- Y'all know the dilly yo that I don't own these character or marvel…blah blah blah…
Author's Note: I'm not too happy with this chapter, though the original was actually two chapters. But, I re-wrote it and I do like this better than the original though, I'm still not too happy with it. But, I can't seem to get this chapter to work the way I want it to, so we're all just going to have to settle for this. I apologize but I did give it my best. :) Also, the song is called 'Songbird' by Eva Cassidy, who I do believe is one of the best singers I've ever heard. May her soul rest in peace.
Star-of-Chaos: Definitely a good thing that Rogue had her bracelet. I doubt Storm would have much of a hand if she didn't ;P Ludi: I'm glad you liked the dream in the beginning of the last chapter. Personally, I thought it was either going to be one of those things that hit home with the reader or totally ruin what he/she thinks of the character. And I like babies up until a certain points… actually, I just have a problem with the kids these days…as soon as they realize what money is… it's all downhill from then on and whine whine whine. Sinister coming back… ehh… honestly, I wrote this dumb story when I first got into comics which was only ten months ago. I had no clue what was really going on. I didn't know the dynamics of the characters or the relationships and all that crap. That is why this story isn't really working for me at the moment, but I'll try my hardest as long as I know you're reading. Your reviews make me actually want to work hard on these stories of mine… so thanks! Man, and I have to say that I love the 'dangerous foreplay' picture you did. INCREDIBLE! One day, I'm gonna ask to buy all the prints of your works and paste it in my x-men collector's room… just have to get that room one day. Cheers, luv! Ivy Tearan: Remy'll find out about the little one soon enough. Though finding out and meeting the child are two different things as you shall see in this chapter. Keebler-elmo: Thanks for the words of encouragment. I'm trying. Evosmylife: It's okay about the Joseph thing. I was only slight confused, but, hey, when am I not confused about something? Never I say! Anywho, your wish is my command. Ishandahalf: LoL, your review got me chuckling as usual. Love the whole Belle thing. SO FUNNY! How are the exams going? Dreadful, I'm guessing since exams are always dreadful. I hate school… I don't even get off until august… sigh well, when you're off the ff.net world will be blessed with some more stories from you…so hurry up and ace those exams and start writing. That way, I'll write less and read more! It's easier reading than writing. :P Sevgrlx: I'm hoping you haven't been glued to your computer screen too long… it's not good for the eyes. Well, here's the long awaited chapter… hope I didn't disappoint you too bad. :) The 'Pike: That reviewer who seems like she's about to burst a blood vessel is always like that. Quite entertaining, don't you think? ;P Yeah, I didn't think they went all the way either, but I like to be delusional sometimes and convinced myself they did to satisfy those little empty holes in my heart that need to be filled with assumed romantic encounters between my two favorite fictional characters since I don't seem to have anything going on in my life as of this moment. Wow, was that a run-on sentence or what? And your hints were noted ;P DemonicGambit: You can make any reference you want. I'm naturally a confused person, so it doesn't matter at all. Cheers! Aro: Remy always winds up showing up. Anywho, I'm sorry about your computer croaking. I had to kill mine too last weekend. Don't computer suck? I mean they always get sick with viruses and cause all sort of problems, yet we are so dependent on it and without it there would be no ff.net. Life is so unfair sometimes… we should Shi'ar technology. I doubt their computers get viruses or croak. Wabi-Shabi: I don't mind the late reviews. Honestly, I'm surprised people are still reviewing any of my work since I have a brand new ugly account that I hate. Oh well, c'est la vie. Anywho, Shouldn't Be So Hard was update as you probably noticed. It'll be update again… in who knows when. I want to try to finish this ugly story first. I know you read the first version, and I want your honest opinion. Which version do you like more? I'm leaning towards this one because there's less grammar mistakes… but despite the grammar mistakes, which version is better? Perhaps, I should start posting up the old chapters for this story and stop re-writing it all together. I'm not quite sure… anywho, yes, Jack Harper is so much more dreamier than Luke Brandon because he's funnier than Luke. Though, I would think Luke is more handsome… though I love Jack. I want to marry Jack. Okay, enough of my crazy talk. Cheers! Sharon: Thanks for those words of encouragement! That was super sweet of ya! Smiley664: It's a cute baby name… notice the similarities to Gambit's name? And update I did, though I doubt it was soon enough. Enjoy nonetheless!
A Different Way to a Perfect Ending
"Baby… Momma ain't gonna ask again. Now, can ya please open your mouth?" Rogue said calmly as she positioned the spoonful of carrots in front of his mouth. He shook his head 'no', and clenched his teeth.
"Momma's getting mad now, Jeremy. Be a good boy and eat your carrots." She ordered in a stern tone. Again, he shook his head 'no' and kept his teeth clenched together.
"Fine… ah give up. Don't eat your carrots. Then, ya just won't grow up big and strong like Uncle Wolvie." Rogue stated as she attempted a little reverse psychology.
"Unca Wolvie eat carrot?" The little boy asked skeptically.
"Lots and lots of carrots. How ya think he got so big?" Rogue questioned.
"J'remy eat carrots, big and strong wit' claws like Unca Wolvie?" He queried, as he tried to make sense of what his mother was suggesting.
"Ya got that right, baby boy. But since Jeremy don't wanna eat any carrots… guess Momma will just have t'eat them all and become big and strong like Unca Wolvie myself." She said lightly and turned the spoonful of carrots towards her own mouth.
"No! J'remy wants carrots!" He exclaimed loudly.
"Are ya sure about that, sugah?" Rogue asked, though she was already positioning the spoonful in front of him.
"Mmhmm! Please, Momma." He drawled the last words in a faint Southern accent that he undoubtedly picked up from Rogue, and which it always did the trick of getting what he wanted.
"Okie dokie… if that's what ya really want. Open up, baby." She cooed, and he obliged to her request. After a few successful spoonfuls fed, Rogue smiled contently as she fed him the very last portion of his carrots.
He munched on it but then the carrots went spewing out and all over Rogue and himself, when he screamed, "UNCA WOLVIE!"
Wolverine had just entered the kitchen with his head buried in the newspaper, but he jumped back slightly at the overly excited response from his godson. He looked up from his paper and saw an extremely happy kid covered in carrots bit sitting next to an extremely angry mother also covered in carrots. Even though he was not directly responsible, Logan still felt bad for the mess.
"Hey Kid. Hey Rogue." Logan greeted.
"Hi." Rogue replied curtly as she reached for the towels.
Logan walked over to the two of them and lifted the boy into his arms. "Go play now?" Jeremy asked eagerly.
"How about we clean you up first and this mess… then we'll go play?" Logan suggested. Rogue's shoulder relaxed as she mouthed a 'thank you' to Logan.
"Okay!" The boy agreed heartily.
"Momma's gonna go teach now, sugah. Be good for Uncle Wolvie, okay? Momma will see ya later." Rogue said and kissed the top of her son's head good-bye.
"Bye bye, Momma!" He called after her, but quickly returned his attention to his favorite playmate that happened to be a man about fifty times older than he was.
"Unca Wolvie… can we play wit' claws and fight bad guys?" Jeremy asked and smiled a huge grin. Logan was about to agree when he smelled a rather unpleasant odour coming from the little boy's bottom. He groaned as he reached for the diaper bag.
"Trust me, kid. I'd take on Magneto, Sabretooth and Apocalypse over changing your diaper any day." He mumbled and headed towards the nearest bathroom.
-xoxo-
Walking aimlessly around the mansion, Rogue finally found herself in the recreation room where not a single mutant was in sight. Immediately taking advantage of the situation, she lied down on the couch and closed her eyes. For the past week, she had been haunted by nightmares of Remy being mutilated or experimented on in the cruelest ways imaginable. Every time she woke up, she would hear that monster's laughter ringing in her ears.
Yes, she had been tempted to fly down to New Orleans to check up on Remy, but every time she was about to do it, all sense and reason came back to her again. She managed to talk herself out of going because she knew that if he were fine, he would only hate her for intruding in his life. It would just pain her more knowing that she increased his hatred for her.
Plus, dreams were just dreams, she tried to convince herself unsuccessfully. Rogue knew that Remy would be able to handle himself in any situation. She also knew that he wouldn't be foolish enough to get involved with Sinister ever again. Thus, she really didn't have anything to worry about. Though, that didn't stop her from worrying.
What did stop her though, was the delightful squeal of a little boy. "MOMMA!"
Her eyes flashed open and she was staring into the gorgeous green on black eyes of her baby boy, who was being piggybacked by Logan. It was an awkward sight especially since only Jeremy could have Logan do whatever he wanted him to do. "Hey Rogue." Logan said gruffly and looked away, while his cheeks flushed slightly to show his embarrassment.
"Hi Logan. Hi sugah. Think Uncle Wolvie's getting tired, baby. Come here t'momma." Rogue said and relieved Logan of the boy.
"Momma, J'remy play wit' Unca and big claws 'n fight bad guys go ROAR! Claws big and strong too! Unca eats lotsa carrots like J'remy!" He explained excitedly and jumped up and down at the mere recollection of watching his godfather train lightly in the danger room.
"That's nice, sugah," Rogue told her child with a smile on her face before she turned to the stout man next to her. "Logan… didn't ah say that ah didn't want him in the danger room?" Rogue asked sternly.
"Well… umm… the things was… he wouldn't shut-up…so y'know how he likes seeing me rip someone apart, right, darling?" Logan explained uncomfortably as he shifted his feet around.
"Goodness Gracious, Logan! Ya know how that boy does anything t'get ya t'do what he wants. You're a grown man, ya have the authority t'tell him no." Rogue lectured.
"Oh c'mon now! Look at his face and tell me how t'say no." Logan challenged.
"You're hopeless, Logan." Rogue said and rolled her eyes.
"It's your fault for making me godfather." Logan pointed out.
"Ah did that just 'cause there ain't no one else who ah know that can protect this boy like ya can." Rogue responded.
"Well, if that's the case. Why am I third in line to get him?" Logan questioned.
"Because Kurt is family and Ororo will be able t' discipline him unlike someone else ah know…" Rogue said and eyed Logan.
"Fine. I won't bring him to the danger room next time." Logan said brusquely.
"Good. Anyhow, Ah think it's 'bout time we go now, baby." She said to her boy who had his arms wrapped around his mother's neck.
"Okay, Momma." He agreed happily.
"Say good-bye t'uncle Wolvie." Rogue instructed. The smiling boy leaned over to his godfather and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Bye Bye Unca Wolvie. J'remy had great time." He said.
Logan patted the child on the head and said, "anytime, Kid. I'll walk you two out." He took Rogue's bags and accompanied them to the door.
"Thanks for watching him t'day, Logan… despite ya disregardin' my wishes. Ah really appreciated it." Rogue thanked.
"It's no problem. I'd do it anytime. Call if you two need anything and drive safely." Logan instructed.
"Ah will. Don't worry. We'll see ya tomorrow." Rogue said and took the bag from Logan.
"Yeah. I'll see you two tomorrow." Logan said while watching the two get into their car. The last thing he remembered seeing was Jeremy waving good-bye through the car window before Rogue sped off.
-xoxo-
The purr of his motorcycle died off as he parked next to the door. He stared at the door for the longest time, pondering what he should do next. Part of him wanted to sneak around the mansion and watch Rogue from afar. The other part of him really wanted to see her in person. That part was the hopeful side of him, where he dreamt that when she saw him, thing would miraculously work themselves out and they would be in love again.
It was no surprise that his hopeful side got the best of him in his time of desperation.
He boldly walked up to the door, hesitated for a second but knocked on the door loudly.
The door whipped open and he found himself looking into the menacing eyes of his former teammate, Wolverine.
"What the hell are ya doin' here?" He growled.
"Well, bonjour to y' too." Remy greeted in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"Ain't what I asked, Gumbo." Logan snarled.
"Need t' see Rogue." Remy answered curtly.
"She ain't here." Logan responded just as curtly.
"Well, den where is she?" Remy asked concernedly.
"Thought ya didn't care about here anymore." Logan pointed out and glared at the man.
"Y'know it ain't like dat." Remy responded briskly.
"Funny… ya could have fooled me, Cajun. Didn't know that absence means ya care. If that's so, show her how much ya care and leave." Logan sneered and was about to slam the door on Remy except he stopped him by pushing the door back.
"Dis ain't about you and me. Dis is about Rogue and me. So, tell me where she is. Dere's t'ings we need t'work out, and you know it." Remy requested firmly and with a deep determination.
Logan ignored his request and simply observed him. In all honest, Remy looked like a mess and he smelled like one too. The dirty clothes, the unshaven stubble, and the nest-like hair, all meant that he must have been driving non-stop for hours if not days. Though still feeling no sympathy for his former teammate, it wasn't until he stared into Remy's blood-shot eyes that compassion overcame the feral man. It had been two years since any of the X-men had seen Remy, but more importantly, his godson had never seen Remy. Jeremy had never seen his own father, and despite Rogue's unspoken wishes, it was about time the little boy did. Logan knew what it felt like to grow up without the strong foundation of a family. It was one of the many reasons why he still held so much contempt and anger for the world that gave life to him only to be hated.
No matter what the circumstances, Jeremy didn't deserve not knowing where he came from and in a sense, who he really was.
"Rogue ain't here." Logan responded, still pondering whether or not he should inform Remy of Rogue's whereabouts.
"Please, just tell me where she is." Remy requested calmly, but now he held a sort of desperation that Logan couldn't ignore anymore.
"She moved out a while ago." Logan said.
"Moved out? Quand? Pourquoi?" Remy asked with surprise and worry.
"Yes. A year ago. Because she felt she needed to." Logan answered.
"Why did she need to?" Remy inquired.
"Because… ain't my place t'say actually." Logan replied.
"Somet'ings not right… dere has to be a reason. Tell me." Remy demanded.
"I said it ain't my place. She should be the one who tells you."
"Den where is she? Where can I find her?"
"She's gonna kill me for this…" Logan mumbled underneath his breath. "I'll give you the address, but Cajun, I'm warning ya, if you hurt you'll have to answer to me. She's happy now. Don't talk to her if you're only gonna take it away." Logan snarled while his right claws shot out with a sharp 'snikt'.
"I get your point. Now, address please."
-xoxo-
2272 Sandstone Drive.
That was what it said on the piece of paper, he managed to get from Wolverine earlier. He looked up again, and in front of him was a relatively small blue house with a white picket fence. The number of the house was 2272, matching the numbers on the piece of paper. He studied the house but only one word could sum it all up in his mind, quaint. The house was quaint.
A small smile appeared as he tried to picture the word 'Rogue' next to the word 'quaint'. Somehow, he just couldn't picture it. Sassy. Sexy. Tough. Exciting. All those words came to mind, but not 'quaint'.
With two hands planted on the seat of his bike, he leaned back as he tried to summon the necessary courage to go see her. It was no surprise that he leaned there for quite a while.
Various reasons and explanations flowed through his mind as he attempted to figure out why Rogue had moved out on her own in the first place. She was never one to want a house to herself, unless… but she couldn't be. She wasn't able to touch. There was no man alive who could live without touch for the rest of his life. But that was the only explanation that made sense. Rogue had to be married. Otherwise, she wouldn't purchase a house on her own because if she did, it would only remind her of how solitary her life really was.
Also, Logan had said she was happy. Remy truly couldn't see anything that would make her happier than being in love and married. He knew that was always what Rogue coveted, and he had secretly coveted that for her to. Though, the only difference was that he had wanted to be the one she was in love with; the one she was married to.
Without even thinking rationally about the situation, he strode up to her door and pounded lightly on it, ready to find out if his deepest desire was still remotely obtainable.
-xoxo-
"For you, there'll be no crying,
For you, the sun will be shining.
'Cause I feel that when I'm with you.
It's alright, I know it's right.
And the songbirds keep singing like they know the score.
And I love you. I love you. I love you.
Like never before…."
"Good night, baby boy." Rogue ended her song as she kissed the top of her son's sleeping head. Instead of leaving his room though, she lingered for a few more moments, just enjoying the beauty of her baby's peaceful slumber. With the tips of her fingers, she brushed the side of his face lightly.
It was no more than seven o'clock, but the boy was already exhausted. Usually, when he spent the day with Logan, he always came home exhausted. Even though he was tired during the trip home from the mansion, the little boy still managed to inform his mother of every single thing he did while he was under the care of his godfather.
'Unca Wolvie show J'remy big claws.'
'J'remy help Unca Wolvie fight big guys go ROAR!'
'J'remy eat candy find on floor.'
His sweet little voice could still be heard by Rogue as she smiled at the recollection of all that her son had told her. It was odd that he addressed himself in third person even though Remy wasn't even around to influence him. Though, it could be her fault and practically everyone else who had had a hand in raising the child. For some reason, the adults felt compelled to address themselves in third person as if encouraging the child to remember who's name was whose. He remembered all right, but managed to refer to himself in third person as well to remind the adults and often himself, what his own name was.
She planted another soft kiss on his head before she crept out of the room quietly. Once out the room, she proceeded to the living room and lied down on the sofa while she channel surfed. The television turned off as quickly as it had been turned on though for she couldn't stand another news report featuring anti-mutant activities. She opted to lie on the couch with her eyes closed instead.
Her peace wouldn't last though, as she heard a loud knock at the door. Not in a mood to deal with any salesman or another person trying to convert her to some cult-like religion, she attempted to ignore the visitor's call.
Knock Knock
The visitor persisted and she still didn't move.
Knock Knock
A third round of tapping on the door began, and this time, Rogue couldn't ignore the person any longer. She got up grudgingly and stomped towards the front door. In position to hiss and scowl, she yanked open the door and immediately gasped in surprise.
"What the hell are ya doing here, Remy Lebeau?" She queried as she rubbed both her eyes to ensure that she wasn't only imagining him. But as clear as day, Remy was indeed standing in front of her with his hair disheveled, a light beard on his face and in scruffy clothes. He never looked better to her.
Remy stared at Rogue, unable to pry his eyes away from her even if it meant his life depended on it. She was dressed in a pair of dark denims and a green t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but the white of strands still framed her face. The lavender scent exuded from her and that was all he could breathe in. She never looked better to him.
"Ya plan t'answer me, Gambit?" She managed to ask, as she became apprehensive of his sudden appearance.
"Was in de neighborhood, chere. T'ought Remy should drop by and say 'bonjour'." He responded lightly.
"Hello to ya too…" Rogue mumbled
"Right…" He murmured awkwardly.
"Well, if there ain't anything else, ah'll be going in now." She responded uneasily.
"Wait… non. Dat's not just it. We need t'talk." Remy said boldly.
"About what?" She asked curiously, though she knew that she was getting her hopes up for nothing.
"Us." Remy replied.
As soon as he said that, Rogue's eyes filled with tears. The way he had acknowledged that they still had a connection reminded her of how false their relationship really was and how it didn't exist at all. They had managed to cut the other out of their own lives, and for him to stand before her and imply that he hadn't let go of her completely only caused pain in her.
"There's nothing t'talk about, Remy. Ya made that clear two years ago." She said resentfully.
Taken aback by her hostile stance, Remy could see that his presence hurt her and he shouldn't have expected otherwise. After all, he had led her to believe that there was nothing more between them and that he would never forgive her for what she did to him. She had believed him too, and she had built herself a life – a life without him, but a happier life nonetheless. But here he was again, standing before her without a clue of what to do next, yet knowing that inevitably his mere presence would only hurt her and the world she had created for herself.
"Rogue…I'm…"
"Sorry. Ah get it. You're sorry. Ah'm sorry. It's the same damn story we keep feeding each other, Remy, but we ain't ever gonna believe it. Why are ya here? Why are ya here when ah finally believe that perhaps we aren't meant t'be?" Rogue asked as the tears flowed relentlessly down her face.
"I just needed t'see y'…" He responded meekly as he could see how torn up she was becoming.
"Did ya really need to now? Why? Why are ya doin' this, Remy? Why are ya being so foolish here? Ya ended us… Ah let ya go. Now, ya stand here and make me remember all that ah've been trying t'suppress. Ya stand here and force me t'open up those wounds that would never heal. Ya stand there and make me want ya again… ah can't live like this, Remy. Just leave." She requested softly.
"Rogue…please…"
"All we do is hurt each other, Remy. It's 'bout time we stopped." She stated strongly and one more look into his ruby orbs, she turned around and headed back into the house, promptly closing the door behind her.
Immobile but still staring at the door, he was confused beyond reason though the only conclusion he could settle on was that it had been a mistake to come here. Thinking back, he knew that he had shown up based on a foolish dream with no real strategies on how to approach her besides watching her from afar. But instead of watching her from afar, he had let his emotions get the best of him, which resulted in him hurting her again.
All his rationalizing was interrupted violently though as a loud deafening scream was heard from inside Rogue's house. Immediately, he busted through her front door and ran in the direction of the screaming. He found her frantically looking around a nursery rampantly.
"Where are ya? Jeremy, where are ya?? Answer Momma! Please!" She cried repeatedly as she flipped random furniture over while looking feverously.
Remy grabbed one of wildly flinging arms, and held her still long enough to ask, "Rogue, talk t'me. What's wrong?"
"He's gone, Remy! He's gone! Ah can't find him! Ya have t'help me. JEREMY? WHERE ARE YA?" She called loudly, as she ran out of the nursery to search the rest of the house. Remy followed in pursuit as he attempted to focus on the situation at hand and ignore his initial shock of finding out that Rogue had a son.
"Rogue, calm down. Tell me what's going on. Who's Jeremy? Where's his father? Maybe his father has him." Remy tried to reason, though every word that left his mouth, he could fell his world crumble before him.
"He can't be with his father! He doesn't have a father. He's gone, Remy! We have to find him. JEREMY? ANSWER MOMMA, PLEASE!" Rogue begged loudly while tearing her house upside down.
"Rogue, chere, calm down. We'll find him." Remy attempted to soothe Rogue. He grabbed her into his arms, but she struggled to get out of his grasp.
"Ya don't understand, Remy. He's just a child… he was just here. He was sleepin'. Someone took him! Ah need t'find him. Ah need him now!" Rogue cried frantically as her green eyes burned with worry.
"Do y' know who took him? What does he look like? How old is he?" Remy asked the necessary questions so he knew who he was looking for.
"He's gorgeous, Remy. Light shaggy auburn hair, two years old, wit' the prettiest eyes, Remy. Green on black. Ah need him, Remy. We have to find him! Ah can't lose him. He was just here. We have to find him! JEREMY!" Rogue shouted as she broke out of Remy's grasp and continued to look frantically around her small blue house.
Remy stood stationary for a few moments while the words sunk in. Green on black. Those words stuck in his mind, and he needed to know. Even if it was a long shot, he needed to know. He ran after Rogue and grabbed her by the wrist.
"Rogue, who's de petite's pere?" He asked firmly.
"We'll talk later, we have t'find him now!" She tried to brush him off, but he kept his grip on her.
"Rogue, answer me." He demanded.
"You're the father! Now, we have to find him. Jeremy, sugah, where are ya, baby??" She yelled and tried to break out of Remy's grasp to continue her search.
He wouldn't let go though, as the words sunk in. He pulled her back and gripped both her wrists. Her eyes, however, were scanning the entire room while he tried to get her to focus on him for a second.
"Rogue, look at me." He requested sternly.
"Jeremy? Answer Momma! JEREMY?" She screamed and ignored Remy's demand.
"Rogue, we'll find de petite, but first, look at me." Remy requested more firmly. Then, realizing Remy was standing before her, she obliged to his request. However, one look into his red eyes, the pieces clicked together. Remy's red eyes reminded her of another pair of darker crimson orbs. All those dreams of Remy being mutilated, experimented on, and killed flooded her mind and she knew. She knew where Jeremy was.
"Sinister! Sinister has him! REMY, WE NEED TO GET HIM BACK! REMY WE HAVE TO GO GET HIM BACK!" Rogue cried frantically as her mother's intuition kicked in.
Remy's paternal instincts seemed to have kicked too as he pieced all the signs together. Every night he had been haunted by dreams of Sinister enslaving Rogue and doing deeds that was hardly imaginable by any human being. The dreams had to be planted. It was the only way Remy would have dropped everything to return to Rogue. Sinister had led him back here to see Rogue, to distract her long enough so the child would be left alone; long enough for him to take the child.
"Remy, please. We have to get him back. Please, we have t'get him back!" She cried desperately.
Naturally, Remy took her into his arms and held her. "We will, chere. I promise we will."
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