Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Oh two chapters in one day! Actually, I wrote these last three chapters at the same time, so all I had to do was review the chapter before I posted it. It's the only benefit to my insomnia.
Brief history of the Comic timeline: To help you understand this next chapter, you should probably know that when the Morlock Massacre occurred in the comic book timeline, the X-Men fought the Marauders. Even though no X-Men died, they left the battle with severe injuries, and many X-Men had a hard time coping with the after effects. In this story, the Morlock's were left out, but the pain is still there. This chapter will focus a little more on the other X-Men, showing how they are dealing with things, but of course Remy and Rogue will be featured too. Things are not quite as they seem.
On to some reviews: I'm only going to answer those that had questions or semi questions this time concerning the last chapter.
TheRealMai: Jean and the other x-men's worry over Rogue will be revealed slowly throughout the next few chapters, it may seem confusing until the last chapter. The mutant that had no picture was not the green mist lady, I'm not even sure if this being is male or female. Thanks for the reviews, glad you like it so far!
Aro: Yes, I'm very fast, what can I say? I'm not much liking that threat though, I've avoided seeing Gigli for good reasons:) I guess I will have to try hard not to kill Rogue or Remy off. But I enjoy my misery, so you never know what I will do anyway-just remember I made them say I love you before you hunt me down!
Star-of-Chaos: I really appreciated your review; glad you enjoy my writing! As far as Sinister goes, he isn't quite a key figure, at least he's not much in my plans right now. We'll see though, he was always one of my favorite villains.
Ishandahalf: So, uh, sorry but you may have a hard time avoiding the strange way everyone treats Rogue in this chapter, but you are welcome to try! Like you said, at least Rogue and Remy are still here.
All song lyrics are by Elliot Smith, but I used various songs, each of which are labeled after the lyric.
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That's the girl that he takes around town, she appears composed, so she is, I suppose. Who can really tell? (Waltz #2)
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Rogue stared out the large bay windows, watching the rain pour down in buckets. A satin sheet was all that adorned her thin frame, as she pressed her forehead against the glass.
"Do ya think Storm's causing this Remy?
Still half asleep, Remy stretched out on his bed, yawning. "Don' know chere. Ro's usually pretty good bout keepin' her emotions in check.
"Huh." Rogue began to trace the condensation hitting the window with her finger. A memory sparked her mind then. A memory of her and Remy, in the rain. Rogue smiled, and turned back to Remy, walking towards him slowly, taking in his naked form sprawled across the bed.
Remy lay there unmoving, watching Rogue settle herself on top of him, matching his curves with her own. She rested her chin against his shoulder, laying soft kisses on his neck. Remy wrapped his arms around her, as she slid slightly off of him, intertwining her legs with his.
Rogue felt sleep catching back up with her, as Remy caressed her bare arm. In her last seconds before sleep she whispered to him.
"Ah'm so glad we can finally touch Remy.
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She shows no emotion at all, stares into space like a dead china doll. I'm never gonna know you now. (Waltz #2)
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Kitty walked down the hall, fingering her still slightly bruised jaw. When she reached the men's sleeping area, she noticed Remy's door partially ajar. Glancing at her watch she noticed it was nearly noon, and curious, she stuck her head through the door, knowing she was being nosy.
What she saw brought tears to her eyes. Rogue lay curled on Remy's bed, fast asleep. Kitty smiled despite herself. Of course this was the first place she would go upon being able to touch. She sighed, thinking about the couple. Quickly, she removed her head from the door, brushing the tears away. She tried focusing her thoughts elsewhere as she headed downstairs, but more tears threatened to fall. The team had been broken in the battle, and most involved walked around with an aura of sadness; fear even, no one had completely recovered, mentally or physically.
Consumed by her thoughts, Kitty was surprised to find herself in the kitchen. Looking up she noticed Jean, tracing salt on the counter, a cup of steamy liquid by her side. Kitty pulled out a stool across from Jean, peaking out the window to take in the heavy downpour.
"Wow. The battle really affected Storm.
Jean did not look up as she responded. "Of course it did Kitty. It affected everyone.
Kitty cleared her throat, feeling a bit awkward by Jean's abnormal attitude. "Uh, are you like feeling ok Jean?
Jean looked up then. "I'm just not feeling like myself Kitty. I'm sure it will pass.
"Anything you want to talk about?
Jean returned to her salt. "No. Most of the members of this team have been projecting their thoughts rather loudly lately. Most are still recuperating from the battle. I suppose its just affecting me more than I would like.
"Oh." Kitty paused. "Am I projecting Jean?
Jean looked up, a fearful look in her eyes. "No. It's mostly just Rogue. I don't like the way she is recovering from the battle. She's acting as if it never happened.
"I know. She's upstairs now, in Remy's room." Kitty's eyes moved out the window again. "She looked so peaceful.
"Yeah.
"So-how's Warren recovering? He seemed to have like the worst wound. His poor wings.
Jean gave her a hard look. Kitty tapped her finger on the counter. "You know what I mean Jean.
"He's fine Kitty. Up and walking around." Jean replied curtly. "He's even fucking Betsy.
Kitty gave a surprised cough, not expecting Jean's words. "How do you know that?
"Well, isn't everyone sleeping with everyone else? Now that Rogue can touch-
"Uh, Jean." Kitty reached her hand over to Jean's, which she recoiled quickly, standing up.
"I'm sorry Kitty. I think I need a cold shower or something." Jean rushed off then, abandoning her tea, three fourths of the cup still full.
Kitty's jaw began to tremble, but she gripped the counter, trying to control herself. Edging her way off the stool, she made her way for the back patio door.
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The last time you cried who'd you think was inside? (Bottle Up and Explode!)
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Rogue closed the door softly behind her. Remy was still asleep, but Rogue had wanted to take a walk in the rain. She began to head for the front entrance, but at the last second, chose the kitchen exit instead.
Rogue heard a slight gasp as she stepped outside, coming face to face with Kitty.
"Relax Kitty. Ah ain't a Marauder.
Swallowing hard, Kitty was thankful for the rain that covered her tears.
"Why are you wearing Remy's jacket Rogue?
Rogue scrunched up her face. "He's meh boyfriend Kitty. Ah needed a jacket ta come out here, Ah was in his room, and there it was. Why do ya look so freaked out?
"Nothing. It's just I thought you were Remy.
"And if Ah had been you would have been scared?
Kitty's jaw shook again, as she gripped the banister. "Yes." She whispered.
"Why Kitty? Y'don't like his eyes? Come on, you've known him longer than Ah have.
"It's not that Rogue. It's just I-
"He makes a lotta women uncomfortable Kitty. Don't worry bout it." Rogue laughed it off, heading away from the patio.
"Where are you going Rogue?" Kitty called after her, letting go of the banister.
"For a walk!" Rogue yelled back, already disappearing into the rain.
Kitty sank down onto a bench, afraid to run into any more X-Men, afraid of the way everyone was dealing with things. She was tired of the pain and the terrible thoughts. The memories of the battle still drifting through her mind at unexpected moments.
Dragging her knees up to her chest, Kitty began to cry, letting the rain soak her shaking form, washing her clean.
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Here I lay dreaming looking at the brilliant sun, raining its guiding light upon everyone. You say you mean well, you don't know what you mean. Fucking ought to stay the hell away from things you know nothing about. (Everybody cares, Everybody understands)
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Remy stood against the libraries vast windows. He was watching Storm water her outside plants, despite the abundance of rain they had been receiving the last several days. If Storm looked up then, she would see his sad eyes; hurt with the avoidance she had been showing him since the battle.
He had been standing there for a long while, waiting for her to notice him. Finally, he saw her hesitate, killing the rain cloud in front of her. Slowly, her eyes rose to the library window. But for a reason unknown to Remy, he slipped into the shadows, afraid in that final moment, to be seen by her.
Cursing, Remy stalked through the rows of books, until he heard voices coming from the other end of the room. Keeping his feet silent, Remy peered through the shelves. Bobby, Jubilee and Amara sat at the table, chatting, several books littering the table, a laptop in front of Amara.
"She's going fucking crazy!" Bobby spoke in a hushed, yet still fairly loud voice.
"Oh give the girl a break Bobby," Amara responded, never taking her eyes from her screen.
"He's right though Amara. That psychotic grin never leaves her face. She looks so scary now." Jubilee added, twirling a strand of dark hair through her fingers.
Amara tapped her keys, then closing her computer, she looked up. "It's been a hard week. For all of us. That's all I'm saying.
Bobby grunted. "You two weren't even there for the worst of the fight.
"Oh, listen to Mr. High and Mighty over here." Jubilee said sarcastically, shaking her hands in front of her. "He's so much better than us Amara, because he actually got knocked out by the bad guys.
"Hey! I coulda died you know!" Bobby yelled without thinking.
The three grew quiet at his words. There had been too many deep wounds that day.
"Well anyway, I still think Rogue's losing it.
Remy had heard enough, and quietly, he strode off. No one seemed to appreciate Rogue's good mood. Remy tried thinking back to the battle, but the memory was already becoming fuzzy. He remembered being pressed against Rogue. He remembered the harpoon, but everything else seemed so distant.
Sensing the presence of someone else approaching, Remy dove back into the shadows. His fear of being seen was becoming worse as the day went on, and he silently wondered why.
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They say that god makes problems, just to see what you can stand. I don't think it'll ever pass. (Pitseleh)
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As Kurt walked by the staircase, heading for the library, he felt as if he was being watched. Kurt looked around quickly, before dismissing the feeling, reminding himself that his nerves were still on edge from the fight.
Entering the library Kurt found Bobby, Amara and Jubilee sitting around a table.
"Man, zis house feels way too empty without all zose extra recruits. I almost liked it better with zem here." Kurt stated, pulling out a chair.
"Worried the Marauders are gonna attack again Kurt?" Bobby asked, smirking.
"Usually I'm ze one who jokes about tings Bobby, but zis is a little more serious." Kurt gave an annoyed look, grabbing for one of the books on the table.
"Are ya kidding Kurt? You stopped being funny a year ago when you went off ta bible school or whatever it was." Bobby grunted, creating an ice sculpture between his palms.
"Hey, leave Kurt alone," Amara interjected, "Different people have different passions.
"Jeez, is this your be a good Samaritan day?" Jubilee asked, popping a stick of gum in her mouth.
Amara's eyes narrowed, and picking up her laptop, she stood to leave. "I'm going up to my room." With that she spun around, her hair whipping around her.
"Bye Amara," Kurt stated politely.
She gave a small smile. "Bye Kurt.
After she had left, Kurt turned back to them. "I'm actually going to leave too. I was just looking for Kitty.
It was then that Jubilee focused on the cast Kurt wore on his left arm. "How's the arm doing?" She snapped her gum, pulling out a pen. "Want me ta sign it?
Kurt stood up. "No, thank you. My arm's doing fine, but I better go find Kitty.
"Suit your self," Jubilee said, capping her pen.
When Kurt had made it out of the library, he exhaled a pent up breath, placing a hand on his chest. Bobby and Jubilee were 18 now, but still held the same immaturity levels they had two years ago. Kurt gave a little laugh at this thought. He was only 20, but his new path in life had changed him dramatically.
As Kurt passed the stairway, he glanced up briefly. He knew he should visit his sister, if not to just congratulate her on her new found control of her powers. But, he was more worried about Kitty at the present moment, knowing she was having a hard time dealing with the viciousness of the battle. The Marauders were nothing like the Brotherhood, or Magneto. The Marauder's hearts were cold, unforgiving, and at Kitty's young 19 years of age, he knew she was still fragile.
He finally found her outside, sitting near the pool, phasing her hand in and out of the water, each time pulling it out dry.
"Hey Kitty.
Kitty continued her phasing routine. "Hey Kurt.
"How are you feeling today Kitty?" Kurt crouched down beside her, giving her a little bit of space.
"Fine." There was a short pause before she glanced up. "Don't you wish we had never taken time off from school this year?
Kurt knew it was a bad sign when the word like didn't appear in her sentences.
"No Kitty, I don't. My belief now is zat God makes everyzing happen for a reason." Kurt clasped his hands in front of him.
Kitty splashed her hand fiercely into the water. "And so that blood and suffering had a reason!? What was it Kurt!?" Kitty fumed.
Kurt reached his arms out for her. "Calm down liebling.
Kitty shoved his hands away. "No! Don't come near me Kurt. The images still run through my head! Warren's ruined wings, Jean nearly getting gutted by Sabertooth! Rogue and Remy," Kitty shut her eyes, tears falling yet again.
"I know Kitty. It was a terrible day but-
"I thought you were dead Kurt! I saw your body lying there, unmoving, and I thought your were dead!
Kurt stared at her then, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. Kitty rose to her feet and stormed off, as Kurt placed his head in his hands, scared by Kitty's reaction. And for a brief moment, Kurt questioned the very faith he clung to.
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So here he comes with a blank expression, Especially for me cause he knows I feel the same. Cause happy and sad come in quick succession. (Bled White)
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The next day Logan and Cyclops had headed out on a mission to learn the whereabouts of the Marauders. Storm had finally lifted the rain weather, and let the sun shine down. Storm and Jean lay outside soaking it up.
"So does this sun mean you are feeling better Ororo?
Storm sighed. "I would love to say yes Jean. It is so hard keeping my emotions in check. But walking in on that battle, and seeing so many of you injured and bleeding-I watched so many of you grow up-it was very hard for me to witness what I did.
Jean placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You have been like a mother to us Storm. I understand.
Storm laughed quietly. "I am only 27 Jean. Not more than five years older than you or Scott. Yet I feel ancient on this day." Storm looked up to the sky, then closed her eyes.
Jean watched her. "What are you thinking about Storm?
"Something I should not Jean. Something I am trying very hard to forget, lest I lash out through the weather.
"We were in pretty bad shape weren't we? We recovered quickly though. Almost too quickly." Jean added quietly.
"Yes, we did, for the most part. Thanks to Hank's medical miracles.
Jean hesitated before she spoke her next words, scared about how to phrase them.
"Are you still thinking about them Storm?
Ororo looked at Jean then, her eyes fogging over only slightly with sadness. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, revealing her calm face once again. "It was ironically vicious Jean, to see them pinned together like that.
"Yes, I suppose it was.
"Just as it was to have Warren lose the use of his wings, if only for a short time.
Jean sighed, a lone tear slipping down her cheek. "He may never get that use back Ororo.
Storm sat up then. "What? Those wings are his power, how is he dealing with it?
"He's dealing with it through Betsy. For now. I think he is trying to avoid the topic until it is proven true.
"What are the chances he will not regain the use of his wings?
Jean dug her feet into the grass, clasping her arms around her knees. "There's an 85 percent chance Ro', according to Hank.
"By the Goddess." Storm breathed.
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Why are you staring into outer space crying, just because you came across it and lost it? (Everything Reminds Me of Her)
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Warren was, at the present moment staring in a mirror at his crippled wings. It wasn't enough that Harpoon had to throw a spear through one wing, but near the end of the battle, he had stabbed the other one too, paralyzing both. He felt his frustration rising, the urge to fly becoming tedious.
Betsy slinked up behind him then, slipping her arms around his shoulders. "Are you dwelling luv?
Suddenly, Warren pushed Betsy back into the bed, his face flushed red. "Dwelling?! I've been avoiding dwelling for nearly two weeks now Betsy!
Betsy looked confused, but put a smile on her face anyway, to comfort him, if possible. "Well, that's good Warren. There's no need to worry about anything just yet, it won't get you anywhere.
Warren tightened his mouth, and tried to calm himself. "Well, when would it be a good time to worry? I may never be able to fly again Betsy!
Betsy stood off the bed, placing her palms on his chest. "At least this has given you the option to stay here for awhile, at the mansion, with me. And when your wings are fixed, you can become an X-Man.
Warren ripped Betsy's hands off him, and throwing on a shirt, he headed out the door.
"Oh, bloody hell." Betsy muttered, collapsing back on the bed.
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I don't need to make pretend the picture I'm in is totally clear. You think that all things have a way they ought to appear? I don't. I dream. Don't know what you mean. (A Question Mark)
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Warren went straight for the roof, just to feel the wind on his face once more. He was disappointed to find it completely sunny, not a cloud in the sky, or even a slight breeze. It was then that he saw Rogue sitting near the far edge.
"Why hello Rogue.
Rogue glanced up, shielding her eyes from the sun. "Hey Warren." She slapped the spot beside her. "Come on, sit and enjoy the sun with meh.
Warren sat, dangling his legs over the side. "So, uh, how are you feeling Rogue?
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Why is everyone asking meh that?
"Well, its just that-
"Ah'm fine Warren." Rogue interrupted.
Warren took this into consideration. "What do you remember of the battle? And after it as well?
Rogue scrunched up her nose. "Ah was passed out through most o'it Warren, but Ah remember being pressed against Remy. It felt like both our hearts were gonna stop.
Warren watched her hand move with her words. It clenched into a fist at her last sentence, and for the first time in days, Rogue's eyes became gloomy.
Warren breathed hard waiting for her next set of words.
Suddenly, her eyes brightened, startling Warren.
"And then Ah remember waking up, with Remy by meh side.
Warren gulped. "Is that so?" Warren looked to his hands. "Damn, what a nice guy." He spoke softly.
"Hey chere!" Rogue snapped her head up at the sound of Remy's voice, picking out his frame in the distance, on the other side of the roof.
Turning back to Warren she gave an apologetic smile. "Ah gotta go Warren, sorry ta up and leave our conversation.
Warren spun his head around behind him, then back to Rogue. "Uh, alright Rogue, what's the huge hurry? Got a big date?" Warren laughed nervously, cursing his words.
But Rogue only smiled. "Ya bet Ah do sugah. Remy and Ah got a lot planned for this gorgeous day.
Warren looked into Rogue's eyes with much unease, as most did these days. "Yes, today is a great day to see Remy.
Rogue laughed, heading towards Remy. "Warren, everyday's a good day ta see Remy from meh point o'view.
Warren just continued his nervous laughter, watching Rogue disappear from his sight.
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Bottle up and go, I can make it outside. I'll get through becoming you. Becoming you.
(Bottle Up and Explode!)
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Rogue flew Remy down to solid ground, then joined him by his side, holding his hand, bare skin against bare skin.
"Rogue, does it seem like people are ignorin' me?" Remy asked idly after a short time of walking.
"Ah haven't noticed. But people are ignoring meh too. The only time they talk to meh is ta ask how Ah'm feeling. Ah'm so sick o'that question.
"Warren was talkin' t'ya." Remy pointed out.
Rogue looked up at him. "And are ya jealous again Remy?
Remy pulled her closer. "No. Not anymore chere. I'll be with you always Rogue.
"Always is an awfully long time sugah," Rogue grinned.
"Not wit y'by my side Rogue.
And together they walked arms around each other up the hill, one X-member watching despondently from the kitchen window.