NOTE: I LOVED writing this chapter! Rogue/Remy is getting to be such a fun
relationship to explore, hope you guys enjoy it too! Please please review
this chapter and tell me what worked and what didn't. I'll be eternally
grateful!
What am I doing? Rogue asked herself for the tenth time, her hair whipping behind her as the bike sped along the windy road. Here she was ditching school to ride at breakneck speed on a Harley Davidson with a crazy Cajun. Remy was driving so fast that Rogue could barely feel the ground beneath them. Except for those bumps that came up about every five seconds, Rogue thought, gritting her teeth as she put her bare arms lightly around Remy's lean muscled waist. A particularly large bump nearly caused her to fall.
Remy felt it and smirked behind one shoulder when he heard her curse. "Y'gonna have to hold on to me tighter den that if you don' wanna be road kill, chere."
"If you think I'm gonna grab on to you, then you're crazy- aah!" Rogue broke off the retort with a shriek, tightening her hold on his waist immediately as a fast turn nearly jolted her off the bike.
"You were sayin' p'tite?"
"Shut up and drive, LeBeau," Rogue growled, refusing to admit that leaning in this close, her cheek pressed to his back, was kind of nice. He smelled of an intoxicating mixture of spices and leather. She hadn't been this close physically to anyone since..since Cody... Rogue sighed deeply, refusing to think about the memories that were flooding her mind. She didn't know where they were going, and she was bewildered to find she didn't really care. Ah must be losin' my mind, Rogue thought, as she breathed the fresh air whipping across her face. She distantly wondered what time it was; it felt as if they'd been driving forever. It's definitely past lunch, Rogue noted absently.
As if he had read her mind, Remy turned his head to the side a little. "Y'hungry chere?"
How annoying, Rogue thought scowling. He was so smug, as if he already knew what her answer was going to be. "No, ah'm not," Rogue retorted loudly. She'd starve to death before she admitted he was right. Unfortunately, at that moment, her stomach growled. Pressed so close up against him, Rogue was sure that he'd not only heard it.but felt it as well. "Not a single word, Cajun," Rogue threatened, her cheeks flaming.
Remy laughed deeply at that, and after throwing an amused glance back at her, pulled in front of a dusty, bustling diner that looked as if one stiff wind could knock it down. He jerked the brake down with one foot, pulled off his helmet, and slid on his sunglasses. Rogue watched, mesmerized with the fluidity of his movements. He looked down at her and grinned suddenly. What is he-..oh, Rogue realized with a start that her arms were still wound tightly around his waist. Her hands dropped to her sides as if they'd suddenly caught on fire.
Avoiding his gaze, Rogue gingerly got off of the bike, stretching her legs. Then, she looked skeptically at the old-fashioned style diner, glancing up at Remy.
"Dere a problem, p'tite?" Remy asked her, gazing down at her tense expression.
"Ah'm not going in."
"Why not, chere? They got some of de best food you'll ever eat," Remy said, a grin tugging at his mouth. Rogue turned away from him.
"It's not that. Ah don't have mah gloves with me."
"So?"
"So?!" Rogue repeated, whirling to face him, eyes flashing. "What if ah go in there an' accidentally drain somebody? The last thing ah need is a big anti-mutant mob chasing us both out here in the middle of nowhere!"
"Y'really think dat's gonna happen chere?" Remy asked, cocking one eyebrow.
"Ah'm not about to take that chance," Rogue said stubbornly.
"Look, p'tite, the tables are far apart. Dere's no need to be so paranoid," Remy reasoned with her.
"Oh, right, speaking of paranoid, I'm guessin' your gonna wear your sunglasses inside," Rogue challenged. Remy paused at that, wariness flitting across his handsome face.
"Dat's not the same thing."
"The hell it isn't. If you're not taking of your glasses, then I'm not goin in," Rogue said stubbornly. Remy was silent, and then took of his shades, smiling ruefully at her.
"Y'drive a hard bargain, chere," Remy told her wryly, his scarlet eyes glowing at her. Rogue felt a delicious warmth snake up her body. "Come on, let's go 'fore all de food's gone."
Rogue sent him a rare grin and followed him into the diner, surprised to find that it had a nice, cozy atmosphere. She picked a corner booth away from many of the local residents who were sipping iced tea and chatting, and slid in across from Remy. "Where'd you find this place, anyway? Ah feel like ah'm in Shantytown or somethin'," Rogue told him, glancing around.
"Found it when I was drivin' one day," Remy told her. Rogue nodded, gulping slightly as Remy shrugged off his trench coat, revealing a tight form- fitting black shirt. Okay, ah'm not looking.definitely not looking, Rogue thought desperately, grabbing a menu to divert her attention.
As she scanned the menu, Rogue groaned suddenly. Remy looked up, his eyes narrowing with concern. "You okay, chere?"
"Ah just remembered! Ah was supposed to give a presentation with Kitty in History today. She's going to kill me!" Rogue said, biting her lip. Remy looked visibly relieved, and a small smirk tugged at his lips.
"She not the only one, chere. Dat professor o'yours is gonna be plenty mad. Not to mention de Wolverine. Now dat's one angry homme," Remy remarked. Rogue glared at him.
"Thanks for reminding me."
"Maybe it won't be so bad as all that, chere. But dat leader o'yours may not understand, he don' look like de type to disobey school rules," Remy said, his eyes flickering with mirth. Rogue hooted with laughter.
"Who, Scott? Yeah, he'd never ditch, not in a million years," Rogue said, shaking her head.
"He be a bit boring, non?"
"Scott isn't boring," Rogue said defensively, flushing under Remy's gaze. "He's just.. responsible. Ya have to be if you're a leader."
"Mm.but maybe he won' make such a great boyfriend for you."
Rogue's head jerked up at his words, her cheeks flaming. "Ah fail to see how that's any of your business!"
"Just makin an' observation, chere," Remy said diplomatically, but his scarlet eyes implied something else that made Rogue's face flush hotly.
"Well, keep your observations to ya'self, Cajun," Rogue snapped, irritated at his effect on her. It was bad enough with her friends telling her that Scott was wrong for her, without Mr. Remy I'm-Cajun-not-French LeBeau's input!
Thankfully, the waitress came to their table before Remy said anything further. She was in her late twenties with a teased flaming red bun on top of her head, and a screeching red lipstick expertly applied on her lips. Her bored expression melted instantly into one of glee as she caught sight of Remy.
"Well, well, sugar, bout' time you came," the waitress said, her voice sultry.
"April, you know dat dis Cajun comes by just t'see you," Remy teased. Rogue rolled her eyes as April dissolved into giggles.
"Why, your just a bucket of charm! I like that in a man," April informed him huskily, her eyes scanning his handsome profile as if she were a big bird after its' prey. Why doesn't she just douse him in steak sauce and eat him? Rogue thought, annoyed.
"Y'flatter me, chere," Remy said, winking. He just oozes charm from every pore, Rogue thought huffily, tapping her fingers impatiently against the side of the table.
"You know, honey, my shift ends at 6:00-,"
"Remy, ah'd like to eat while ah still have my appetite," Rogue interrupted the bubbly waitress, glaring pointedly at Remy.
"You'll have t'excuse de p'tite. She's a bit cranky from de ride," Remy said, fighting back a laugh at the furious look Rogue threw him. April took their orders languidly, and left swinging her hips with one last hungry look at Remy. Remy turned to Rogue as soon as she was gone, grinning at her. "Somethin' de matter, chere?"
"Oh no, ah'm just cranky from the ride!" Rogue said through clenched teeth. Remy let out a husky laugh that sent pleasant chills down her spine.
"April's just an acquaintance, chere. No need to worry," Remy said, winking at her.
"Who says ah'm worried?" Rogue retorted. "Ah don't care if she's Bozo the Clown, so long as I get my food."
Remy laughed again. "Oh, don' worry, de food's worth de wait."
When the food did finally come, Rogue sniffed appreciatively at the wonderful aroma of grits. Classic southern food that she hadn't tasted in years. After a few bites, Rogue looked up, slightly mollified. "You're right. This is heavenly."
"Told ya so, chere," Remy said winking, taking a bite of his Jambalaya rice. The food had definitely put her in a better mood, Rogue thought, as she ate contentedly. For some reason, she was getting comfortable with Remy's company. He was witty and even if he was a maddening flirt, Rogue found he was a surprisingly good listener.
"Well, what do y'know chere. We've been here close to two hours, and I haven't seen no anti-mutant mob yet. Y'suppose they just late?" Remy asked innocently.
"Ha, ha, LeBeau. You're a regular riot," Rogue retorted, but returned the grin he gave her. This was probably the longest she had ever gone without gloves, Rogue realized, and it felt unbelievable. If she didn't watch herself, it would be only too easy to forget to wear them as she had done today. She couldn't afford to be careless, Rogue reminded herself...unless she was with Remy. Rogue flushed at her thoughts, shaking her head quickly. When she finally finished her meal, Rogue sighed contentedly.
"I trust you enjoyed your meal, p'tite?"
"Yeah, I can see why you come here. Other than for April, I mean," Rogue added, smirking. She stopped suddenly. "Uh, I think we have a problem."
"What is it?" Remy asked, putting down his fork.
"Ah think we'll have to pay in pocket lint, because I left all mah money at home," Rogue told him.
"Oh, is dat all? Wait here, chere," Remy told her, and sauntered over to the counter. A couple minutes later, a tall blonde in her thirties came out. Rogue watched as Remy talked with her for a few moments when suddenly the blonde giggled much the way April had and nodded quickly.
Remy made his way back to her table, smiling down at her. "Ready to go?"
"What about the bill?" Rogue asked, sliding out of the booth.
"It's been taken care of, chere," Remy said with a wink.
Rogue glanced back at the blonde at the counter who was still watching Remy with a toothy smile. "Two minutes of talking with you and she's ready to bear your children," Rogue muttered, scowling as she followed Remy out of the diner.
Remy just smiled at her as he slid on his helmet. "Hang on chere."
"Any chance of letting me drive?" Rogue asked hopefully. Remy looked amused.
"Maybe another time," Remy said, winking at her. Rogue flushed as she slid her arms around his waist again. She shivered a little, as the wind picked up.
"Remy, what time is it?" Rogue asked suddenly, as she saw the sky darken.
"Bout 5:00," Remy said, glancing at his wrist.
"5:00!" Rogue gasped. "Logan's going to kill us! How could we have been gone so long!"
"Relax, chere, Bayville's only 'bout 2 hours from here," Remy said soothingly.
"TWO HOURS?!"
"Or maybe two n' a half depending on traffic," Remy mused, rearing up the bike. Rogue just groaned. She was going to be in so much trouble.
What am I doing? Rogue asked herself for the tenth time, her hair whipping behind her as the bike sped along the windy road. Here she was ditching school to ride at breakneck speed on a Harley Davidson with a crazy Cajun. Remy was driving so fast that Rogue could barely feel the ground beneath them. Except for those bumps that came up about every five seconds, Rogue thought, gritting her teeth as she put her bare arms lightly around Remy's lean muscled waist. A particularly large bump nearly caused her to fall.
Remy felt it and smirked behind one shoulder when he heard her curse. "Y'gonna have to hold on to me tighter den that if you don' wanna be road kill, chere."
"If you think I'm gonna grab on to you, then you're crazy- aah!" Rogue broke off the retort with a shriek, tightening her hold on his waist immediately as a fast turn nearly jolted her off the bike.
"You were sayin' p'tite?"
"Shut up and drive, LeBeau," Rogue growled, refusing to admit that leaning in this close, her cheek pressed to his back, was kind of nice. He smelled of an intoxicating mixture of spices and leather. She hadn't been this close physically to anyone since..since Cody... Rogue sighed deeply, refusing to think about the memories that were flooding her mind. She didn't know where they were going, and she was bewildered to find she didn't really care. Ah must be losin' my mind, Rogue thought, as she breathed the fresh air whipping across her face. She distantly wondered what time it was; it felt as if they'd been driving forever. It's definitely past lunch, Rogue noted absently.
As if he had read her mind, Remy turned his head to the side a little. "Y'hungry chere?"
How annoying, Rogue thought scowling. He was so smug, as if he already knew what her answer was going to be. "No, ah'm not," Rogue retorted loudly. She'd starve to death before she admitted he was right. Unfortunately, at that moment, her stomach growled. Pressed so close up against him, Rogue was sure that he'd not only heard it.but felt it as well. "Not a single word, Cajun," Rogue threatened, her cheeks flaming.
Remy laughed deeply at that, and after throwing an amused glance back at her, pulled in front of a dusty, bustling diner that looked as if one stiff wind could knock it down. He jerked the brake down with one foot, pulled off his helmet, and slid on his sunglasses. Rogue watched, mesmerized with the fluidity of his movements. He looked down at her and grinned suddenly. What is he-..oh, Rogue realized with a start that her arms were still wound tightly around his waist. Her hands dropped to her sides as if they'd suddenly caught on fire.
Avoiding his gaze, Rogue gingerly got off of the bike, stretching her legs. Then, she looked skeptically at the old-fashioned style diner, glancing up at Remy.
"Dere a problem, p'tite?" Remy asked her, gazing down at her tense expression.
"Ah'm not going in."
"Why not, chere? They got some of de best food you'll ever eat," Remy said, a grin tugging at his mouth. Rogue turned away from him.
"It's not that. Ah don't have mah gloves with me."
"So?"
"So?!" Rogue repeated, whirling to face him, eyes flashing. "What if ah go in there an' accidentally drain somebody? The last thing ah need is a big anti-mutant mob chasing us both out here in the middle of nowhere!"
"Y'really think dat's gonna happen chere?" Remy asked, cocking one eyebrow.
"Ah'm not about to take that chance," Rogue said stubbornly.
"Look, p'tite, the tables are far apart. Dere's no need to be so paranoid," Remy reasoned with her.
"Oh, right, speaking of paranoid, I'm guessin' your gonna wear your sunglasses inside," Rogue challenged. Remy paused at that, wariness flitting across his handsome face.
"Dat's not the same thing."
"The hell it isn't. If you're not taking of your glasses, then I'm not goin in," Rogue said stubbornly. Remy was silent, and then took of his shades, smiling ruefully at her.
"Y'drive a hard bargain, chere," Remy told her wryly, his scarlet eyes glowing at her. Rogue felt a delicious warmth snake up her body. "Come on, let's go 'fore all de food's gone."
Rogue sent him a rare grin and followed him into the diner, surprised to find that it had a nice, cozy atmosphere. She picked a corner booth away from many of the local residents who were sipping iced tea and chatting, and slid in across from Remy. "Where'd you find this place, anyway? Ah feel like ah'm in Shantytown or somethin'," Rogue told him, glancing around.
"Found it when I was drivin' one day," Remy told her. Rogue nodded, gulping slightly as Remy shrugged off his trench coat, revealing a tight form- fitting black shirt. Okay, ah'm not looking.definitely not looking, Rogue thought desperately, grabbing a menu to divert her attention.
As she scanned the menu, Rogue groaned suddenly. Remy looked up, his eyes narrowing with concern. "You okay, chere?"
"Ah just remembered! Ah was supposed to give a presentation with Kitty in History today. She's going to kill me!" Rogue said, biting her lip. Remy looked visibly relieved, and a small smirk tugged at his lips.
"She not the only one, chere. Dat professor o'yours is gonna be plenty mad. Not to mention de Wolverine. Now dat's one angry homme," Remy remarked. Rogue glared at him.
"Thanks for reminding me."
"Maybe it won't be so bad as all that, chere. But dat leader o'yours may not understand, he don' look like de type to disobey school rules," Remy said, his eyes flickering with mirth. Rogue hooted with laughter.
"Who, Scott? Yeah, he'd never ditch, not in a million years," Rogue said, shaking her head.
"He be a bit boring, non?"
"Scott isn't boring," Rogue said defensively, flushing under Remy's gaze. "He's just.. responsible. Ya have to be if you're a leader."
"Mm.but maybe he won' make such a great boyfriend for you."
Rogue's head jerked up at his words, her cheeks flaming. "Ah fail to see how that's any of your business!"
"Just makin an' observation, chere," Remy said diplomatically, but his scarlet eyes implied something else that made Rogue's face flush hotly.
"Well, keep your observations to ya'self, Cajun," Rogue snapped, irritated at his effect on her. It was bad enough with her friends telling her that Scott was wrong for her, without Mr. Remy I'm-Cajun-not-French LeBeau's input!
Thankfully, the waitress came to their table before Remy said anything further. She was in her late twenties with a teased flaming red bun on top of her head, and a screeching red lipstick expertly applied on her lips. Her bored expression melted instantly into one of glee as she caught sight of Remy.
"Well, well, sugar, bout' time you came," the waitress said, her voice sultry.
"April, you know dat dis Cajun comes by just t'see you," Remy teased. Rogue rolled her eyes as April dissolved into giggles.
"Why, your just a bucket of charm! I like that in a man," April informed him huskily, her eyes scanning his handsome profile as if she were a big bird after its' prey. Why doesn't she just douse him in steak sauce and eat him? Rogue thought, annoyed.
"Y'flatter me, chere," Remy said, winking. He just oozes charm from every pore, Rogue thought huffily, tapping her fingers impatiently against the side of the table.
"You know, honey, my shift ends at 6:00-,"
"Remy, ah'd like to eat while ah still have my appetite," Rogue interrupted the bubbly waitress, glaring pointedly at Remy.
"You'll have t'excuse de p'tite. She's a bit cranky from de ride," Remy said, fighting back a laugh at the furious look Rogue threw him. April took their orders languidly, and left swinging her hips with one last hungry look at Remy. Remy turned to Rogue as soon as she was gone, grinning at her. "Somethin' de matter, chere?"
"Oh no, ah'm just cranky from the ride!" Rogue said through clenched teeth. Remy let out a husky laugh that sent pleasant chills down her spine.
"April's just an acquaintance, chere. No need to worry," Remy said, winking at her.
"Who says ah'm worried?" Rogue retorted. "Ah don't care if she's Bozo the Clown, so long as I get my food."
Remy laughed again. "Oh, don' worry, de food's worth de wait."
When the food did finally come, Rogue sniffed appreciatively at the wonderful aroma of grits. Classic southern food that she hadn't tasted in years. After a few bites, Rogue looked up, slightly mollified. "You're right. This is heavenly."
"Told ya so, chere," Remy said winking, taking a bite of his Jambalaya rice. The food had definitely put her in a better mood, Rogue thought, as she ate contentedly. For some reason, she was getting comfortable with Remy's company. He was witty and even if he was a maddening flirt, Rogue found he was a surprisingly good listener.
"Well, what do y'know chere. We've been here close to two hours, and I haven't seen no anti-mutant mob yet. Y'suppose they just late?" Remy asked innocently.
"Ha, ha, LeBeau. You're a regular riot," Rogue retorted, but returned the grin he gave her. This was probably the longest she had ever gone without gloves, Rogue realized, and it felt unbelievable. If she didn't watch herself, it would be only too easy to forget to wear them as she had done today. She couldn't afford to be careless, Rogue reminded herself...unless she was with Remy. Rogue flushed at her thoughts, shaking her head quickly. When she finally finished her meal, Rogue sighed contentedly.
"I trust you enjoyed your meal, p'tite?"
"Yeah, I can see why you come here. Other than for April, I mean," Rogue added, smirking. She stopped suddenly. "Uh, I think we have a problem."
"What is it?" Remy asked, putting down his fork.
"Ah think we'll have to pay in pocket lint, because I left all mah money at home," Rogue told him.
"Oh, is dat all? Wait here, chere," Remy told her, and sauntered over to the counter. A couple minutes later, a tall blonde in her thirties came out. Rogue watched as Remy talked with her for a few moments when suddenly the blonde giggled much the way April had and nodded quickly.
Remy made his way back to her table, smiling down at her. "Ready to go?"
"What about the bill?" Rogue asked, sliding out of the booth.
"It's been taken care of, chere," Remy said with a wink.
Rogue glanced back at the blonde at the counter who was still watching Remy with a toothy smile. "Two minutes of talking with you and she's ready to bear your children," Rogue muttered, scowling as she followed Remy out of the diner.
Remy just smiled at her as he slid on his helmet. "Hang on chere."
"Any chance of letting me drive?" Rogue asked hopefully. Remy looked amused.
"Maybe another time," Remy said, winking at her. Rogue flushed as she slid her arms around his waist again. She shivered a little, as the wind picked up.
"Remy, what time is it?" Rogue asked suddenly, as she saw the sky darken.
"Bout 5:00," Remy said, glancing at his wrist.
"5:00!" Rogue gasped. "Logan's going to kill us! How could we have been gone so long!"
"Relax, chere, Bayville's only 'bout 2 hours from here," Remy said soothingly.
"TWO HOURS?!"
"Or maybe two n' a half depending on traffic," Remy mused, rearing up the bike. Rogue just groaned. She was going to be in so much trouble.