Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Shit, sorry guys, I didn't mean to make you feel guilty about reviewing, I know you all have your own lives to. I honestly don't care that much, and I won't badger you into reviewing again, I just wanted to make sure people were still liking the story.
Aro: Eh, I'm a lazy reviewer too, which means I have ta stop my whining. No pressure to review.
Texasgirrl: Yeah, Rogue is seemingly blind to Remy's beauty sometimes. I was just trying to keep her true to character. And Essex is masterminding a plan, so it may seem a bit confusing at first. But you may be right about Rogue having a reason to switch sides.
Star-of-Chaos: Essex is always scheming, what can I say?
Pandora's Sorrow: Yes, and there is more kissing to come. And there will be more detail about what Essex is using Remy for, but think the comic book Sinister, and why he always wanted Remy around.
Antonia: Next chapter may have a bit of Rogue/Vertigo battling, but I haven't decided yet. Glad you like the story.
Ishandahalf: oh, that was a nice review. I'll have to try and give you helpful reviews like that too: pointing out the little things in the story that worked well is always helpful.
TheRealMai: Mystique's and Essex's intentions will all be revealed in due time. I'm glad you like all the twists and turns though, I was beginning to think they were getting confusing.
PomegranateQueen: Urgh, sorry about being a bitch with the complaint. You're logic made perfect sense. Hope you had fun road-tripping though.
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Upon entering the front lobby, Xavier was pleased to see the bulk of his X-Men in fighting stance, circling Essex. They made no move to attack unless attacked themselves, they were simply waiting for Xavier's command.
Essex smiled at Xavier through sharp teeth. He did not seem worried, despite his position. His attire was slightly different than before; sunglasses adorned his red eyes, and a trench coat was thrown over his figure.
Xavier raised one hand into the air. "X-Men, stand down. Wolverine, Cyclops and Storm will stay with me." As the team relaxed and somewhat hesitantly headed out of the foyer, Essex spoke.
"It's so wonderful to see you have the team at your beck and call." His voice came out with a sarcastic syrupy texture.
Clasping his hands in front of him, Xavier merely nodded. "They are obedient and disciplined, but they are not my slaves Sinister.
"Are you suggesting that my Marauders are slaves to me Xavier?
Xavier's lips tightened. He was in no mood to talk outside of whatever issue Sinister was here to discuss. Luckily, Essex was a smart man, and he caught on quickly.
"I wish to speak to you alone Xavier.
"That's out of the question!" Scott intervened, swiping his hand in front of him, and stepping forward.
"Scott please, he has not attacked us yet, I will be fine." Xavier tried to console, unwrapping his fingers from their clasped position.
"I don' know Chuck. I agree with the kid." Logan stepped forward as well, crossing his arms. He stared straight at Sinister as he said this.
"Why Logan, whenever did I give you a reason to believe that I am untrustworthy?" No tone hid behind his words, and his glasses made his expression impossible to read.
"Yer team fights without honor, I'd expect the same from the one who taught em'." Logan moved closer, getting in Sinister's face. But Sinister did not back up nor look intimidated by Logan's nearness.
"You would be surprised how different students may act than their instructors. I work with honor Logan. But I am more intelligent than most men. Essex left it at that as Logan tried to pry his vision beyond Essex's sunglasses.
"Why don't you come with me to my office Essex. We can talk there." Xavier's voice was stiff, as Storm and Cyclops backed away reluctantly. As Sinister swooped by Logan and followed Xavier out, the three remaining X-Men merged together to talk.
"It's strange how Sinister wears those damn sunglasses inside, just like Gambit would sometimes." Logan observed, still watching the retreating figure of Essex.
Storm let out a sad breath. "I do hope Xavier talks to him about Remy.
Scott clenched his fists and crossed his arms, anger apparent in his frown. He began to stomp out of the room, aggravated that he could not watch over Xavier. "I don't like this one bit," he mumbled as he left the room.
Logan moved to Ororo's side, placing one hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Ro', we'll get the kid back.
Storm knew his words were meant to comfort, but she had gone through great pain when she had believed Remy dead. She felt a vast sense of dread in the pit of her stomach at what her dear friend could possibly be going through now.
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Remy LeBeau lay entangled in soft cotton sheets, Rogue's underwear clad body beneath him, her breath moving steadily as she slept. As he watched her, he reached over to move a stray hair out of her eyes. After he had tucked it behind her ear, he lay his hand on her cheek. After a few moments, he began to feel a sucking sensation within his body. He felt like he was going to pass out. Rogue's eyes snapped open at the contact, watching Remy's face turn blue. Quickly she shoved his arm off of her, ending the absorption.
Remy jumped backwards, hitting his head on the wall as Rogue sat up, carrying the sheets with her.
Remy rubbed the back of his head, squinting towards Rogue. "Well, we never talked bout' it chere, but I'm guessing dat be your power.
She nodded slowly, as if in shock.
"And is dat how ya took my memories?
She nodded again, fear now present in her eyes. "Ah thought Ah had it under control." She whispered. "Ah musta turned the switch back on in meh sleep.
"De switch?" Remy asked bewildered.
"Yeah. Ah can flip it on or off in meh mind. When it's on, so is meh power." She tightened the sheets around her, looking disturbed as she stared sideways out the window.
"Why didn't y'have de switch turned off when y'absorbed my memories?
Rogue put one foot on the floor, standing up from the bed, the sheets still wrapped around her. "Because Ah couldn't control it then," she stated through clenched teeth. She looked so frightened then, and she refused to meet Remy's eyes.
"Look, Natalie-
"It's not Natalie Gambit," Rogue replied, irritation in her voice.
"Why're y'calling me Gambit now chere?" He asked, skipping over the first part of the sentence. He began to crawl towards her, before Rogue backed up.
"Ah'm gonna take a shower Remy. Just-just." She couldn't finish her sentence as she walked quickly to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She opened it a moment later to throw the sheets outside, but Remy only saw her arm before the door was closed again.
Remy realized that he had pushed a few buttons. But he also felt that he shouldn't give her time alone just yet. Natalie seemed to be a stubborn woman, and she also didn't seem to believe that she deserved the good things in life. He hated going through this relationship fearful that certain things he said would spark a memory that he didn't remember.
He heard the shower start, and the curtain slide open. He gave her a minute before he reached for the handle. It wasn't locked. Remy smiled. Maybe she didn't want to be alone either just yet.
The room had already begun to steam up; half the mirror was covered in condensation. Remy slipped his boxers off, throwing them over with Rogue's clothing items. He parted the curtain a bit, stepping into the large shower quickly.
Rogue's eyes went wide, catching herself from screaming. One of her hands slapped up against the tiles. "Jesus Remy." She breathed.
Remy reached up to catch some of the cascading water, and ducking his head over Rogue's shoulder, he wet his hair. "I thought y'heard me come in t'de bathroom." His voice was smooth against Rogue's ear, his breath warm.
"Well Ah didn't. Y'all got quiet feet." She thought she should be angry with him, but the warmth of his naked body next to hers changed her mood, and instead she rested on hand on his bicep, playing with the drops of water on his skin.
Remy's head was still hovering above her shoulder. He leaned slightly to the left and kissed her earlobe, before moving out of the water's path. His eyes quickly roamed over her body, as Rogue's eyes did the same.
"Ya ain't afraid ta be this close ta meh after Ah nearly drained ya?
Remy looked down. "Do I look scared chere?
Rogue laughed. "No, ya look a bit excited actually. Glad ta see Ah can turn ya on without hardly touching ya.
Remy gave a quiet laugh, the sound catching in his throat, unable to escape through his closed lips. "Well, ya be tres belle chere." Remy pressed himself against her as he said this, his hand sliding up her wet back. His eyes rested right in front of Rogue's face, searching for something. Rogue stayed quiet, her thoughts drifting to a made up memory of a tub.
"So what be your story chere? Who's Natalie if she's not you?
Rogue swallowed. "She's a lie Remy. One Ah made up ta survive. But it turns out living a false life is much harder than dealin' with the pain.
"What were y'trying to survive?" Remy looked concerned as he maintained his closeness. The water poured into the tub, creating a soothing background noise, one that filled the silent moments.
"You." She didn't elaborate. Instead she pushed Remy away from her and put her right hand out.
"Meh names Rogue, former X-Man. And Remy LeBeau, Gambit, former X-Man, was the love o'meh life." Remy reached for her trembling hand. Had she been saying anything else, he would have found the situation laughable, if not ridiculous, as they stood naked in the shower, re-introducing themselves. But Rogue was sharing her heart with him in just those very few words.
As his hand met hers, he pulled her back to him, hugging her, before kissing her deeply. The two moved beneath the water's grasp, letting it hit their back and shoulders, as Remy rested his hands on the tile behind Rogue, breathing in her body's scent.
"Ah have so many memories o'you sugah. So many that y'all no longer have. Ah wish y'knew what we had together." Rogue whispered as she lay her head on Remy's shoulder.
Remy didn't reply. His hands roamed her body and he lifted her chin to meet his, kissing her again. He knew he was to report back to Essex soon, but perhaps he should return sooner than expected. He couldn't concentrate on those thoughts though, with Rogue's slippery body pressed against his. Remy reached behind her and shut the water off. He wanted her, and by the way she was caressing him, he could tell she wanted the same thing. But he wouldn't make love to her for the first time in the shower, as much as he wanted to.
But he didn't' take into account what Rogue might want, as she smirked at him and turned the water back on. She grabbed hold of his lower back, her hand sliding down to his butt, and she pressed him to her, making Remy moan.
"Ah know ya want ta be a gentleman sugah," Rogue hissed, one hand pressed to the side of his face. "But Ah ain't much o'a lady. And we can always do it more than once.
Rogue's sassy presentation was only affecting Remy more, and he could no longer argue with her. Remy slipped inside her then, softly kissing her bottom lip, and he knew without the memories to back him up, that he had never experienced anything that had fit so perfectly or felt so good.
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Kitty's eyes opened partially, a neon light from an outside window blinding her bleary eyes. She was bound and gagged in what looked like a hotel room. She tried phasing out of her bonds, but she had no strength left in her body; not even enough to use her power. She could barely lift her head up from the bed. She curled herself into a ball, and tried to save what strength she could muster, hoping that she could get enough back before Vertigo returned. Two minutes later she was severely disappointed.
Vertigo pushed through the hotel door, keys dangling in her hand and that nasty smile still plastered on her face.
"You're up sooner than I thought you'd be." She threw her keys and purse onto a side table. "Guess you figured out that you can't use your powers huh?" She said smartly.
Kitty shot daggers at her the best she could with her tired eyes. It didn't have the affect she was searching for. Vertigo just threw her head back and laughed. Then she began walking towards Kitty, one hand extended, and Kitty started to feel weak again. Her muscles went numb and everything around her lost its sense of station as she succumbed to unconsciousness once again.
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Hours later the southern couple lay naked, twisted once again in the sheets. Remy's head rested on Rogue's flat stomach, as he exhaled the smoke of his cigarette. Rogue played absentmindedly with Remy's auburn strands, while he caressed her creamy thighs with his unoccupied hand.
"I know a way t'get my memories back chere," he stated suddenly. It came out rushed, as if he were afraid to discuss it.
"Does it got something t'do with the man who saved you?" Rogue asked quietly.
"Oui." Remy exhaled again, watching the smoke twirl in front of him.
"How'd this man happen t'be in Antarctica anyway Remy? He sounds a bit creepy t'me.
Remy swallowed. He wished he remembered that day. "Well, how'd we X-Men get down there Rogue?
"The Marauders took us Remy." Rogue's tone came out bewildered. She thought Remy had at least known about them.
"De Marauders?" She watched Remy's face turn ashen.
"What did ya think happened exactly Remy? That Ah absorbed ya and then the team just left y'ta die?" Rogue looked down at him, holding his cigarette in mid air, his eyes glancing sadly at the ceiling.
"Oui, I suppose dat's what I thought. I wasn't told much bout' it. De man who saved me wasn't a Marauder." He watched Rogue relax a bit as he said that, and decided not to divulge just yet that the man was the creator of the Marauders. He shook out of his reverie and attempted a smile.
"Anyways chere, dis man could help transplant de memories in your mind, de one's ya got stored away, back inta my mind.
"Ah don't know Remy," Rogue pulled her hand out of Remy's hair. "That sounds a little fishy ta meh.
"What do ya say ta just meeting wit him, huh chere?
Before Rogue could answer, a cell phone began to ring. Remy jumped up quickly, and stubbing the cigarette out he reached for his trench coat. Rogue watched him appreciatively. His sexy form flipped open his cell phone, completely comfortable standing naked in front of her.
But quickly his face turned to anger, un-nerving Rogue. He eyed Rogue before heading out of the bedroom to take the call. She could hear him yelling, but his words came out too fuzzy to make out.
When he remerged, he met her eyes, a bitter expression marking his features.
"Ya know a girl named Kitty chere?" His words were firm, steady.
Fear ripped against Rogue's chest as a million different thoughts ran through her mind. "Yeah, Ah do Remy, she's an X-Man.
"Well, one o'my teammates seems t'of kidnapped her." He said this so calmly that it caused Rogue to throw the sheets to the side and jump out of the bed.
"What the fuck do ya mean Cajun?
"Look, ya ain't supposed ta know bout' dis chere. It's my own personnel feud. But de woman who kidnapped her claimed dis girl Kitty was your friend, so I thought y'should know.
Rogue pulled on a robe and crossed her arms. "What does she want?
"She wants ta prove a point chere.
"And what point would that be Remy?
"Dat no man rejects her. She be using you t'get t'me." Rogue was about to speak when Remy held his hand up, and flipped his cell phone back open. "Wait chere, I got an idea.
Rogue watched him walk off again, fearful for the fate of her friend.
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"I will get straight to the point Xavier. I hate to mingle words. Essex sat in front of the mahogany desk, one leg crossed on top of the other, sunglasses finally removed.
"Go ahead.
"We are both aware of the world wide situation at hand." Xavier nodded. "And I believe it may take more force than your X-Men can muster to rid the world of this Apocalypse.
"You are suggesting your Marauders join my forces after what they did to my team?" Xavier's voice remained calm, but his anger was boiling inside.
"If you will not take my Marauders, than at least except my help Xavier. I have many resources and a lot of useful knowledge. It will take more than brute force to take down this mutant.
"You do not believe in his views? That mutants are the superior race, and all humans must be abolished?
Sinister grinned. "I do not believe in answering to anyone Xavier. I will work under no man's orders. Apocalypse is a threat to my scientific experimentation. Now-
A ringing tone interrupted Essex's words as he pulled his phone from a pocket with annoyance.
"Yes.
There was a long pause as Essex listened to the caller. Xavier took the time to pick up any stray thoughts Essex may have let loose. But the man kept tight mental shields and was nearly impossible to read.
"Of course. And where is she now?" Pause. "I will be there within the hour." Essex hung up, and gave a luke warm grin in Xavier's direction.
"Consider my offer Xavier. I have other business to attend to now." As Essex rose to leave, Xavier called out again.
"What about Remy? If I agree to your help, than I wish to have Remy sent back to my team.
Essex laughed, facing Xavier again. "I am offering up my skills, and you want something else in return?" Essex paused, taking in Xavier's serious expression. "Fine. If Remy wishes to return to you when this is all over, you may have him back.
Essex took long strides to the door, throwing his sunglasses back on, without so much as a backwards glance in Xavier's direction. But a cruel, yet satisfied smile rested on his thin lips.