F.Y.I. – In case you're keeping track, 6 days have passed, according to the letter date.
Disclaimer: What do I own?? Nada. Especially not Marvel's X-Men. Damnit. I was so close!! Well, not really…
"talking" - 'thinking' - foreign languages/written words
Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries
by, Caliente
10/24/03
Bonjour Tante Mattie,
Figured I better write you before you call here and give me an earful about how I haven't kept in touch. Life in the mansion is stranger than any other place I've ever been. The people here are crazier than Pyro. Well, maybe not. I don't wanna think about that boy. The homme's an enemy now. Makes me sad but we were never close. His obsession with fire and devotion to Magneto made him too dangerous to get close to. Petey was like me. Stuck with Mags 'cause he tricked us. Shoulda known anybody who could get me outta New Orleans would be a shady character. I was just a foolish boy. Heh. Probly still am.
Felt bad about just sitting by during the big A-poc battle. Not like I could help it though. My father and I have issues; you know the story, so I think I can leave it at that. Some things shouldn't be written down. But, if I had had a choice, I woulda helped. Can't believe Mags is teaching the New Recruits now. It's so out of character. He's different now. And with the Speedster and his sister gone, he seems sad too. I just hope the kids are okay. Their lives were really fucked up by him. Heard something from an old friend about them joining with a new government group. A part of S.H.I.E.L.D. I think it's called the Avengers. Either way, the Prof knows their safe. And he told the Magster so he's satisfied.
'Nuff about that. Let's talk about the important stuff. The filles. Gotta love the filles. Let's go alphabetically. Betsy – equal in beauty and deadliness. She and I have been casually dating for a couple weeks. She doesn't really like me or nothing. I'm pretty sure she likes Wings. In fact, I'd say it's a certifiable fact. Not like I really care. Just trying to make another femme jealous. Not that it's working. Cecilia – an almost unknown entity. She hardly leaves the lab. I don't think she likes mutants very much. And she seems bitter about being one. She's cute and all, but a little bitter and old for me. Plus I think she and Henry are starting something. Jean – the vivacious redhead. She's sweet 'nuff but her and ol' one-eye have this sickeningly sweet romance going on. Barf. She's fun to flirt with because she gets this cute blush and it pisses Cyke off. Nothing more fun than pissing Cyke off. Kitty – cute little Valley girl. There's the one that Petey's got his sights set on. He used to sketch her when we lived at Mags base. There's another sickeningly sweet romance waiting to happen. Too bad he won't make a move. "But Remy, she's too young for me. And as innocent as my little snowflake." Honestly, the guy is torturing himself. Mon Dieu! Just ask the fille out, mon ami. Ororo – warm mother figure. Don't get me wrong, she's still very attractive. It's just that she's got this old soul thing going on. Plus she knows you, which means she's heard all the embarrassing Remy stories. Don't need to go there. Love to annoy her by calling her "Stormy" though.
Best for last, Rogue – the untouchable Southern belle. Mon Dieu, there's a fille. She's possibly the most belle femme I've ever laid eyes on. That's not the only reason I like her though. She has this determination and independence that makes her a strong person. And she's overcome so much just to try to lead a normal life. She's something really special. But she's not interested. Not in the least. She spends most her time working with Cyke on team leader junk. Pshaw. If Cyke wasn't such a lovesick puppy over Jean, I'd suspect fowl play. Then there's the way Warren is always looking at her. What's his deal? He's half the reason I asked Bets out. I was hoping that he'd get jealous and stop sniffing around her. No such luck. At least she hasn't noticed his obvious attention. And then there's her strange friendship with Bishop. It don't make sense. They got nothing in common. I'm beginning to wonder if it's as platonic as it seems. I tried everything to make her like me. At first I flirted with her, but she just seemed annoyed with me. Then I tried taking Betsy out to make her jealous but she was happy for us. And I couldn't detect any hidden emotions with my empathy. So I tried ignoring her but flirting with all the other girls, still nothing. She seemed slightly put off at first, but now she doesn't seem to give a rat ass. I just can't figure her out. I tried to tease her, like a friend, but that just made her upset. She really doesn't want anything to do with me. Oh well. Don't nobody know how Gambit loves a challenge.
Okay, onto the boys. Alphabetically again. Bishop – Boy Scout who treats his gun like a teddy bear. Takes it everywhere with him. Tried to shoot me with it when he first arrived. In case you couldn't tell, the homme hates me. Flat out, strait up, no holds bar hate. He thinks I'm some dude named the Witness in the future. First of all, I would never go by such a dorky name. Named 'cause he was the last man to see the X-Men alive. And Bishop not only thinks I'm him, but that he's the cause of the X-Men's death. I sure hope not. It's just too confusing and awkward. Kurt – the blue fuzzy prankster. Not much to say about him. He's got his own girl and he's friendly enough. A good homme, just wish his teleportation didn't leave behind that foul smell. Logan – our feral instructor. You'd think we'd get along considering we both drink, smoke, gamble, and have few problems with the ladies. Nope. He thinks I'm a kid. Whatever. I'm 22, not an old fart like him, but old enough to be responsible. Don't laugh. Piotr – a quiet poet in a powerhouse body. He's a tortured artistic soul. Cry me a river. He's got the little Valley Girl wrapped around his little finger, but he's just t dense to realize it. Professor Xavier – our namesake and creator. Not too much to say. I like the guy and he seems decent enough. No complaints yet. Just awkward 'cause he's a spook. Luckily he has morals. Gotta get me some of those. Scott – leader with a stick shoved up his… well you know. I'd be lying if I said I didn't love making the one-eyed wonder squirm. He always goes on and on about how nobody can trust me. Big whoop. I don't trust you either. We don't need trust on a personal level. You just have to trust that I'll get the job done. And I will. Why can't he leave it at that? At least I can get him back by flirting with his femme. He really hates that. Last and one of the least is Warren – stoic businessman extraordinaire. And millionaire to boot. Don't like him. He's always stealing glances at ma chere. Don't appreciate that. He hardly noticed Psylocke in her bathing suit-like ninja costume but he sure notices Rogue in her spandex uniform. Not that I can blame him for that. It's just… I wish he and Betsy would hook up so I could fight for Rogue's affections alone. Not that she knows I'm fighting for her affections or anything. Whatever. Like I said before, "don't nobody know how Gambit loves a challenge." But you already knew that.
That's about all I have to report for now. Longer than I thought it would be… I hope you're satisfied. I miss you and hopefully I'll be able to see you again. Obviously not in New Orleans but somewhere. Actually, knowing me, it will be in New Orleans. Love you. And don't forget; you can't tell Jean-Luc, Bella Donna, or anybody else you heard from me. I know you understand.
Au revior,
Remy LeBeau
Remy carefully folded his letter and placed it into an addressed envelope. He used an old Guild safe house as the return address, knowing that if his letter was somehow sent there it would eventually reach Tante Mattie. Nobody was foolish enough to open her mail. Well except for him, but no need to worry about that anymore. Shaking the sad thoughts away, he placed the letter on his dresser, silently reminding himself to bring it with him next time he headed into town.
Casually exiting his room, he glanced at the clock. It read 9:43. 'Good,' he thought. 'The homicidal maniac known as Bishop would be on patrol around the grounds. No need to worry about getting a plasma rifle up my ass for another forty-five minutes or so.' Wandering down the main stairs, he heard a couple of familiar voices talking in the foyer. Silent as a thief, after all that's what he was, he made his way closer so that he could listen in on their conversation.
"Ya know, yer future stories are actually pretty funny," he heard the Southern belle called Rogue comment. "My favorite is the one where accidentally died all the Witness's white shirts pink when ya did the white load of laundry an' a red shirt accidentally made it's way into the washer. An' then he said, 'Well cher, least I look good in pink, neh?' That cracks me up."
"Yes, well, I can hardly be blamed. I was only seven and not yet versed in the art of doing laundry," came the serious reply. 'Bishop,' Gambit immediately recognized. 'How I loathe you. And you stole my whole chess-codename thing. Loser.' Feeling slightly better after mentally telling Bishop off, Remy tuned back in. "Thank you Rogue," he told her honestly, giving her a hug. "You've been a good friend to me. And I really enjoy our nightly walks."
"Me too sugah," was her equally honest response. She gave him a quick hug and headed further into the house. "'night Bish."
"Good-night," he replied stiffly before heading back out for more patrolling.
'Anal Boy Scout,' Remy thought bitterly, shaking his head. As soon as he heard the "click" of the door, he made his way into the foyer. There was Rogue placing her jacket on a hanger in a closet. "Bon soir Rogue," he greeted her with a grin and a wave.
Rogue jumped slightly, having not noticed his silent footfalls. She whirled around to look at the thief before stating a curt acknowledgement, "Gambit."
His smile faltered slightly at her cool tone. 'Nothing works with this fille,' he realized. 'Guess it's time for another approach.' He crossed the small room until he was close enough to smell her soft vanilla scent. He waited until his demon eyes caught her green ones and stared at her intensely. "Look here, petite," he stated with calm resolve, "I don't know what I've done dat's so terrible…" She gave him a look. The 'you kidnapped and used me, gave me a charged card, and are a complete ass' look. "Okay, maybe I did a few t'ings dat were less den nice t'you. But Rogue, c'mon. Y'have t'let it go. I'm here t'stay. Get used to it."
"Look Cajun," she poked him in the chest to emphasize her point, "ya may be here ta stay an' ya may have turned over a new leaf, but Ah don't have ta like ya. An' Ah don't. Just like Ah don't like it when ya saunter inta Danger Room sessions ten minutes late with ya shirt off just fo' attention. (A/N: That was his "entrance" mentioned in chapter 1) So why don't ya just leave me alone? Ya been doin' a pretty decent job of that lately."
Gambit took another step towards Rogue and she instinctively took one back. He tried again but she backed away once more. Now up against the wall, Rogue had a slightly worried but very angry look on her face as the Acadian man in front of her closed the distance between them. Remy scrutinized her with his blazing eyes. "You don't want me as an enemy Rogue," he told her, his mouth in a firm line.
"That a threat?" she asked hotly, quite uncomfortable with their close proximity. She could smell the mixture of smoke, alcohol, and spices that defined the man called Remy LeBeau. The fact that her shirt left much of her shoulders and neck free didn't alleviate any of her worry.
Moving his face so that their noses were only millimeters apart, he replied, "Non, it's de truth." Sighing and stepping away, unhappy that she had such an effect on him, he continued. "Y'know, I'm a pretty nice guy. I know dat my first," she shot him a look, "and second," another look, "and t'ird impressions were not very good. So let's start over."
Studying him for a moment, Rogue looked pensive. Finally she said, "Why should Ah?"
A wicked smirk graced Remy's features as he responded, "You'll be getting the friendship of Remy LeBeau." Rogue rolled her eyes but Gambit thought he saw a small smile on her face. "And since you're team leader, it won't be awkward and uncomfortable anymore."
Rogue looked thoughtful. 'That argument actually makes sense.' "Alright Swamp Rat, we'll start over."
"Swamp Rat?" he asked, more than a little surprised.
"What? Ya can dish it out but ya can't take it?" she questioned with a smirk of her own.
"Louis, I t'ink dis is de beginning of a beautiful friendship," Remy answered, quoting Casablanca just like she did to herself a few days earlier. That unnerved her slightly. Remy sensed her slight change in attitude and shot her a questioning look.
Rogue shrugged in response. "Ah think Ah'm gonna go upstairs an' catch up on some readin'. Talk ta ya later."
"Au revior mon ami," Remy called after her. 'Guess that'll have to do for now. Better than the ice queen routine. I guess.'
Wandering into the den, Remy immediately noticed Jean and Scott sitting on the love seat trying very hard to ignore Kurt and Kitty as they made fun of the couple. Remy almost laughed when he heard Kitty mention something about a hotel receipt that she and Kurt found on Scott's desk. Seeing Scott's and Jean's faces turn as red as her hair and his glasses was pretty hilarious. He considered joining them, but decided that risking a run in with Bishop would be more fun than having Cyke somehow blame him, he turned and headed into the kitchen. Big mistake. For who was there? Bishop. Shining his gun. And Wolverine. Shining his claws. Gambit almost laughed at his own joke. Actually, the Wolverine was drinking a beer. Gambit spun around and was almost out of the kitchen when a voice stopped him. "Goin' somewhere Gumbo?"
"Non M'sieu Wolvie. Just looking f'r Betsy. Seen her?" he replied smoothly.
Wolverine growled at the nickname, but it was Bishop who answered. "She went to a fashion show with Ororo. She said something about having to 'keep up appearances' and that Ororo 'probably won't embarrass me'. Didn't she tell you?"
"Fashion show. Right. Just forgot. Must be getting rusty in my old age," he recovered calmly. "Y'would know 'bout dat, right Wolvie?"
"Don't push me Gumbo, I'm not in the mood," was Wolverine's gruff response.
"Neit'er am I," Remy agreed. "So I t'ink I'll be going."
"Kind of late to be going out, LeBeau," Bishop commented, still polishing his weapon. "Not doing any 'business', are you?"
"Bishop, you wound me," he answered. "Non, just want to ride a bit."
"Be back by twelve," Wolverine ordered with a grimace.
Gambit rolled his eyes. "Oui M'sieu," he assured him with a smirk. 'Twelve noon, no problem,' he added to himself. "Adieu," he threw over his shoulder as he exited.
"Damn Cajun," Logan muttered after him, with Bishop nodding his agreement.
Author's Note: Maybe ROMY?? Well, maybe not, but there was some fun Rogue/Remy interaction. Also, some the classic Gambit/Wolverine and Gambit/Bishop interaction. Fun. Sorry, was I being sarcastic?? Heh. No worries, won't last long. Okay, you know the drill. If you would please review, I would be most appreciative. *crickets chirp* Please? *now total silence* Hmm… that can't be good… Adios.
Review Responses: Thanks to y'all for reviewing. I LOVE YOU ALL!! You make me so happy, I could cry… but I won't. - Katrina5: Yeah, I thought that it would be more interesting if the couples weren't immediate. The only couple that's solid is Jean and Scott, and that's not gonna last. *cough cough* Phoenix *cough cough* Angst? Drama? Misunderstanding? Moi? Never. Sarcasm, thy name is Caliente. Glad you like the journal style, it was something new for me to try. I'm really glad you like it. And I'm really happy that you like my Rogue/Bishop friendship. I thought that would be an interesting couple. Thank you so much for the review. Hope you like the new chappy. - RahneMan: Did I say Emma Frost?? Must have been a brain blip. J/K She won't be mentioned 'til Chapter 4. Hellions won't be making an appearance in this series. Maybe in the sister diary series I'm hoping to write "Diary of a Mutant: The Massachusetts Academy Diaries". If I do include the Hellions, Selene will be leading them, not Frosty. I know that's not cannon, but they we can do all that fun Nova Roman junk. Your review was quite entertaining, so thank you. Enjoy the new chappy. W00T back at you man!! - Lady Sir Henry Morgan: Complications?? Me?? I can't believe you would insinuate such a thing. I'm glad you're interested in my stories. Thanks for your compliments on my stories. You're too sweet. I'm REALLY flattered by you. Any chance you're a college admissions officer who can let me in?? Oh well. Thank you for reviewing again. Tell me what you think of the new chappy. - Samantha: You love it?? Aw. Thank you. Rogue has attitude?? I hadn't noticed… :P I like sassy, smart ass, flirty comic book Rogue more than moody, broody Evo Rogue better too. I always thought if Evo Rogue could get some confidence, she'd be more like herself. More?? Well since you asked so nicely… enjoy. Thanks for reviewing. - Aro: I already mentioned my soup comments in my review of your story… which I LOVE!! Warren the pervert, eh?? Nah, he's just a guy. Too true. Glad you like the Bishop/Rogue friendship, I thought they had potential. Rogue's a great character isn't she?? SO much potential. I'm trying to do a constant upload thing. So even thought I'm done with chapter 7, it probly won't be uploaded for a couple weeks. This way I can write review responses and make sure that my plan works. For instance, after I wrote chapter 5, I realized I wanted to add another character. If I had posted it -- talk about confusion. And I'm HONORED that you added my story to your favorites. *blushes madly* What do you mean "Clicked all three??" I didn't understand that part. How was your soup?? :P Thanks for the review and your compliments. Great ego boost. Tell me what you think of the new chappy. - Cookies-n-Cream08: I know I'm cool. Oh, you meant the story… Well, thanks!! And glad you like my "hot" penname. I thought Warren might like the new Rogue, glad you like it. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you're a ROMY fan) they won't be ending up together. I figured Rogue would be SO used to scaring people that she wouldn't notice when people started to like her. Her entry is totally oblivious. :) Here's the update as requested… tell me what you think!! Thank you again for the review. - GambitsRogue: Addicted, eh?? Like the bunnies on crack. Hehe. Never like Bishop much myself, so I forced him to have a sense of humor. Actually, I forced Rogue to force him. I think that Bishop's character has a lot of room to grow here. Torn over hating Remy, forming a friendship with Rogue… his chapter is chapter 5. I gave him a fight scene chappy 'cause I figured with his plasma rifle he's a fighter. :) Check out the ROMY this chappy. Well, Remy attempting to make Rogue not hate him. :P And there's the answer to your question… why are Betsy and Gambit dating?? Rogue's journal entry said some of it… Remy's will explain the rest. And in chapter 7 they have a nice little, okay huge, argument about it. Thanks for the review. Enjoy the new chappy. - Ishandahalf: Yes, no botulism!! I like my beans hot baby… can't you tell by my name?? Muy caliente!! I'm glad my update was quick enough for you!! Glad you love my stuff!! *blushes uncontrollably* Humorous Rogue strikes again. Don't you think Scott needs to get laid?? Come on!! I thought that a friendship with Bishop would be fun for her. Teddy bear with a plasma rifle… nice!! Glad you liked my Warren crush… that'll be coming up more in this chappy and chapters 4 and 5. He'll be jealous of Remy's crush too. You like ROMY?? I didn't realize. And happy that I'm amusing you. Remy's trying to make somebody jealous?? Hmm… read on and you shall find out. And Betsy… all will be revealed next chappy. Her past, her connection with Mystique, her connection with Phoenix… Oops, I've said too much!! There will be some definite ROMY – okay Remy trying to make Rouge not hate him – this chappy. PROMISE!! Rambling?? You?? Nah. I like it. I won't make you wait anymore, here's the update. Thank you SOSOSOSO much for reviewing. Hope you like it!! - T.: Glad you like it!! Thanks for the review. Warren likes Rogue. Warren likes Rogue. Hehe. Too bad Rogue doesn't like Warren, huh?? Here's the update, tell me what you think!! - EternalStarlight: Wait no longer… the chappy has arrived!! I'm glad you're interested. :) Remy's feelings about Bishop and Rogue should be very clear after this chappy. It is, after all, Remy's chapter. Remy?? Jealous?? Never!! Hehe. Sarcasm, thy name be Caliente. Thank you for reviewing. Hope you enjoy this new installment. - msqre: Yeah, I'm not so big on the angsty Rogue. I feel like she isn't allowed to be happy. I think that if Xavier made her team leader, then she would be forced to interact and gain some confidence. Plus, she seemed more confident at the end of the series, especially after defeating Apocalypse. Bishop the plasma rifle wielding Boy Scout. I think his character has a lot of room to play with 'cause he was never introduced into the Evo world. I figured Evo Bishop would be able to grow and possibly have a sense of humor. I know that there was a Remy shortage in the last chappy, but this is a Remy chappy… so there will be a plethora!! YAY!! Thanks for reviewing. Here's the update, as requested. Hope you like it. - Rogue77: Thanks for the review!! Glad you liked the chappy. I'm not an Elisabeth/Remy fan, per say, but I think that they could have gotten together. It's gonna end up being a Warren/Betsy and Romy… *fingers crossed* I think Angel and Psylocke were SOSOSO cute together!! Way better than, ugh, Paige and Warren. Freaky age difference. Ever since Rogue kissed Bishop in X-Treme X-Men #31, I thought that their friendship would be fun to play with. So, I'm really happy you liked it. *jumps for joy like a loser* I think that Scott really is that anal. Maybe it's just me… probly not. Here's the update, as requested. Hope you like it. Oh!! And it would be, español es muy dificil (Spanish is very difficult.) Personally, I think español es muy facil, pero la clase de español es muy aburrido. (Spanish is easy but Spanish class is boring.) :P - Beaubier: I'm glad to make you happy. Jean-Paul's my hero!! Angsty prissy gay French Canadian… isn't that an oxymoron? Hehe. I'm currently reading "Relativity" and I REALLY like it!! Just so you know… Anyway, glad you like my reincarnation of Bishop. There'll be some fun Remy/Bishop banter some day. I'm not sure when. But I know there'll be more Rogue/Bishop friendship and banter this chappy and chapter 6. Thank you for reviewing. I feel like a "darling", hehe. Hope you like the new chappy. - The Rogue Witch: Support group fun!! :P Banners rock babe!! No, Scott's face didn't explode… don't be sad though. I'm trying to make him likeable, hope I was successful. I hope you like my incarnation of Bishop. He'll be in this chappy briefly, cameo next chappy, but chapter 5 is Bishop's entry. There's some fun Witness discussions. And chapter 6 has some cute Bishop/Rogue banter. And speaking of Rogue… I have a theory. I think that if Rogue could get some self-confidence, she'd be much flirtier and sassier, like in the comics. So, I made her a team leader to give her some confidence. Hopefully that explains her flamboyance. Thank you for reviewing!! Hope you like the new chappy. - Rogue14: Thank you!! You're too sweet. Here's more, as requested. Tell me what you think!! :P - SickmindedSucker: Oooh!! I'm in command. Nice. Of course it's a ROMY!! I swear!! You'll see a change in Rogue in chapter 7 – but lots of Remy liking her in the meantime. And sorry to disappoint, but Warren's only two years older than Remy in this fic (24 to his 22). Dude. Homework… evil. :P Ugh. *shudders slightly* Okay, I'm back. Hehe. I'm glad there are other sick minded suckers out there. Here's the update, as requested. Thanks for the review. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :) Thanks again. - Btch: Thanks for the compliments and the awesome review. Diary format, something new for me… and I'm glad you like it!! Substance?? Moi?? Never!! Blasphemy!! :P It IS a ROMY!! I SWEAR!! I just don't want her being all OOC and throwing herself at him. I hate that!! I think it would take time, and that Rogue would be a little bitter… kidnapping, charged card and all. I'm REALLY glad you like it. And that you'll keep reading!! YAY!! I'm not sure if there is more than meets the eye… I'm not that deep. Hehe. Anyway, tell me what you think of the new chappy.