Author's Note: The fifth installment. Guess what's gonna happen?? :P There's some other couple hinting fun!! I decided to add in the rest of the X-Men, just for kicks. See who's married with kids and more. *wiggles eyebrows* The section intro is in Remy's voice, just so you know.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters and there are many more in this chappy. YAY!!

"talking" - 'thinking' - .::POV::. - section intro/foreign languages

Sometimes

by, Caliente

Homecoming

It always happens. Fate always give you an excuse to return. Y'know dat you should let it go, 'specially since it's jus' bringing y'back to de place dat contains all de mem'ries you're trying to f'rget. Unfortunately, sometimes de reason is jus' too convincing t'turn down.

.::Remy::.

Nothing could have really prepared him for the call. The call that came to drag him back to the last place he had called home. To his former family. Heh. There had been a time when the Thieves were a "former family", but now they were his again. And the X-Men, that was a thing of the past. But the Ororo, in her infinite wisdom knew. Knew that she was one person he could never turn down. And, when her calm voice requested his presence, he couldn't say no. He could never say no to his best friend. And, even after so many years apart, she was still his best friend. When she greeted him at the outside airport security, he wasn't prepared for the feeling of relief he felt, seeing her smile. True, it had been almost eight years, but she didn't look a day older. Her white hair was still long and flowing, her pale blue eyes still sparkled brightly, and her mocha colored skin was still completely unwrinkled. Remy dropped his bag as the weather Goddess wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Remy," she breathed with excitement, "it is good to see you again."

"Same here 'Ro," he replied with forced nonchalance. It really had been too long.

But she could always read him like a book, and knew that he was as happy to see her as she was to see him. Though she also detected a hint of apprehension. "Nervous about seeing Rogue?" It was more of a statement than an actual question.

He knew that she didn't need an answer. She knew him better than almost anybody else so he simply smiled at her with his favorite lopsided grin. "Nervous? Moi? C'mon Stormy, t'ink y'know me a li'l better den dat."

Ororo shook her head as led him, duffel bag slung over his shoulder, out of the airport towards her Cadillac. "Many years have passed, yet you still insist on calling me by that ridiculous nickname," she stated in an annoyed tone. "I would ask you to stop, but I am certain it would only encourage you." His grin widened as he prepared to make a comment. She cut him off, saying, "But that does not answer my question. However, I will let it go… for now."

"Still stubborn, I see," Remy commented in a friendly tone. "Dat's good. Hate to t'ink y'lost yo' fire."

"Yes," she agreed with a small, secretive smile. "I believe I need it now, more than ever."

"Why's dat?" he inquired curiously with just a hint of worry. She seemed fine, but was something wrong? Maybe she was sick. Or–

Ororo's voice dragged him out of his internal worries. "If you asked my fiancé, I am sure he would be more than willing to tell you."

"Fiancé?" Remy repeated in shock, stopping dead and dropping his bag. "You're getting married?" His shock was replaced by delight as he wrapped his best friend in a strong hug. "Who's de lucky homme?"

"The same man who is going to be the father of my child," Storm replied with a faint smirk at Remy's reaction. His mouth opened and closed repeatedly as he tried to comprehend what she had just said. Storm stepped forward and gently closed his mouth. "I would have told you on the phone, but I was dying to see your reaction to my news."

"Who? How? When? Why?" Gambit interrogated in a daze.

"Logan. I think you know how. I suppose we have always had feelings for each other, but as he helped me rehabilitate from my injuries we grew closer. About a year and a half ago, after we lost Betsy. Why? Because we are in love. And, we are going to have a family. No matter how strange it is." Ororo answered each question calmly, with her smirk growing into a smile.

"M'sieu Wolvie?" Remy was floored. "Dat was unexpected." Suddenly his tone turned serious. "Why didn' y'tell me? I mean really."

"Remy," she moved her hand under his chin, as if inspecting him. "Though I still care for you like a brother, and I do, believe me I do, we cannot pretend our friendship is as it once was. I do not wish to answer to Tante Mattie each time I need to speak with you. And friendships are both ways. You could have easily picked up a phone or pen over the years." Seeing his crestfallen expression, Ororo sighed and allowed herself a small smile. "But more than anything else, I wanted to give you space. The space you seemed to so desperately need."

"Quoi?" Remy's confused expression matched his tone.

"Why else would you have chosen not to return?" Ororo asked rhetorically. "But it is of no consequence now. It is history. And you, my old friend, are here. That is all that matters."

"Aw, t'anks Stormy." His cocky smirk returned as she rolled her eyes at the loathed nickname. "So when's de wedding?"

"In two weeks," Ororo answered with a mixture of excitement and nerves leaking into her normally calm tone. "And I was hoping you would be an usher. And keep in mind, I've already rented a suit in your size."

"Would be my honor," he assured her immediately. Again he picked up his bag and followed her the remaining distance to her car. "So who else is gonna be in dis wedding?"

The Weather Witch glanced at her Cajun friend. "Well…"

.::Rogue::. (a few weeks earlier…)

"Nick Fury, Bishop, Scott, James Hudson– you know from Alpha Flight– and Sam as groomsmen. Kitty, Tessa, Jubilee, Yukio, and you would be the bridesmaids. Rachel is the flower girl, mostly to help Mikhail be the ring bearer. Kitty's already fretting about it, since she's become quite the overprotective mom. Oh, and, I'm the maid of honor, Professor X promised to escort 'Ro down the aisle, and Kurt's officiating." Jean paused, wondering if she should continue or selectively forget the rest. Sitting in the modest home that "Anna Raven", Rogue's alias, owned, Jean took a tentative sip of her tea. It was only a matter of time, really, until somebody told Rogue who else was in the wedding party.

"What? No best man?" Rogue asked, cutting Jean out of her musings.

"Well, Logan wanted Kurt to be his, so he'll be taking on all the duties of best man without actually being the best man," Jean answered, still pondering what to do.

Rogue studied her carefully as she pushed a lock of snow white hair behind her ear. "Makes sense Ah guess," she agreed slowly. "But that leaves an uneven number of people. Who's gonna be the odd woman out?"

"No odd person out. Ororo claims to have found a substitute," Jean took a deep breath and bit the bullet, "Gambit. She said that she will have him here two weeks before the wedding."

Rogue felt shell shocked. Really, she should have known. Remy and Storm had been like family ever since they first met as partners in Cairo. Figures that Ororo would want him in her wedding. But still, she had never been more thankful that she was sitting down, otherwise she was certain her knees would have given way. Remy was going to come back. Home. To the mansion. It was a lot to wrap her mind around. "Oh," was all she could manage.

"If you're uncomfortable, 'Ro said that she would be happy to ask Nick to make a speech instead. But, between you and me, she seemed to really want you to agree. I think that's why she sent me," Jean paused for effect, "because she wouldn't want to hear you say no."

"Well Ah s'pose Ah can't disappoint the bride an' mom ta be," Rogue said with a sigh. Jean's elated smile lifted her heavy heart ever so slightly. "Ah'd be honored ta be a part of the weddin'." She could feel tears fill her eyes as she thought back to a time when she dreamed of marrying the man of her dreams. Unfortunately she had found that man but their ending had been nothing like a dream. Pushing thoughts aside, Rogue forced herself to make idle chit chat. "So, Wolvie is gonna let Scooter in his weddin', huh? Who'd o' thunk it?"

Jean allowed herself a small smile. "Yes. If you could have seen the look on Scott's face…" The two women shared a laugh. "Ororo claimed that as co-leaders, the two were very good friends. She also said that if Logan disagreed, he was going to be sleeping on the couch for a month. Sufficed to say, he agreed rather quickly."

"Ah'll bet," Rogue muttered, but she forced herself to smile just the same. "Ah never figured Logan, or even Storm fo' that matter, ta be the type fo' a big weddin'."

Jean nodded in agreement. "It's true, but I think it's partially for morality sake. People still haven't recovered from Betsy' and Angelo's passing, the school riot, the Professor stepping down… or Hank's untimely death." The two woman shared a moment of silence for the blue mutant who had sacrificed himself with the cure for the Legacy virus barely six weeks before. He had been working to find a non-lethal cure; however, he chose to forego it after his colleague, and good friend, Cecelia Reyes contracted the illness. He saved her, and many more, from an excruciatingly painful death. A true hero. "Also, though it will not be the most traditional wedding, I think Ororo wanted to include as many of their close friends in the ceremony as possible."

"Well then, Ah guess I really am honored," Rogue commented in a far away tone. Her own dreams of marital bliss had been crushed long ago. When Remy left. But that didn't make it hurt any less.

"Right," Jean agreed uncertainly. She couldn't help but notice that Rogue's mind was elsewhere, and she didn't have to be a telepath to know where "elsewhere" was. Gambit. No ifs, ands, or buts. "You know, we're here for you," the red head commented trying to seem nonchalant. "You can open up to us."

"Ah know…" Rogue trailed off, looking out a nearby window for a moment. Then she turned to Jean and squeezed her hand with a small, albeit strained, smile. "Ah know. Y'all have been great ta me, helpin' me through all my bad times."

Jean squeezed back before rising. "Just as you've been there for us," Jean replied with a smile of her own. "I have to go pick up Rachel." Her eyes glittered with mischief, "I'm sure Bobby's had enough."

Rogue let out a laugh, remembering the last time "Uncle" Bobby had taken care of Ray. It had taken a week for Bobby to get rid of the green skin dye and twice as long to wash out the hot pink hair dye. The King of Pranks had been unseated by a 5 year old. Emma wouldn't be seen with him until the last remnants had washed away. Rogue wrinkled her nose at the thought of the former White Queen. In Rogue's opinion, she wasn't good enough for her old friend. Forcing herself back to the present, Rogue gave Jean a quick hug. "I'm glad you stopped by," she told her friend. "It was good to see you. Give Rachel a big kiss for me."

"Of course," Jean assured the Southern belle. "See you on Wednesday for the fitting."

"Great," Rogue called after Mrs. Summers. "Just great," she muttered, with a whole lot less enthusiasm. Letting out a big sigh, she plopped back into her chair. "What am Ah gonna do?" The silence in her home was her only answer.

Review Responses: So, I REALLY wanna thank my reviewers. Y'all are SOSOSO loyal!! I feel loved. ^_^ What can I say, I'm delusional. Tell me what you think of the pairings and what not. Next one's "Confrontation", just guess what'll happen!! - Remy's Ange: Yes, I am very much alive. Thanks for the concern… I think. I've been a lazy reviewer… sorry. Nice and creepy -- me too!! We're kindred. I updated my other fic too. Just a li'l later in the day. *shrugs* Not too shabby, eh?? The Prof is a sensitive guy like that. ^_^ Here's the next chappy, not too long of a wait, right?? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! *blows bells and whistles, then eats chocolate kiss* Good to be livin'!! Thanks, update your stuff too!! - Aro: Reviewin' before school, good time management. Busy girl!! Promised I'd update tho!! I decided Remy's an emotional drunk. :^D Sorry for the short update, this one's longer… tho it's just a building chappy. Confrontation is on the horizon tho. *grins evilly* Maybe a hug, maybe more… someday. *rubs arm from poke* Meanie. :P Thanks girl!! - The Sphinx Minx: Aw, thanks. Been a li'l while, I know. Angst?? Me?? Surly you jest!! "Don't call me Shirly." Eddie, get away!! (Just a li'l bro/sis, uh, bonding) :P Begging, huh?? I feel the power. You're UBER sweet Erica!! - Panther Nesmith: Aw, sorry that it took so long to update. *looks at SoUS series* Hmm… looks like I'm not the only one neglecting it. ^_^ Hey now, it was more than three paragraphs… just a li'l shorter than normal. *blows a raspberry* Okay, so maybe this chappy was a builder, but confrontation is comin' soon!! Can you stand it?? - Star-of-Chaos: Light at the end of the tunnel?? I think I may be able to manage that. :^D But that's not to say there won't be more angst… *smiles evilly* - Katrina5: Withdrawal?? You're addicted to my fic. Nice. :^D Oh, you meant angst. Okay. *sigh* I never win. Oh, you do love it?! You're TOO sweet. *reader rolls eyes* O-kay, moving on… Painfully stubborn?? Yep, that describes 'em. I can't believe I actually made somebody's morning!! Score one for Caliente!! Thanks for the UBER nice review!! - The Rogue Cajun: Together… hmm… that may just happen… someday. *smiles evilly* Next up, more angst. Then we'll see. - Rouge4787: Sad but sweet. Cool. You're UBER kind. Stubborn arses, aren't they?? ^_^ The mission was never specified… I haven't decided how much I am gonna include it in the remaining parts. Who knows?? As for why he never came back, that hasn't be truly explored yet. It will be tho. And I think it's good. - Risty: Star-crossed?? Romeo and Juliet ref. Nice. ^_^ Yeah, they may be grown but they're not exactly grown-ups, ya know?? They still need "parenting". I blame Xavier!! Let us kill him now!! *grabs villagers with torches and pitchforks* J/K Thanks for reviewin'!! - Enchantedlight: Aw, you're UBER sweet!! Depressing… moi?? I can't imagine it. You must be reading things. -_^ Thanks for the review!! - Ishandahalf: Hmm… where to begin?? Well, firstly, I made a li'l mistake with Remy's ange (obviously by the title of the chappy) but the NEXT one really is called "Confrontation". I SWEAR!! *backs away from violent reviewers…* Go 'head and blame Xavier, takes the pressure off of me!! :^D And THANKS!! for being so excited 'bout my *hopefully* triumphant return to FF.net writing. Mattie's tight, but nobody's gonna solve Remy's problems for him… not this time. He's gonna have to do it himself. Like a man. After all, he is over 30. How 'bout that?? Trolley?? I'm so confuzzled. *sigh* I feel outta the loop. Fluff… maybe for the ending. How does that sound?? I read the one-shot, how utterly depressing. I cried. Seriously. But I was also emotional due to my Aunt Flow. :P The world's a crazy place, but at least I have you're review to comfort me!! ^_^ - Jukebox: Thanks!! :^D I feel SOSOSO guilty!! No long waits again!! Promise!! *fingers crossed* :P Angst?? Moi?? Never!! You lie!! ^_^ You're TOO sweet!! No "friction", just Rogue has grown apart form the X-Men. *shrugs* I guess you could read more into it… but it wasn't my planning. :) - T.: Miserable. Yep. That they are. Don't worry, it won't last forever… PROMISE!! ^_^ - Reality Dreamer: Aw, thanks!! You're UBER sweet!! ^_^ I hope this chappy lived up to your expectations!! – Evanescence Kicks Ass: Spiffy is a… spiffy word. :^D I know, no improvements this chappy either. Next one… well, at least they're gonna talk next one. *shrugs* I do what I can. Thanks for the UBER sweet review!!