Disclaimer: I'm not creative enough to think of these characters so I borrowed them.
Roaring 20's – Part III
Rogue woke up the next morning on cloud nine. Remy was a complete gentleman when he walked her home. They talked the entire time. She had learned that he was from New Orleans and was here on business for his father. They owned a few high-class clubs down south. When she had inquired about his current love life, basically asking whether or not he was taken, she knew he was being honest when he told her that there once was one who had stolen his heart, but they were no longer together. He completely respected the fact that she was technically still with Scott, even though being around Remy was really making her start to question her relationship with him. She had told him about her and her brother and how they were like best friends, always looking out for one another since their parents died. He knew her birthday, her favorite color and her favorite flower. Rogue had tried not to say too much, not because she was trying to hide anything, but because she loved hearing him speak. His voice was music to her ears and she couldn't get enough. When they had reached her house, he politely stopped at the bottom of the porch and kissed her hand in good-bye. She wasn't quite ready to give up his company just yet and invited him in. At first he strongly declined, citing that a proper gentleman does not enter a lady's domain upon their first meeting, but when a ghost of a pout appeared on her lips his resolve quickly melted. They sat in the front parlor, on separate couches, for another couple of hours just talking. When Kurt had come home he had joined in the conversation for a bit before heading into the kitchen to get something to eat. Remy had made her smile and he had made her laugh. What she loved most, though, is that he made her feel beautiful and special. The way he looked at her always sent shivers up her spine. The intensity of his gaze could be overwhelming at times. He always encouraged her to speak, wanting to hear what she had to say. Scott never sat down and just talked with her. In, fact in the entire four months they had been together, they never had a decent conversation. By the time Remy had left, Rogue felt stupid for even dating Scott.
She got out of bed and freshened up. She then wandered over to the kitchen, hoping her brother was in there. Just her luck, he was. "Morning, Kurt."
He looked up from the paper. "More like good afternoon. I take it you had a fun night?"
After pouring herself a cup of juice she sat down next to him. "I did. I actually had a great night. But you were right. I'm playing with fire. I don't know what to do about Scott. I realize now that I've liked him for so long that I couldn't see all of his flaws. I don't even know if I was happy with him."
Kurt put down the paper and looked at his sister. "You were happy with him, Rogue. I just don't know if it was because he made you happy or the fact that he finally noticed you. But last night, I knew you were happy because Remy made you feel that way. That's how it should be. Now, I won't go as far as to suggest that you stop seeing Scott just to start seeing Remy because that's a bit of a hasty decision. I like Remy but I don't know him. All he is right now is a business contact who really likes my sister. I knew he wouldn't hurt you because of the business part and I was okay with you inviting him in because of how he feels for you. And even though I really don't like the fact that you are dating Scott, he is my friend as well."
"I know, I know. But the more I think about it, the more it seems that Scott doesn't like me for who I am. I think he just likes the way he looks with me. We don't talk, we don't go out. And I don't even care what he does anymore. I saw him blatantly trying to grope Jean last night and it didn't even bother me!"
"Are you really noticing those things or is Remy clouding your judgment?"
"No. I spent a lot of time last night thinking it over. I always thought Scott was so charming and debonair. But then I realized he was only like that with me when other people were around. Don't get me wrong, he is sweet and he does take care of me, just not in the way I want to be taken care of. With Remy, I feel like a true lady. He makes me feel like I deserve to be treated like a princess, not like some lounge singer. With him, everything feels right. With Scott, I tried so hard to make everything feel right."
Kurt thought for minute. "If you do break it off with Scott, I don't think he will like the fact that he was replaced with another man. I told you not to get into a relationship with him! This is going to be difficult."
"Not if I can get him to leave me first. Maybe he'll go after Jean. He was trying last night."
"Yes, but how does Jean feel? I thought she was a little put off by him."
"It could be because she knows I'm with him." She signed. "I think I just have to break it off with Scott."
Kurt turned back to his paper. "Well, I guess that will just have to wait. If I'm not mistaken, he was supposed to leave for Canada an hour ago with X and Warren to talk to Mr. Logan. They'll be gone the whole week."
Rogue crossed her arms. "Glad he didn't tell me. See?! And he didn't even have the decency to say goodbye! Argh!" she said throwing her hands in the air.
"You know, you're making an awfully big decision. What's so special about Remy that would cause a complete change in your view of Scott?" he asked quietly.
She calmed down and looked at her brother. What was it about Remy? She looked down at her juice. "Do you believe in soul mates?"
This, Kurt was not expecting. He looked at her. "Soul mates? You think Remy is your soul mate?"
Making eye contact with her twin, she continued. "I'm not sure. When I first saw him, it felt like I knew him from somewhere. The more I talked to him, the more I felt like I should know him. His eyes, his laugh, the way he talks, the way he smells, everything about him seems so familiar it's eerie. When he called me chere I identified with it, even though I know no one has ever called me that before. I felt like my heart was calling out to him and last night all I wanted was to be with him forever. The feel of his hand on mine felt so right. And you know what the weird thing is? Knowing and feeling all of this does not scare me in the least. I've never felt like this with Scott. Every fiber of my being wants to be in love with Remy but my mind keeps telling me I've known him less than a day. I don't really know if this means he's my soul mate but I would really like to find out."
He reached over and took his sister's hands in his. "Rogue, you are my sister and you know I support you in whatever you do. As your big brother, you know I don't like what you have with Scott but I don't know what to make Remy either. I know how Scott is and that's why I want you to be cautious. On the other hand, he is gone for the rest of this week. Remy did say last night that he was planning on stay the rest of the week as well. Maybe you should take this opportunity to see what may happen. If things don't work out, then your parting with Scott should not seem so bad. If things do work out, then I will do my best to help you get away from Scott."
Smiling, Rogue reached out and hugged him. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear before pulling away. "I really owe you." Suddenly, her smile got wider. "You know, Kitty is-"
Kurt covered his ears. "Stop it right there. We are not talking about Kitty."
Rogue just laughed.
**********
Remy's eyes scanned the crowd, not looking for Scott this time, but instead in search of Scott's girl. "Scott's girl," he thought. "Our little tryst could definitely blow the whole deal we have set up." But right now, Remy could care less. After spending five consecutive nights in Rogue's company, he didn't doubt he would shoot Scott himself just to get him out of the way. Rogue was the one and he wasn't going to fight how he felt about her. Just being with her made him feel whole. Everything about her called out to him and he gave back fully. He could not shake the feelings of familiarity and rightness he had whenever they were together and finally just reasoned that they were meant to be. Her hair, her smile, those deep green eyes . . .
Suddenly, a pair of soft hands covered his eyes and a voice whispered in his ear, "Guess who?" He knew that voice.
Smiling, he brought one of Rogue's hands down to his lips and kissed it. "I've been looking for you."
Rogue leaned down and pecked him on the cheek before sitting down next to him. "I had to introduce the new girl to Ro. I think they get along pretty well. Jean is actually doing pretty well here. All the customers seem to really like her, but then again, who wouldn't. She's a pretty little thing."
"Ah, but she will never be nearly as beautiful as you," he replied, planting a kiss in her palm. Rogue had the grace to blush. They chatted for a while until Ororo's heavenly voice drifted over to them.
"May I have this dance, chere?" She nodded and they walked out to the dance floor. They held each other close, Rogue's head resting on his right shoulder. He could feel her breath on his neck and his desire for her quickly multiplied ten-fold.
"Can I tell you something?" he asked softly. He felt her nod and continued. "I know it may sound crazy, but I love you. I'm in love with you. I feel like I've known you forever and I know it's only been less than a week. I feel like we belong together."
Rogue kissed him on the neck. "It doesn't sound crazy. I feel the exact same way. My heart's been calling out to you since day one. I've loved you from the moment we met. I don't know why, but it just feels right."
Remy was singing inside at her admission. He wanted nothing more than to be with this woman. If only . . . "I know that Scott-"
She put a finger up to his lips to silence his words. "I don't want to be with Scott anymore. I just want to be with you."
He kissed her finger before moving it away from his lips. "I understand, but won't he be upset? Will our being together put you in danger?"
"I'm in no more danger than you are. We're both messing with his reputation and you have a business deal to worry about." She sighed and held him tighter. "But I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to think about us." To prove her point she met her lips with his and all thoughts of Scott drained away, for both of them.
**********
They stood outside her front door, locked in an embrace. Remy broke it, reluctantly, and brought her hand to his lips.
"Until tomorrow, my love."
"No."
Remy looked up from her hand, a bit surprised. He could not meet her eyes for she was looking down at the ground. "No?"
"Stay with me." It came out in a faint whisper but loud enough for him to hear.
As much as he wanted to say yes, he let his gentleman instincts take over. "Rogue, I don't think-"
She raised a hand to his face and stroked it softly. "Please?" she asked, the pleading evident in her eyes as she looked up at him. He could only nod in return. She led him through the front door and straight to her room, making sure to lock the door behind them.
In the wee hours of the morning they laid together in a tangled mess of sheets and limbs. Her hand grazed up and down his bare chest while his fingers combed through her silken strands. I never want this to end," she said after a while.
He closed his eyes for a moment. "It doesn't have to," he replied quietly. He gently moved her body on top of his so that he could look at her face. "Ever since I've been up here, I've spent every evening with you and that has spoiled me so much that I don't want it to end, either. I'm leaving in three days and I can't stand the idea of leaving you behind. It would make me the happiest man in the world if you would come with me." He reached up and cupped her face in his hands and smiled. "Rogue, will you marry me?"
She gazed back at him and smiled. "Only if we can get married today."
He laughed. "Anything for you."
Unable to contain her excitement any longer, she squealed in delight and kissed him soundly. When she pulled back and looked at him, the extreme giddiness they both felt caused them to erupt into a fit of giggles. When they had calmed down, Remy held her body close.
"I do have a ring for you. It's somewhere on the floor in my jacket."
"You bought me a ring?"
"Yeah. I picked it up on Monday. I had a feeling I might be needing it."
"Someone was feeling pretty confident," she said playfully.
He rolled them over so that he was leaning over her. A hand came up to trace the contours of her face. "Not confident. Just listened to what my heart was telling me about the beautiful girl I met on Friday night." He bent down to capture her lips with his own and she responded with equal passion.
Daylight was already peaking through the windows when they finally retired to bed.
By one o'clock they were down at the courthouse. They had stopped to get new outfits for the ceremony and to pick up a pair of wedding bands. Rogue was currently wearing her engagement ring and was in awe of how beautiful it was. The princess cut diamond shone brilliantly in the sunlight and the two smaller cut diamonds on either side of it only added to the sparkle. The platinum band fit her finger perfectly, much to her surprise. "How did you know what size to get?"
Remy looked at her and winked. "Just knew."
The judge stepped up then and began the ceremony.
"We are gathered today to witness the union between Remy Lebeau and Rogue Adler. Marriage is a sacred union between two people who feel great love and devotion for one another. True love is a very powerful emotion that only grows over time and is too strong to be quelled by hardship. The beauty of love this couple has chosen to express through the words written in
1 Corinthians, verse thirteen.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies,
they will cease;
where there are tongues,
they will be stilled;
where there is knowledge,
it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child,
I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
Faith hope and love are what these two pledge to one another, in addition to the vows they now take. Do you, Remy, take Rogue to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Remy held her hands and smiled. "I do."
"And do you, Rogue, take Remy to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Holding back tears, Rogue managed a shaky "I do."
The judge nodded and reached into his pocket. As he pulled the rings out, one slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground. Remy and Rogue exchanged a look.* The judge did not notice their exchange and tried to smooth over his blunder. "These rings shall serve as a symbol of your unity. Remy, take this ring and, placing it on Rogue's finger, repeat after me: take this ring as a sign of my faithful devotion to you."
Slipping the ring on slowly, he repeated, "Take this ring as a sign of my faithful devotion to you."
"Rogue, take this ring and, placing it on Remy's finger, repeat after me: take this ring as a sign of my faithful devotion to you."
She also pushed the ring slowly down his finger and repeated, "Take this ring as a sign of my faithful devotion to you."
"By the power vested in me, by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You make kiss the bride."
Remy wasted no time in heeding the judge's permission and quickly swept his new wife into his arms. After a fairly lengthy kiss, they parted and he rested his forehead against hers. "I love you."
"I love you," she whispered back.
Both thanked the judge and left the courthouse. They stopped at a nearby restaurant for their 'first lunch as a married couple' before heading over to the club to spread the good news. Rogue thought they might be a little early to see anyone else at the club since it was only four thirty but she was delighted to see her brother and Kitty talking at the bar. Leaving Remy's side, she rushed over to Kitty and gave the girl a hug. "Kitty! You're back! How are you?"
The other girl smiled and returned the hug. "I'm great. I was just telling Kurt that I would be coming in tonight to relieve you." Remy came up behind Rogue and she returned to his side, snaking her arm through his. Confusion clouded Kitty's features but her smile persisted. "I take it that I missed a lot while I was gone?"
"It seems that I have missed something as well," Kurt added, eying his sister's glittering finger.
Holding her head up high, Rogue regarded her brother. She held out her left hand so Kurt and Kitty could get a better look. "We got married today, and we came by to tell you the good news."
Kurt and Kitty gawked at the ring, utterly speechless. For a moment the room was eerily silent, until Kitty spoke up first.
"Uh, congratulations?" She looked apologetic. "I'm sorry but I don't even know who this guy is."
It was Rogue's turn to apologize. "I'm sorry, Kit! This is Remy Lebeau. We met-"
"-less than a week ago." Kurt finished.
"Kurt," Rogue started.
"Give me a minute, please. My baby sister just got married. That's the last thing I expected to hear today."
She just sighed and turned back to Kitty. She and Remy began to recount the past few days leading up to their surprise marriage. So engrossed was everyone in the story that no one noticed the figure that slipped through the door until the gunshot rang out and Rogue slumped against Kitty, wincing in pain. Kurt immediately pulled a pistol from behind the counter but quickly dropped it when he was hit in the shoulder. After helping to lower Rogue to the floor and shielding both her and Kitty with his body, Remy turned and looked for their assailant. When he spotted the figure holding two revolvers, his face visibly paled. "No," he whispered.
"Who is that?" Kitty asked, speaking low behind his kneeling form.
"Belladonna." He supplied through gritted teeth. "She's the crazy witch I dated until she killed my brother."
"I heard that," Belladonna said, keeping both guns trained on him.
"What are you doing here, Belle?" Remy demanded, his temper growing rapidly.
"You said you didn't want to be with me anymore because of what happened to your brother. Now I know the real reason."
"It's not like that and you know it! You killed my brother in cold blood!"
"That's only because I thought you killed Julien!"
"Julien is not dead and he attacked me first! He wasn't even pronounced dead at the hospital before you went after Henri!"
"I didn't think he was going to make it!"
"Well he did and now I have no brother! AND NOW YOU HAVE JUST SHOT MY WIFE!" Remy's eyes glowed a bright red. Fear flickered in Belle's eyes.
"You don't love her!" she pleaded. "You love me!"
"No," he replied coldly. "You have that backwards. I HATE you. You are nothing but a crazy, vindictive-"
Before he could finish his rant, one of Belle's guns went off and he was shot in the side. He teetered back a little but did not fall.
"Enough!" Kurt cried and pulled the trigger. Belle stumbled to the ground after three bullets pierced her chest, staining her blouse with a dark shade of red.
"Kitty, find a doctor!" Kurt ordered as he jumped the bar and strode over to Belle, keeping his gun pointed at her in case she moved.
"I think it may be too late . . ."
"I don't care! Just go!"
Kitty ran out of the room and Remy moved to cradle Rogue in his arms. Their blood pooled together on the floor but Remy took no notice.
"Rogue," he croaked weakly, "stay with me."
Her eyes were a bit glazed over but she still spoke. "Is it supposed to happen like this . . . ? . . . we were so close this time . . . when will our love be enough . . .?"
Blood began to dribble down her cheek and his own head began to lighten at the loss in blood, but he took no notice. "No! It's more than enough. You just gotta stay with me . . ."
She looked into his eyes. "Tell Kurt goodbye for me . . ."
"God, no . . ."
"We'll find each other again . . . maybe . . . in another lifetime . . ."
"In every lifetime . . . I'll love you . . ."
"I'll find you . . . I . . . love . . . you . . ."
Kitty returned to see Kurt looking nearly catatonic. The loss of his twin sister was too much and the shock swiftly overcame him.
Remy howled in anguish. "I will find you, my love, in every lifetime, until we can finally be together," he whispered one last time before he passed out from the loss of blood.
He never woke up.
**********
*A dropped ring usually serves as a bad omen over the marriage.
The Bible owns the passage from Corinthians.
To the wonderful reviewers: Thanks for all the words of encouragement!