Rumor has It
By Ariesque
Genre: Adventure/Mystery/Romance
Rating: PG--PG-13 for some language
Story Dedication: To Loliatas-Sister for her kindest cooperation on Remy's background and family. From all that I have, thank you.
Author's Notes: Did not really like X23. It was another one of those Logan-esque episodes where his past comes back to haunt him, and I'm not really into that sort of thing. But at least we all saw the X-Men again, and because of that, I am happy. This fic is kinda like Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, but not really. I don't know how to explain it.
Chapter Four: Ambivalence
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1. Rogue: Random Parchment Paper I found on the desk (possibly Remy put it there)
Sometime in the Morning (don't have a watch):
I don't know what I'm still doing in Nawlins, really.
I planned to leave. I even wanted to stick around that rotten Square so I could beg for enough money to get me back to Bayville.
But you know what? I'm still here. I'm still sitting on the same bed, writing on this familiar desk, and if I'm bored I should name it Caddy. Because I'm still here.
Remy carried me back. Hmph. Bleeding and brittle, he insisted on carrying me across the damn swamp because his coat couldn't cover the whole thing. I'd have refused and fussed my pretty 'lil head off (as Logan would say if he heard of such a thing), but I was damp and cold and sneezing, and who can start a riot when they're on the verge of catching a cold?
So I let him carry me inside. I kept my face close to his shoulder so I wouldn't have to look at anyone while he walked. I noticed his chin nod to whomever he decided to recognize, but he neither spoke or smiled. He did, however, look at me out of the corner of his eye and I promised to sock him good if he tripped and landed on me. But he didn't, so I didn't babble, and he pushed open the door to Etienne's room before letting me roll out of his arms and into the bed. Laying on my side, I studied the awkward silence before informing him that this didn't changed anything between us.
He'd do the same for Jean. Or Kitty. Last night, though, it just happened to be me.
Remy said he knew, told me to sleep in, and left. Funny, because I -did- sleep in, and now have woken up to some sort of dress. It's white and laced like it was for something special. You don't think they'd throw a party for keeping me?
Oh god I hope not.
Past Noon:
Merci came in, hauling with her a basket of strawberries she said she knew I liked. Sighing, she asked if she could sit, and ruffled her skirt before seating herself at my consent. Her eyes loomed carefully around the room, a bit pensive, and finally settled them on me for a moment. She suddenly grinned as I plucked the leaves off the strawberry I was eating.
"Somehow, I knew you'd be back," she said, as I reached for another strawberry. She gazed at me, her eyes growing capricious, and continued, "Y' know? Remy hasn't bin in dis 'ere room since Etienne died. Said it brought back too many memories he'd rather forget." I tried to look away from the dangerous look gleaming on her face. "But y', Miss Rogue, y' make him forgit a lot o' things."
"He told you that?" I asked, suspiciously.
"Never. He don't tell me nothing--likes t' keep secrets. It's his nature." She suddenly took up the dress laying at my feet and her grin widened.
"Dis 'ere's my weddin' dress."
I smiled-- shyly, I admit. "It's pretty."
"I want y' t' wear it."
"Wear it?" I almost choked. "To what? For who?"
She sat back, putting her dress against me. "Tonight. We're havin' a small barbecue tonight."
"Your wedding dress at a barbecue? Isn't that...a bit inappropriate?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Inappropriate? I wore it to the barbecue after my ceremony. Thet y' call inappropriate?" I blushed, stupidly and muttered my apologies, but she waved them away as if they were momentary flies.
"Y'll look nice in it; anyways, your garb is soiled and tattered...and I can't fit in it anymore anyway." She tapped my shoulder and I smiled at her, involuntarily. She suddenly cupped my chin in her hand--I would've turned away if I hadn't noticed the gloves she wore.
"Yes. I just hope y' won steal Henri." She winked and I blushed harder like a beet when too ripe. I've tried on the dress-- twice now, and it's so simple, I wondered if it could pass as a wedding dress. But clothes are clothes, and what fits is what I get-- even if I don't want it.
Evening? I'm not so sure... Past sunset:
When I stepped out into the hall with the dress on, I found Emil standing by the door, a pair of white gloves in his hand. His jaw dropped slightly, and I knew Merci's dress was the culprit of it.
"E-E'enin', Miss," he stuttered. He wasn't dressed any fancier than me, but then again, he wasn't a guest. "Remy...I mean, I thought you'd need these," he continued, handing me the gloves. I pulled them on and walked with him down the stairs and into the awaiting party. Henri was the first to greet me, commenting on the dress, pulling at his shirt and flushing as if he'd have to change.
"God, y' look like Merci," he mumbled, as Tante Mattie rushed me to the chair. We seated ourselves outside on the docks, lights strung up and streamers pulled down over them. Moths and flies buzzed around as Theo did his best to shoo them away from the food. Suddenly, Emil stood up, his eyebrow raised and said, "Well look who's finally here t' join us." I turned and saw Remy, followed by Belladonna, stepping unto the dock. I watched, dumbfounded I admit, seeing as she held his arm and their generous smiles exchanged. Immediately I slid down in my chair and thought about John and wanting to order him to clobber Remy for just being here. When Belladonna cocked her head and saw me, she said out loud, "Well, I see y've opened yur home t' strays now, Henri dear." I clenched my teeth, feeling rotten and deduced, when Emil piped, "Actually, Belladonna, she's my date t'night." That made me feel a bit better, though there was no actual decision as to who asked out who and who accepted. Remy then met my eyes, and I looked away, of course, my brain rattling and heart thumping something dangerous in my chest.
They took their seats across from Emil and I, and dinner was served. I neglected glancing at their directions as Emil and Remy talked over me and found it hard to focus on my plate when Belladonna asked me if I spoke French.
"French?" I asked. She glared at me, before shaking her pretty head.
"Oh, y' ain't from Nawlins?" That's what came out of her mouth, but I saw the look in her face that read: Y' thet silly white trash from south an' neglect t' e'en learn French? An' Henri accepts y?!
The thought turned my stomach sour.
"So what are y' doin' here anyway?" she continued to chat. I fidgetted in my seat, desperately wanting to leave. "Remy told me y' knew him someplace before..."
"I...I did," I finally said, poking my meat with my fork. She then asked why I ate with gloves, why I never looked up at their direction, if I was scared. I didn't answer, not knowing what to say, and dropped my utensils on my plate. I whispered to Henri that I was full and needed nothing more to eat, and he nodded as if he knew I just needed to get away, so he let me go. Belladonna didn't say anything until I left, and I heard her voice ring out, "Henri, why didn y' just git rid o' her? She ain't any use t' y' anyway."
I stayed up until I heard each and every one of them leave. I hadn't eaten anything throughout the time I was to sit through Belladonna's teases, so I stole down the stairs, hoping nobody would mind if I saw if there be any leftovers, and found no one in the kitchen. Feeling more secure than I should've been, I made my way to the counter. Nothing. Suddenly, the door creaked from behind, and I whirled around to face Henri, who stood with a mild smirk on his face.
"Dere be rats in de kitchen?" he asked, playfully. I grinned.
"Just me, Henri. I got hungry."
"Oh y' don have t' explain--I could hear you's stomach growl a mile away." He went over to the cupboard and passed me some hotdogs. I unwrapped the packaging and ate, thinking. Henri saw my thoughtful expression and huffed.
"Don take Belladonna so personally--she ain't so bad."
"Hmph," I replied, biting into the hotdog.
"Seriously," he told me, leaning against the counter. "Our guilds have bin in conflicts, but since Jean Luc left on some theft with Julien, Bella's brother, things are calmer. She don fight, and Remy court her when he can."
"Of course," I ripped furiously into the rest of the hotdog. When I looked at Henri again, he was grinning once more.
"So thet be it," he said, and I furrowed my brow.
"What is it?" I asked, not expecting any answer really.
"It's Remy. You's have feelings for my rat of a brother?"
I tried playing it cool. "Remorse for his sorry ass?"
Henri laughed. "Y' can't lie t' no thief, cherie--dere's answers an' reasons t' everything." I looked at him, soberly.
"Okay, wise guy, how'd Remy survive his 'suicide'?" Henri blew out invisible smoke rings.
"It's called a boomerang tantic. Y' fall w' enough rope t' last y' 'til y' can git close 'nuff t' de building, pop into an open window you bust 'forehand, an' if anyone be watchin', they'd think y' went through de floor. Next question."
"Are Remy and Belladonna together?" He grinned.
"I don know. Maybe. She likes him though." I frowned, asking myself who didn't.
"Why do y' think he fell?" Henri's eyes abruptly clouded, and he looked away for a moment.
"Etienne." Of course, I thought, suddenly feeling stupid. Emil said Remy was hit hardest by his death. To buy a gravestone, he said. And I know Remy--when he wants something so bad, he'll get it no matter what. It seemed right--to stay with those who did loved the same person you lost. Henri glanced at me then, a pensive look in his eye.
"Y' mind answerin' my question den, beb?" I blushed, speechless. He saw my blunder, and told me tell him later then, bade me good night, and was gone through the kitchen door. So what to say? What to admit? Or say nothing at all?
This is too complicated.
****
2. Henri LeBeau ~ @ 2:30 a.m.
Heard the lower level rustle. Went down to discover the femme who'd figured out how to light the fireplace. She was sitting on the couch, head against the arm rest, hair carelessly in her face. She wore her torn uniform, which I figured was newly washed for there were no grease marks where they once were. As soon as she saw my shadow, she turned, her face lit with caprice. When she realized I wasn't who she thought she expected, her eyes glazed, and she sat back to bend her head, her breathing hollow.
Concerned, I came around to examine her. "Y' 'kay, chere?"
"Ah'm fahne, Henri," was her answer.
"Something bothering you?" She looked puzzled, so I continued, "It's just that you look anxious to leave." She put her face down, this time from shame and not disappointment.
"Aw, Hen, I miss Bayville." I found myself smiling, despite her scorn.
"Tired of Nawlins? Or me?"
She quickly looked up. "Never! Ah just don understand why yah didn agree wit' Bella. She was right, yah know."
"DIdn't have the heart to complain." We were both silent for a moment, before I decided to speak up. "You never answered my question. Why the concern for Rems? You like him...or once did?" She glanced at me, the emeralds of her eyes sparkling something so mysterious, even I couldn't even guess what this really was about.
"Now, Hen. Ah can't love him. Ah've got myself a boyfriend." I played surprised as she hurried to explain. "Ah'll admit Ah did lahke Remy...at some point. But dat was when he asked his girlfriend tah marry him, and Ah thought...Ah could...but...it got complicated, and Ah...couldn't stand it anymore."
"So you just gave up." She turned on me, eyes blazing fire.
"Ah didn just 'give up'!" she cried, "Remy just didn want me and what's the use in tryin' when yah know yah can't have none of it?" She looked away, momentarily.
After a certain silence, I said, "You sound decided, but can't look the part."
She smiled, wearily. "Ah tried too hard, sought what Ah could, and deserved what Ah got. Yah see: Ah'm happy without Remy; Ah'm glad Ah got John."
At this point, I saw a shadow move from its place behind the hall way door, and I was afraid it was Emil up to his usual eavesdropping, but my heart sunk when I recognized the footsteps.
"Hold your tongue! We aren't alone!" I commanded. She paled--paler than what she already was-- and let her mouth gape at me. After the footsteps faded and the front door slammed, I told her that Remy had been in the other room, listening. With this, she got up with a start of fright.
"Henri! Oh, Gawd, Henri!" She clung to my shirt front. " He couldn've heard mah gabbin'...he shouldn! Do yah think Ah've upsetted him? Are yah sure it was him? Henri--oh--what am Ah tah do?" I gazed into those eyes that shed merciless tears, and didn't want to tell her I wasn't so sure myself.
"Serves him right, eavesdroppin' when he ain't got purpose t'," I finally told her.
"Serves me raiht f' not carin'!" she scolded herself, and raced out the front door. She ran, screaming his name, voice cracking under anguish. I found myself looking in Tante's garden, wondering where he got to this time, but it was all in vain. There was no sign of him a mile around the bayou..as if he just vanished. I'd hate to admit if somebody were to accuse me of caring, but I was afraid he had gone and done something drastic, like fall off another building, but this time, without the rope.
But then I reassured myself--why would he kill himself over something that wasn't his in the first palce? Remy's dumb, but he sure ain't stupid.
So I went to find Rogue--and what a pitiful mess she was, her hair drippin' with new shower and clothes even more tattered from rushing through the bristles and thorns. She said nothing when she was back in my presence once more, but I knew she had the blame above her head, though it wasn't worthy or meant to be there. She looked sore and hard and worn, but from running or waiting, I'm yet to say.
---
Well past three in the morning, we heard Remy's footsteps against the hard, wooden corridor, pounding with blatant heaviness. When he entered the parlor, Rogue rose from her place by the fire, but Remy resisted looking at her.
"If y're ready, I've found you's party, and y' may leave," was what he told her, though facing me. I saw Rogue's growing deplorement, and said, "Rogue may stay s'long as she likes, Remy. I grant her permission..."
"I say, she -shall- leave, f' if y' can recall, brother," he snarled, "thet's all she ever wanted t' do since we were damned t' grace her exsistence."
I was about to counter this fact, but Rogue rushed at me, whispering, "It's best if Ah do leave, Henri. Oh, dis is all mah fault." She managed to hug me before following Remy out the door.
"Remy," I started, but never finished, for he slammed the door in my face, not wanting my confidence or reprimanding, any more than the pretty dame he was to lead to her haven.
***
"This is useless!"
Scott made fists and blew out his breath. "Stop whining Kurt! We haven't even wandered a mile and you're already complaining!"
"But even Jean knows this is useless! Can't we turn back?"
"The professor said..."
"Screw what the Professor said! I say diz iz pointless and I'm going back!" cried Kurt, who teleported before Scott could object. He then turned to Jean, who stood, next to Evan, dazzled with fatigue.
"Are you going to follow him?" he asked them. Jean shook her head.
"I'm staying here as long as you're leading." She was certainly afraid to wander away. Evan nodded to imply he went with whatever Jean said. Scott smiled to himself. A night of searching for a body you'd never recover with the girl of your dreams and a guy you could worry nothing about? It were moments like these he couldn't help but like.
"I think I see something up ahead!" cried Jean. She parted the tall grass with her powers, and low and behold, there stood a manor, simply in the middle of nowhere, lit with a single light. Quickly, Scott led the small pack to the front door, where he knocked. Instantaneously, the door flew open, and there stood a tall man, the darkest expression anyone could wear, on his long, sad face.
"Um, good morning, sir," started Scott, who was obviously talking for the group. "We're wondering if you've seen anyone by the name of Rogue...um, five foot six, wears her hair down... right?" he turned to Jean who nodded. "Right. White streak..." The man's eyebrows jumped as if he knew something, but settled back to their cowering place.
"Y' just missed her."
"We what?!" cried Evan, but was quickly shushed by Jean.
"Do you know which direction she went?" asked Scott, eagerly. The man shrugged.
"Sorry." The door was closed, and the three looked at each other, obviously defeated.
"What are we gonna tell the Professor?" asked Evan, and got no answer.
***
3. Rogue
We didn't speak when we boarded the short bus trip to the Square for the third and last time. We sat across from each other, Remy's face forever against th' glass. Ah opened my mouth an' found words tah speak: "Remy."
He cut me off, though, wit', "I've heard enough, Rogue. Y' needth repeat anythin' or excuse yourself o' you's feelings." Ah grew silent, but dan said, "How much did ya hear?"
His face remained remorseful against th' window as if he'd be damned if he should dare look at me. "Everything," was his answer, almost inaudible. My heart sunk wit' sickened sadness.
We got off at th' first train stop, where we walked under Remy's umbrealla f' rain clouded the early morning. Ev'n though our arms collided thrice and Ah almost slipped before Remy managed tah save me from a pitiful fall, he did so grudgingly, and Ah said nothing for my own throat knew no words tah speak. We walked in anguished silence, before Remy quit walking and pointed toward a small hill.
"They're campin' dere f' de while. It'd be best if y' should git down 'fore dey worry anymore." Ah gave him a a quick glance.
"Yah not coming?" He never ev'n looked my way.
"I'll see y' off here." Still, Ah wouldn't budge. He finally grew agitated wit' mah steady endurance.
"Y' waitin' f' somethin', Rogue?" he asked, trying tah mask th' bitterness in his voice. Again, Ah tried explaining th' situation.
"Rems...what Ah said back there, yah know, it's onl.." Ah stopped; th' hand clutching th' umbrealla tightened its grip.
"Rogue, nothing is simple t' say. I'm..." he sighed here, "I'm just sorry I always disappointed y' when y' expected so much more." He handed me his umbrella, and Ah swear, his face darkened and he turned to conceal th' tears dat fell without consent. My heart buckled, and Ah fled, running --afraid of nothing and yet scared by something.
"John!" Ah was screaming, again and again, for it was th' only name Ah could think about, other dan th' one Ah had left behind. Ah was crying all th' while, but for what was yet tah be said. At th' sound o' my voice, John appeared from inside th' X-Jet, stricken wit' surprise. But when he saw me, he brightened immediately and opened his arms. My heart burst upon realizing my tears were not from joy of seeing him, but rather, from losing another.
Ah seized him in my arms and collapsed against his protection.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Responses to Chapter Three: Not out of Nawlins yet
Fuzzy Elf: I understand, but the only explanation can only be Prof DID read her mind but he still didn't want to believe her. You know, you can only believe what you want to believe.
Mashpotatobunny: You changed your ID name thingy magigy! How kewl--you like potatoes too! My family's like crazy about rice, and I'm the only that eats potatoes, so...yeah. And about the Prof with Jubes, maybe, but it's a different side of him. :P
Guardian795: I don't think I thanked you yet for adding me to your fav authors' list, but if I did, well, good on ya! Actually, Rogue had a double meaning to the statement. Duck, from getting hit by her blows, and from ducking from love.
Ishandahalf: Um, not really. But when I'm angry, I take it out in my fics. Noticed how in Snow in April I added getting one point less on my Romeo and Juliet recitation? Yeah, I do that sometimes.
Gambitsgirl: I'm just happy you read and reviewed this story. That makes me keep writing. This story seemed Romy, didn't it? I hope so...
Disturbed Courtney: Yeah! You reviewed again! Just that I like seeing you read my stories because I love yours! And you're the only one that understood the Prof's anger. He's just agitated and irritated! Don't murder me for showing him angry [it's not the first time I've changed personalities on characters :)]
Yumiko: I hope you've enjoyed reading this. Glad you liked my previous stories :)
Rogue Pryde: I'm proposing the idea of delivering notices when I have updated a story, if there should be another one. Interested? E-mail me if you are at: litteraeironie@msn.com
Special Thanks to: Puddles the duck and Miss Attitude and to anyone else I've forgotten to thank for adding me to their fav authors' lists! I shall tip my hat once again ;)
Any Requests for a Third Journal or Personal Account? If you're tired of this story going on and on, let me know. Because if I get enough of that, I'll stop writing. But if you like them, I'll write more. We'll just see how long it gets.
By Ariesque
Genre: Adventure/Mystery/Romance
Rating: PG--PG-13 for some language
Story Dedication: To Loliatas-Sister for her kindest cooperation on Remy's background and family. From all that I have, thank you.
Author's Notes: Did not really like X23. It was another one of those Logan-esque episodes where his past comes back to haunt him, and I'm not really into that sort of thing. But at least we all saw the X-Men again, and because of that, I am happy. This fic is kinda like Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, but not really. I don't know how to explain it.
Chapter Four: Ambivalence
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1. Rogue: Random Parchment Paper I found on the desk (possibly Remy put it there)
Sometime in the Morning (don't have a watch):
I don't know what I'm still doing in Nawlins, really.
I planned to leave. I even wanted to stick around that rotten Square so I could beg for enough money to get me back to Bayville.
But you know what? I'm still here. I'm still sitting on the same bed, writing on this familiar desk, and if I'm bored I should name it Caddy. Because I'm still here.
Remy carried me back. Hmph. Bleeding and brittle, he insisted on carrying me across the damn swamp because his coat couldn't cover the whole thing. I'd have refused and fussed my pretty 'lil head off (as Logan would say if he heard of such a thing), but I was damp and cold and sneezing, and who can start a riot when they're on the verge of catching a cold?
So I let him carry me inside. I kept my face close to his shoulder so I wouldn't have to look at anyone while he walked. I noticed his chin nod to whomever he decided to recognize, but he neither spoke or smiled. He did, however, look at me out of the corner of his eye and I promised to sock him good if he tripped and landed on me. But he didn't, so I didn't babble, and he pushed open the door to Etienne's room before letting me roll out of his arms and into the bed. Laying on my side, I studied the awkward silence before informing him that this didn't changed anything between us.
He'd do the same for Jean. Or Kitty. Last night, though, it just happened to be me.
Remy said he knew, told me to sleep in, and left. Funny, because I -did- sleep in, and now have woken up to some sort of dress. It's white and laced like it was for something special. You don't think they'd throw a party for keeping me?
Oh god I hope not.
Past Noon:
Merci came in, hauling with her a basket of strawberries she said she knew I liked. Sighing, she asked if she could sit, and ruffled her skirt before seating herself at my consent. Her eyes loomed carefully around the room, a bit pensive, and finally settled them on me for a moment. She suddenly grinned as I plucked the leaves off the strawberry I was eating.
"Somehow, I knew you'd be back," she said, as I reached for another strawberry. She gazed at me, her eyes growing capricious, and continued, "Y' know? Remy hasn't bin in dis 'ere room since Etienne died. Said it brought back too many memories he'd rather forget." I tried to look away from the dangerous look gleaming on her face. "But y', Miss Rogue, y' make him forgit a lot o' things."
"He told you that?" I asked, suspiciously.
"Never. He don't tell me nothing--likes t' keep secrets. It's his nature." She suddenly took up the dress laying at my feet and her grin widened.
"Dis 'ere's my weddin' dress."
I smiled-- shyly, I admit. "It's pretty."
"I want y' t' wear it."
"Wear it?" I almost choked. "To what? For who?"
She sat back, putting her dress against me. "Tonight. We're havin' a small barbecue tonight."
"Your wedding dress at a barbecue? Isn't that...a bit inappropriate?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Inappropriate? I wore it to the barbecue after my ceremony. Thet y' call inappropriate?" I blushed, stupidly and muttered my apologies, but she waved them away as if they were momentary flies.
"Y'll look nice in it; anyways, your garb is soiled and tattered...and I can't fit in it anymore anyway." She tapped my shoulder and I smiled at her, involuntarily. She suddenly cupped my chin in her hand--I would've turned away if I hadn't noticed the gloves she wore.
"Yes. I just hope y' won steal Henri." She winked and I blushed harder like a beet when too ripe. I've tried on the dress-- twice now, and it's so simple, I wondered if it could pass as a wedding dress. But clothes are clothes, and what fits is what I get-- even if I don't want it.
Evening? I'm not so sure... Past sunset:
When I stepped out into the hall with the dress on, I found Emil standing by the door, a pair of white gloves in his hand. His jaw dropped slightly, and I knew Merci's dress was the culprit of it.
"E-E'enin', Miss," he stuttered. He wasn't dressed any fancier than me, but then again, he wasn't a guest. "Remy...I mean, I thought you'd need these," he continued, handing me the gloves. I pulled them on and walked with him down the stairs and into the awaiting party. Henri was the first to greet me, commenting on the dress, pulling at his shirt and flushing as if he'd have to change.
"God, y' look like Merci," he mumbled, as Tante Mattie rushed me to the chair. We seated ourselves outside on the docks, lights strung up and streamers pulled down over them. Moths and flies buzzed around as Theo did his best to shoo them away from the food. Suddenly, Emil stood up, his eyebrow raised and said, "Well look who's finally here t' join us." I turned and saw Remy, followed by Belladonna, stepping unto the dock. I watched, dumbfounded I admit, seeing as she held his arm and their generous smiles exchanged. Immediately I slid down in my chair and thought about John and wanting to order him to clobber Remy for just being here. When Belladonna cocked her head and saw me, she said out loud, "Well, I see y've opened yur home t' strays now, Henri dear." I clenched my teeth, feeling rotten and deduced, when Emil piped, "Actually, Belladonna, she's my date t'night." That made me feel a bit better, though there was no actual decision as to who asked out who and who accepted. Remy then met my eyes, and I looked away, of course, my brain rattling and heart thumping something dangerous in my chest.
They took their seats across from Emil and I, and dinner was served. I neglected glancing at their directions as Emil and Remy talked over me and found it hard to focus on my plate when Belladonna asked me if I spoke French.
"French?" I asked. She glared at me, before shaking her pretty head.
"Oh, y' ain't from Nawlins?" That's what came out of her mouth, but I saw the look in her face that read: Y' thet silly white trash from south an' neglect t' e'en learn French? An' Henri accepts y?!
The thought turned my stomach sour.
"So what are y' doin' here anyway?" she continued to chat. I fidgetted in my seat, desperately wanting to leave. "Remy told me y' knew him someplace before..."
"I...I did," I finally said, poking my meat with my fork. She then asked why I ate with gloves, why I never looked up at their direction, if I was scared. I didn't answer, not knowing what to say, and dropped my utensils on my plate. I whispered to Henri that I was full and needed nothing more to eat, and he nodded as if he knew I just needed to get away, so he let me go. Belladonna didn't say anything until I left, and I heard her voice ring out, "Henri, why didn y' just git rid o' her? She ain't any use t' y' anyway."
I stayed up until I heard each and every one of them leave. I hadn't eaten anything throughout the time I was to sit through Belladonna's teases, so I stole down the stairs, hoping nobody would mind if I saw if there be any leftovers, and found no one in the kitchen. Feeling more secure than I should've been, I made my way to the counter. Nothing. Suddenly, the door creaked from behind, and I whirled around to face Henri, who stood with a mild smirk on his face.
"Dere be rats in de kitchen?" he asked, playfully. I grinned.
"Just me, Henri. I got hungry."
"Oh y' don have t' explain--I could hear you's stomach growl a mile away." He went over to the cupboard and passed me some hotdogs. I unwrapped the packaging and ate, thinking. Henri saw my thoughtful expression and huffed.
"Don take Belladonna so personally--she ain't so bad."
"Hmph," I replied, biting into the hotdog.
"Seriously," he told me, leaning against the counter. "Our guilds have bin in conflicts, but since Jean Luc left on some theft with Julien, Bella's brother, things are calmer. She don fight, and Remy court her when he can."
"Of course," I ripped furiously into the rest of the hotdog. When I looked at Henri again, he was grinning once more.
"So thet be it," he said, and I furrowed my brow.
"What is it?" I asked, not expecting any answer really.
"It's Remy. You's have feelings for my rat of a brother?"
I tried playing it cool. "Remorse for his sorry ass?"
Henri laughed. "Y' can't lie t' no thief, cherie--dere's answers an' reasons t' everything." I looked at him, soberly.
"Okay, wise guy, how'd Remy survive his 'suicide'?" Henri blew out invisible smoke rings.
"It's called a boomerang tantic. Y' fall w' enough rope t' last y' 'til y' can git close 'nuff t' de building, pop into an open window you bust 'forehand, an' if anyone be watchin', they'd think y' went through de floor. Next question."
"Are Remy and Belladonna together?" He grinned.
"I don know. Maybe. She likes him though." I frowned, asking myself who didn't.
"Why do y' think he fell?" Henri's eyes abruptly clouded, and he looked away for a moment.
"Etienne." Of course, I thought, suddenly feeling stupid. Emil said Remy was hit hardest by his death. To buy a gravestone, he said. And I know Remy--when he wants something so bad, he'll get it no matter what. It seemed right--to stay with those who did loved the same person you lost. Henri glanced at me then, a pensive look in his eye.
"Y' mind answerin' my question den, beb?" I blushed, speechless. He saw my blunder, and told me tell him later then, bade me good night, and was gone through the kitchen door. So what to say? What to admit? Or say nothing at all?
This is too complicated.
****
2. Henri LeBeau ~ @ 2:30 a.m.
Heard the lower level rustle. Went down to discover the femme who'd figured out how to light the fireplace. She was sitting on the couch, head against the arm rest, hair carelessly in her face. She wore her torn uniform, which I figured was newly washed for there were no grease marks where they once were. As soon as she saw my shadow, she turned, her face lit with caprice. When she realized I wasn't who she thought she expected, her eyes glazed, and she sat back to bend her head, her breathing hollow.
Concerned, I came around to examine her. "Y' 'kay, chere?"
"Ah'm fahne, Henri," was her answer.
"Something bothering you?" She looked puzzled, so I continued, "It's just that you look anxious to leave." She put her face down, this time from shame and not disappointment.
"Aw, Hen, I miss Bayville." I found myself smiling, despite her scorn.
"Tired of Nawlins? Or me?"
She quickly looked up. "Never! Ah just don understand why yah didn agree wit' Bella. She was right, yah know."
"DIdn't have the heart to complain." We were both silent for a moment, before I decided to speak up. "You never answered my question. Why the concern for Rems? You like him...or once did?" She glanced at me, the emeralds of her eyes sparkling something so mysterious, even I couldn't even guess what this really was about.
"Now, Hen. Ah can't love him. Ah've got myself a boyfriend." I played surprised as she hurried to explain. "Ah'll admit Ah did lahke Remy...at some point. But dat was when he asked his girlfriend tah marry him, and Ah thought...Ah could...but...it got complicated, and Ah...couldn't stand it anymore."
"So you just gave up." She turned on me, eyes blazing fire.
"Ah didn just 'give up'!" she cried, "Remy just didn want me and what's the use in tryin' when yah know yah can't have none of it?" She looked away, momentarily.
After a certain silence, I said, "You sound decided, but can't look the part."
She smiled, wearily. "Ah tried too hard, sought what Ah could, and deserved what Ah got. Yah see: Ah'm happy without Remy; Ah'm glad Ah got John."
At this point, I saw a shadow move from its place behind the hall way door, and I was afraid it was Emil up to his usual eavesdropping, but my heart sunk when I recognized the footsteps.
"Hold your tongue! We aren't alone!" I commanded. She paled--paler than what she already was-- and let her mouth gape at me. After the footsteps faded and the front door slammed, I told her that Remy had been in the other room, listening. With this, she got up with a start of fright.
"Henri! Oh, Gawd, Henri!" She clung to my shirt front. " He couldn've heard mah gabbin'...he shouldn! Do yah think Ah've upsetted him? Are yah sure it was him? Henri--oh--what am Ah tah do?" I gazed into those eyes that shed merciless tears, and didn't want to tell her I wasn't so sure myself.
"Serves him right, eavesdroppin' when he ain't got purpose t'," I finally told her.
"Serves me raiht f' not carin'!" she scolded herself, and raced out the front door. She ran, screaming his name, voice cracking under anguish. I found myself looking in Tante's garden, wondering where he got to this time, but it was all in vain. There was no sign of him a mile around the bayou..as if he just vanished. I'd hate to admit if somebody were to accuse me of caring, but I was afraid he had gone and done something drastic, like fall off another building, but this time, without the rope.
But then I reassured myself--why would he kill himself over something that wasn't his in the first palce? Remy's dumb, but he sure ain't stupid.
So I went to find Rogue--and what a pitiful mess she was, her hair drippin' with new shower and clothes even more tattered from rushing through the bristles and thorns. She said nothing when she was back in my presence once more, but I knew she had the blame above her head, though it wasn't worthy or meant to be there. She looked sore and hard and worn, but from running or waiting, I'm yet to say.
---
Well past three in the morning, we heard Remy's footsteps against the hard, wooden corridor, pounding with blatant heaviness. When he entered the parlor, Rogue rose from her place by the fire, but Remy resisted looking at her.
"If y're ready, I've found you's party, and y' may leave," was what he told her, though facing me. I saw Rogue's growing deplorement, and said, "Rogue may stay s'long as she likes, Remy. I grant her permission..."
"I say, she -shall- leave, f' if y' can recall, brother," he snarled, "thet's all she ever wanted t' do since we were damned t' grace her exsistence."
I was about to counter this fact, but Rogue rushed at me, whispering, "It's best if Ah do leave, Henri. Oh, dis is all mah fault." She managed to hug me before following Remy out the door.
"Remy," I started, but never finished, for he slammed the door in my face, not wanting my confidence or reprimanding, any more than the pretty dame he was to lead to her haven.
***
"This is useless!"
Scott made fists and blew out his breath. "Stop whining Kurt! We haven't even wandered a mile and you're already complaining!"
"But even Jean knows this is useless! Can't we turn back?"
"The professor said..."
"Screw what the Professor said! I say diz iz pointless and I'm going back!" cried Kurt, who teleported before Scott could object. He then turned to Jean, who stood, next to Evan, dazzled with fatigue.
"Are you going to follow him?" he asked them. Jean shook her head.
"I'm staying here as long as you're leading." She was certainly afraid to wander away. Evan nodded to imply he went with whatever Jean said. Scott smiled to himself. A night of searching for a body you'd never recover with the girl of your dreams and a guy you could worry nothing about? It were moments like these he couldn't help but like.
"I think I see something up ahead!" cried Jean. She parted the tall grass with her powers, and low and behold, there stood a manor, simply in the middle of nowhere, lit with a single light. Quickly, Scott led the small pack to the front door, where he knocked. Instantaneously, the door flew open, and there stood a tall man, the darkest expression anyone could wear, on his long, sad face.
"Um, good morning, sir," started Scott, who was obviously talking for the group. "We're wondering if you've seen anyone by the name of Rogue...um, five foot six, wears her hair down... right?" he turned to Jean who nodded. "Right. White streak..." The man's eyebrows jumped as if he knew something, but settled back to their cowering place.
"Y' just missed her."
"We what?!" cried Evan, but was quickly shushed by Jean.
"Do you know which direction she went?" asked Scott, eagerly. The man shrugged.
"Sorry." The door was closed, and the three looked at each other, obviously defeated.
"What are we gonna tell the Professor?" asked Evan, and got no answer.
***
3. Rogue
We didn't speak when we boarded the short bus trip to the Square for the third and last time. We sat across from each other, Remy's face forever against th' glass. Ah opened my mouth an' found words tah speak: "Remy."
He cut me off, though, wit', "I've heard enough, Rogue. Y' needth repeat anythin' or excuse yourself o' you's feelings." Ah grew silent, but dan said, "How much did ya hear?"
His face remained remorseful against th' window as if he'd be damned if he should dare look at me. "Everything," was his answer, almost inaudible. My heart sunk wit' sickened sadness.
We got off at th' first train stop, where we walked under Remy's umbrealla f' rain clouded the early morning. Ev'n though our arms collided thrice and Ah almost slipped before Remy managed tah save me from a pitiful fall, he did so grudgingly, and Ah said nothing for my own throat knew no words tah speak. We walked in anguished silence, before Remy quit walking and pointed toward a small hill.
"They're campin' dere f' de while. It'd be best if y' should git down 'fore dey worry anymore." Ah gave him a a quick glance.
"Yah not coming?" He never ev'n looked my way.
"I'll see y' off here." Still, Ah wouldn't budge. He finally grew agitated wit' mah steady endurance.
"Y' waitin' f' somethin', Rogue?" he asked, trying tah mask th' bitterness in his voice. Again, Ah tried explaining th' situation.
"Rems...what Ah said back there, yah know, it's onl.." Ah stopped; th' hand clutching th' umbrealla tightened its grip.
"Rogue, nothing is simple t' say. I'm..." he sighed here, "I'm just sorry I always disappointed y' when y' expected so much more." He handed me his umbrella, and Ah swear, his face darkened and he turned to conceal th' tears dat fell without consent. My heart buckled, and Ah fled, running --afraid of nothing and yet scared by something.
"John!" Ah was screaming, again and again, for it was th' only name Ah could think about, other dan th' one Ah had left behind. Ah was crying all th' while, but for what was yet tah be said. At th' sound o' my voice, John appeared from inside th' X-Jet, stricken wit' surprise. But when he saw me, he brightened immediately and opened his arms. My heart burst upon realizing my tears were not from joy of seeing him, but rather, from losing another.
Ah seized him in my arms and collapsed against his protection.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Responses to Chapter Three: Not out of Nawlins yet
Fuzzy Elf: I understand, but the only explanation can only be Prof DID read her mind but he still didn't want to believe her. You know, you can only believe what you want to believe.
Mashpotatobunny: You changed your ID name thingy magigy! How kewl--you like potatoes too! My family's like crazy about rice, and I'm the only that eats potatoes, so...yeah. And about the Prof with Jubes, maybe, but it's a different side of him. :P
Guardian795: I don't think I thanked you yet for adding me to your fav authors' list, but if I did, well, good on ya! Actually, Rogue had a double meaning to the statement. Duck, from getting hit by her blows, and from ducking from love.
Ishandahalf: Um, not really. But when I'm angry, I take it out in my fics. Noticed how in Snow in April I added getting one point less on my Romeo and Juliet recitation? Yeah, I do that sometimes.
Gambitsgirl: I'm just happy you read and reviewed this story. That makes me keep writing. This story seemed Romy, didn't it? I hope so...
Disturbed Courtney: Yeah! You reviewed again! Just that I like seeing you read my stories because I love yours! And you're the only one that understood the Prof's anger. He's just agitated and irritated! Don't murder me for showing him angry [it's not the first time I've changed personalities on characters :)]
Yumiko: I hope you've enjoyed reading this. Glad you liked my previous stories :)
Rogue Pryde: I'm proposing the idea of delivering notices when I have updated a story, if there should be another one. Interested? E-mail me if you are at: litteraeironie@msn.com
Special Thanks to: Puddles the duck and Miss Attitude and to anyone else I've forgotten to thank for adding me to their fav authors' lists! I shall tip my hat once again ;)
Any Requests for a Third Journal or Personal Account? If you're tired of this story going on and on, let me know. Because if I get enough of that, I'll stop writing. But if you like them, I'll write more. We'll just see how long it gets.
