Author's Note- The story starts to veer from the original here.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Memorial
~*~
"Winter here is cold, and bitter
It's chilled us to the bone.
We haven't seen the sun for weeks
Too long, too far from home.
I feel just like I'm sinking
And I claw for solid ground.
I'm pulled down by the undertow,
I never thought I could feel so low,
Oh darkness, I feel like letting go."
-Sarah McLachlan
~*~
The group met downstairs where Remy, John, and Piotr were sitting. Remy stood when he saw Wanda and Kitty walking in. "Ah, two belle femmes under one roof," he smiled coming forward. He reached for Wanda's hand but she stepped back glaring at him. With a shrug he took Kitty's hand in his, bending and pressing a kiss to it. Kitty couldn't help the shiver that went through her at the touch of his warm lips on her skin. Remy grinned widely, pleased by her reaction.
"Enchanté," he murmured huskily. John also stood and shook all their hands with a wide grin.
"Hey there," he said. "Nice t' meet ya." Piotr simply gave a stoic nod. Sabretooth, who had walked in walked over to them glaring at all of them. He took in a deep breath and glared down at Kitty.
"You smell like *him*," he growled. He turned to Magneto his eyes narrowed. "Why is she here?"
"The X-Men have been killed," Magneto said.
"So Wolverine is dead?" Sabretooth asked.
"Yes."
"Good."
"How dare you!" Kitty exclaimed. The others looked at her worried. Even Magneto prepared himself to have to save the Valley-Girl. She had her arms crossed as she glared up at Sabretooth. "You didn't like Mr. Logan, that's fine but how dare you say that his dying was good. You have no right!"
"Who in the hell do you think you are?" he growled standing over her.
She narrowed her eyes at him. "A person with a little tact, something you obviously have a problem with."
He stepped closer to her so he was towering over her. "Tell me something, what did Logan tell you about me?" he snarled.
"That you were an animal."
"And still, you did that."
"Yes."
"You have guts, kid, I have to give you that." His claws were suddenly against her neck. "Would you like them on the floor?"
Remy gripped his shirt charging it. "Let go of de fille, now."
"Or?"
"Or Remy'll let go," Remy told him a smile touching the thief's face at the shock on Sabretooth. "Do y' tink you'll survive all your clothes blowin' up?" Sabretooth backed off reluctantly. He then stalked away. "You okay, chére?"
"Thank you," Kitty said softly.
He smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling. "Any time de belle femme needs Remy's help, just ask."
Two weeks later
"Two weeks ago today we lost many fine, intelligent members of the student body," the new chemistry teacher announced. "To deliver a memorial is one student who knew them better than anyone." Dressed in a simple black dress Kitty walked onto the stage.
She stepped in front of the microphone and cleared her throat before speaking. "I don't quite know what to say, they were my family..." she paused and decided to start with one of the new recruits. "Tabby was our resident hell-raiser. She was such a free spirit; all she ever wanted to do was have fun. And she was very good at that.
"Bobby, Roberto and Ray were always so lighthearted. They were a lot like Tabs, they were all about fun... and breaking the rules... sometimes. Amara was our princess. She could be spoiled but she really did have a heart of gold, she tried so hard... Sam and Rhane were just so goodhearted. They never did anything to hurt anyone. And Jamie-" she took a hitching breath forcing her tears down, "he was just a child. He wanted so desperately to fit in, to be one of us."
Kitty paused looking into the audience. She finally found Lance who was watching her. She took a deep breath deriving courage from his presence. "Jean was..." she paused for a second, "she always did the right thing. She was just so good; everyone loved her.
"Scott was our leader. He was almost perfect." She stopped talking to wipe away her tears. "He always looked out for us. He was there whenever we needed him. I cried on his shoulder more times than I care to remember."
"Then there's the fuzzy guy... Kurt was fun. He always tried to cheer everyone up, and when Kurt smiled, you just had to smile back..." She looked into the audience. "I'm sorry, Amanda, he was trying to save everyone." Nightcrawler's girlfriend dissolved into tears at that.
"Marie, or Rogue as most people knew her, had it harder than any of us. I'm sure you remember looking at her and thinking: 'what a freak' before you knew about her mutation. I thought that too when I first saw her. But Rogue, she became my best friend. She always tried to be tough but she wanted desperately to be normal.
"She was always..." Kitty stopped again sobbing. "I'm sorry... I just can't-" She ran offstage. Lance stood walking out after her. He found her sitting on the curb in front of the school. He sat down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. They sat in the pale lamplight for a few minutes.
"You did really well," he assured her after she had calmed a little. "They would have been proud."
"I need to be alone."
"Okay, pretty Kitty." He handed her a cell phone. "Call me when you're ready to come home."
"I will," Kitty said. "Thanks." She walked away going to the park and sitting staring at the lake. After a while she stood and began to walk away. Kitty pulled out the cell-phone but saw Lance's jeep coming down the road, figuring that it was either Lance or Pietro she struck the usual hitchhiking pose, sticking out a thumb and hiking up her dress a little to show some leg. The jeep pulled over but to her surprise it was not one of the Brotherhood boys.
"Remy," she said putting the phone back in her pocket. She smiled and sang: "Lance is gonna kill you." Remy grinned placing a finger to his lips. He took off his sunglasses and gave her an obvious once-over. She felt her heart speed up at the obvious heat in his gaze.
"Don' tell," he said finally.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hop in, petite." Kitty shrugged going around to the other side and getting in next to him. "What were you doin' out here?"
"Saying goodbye," Kitty said. Remy frowned glancing at her he reached over and laid his hand over hers gently stroking her knuckles.
"Remy's sorry about your amis, petite," he told her.
"I know. Everyone is. Honestly... I'm so damned tired of hearing that! And of everyone treating me with kid-gloves."
"Vraiment?" Remy asked. "Okay, petite, you want to know what Remy was doin'? Remy's bike is in de shop so Remy took Rocky's Jeep."
"Where are you going?"
"Clubbing. You want to come?"
"Sure, it's, like, a lot better than sitting around the mansion." He pulled into a parking lot going around to open her door for her, even going as far as to help her out of the jeep.
"Well, petite, you're with Remy tonight. You're gonna have fun if it kills ya." She raised an eyebrow and followed him into the club. The music was pounding. Kitty smiled. This was just what she needed. Remy took her hand once again. "Wanna dance?"
She smiled. "More than anything." He led her out onto the dance floor pulling her tightly against him. They moved together perfectly. He laid his hands around her waist making sure that there was no space between them. She lost herself in the music closing her eyes and leaning into him. Remy's hands ran lightly up her sides and she could feel his growing arousal as she pressed against him.
After several songs a slow song began causing the two to pause. Then Kitty moved laying her head on his chest causing him to pull her even closer. They swayed together lightly. Kitty sighed contentedly. She had forgotten how good just dancing could feel. Suddenly, she looked up into his red on black eyes, her blue eyes wide. "Lance!"
Remy raised one eyebrow. "Dat's not exactly de reaction Remy likes ta inspire, callin' out another homme's name. You hurt Remy's feelings, petite." Kitty smiled up at him.
"I told Lance that I was going home after a while. I have to get back. I don't want to worry them."
"Remy should be getting back soon anyhow." They waked out. He went ahead opening her door for her. She got in fastening her seatbelt. They drove to the mansion. Pietro was flipping through the channels.
"You're finally getting your own room, Kitty-Cat," Pietro said.
"Good," Kitty said but it was obvious to both that she was lying.
"Kit," Pietro said his tone surprisingly gentle. "If you have trouble sleeping, my door is always open."
"There are so many things wrong with that statement that I don't know where to start," Kitty said.
Remy chuckled at that. "Well, chat, if you find Mags boy's offer so wrong Remy's door is always open too." He winked at her suggestively. "And de bed is trés grande." She couldn't help the blush that came to her cheeks at the intent look from those red on black eyes.
"We've all heard you crying at night," Pietro said. "If you need someone, you can go to any of us."
"Guys," Kitty said lightly, "I'm fine. Besides, I can always just go to Lance, right?"
Pietro winced. "Have you ever met Emma?"
"Who?"
"Emma Frost. She's a psychic, like Jean... was. Ever met her?"
"No."
"Hmm..."
"Pietro," Remy said. "It's not our place."
"That's it," Kitty said crossing her arms. "No one leaves this room until you tell me what's going on."
"Kitty, we can't," Pietro said.
"It's not like Lance and I are together," Kitty said. She walked over to the two guys pushing Remy so he was sitting. She crossed her arms glaring at them. "So tell me!" Remy raised his eyebrows at her move.
Pietro looked up at her for a few seconds. "You really want to know, go upstairs to his room," Pietro said.
Kitty sat between them heavily. "See, that wasn't too hard."
"You're not upset?" Pietro asked.
"Yes, I'm upset!" she paused. "But we aren't together... how long?"
"With her? Just a couple days ago."
"But he was with me every night."
"Oui," Remy said. "Night."
"Geez," Kitty said. She looked at Pietro and said. "What do you mean: 'with her'?"
"Bravo," Remy said looking at Pietro.
"Ever since you two broke up Lance has pretty much been bed-hopping. A new girl every night."
"That's great. I, like, drove him to becoming a male-slut."
Pietro laughed. "Interesting phrase."
"You would like it, after all, it's a perfect description of you two, also." Both reacted in mock-outrage.
"Kitty-Cat, that's cold," Pietro said.
Remy pouted cutely. "Really, petite, why would you say such a thing?"
"Perhaps because it's true?" Kitty offered. She sighed. "So, how long did it take?"
"A month," Pietro said. "Before that he was hoping that you'd come back to him."
"Everything has fallen apart," Kitty whispered more to herself than anyone else. "Now I don't even have Lance."
"Kit, you told him-"
Kitty raised a hand interrupting Pietro. "I know. I hate what I did. But I was sticking up for Scott..." She stopped, feeling tears in her eyes. "I- I need to go." She stood, blindly going to the backyard. She ran into John.
"Luv, what's wrong?" he asked. He slid an arm around her, leading her to a bench.
"I hate this," she sobbed. "I have nothing."
"Shh," he whispered not knowing what to do. He wished desperately that Remy was there. The Cajun always knew what to do when a girl cried. Kitty leaned against him trying to calm her sobs. "I'm sure it's not that bad."
"Have you been alive for the past few weeks?" she asked her blue eyes searching his.
"I know, but you can't say you have nothing. You're alive, that's somethin'. You have us, that's somethin' else. We're here for ya, luv."
"I just feel so alone. The one person I thought cared about me was just being a good Samaritan."
"Petite, that's not it," Remy said coming outside. "Lance still cares about you."
"Then why is he kicking me out of his room and sleeping with everything with two legs?"
"He's not kicking you out," Remy said sitting beside her. "Imagine sleeping beside someone that you desperately wanted, every night. He doesn' want to lose control. I can't blame him for that."
"Me either," John said. "I wouldn't want to sleep next ta a beautiful girl I couldn't touch."
"`Sides," Pietro said rushing outside. "Lancey-boy thinks you're too good for him."
"I'm going to bed," Kitty whispered. She smiled at the guys. "Thank you, for everything."
"Anytime, luv," John said.
"And as we said, if you need anything-" Pietro said.
"I know," Kitty said. She yawned heading up the stairs. She ran into Lance literally on her way back. "Sorry."
"It's okay," he assured her. A beautiful blonde woman walked up to them.
"Hi, Lance," she said practically purring the words.
"Emma," Lance said forcing a smile. "Hi, um, this is Kitty."
"Hello," Kitty said forcing a smile of her own.
"So you're Kitty," Emma said. "I'm sorry to hear about your loss."
"Thank you," Kitty said. She turned to Lance who looked like he wanted to bolt. "I'll see you tomorrow." She hugged him. "Thanks, Lance, for everything."
He held her looking into her eyes seriously. "Remember what you promised me."
"I know; I'm not going to do anything. I just wanted to thank you. You know, for helping me through this."
He pulled her closer softly stroking her hair before stepping back. "Anytime, pretty Kitty. Will you be okay tonight?"
"I'll be fine. Goodnight." She softly kissed him on the cheek before going into the room, which had her name on the door with a post-it note. Her things had already been moved in. She got into her pajamas climbing into bed and attempted to sleep. As with every night she fell asleep crying.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Memorial
~*~
"Winter here is cold, and bitter
It's chilled us to the bone.
We haven't seen the sun for weeks
Too long, too far from home.
I feel just like I'm sinking
And I claw for solid ground.
I'm pulled down by the undertow,
I never thought I could feel so low,
Oh darkness, I feel like letting go."
-Sarah McLachlan
~*~
The group met downstairs where Remy, John, and Piotr were sitting. Remy stood when he saw Wanda and Kitty walking in. "Ah, two belle femmes under one roof," he smiled coming forward. He reached for Wanda's hand but she stepped back glaring at him. With a shrug he took Kitty's hand in his, bending and pressing a kiss to it. Kitty couldn't help the shiver that went through her at the touch of his warm lips on her skin. Remy grinned widely, pleased by her reaction.
"Enchanté," he murmured huskily. John also stood and shook all their hands with a wide grin.
"Hey there," he said. "Nice t' meet ya." Piotr simply gave a stoic nod. Sabretooth, who had walked in walked over to them glaring at all of them. He took in a deep breath and glared down at Kitty.
"You smell like *him*," he growled. He turned to Magneto his eyes narrowed. "Why is she here?"
"The X-Men have been killed," Magneto said.
"So Wolverine is dead?" Sabretooth asked.
"Yes."
"Good."
"How dare you!" Kitty exclaimed. The others looked at her worried. Even Magneto prepared himself to have to save the Valley-Girl. She had her arms crossed as she glared up at Sabretooth. "You didn't like Mr. Logan, that's fine but how dare you say that his dying was good. You have no right!"
"Who in the hell do you think you are?" he growled standing over her.
She narrowed her eyes at him. "A person with a little tact, something you obviously have a problem with."
He stepped closer to her so he was towering over her. "Tell me something, what did Logan tell you about me?" he snarled.
"That you were an animal."
"And still, you did that."
"Yes."
"You have guts, kid, I have to give you that." His claws were suddenly against her neck. "Would you like them on the floor?"
Remy gripped his shirt charging it. "Let go of de fille, now."
"Or?"
"Or Remy'll let go," Remy told him a smile touching the thief's face at the shock on Sabretooth. "Do y' tink you'll survive all your clothes blowin' up?" Sabretooth backed off reluctantly. He then stalked away. "You okay, chére?"
"Thank you," Kitty said softly.
He smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling. "Any time de belle femme needs Remy's help, just ask."
Two weeks later
"Two weeks ago today we lost many fine, intelligent members of the student body," the new chemistry teacher announced. "To deliver a memorial is one student who knew them better than anyone." Dressed in a simple black dress Kitty walked onto the stage.
She stepped in front of the microphone and cleared her throat before speaking. "I don't quite know what to say, they were my family..." she paused and decided to start with one of the new recruits. "Tabby was our resident hell-raiser. She was such a free spirit; all she ever wanted to do was have fun. And she was very good at that.
"Bobby, Roberto and Ray were always so lighthearted. They were a lot like Tabs, they were all about fun... and breaking the rules... sometimes. Amara was our princess. She could be spoiled but she really did have a heart of gold, she tried so hard... Sam and Rhane were just so goodhearted. They never did anything to hurt anyone. And Jamie-" she took a hitching breath forcing her tears down, "he was just a child. He wanted so desperately to fit in, to be one of us."
Kitty paused looking into the audience. She finally found Lance who was watching her. She took a deep breath deriving courage from his presence. "Jean was..." she paused for a second, "she always did the right thing. She was just so good; everyone loved her.
"Scott was our leader. He was almost perfect." She stopped talking to wipe away her tears. "He always looked out for us. He was there whenever we needed him. I cried on his shoulder more times than I care to remember."
"Then there's the fuzzy guy... Kurt was fun. He always tried to cheer everyone up, and when Kurt smiled, you just had to smile back..." She looked into the audience. "I'm sorry, Amanda, he was trying to save everyone." Nightcrawler's girlfriend dissolved into tears at that.
"Marie, or Rogue as most people knew her, had it harder than any of us. I'm sure you remember looking at her and thinking: 'what a freak' before you knew about her mutation. I thought that too when I first saw her. But Rogue, she became my best friend. She always tried to be tough but she wanted desperately to be normal.
"She was always..." Kitty stopped again sobbing. "I'm sorry... I just can't-" She ran offstage. Lance stood walking out after her. He found her sitting on the curb in front of the school. He sat down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. They sat in the pale lamplight for a few minutes.
"You did really well," he assured her after she had calmed a little. "They would have been proud."
"I need to be alone."
"Okay, pretty Kitty." He handed her a cell phone. "Call me when you're ready to come home."
"I will," Kitty said. "Thanks." She walked away going to the park and sitting staring at the lake. After a while she stood and began to walk away. Kitty pulled out the cell-phone but saw Lance's jeep coming down the road, figuring that it was either Lance or Pietro she struck the usual hitchhiking pose, sticking out a thumb and hiking up her dress a little to show some leg. The jeep pulled over but to her surprise it was not one of the Brotherhood boys.
"Remy," she said putting the phone back in her pocket. She smiled and sang: "Lance is gonna kill you." Remy grinned placing a finger to his lips. He took off his sunglasses and gave her an obvious once-over. She felt her heart speed up at the obvious heat in his gaze.
"Don' tell," he said finally.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hop in, petite." Kitty shrugged going around to the other side and getting in next to him. "What were you doin' out here?"
"Saying goodbye," Kitty said. Remy frowned glancing at her he reached over and laid his hand over hers gently stroking her knuckles.
"Remy's sorry about your amis, petite," he told her.
"I know. Everyone is. Honestly... I'm so damned tired of hearing that! And of everyone treating me with kid-gloves."
"Vraiment?" Remy asked. "Okay, petite, you want to know what Remy was doin'? Remy's bike is in de shop so Remy took Rocky's Jeep."
"Where are you going?"
"Clubbing. You want to come?"
"Sure, it's, like, a lot better than sitting around the mansion." He pulled into a parking lot going around to open her door for her, even going as far as to help her out of the jeep.
"Well, petite, you're with Remy tonight. You're gonna have fun if it kills ya." She raised an eyebrow and followed him into the club. The music was pounding. Kitty smiled. This was just what she needed. Remy took her hand once again. "Wanna dance?"
She smiled. "More than anything." He led her out onto the dance floor pulling her tightly against him. They moved together perfectly. He laid his hands around her waist making sure that there was no space between them. She lost herself in the music closing her eyes and leaning into him. Remy's hands ran lightly up her sides and she could feel his growing arousal as she pressed against him.
After several songs a slow song began causing the two to pause. Then Kitty moved laying her head on his chest causing him to pull her even closer. They swayed together lightly. Kitty sighed contentedly. She had forgotten how good just dancing could feel. Suddenly, she looked up into his red on black eyes, her blue eyes wide. "Lance!"
Remy raised one eyebrow. "Dat's not exactly de reaction Remy likes ta inspire, callin' out another homme's name. You hurt Remy's feelings, petite." Kitty smiled up at him.
"I told Lance that I was going home after a while. I have to get back. I don't want to worry them."
"Remy should be getting back soon anyhow." They waked out. He went ahead opening her door for her. She got in fastening her seatbelt. They drove to the mansion. Pietro was flipping through the channels.
"You're finally getting your own room, Kitty-Cat," Pietro said.
"Good," Kitty said but it was obvious to both that she was lying.
"Kit," Pietro said his tone surprisingly gentle. "If you have trouble sleeping, my door is always open."
"There are so many things wrong with that statement that I don't know where to start," Kitty said.
Remy chuckled at that. "Well, chat, if you find Mags boy's offer so wrong Remy's door is always open too." He winked at her suggestively. "And de bed is trés grande." She couldn't help the blush that came to her cheeks at the intent look from those red on black eyes.
"We've all heard you crying at night," Pietro said. "If you need someone, you can go to any of us."
"Guys," Kitty said lightly, "I'm fine. Besides, I can always just go to Lance, right?"
Pietro winced. "Have you ever met Emma?"
"Who?"
"Emma Frost. She's a psychic, like Jean... was. Ever met her?"
"No."
"Hmm..."
"Pietro," Remy said. "It's not our place."
"That's it," Kitty said crossing her arms. "No one leaves this room until you tell me what's going on."
"Kitty, we can't," Pietro said.
"It's not like Lance and I are together," Kitty said. She walked over to the two guys pushing Remy so he was sitting. She crossed her arms glaring at them. "So tell me!" Remy raised his eyebrows at her move.
Pietro looked up at her for a few seconds. "You really want to know, go upstairs to his room," Pietro said.
Kitty sat between them heavily. "See, that wasn't too hard."
"You're not upset?" Pietro asked.
"Yes, I'm upset!" she paused. "But we aren't together... how long?"
"With her? Just a couple days ago."
"But he was with me every night."
"Oui," Remy said. "Night."
"Geez," Kitty said. She looked at Pietro and said. "What do you mean: 'with her'?"
"Bravo," Remy said looking at Pietro.
"Ever since you two broke up Lance has pretty much been bed-hopping. A new girl every night."
"That's great. I, like, drove him to becoming a male-slut."
Pietro laughed. "Interesting phrase."
"You would like it, after all, it's a perfect description of you two, also." Both reacted in mock-outrage.
"Kitty-Cat, that's cold," Pietro said.
Remy pouted cutely. "Really, petite, why would you say such a thing?"
"Perhaps because it's true?" Kitty offered. She sighed. "So, how long did it take?"
"A month," Pietro said. "Before that he was hoping that you'd come back to him."
"Everything has fallen apart," Kitty whispered more to herself than anyone else. "Now I don't even have Lance."
"Kit, you told him-"
Kitty raised a hand interrupting Pietro. "I know. I hate what I did. But I was sticking up for Scott..." She stopped, feeling tears in her eyes. "I- I need to go." She stood, blindly going to the backyard. She ran into John.
"Luv, what's wrong?" he asked. He slid an arm around her, leading her to a bench.
"I hate this," she sobbed. "I have nothing."
"Shh," he whispered not knowing what to do. He wished desperately that Remy was there. The Cajun always knew what to do when a girl cried. Kitty leaned against him trying to calm her sobs. "I'm sure it's not that bad."
"Have you been alive for the past few weeks?" she asked her blue eyes searching his.
"I know, but you can't say you have nothing. You're alive, that's somethin'. You have us, that's somethin' else. We're here for ya, luv."
"I just feel so alone. The one person I thought cared about me was just being a good Samaritan."
"Petite, that's not it," Remy said coming outside. "Lance still cares about you."
"Then why is he kicking me out of his room and sleeping with everything with two legs?"
"He's not kicking you out," Remy said sitting beside her. "Imagine sleeping beside someone that you desperately wanted, every night. He doesn' want to lose control. I can't blame him for that."
"Me either," John said. "I wouldn't want to sleep next ta a beautiful girl I couldn't touch."
"`Sides," Pietro said rushing outside. "Lancey-boy thinks you're too good for him."
"I'm going to bed," Kitty whispered. She smiled at the guys. "Thank you, for everything."
"Anytime, luv," John said.
"And as we said, if you need anything-" Pietro said.
"I know," Kitty said. She yawned heading up the stairs. She ran into Lance literally on her way back. "Sorry."
"It's okay," he assured her. A beautiful blonde woman walked up to them.
"Hi, Lance," she said practically purring the words.
"Emma," Lance said forcing a smile. "Hi, um, this is Kitty."
"Hello," Kitty said forcing a smile of her own.
"So you're Kitty," Emma said. "I'm sorry to hear about your loss."
"Thank you," Kitty said. She turned to Lance who looked like he wanted to bolt. "I'll see you tomorrow." She hugged him. "Thanks, Lance, for everything."
He held her looking into her eyes seriously. "Remember what you promised me."
"I know; I'm not going to do anything. I just wanted to thank you. You know, for helping me through this."
He pulled her closer softly stroking her hair before stepping back. "Anytime, pretty Kitty. Will you be okay tonight?"
"I'll be fine. Goodnight." She softly kissed him on the cheek before going into the room, which had her name on the door with a post-it note. Her things had already been moved in. She got into her pajamas climbing into bed and attempted to sleep. As with every night she fell asleep crying.