you and I hope someday you can forgive me."

He looked at his father, "Ah wanna believe y' but right now ah can't. Ah'm sorry but ah can't. Ah'll try dough."

His father gave him a warm, genuine smile, "Dat's all ah'm askin' for. She really is somet'in' special Remy. Always has been. Ah was jus' t' selfish t' see it. Ah love y' kid."

Remy nodded and left the room. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs. He has to blink a few times. Never before had his father said anything like that to him. He'd never apologized for anything, at least Remy'd never heard it. He also said he'd be proud to have Rogue as a member of his family. He walked up the stairs, a new kind of hope filling his heart. He walked into his room first, stripping. He grabbed his towel and walked into the bathroom.

"Hey," she greeted him from the tub, which was filled with water and bubbles.

He smirked at her, "Well dis is a pleasant surprise.

She smiled as he leaned down and kissed her, "Wanna join meh? The water's still hot an' very relaxin'."

He climbed into the deep tub, sitting between Rogue's legs. She moved her hands to his shoulders, massaging them. He let out a relaxed sigh as the massage deepened. He leaned back against her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. She moved her one arm from his neck to his upper arm, keeping her fingers locked. She rested her head on his shoulder, tilting her head to kiss his neck. He chuckled a bit, closing his eyes as Rogue moved her hands to his head, smoothing back his messy, shaggy hair.

"Ah could get used t' dis," he said sleepily.

She let out a little laugh, "So could ah sugah."

They stayed in the bath until the water began to get cold. Remy had never felt so relaxed in his entire life. He'd also never enjoyed his time with Rogue so much and all he'd done was relax in the tub with her. He stretched before climbing out then turned and helped Rogue up. They both dried off and went into their own rooms. Rogue pulled on a silk, black nightgown and pulled a headband around her head, getting her bangs out of her face. She walked back into the bathroom, taking her make-up cleaner out of the cabinet. She washed her make-up off then rewashed her face with her face wash. She took a towel and patted her face dry. Once finished she brushed her teeth. She dropped her used towel and dirty laundry down the laundry shoot. She'd been told not to worry about washing them. The LaBeau's apparently had maids, among other things. She remembered the training room in the basement, deciding she'd go train in the morning. She walked back in her bedroom, pulling off the headband. She then pulled the hair band out of her hair, causing her hair to fall, stopping a little shorter then her lower back. She needed a haircut badly. She'd trimmed it last week but it grew back so fast. Her nightgown also felt a little tight. She pulled it off and turned around.

"No," she gasped, "Oh gawd, no. No, no, no."

The mirror showed her reflection. On her back looked like the beginning of wings. She looked at her left hand where her engagement ring was. Remy walked in and gasped. She looked at him, pulling her nightgown back on. She was shocked when it didn't feel tight anymore. She looked back, all traces of the wings gone. He walked over and hugged her. She smiled as an idea popped into her mind.

"Wanna go out," she asked.

"Out where," he looked down at her.

"Jus' get dressed," she shoved him back through the bathroom door.

She put on a thong and a bra, followed by a pair of jeans and boots. She then pulled on a long sleeved black shirt with an open back and her short black gloves. She walked out on to the balcony and focused. She smiled as she saw the beautiful, angelic, black wings fold around her. Remy stepped out on the balcony. He blinked a few times.

She tucked them behind her, "They're our means of transportation t'night."

He looked at her skeptically, "An' where am ah supposed t' sit? Y' back?"

"No," she giggled, "Ah'm gonna carry ya."

"Carry meh," he choked out, "Y' don't know how t' work dos t'in's an' y' no where near strong t' carry meh."

She wore a smug smile, "Trust meh ah do an' ah am."

Before he could say anything else she hopped lightly on the rail of the balcony, placing her hands under his armpits. He closed his eyes, not trusting her. He felt his feet leave the ground. He opened his eyes as they flew over the house. He laughed as they went higher. She lifted him up a bit, wrapping his arm around her neck and her arm around his waist. He looked at her as they flew. She smiled at him as they sped up. He blinked as they flew over what he guessed was the Gulf of Mexico. She dove, straightening out a few inches above the water. Remy reached his free hand out, his fingers grazing the water.

"Dis is amazin'," he laughed.

She smiled, "Ah'm glad ya think so but sadly Mercy an' Henry are comin' upstairs t' check on us, so…"

"What da hell," he looked around.

He was standing in the middle of his room, a cloud of smoke around him. He quickly got out of his actual clothes and pulled on a pair of basketball shorts on. In the other room Rogue quickly changed out of her outfit, got rid of the wings and pulled on her nightgown. She quickly pulled out her cell phone and called Logan. Mercy knocked and stuck her head in the door, nodding and waving before she left. Both girls mouthed the words goodnight. Rogue got Logan's voicemail. She left him a message then text Sam. Her phone rang a few minutes later.

"Hey Sam," Rogue answered.

"Hey, what's up," he asked, "Have ya thought 'bout what ah asked ya?"

She took a deep breath, "Yes ah did. Remy asked meh t' marry him…an' ah said yes."

There was a long pause, "Well ah guess that's a no. Congrats, ah'm really happy for ya."

"Thanks," she took a deep breath.

"So, um, when did ya guys get back t'getha," he asked.

She nibbled on her bottom lip, "The night we left."

"Oh," he laughed nervously, "An' when did he propose?"

"T'night," she said quietly.

"So ah neva had a chance," he said bitterly.

Remy stood on the other side of the door, "Sam, no. It's, it's not like that. Sam please. Don't be like that. No, Sam ah do care it's jus'…Sam please. Sam, no. 'Cause ah love him Sam. Ah'm sorry Sam."

Remy walked in her room, "Everyt'in' okay?"

She rubbed her temples, "Sam hates meh 'cause he thought ah wanted t' be wit' him an' now ah'm gettin' married t' ya. He wishes ah would have told him sooner so he'd know he didn't stand a chance. Now ah'm a terrible person."

He crawled in bed, lifting her into his lap, "Mon amie sud, y' can't please everyone chere. Sometimes people get hurt. Tout ce qui est matteres que vous êtes heureux en fin de compte, non? By da way, what was da last language y' were speakin' at dinna?"

"Ah guess ya right," she smiled warmly, "Thanks Rems an' Finnish."

His brow lifted, "Where did y' learn t' speak Finnish?"

She laughed, "Hunny, ah already told ya…ah'm a fast learna."

He lifted a bow, a playful smile creeping across his face, "Oh really? Well," he began to tickle her, "ah guess ah'll have t' watch myself from now on."

She laughed as she squirmed out of his lap, only to have him grab her by the waist. He rolled on his side, using one arm to pin Rogue down while using the other to tickle her even more. She laughed even harder, trying to get away. Mercy and Henry walked by and heard the commotion. They peeked their heads in the crack of Rogue's door. They smiled as the watched the pair. This confirmed that nothing really had changed. They just saw a bigger version of the two best friends, still as goofy and happy as ever. They left as the laughter died. Remy looked down at the girl laying under him. He smiled and leaned into her hand as she touched his face. He would never get tired of looking into those beautiful eyes he'd grown to love.

"Ah love ya," she said softly.

He kissed her forehead, "Ah love y' t'. Wit' all my heart."

He lay on his back, pulling her against him, "Goodnight Remy," she mumbled as he ran his fingers through her hair.

He placed his hand on the hand she had on his chest, "G'night Rogue. Ah promise ah'm gonna protect y' an' keep y' alive."