Disclaimer: Oh don't sue me Mr. Big Scary Marvel Lawyer Suite Type, I am
only playing about with your very good characters that you really don't use
to their full potential most of the time (i.e. Ms Ororo Munroe)!!! Only
joking of course.
I know the last chap' was slight but hope you enjoyed anyway. Like I said this one is much longer. Hope you like!
Chapter.8.
The morning after the night before.
The early morning mist settled over Westchester's Salem Centre, wrapping itself over the landscape like the beautiful threads spun for a silk worms cocoon. The harmonious song of various birds drifted through the cool and otherwise silent air in waves. Literally music to the ears of the Windrider as she walked barefoot through the dew soaked grass. The sensation on her feet was glorious as she padded softly down to the edge of the lake.
Its surface was so still that it appeared a mirror, reflecting the morning's glory in all of its perfection. Mist danced on it's horizontal plain like spectral ballerinas and for one perfect moment Ororo Munroe- Le Beau had not a care in the world. All of her problems seemed to fall by the wayside, she almost felt she had stumbled upon paradise.
Her feet brushed at the edges of the cool water as her eyes slowly drifted closed. She inhaled deeply, letting the fresh, wood-scented air flood her senses, bringing a light smile to her full lips. Keeping her blue orbs firmly shut, her slender hands rose up to the neckline of her loose summer dress. Gripping her hands around the elasticated material she gently began to pull it over and off her smooth, slim shoulders. Shrugging her arms free, the cloth slipped like silk over her breasts, down her hips, grazing softly along her statuesque legs before landing soundlessly to encircle her feet.
A small breeze rushed up from the lake, caressing its mistress tenderly, her hair stirring restlessly about her naked skin. Ororo slowly opened her arms out and let her head fall gradually backwards, this feeling of nature around her was like nothing else on earth.
She sighed briefly in contentment, and then opening her eyes she leisurely made her way into the lake. Ripples rang out from her body, moving delicately into the vast space of the lake. Nature moving to the rhythm of this goddess in a human form.
She relished the feeling of the chilly liquid enveloping her entire body like a hungry lover, gentle yet all consuming. When she'd reached a depth of about four and a half foot, the water lapping at her bosom, she kicked her feet off the lake's soft bottom, her lower body projecting upwards as she lay her top half flat. All to willingly, she let the water claim her.
Lying horizontally on the waters surface she was content to float gracefully and aimlessly, like a fallen autumn leaf. Ororo let her mind become blank, giving herself over to the overpowering sensations of nature.
*
Remy was stood at the top of the embankment that sloped down to the lakeside, watching his Stormy. He still had on his cut off jeans, even though they were covered with various bloodstains. Which patches belonged to who was any ones guess. A mottled grey 'Xavier Institute' short-sleeved T-shirt concealed the bandages that crudely wrapped the wounds on his chest and upper arm. Despite Scott's request and then command that he go to see either Hank or Cecilia once they had returned from Toronto, Remy had preferred to tend to the injuries himself.
His now badly swollen and bruise-blackened right hand remained in the bandage that Ororo had, the night before, so tenderly strapped his broken fingers with. He looked down at it now, idly examining the dark, crusted splotches that covered it's off white colour, suddenly remembering that it was mainly Logan's blood that was smeared all over it.
Remy swiftly took his attention away from his hand, beginning to grind his teeth in frustration. What he wouldn't give for just one more cigarette right now.
But turning his gaze back down to the still waters below made him forget such trivial needs instantly. Watching Ororo floating on the glass-like surface of the lake in this near supernatural atmosphere made it extremely difficult to concentrate.
He looked down upon her awe-inspiring beauty with painfully frustrated eyes, his face set into what almost seemed a scowl. He was growing increasingly angry with himself for the feelings that were stirring inside him, angry and perplexed.
How on earth could he be instantaneously disgusted by her and at the same time feel a definite stirring in his loins at the sight of her naked, unashamedly on view. It just didn't make any sense what so ever. He hated himself, he hated her but-----he loved her.
"Dieu aider moi!" He gasped as he screwed his eyes shut, blocking out the sight of her, pursing his lips tightly. Hooking his left hand underneath his lengthy fringe he raked it back across his scalp roughly, tugging at his hair. The extremely sharp stinging pain the action caused managed to disperse the heat that was rising in him----just about.
Remy was already halfway down the slope before he opened his eyes and realised what he was doing. Once he had he stopped abruptly, warring with his inner turmoil, but only for a few brief seconds as he felt his feet resuming their march forwards.
Before he knew what was happening he was at the waters edge and dropping to his knees into the mud that surrounded the lakes rim. He leaned back on his haunches as he realised that he couldn't bring himself to disturb this natural wonder he was reluctantly but gladly witnessing.
So he was content to watch and to wait as the mud tinged water at the lakes edge licked at his legs, slowly soaking up his already filthy jeans.
*
Ororo ducked her entire body under water before summoning her commands of the wind currents to lift herself from the lake. She burst through its surface, flinging her head backwards. Her sopping wet hair gleamed as a barrage of liquid diamonds cascaded from her silver mane. Rivulets of water caressed every curve of her supple body as they trailed down her chocolate toned skin.
Drifting over the suddenly choppy surface of the lake, she brought her head forwards and as she slowly peeled open her eyes, Remy's form came into her line of vision. Kneeling in the dirt he almost looked like he was meditating or praying to some unseen force.
Ororo recovered from her initial surprise only for that emotion to be replaced by trepidation, as she flew on her winds towards her waiting spouse.
*
Remy's unique eyes were trained intently on the weather witch, as she landed gracefully on the grassy verge. But as soon as she had landed she urgently grasped her discarded clothing, pulling it back over her exposed body quickly.
"What's wrong chere, it not as if Remy ain't evah seen yo' 'au natural' is it?" He cracked a lopsided grin despite himself.
"No, I suppose not." Ororo conceded, slightly embarrassed at her foolish reaction to her husbands presence.
Fully clothed, Ororo walked over to Remy, who had now manuvered into a much more comfortable sitting position. She stood in front of him, her hair hanging in thick, separated clumps about her neck and shoulders, still dripping wet.
They gazed at each other for the longest time, Ororo's baby blues locking with Gambit's 'devil' eyes. They were both nervous, there was no denying that, like new lovers.
"Yo' know," Remy began tentatively, "I t'ought dat yo' didn' wan' to 'ave de enfant. Dat's why yo' were actin' so weird, I ------" He didn't know how to continue.
"What?" Ororo replied softly, not quite understanding. But not because she couldn't, more over she didn't want to listen to what he was insinuating.
"Yo' know?" he continued almost sheepishly. "I t'ought yo' wan'ed to get rid."
Ororo's face suddenly darkened with latent anger. " You know I would never do that Remy. I'm not against a woman's right to choose but after all we've been through we know more than any one just how precious life is."
"I know, I know." Remy held his hand up in admission. "But what else was I suppose' to t'ink, hien? Dat yo'd fucked Logan!" Remy tore his head away from her, starring down at the grass by his side.
A rare frown marred the goddess's beautiful face, even though the words Remy spoke were the truth they still hurt her, that's precisely why they hurt her.
"And I am genuinely sorry for that." She said for what seemed like the millionth time tonight, or today as it was now. "I don't know what I can say to you or what I can do to rectify this mistake."
Remy groaned in irritation, "What can yo' do chere, yo' can't undo what yo' already done!"
"No, I can not." She struggled to maintain a calm demeanour. "And apologising until I am blue in the face will not help either! You know full well my regret."
Remy laughed shortly, but it was a sound utterly devoid of humour. He tugged a few blades of grass from the ground at his side absentmindedly. " I know it petite, I jus' not sure dat I can believe it."
"What do you mean by that?" Ororo questioned wearily, she was to physically and emotionally exhausted to rise to his taunts now.
"Don' play dumb chere, I saw de way yo' looked at 'im. Don' tell me dere ain't nothin' between yo'." He said quietly.
Ororo gently lowered herself to the ground beside Remy, hitching her knees up, she wrapped her arms around them and gazed out over the smooth lake. All the while she contemplated what her response would be, knowing that now was the time for truth. Secrets had destroyed too much already and if telling the truth meant she would loose the man she loved then so be it. She couldn't live like this any longer, it was a risk she was prepared to take.
"I can not lie to you anymore Remy, even if you hate me and never wish to lay eyes on me again." She paused and Remy felt the sickening sensation of fear fill him, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear what Ororo was about to say. But he was frozen, unable to do a thing to stop her. So he just listened as she continued.
"I suppose there has always been something between Logan and I and what---- happened was a ----culmination of those feelings." Ororo stopped again briefly to check Remy's reaction. His slightly pale face bore a stoic expression, so she thought it safe to carry on. "I do not seek to--- to excuse my actions by telling you this, I only want to clear the air, because if we are to have a future it has to be one built on honesty. Do--- do we have a----future?" The last words fell into a low whisper.
As she looked over to Remy once more she could have sworn she saw the ghost of a genuine smile dance briefly on his lips, but she dismissed it.
"Do yo' remember dat time in Aix-en-Provence chere?" He asked, still looking straight ahead of him.
Ororo's forehead creased in confusion, her milky, slim eyebrows knitting together as she replied, "Yes, of course I do, but---"
Remy cut across her as if he hadn't even heard her speak. "I remember it so clearly petite, de early morn' mist, jus' like dis." He waved his bandaged hand dismissively in the direction of the lake. "Dat beautiful lil' chateau by de river. I t'ink we mus' 'ave spent mos' o' dat entire month makin' love ou'side in de warm sunshine. I can't recall seein' anuddah soul de whole time."
There was a definite smile this time, no doubt about it and he sounded almost wistful.
Ororo smiled too, nodding her head gently in agreement. "Yes I remember it all Remy. It was possibly the happiest time of my life, it was so peaceful there, so beautiful." A tear sprang to her eye at the memory. " All I wanted was to be with you, there, forever."
"Dat's what I wan'ed too 'Roro, more dan anyt'in." His smile faded. "But dat place is gone now, an' it ain't nevah comin' back."
Ororo closed her eyes to stop her tears from spilling over. "I know my love, I know." She conceded.
"Even if we could move on from dis, we ain't nevah gonna 'ave what we 'ad."
"I know." She repeated.
"How---- how can yo' love me if yo' wan' 'im?" Remy's voice suddenly became sharp as it echoed across the watery expanse.
The mist was beginning to dissipate as the early morning sun made its presence felt.
"I love you Remy, not him." Ororo said adamantly. "I want to at least TRY and get back to that chateau."
Remy said nothing for the longest time, his face an unreadable mask. She could even begin to imagine what was going through the man's mind, he appeared to be as mixed up as she was and in a strange way that gave her comfort. If he was deliberating his feelings then it meant he hadn't given up on her completely. Maybe there was still something to salvage.
Remy shifted on the grass bringing his legs out flat in front of him. He sighed heavily as he ran his tongue across his bottom lip as he scratched his scalp absently, tussling his auburn locks.
"Please---tell me, can we?" Ororo hated to plead once again but she had no other choice.
"To be 'onest, as dat is what we're bein' 'ere after all, I jus' wan' to know if yo' be carryin' mah bebe. After dat," He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess we 'ave to jus' wait an' see."
Ororo nodded, realising that that was fair enough, at this point in time it was more than she could have hoped for.
Remy pushed himself up from the damp grass with some difficulty, the dull aches of his various wounds returning with a vengeance.
"Are you alright my love?" Ororo inquired quickly, he was obviously in great discomfort.
He took in a sharp breath, his left hand coming up to rest over his injured chest. But he shook his head, dismissing his wife's concern. "Yeah, yeah. I 'm fine."
He turned his back to Ororo as he said, "I'm goin' go away fo' a couple o' days, clear mah head."
"I understand." Ororo remained seated, looking up at her husbands back.
"When I come back---" His hand fell back down to his side, where he began to clench it subconsciously. "I expect an' answer."
Ororo said nothing as she watched Remy stride back up the embankment in the direction of the mansion.
* * *
Later that day.
Showered and changed, Storm walked down the strip-lighted corridor of the lower levels of the x-mansion. The harsh lighting was unforgiving, highlighting the dark circles under her dulled and heavy eyes. No sleep for nearly thirty hours will do that to a girl even if she was once a goddess.
Her bias-cut, ankle-length skirt flapped loosely about her legs causing soft swishing noises with each step. As she came to the door that read 'MED LAB2-Research Area.RESTRICTED!', she stopped, drawing her beige, chunky- knit cardigan tighter around her she released a nervous breath.
Running her right trembling hand over her pulled back hair, checking to see if it was presentable, she raised her other hand and knocked twice on the steel door.
After waiting for a moment she repeated the action, knocking twice but much harder this time.
"Just a moment." She heard Hanks muffled baritone voice through the thick door, swiftly followed by several crashing and clanging noises. Ororo had to suppress a small laugh, Hank could be such a lumbering klutz at times, despite his mutant gift of dexterous agility.
"Damn!" He roared, near on the other side of the door. That was the closest Ororo had ever heard Hank come to saying an expletive!
Several soft beeping noises and the sound of buttons being pressed could be heard. Then there was a large #CLICK# and a slow hissing, like the release of pressurised air, the sounds ringing out in the empty corridor. Eventually, the door slid open to reveal Hank's furry, grinning face.
"Come in my dear Windrider." He said as he wrapped a big blue paw around Ororo's shoulder and gently ushered her into his private research lab.
"And what can I do for you today?" He pushed his dwarfed, clear-rimmed glasses that had gradually slipped to the end of his snout, back up his face with one claw tipped finger.
"Well," Ororo started as she made her way over to one of the padded chairs in front of Hank's paper cluttered desk. "It is rather awkward my friend."
Sitting down, she shifted around on the seat nervously, crossing her legs one way and then the other, tugging her skirt about as she changed position to get comfortable.
"My dear Ororo, you know you can confide in me. I am your doctor after all, as well as a friend." Hank moved over to his lab stool that he had vacated only moments earlier. He plonked himself on it without ceremony and patiently awaited Storms response.
When non seemed forthcoming, he inquired, " Does this have anything to do with your little, urr, accident last night?" Hank peered at her over the top of his glasses, a mischievous glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips.
"What?!" Ororo had no idea what he was talking about for a moment, then she twigged that the rest of the team must have at least heard about her impromptu destruction of the mansion roof. "Oh no, no. It is not that." She shook her head briefly before running her hand over her hair once more.
"Then it is to do with the baby I presume?"
Ororo glanced down at her feet and began wringing her hands, an action that was highly out of character. A pained expression came to her face as she replied with an unexplainably husky voice, "Yes." She cleared her throat and once again changed position in her seat.
Hank frowned as he witnessed how uncomfortable his friend was, he didn't understand it. He couldn't remember another time when he'd seen her so nerve-racked and unconfident. In fact, now he looked closer he thought how ghastly she appeared, like she hadn't slept for a week.
"What is it Ororo? Please tell me." He said, genuinely worried by now.
"This is extraordinarily difficult for me Hank." She replied, still shoe- gazing. "I need to know if you can do a test."
"What kind of a test? Do you have any reason to suspect that there might be something wrong with the baby?" He got off his stool, crossing the room in no time to take the seat next to Ororo.
"No, I need you to do a---" Her hearted began pounding in her ears as she tried to summon the words. Amongst other things this was just too embarrassing, she was meant to be this man's leader. She knew the moment she said it, in her eyes at least, all the respect Hank ever had for her would be gone. "A---a paternity test."
* * *
Two days later.
Ororo lay on her back in her queen size bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her left arm lay across the empty space where her husband should have been.
She brushed her hand lightly over the crisp, white sheets. Whishing with all her heart that it was warm body heat and smooth flesh that she was feeling underneath her hand .She felt so small in this huge bed without him.
The last couple of days had positively crawled by, no matter what she'd done to pass the time. Every time she looked at a clock the second hand seemed to take one step forwards and two moves backwards.
She'd spent most of her time cooped up in this very room, save for when Scott and Warren had fixed the damage to the roof. In the past the mansion had been destroyed so many times that practically all of the X-Men were dab hands at building repair work, including Ororo. She'd offered to help but Scott had refused to let her, in part because of her condition and, she was certain, because he didn't want to be around her at the moment.
But if she wasn't in her room she was loitering in the greenhouse, not planting or tending flowers but just thinking, out of every ones way. Even though she was fairly certain that only Scott, Jean and Hank knew her guilty little secret, she couldn't face the rest of the team. They had to at least have been wondering where both Gambit and Wolverine had disappeared to at the same time, so she thought it best to stay out of sight. Staying in hear meant avoiding any potentially awkward questions.
But finally the day had dawned, the day she could pick up her test results.
*
After Hank's initially slack jawed response he had gathered himself admirably and explained the options that she had open to her. Ororo was relieved that he'd been gentlemanly enough not to ask her how she'd come to be in this compromising position. He hadn't inquired as to who the father could possibly be but had behaved in a professional, if somewhat cold manner.
It didn't escape her attention that he couldn't bring himself to make prolonged eye contact. It hurt her, made her feel even worse than she already did. She couldn't bear for her closet and dearest friends to feel badly about her, but supposed she could expect nothing less. At least Jean hadn't been judgmental, she needed at least one person to lean on through all this.
Hank had explained to her about something called an Amniocentesis. It sounded awful, especially when he'd informed her of the risk of miscarriage from the procedure. It involved removing, via a needle, some amniotic fluid from around the foetus, that could be subsequently DNA tested to determine the child's paternal parentage. It really didn't sound pleasant at all.
Ororo had thanked Hank for his help and left the lab saying she needed to think carefully about it. Immediately she went off to seek the advice of her best friend. They'd talked it over for hours, Jean not particularly being in favour but Ororo eventually decided to go ahead and have the test-- ---for Remy's sake.
Late that same evening Hank had taken Ororo to a friend of his, in New York City, who happened to be a gynaecologist. As an extremely generous favour to his old med school chum, the Dr. had agreed to do the procedure right then and there, no questions asked.
*
The weather witch forced herself into a sitting position in her bed. Bright, radiant sunshine poured in through the sky light, bathing her sleep- clammed skin in warm rays of natural light.
It did make her feel a little better, giving her the courage to face another day. Pulling back the sheets idly, she shifted her legs over and swung them off the bed. She sat there for a moment, on the edge of the bed, guiding her feet slowly into her waiting slippers.
Eventually she leant her weight on her knuckles, projecting herself up to go get changed.
* * *
"Ororo! Wait up!" Ororo span round to see Jean running down the oak panelled corridor towards her, a smile but also a look of concern on her face. "I'll come with you if you want? For support?" She reached up and tucked a loose strand of white hair behind Ororo's ear affectionately.
Ororo didn't reply verbally, she simply returned the smile warmly. But internally relief washed over her like a tidal wave. Jean wrapped her arm around her best friend as the pair walked slowly down the hallway.
Finally, they reached the Med Lab.1., but just before they entered Jean stopped Ororo with a hand to the shoulder and asked, "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"Yes." She nodded. "Thank-you for your concern but I am ready, I have to do this." Ororo appeared stoic and determined as they entered the laboratory, something like her usual unflappable goddess self.
Hank was ready and waiting for them. Sat behind a desk with a solitary piece of A4 paper in his paw. He looked up at the women as they approached him.
"Jean, Ororo." He said curtly with a small nod in each woman's direction respectively.
Jean glanced over at Ororo with an apologetic expression, on Hank's behalf. But she showed no outward sign of being affected by Dr. McCoy's rather cool reception. She remained stern as she seated herself in the same chair she'd sat in but two days prior.
Jean took the identical chair to her right, reaching over and taking Ororo's hands in hers.
"So," Ororo started, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible, "What were the results? Is Remy the father?"
-To Be Concluded- (For real this time!)
So what do you think? I know I've kept you all hanging on but I promise that I will answer all questions in the final segment. Who is the father, will Ororo's marriage survive and where, oh where has Wolvie disappeared to? I'll post within a week. Ciao for now!
I know the last chap' was slight but hope you enjoyed anyway. Like I said this one is much longer. Hope you like!
Chapter.8.
The morning after the night before.
The early morning mist settled over Westchester's Salem Centre, wrapping itself over the landscape like the beautiful threads spun for a silk worms cocoon. The harmonious song of various birds drifted through the cool and otherwise silent air in waves. Literally music to the ears of the Windrider as she walked barefoot through the dew soaked grass. The sensation on her feet was glorious as she padded softly down to the edge of the lake.
Its surface was so still that it appeared a mirror, reflecting the morning's glory in all of its perfection. Mist danced on it's horizontal plain like spectral ballerinas and for one perfect moment Ororo Munroe- Le Beau had not a care in the world. All of her problems seemed to fall by the wayside, she almost felt she had stumbled upon paradise.
Her feet brushed at the edges of the cool water as her eyes slowly drifted closed. She inhaled deeply, letting the fresh, wood-scented air flood her senses, bringing a light smile to her full lips. Keeping her blue orbs firmly shut, her slender hands rose up to the neckline of her loose summer dress. Gripping her hands around the elasticated material she gently began to pull it over and off her smooth, slim shoulders. Shrugging her arms free, the cloth slipped like silk over her breasts, down her hips, grazing softly along her statuesque legs before landing soundlessly to encircle her feet.
A small breeze rushed up from the lake, caressing its mistress tenderly, her hair stirring restlessly about her naked skin. Ororo slowly opened her arms out and let her head fall gradually backwards, this feeling of nature around her was like nothing else on earth.
She sighed briefly in contentment, and then opening her eyes she leisurely made her way into the lake. Ripples rang out from her body, moving delicately into the vast space of the lake. Nature moving to the rhythm of this goddess in a human form.
She relished the feeling of the chilly liquid enveloping her entire body like a hungry lover, gentle yet all consuming. When she'd reached a depth of about four and a half foot, the water lapping at her bosom, she kicked her feet off the lake's soft bottom, her lower body projecting upwards as she lay her top half flat. All to willingly, she let the water claim her.
Lying horizontally on the waters surface she was content to float gracefully and aimlessly, like a fallen autumn leaf. Ororo let her mind become blank, giving herself over to the overpowering sensations of nature.
*
Remy was stood at the top of the embankment that sloped down to the lakeside, watching his Stormy. He still had on his cut off jeans, even though they were covered with various bloodstains. Which patches belonged to who was any ones guess. A mottled grey 'Xavier Institute' short-sleeved T-shirt concealed the bandages that crudely wrapped the wounds on his chest and upper arm. Despite Scott's request and then command that he go to see either Hank or Cecilia once they had returned from Toronto, Remy had preferred to tend to the injuries himself.
His now badly swollen and bruise-blackened right hand remained in the bandage that Ororo had, the night before, so tenderly strapped his broken fingers with. He looked down at it now, idly examining the dark, crusted splotches that covered it's off white colour, suddenly remembering that it was mainly Logan's blood that was smeared all over it.
Remy swiftly took his attention away from his hand, beginning to grind his teeth in frustration. What he wouldn't give for just one more cigarette right now.
But turning his gaze back down to the still waters below made him forget such trivial needs instantly. Watching Ororo floating on the glass-like surface of the lake in this near supernatural atmosphere made it extremely difficult to concentrate.
He looked down upon her awe-inspiring beauty with painfully frustrated eyes, his face set into what almost seemed a scowl. He was growing increasingly angry with himself for the feelings that were stirring inside him, angry and perplexed.
How on earth could he be instantaneously disgusted by her and at the same time feel a definite stirring in his loins at the sight of her naked, unashamedly on view. It just didn't make any sense what so ever. He hated himself, he hated her but-----he loved her.
"Dieu aider moi!" He gasped as he screwed his eyes shut, blocking out the sight of her, pursing his lips tightly. Hooking his left hand underneath his lengthy fringe he raked it back across his scalp roughly, tugging at his hair. The extremely sharp stinging pain the action caused managed to disperse the heat that was rising in him----just about.
Remy was already halfway down the slope before he opened his eyes and realised what he was doing. Once he had he stopped abruptly, warring with his inner turmoil, but only for a few brief seconds as he felt his feet resuming their march forwards.
Before he knew what was happening he was at the waters edge and dropping to his knees into the mud that surrounded the lakes rim. He leaned back on his haunches as he realised that he couldn't bring himself to disturb this natural wonder he was reluctantly but gladly witnessing.
So he was content to watch and to wait as the mud tinged water at the lakes edge licked at his legs, slowly soaking up his already filthy jeans.
*
Ororo ducked her entire body under water before summoning her commands of the wind currents to lift herself from the lake. She burst through its surface, flinging her head backwards. Her sopping wet hair gleamed as a barrage of liquid diamonds cascaded from her silver mane. Rivulets of water caressed every curve of her supple body as they trailed down her chocolate toned skin.
Drifting over the suddenly choppy surface of the lake, she brought her head forwards and as she slowly peeled open her eyes, Remy's form came into her line of vision. Kneeling in the dirt he almost looked like he was meditating or praying to some unseen force.
Ororo recovered from her initial surprise only for that emotion to be replaced by trepidation, as she flew on her winds towards her waiting spouse.
*
Remy's unique eyes were trained intently on the weather witch, as she landed gracefully on the grassy verge. But as soon as she had landed she urgently grasped her discarded clothing, pulling it back over her exposed body quickly.
"What's wrong chere, it not as if Remy ain't evah seen yo' 'au natural' is it?" He cracked a lopsided grin despite himself.
"No, I suppose not." Ororo conceded, slightly embarrassed at her foolish reaction to her husbands presence.
Fully clothed, Ororo walked over to Remy, who had now manuvered into a much more comfortable sitting position. She stood in front of him, her hair hanging in thick, separated clumps about her neck and shoulders, still dripping wet.
They gazed at each other for the longest time, Ororo's baby blues locking with Gambit's 'devil' eyes. They were both nervous, there was no denying that, like new lovers.
"Yo' know," Remy began tentatively, "I t'ought dat yo' didn' wan' to 'ave de enfant. Dat's why yo' were actin' so weird, I ------" He didn't know how to continue.
"What?" Ororo replied softly, not quite understanding. But not because she couldn't, more over she didn't want to listen to what he was insinuating.
"Yo' know?" he continued almost sheepishly. "I t'ought yo' wan'ed to get rid."
Ororo's face suddenly darkened with latent anger. " You know I would never do that Remy. I'm not against a woman's right to choose but after all we've been through we know more than any one just how precious life is."
"I know, I know." Remy held his hand up in admission. "But what else was I suppose' to t'ink, hien? Dat yo'd fucked Logan!" Remy tore his head away from her, starring down at the grass by his side.
A rare frown marred the goddess's beautiful face, even though the words Remy spoke were the truth they still hurt her, that's precisely why they hurt her.
"And I am genuinely sorry for that." She said for what seemed like the millionth time tonight, or today as it was now. "I don't know what I can say to you or what I can do to rectify this mistake."
Remy groaned in irritation, "What can yo' do chere, yo' can't undo what yo' already done!"
"No, I can not." She struggled to maintain a calm demeanour. "And apologising until I am blue in the face will not help either! You know full well my regret."
Remy laughed shortly, but it was a sound utterly devoid of humour. He tugged a few blades of grass from the ground at his side absentmindedly. " I know it petite, I jus' not sure dat I can believe it."
"What do you mean by that?" Ororo questioned wearily, she was to physically and emotionally exhausted to rise to his taunts now.
"Don' play dumb chere, I saw de way yo' looked at 'im. Don' tell me dere ain't nothin' between yo'." He said quietly.
Ororo gently lowered herself to the ground beside Remy, hitching her knees up, she wrapped her arms around them and gazed out over the smooth lake. All the while she contemplated what her response would be, knowing that now was the time for truth. Secrets had destroyed too much already and if telling the truth meant she would loose the man she loved then so be it. She couldn't live like this any longer, it was a risk she was prepared to take.
"I can not lie to you anymore Remy, even if you hate me and never wish to lay eyes on me again." She paused and Remy felt the sickening sensation of fear fill him, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear what Ororo was about to say. But he was frozen, unable to do a thing to stop her. So he just listened as she continued.
"I suppose there has always been something between Logan and I and what---- happened was a ----culmination of those feelings." Ororo stopped again briefly to check Remy's reaction. His slightly pale face bore a stoic expression, so she thought it safe to carry on. "I do not seek to--- to excuse my actions by telling you this, I only want to clear the air, because if we are to have a future it has to be one built on honesty. Do--- do we have a----future?" The last words fell into a low whisper.
As she looked over to Remy once more she could have sworn she saw the ghost of a genuine smile dance briefly on his lips, but she dismissed it.
"Do yo' remember dat time in Aix-en-Provence chere?" He asked, still looking straight ahead of him.
Ororo's forehead creased in confusion, her milky, slim eyebrows knitting together as she replied, "Yes, of course I do, but---"
Remy cut across her as if he hadn't even heard her speak. "I remember it so clearly petite, de early morn' mist, jus' like dis." He waved his bandaged hand dismissively in the direction of the lake. "Dat beautiful lil' chateau by de river. I t'ink we mus' 'ave spent mos' o' dat entire month makin' love ou'side in de warm sunshine. I can't recall seein' anuddah soul de whole time."
There was a definite smile this time, no doubt about it and he sounded almost wistful.
Ororo smiled too, nodding her head gently in agreement. "Yes I remember it all Remy. It was possibly the happiest time of my life, it was so peaceful there, so beautiful." A tear sprang to her eye at the memory. " All I wanted was to be with you, there, forever."
"Dat's what I wan'ed too 'Roro, more dan anyt'in." His smile faded. "But dat place is gone now, an' it ain't nevah comin' back."
Ororo closed her eyes to stop her tears from spilling over. "I know my love, I know." She conceded.
"Even if we could move on from dis, we ain't nevah gonna 'ave what we 'ad."
"I know." She repeated.
"How---- how can yo' love me if yo' wan' 'im?" Remy's voice suddenly became sharp as it echoed across the watery expanse.
The mist was beginning to dissipate as the early morning sun made its presence felt.
"I love you Remy, not him." Ororo said adamantly. "I want to at least TRY and get back to that chateau."
Remy said nothing for the longest time, his face an unreadable mask. She could even begin to imagine what was going through the man's mind, he appeared to be as mixed up as she was and in a strange way that gave her comfort. If he was deliberating his feelings then it meant he hadn't given up on her completely. Maybe there was still something to salvage.
Remy shifted on the grass bringing his legs out flat in front of him. He sighed heavily as he ran his tongue across his bottom lip as he scratched his scalp absently, tussling his auburn locks.
"Please---tell me, can we?" Ororo hated to plead once again but she had no other choice.
"To be 'onest, as dat is what we're bein' 'ere after all, I jus' wan' to know if yo' be carryin' mah bebe. After dat," He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess we 'ave to jus' wait an' see."
Ororo nodded, realising that that was fair enough, at this point in time it was more than she could have hoped for.
Remy pushed himself up from the damp grass with some difficulty, the dull aches of his various wounds returning with a vengeance.
"Are you alright my love?" Ororo inquired quickly, he was obviously in great discomfort.
He took in a sharp breath, his left hand coming up to rest over his injured chest. But he shook his head, dismissing his wife's concern. "Yeah, yeah. I 'm fine."
He turned his back to Ororo as he said, "I'm goin' go away fo' a couple o' days, clear mah head."
"I understand." Ororo remained seated, looking up at her husbands back.
"When I come back---" His hand fell back down to his side, where he began to clench it subconsciously. "I expect an' answer."
Ororo said nothing as she watched Remy stride back up the embankment in the direction of the mansion.
* * *
Later that day.
Showered and changed, Storm walked down the strip-lighted corridor of the lower levels of the x-mansion. The harsh lighting was unforgiving, highlighting the dark circles under her dulled and heavy eyes. No sleep for nearly thirty hours will do that to a girl even if she was once a goddess.
Her bias-cut, ankle-length skirt flapped loosely about her legs causing soft swishing noises with each step. As she came to the door that read 'MED LAB2-Research Area.RESTRICTED!', she stopped, drawing her beige, chunky- knit cardigan tighter around her she released a nervous breath.
Running her right trembling hand over her pulled back hair, checking to see if it was presentable, she raised her other hand and knocked twice on the steel door.
After waiting for a moment she repeated the action, knocking twice but much harder this time.
"Just a moment." She heard Hanks muffled baritone voice through the thick door, swiftly followed by several crashing and clanging noises. Ororo had to suppress a small laugh, Hank could be such a lumbering klutz at times, despite his mutant gift of dexterous agility.
"Damn!" He roared, near on the other side of the door. That was the closest Ororo had ever heard Hank come to saying an expletive!
Several soft beeping noises and the sound of buttons being pressed could be heard. Then there was a large #CLICK# and a slow hissing, like the release of pressurised air, the sounds ringing out in the empty corridor. Eventually, the door slid open to reveal Hank's furry, grinning face.
"Come in my dear Windrider." He said as he wrapped a big blue paw around Ororo's shoulder and gently ushered her into his private research lab.
"And what can I do for you today?" He pushed his dwarfed, clear-rimmed glasses that had gradually slipped to the end of his snout, back up his face with one claw tipped finger.
"Well," Ororo started as she made her way over to one of the padded chairs in front of Hank's paper cluttered desk. "It is rather awkward my friend."
Sitting down, she shifted around on the seat nervously, crossing her legs one way and then the other, tugging her skirt about as she changed position to get comfortable.
"My dear Ororo, you know you can confide in me. I am your doctor after all, as well as a friend." Hank moved over to his lab stool that he had vacated only moments earlier. He plonked himself on it without ceremony and patiently awaited Storms response.
When non seemed forthcoming, he inquired, " Does this have anything to do with your little, urr, accident last night?" Hank peered at her over the top of his glasses, a mischievous glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips.
"What?!" Ororo had no idea what he was talking about for a moment, then she twigged that the rest of the team must have at least heard about her impromptu destruction of the mansion roof. "Oh no, no. It is not that." She shook her head briefly before running her hand over her hair once more.
"Then it is to do with the baby I presume?"
Ororo glanced down at her feet and began wringing her hands, an action that was highly out of character. A pained expression came to her face as she replied with an unexplainably husky voice, "Yes." She cleared her throat and once again changed position in her seat.
Hank frowned as he witnessed how uncomfortable his friend was, he didn't understand it. He couldn't remember another time when he'd seen her so nerve-racked and unconfident. In fact, now he looked closer he thought how ghastly she appeared, like she hadn't slept for a week.
"What is it Ororo? Please tell me." He said, genuinely worried by now.
"This is extraordinarily difficult for me Hank." She replied, still shoe- gazing. "I need to know if you can do a test."
"What kind of a test? Do you have any reason to suspect that there might be something wrong with the baby?" He got off his stool, crossing the room in no time to take the seat next to Ororo.
"No, I need you to do a---" Her hearted began pounding in her ears as she tried to summon the words. Amongst other things this was just too embarrassing, she was meant to be this man's leader. She knew the moment she said it, in her eyes at least, all the respect Hank ever had for her would be gone. "A---a paternity test."
* * *
Two days later.
Ororo lay on her back in her queen size bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her left arm lay across the empty space where her husband should have been.
She brushed her hand lightly over the crisp, white sheets. Whishing with all her heart that it was warm body heat and smooth flesh that she was feeling underneath her hand .She felt so small in this huge bed without him.
The last couple of days had positively crawled by, no matter what she'd done to pass the time. Every time she looked at a clock the second hand seemed to take one step forwards and two moves backwards.
She'd spent most of her time cooped up in this very room, save for when Scott and Warren had fixed the damage to the roof. In the past the mansion had been destroyed so many times that practically all of the X-Men were dab hands at building repair work, including Ororo. She'd offered to help but Scott had refused to let her, in part because of her condition and, she was certain, because he didn't want to be around her at the moment.
But if she wasn't in her room she was loitering in the greenhouse, not planting or tending flowers but just thinking, out of every ones way. Even though she was fairly certain that only Scott, Jean and Hank knew her guilty little secret, she couldn't face the rest of the team. They had to at least have been wondering where both Gambit and Wolverine had disappeared to at the same time, so she thought it best to stay out of sight. Staying in hear meant avoiding any potentially awkward questions.
But finally the day had dawned, the day she could pick up her test results.
*
After Hank's initially slack jawed response he had gathered himself admirably and explained the options that she had open to her. Ororo was relieved that he'd been gentlemanly enough not to ask her how she'd come to be in this compromising position. He hadn't inquired as to who the father could possibly be but had behaved in a professional, if somewhat cold manner.
It didn't escape her attention that he couldn't bring himself to make prolonged eye contact. It hurt her, made her feel even worse than she already did. She couldn't bear for her closet and dearest friends to feel badly about her, but supposed she could expect nothing less. At least Jean hadn't been judgmental, she needed at least one person to lean on through all this.
Hank had explained to her about something called an Amniocentesis. It sounded awful, especially when he'd informed her of the risk of miscarriage from the procedure. It involved removing, via a needle, some amniotic fluid from around the foetus, that could be subsequently DNA tested to determine the child's paternal parentage. It really didn't sound pleasant at all.
Ororo had thanked Hank for his help and left the lab saying she needed to think carefully about it. Immediately she went off to seek the advice of her best friend. They'd talked it over for hours, Jean not particularly being in favour but Ororo eventually decided to go ahead and have the test-- ---for Remy's sake.
Late that same evening Hank had taken Ororo to a friend of his, in New York City, who happened to be a gynaecologist. As an extremely generous favour to his old med school chum, the Dr. had agreed to do the procedure right then and there, no questions asked.
*
The weather witch forced herself into a sitting position in her bed. Bright, radiant sunshine poured in through the sky light, bathing her sleep- clammed skin in warm rays of natural light.
It did make her feel a little better, giving her the courage to face another day. Pulling back the sheets idly, she shifted her legs over and swung them off the bed. She sat there for a moment, on the edge of the bed, guiding her feet slowly into her waiting slippers.
Eventually she leant her weight on her knuckles, projecting herself up to go get changed.
* * *
"Ororo! Wait up!" Ororo span round to see Jean running down the oak panelled corridor towards her, a smile but also a look of concern on her face. "I'll come with you if you want? For support?" She reached up and tucked a loose strand of white hair behind Ororo's ear affectionately.
Ororo didn't reply verbally, she simply returned the smile warmly. But internally relief washed over her like a tidal wave. Jean wrapped her arm around her best friend as the pair walked slowly down the hallway.
Finally, they reached the Med Lab.1., but just before they entered Jean stopped Ororo with a hand to the shoulder and asked, "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"Yes." She nodded. "Thank-you for your concern but I am ready, I have to do this." Ororo appeared stoic and determined as they entered the laboratory, something like her usual unflappable goddess self.
Hank was ready and waiting for them. Sat behind a desk with a solitary piece of A4 paper in his paw. He looked up at the women as they approached him.
"Jean, Ororo." He said curtly with a small nod in each woman's direction respectively.
Jean glanced over at Ororo with an apologetic expression, on Hank's behalf. But she showed no outward sign of being affected by Dr. McCoy's rather cool reception. She remained stern as she seated herself in the same chair she'd sat in but two days prior.
Jean took the identical chair to her right, reaching over and taking Ororo's hands in hers.
"So," Ororo started, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible, "What were the results? Is Remy the father?"
-To Be Concluded- (For real this time!)
So what do you think? I know I've kept you all hanging on but I promise that I will answer all questions in the final segment. Who is the father, will Ororo's marriage survive and where, oh where has Wolvie disappeared to? I'll post within a week. Ciao for now!