Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well during these stressful days. I am grateful to those of you who haven't given up on the story and are still reading.
I planned to put out four today, but I am really anxious to see if you like Perfect Day. Since it has been in the works for years and I finally got it the way I wanted.
I am committed to finishing this story, I should have the next two chapters out no later than next week. I hope you enjoy.
November
The mansion was an array of chaos as various students hurried to get ready for the art exhibit the school was hosting.
Some visitors, one of whom was an art dealer, had come to the school for a tour and noticed some of the art projects.
He discussed doing a small exhibit to showcase the young mutants' creative talents.
He even said it might help some of them get into some prestigious art schools. So tonight everything had to be perfect.
"Oh, God, where's my tablet?"
"It be under de sofa, in de media room petit."
"I can't find my portrait! I can't find my portrait!"
"Relax, you left it by the window."
Tante said as she helped all the students get ready for the event.
Remy was in the kitchen making or d'oeuvres and micro-managing Bobby and a few others to set everything up.
"Je ne vois pas pourquoi nous n'avons pas pu engager de traiteur."Remy complained.
Tante reached over and hit Remy with a wooden spoon.
"Oww! Medre!"
"Pas de plainte!" Dis event be important for de kids so we do everything we can ta make it special."
Smack! "Oww!"
"Et regarde ta langue!"
In the month that she'd been here, Tante Mattie had learned the students' names, interests, and habits. She had introduced them to a world of classic, foreign, and horror films. She taught them how to cook several decadent meals.
But most of all, she'd gotten to know them, and they all loved having her here.
/
I wish I could say that the events of Halloween had no significant impact on my day to day. However, every time Sean and I see each other, a feeling akin to panic and tension set in, and the two of us can not get away from each other fast enough.
Also, lots of random people ask why we aren't seen together anymore.
Since I was kicked out of the specialized training sessions and replaced. I don't see him nearly as often. Which is good, however, it does have a drawback.
Curious to see how it's going without me.
I go see how Sean is doing with the training sessions.
I look through the opening in the door. He is talking to a girl that I don't recognize. I was about to walk away. Thinking she was a new student when she stood to his side and addressed the students with him. I stayed and watch, it was clear she was my replacement. She was young, pretty, smiled frequently, and had other assets to boot. Sean appeared to be fine with the change.
I just wanted to get out of there quick.
"So, what happened with you and Sean?"
I cannot think of a worse situation.
It did not take long for Jeanne to notice that we weren't together anymore. Of course, told Anya, who acted as if it were she who had ended a relationship.
They interrogate me, and I spill the details.
"Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry. But you can't give up hope. The two of you are so great together. I'm sure once the two of you talk this thing out, you'll remember how much you like each other."
"I do not think that will happen, Anya."
"Yeah, Anya, there's no reason for Laura to go back to that jerk. He's cute and all but think of it this way. Now the three of us can go out partying, doing whatever the hell we want together."
"I will not be ready for that, either Jeanee."
"See, she's upset if they give it a chance. Maybe they'll work it out."
"I think I need to give him space Anya, I am glad that you two will be leaving with me to go to the wedding, though."
The two of them both give nervous smiles.
"What?!"
"About that, do you remember Robert and those guys who went to our New Years' party?"
"Oh, no," I say as I realize I'm being ditched.
"They invited us to Paris to party for Christmas and New Year."
"You could come too."
I can't miss Remy's Wedding."
"You really want to see your dream guy marry some else."
"Not really, but he's my best friend, and he's always there for me."
"You going to be able to be...happy for them."
"Well, since I just barely have better emotional inflection of a door stop, they won't expect too much from me."
"I just have to be civil, how hard can it be?"
/
Christmas Eve
"Laura!" Remy yelled as he threw his arms around me, lifting me into the air.
Just the sight of him had warmed my face, and I am sure it turned bright red at his touch.
I did not let it last long. I kicked him in the stomach to push out of his embrace.
"Humph!" He cried, doubling over.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Laura." He managed to get out in between breaths
"Remy did someone hit you?!"
Anna yelled as she came closer.
"Nah, really just a kick to the stomach."
"Oh, that's ok, then Laura, just not in the face."
"Your concern for my well being is heartwarming amor."
"Yeah, well, as long as your face stays pretty, everything is secondary this close to the wedding."
"I did warn you not to grab me suddenly."
"See ya need ta learn ta listen ta us ladies. It's good to see you, Laura, how are things going at the academy?" Anna asked, hugging me, then putting her arm over my shoulders and walking me over to the dining area.
She keeps me company while the others prepare the dinner.
This time, however, Remy was spared in having a two-person crew to prepare the feast. Tante had declared that all the young ones had to participate in the kitchen if they wanted to eat. So Remy and Tante Mattie were working on some main courses.
Wade and Vanessa show up for dinner, but they head over to Logan and Ororo.
Anna and I set the table, she has talked to me the entire time. She was learning French for the Wedding, but her trip to Utopia to negotiate for S.H.I.E.L.D. put that on hold. They were pleased since she was able to get them to give up the missiles they had on the island.
I try to get up and walk to the kitchen, she grabs my arm smiling.
"I wish you could have made it to the Bachelorette party. Remy had his the next day so you could go to both. He also made sure there'd be no stripers. The other guys got mad when they found out you weren't going to make it."
"Yeah, I'm sorry I had lots to do."
"We also invited your friends how come..?
"I thought you were going to cut your hair for the wedding," I ask Remy as he enters in hopes of avoiding questions about Sean. Even if it meant throwing him under the bus.
"I convinced her dat she may want de pictures to show him as he was for most of dere relationship. Sides most of de other heroes all got de clean-cut look. My boys' more original." Tantie said, petting Remy's hair.
"You don't gotta convince me," I say way too quickly.
"Ferring hippy!"
Logan says, hitting Remy in the head.
"So Laura, is Sean going to be here tomorrow?" Ororo asks.
Merde
"Um. No, actually."
"But he will be here for the wedding?" Asked Anna.
I probably should just lie. But I do not like doing so.
"We are not together anymore, so he will not be going with me."
"Oh no, what happened?"
It had nothing to do with me screaming your fiancée's name during an intense orgasm, I assure you.
"We just had a.."
"Now chere, I'm sure Laura would rather not talk about it here in front of everybody."
"You're right, I'm sorry, sugah. If ya wanna talk ta me about it, you can anytime, Laura."
Of course, she picks now to start being nice to me.
"I'll get it!" I jump up, yelling, hearing someone coming to the door. Then right as I get to the door, the doorbell rings.
"X!, Merry Christmas!." Jubilee squeals pulling me into a hug.
I am glad to have someone hear to hang out with that isn't obsessed with the Wedding.
"Isn't it so romantic? Gambit and Rogue finally getting married!"
Ugh!
Christmas Day
I go downstairs, Remy is standing in the doorway grinning. He is watching the kids receive their gifts. They are being passed out by Tante Mattie, he sees me and walks over.
"Merry Christmas, Laura."
"Merry Christmas," I say, hugging him then pulling away to go over the tree. I find the package I brought and take it over to him.
"Aww, Laura, you shouldn't have petite."
He opens it with more enthusiasm than the kids. He looks at it then puts it on. It's a black trench coat identical in style to his usual ones.
"Since it's cold, I thought you could use this for you at your Wedding to better match.
He smiles, trying it on.
"It's perfect, Laura, thank you." He then pulls me in for a hug. Made even more uncomfortable by the fact that Anna is watching us. I pull away. She doesn't seem annoyed anymore, she is smiling.
"You're welcome, I had to get you something to repay you. You always give me so much. I'm glad you didn't this year."
"Check your pocket, Petit." Tantie Mattie calls to me. As she watches from the other room laughing.
"Dammit," I say, pulling out a key with a red bow.
"My boy's a sneaky one, Petit." Tante says, pulling me into a hug. "Merry Christmas.
I smile at her, then turn to Remy.
"Ok, what's it to?"
"Go look outside."
I go outside, they follow. There is a black motorcycle parked in front, also with a red bow.
"I modified for you, it's ridiculously fast."
"Aren't you opening any Anna."
"Oh no, Laura, we are getting a ton of wedding presents, so we agreed not to get each other gifts this year."
"Better check your room, Cher," Tante announces to her, laughing again.
"Dammit, Remy!"
"What about you, Tante?"
"He put dis raw ruby necklace on me few minutes ago. Thought he being so slick."
Anna slaps at him, and he dodges.
"Hey, Chere, you said no messing up the face."
"Yeah? Nevermind that now. Laura, help, grab him!"
Despite my annoyance at Anna, I oblige.
"Non! Laura!? Et tu?"
I help Anna pin him, and we tickle and poke him. Until he turns red. We only stop when he has a coughing fit.
"You haven't stopped smoking. I take it.
"Wedding's are stressful." He shrugs.
"Well, now that you're going to be with him again, Anna. You can stop him, no problem.
"Is that what he tol you?" Anna asked, hitting Remy again.
"It took me months ta get this dang Swamp Rat ta quit. How many packs you down to a week, Remy?"
"Two or Three."
"See, he's tryin. I bet you were at five or six before ya promised Laura."
Remy looked away and stayed silent. Before either of us moved, Tante reached over, pinching his arm.
"Ya best knock off dat nasty habit fore I get ya wit da wooden spoon again!"
"Oww! D'accord."
/
The day before the Wedding
Tonight is the practice wedding before the actual one. Just the thought makes me roll my eyes. How hard can it be to walk to a stage, recite words, then kiss?
They insist we all go together in a big limo. Anna sits in his lap, nuzzling his neck the whole time. They are all smiles, constantly hugging and kissing. Whispering French nothings in each other's ear. Have they always been so nauseating?
At dinner, Jubilee tells a story of them all playing basketball. Apparently, she and Remy were beating Anna and Logan. Possibly due to his agility. Anna got pissed and used her strength to hit him with a ball. So he charged it, hit her back, and then tried to kiss her.
I wasn't aware stories of assault were considered romantic.
I tune out the rest of the speeches, I can hear everyone's laughter. I can see Remy and Anna's affectionate reactions. I just don't want to pay any attention to it.
Everyone gets up, I guess they are headed to the hill do to the vows.
I suppress a groan and drag myself outta my seat and start to follow.
"Oww!" Someone yanked me toward them.
"Come on, Laura."
"Logan? What are you doing?"
"I don't know if you're aware. But you're making a face I normally do when I gotta go to meetings all day long."
"Oh, it's fine, this thing is almost over."
"Nope, We were just waiting for our private room, and so they sent hor d'oeuvres . Dinner hasn't started yet."
"Uhg! So, where are we going?"
"The bar."
"I'm 20."
"Shhhhut up." He mumbled under his breath.
"Two whiskeys," Logan says, signaling to the bartender.
I slump down on my barstool, waiting for Logan to say something.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Didn't you want to lecture me, or give out some meaningful advice?"
"Nope, I'm just here to listen to you."
Our drinks arrive. Logan takes his, motioning for me to join him.
"Well, this is going to be boring, cause I don't wanna talk about it."
"Uh-huh."
45 minutes later.
Logan sat wide-eyed listening to Laura's Halloween Night events. He nodded absently, staring straight ahead. Unable to look in Laura's direction. The bartender leaned over and refilled his drink. He grabbed the man's wrist before he backed away.
"Leave it!"
"See, this is why...I'm so pissed! I didn't even do anything! I had sex with my boyfriend, in a costume that he picked. Sure I may have liked it, but it was still him. For that, I get dumped! After all the crap you said Anna's done to Remy and he's marrying her?! Could you tell me her secret? Cause obviously I'm doing something wrong."
Logan takes a deep breath, downs another drink and sighs.
"Ya ain't done nothin wrong darlin. Gumbo's a moron who's a glutton for punishment, and Sean's too sensitive."
"So, you agree? I didn't do anything."
"Well, it wasn't great."
"So I'm just stupid, I had a nice cute guy, and I lost him because I have feelings for someone else."
"Hey, you're not stupid, Laura. You're human, and you're allowed to feel. Nobody can change what's inside ya."
"Yeah, well, now I'm about to lose my best friend."
"You're not going to lose him. Things are going to change. Eventually, you'll grow apart from all of us. But we'll still be here when ya need us.
/
Mystique sat across from the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner was. They had been in there for three hours. She had a good view of the garden where they were going to practice their vows.
She was regretful that she had to watch them from afar. She couldn't hear to practice vows they recited to each other. But she could see the tears sliding down Anna's face as she smiled brightly.
She hated to admit it, but he made her daughter happy.
He leaned in gently kissing her daughter, and he all but melted into her. He seemed to lose strength..."Oh god!
/
Logan sat outside at a table next to Remy, who was lying on the floor. He'd put his jacket underneath Remy's head. He sent everyone else home. Anna had run into a building across the street. He knew Gambit would be pissed if he woke, and Anna wasn't around. He also knew the two of them were going to have an intense talk. They'd need privacy.
The Cajun stirred again. He seemed to be trying hard to force himself awake.
Again he cursed himself. Anna had hung on to Remy as he fell in her arms. Everyone thought he was playfully reacting to the kiss. Slumping weakly in her arms. Laura was the only one to notice the draining, and she tackled him away.
Remy's body started shaking as he forced himself up.
"Easy there, Gumbo," Logan said, helping him into a sitting position.
Remy shut his eyes. His head was spinning, it was tough to think straight. Logan put his arm around him, helping him to his feet.
"Where is she?"
/
Anna sat with her head on her knees as her body shook with sobs. She was trembling, trying to keep from touching anything so it wouldn't explode.
Her mind and body invaded with waves of love, tenderness, and passion. She could feel Being engage with her had Remy in a state of euphoria.
And she hurt him. He was lying conscious because of her. She wanted to run and check on him. She felt utterly hopeless. She'd always known she'd never find happiness. Even getting this close, it wasn't meant to be.
"Chere?"
"Remy, I'm glad you're ok. But stay away from me!"
"Pourquoi ne ferais-je pas ça mon amour?"
"Because you should. I'm no good for you or anybody else. Wedding's off." She said, her voice cracking and tears running down her face.
"Not a chance."
"Dammit, Remy," she spat at him quickly, backing away as he tried to touch her face.
"Things aren't going to be a certain way just because you say they are."
"But they will because you say?"
"That's right."
"That don't seem fair, Anna."
"I don't care. I'm not going to hurt you ever again. You got lucky just now."
"Really? Luck means something different to me. Luck happened when I met you."
"I'm no one's luck. I'm a curse. Just forget about me."
"Never, I'm not going to let this be the end of us. I've never been afraid of your touch Anna, and I never will be!"
"My powers are back, Remy! The day before our Wedding so we can't touch! We won't even be able to kiss."
"So we don't kiss long enough for it to affect me. We could use a power suppressor, Mattie can make us a lipstick, we could spend some time in the Savage Land. There are lots of things we could try. But it don't matter, as long as I can hold you in my arms."
He slowly moved closer to her, and she did not back away.
"Or we could try dealing with it right now."
"What are you talking about?"
"Take my hand, Chere. We'll work on it together."
"Are you crazy? I'll hurt you again."
"No, now that I know your powers' back. I think I can try to prevent the drain."
"What?...How?"
"Trust me, Chere, trust in us. We can do this."
He reached his hand out to her, she looked into his eyes. They were silently pleading with her.
She didn't understand why maybe it was because she still had him in her head, his love for her overwhelming her senses.
She slowly reached out her hand out to his. It trembled as his got closer.
Slowly their hands drifted together, in a touch as light as a feather. Anna breathed in deep as more tears fell down her face. Less than a minute, the drain begins. She jerked her arm, and his hand caught hers.
Her eyes widened in fear, and she looked up at him. "Rem...?"
He was illuminated in an electric blue glow. It flowed from the hand that held hers, up his arm. Till it took over the red and black of his eyes.
/
Emma sigh as she felt a pang of guilt, Eric had a satisfied look on his face.
Scott walked over to her, putting his arm around her.
They started to leave. A dark-haired woman seemed to be heading their way. It was strange because there was nothing out in the clearing where they were. Also, she was dressed business casual, not anything like someone who was working out would wear.
They moved to the side to give her room, she turned walking right up to Emma.
"Can I help you?"
"Bitch!"
Emma hit the ground
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?
"Raven, listen." Scott insisted.
"That line I said I wouldn't cross, you assholes just did a swan dive off of it!"
"Maybe if your methods had yielded some results, we wouldn't have had to.." Erik began.
"If she hurt him, or God forbid killed him. She wouldn't be any good to anyone ever again! Stay the fuck away from my daughter and my son in law!"
"Anna won't go through with the Wedding now. See what she's thinking now, Emma."
Emma shut her eyes in concentration, reaching out psychically.
"Aaah!" Emma started panting her eye shut tight as she let out soft moans."
"Emma?" Scott said, walking over and taking her hand. "What's going on?"
Emma jerked away, calming her breathing and opening her eyes. "They're having sex."
/
Gambit had walked to the building where Anna was over two hours ago. Logan finally lost all patience and walked over to go check on them.
"Shit!"
A bright blue light shot up into the sky, then it pulsed outward over a mile disintegrating the building with it. Logan hit the deck in time to avoid the blast. Getting up, he quickly ran over.
He saw Anna buttoning Gambit's shirt, then helping him up.
"Sorry chere, I'll have to work on keeping focus long enough."
"Crazy Swamp Rat." She replied. "I think we shouldn't try that again for a long while."
She reached out for Logan's hand, which was reaching out to help her down the rubble.
"Careful! She doesn't have control yet!"
Logan nodded. She stared at Remy, wide-eyed.
"We should probably get a move on you two, that will attract some authorities.
The Wedding Day
Remy slipped passed Kitty and Ororo, his nerves completely shot. Yesterday had left him with a bad feeling he couldn't shake.
He didn't give a damn about tradition.
He wanted to talk to Anna, he needed to speak with Anna.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Anna, Chere, can I come in S'il vous plaît ?"
"Remy? What are ya, doin? You're not supposed ta see me right now."
"I know, but I just want to talk to you."
"There will be time ta talk later. Now go on so I can get ready."
"Anna. Are you sure?"
"...Yes, I'm sure."
"D'accord, Je t'aime tellement chér."
"..Ah, love ya too Rem." Anna replied, breathing deeply to try and stop herself from shaking.