Five
From across the long banquet table Kurt watched his sister very closely, she had been seated next to Remy at the boy's request and Kurt would bet his tail she was itching to stab him with her salad fork. It wasn't beyond Rogue to do something like that-he'd seen her do it to Magneto's son Pietro after he and Kurt had eaten pixie sticks and dumped all of her makeup in the trash. "Mon ami," Emil chuckled as he followed Kurt's gaze, "Don worry none…If she hurts him odds are Remy asked for it."
"I know but…" Kurt wanted to explain to his dinner companion that Rogue's idea of finishing something was often unpleasant-aside from stabbing Quicksilver in the leg she had made a point to add pink dye to his laundry.
Emil shook his head and tried to look stern-a difficult task for a young man who looked like an overgrown Howdy Doody, "Non, lasser les bon temps rouler! It ain't every day dat I get a nouveaux ami dans de guild."
"Tole you Lapin was dropped on his head," Theo leaned over Emil and whispered to Kurt, "But you know, if we'd known your momma was de nouvelle thief we'd have never left ya'll wit Celeste to give de tour."
Emil crossed his arms and pouted, "Dere ain't a thing wrong wit Celeste Montmercy…she's très belle…"
"Et très ennuyeuse aussi." Theo laughed as Kurt shivered in memory of the time he had spent with the brunette cheerleader that morning.
The way Emil pouted made Kurt join Theo's laughter-he looked like a constipated squirrel. Giving in to the mirth surrounding him Emil began to laugh as well, he reached a hand out to swat Theo in the arm but only succeeded in knocking over the small glass of red wine beside him.
"Lapin!" A large black woman entered the room in time to witness the outbreak of clumsiness-her voice was smoky and rich like molasses, "I betta no' see you makin de mess of my linens."
Kurt watched in wonder as the impish spark that illuminated Emil withered and died under the woman's even stare. She seemed to grow exponentially as she crossed her rolling pin arms over her more than ample chest, one eyebrow rising to the line of her red kerchief. She radiated power and majesty. "Non Tante…I just…" Emil stuttered over the words.
"Forgot all de fancy manners I worked hard to put in dat t'ick skull 'o yours?" the other eyebrow joined it's mate and all conversation at the table came to an abrupt end.
As all eyes turned towards the young thief he began to redden until his face nearly matched his hair. Even Emil knew better than to try and argue with Mattie Baptiste-it was impossible to win. "Non Tante…"
"Non Tante what?" Both large hands set themselves on her hips causing Kurt to swallow painfully-Mystique in a bad mood wasn't nearly as scary as this.
Emil glared across the table where Remy and Rogue had stopped arguing to chuckle over his discomfort, "Non Tante Mattie…Je suis très desole. I'll clean it up."
"Merci Emil," She smiled brightly as if Emil's continued well being hadn't hinged on those very words then turned across the table to focus on Remy as he swiped the last hush puppy out from under Rogue's fork, "And you Remy Etienne Lebeau…I don t'ink I raised you to be rude to company like dat…give de girl de hush puppy."
Rogue grinned as Remy paled-it was refreshing to see some one put him in his place. Mattie turned back towards the kitchen to bring out the next course and any chagrin the Cajun felt was replaced as he began to turn his eyes first to the hush puppy on Rogue's plate…then back up to Rogue. "If I spilt it with you will you stop shooting that 'I'm constipated' look at me?" Rogue lifted and eyebrow and kept her not so polite dinner conversation quiet.
"Remy does not look 'constipated'…" the older boy narrowed his red and black eyes, "De filles love it when Remy makes de bahbin. Dey think he looks sexy…"
"You mean the girls that like you actually think?" Rogue drawled as she sliced the corn bread in half, "Colour me surprised. I took you for the bimbo and airhead type."
"So you been thinking about Remy?" He waggled his eyebrows and leered as he leaned back in his chair, "Its okay…Remy knows you can't help yourself."
An evil grin lifted Rogue's lips; before he could react Remy found his chair kicked out from underneath him. As he fell Rogue schooled her features into a mask of simpering adoration, "I know I can't…It's a reflex. Whenever I'm near you I just wanna kick something."
From the head of the table the parents of the bickering teenagers watched with amusement. Jean-Luc Lebeau had wisely seated Mystique at his right hand and placed his eldest son Henri to his left so that they could discuss the operation that had brought the terrorist into his employ. Seeing the easy camaraderie growing between the younger thieves and the children of his newest associate placed a rare smile on Jean-Luc's rugged face. Especially the way young Rogue was treating the flirtatious Remy. Sipping his wine Jean-Luc turned his smile to Mystique, "Oh to be young again hahn, Ms. Darkholme?"
"Speak for yourself." She offered a small smile to soften the harshness of her words, "It was horrible the first time around. I imagine my daughter and your son would be the best of friends before I even considered being a teenager again."
Jean-Luc grimaced as Remy picked himself off of the ground and returned immediately to annoying the dark clad girl, "We have a saying for that here."
"Oh?" Mystique lifted an eyebrow in question-the King of New Orleans's thieves was proving to be a intelligent and insightful man-a breath of fresh air after years of working for Magneto.
Lifting his wine glass Jean-Luc saluted Mystique then the children at the opposite end of the table, "Oui, better them den us."
Unable to stop her laughter Mystique smiled thinly and sipped from her own glass, "Indeed."
The sound of a ringing cell phone interrupted the dinner conversation; Remy fished the offending device from his pocket and glanced that he call display. With a roll of his red and black eyes he lifted it to his ear wondering why Bella was calling him tonight-she knew he had this dinner tonight; besides she should be at the announcement of Julien and Mickey's betrothal. "Que est Bella?"
"Not quite," Mickey's clipped tone responded, "Turn on your TV-channel ten."
Shaking his head Remy frowned but knew better than to ask Mickey why she had made the request, "Emil put de TV on channel ten…"
Everyone watched confused as the red head did as asked-it didn't take long for all their attention to focus on the breaking story. Small figures appeared on the screen as the reporter in the helicopter droned on, "This is Action Ten news coming directly from Bayville New York where several individuals are fighting a giant robot!"
Remy's eyes widened as a young man with goggles shot a red stream of energy from his eyes directly at the machine. He could see a black woman with flowing white hair hurling lighting bolts, while a small brunette girl walked right through a piece of metal being thrown at her. It took several minutes for Remy to realize what it was exactly he was watching-a group of mutants using their powers against a robot that was shooting green blasts at them. Most of the mutants couldn't have been much older than Remy himself.
Beside Remy, Rogue sucked in a breath as she recognised Magneto's signature red and purple costume high above the worst of the melee. Unconsciously, the Goth began to fidget with her gloves-some of the combatants were familiar faces to her and Kurt-The X-men and Brotherhood were fighting together against the robot while avoiding the Acolytes. She and Kurt had known some of the brotherhood since childhood-and now they were in serious danger. As they watched the large boy known as Blob was hit with one of the green beams, and was left encased in a matching capsule.
The sound of breaking glass brought everyone at the table back to reality as Mystique dropped the shattered pieces of the wine glass she had been holding. Like the other mutants in the room her face was a ghostly white, "What were you thinking Magnus?"
In a daze Remy brought his cell phone back to his ear in time to catch Mickey's last words, "Bring Kurt and Rogue to the Eglise….we have to talk."
*******************************
"Would it be too much to ask you not to dress like you're en d'oeuil?" Bella sauntered into Mickey's room as the other girl sat at her vanity watching in the mirror. Like Mickey the room was orderly and neat-rich slate grey carpet, grey and black striped walls bordered with silver, a small selection of photographs-but it told you little about the person who inhabited the four walls; "I mean you're annoucin' your engagement…not attendin' a funeral."
Mickey's frown deepened as Bella sat herself on the edge of the black covered bed; tonight of all nights she should have been cheerful-it wasn't like getting married was the end of the world-it would make them sisters in truth, "That depends entirely on whose prospective you view this from Bella."
Sticking her tongue out, Bella shook some of her long hair and watched Mickey's spine stiffen at the mention of the engagement, "You tellin' me dat marryin' my frère is that bad?"
"No," Mickey snapped in a tone that implied the exact opposite; "I don't like having the Guild deciding my life for me. This is a decision that I should have made on my own…at a much later date."
Bella crossed one lean tanned leg over the other and set her violet eyes on the other girl-this was more than Mickey ever confided in her; normally Remy was the custodian of Mickey's secrets, "It's not like you're the only one who dey tole who to marry."
With a groan Mickey spun in her chair and met Bella's gaze head on-emptiness sat behind those serious blue eyes and it chilled Bella to the bone-that was Mickey's killing face, "I know that. But we're not talking about you and Remy…at least the two of you are friends-you've had time to get used to things and make your peace with it. Even if the two of you are never hopelessly in love you'll come to an amicable arrangement."
"Amen," Bella sighed thinking of the 'arrangement' she and Remy had already worked out-the one that involved both of them looking the other way while they sowed a few wild oats.
"Do you really think your brother would allow me such freedom?" Mickey asked quietly but with venom-obviously she had been thinking about this for some time.
Bella's smile died as she considered Julien and Mickey's relationship-he had pursued the younger girl relentlessly since she had arrived in the country. Even more spoiled and arrogant as she herself was Bella's older brother had set out to win Mickey and when he had failed had used Guild diplomacy to acquire the girl. Suppressing a shudder Bella tried not to think of Julien in such negative terms but his blatant and well known desire to own Mickey was something that frightened her immensely. While she and Remy would never have a fairy tale romance at least they cared enough to make things work. He didn't want or demand anything of Bella. That sort of relationship would never please Julien-who needed to own his women, mind, body and soul.
Choking back a sob Bella shook her head wondering that Mickey cold look so calm and collected right now-how she could have expected the girl to be cheerful about any of this. Standing up Bella took Mickey's hand and squeezed it lightly as a gesture of solidarity, "Look on de bright side Mic…You get me as your belle-sœur."
The smile Mickey gave in return was an obvious warm up for all the false smiles she would have to give at the engagement party but Bella saw no reason to push the other girl for more. Pointing to the conservative black dress laid out on the bed Mickey allowed the smile to fade, "Tell your father and brother I'll come down to greet guests when I've finished dressing…buy me as much time as you can Bella?"
"De rien Mic…" Bella moved to the door and offered a faint smile thinking of ways to stall Mickey's entrance as long as possible, "What are friends for hahn?"
Once the door was firmly closed Mickey stood and slid home the dead bolt she had installed on the door to keep her suite private. Fingering the rosary in her pocket Mickey wondered why she had finally let Bella see past her mask-to know how much she did not like the idea of being stuck with Julien. If by chance a convenient 'accident' removed the threat of matrimony from Mickey's future the New Orleans Assassins would pick it apart to make sure it wasn't foul play. That meant killing Julien was out of the picture.
The deal her father had worked with Marius Boudreaux to get Mickey out of Ireland prevented her from leaving the city-if she did it would mean her father's life. Of course that was assuming Mickey had a way to leave New Orleans-Julien was now watching her every move like a hawk. That took care of running away.
Leaning over Mickey unlaced her boots and carefully removed the knives she carried there-cursing the fact that high heels and boot knives couldn't blend together. Fingering one sharp blade reverently Mickey knew killing herself wasn't an option either-that would mean letting Julien know he had won-that he had scared her. "Over my dead body." Mickey muttered as she shimmied out of her bondage pants before shucking her t-shirt.
Clad only in her underwear and bra Mickey flipped on the TV to catch the evening news before heading into the shower. Turning the volume to a reasonable level Mickey began to gather a few toiletries from her vanity on her way to the adjoining bathroom. "We have breaking new from our sister station based in Bayville New York this hour as a group of teens with so-called 'super powers' battle a giant robot…"
The announcer had barely finished the sentence when Mickey spun to face the TV-it wasn't possible! Her eyes widened as she watched the clear helicopter images coming form the other side of the country. Without thinking she grabbed her bedside phone and dialled Remy's cell phone. He picked up after only two rings, "Que est Bella?"
"Not quite," Mickey fought to keep her voice calm-this wasn't good, "Turn on your TV-channel ten."
Despite his confusion Mickey could hear Remy tell Emil to turn the TV on. The line went dead as they both watched in horror as the young mutants fought the huge machine. One of Mickey's greatest fears was that one day people would find out about mutants…that people would allow their fear and ignorance to control their actions. That innocent people would die. It wouldn't be the first time. Mickey had been eight when her mother's powers had been discovered-they had earned Nora Fitzgerald a bullet in the brain when she had tried to use them to save a group of protesters from some English soldiers.
Forcing herself to breathe Mickey called Remy's attention back to the present, "Bring Kurt and Rogue to the Eglise….we have to talk."
Hanging up, Mickey pulled her pants and boots back on then slipped a long sleeved black shirt over her head. Thinking ahead she shoved her knives into place then added the throwing stars Remy had gotten her last Christmas into one of her many pockets. Still feeling vulnerable and unarmed Mickey opened slid the mirror above her vanity away to reveal her arsenal, taking whatever she could conceal Mickey began to feel a little better.
Slithering into her duster Mickey threw open her bedroom window-for once grateful that her room was over the garage. Careful to roll when she hit the roof bellow Mickey faded into the night.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Teehee…Yes I'm back! Sorry about how bloody long this took me to get out. I really, really am. You guys all know how it is when life interferes and writer's block rears it's ugly head. I promise I will try not to let so long go between updates from now on.
So time for some long overdue shout outs.
Ish – If you want they can be argyle socks. Glad the bonding worked for you…and if you look at it just right…Remy and Rogue bonded in this chappy. Yep I liked the tattoo idea…kind of 'Highlander' I know but oh well it's my story. And I'm guessing it was more like mega painkillers than crack…of course you can never tell with Mystique. I'm sure everyone is terrified of Emil and Kurt joining forces…and we have yet to see how the sprinkler thing goes. I kind of figured because the Guild really is a family like environment meeting Mystique's kids would be important to Jean-Luc…plus it gives Remy and Rogue more time together.
Aro, Girl Number 1, Sickminded Sucker, Animee Addicted, Kitrazzle Fayn, Offically *Obessed* With Pyro, Crazy X Goth,
Star of Chaos – You'd better not let Ish hear you mocking her man…but yeah I agree…he was dropped-it's the only excuse. I hope there was enough Remy and Rogue fighting in this for you…more fireworks to come.
Frozen fire – Yep silly me with my little in jokes that no one gets…I should stop. I reserve the right to kill everyone in the story if it suits my evil purposes…But Celeste is at the top of the list.
Caliente – Hummm…I hadn't thought of the Mystique similarities (aside from the mutation) until now…the hair was purple because that was one of my favourite colours to dye my own. But bang on with the Banshee thing…even though in Canon Mickey isn't mentioned…in my world her mom was distantly related to Sean Cassidy. I'm glad you liked Dumas….he's a chip off of the block that was my VP in highschool…man he sucked.
Michelle – Your sword does not scare me…I have a bigger sword. Perky friends are evil…they are surpassed only by having to work at 630am on a Sunday. And I know it sucks…maybe I should stop writing…
Turquoise- I make no promises…others know I have a fondness for killing off my OCs.
Kazzeh SodaPop – So the other Evo characters are getting mentioned…I haven't decided if any one will make a cameo…but it's possible if I take the one plot twist I want to take.
Peace 215 – Yeah well Emil really likes to put his foot in his mouth…I think he likes the taste. Was the dinner everything you had hoped?
Willa J – Yep it would be fun if Rogue strangled him…but then who would she torture?
Yumiko – No mopey Rogue here…Ye Gods that's boring to write…I think she's just come to terms with herself here. Things are going to start getting very interesting from here on in. And you might have a point about the nail clippers.
Petra Delling – Boo filters…Yay not having a boring 'show and tell' scene. And in case you didn't notice…Rogue didn't say anything about her's either. Maybe they can have a private show. Honestly, it's kind of hard to picture anyone falling that fast…I'm sorry but its more fun to develop a relationship between characters than to do the old 'love at first sight' thing. If it's done well it works (I don't have that kind of talent) or it sucks. If you felt bad for Bella before what do you think now? I mean she's not THAT bad…at least not here-just kind of in the way. How did you see the high school food chain? Yippie for good dialogue. Hope the POV switches in this one lived up to my rep.
Truly Roguey- ROGUEY!! YOU CAME! Yippie…now I can expand my fanclub.
WriterChik1 – Since you like Mickey what did you think of her this chappy? Yep, marrying Julien will suck…maybe he can die first.
LoneWolf – A new reader! Yay! Yep the Xfolks may or may not show up in a future chapter…It depends on my Muse. If I could bring them in without Jean I'd be all over the idea.