Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
So everyone has a dreadful feeling huh? Well, I can't comfort you, it will probably just get worse.
All lyrics are by Death Cab For Cutie.
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I think your bruise was understated, cause you can't feel this anymore. It's getting bluer and you can't keep faking, that you can't feel this anymore. (Your Bruise)
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Mystique was not a happy woman. She hated being tracked down, especially when she was in the middle of something. Stepping out of her convertible, she marched up to the front entrance of the mansion, annoyance spread across her face. She would not reveal her concern just yet. Although, Rogue was the only reason she was here.
She pounded loudly on the door, before Ororo answered it.
"Well," Storm stared placidly, "Good morning Raven.
"Oh please, just let me in weather witch!" Mystique yelled, stepping past her. Logan and Xavier stood behind her, waiting to greet her.
"I'm glad you could make it Raven." Xavier stated, already wheeling towards his office, knowing Mystique was an impatient woman.
Raven strode up beside him, ignoring Logan's suspicious glares in her direction. "This better not take long Charles. I was busy.
Xavier ignored her until they had made it behind closed doors and seated themselves. He did not offer her tea or coffee.
"I will get straight to the chase Ms. Darkholme.
"Good.
"Rogue is sick Raven.
"So? You have some of the best medical technology available. Fix her." Raven crossed her legs.
Xavier sighed. "It's not the kind of sickness we can cure with medicine or surgery equipment Raven. Her mind is in an essence, attacking her.
A smirk worked its way up Mystique's features. "And you, the premier telepath of the world, are asking for my help? Why can you not help her yourself?
"Because I have tried Raven. My next option if you cannot help her, is to force entry into her mind, and work deep, possibly scaring her permanently, maybe even erasing her memories.
Raven stood up. "So do that." She headed for the door.
"Raven, do not pretend Rogue's well being does not affect you. I know you still care." Xavier spoke to her rescinding form.
Mystique spun around. "You are forgetting Charles, the little brat left me! You can solve her problems for her now.
"As I help Kurt?
Anger flared inside of Mystique. "Give me one good reason to help you.
"She is your daughter Mystique. You cared for her for the better part of her life. And, you have not heard the whole story.
Something in Xavier's words intrigued Raven, and slowly she took her seat again. "Fine. I'll give you one hour Charles. That's it." Mystique stated firmly, defiance lacing her face.
As Xavier began to explain the last month's events to Mystique, Logan quietly slipped out the door. He had seen concern finally etch into Raven's eyes, and that was enough for Logan to believe she would not try anything anytime soon.
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Finally there is clarity and there is purpose after all, but every night ends the same as I'm collapsing once more by your side. And every drop numbs the both of us, but I alone am staggering. (Debate Exposes Doubt)
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Rogue rolled over and lay her head on Remy's bare chest, twisting the sheets around her lower legs. Remy's eyes were wide open, as if he had been awake for a long time.
"What are we doin' today sugah?" Rogue asked sleepily, head angled up.
Remy ran circles around her back with his fingers. "Don' know chere." He looked down at her. "But y'know, I haven't had a chance t'leave de mansion grounds wit you since y'woke up. Maybe we should go out t'dinner tonight.
"That sounds good Remy. But we got a long time till dinner.
Remy slide out of bed then, carefully removing Rogue's head from his body. Remy headed for the bathroom then, gathering up his clothing. "Well, don' suppose I could get y'to join me for a mornin' smoke, could I chere?" Remy grinned charmingly from the doorway, boxers now adorning his lean frame.
Rogue smiled, unraveling her self from the sheets. "Ah could do that sugah." Rogue stepped out of bed, and Remy was instantly by her side, wrapping his body around hers, his heat enveloping her.
"Are ya gonna let meh get dressed Cajun?" Rogue asked, eyebrows raised.
"Y'don' need clothes chere. Y'look better without em'." Remy breathed, leaning in to kiss her.
When his lips had parted from her own, Rogue pushed him away gently. "Well, Ah suppose that was a compliment sugah, but the rest o'the mansion don' need ta see meh naked.
After Rogue had thrown on a pair of sweats and hooded sweatshirt, the couple headed for the outside patio, hand in hand.
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Bent at the knee, a last resort, Backfired and made things worse. It had to end right now. (Fake Frowns)
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Xavier had caught Mystique up to the present day, and the two sat staring at each other for a long while, absorbing everything.
Raven stood up once again. "Let me see her.
Xavier wheeled from behind his desk. "Raven, she is probably still asleep. Why don't you join me for tea in the kitchen?
"I don't give a damn if she's asleep Charles!
"Yes, but it may be easier to talk with her once she is fully awake. Besides, it will give you time to think over what I have just told you.
Mystique cleared her throat, her eyes twitching in annoyance. "Alright. But I'm going to need something much stronger than tea.
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With your hand on my shoulders, a meaningless movement, a movie script ending. (A Movie Script Ending)
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Remy and Rogue stood against the banister, smoke dancing around their bodies, Rogue flipping Remy's silver lighter open and closed.
"Why the hell do ya own a lighter Remy?
Remy chuckled. "Don't know chere. Always liked dose. I think my brother may o'given dat one t'me.
"Ya think?
"Well it was a long time ago chere. I started smoking when I was 12." He inhaled again.
"That's disgusting Remy." But even as she said that, she had to admit that when he put the cigarette to his lips, he made the whole thing look classy. Rogue gave a small grin at the thought.
"Do y'want Remy ta stop chere?
"What? Ya mean quit smokin' altogether?
Remy nodded, the cigarette resting between his fingers.
"Well, no Remy. Not if it's somethin' y'all enjoy.
Remy doused the cigarette out on the ashtray that was kept specifically for him on the banister. "Well, dat's good chere, cause I wouldn't o'done it anyway.
Rogue looked at him, searching to see if he was being sarcastic, but his face remained still, completely serious. Then finally he broke out into his charming grin.
Rogue slapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, watch it chere, I've seen y'grab de cigarette outta my hand on more den one occasion lately!
"Ah wasn't slappin' ya because ya were smokin', Ah was slappin' ya for the previous comment y'all made!
Remy laughed, loving it when a bit of rage consumed her, filling her cheeks with a rosy hue. "Ya know I would do anythin' for ya chere." Remy suddenly turned serious, breathing heavily, as he leaned his face close to hers.
Rogue rested her arms back on the railing, a smile gracing her lips. "Anything swamp rat?" she asked quietly.
Remy put his hands on either side of Rogue's arms, pressing his body up against hers, his lips lowering down towards her face.
He paused just before he reached her lips, examining her face. But he did not answer her with words, instead he kissed her, letting her know how he felt with his actions.
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Misguided by the 405, Red wine and the cigarettes, hide your bad habits underneath the patio. (405)
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Mystique held the brandy in her right hand, staring out the window, lips pursed together in frustration.
"I leave my only daughter in your care Charles, and you let her smoke?
Xavier sighed. "I'm sorry Raven, it's something she has only picked up recently," he explained, pouring hot water into his mug.
Raven let out a bitter grunt, sipping her alcoholic beverage.
Xavier watched her, "Although I suppose I should be thankful she did not develop a morning drinking habit.
Mystique glared in his direction. "Do not get me started Charles. It's early. It's your fault anyway. After that story I needed a drink. Anyone in my position would." Raven defended her self, leaning back into the counter, watching Rogue out the window.
Xavier simply smiled, wheeling back towards her, as Logan and Ororo entered the kitchen.
"So, can I speak with her now?
"Why don't you watch her for a little bit, see what you pick up." Xavier suggested, sipping his tea.
Mystique felt anger rise in her veins as she watched Rogue laugh, and quickly she downed the rest of her drink.
"Where's the bathroom Charles?" Raven asked slamming her empty glass onto the counter. Logan and Storm looked up from their conversation at the loud clank.
"Down the hall and to your right Raven." Xavier answered politely, ignoring her actions.
As she left, the three remaining occupants of the kitchen shared a knowing glance.
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The glove compartment isn't accurately named, and everybody knows it. So I'm proposing a swift orderly change. Cause it's too important to stay the way it's been. (Title and Registration)
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Enjoying the quiet tones of the outside air, Rogue and Remy decided to take a morning walk, heading back around to the front of the mansion. Rogue's eyes had been to the ground, watching their feet move forward together.
"Will ya look at dat chere?" Remy asked, surprise evident in his voice.
Turning her eyes in the direction Remy had pointed, Rogue noticed Warren moving about in the open garage, his sports car parked on the outside drive.
"What the blasted hell is he doing this early?
"I think he's movin' out chere." Remy stated, motioning towards the bags in Warren's hands. Rogue looked up at Remy, then back at Warren as he threw the last of his luggage into the back seat and headed back inside.
"Ah'm gonna go talk to him sugah." Rogue said beginning to walk in Warren's direction. When she noticed Remy wasn't' following her she turned back around. "Well? Are ya just gonna stand there swamp rat?
"As a matter o'fact, yes I am chere." Remy said, crossing his arms.
"Why?" Rogue asked in annoyance.
"Because chere, I don' give a damn if he moves out. Y're just gonna go try to convince him t'stay, and I don' wanna pretend like I care if he does or not.
Rogue gave Remy one last look, and then turned back around. "Fine.
As Rogue approached Warren's car, she began to feel a bit hesitant. It wasn't like she really cared if he went or stayed. Before she could turn back around, Warren returned from the garage exit, a small briefcase in hand.
"Rogue?
"Hi Warren. Whatchya doing?
Warren sighed, opening up the passenger door to his car. "I didn't think anyone else would be up at this hour, what with no training session to attend to.
"That's a lotta luggage there Warren. Are ya skipping town without a goodbye?
Warren slammed the door shut, moving to the other side of the car. Rogue followed him, waiting for an answer. As Warren seated himself in front of the wheel, he faced Rogue.
"I'm leaving. For good this time. I can't be an X-Man." With that Warren started the ignition.
"Well sure ya can Warren! There are a lotta folks who're gonna be angry ya left without saying goodbye!" Rogue tried to persuade him.
Warren just gave her a sharp glance.
"Did ya even tell Betsy?
Warren looked to the wheel. "I didn't realize you knew about us Rogue." Warren said quietly.
"Course I did, everyone did Warren.
"I know, it's just, you have sort of been off in your own world Rogue," Warren stated accusingly, but it was concern in his voice, not anger.
"Oh." Rogue mouthed, looking to the ground.
"I've got to go Rogue." Warren said, waiting for Rogue to move out of his way.
"Why are ya leaving Warren? Can ya at least tell meh that?
Warren laughed uncomfortably. "You are one persistent woman Rogue.
Rogue smiled, looking back up.
But Warren's expression was not happy, in fact a bit of anger flashed across his blue eyes.
"I lost the use of my wings Rogue.
Rogue's eyes went wide.
"What?" she asked startled.
"Yes. They were amputated, last night actually." Warren's eyes glazed over. "Now please get out of my way Rogue, I can't stay her a moment longer.
Rogue did as she was told, too shocked to argue with him. As she watched Warren drive off, she began to wonder if something really was wrong with her. She seemed to be missing key events going on around her in the lives of her teammates; her family.
A bit unsteadily, Rogue walked back to Remy, who had sat himself down in the grass, arms around his knees, another cigarette dangling from his fingers.
Remy was ready to make a nasty remark concerning Warren when he noticed the pain in Rogue's eyes.
"What's de matter chere?
Rogue slumped down on the grass next to Remy.
"Ah've been way too consumed with mehself lately Remy. Ah ain't even noticed the pain everyone else has been going through.
Remy placed an arm around her shoulders, hugging her to him. "Don't feel so bad cherie." That was all he said, and for once his words did not comfort her.
Standing up, she held a hand out to Remy. Grabbing it, she pulled him up.
"Let's go get dressed sugah. Go into town, get away from this place for the day. What do ya say?
Remy smiled, brushing his hand across her cheek. "Dat sounds wonderful chere.
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And when I see you, I really see you upside down. But my brain knows better, it picks you up and turns you around. This is fact, not fiction, for the first time in years. (A Lack of Color)
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Mystique was tapping her fingers on the counter, angry that Rogue had left the patio in her absence to the bathroom. Xavier was sitting with Logan, Ororo and Scott and Jean who had joined them a minute ago.
"Alright! I'm going to find her." Mystique stormed off without the reply of anyone, but she hated asking permission. And she hated waiting around.
Those at the table became a little worried, wondering what would happen once Mystique found Rogue. But as there was nothing to do but wait, they did, much more calmly than Mystique.
She searched up and down the halls, before deciding to head upstairs. She found a series of doors, that looked to be bedrooms, but cursing her lack of visitation, she realized she had no idea where Rogue's bedroom was. That was when she heard the voice behind her.
"Looking for Rogue's room mother?" An accented voice questioned bitterly.
Mystique rotated around carefully, eyeing Kurt's form in the doorway of what she presumed was his bedroom.
"And I suppose you are not going to tell me where it is, hmm?" Mystique returned, almost as harshly.
Kurt looked at his mother, meeting her yellow eyes with his own. "Actually mother, I am. Rogue's mein sister, so I vill do it for her.
"How kind of you," Mystique replied sarcastically.
"You know mother, my vays have changed. I vould do ze same thing for you, vere you in Rogue's position.
"Oh yes, that's right. I'd heard you had gone off to become a priest. I'll admit it gave me quite the shock.
Kurt said nothing, feeling sympathy for his mother.
"Where's her room Kurt? I don't have all day." Mystique began tapping her foot on the floor.
After a moments pause, Kurt answered. "It's down ze hall, take a right. Her door is ze last one on ze left.
Mystique had already turned around and begun walking, but something inside her made her pause, and speak.
Turning her head slightly, she said, "Thank you Kurt.
"Your velcome mother." Kurt responded, shutting his door behind him as he spoke.
Mystique continued her way down the hall, and when she reached Rogue's door she didn't even bother to knock.
Rogue was standing in her underwear, shirt in hand, near her dresser when Mystique barged in.
"What the hell!?" She yelled, trying to cover her body with the shirt.
Mystique stared back at her, a less than pleased look on her face. "Get dressed Rogue.
"Well that's what Ah was tryin' ta do before ya burst in the door Raven!
Mystique put one eyebrow up in curiosity. "Raven? You've never called me anything but mother Rogue.
Rogue slipped her jeans on, throwing the shirt over her curls, anger in her eyes. "Yeah, well Ah ain't got a reason ta anymore.
Raven walked closer to Rogue, grabbing one of her white tendrils in her fingers. "You are picking up an amazing amount of qualities from that Cajun boy. I don't approve of you smoking.
Rogue laughed critically, ripping her hair away from Mystique. "Ah seem ta remember you smoked too. And speaking o'the Cajun, he's in meh bathroom, taking a shower, so why don' we continue this some other time mama." Rogue stated exasperated.
Raven looked to the closed bathroom door, shutting her eyes briefly. "We have to talk now Rogue.
"No, mama, we don't," Rogue nearly yelled, marching for her door. As she passed Raven, her arm was grabbed, and her body was sent slamming into her dresser.
"I may not have been the best mother Rogue, but I was your mother, and I did care." Mystique looked Rogue straight in the eyes, despite the awkwardness of it. "I still care Rogue.
Rogue was too afraid to push Mystique off of her even though she had the strength to do it. She had never heard Mystique say she cared.
"What's wrong mama?" Rogue whispered, now slightly frightened.
Mystique moved off of Rogue, and walking to the desk she picked up a chair. On her way over to the bathroom she spoke. "You're sick Rogue. You just don't realize it.
Rogue laughed nervously. "What the hell do ya mean mama? Ah feel fine.
Mystique stopped mid journey. Pointing to the bathroom door she repeated. "Remy's in there, taking a shower you said?
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Yes mama.
Mystique looked to the floor, then continued to the bathroom, where she placed the chair up under the handle, jamming the door.
Facing Rogue, she looked her daughter sternly in the eye.
"We are going to end this now Rogue.
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Aro: Romylicious is a very nice word, I agree, dictionary worthy even. And, I got the concept for this story while writing the last one, so it was less like prewriting it and more like outlining it. I know it seems like I have no life; I don't right now and it's the governments fault. They gave me no summer financial aid.
Keebler-elmo: Glad you like the story, and thanks for the spell check. As pathetic as this sounds, I DID know it was heir, not air, ha. But I don't claim to be a writer either, I've always had bad grammar and word choice. Keep reviewing and checking up on me though!
Ishandahalf: What's the matter, don't like Mystique? : )
Sorry I didn't get to all the reviews, just a few with semi-questions. I'm in a bit of a hurry, for once. Enjoy the chapter!