A/N: This chapter is written a bit differently, as it is a series of events over a period of time. Most of this will pick up pre-epilogue from E/U and continue from there, so there is no particular plot . This is the end, this is the end, my friend.....XD Don't worry, you haven't heard the last from me! Bwahahahahaha....... Thanks to Rogue903 for adding both this story and E/U to Favorite Story. Woo-hoo!!!
Chellerbelle: Yes, just a cute, fluffy bit of fun. Just 'cuz I can! :D Shirtless Remy is good for just about anything. He paints a great picture, don't you agree? Hehehehe........
Kii: I know, I know...I was laughing pretty hard myself as I reread it! XD
DIMITRILOVER21: It was all planned by our resident jokesters, Gambit and Rogue. ;)
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters themselves, but I do own my thoughts about them, however.... ;)
August. Seven weeks after their fourth anniversary....
Rogue is preparing her classroom for the beginning of the Institute's school year. She can't believe that she is now a fully accredited teacher, not only in Art and Art History, but also English Lit. After balancing a husband, three children, studying and being part of the X-Men, she has the degree to prove it!
She remembers when she received her degree in the mail. She chose to opt out of the graduation ceremony, since she didn't really know any of the other students she had "attended" with. The party thrown in her honor more than made up for it. Remy drove her into the city on pretense of taking her out to dinner to celebrate. They pulled up to one of the finer restaurants, where Remy helped her out of the car and allowed the valet to park it. He escorted her inside, where she immediately noticed that all of the patrons were her friends and teammates. She was overwhelmed when they all began applauding and Professor wheeled up to her. "Since you have decided not to attend your commencement, I have taken the liberty of giving you this party to celebrate all the hard work you have put in to earn this major achievement. Congratulations, Rogue. Not only I, but everyone gathered here is proud of you."
She looked at Remy, who smiled at her and hugged her. "Dat's righ'. Y've worked 'ard f'r dis, cherie. De kids an' I didn' make it easy f'r y', but y' foug't f'r it dat much more. Dis is y'r nigh'." He kissed her briefly, but with the promise of more later and gestured to their children who were dressed up for the occasion. Even Colton, who was nearly eight months old was dressed in a little suit, sans the tie. The suit's original intent was for Bobby and Sage's wedding that took place just over two weeks ago. The same went for the twins' attire. Esme, who had declared herself a "big girl" wore her white flower-girl gown, but then again, she wore that dress every chance she got. She sat on her "Aunt" Kitty's lap, preening for anyone who would take notice. Jayden wore his suit, as well. He rode on "Uncle" Pete's shoulders, shouting with glee at being so high off the ground. All-in-all, it was a wonderful night with lots of delectable food, gifts and just being with her "extended" family.
Rogue's mind returns to the present as she flips through one of the Art History textbooks. "Yeah, this is gonna be a great year." She thinks to herself, a smile blooming on her face.
A short while later, she makes her way back to the apartment to find Remy starting dinner. "Was I gone that long?" She inquires with a bemused expression, admiring the view from behind.
Remy glances over, knowing just what she's looking at. "T'oug't it would take time f'r y' t' get it set up jus' de way y' wan' it. By de way, are y' enjoyin' de view?" He asks with that trademark smirk and a seductive quality to his voice.
"It's one I neva get tired of." She answers with a flirty smile and a toss of her head. She purposely sways her hips just a bit more as she walks away from him to watch the kids play. "Ya gonna burn dinner if ya keep starin' at me like that." She playfully points out.
"It's 'ard f'r me t' pay attention t' anyt'in' w'en y' walk like dat." He retorts, but with a glow to his eyes.
He receives a wicked grin in response as she sits on the floor to play.
After getting the children down for the night, they sit together. Rogue is laying against Remy, her back to his chest with his arms around her.
"Y' ready t' start expandin' dose young minds, Roguey?" He queries with only a trace of teasing.
"Sure am, Swamp Rat. Lookin' forward ta it." She states enthusiastically.
"I t'ink y' be a bon teacher, mon amour."
"Thank ya, sugah. I hope ya right." She snuggles into his embrace.
"Y' know I am, hon." He replies confidently.
"We'll see, won' we?" She smiles up at him and kisses him.
"Y' look tired, sweet'eart. Y' gettin' enoug' sleep?" He looks at her with deep concern.
"I thought I was, but ya also gotta take inta consideration that I'm also pretty busy with three kids, gettin' a classroom ready, all tha trainin' an' ya."
"Oui, dat would wear anyone out. 'Specially dat part about me." He chuckles.
"Yeah, ya do tend ta wear a body out." She jokes as she lovingly pats his cheek.
"I'll be a gen'leman an I won' go dere."
"That's a firs'."
The next morning, Rogue opens her eyes to see the date on the bedside calendar. "It can' be." She whispers into the pre-dawn light, just beginning to show itself. She picks up the cube and takes a closer look, counting backwards at the same time. Her eyes widen with realization and she silently slips out of bed, being careful not to wake Remy. She dresses quickly and noiselessly leaves the apartment.
She is one of only a handful of customers in the store at this early hour. On the drive over, she noticed the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. Entering the store, she walks down the main aisle until she finds the right one to go down. At the end, she finds what she is looking for. Grabbing one of the small boxes, she purchases it and goes home.
Sneaking back in, Rogue makes her way to the bathroom, only to be intercepted by Remy. "W'ere were y'? I was lookin' all ov'r an' couldn' fin' y'. Y' 'ad me worried!" He exclaims as he pulls her close to him in relief.
"I'm fine, sugah! I jus' had ta go ta tha Wal-Mart for somethin'." She informs him.
Remy gazes into her eyes and gets a feeling of evasiveness from her. She knows that he feels something and strokes his cheek, still rough from the night before. "We'll talk afta I'm done."
"I'll be waitin'." He states and leaves to begin breakfast.
Fifteen minutes pass and Rogue is sitting on the closed toilet. Remy taps on the door. "Y' okay, cherie?" He asks with a slight tinge of worry in his voice.
"Come in, Rems." She tells him quietly.
When he comes in, he immediately sees the shocked expression on her pretty features. His eyes then focus on the small object she is staring at. Understanding dawns and a smile lights his face.
"Anot'er one? S' soon?" he breathes excitedly.
"Yeah....anotha one....."
Remy takes her hands and helps her to stand. "Aren' y' 'appy 'bout dis, amour?" He queries, slightly confused.
"Yeah...well, yeah! Of course I am. It's jus'.....am I gonna be able ta teach?"
He tenderly gathers her to him. "Don' see why not, precieux. 'M sure we can get t'ings worked out b'tween y'r teachin, an de kids. T'ink o' it dis way, at leas' now y' won' 'ave t' t'ink about workin' out y'r trainin' sessions wit' y'r teachin' f'r awhile. Y' know I'll 'elp y'. Always 'ave an' always will." He kisses the top of her head.
"I know ya will. Ya right. We can get everythang worked out. I'm sure tha othas will help us too." She allows a genuine smile to break through. "Jus' think, four kids."
"Let's go see Beast, Rogue." Remy looks like a kid in a candy store, he is that happy.
Rogue watches as Remy explains the situation to Hank. His expression shifts from his usual joviality to amused astonishment.
"Well, Rogue. It would seem that you and your husband here, work rather quickly, my dear. I shall have to examine you myself to be certain, as you well know by now."
After the examination, Beast explains the results. "Rogue, you are definitely pregnant again. Right around seven weeks, in fact." He shakes his head, chuckling to himself. "You are doing well at this point in time and you pretty much know what needs to be done. I will see you again next week and then we will get you on the regular schedule of once every four weeks. I must get back to my desk. Paperwork waits for no man...or beast, as it were. Congrats once again you two." He smiles at them as he takes his leave.
"This is all ya fault, Rems." Rogue jokingly blames him.
"'Ey! I seem t' recall y' not only bein' dere, but also y' bein' de one t' start it." He teases back. "A good T-shirt los' t' de cause, non?"
"That was quite a weekend." She concedes, shooting a grin toward Remy.
"Oui, dat it was, cherie. Now we got' t' tell de professeur."
Rogue is back at the apartment, sipping a glass of decaf iced tea. She chuckles to herself at Professor's bemused expression as they informed him of their latest impending arrival. She reassured him that she would still be able to teach until her due date, which she and Remy figured to be in early April.
Her mind wanders back to that weekend several weeks ago.
July 3. Two days after their fourth anniversary.
She was so excited! Remy had told her that he was taking her away for the weekend, since their anniversary fell on a weekday and their duties precluded them from going then. The Swamp Rat wouldn't tell her where, though. She had packed a bag for the two of them and a dress bag with a nice "suit" for him and a new dress for her. Remy had made arrangements with several of the residents in the neighboring apartments to take turns watching their boisterous children. Kurt and Angel were to take C.J. and Scott and Jean would take the twins again, since Jean had so much fun with them the last time. That is, when Alexis wasn't sabotaging it, somehow. Scott was beginning to soften toward the idea of having kids, mostly because Jean really wanted them. Remy came in from his session, glanced at the packed bags and strode over to her, sweeping her into his arms. "Bon, de bags are packed so all we 'ave t' do is take de kids ov'r an' den we're off." He softly kissed her, relishing the feeling of her in his arms. "In more than one way, sugah." She had replied jestingly. He laughed, then reluctantly let her go. "'M goin' t' get a show'r, den we'll go." He seemed to set a new record for speed with that shower. Before she knew it, he had come out dressed and ready to go. She gathered the kids while he grabbed their little suitcases and they first stopped at Jean's. Scott was still doing DR sessions, so she was alone for the time being. Esme ran to her, giving her a big hug. She did that with all her "aunts" and "uncles", as she was a very loving child. Jayden was slightly more reserved, like his mother. He hugged his parents and unwillingly allowed his mother to kiss him goodbye. Esme returned to them, freely giving both kisses and hugs and giggling when her daddy picked her up, smothering her face with kisses. "Y' an' y'r frere be tres bon. Y' 'ear me, petit fille?"
"Oui, Daddy." The tiny voice piped up, bringing tears to Rogue's eyes. She would miss their precocious bundles of energy. She knew that he would too.
Once they had managed to pry themselves from C.J., Kurt and Angel watching with understanding, they got into the car and they began their trip. Three hours pass and Remy pulls into a long driveway. Rogue glances out the window to see a quaint seaside bed-and-breakfast. She smiles widely. "Oh Rems! This looks so romantic."
"I know, amour. Dat's w'at I t'oug't w'en I was lookin' f'r places t' go. I saw dis one online an' I t'oug't it would be perfect f'r us."
"It is. I love it, hon."
After they get checked-in and see their room, they change into their swimming gear and walk hand-in-hand to the beach, located behind the premises. They play in the water, Remy grabbing Rogue and pulling her under and Rogue dunking him several times, then they lay on the beach to dry off. Later, they dress and head into the nearest city for a night on the town. They find a small, out -of-the-way place and enjoy a romantic evening. Coming back, they stroll along the beach in the moonlight.
"This is perfect, Remy." She softly states, moving closer and leaning her head on his arm. They stop to watch the moon rise for a few moments, then Remy takes her face in his hands and leans down to place his lips on hers in a kiss. It rapidly becomes more ardent by the moment. They break apart after a few moments. "Why don' we go up t' our room now?" He suggests with a meaningful look.
The next day was spent by going out after breakfast. They went into a small town and perused a few of the shops along the main thoroughfare. After a quick lunch, they decided to go back. This was when the T-shirt incident had occurred. She got a bit too amorous when they got back to their room and had actually ripped his shirt off! Not that he objected in the slightest.
It was indeed a weekend she would never forget. She would always have a reminder of it now. She lays a hand on her flat stomach and smiles to herself. Laying down on the couch, she quickly falls asleep, only to be awakened a while later by two curious faces staring into hers.
"Mama, ya s'eepin?" Jayden asks inquisitively.
"Guess I was. Ya needin' somethin', honey?" She smiles at her two eldest.
"We hung'y!" Esme exclaims.
"Ya are? I guess Daddy isn' back from trainin' yet." she surmises "Okay, let's get somethin' inta those tummies!" She sits up and tickles their tummies. "I gotta get ya lil' brotha out firs'." She explains as she enters his room. He is sitting up and laughs when he spies his mother. "Ya ready for a snack too, aren' ya, C.J.?" She coos to the small boy. He laughs again as he pats her cheeks.
Seven months later, mid-February.
Rogue is in the med-bay, admiring the newest arrival to the Institute. She is quite large with their own child, due in a couple of months.
"He's so beautiful, Kit." Rogue enthuses, gazing at the tiny face with a thick thatch of dark hair. She strokes the silky cheek, getting a yawn in response. Little Nikolai Piotrovich Rasputin had arrived in the wee hours of the morning. Piotr is asleep in the bed next to Kitty's after being up the entire night with her.
"Yeah, like Petey's over the moon." Kitty answers tiredly but happily.
"I'll bet!" Rogue laughs lightly.
"Like, what are you hoping for this time, Rogue?" Kitty glances at Rogue's expanded belly.
"Remy's wantin' anotha girl, but I'm happy with either, as long as it's healthy." Rogue states with conviction.
"Yeah, that's what's so totally important." Kitty murmurs her agreement.
Rogue notices her eyes getting heavy and takes her leave, but first she presses a kiss to Kitty's head. "Congrats, Kit." She whispers and exits the room.
At home that night, she is comfortably stretched out on the couch. Remy joins her after finishing with the dishes. He lifts her legs and placing them on his lap, begins to rub her feet.
"Did y' get t' see de bebe t'day, mon coeur?" He questions.
"Yeah. He's such a cute lil' thang." Rogue enthuses.
"Figured y'd get down dere." Remy knowingly answers. "'E wasn' dat lil', cherie. Pete tol' me 'e came in at nearly 10 lbs." He adds with a glance at his wife. She shudders at the thought of a baby being that big at birth.
"Y' don' 'ave t' worry, cherie." He reads her anxiety. "None o' ours 'ave been dat big." He reassures her.
"I know, but...ouch!" She places her hands on her stomach and stares at it.
"Turn 'roun'." Remy instructs her gently. She complies and he massages her back.
"Don' worry, cherie. Hank would tell us 'ow big our bebe is. Y' know Pete's a big guy. Would stan' t' reason dat 'is fils be big t'."
Rogue leans against him and his arm comes around to rest on her stomach. She places her hand on his.
"Yeah, I suppose. I know Kit was pretty big at tha end, there. Makes me so happy things didn' work between Pete an' me." Rogue states in a relieved tone.
"Me t'. Is dat de only reason y'r 'appy it didn' work out?" Remy inquires with a slight smile.
"No......there was someone that I jus' couldn' seem ta get outta my min'. Rogue answers coyly.
"Wond'r who dat could've been?" Remy asks with a mischievous air.
April 7th . Mid afternoon.
"C'mon, amour, y' can do it!" Remy coaches as Rogue groans. Sweat beads on her forehead as she takes a deep breath and pushes one last time. A tiny cry rents the air as Rogue cries out, releasing the pent-up breath.
"Welcome, Miss LeBeau! We've been anxiously awaiting your arrival." Beast wraps the tiny girl in a towel and lays her on Rogue's stomach.
"Oh Remy! She's so beautiful." Rogue breathes jubilantly as she takes in the diminutive features.
"Oui, she's a tres belle fille, Marie." Remy gazes lovingly at his second little daughter, resting in her mother's arms.
"What do you intend to name this little lady?" Beast inquires merrily. He loves attending to the births.
Rogue gazes at Remy, who nods and answers "'Er name be Scarlett Louisiana LeBeau." He states proudly.
"A lovely name for a pretty little girl." Beast takes her back to perform the Apgar test and to clean her up.
"Y' 'ave no idea 'ow much I love y' righ' now. Y've given me four healt'y, belle children an' y' loved me t'roug' ev'ryt'in'. 'M so blessed t' not only 'ave y' in m' life, but dat y' became m' wife. Nev'r t'oug't dat all dose years ago, w'en we met, dat we would be 'ere like dis t'day. Je t'aime, Marie. Now an' f'rever."
"I love ya so much, Rems! Ya an our children are tha bes' thangs that have eva happened ta me. I married my bes' frien' an' I'm tha one who's blessed with havin' known ya." Rogue answers through her tears.
Remy reaches over and tenderly wipes her eyes as Hank comes out with their daughter. He places the infant in Rogue's arms. "She's perfectly healthy and angry that I dared to perform those tests." Beast chuckles as the girl's fussing begins to fade.
"Sounds like mon Roguey!" Remy declares and the two men laugh.
"Shut it, Swampy!" Rogue growls playfully.
Beast shakes his head and rolls his eyes. "I guess some things just don't change." He says ruefully and leaves.
Remy leans over and thoroughly kisses Rogue.
~The End~