Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
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Remy found Anna sitting on the outside steps of the police station. Pulling out a cigarette, he moved to join her.
"Its too bad about Logan, ain't it chere?" Remy rested his hand on his knee, cigarette dangling.
Anna quickly grabbed the lit cigarette, and to Remy's surprise, she put it to her lips, inhaling deeply. Handing it back to Remy she said, "Thanks Remy.
"Uh, chere? What was dat about? You don't smoke.
Ignoring his question, she asked one of her own instead. "Remy, do ya evah wonder if parallel universes exist? If maybe there's another Anna and Remy out there, in love like us?
Remy cleared his throat. "What y'getting' at Anna?
"Nothing. Ah just don' feel like myself. These past several days have been tearin' meh apart.
Remy scooted over, placing one arm around her shoulder, and discarding the cigarette. "When dis is all over, we'll take a nice vacation, wherever y'want to." Anna said nothing. "Are y'mad I didn' tell y'de rest o'the story chere? Bout Ro' I mean.
"Ah was at first Remy. But Ah calmed down after listening to the rest o'the conversation. Ah'm so sorry ya had to see what ya did." She looked up at him after saying this, then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"When did y'leave de conversation between me and Logan?
"After ya told him that Ro' loved him.
"Hmm.
"Hmm what sugah?
"Well, y'missed de most exciting part. De part where I actually chased after de killer.
Anna's head snapped up at this. "Ya what?!!
"I never saw de killer, just heard em'. De were still in de apartment when I found Ro' dead. Whoever it was, de were fairly professional. I almost didn' hear em leave out de front door. I ran after em'; ran through de streets, but I couldn't find de bastard. When I returned, someone had already called de cops, although, I'm a little confused as ta who. I hid in de shadows and heard enough to know dat I was suspect.
"Remy, ya coulda been killed!
"I know chere. I'm wondering why I wasn't." Sighing, Remy stood up. "What I do know dough chere, is dat Warren didn' kill Ororo. I think he's being set up, just like me. He even said dat he didn' write dat note to Ro'.
"He coulda been lying Remy.
"Maybe.
Silence.
"Lets go home Remy.
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Remy had been gone for a day now, and Rogue already missed him. She had found love again, and finally, the guilt had gone away. Stepping into the rec room she heard arguing coming from the hallway.
"Stay out of my head you purple haired bitch!
"Why? You got something to hide Jean?
"It's not policy to go snooping around in other people's heads without their permission, and you know that Betsy!
Rogue moved closer to the hall, in case she needed to help break up their cat fight.
"Is it policy to cheat on your husband then?" Betsy's voice was filled with venom. Rogue stepped into the hall, keeping hidden, but now in full view of the two telepaths.
"Excuse me? I don't know what you're talking about Pyslocke, but I don't like your tone!
"Oh come on Jean. I mean I'll give it to you, you have a good innocent act down, but everyone knows you sleep with Logan too.
Jean slapped Betsy then. "How dare you Betsy! Everyone knows you're the whore around here! Don't think I don't see you look at Scott!
Betsy rubbed the left side of her face, a sly grin creeping up. "Looking is not the same thing as sex Jean. Warren is the only man I sleep with." With that, Betsy slowly took off down the hallway, leaving a fuming Jean behind.
Jean clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and headed into the rec room. Rogue removed herself from the shadows, afraid to enter the rec room now. The mansion had been so tense sense Bishop had arrived. Sighing, Rogue headed for the kitchen.
Storm and Bishop were talking amicably, seated on stools, drinking coffee. They looked up when Rogue entered.
"Do y'all mind if Ah join ya?" Rogue grabbed the coffee pot, pouring herself a cup.
"Of course not Rogue. Bishop was just telling me stories of his future timeline. If in two days, we are in fact attacked, I pray to the goddess that we can prevent our own demise.
Rogue placed herself on a stool next to Storm. "Meh too Ro'. Ah really wish Remy could be here.
"As do I child. But perhaps his absence will prove he is not the betrayer.
Bishop snorted. "You two know a different Remy than I knew. The LeBeau I knew was cold, vicious and unsympathetic.
"He took you in under his care, did he not though Bishop?" Storm prodded.
"Yes. He did. But I imagine he did that with reasons that would benefit him.
"Ya ain't giving Remy enough credit Bishop. He's a different man here, maybe ya should try t'get ta know him better.
Bishop stood up then. "Perhaps if we are all still here two days from now, I will.
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He had dreamt of Ororo. She was different in his dreams, but then again, she was also alive. He smiled at the thought of her. She could fly in his dreams. He had seen her several times. He hoped he wasn't crazy. But he couldn't shake the feeling that someday he would see her again.
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It had been two days since Remy had turned himself over and confessed all that he had known about Ororo's death. Anna and Remy had hardly left the apartment during that time, content on lounging around in each other's arms. Jean had called asking if her and Remy would go on a double date with her. Apparently, Jean had hooked up with one of the officers working on Ororo's case. Anna had told her yes, and at the present moment, she was getting ready.
"I don' know how good o'an idea it is for me t'go out so soon after been accused o'murder chere. I probably lost a lot o'fans." Remy was standing in front of the mirror, shaving.
"Don't worry so much about it sugah, we are going to a pretty exclusive place, if y'remember.
Remy turned, watching Anna roll her nylons up, her long legs distracting him. All of a sudden, Anna burst out laughing.
"Remy, half your face is covered in shaving cream. Ya look like an idiot drooling at meh like that!" Anna began giggling hysterically, while Remy hurriedly finished shaving. Anna was still laughing when Remy tackled her to the bed.
"Do I still look funny now chere?" His face was an inch from hers, and she could smell the lingering scent of his aftershave.
"Ah'm so glad your back Remy.
"I was still around. I can' seem to get rid o'you, no matter where I hide," he replied jokingly.
Anna playfully slapped him. "Ya know what Ah mean Cajun.
Remy kissed her gently, tugging on her bottom lip. "Course I do chere.
They kissed once more before Anna spoke up. "We better finish getting ready sugah, we have ta meet Jean in half an hour.
Remy slid off the bed and began buttoning his dress shirt, a seductive smirk on his face. "Course chere.
"Don' give meh that look Remy. Ya know we don' have time for that.
Remy laughed. "Well, at least I tried. Now come on chere, lets go meet dis new fellow o' Jeans'.
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The new fellow was Scott Summers, the uptight cop that had been searching for Remy in Anna's apartment. Damn! Remy thought. Well, at least it ain't de one I knocked out.
Jean and Anna had instantly begun talking after introductions were made, and Remy leaned over to Scott.
"Hope dis isn' awkward mon ami. Considerin' y'were lookin' t'arrest me not three days ago.
Scott shifted uncomfortably in his seat, answering Remy's question without words. Of course, Scott denied his actions. "No, of course not. I'm a reasonable man.
"Uh huh, well dat's good Scotty." Remy leaned back in his seat, bourbon in hand.
"Um, actually, its Scott, not Scotty.
Remy smiled at this. "Sure thing Scott. Now, tell me how de case is going.
Scott's eyes lit up at this. "Oh. Well, Warren is still our lead suspect. The entire department is sure of his guilt, except Logan. Logan thinks Warren is being framed.
Jean and Anna looked up at this, forgetting their conversation.
"Does he have anything to prove that?" Jean questioned.
"Well, seeing as how Logan was dating Ororo right before her death, he had known about her relationship with Warren. From what Ororo had told him, her and Warren had broken off mutually, on good terms even." Scott glanced over at Remy, who nodded his agreement with the statement.
"Dat be true. It's one o'de reasons I had a hard time believing his guilt too," Remy added on. "So what do you think Scott?
Scott looked proud to be asked that, a large grin on his face. "Well, I agree with him Remy. Warren gave us an alibi that's being checked out right now. It sounds concrete, but unfortunately, if Warren didn't do it, we're back to square one, which means, they will come back after you Remy.
Anna gasped. Jean looked down at the tablecloth. Remy kept his face stern, and simply took a large gulp of his drink. There was a large awkward silence.
"So," Scott broke in nervously. "Is everyone ready to order?" It was going to be a long night.
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"Logan, perhaps we should go elsewhere." Storm sighed, pressed up against the wall.
"Why darlin'?" Logan questioned, looking up.
"Because, we would not want Jean to see this, now would we?
Logan pushed off from the wall, suddenly angry. "What the hell do ya mean Ro'?
Storm stared hard into his eyes. "You know exactly what I mean Logan. Only Scott has been left in the dark about your actions.
"Fine Ro'. So what. It ain't like you and I are dating.
"She is married Logan!
"It takes two darlin'.
Before Storm could respond, Betsy entered the room, heading for the couch. She instantly picked up their presence in the corner.
"Bloody Christ. This mansion is like a soap opera!
Logan unsheathed one claw, stepping away from Storm. "This ain't nothing you got to gossip about Betsy. We all know plenty of stories about you.
Warren walked into the room then, feeling the tension immediately. He cleared his throat when no one spoke. "Come on guys, we all know what tomorrow is, so I understand the stress, but lets just get along for one night. It may be our last.
"Oh don't be so dramatic Warren." Betsy interjected. "Besides we need to be cautious of one another, anyone of us could be the betrayer." Betsy's eyes lingered on Storm's quiet presence.
"Why do you look to me Psylocke?" Storm stepped up to Logan, her eyes glazing over white. Rain began to pour down outside.
"I was just wondering when all of that bottled up emotion would need to snap Storm.
"Betsy, would you please stop this. We need to stick together," Warren pleaded.
"Do not bother Warren," Storm said calmly. Briskly, she walked across the room, heading for the exit. On her way out, she ran into Bobby, who was carrying a bowl of popcorn. He stopped, taking in the atmosphere of the room. Once again, no one spoke.
Bobby began munching on his popcorn, creating a loud crunching sound. "Uh, does anyone want some?" Bobby held the bowl out. Growling, Logan marched past him, swatting the bowl out of Bobby's hands on his way.
Bobby bent over and began scooping up the stray kernels. "Jeesh, he coulda just said no.
"I don't understand. Even if we didn't all technically like one another, we at least got along. It was what made our team function so well. Ever since Bishop got here, we've been at each other's throats!" Warren threw his hands in the air, a signal that he had given up trying to figure it all out.
Betsy ignored her lover, looking to Bobby instead. "Bobby, who do you think the betrayer is? You've stayed pretty quiet about the whole issue.
"Ah Betsy, you know me, I don't like thinking about that stuff. I prefer to be the optimist, so I don't buy into any of Bishop's bull.
"But, if you had to choose, who would you guess?
Bobby looked to the ground, letting out a deep breath. "I suppose I would choose Gambit. I never liked him much.
"Hmm. It seems love will be what tears this team apart," Betsy spoke slowly, emphasizing the word love.
Bobby's head snapped up. "Why do you say that? What does that have to do with me choosing Gambit?
"Enough!" Warren grabbed Betsy's arm, dragging her from the room. She turned around, facing Bobby.
"Because of Rogue Bobby." She was forcefully taken from the room before she could elaborate, but she didn't have to, Bobby understood. What popcorn he had managed to pick up, fell again from his hands, as his arms dropped limply to his side.
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The loud banging woke Anna, as she experienced a sense of deja vu. Glancing at the clock she noticed it was four in the morning. Since she was in Remy's apartment, she tapped his shoulder, trying to wake him.
"Uhh. Ignore it chere, it's too damn early.
Anna pushed the blankets aside, grabbing a robe and slippers. The pounding was becoming louder, and she rolled her eyes. That man has no patience! Anna thought, expecting Logan on the other side of the door. When she opened it, Betsy's disheveled form met her eyes. Her mascara was running down her face, and she was holding a pair of high heeled shoes, one heel broken.
Despite her position of someone in need, she gave Anna a stern look, and without words, scooted past her.
"Where the bloody hell is Remy?!
"It's four in the morning Betsy, where do ya think he is?" Anna retorted.
Betsy smiled. "This is a thief's hour darling," Betsy nearly spat.
"Whaddya want Betsy?" Remy seemed wide awake now, standing in the bedroom doorway, a pair of pants haphazardly thrown on.
"I want to know why Warren is in jail and you're safely tucked in bed!
"Betsy, they found evidence against-
"Shut up you middle class gold digger-
"Betsy! Calm de fuck down!" Remy stealthily moved towards Betsy, shoving her into a nearby chair. "You're obviously not thinkin' straight if I was able to catch y'off guard like dat Bets.
"Warren is a good friend of yours Remy. We both know he didn't do it," Betsy choked out.
"Course I know he didn', but dere is nothin' I can do ta help him, because chere, I didn' do it either.
Betsy shut her eyes; tears sliding down her cheeks. "I just want him back.
Remy crouched down next to her. "I know y'do Bets. But as your boss and your friend, I'm gonna ask y'to go home and get some sleep. Warren will need your strength, not your tears. Y'got dat Betsy?
"Yes." Betsy wiped her wet face, smearing the mascara more. Anna had gone to her bedroom and retrieved a pair of shoes for Betsy to borrow.
"Here ya go Betsy. Ya ain't walking home in those broken things," Anna confirmed, pointing to Betsy's ruined pair.
Betsy smiled, taking the offered pair. "Thanks Anna." Standing up, Betsy slipped the shoes on. "Maybe Remy was right about you.
Anna grinned, knowing that was the best apology she would get from the woman. Betsy quietly exited the apartment, and Anna and Remy returned to bed, back to their dreams.
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"Don't touch me Scott! Don't even think you can come near me after that accusation!" Jean was pissed. Scott hated when they argued, he knew he shouldn't have brought it up.
"I just don't understand why else our connection would break Jean.
"Maybe our relationship isn't as strong as it used to be," Jean nastily replied back.
Scott sighed. "Alright Jean. Can we just forget I said anything? I don't want to argue now, especially not tonight.
Jean stared at the kitchen counter, tracing her fingers around the tiles cracks. "I just don't understand how you could think I would disconnect us like that Scott.
"I know Jean, I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking.
Silence.
"Uh, is this a bad time?" Rogue asked from the doorway.
"Of course not Rogue, this kitchen is a public space anyway," Jean assured her.
Rogue moved further into the kitchen, opening the fridge.
"I'm going to bed Scott." Jean left the room, without waiting for a response.
Rogue closed the fridge, yogurt in hand. "Ain't ya gonna follow her Scott?
"Normally I would Rogue, but everything just seems so tense. I really wish Bishop had never come.
"Yeah, it almost makes meh glad Remy's gone. Y'all know how nasty our fights can get."
Scott chuckled. "I sure do Rogue. Jean and I have bad fights too though, contrary to popular belief.
"So, what got Jean so mussed up?" Rogue took a bite of her yogurt and seated herself on a stool.
"Well, I was trying to use our connection to see how she felt about a betrayer, and I think she may have shut me off from her. I accused her of it." Scott sighed, rubbing his temples. "Jean and I disagree about the whole thing, I think that's why she kicked me out of her mind, although, she claims she didn't.
"What do ya disagree about sugah?
"Well, uh, its not that important Rogue.
"Does Jean think Remy will betray us?"
Scott's throat tightened, and he gave a short cough. "No Rogue, she doesn't. That is what we disagree about.
Rogue slammed her spoon on the counter, her strength wedging the spoon into the surface. "Maybe she was right to kick ya out!
"Rogue look, I'm sorry I think the way I do, but something tells me-
"Tells you what Scott? That y'all are jealous? You've always hated how close Remy is with the professah!
"What about that kinetic glow Rogue? No one else I know has a power like Remy's.
Rogue went quiet. Sliding off the stool, she threw her empty yogurt cup into the trash. Scott watched her in nervous silence.
Rogue walked up to Scott on her way out, standing inches from him. "Ah'll try and pretend we never had this conversation Scott." With that she walked out, leaving Scott to contemplate how he had managed to make two women so angry in one night.
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Sorry I didn't get around to answering reviews this time, I'll try next time (when hopefully there are more to answer : ) ) Most of you don't ask questions anyway, so I never know if I should respond, I'm still not familiar with fanfiction.net rules and etiquette.