The Truth Hurts
Chapter XV: Waiting: Creed
By: Michelle
Remy twirled one his cards in his hand as he waited for Rogue to come down to the recreation room. He slipped the card back into his deck and proceeded to shuffle it. As he saw her coming down the stairs, he slipped in shuffling, causing the cards to fly everywhere. Damn, she be beautiful. She had one gloved hand on the railing and tucked a lock of her straight wet hair behind her ear with the other. Her navy blue tee clung tightly to her with the sleeves long enough to meet her almost shoulder high black gloves. Must be a shirt Logan got for her, he thought to himself noting the gray wolf on the front. The black jeans hugged her hips and flared around her navy platform shoes. He could hear her chain belt dangling around her slim waist and along her side. Remy maybe da thief, but she dun stole ma heart.[1]
Rogue looked around the recreation room as she walked down the stairs. The younger students were playing fooze ball, Nintendo and various other games in the room on the left. In the right, everyone else waited in front of the TV for the debate to come on.
Kurt sat on one side of the couch with Ororo leaning against him and holding and squeezing hands. They are so cute together. They are like the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. They are perfect for each other. He better not chicken out or I'll kick his butt. And she better say YES.
Kitty and Jubilee sat on the other side of the couch signaling the spot they saved for her. Piotr sat in a nearby chair gazing hopelessly at Kitty with his drawing notebook in hand. Poor Piotr. The only one who didn't realize his feelings for Kitty was Kitty herself.
Kitty was too busy dreaming in la la land to take notice of him. I can't believe Kitty is still hoping she actually has a shot with Kurt. Never mind. I can. She is going to die when she finds out he is going to propose to Ms. Munroe tonight.
Jubilee's smile shone like her bright yellow jacket. She is in another world as well. Probably dreaming about Logan. I'm glad I got over my crush on him. I wonder if I looked that goofy when I thought about Logan.
Everyone seems to have the person they love, or crushing on, around them. She sighed. I miss Bobby. I hope he comes home soon. I'll wait up to greet him tonight. She tucked her wet hair behind her ear and took the last step off the stairs. She looked on the floor in front of the couch to find a hypnotized Remy, surrounded by cards, gazing at her. Why does he stare at me like that? She blushed and walked over
"Need help." Rogue looked down at him scrabbling to gather up his cards.
"Oui."
She squatted down on the floor and began picking up some of the cards. However, she suddenly found herself glancing up constantly at him. He's a lot different than Bobby is. He had his black bandana tied around his head almost like a sweat band. His semi-dry brown hair was long in the front with a few long strands falling in front of his eyes while the rest was messy on his head. He reminds me of one of those shaggy dogs. She giggled. He was a Saints fan no doubt. She smiled noting his Deuce McAllister jersey on. Well duh. He's from N'Awlins. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His jeans where not his best pair, noticing the holes in the front, but he was comfortable in them. Plus, to top it off, his boxers were showing.
He still hadn't shaved, but the scruffy look suited him. Bobby had tried the goatee look once, but she made him shave it off. It worked for Remy though, but that was probably because he was older. Bobby still had the baby face, but she liked it. It matched his sweet, yet playful personality. Remy was five years older than them, making him 22 while she and Bobby were still 17. Of course, he didn't look 22; he looked 27 or 28. She could tell just by studying him that he had a rough life and was a man of many secrets, darker than any she could even imagine.
He took a stack of cards she gathered.
"We missed one." Rogue reached out her hand to grab the last card, the Queen of Hearts; only to have him grab for it as well. She looked down at her gloved hand covered by Remy's cut-off gloved hand. He has a deadly touch as well, she thought remembering his ability. Of course, mine is worse. But it's cool not to be the only person who constantly wore gloves.
Remy gently squeezed her hand. She looked up at him and her emerald eyes met his gaze. What ya thinking 'bout chere? His eyes flickered as he began to tap into her emotions.
Oh no you don't. Piotr grabbed a pillow he was leaning on and hummed it at Remy, disrupting his lock on Rogue.
Rogue pulled her hand away. Then, she took the seat on the couch in between her two giggling friends.
Remy glared over at Piotr who was sitting in the chair near him. He be so lucky dere be too many witnesses right now. If not, Remy dun shoved a card up his Russian ass.
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"And that is Emma Frost." Xavier glanced up to see the snobbish seductress walking in their direction. "She's the chairwoman of the board and the chief executive of Frost International in Boston."
"My dad works for her company." Bobby's said remembering about his parents. "She's a hard person to work under."
Damn she is fine. Logan gazed at the elegant blonde walked pass them, taking her seat a short distance from them.
"Logan." Xavier tried to break his attention.
Her breasts. Her ass. What'd I do just to get her out of that slick white dress and into my ….
"Logan."
And all them diamonds. It would be like the James Bond movie. You be Jinx and I'll be your James Bond. I'll make you wish to Die Another Day baby.
Oh please. Emma turned and looked at him with her crystal blue eyes. You have such a big ego don't you. She turned away with her nose in the air. Pervert.
Logan's eyes widened. Damnit. "Why didn't you warn me she was a telepath Chuck?"
"I was trying." Xavier replied. "But obviously your enhanced hearing must have temporarily blocked out my voice." He chuckled to himself. And I thought Remy was bad.
Bobby laughed.
"What are you laughing at Kid?" Logan grunted. It wasn't that funny.
"Nothing." Bobby tried to compose himself. "But you might want to wipe the drool off your face."
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Kurt stared at the TV set as CNN prepared for the broadcast of the conference. Senator Graydon Creed walked into the mob of reporters and smiled. There is something about that man. His eyes portray such a dark soul. He began fiddling with his rosary.
Ororo felt the pace of Kurt's heart rise and looked up to him. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." He lied.
"You sure." Ororo turned his face so she could gaze into his eyes. Come on Kurt. Don't start this again. She grabbed his hand that was fiddling with his rosary.
I can't hide anything from you can I. "That senator, he…." Kurt thought for a moment. How am I supposed to describe this? "….there is just something about him." He sighed. "Something that makes me….afraid."
Ororo glanced at the TV screen with another image of Senator Creed on it. His face was familiar to her, but she didn't know why. He is such a dark and hateful looking man. "I understand." She admitted. "He's a very powerful anti-mutant supporter. I'm afraid too."
That's not what I meant, fraulein. Kurt kissed the top of her head. That's not what I meant, but thanks for being here with me.
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Xavier, Logan, and Bobby turned their attention to the excitement occurring in the galley below. All eyes were focused on one tall blonde haired man.
Senator Graydon Creed put on his angelic face as he walked into the room filled with press, senators, representatives, mutant advocates, and anti-mutant advocates.
"He thinks he can fool everyone with at innocent looking face of his, doesn't he?" Logan commented. Damn, he looks so familiar. There is something about that man's eyes. They portray a familiar look of blood thirsty lust.
"The sad part is." Xavier looked up at Logan. "He does."
Bobby looked Senator Creed as he took his seat. "Didn't he just get elected recently?"
"That he did." Xavier nodded. "I wouldn't even be surprised if he runs for president one day."
Graydon took his seat waiting for Dr. McCoy and Dr. Cooper to arrive. He scanned the senators. Where the hell is that bitch?
He's a man with great hatred. Professor Xavier closed his eyes concentrating on the thoughts of the angelic looking senator.
Where are you Mother? Graydon gave a devilish smile over to Senator Kelly. There you are.
Senator Kelly smiled back. She took off her glasses and proceeded to clean them with a handkerchief. Hello son. Her eyes flashed gold for a brief second.
Logan had his eyes set on Graydon as well. I know him. But why? He closed his eyes.
"Who's this kid?" Logan snatched a picture out of Victor Creed's hand, one of his Weapons X Program teammates.
Victor snatched the picture back. "He's my son, Graydon. He's two." He smiled in pride. "He's as smart as a whip. Raven and I are going to get married as soon as I return."
Logan smirked.
"What's the matter Wolverine?" Victor pressed. "Jealous of me. Jealous that I accomplished something before you did."
"Yeah Sabretooth. I'm jealous that you knocked some slut up before I did." He replied. "Congratulations. You finally out did me." He gazed into Victor's blood thirsty eyes and walked out the door.
Logan shook the old memory out of his head and sat down and began rubbing his temples. Damn. I hate when that happens. He looked over to Graydon. Son of the enemy. It didn't surprise him.
"Mr. Logan. Are you alright?'' Bobby asked confused at why he was rubbing his temples like that.
"Yeah kid." He lied. "I just have a headache." Logan looked over to the focused Xavier. He must know too.
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Remy returned to the girls for his next round of flirting. He looked over at Rogue, carefully surrounded by her friends on the couch. It was too full for him to squeeze next to her. He smiled mischievously.
He sat on the floor leaning his back on Rogue's legs and rested his arms across her friends. Now this is what I call relaxing. He looked over to Jubilee, then to Kitty, and then up at Rogue.
The three teenagers giggled. He glanced over to Kurt and Ororo. Ah, the warden is distracted. This is going to be too easy. He moved his hands to grab the girls above the knee.
"Ahem." Kurt interrupted before Remy made his move.
He be no fun. He folded his arms. Remy can Look, but no touch. But, no one said nothing about the girls touching. Suddenly a smiled extended across his face. Time for plan B.
Remy groaned and faked an attempt to massage his neck and shoulders. He could hear the girl whispering and giggle about him.
Rogue placed her gloved hands on each shoulder and proceeded to massage around his neck, while Kitty and Jubilee began massaging his biceps.
Damn, I'm good. Dis be da good life. Remy surrendered to her touch. Chere give one good massage.
I don't believe this. Piotr watched in jealous as Remy charmed the girls to worship the ground he walked on. How does that son of a bitch do it?
Calm down Kurt. Ororo sensed the tension in her boyfriend.
Kurt looked down at her and pulled her closer to him. "Alright." He whispered to her. "But if he makes one move I'll…"
She silenced him kissing him lightly on the lips.
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Xavier concentrated on the thoughts of Senator Graydon Creed.
Twelve year old Graydon sobbed in his hands as he sat on the bed of his adopted parents' home. Why didn't they love me? I was a good son. I listened to everything they said. I made good grades. I helped out when I could. Why didn't they love me?
His eyes tighten at the thoughts of his father. Father, I know I never got to see you as much as I'd liked, but I thought you loved me. I wanted to be like you: tall, strong, and fearless.
Mother. Tears flowed like rivers down his cheeks. Do you love me? Did you do this to the other? Did you love him, and give him up? Was he like me? Not perfect enough for you.
Why did I have to be a human? If I was a shape shifter, would you have given me up? If I was a blood thirsty beast, would you have given me up? Why? Why? I do not understand. Aren't parents supposed to love their children?
These wounds won't seem to heal…This pain is just too real….There's just too much that time cannot erase…[2]
Thinking about them, the parents who left him behind, made him hurt even more.
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams….Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me…[3]
His eyes shot wide open and his hands left his face. He sat with a distance look in his eyes. I HATE YOU. I hate ALL of you. You will pay. I will make you suffer, like you have made me.
Xavier removed his link with Graydon's mind. He looked over to the senators for her.
Senator Kelly finished cleaning her glasses and placed them back on. She was the center of all confusion and chaos, full of magnificence, power and beauty. She was truly a mystique.
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Remy closed his eyes and relaxed in the attention he was receiving form the girls, especially Rogue. Remy dun died and gone to heaven. As her gloved hands massaged him, it felt like everything was being lifted off his shoulders: all the pain and suffering he caused, all the broken vows he made, all the shame and humiliation he caused. All of it disappeared for that brief moment.
Rogue glanced up at the TV set as she massaged. "Look! There's Bobby, Logan, and the Professor!" She exclaimed as the cameras scanned the audience at the gathering conference.
Oh Fuck. Remy felt Rogue and the other girls forget about his massage and talk about the 'brief' second their friends were on TV.
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Xavier studied Senator Kelly. What are you hiding besides your appearance Mystique? His focus on her stopped before he began scanning her mind.
Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy walked into the galley. He was one of the last persons one would expect to debate against a man as cunning as Senator Creed. He was a teacher and biochemist, while Graydon was a snake-like lawyer and senator.
Xavier smiled as his former student walked in the galley. Hello Hank.
Hello Professor. Hank smiled and glanced around the room for his former teacher. As he sat down, he spotted Xavier with a teenage boy and buff, scruffy looking man. It's nice to see you again. I see you have brought some company.
Indeed I have. Xavier replied back. We are all going to have to get together so I can introduce you.
How about for lunch. Hank smiled. After the debate.
Lunch it is.
"Hey Chuck?" Logan whined. "When the hell is this damn thing going to start?"
"In a few minutes." Xavier replied, signaling good luck to Hank. "Have patience."
Easier said than done. Logan leaned back comfortably in his chair and closed his eyes.
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Kitty looked at the TV screen as it focused again on Senator Creed. "Like Mr. Wagner, that guy like totally looks like you." She said and looked at her teacher. They have the same chin, nose, and smile. "Ya'll could like totally be brothers."
Kurt felt uncomfortable about that thought. Yeah right. There is no way Senator Creed could be related to me. He's such a sinister looking man. He tried to get the thought out of his head, but for some reason he couldn't. It was haunting him now, haunting him like a bad dream.
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Magneto, Sabretooth, and Pyro studied the TV screen.
"He looks more like you than I thought, Sabretooth." Magneto said as the image of Graydon Creed appeared on the screen again.
Sabretooth growled. "Maybe, but he has his mother's personality."
"You mean her agility and integrity."
"Ha." He grunted. "More like her sly, selfish, and cunning nature."
Magneto smiled at the comment. "That too."
Sabretooth closed his eyes.
"It's been almost three years." He looked down at the 18 month old boy clinging to Raven. "So you're married now."
"No." She replied picking up the boy.
"Then, who is this from." He asked not sure he really wanted to know.
She smiled. "Take one guess."
He carefully looked over the boy. He had many of his mother's features: her chin, her nose, her smile. However, the boy had his blonde hair and dark merciless eyes.
He growled under his breath.
"It wasn't meant to be, Raven" He tried comforting his lover. "The X-gene didn't pass on to him. There was nothing we could do about it."
She stared angrily at him. "Bull shit. The X-gene comes from the male. AND YOU DIDN'T PASS IT YOU SON OF A BITCH."
"So this is my fault." He growled at her. "REMEMBER, I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS. YOU WERE THE ONE WHO INSISTED TO REPLACE THE ONE YOU LOST. YOU USED ME RAVEN. I WAS JUST A TOOL IN YOUR SICK TWISTED LITTLE GAME."
"So NOW it's MY FAULT." She snapped back. "Remember that day on the mountain. I believe it was you who wanted me." She altered her appearance into his rival, claws and all. "Just to piss Logan off." She said in his voice.
"This has nothing to do with that." He growled as she changed back. He watched as her heart seemed to shatter into a million pieces. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Graydon is not one of us. He never will be. He'll never accept us. He's a human. You have to accept that. His world is against ours. I know you know that. We had no choice."
"I know." She closed her eyes. "And one day he'll come against us."
"And we'll have to stop him, regardless." He growled. "Regardless if he is our son or not."
Sabretooth dug his claws into the chair. Regardless if he's our son or not.
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Ororo smiled as Dr. Hank McCoy's image flashed on the screen.
"What?" Kurt asked wondering what she was so excited about.
"It's Beast." She replied. "He used to be a student with Jean, Scott, and I. He left to become a biochemist when we all became teachers here." She continued smiling. "I completely forgot that he was the one debating against Senator Creed."
He looks too nice of a guy to be called Beast, Kurt thought to himself. If anything, I'm the one who should be called Beast. "So vhy do you call him Beast?"
"It was his nickname when he was playing football." She replied and snuggled up against him.
Rogue listened to the conversation and looked at Dr. McCoy on the screen. He seems like a cool guy, especially when you compare him to that Senator Graydon Creed guy.
Graydon Creed. Where have I heard that name before? Rogue closed her eyes.
"Who's this boy, Momma Raven?" Seven year old Marie asked digging through her adoptive mother's personally box of pictures and keepsakes.
"That's Graydon Creed." Raven, disguised as a woman with long brown hair, answered. "He is my son."
Marie studied the picture. He looks a lot like her adopted mother. He had her chin, her nose, and her smile, but his blonde hair and dark eyes must have come form his father. "What happened to him?"
Raven's eyes widened at the question and lied. "Umm…he lives with his Dad."
"Oh." Marie continued to flip through the items in the box, when she came across two Ziploc bags: one with a jet black curl and the other with a straight blonde lock like the boy in the picture seemed to have. Before she could pick them out to look at them closer, Raven took the box away from her.
"You little rogue." She fussed. "You should not be digging so much."
"Sorry, Momma Raven."
Rogue began rubbing her temples.
"Are you alright, Rogue?" Jubilee asked concerned about her friend.
"I'm just a little light-headed." She replied. "I didn't eat anything since this morning."
Remembering her fall this morning, Remy turned around and looked up at her. "Ya want Remy to git ya something to eat, chere?" And some Advil?
"Yes, Please."
Remy hopped up, pulled up his baggy jeans, and went to get her lunch.
Rogue took a deep breath. If Senator Creed is Momma Raven's son, does this make me his sister? She felt a chill run down her spine. Now I know how Kurt was feeling when he found out Mystique was his real mother.
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Bobby dropped down in his seat next to Logan.
"You need to relax Kid." Logan said to him without opening his eyes.
"I know." Bobby admitted. "But I can't stop thinking about her. I'm glad I am here with the Professor and all, but I'd rather be at home watching the debate with her."
"So you can freeze up Remy when he tries to make a move." He replied and grunted. "You need to relax Iceman, before you give yourself frostbite."
Bobby let out a deep breath. "I care about her Mr. Logan." I think I love her.
"I know you do." He answered. "Elf's probably watching Remy's every move. So, take chill out and relax cuz you're getting on my nerves." Damn kids in love.
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"Here ya go chere?" Remy handed her a drink and a plate with a sandwich and chips.
"Thanks." Rogue sat on the floor, for the safety of her friends, and pulled off the glove on her right hand.
"Betta?" Remy asked as she began eating.
She nodded with a mouthful of food.
Piotr glanced at Rogue and Remy sitting on the floor. Bobby would shit ice cubes if he knew about the events that occurred this first part of the day. He turned the page in his notebook and began sketching the two.
"Oh." Kurt remembered and turned to Ororo. "Derek (Evan's father) left a message on the answer machine this morning."
"What'd he say?" Ororo asked wondering why her brother-in-law called knowing she would be teaching.
"He said something about taking Vi (Evan's mother) to the doctor." Kurt replied. "So, they will be pick Evan up this evening and eat dinner here with everyone."
"That will be nice." She smiled. "I need to talk to Vi about something anyway."
Their conversation came to a halt as listened to the debate begin.
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The audience in the galley became silent as blonde haired woman stood at the podium to announce the debate.
"Good day to everyone. I am Dr. Valerie Cooper" She said proudly. "Director of the United States Government's Department of Mutant Affairs." She paused allowing the cameras to flash her blind. "This debate is to shred some light on the current issue of mutants in our nation and to argue about the proposed Mutant Registration and Mutant Freedom Acts. So, Dr. McCoy and Senator Creed. Please enlighten us."
[1] I read this quote off one of the websites I was researching on.
[2] Evanescence, My Immortal
[3] Evanescence, My Immortal