Ch. 11 Two to Tango
Beep… Beep… Beep..thump…Beep..thump…Beep…Beep…Be…THWACKRogue slumped back into bed. Her hand still hung on the edge of the alarm clock after a hearty smack finally got the stupid machine to shut up. It took several moments for her vision to focus on the large red digital number on the display. 6:30. She groaned and rolled over onto her back with a disgruntled sigh. The down feather pillow molded to her head in the promise of continued comfort if she ignored her obligations this morning.
A Sunday morning training session with Logan, who wouldn't want to conveniently forget about that? 'Ah'll jus' lay heah fo' a few more minutes.' A sleepy smile curved her lips in the memory of half remembered dreams that had focused on a certain Cajun. 'Speakin'a which, if Ah actually wanna be able t'go t'day, Ah bettah get outta bed.' This time when she cracked her eyes open she did not groan. Something about the prospect of seeing Gambit took the sting out of her upcoming torture.
Logan had decided about two months earlier to start holding special training sessions for the advanced students. At fist only Rogue, Scott, and Jean had been called down in the early Sunday morning hours. A few weeks ago, Kitty and Kurt graced the roster as well. The bathroom did not sport the long waiting line it often saw during the weekdays. And Rogue arrived just in time to see Kitty stumble out of the girls' bathroom with a mumbled 'g'dmorning' and a long yawn. Rogue just gave a sleepy wave in return as she entered the door. The cold tile helped clear some of the fuzz out of her brain and a few splashes of cold water to her face aided even further.
Her vision cleared, and what she saw upon looking into the mirror surprised her. A small smile lingered. Even at the unholy hour and approaching doom, there was a smile. 'Great now Ah'm gone get all giggly n' silly.' The expression changed for a moment to a smirk, but as Rogue finished brushing her teeth and pulling her back, she felt the smile sneak back into place.
Kitty knocked on Rogue's door, still yawning mightily. She was not a morning person, at least not for the first thirty minutes after waking. But once her brain kicked out of sluggish gear, Kitty was one to go full tilt. Rogue often teased Kitty, hinting that the younger girl kept a secret stash of Pixie Stix for her amazing early morning transformation from suddenly sleepy to alert and cheerful in zero seconds flat. One morning, Kitty found a jumbo bag of the sugary treats leaning against her door. Both Rogue and Kurt had taken the fifth.
"C'mon in Kitty," Rogue called. The door opened and Kitty saw Rogue sitting on the edge of her bed, fastening her boots into place. Both girls dressed in uniform as per Danger Room requirements. In her free hand a small tray with two cups of coffee and two bagels with cream cheese. Another yawn stopped Kitty in front of Rogue just before she sat the tray down and flopped onto her friend's bed. The first purple and red shades of morning filtered in through the windows.
"I am sooo like never gonna get used to this!" The warmth of the cup seeped into Rogue's hands as the pair started their Sunday morning ritual. Even when only one of the girls was to be the beneficiary of Logan's tender attentions, the other one always got up as well to share some coffee and a bagel. Today, however, both girls would be at the session, and the only other person attending would be Logan.
"Me neither, but Ah don' think we're in fo' tha usual 'please let meh die now' session."
"Yeah, like, it's probably gonna be the 'none of the nine levels of hell could be worse than this' session," That comment coaxed a tired laugh out of them both. Rogue nibbled on the edge of the bagel. Though her stomach was not quite awake yet, the food would come in handy soon enough.
"Naw, ya know how Logan's been workin' extra in tha evenin's with meh this week?" Kitty nodded with a quizzical look. "Well with him and the Professah, we think that Ah've managed to control mah powers a lil," Now Kitty sat up in full attention with a hopeful expression, "It ain' much Kitty cat," Rogue cautioned in a gentle tone with a hint of her own disappointment, "Ah can jus' keep from pullin' a lot in short touch." But Kitty's enthusiasm did not abate.
"Rogue, that is like so great! I mean it's just a little right now, but it only took you a week to get that!" Kitty bounced as she spoke and almost spilt her coffee and Rogue's in the process.
"Easy there gal," Rogue laughed. "Tha Prof thinks that Ah had the ability ta do that already, Ah jus' had t'figure out how ta do it. Yer right though, it's a step in tha raght direction."
Kitty just grinned and nudged Rogue with her elbow as they both fell into silence to finish the impromptu breakfast. A sideways glance at her friend's contemplative face told Kitty that she was not hallucinating and Rogue really was smiling still. 'Thinking about Remy I bet,' Shadowcat though with an inward grin.' Truth be told, Kitty was not sure how much she trusted Remy. But something about him clicked with Rogue.
Where other students at the Institute, who had known Rogue for months, kept a cautious distance from her at all times, Remy did everything but. He treated her like a mutant, not like a plague carrier, something to be feared. 'I, like, doubt he's afraid of anything.' Kitty mused in silence while finishing off the last few crumbs of the bagel. She looked at Rogue again. 'But if he, like, hurts her, I'll phase him into the Danger Room walls n' leave him for Mr. Logan!'
Logan arrived at the Danger Room at precisely seven thirty to find a semi awake Rogue and a perky Kitty lounging on the bench just outside the massive metal rooms. Unlike the younger students, his older students never showed a trace of apprehension or disgruntlement, though he knew they often felt that way. No, time and experience had taught them that as bad as his sessions were, they served a purpose.
He wanted his sessions to be as hard on them as he could possibly make them, and have them still be instructive. After all would Sentinels go easy on them? No, so neither could Logan. To do otherwise would mean he sent them out unprepared, and that would get them hurt, or worse. He knew Rogue and the others understood that, even if they did not like it. He did not like it either. Logan wanted them to be kids; the world demanded they be adults.
Both girls smiled. Sincere if tired expressions as they stood up and followed Logan into the room that knew many nicknames from the students and none of them nice. Though at first glance, the Danger Room was very deceptive. Its interior curved with thick sheets of a high-test steel alloy lining the walls that stretched a good thirty feet above them. A room hung in the center at the very top. The floor of the control room was composed of the same alloy, but from waist high, five feet tall windows stretched up to line the perimeter. They were strong and shatterproof to allow those within to observe in safety. In the dim interior, Rogue made out the soft glow of numerous monitors and the faint outline or Ororo in one of the chairs. It felt cold and alien in this place, and that was only the beginning.
"Lights," Called out Logan's gruff voice. He was in uniform as well, though he had not donned the mask. At his call white illumination flooded the room and bounced off the shiny walls. "Half pint endurance course one."
Kitty's frown at the nickname 'half pint' changed to surprise at the course Logan chose.
When a student first arrived at the Institute, Logan did not start them out with the other kids. Instead they ran two individual courses for at least a week, sometimes two. One of the courses remained the same for every new student and was designed to test the basics: strength, agility, speed, and endurance. Logan designed the second course in specific response to the new recruit's mutation. The general goal was to test the control and strength of a student's mutation, as well as how they adapted the use of their mutation to meet different situations. In cases where a student did not have much or any control, Logan worked them extensively on this first course until they developed enough command to work safely with the other students.
Though even after a student 'graduated' to the team training, they still ran their individual courses at least once a week. After they mastered one, Logan designed another. Every course he created focused on the student's weak points, pushing the limits of their mutation and their physical abilities without beating them down too bad. For most students, the third or fourth course proved the greatest challenge and took far longer to complete then any of the previous ones. With the influx of new students, Logan toyed with the possibility of letting his older students help him design some of the courses. They needed the experience, and he needed the extra help.
Kitty Pryde was on her fifth individual course. Once Kitty's mutation had strengthened and as a result became more reliable, her control had improved in leaps and bounds. She had completed her third and fourth course sooner then any other student except two. This was part of the reason Logan had chosen her to train with Rogue first. Kitty cast a sideways glance at Rogue, and wished her mutation were telepathy. She wanted to know what the older girl thought about starting off on what was really a 'baby' course. Though as usual, Rogue's face gave no hint to what she might be thinking.
"All right half pint, here's the deal. You and I are gonna teach Rogue how to use your mutation. What you can do, what you can't do, the works. I plan on getting through your level four simulation by lunch. " Now Rogue showed a reaction as she gulped. Kitty's level four course often left her too tired to even move, and she knew the in's and out's of her mutation already.
"It's not gonna be as bad as either of you think I'm bettin'," Logan smirked, "You are gonna be running the courses together." Kitty's brows shot up.
"But, like, how? I know Rogue's got some control, but am I, like, really gonna be up to running this with her?"
"That's what we're gonna find out half-pint. With her new control, I can still keep up with 'er. Now I want to know if she's really only taking a little, or if it's got somethin' to do with my healing factor," He paused, "Start simulation."
All around them the room changed. Both girls heard the soft whine and grind of metal as they saw various sections of the walls, floor, and ceiling slide away. From the holes rose or fell an assortment of equipment; climbing ropes, platforms, nets, barriers, and numerous other things. Though before everything fell into place, a white shimmer distorted the room as images formed in the style of an out of focus camera. In fast increments, the images came into opaque focus. Trees swayed in a breeze that the girls actually felt in the bathing glow of cheerful sunlight broken by the occasional cloud. Water gurgled, birds chirped, and insects buzzed.
Rogue gave a low whistle as the looked around. Logan's attention turned to her for a moment and he gave a mental nod of approval. She was not just looking at the cheerful scenery. She was evaluating the course. A dawn of understanding flickered in her green eyes. He cracked a grin, knowing she had just figured out why he had designed this particular course for Kitty. Rogue saw how the course played to Kitty's strengths, would test and eventually improve her weaknesses.
"He musta lahked ya Kittycat," Kityy gave her friend a quizzical look, "Ya gotta a nice lil view heah. Me, Scott, n' Jean just got metal n' Logan ta look at," She grinned, Kitty giggled, and Logan smirked.
"All right, you know the drill. Make it to the end," With no further instruction, Logan crossed his arms and waited. He preferred to be in the Danger Room even when he was not an active part of the training. Though up above Ororo monitored the room, just in case.
Rogue inhaled and held that breath as she took off her glove and reached out. Kitty forced down her nervousness as her friend's pale fingers neared her cheek. Though Kitty did not fear Rogue stealing her memories. No, she feared for Rogue. In another moment, Rogue would know if she really had gained a little control over her powers, and Kitty wanted it to be true. The fleeting cool brush of Rogue's skin tightened the knots in both their stomachs. Rogue felt the soft tug within her mind and she concentrated on keeping it soft.
Like the Professor had taught her over the previous week, Rogue visualized the way Kitty's life moved into her. A stream of energy that was predominately the power of Kitty's mutation traveled towards her. Rogue fought back Kitty's memories and tried to allow only her mutation through. The strain caused Rogue's brow to furrow even though the touch lasted no more than a few seconds. When she touched another person it was like a flood rushing into her own body, one that knew no control. Quick touches naturally did not allow much to pass between her and another. What Rogue could do now only allowed her to stave off part of that flood. It was a "wall" that she could not maintain for long. Still, it was a first step.
"I like, felt it, but not like, as strong. I think I'm okay," She sounded surprised and Rogue released a breath she did not even know she'd been holding.
"After ya then Kitty," Rogue gestured to the course and Kitty set off at a light jog, Rogue right behind her.
The first course posed no real dangers. It was more of a typical endurance course with a mutant twist. Though they still took it slow as Kitty stopped periodically to describe a certain challenge and how to use her powers to meet it.
Rogue stopped on the beaten dirt path and looked up. A rock wall rose up a good four or five stories. It posed a near vertical climb except for the overhangs scattered at long intervals. The wall was probably too wide to phase directly through. ' So we gotta go up then.' Rogue's eyes narrowed as she studied the rocky overhangs. The bottoms ran perpendicular to the cliff face with the tops at a sharp upward angle. 'Can't climb around them, n' goin ova them would be hard.'
"So yer supposed ta phase through the overhang in get a grip on tha otha side," Rogue frowned. It was an obvious solution, but she knew Kitty needed momentum to phase through objects and a near vertical climb did not provide much of that.
"Yeah, but like once you get an arm through, you have to unphase your arm n' grab on to pull yourself the rest of the way through."
"Ya can control it that fahne?"
"Now I can," Kitty giggled. "Like I got stuck in that wall a few times at first, but I was still learning then. And my powers weren't that reliable at first." She paused for a moment. "Hears the trick. You already know you can tell a difference between phasing through something solid and something like air. When you feel your hands 'hit' air, reconstitute them.. See it in your head."
"All raght," Rogue sounded skeptical, but she started climbing her way to the first overhand nonetheless with Kitty right behind her. It took seven tries to get it right, three of which included Kitty grabbing onto Rogue's legs and phasing her out of the cliff side. About forty minutes later both girls reached the finish line.
Logan looked both girls over with a critical eye. Kitty seemed about as tied as he expected. Even through Rogue could prevent pulling a lot in a quick touch; she was still pulling a person's energy into herself. Rogue's chest rose a fell a little faster than, but she did not look too tired. He gave both girls a gruff nod. A gesture the students knew to be one of approval.
"Half-pint strategy course two," The scene changed and Logan moved off to location of that finish line without another word.
Course two did not present any real dangers either. Instead it focused more on strategy. Every obstacle had at least two possible solutions that ranged from obvious to very obscure. In this course, Kitty found that she liked teaching. At least with Rogue, who listened, made suggestions, and never quit trying. Together they figured out new solutions that allowed two people to accomplish a given task far faster than just one.
It took them about an hour to complete the second run. Kitty was surprised at just how fast Rogue adjusted to the use of Kitty's her mutation. 'I wonder if that's, like, part of her mutation too, or if she's just learned to adapt that fast.' Kitty's thoughts ran that particular track for a few minutes. She was one of the ones who loved figuring out the intricacies of her mutation and that of others as well. It all fascinated her.
Run three contained some real if minor dangers. There were numerous blind corners where various traps waited. This course tested the limits of Kitty's mutation and had helped her learn how to conserve her energy. She and Rogue had a brief talk about this course from the start since Kitty knew they would not her the chance later. Now having another person with her mutation paid off in diamonds. Rogue, who was decently prepared from the first two courses, worked more as a partner and less as a student this time around.
The end result was very satisfying to Logan who checked his watch as they raced the last few feet to the finish. 'Only twenty minutes more than Kitty's best. Not bad.' H thought with a grin. His conscious tweaked him as he called out for the fourth run. Both girls looked tired and Rogue had to touch Kitty again as the other girl's mutation finally ebbed from Rogue. It took more out of Kitty this time, but there was no way she was going to leave Rogue alone on this course.
The last course pushed them both to edge of their abilities. Lasers, automatic guns, and various other traps sprung at odd times, or when one of girls triggered it. Still Kitty knew Logan had been right. It was easier to run this course with a second person. Well comparatively anyway. They were already tired, but were able to disassemble the traps faster, and with Kitty's guidance more accurately then she could do alone. That, however, did not mean that it wasn't hard.
They staggered the last few feet up to Logan before both girls fell to their knees, just over the finish line. Logan ended the scenario with a swelling pride in them both. Kurt ported in a moment later and provided a steady hand for both girls as they walked on shaky legs around the danger room to cool down. Kurt fussed over both of them like a mother hen as he bore most of their weight for each lap around the room.
Logan looked them both over with a critical eye. They seemed about equally tired and he had expected that. Even though Kitty knew the courses better and was in more of an instructor role, Rogue had to touch her twice to get through them all. A few scratches stood out against their skin, but no real damage to either. He nodded to himself with no small amount pride in them both.
"Kurt, get 'em some food n' take 'em to the small dining room. I want you there as well. I'll meet the three of you there in fifteen minutes," The three teens exchanged puzzled and slightly leery glances.
"Vat is zis about?" Kitty shrugged and took the warm cup of tea Kurt handed her. Whatever Logan put in this stuff worked wonders on impending muscle cramps and even with the extensive stretching Kitty felt those familiar twinges.
"Ah think Kitty n' Ah are about ta find out jus' how we did," Rogue stated with a smirk as Kurt handed her a cup as well.
"Vell, let us get goinck." A three fingered, fuzzy, blue hand feel on each girls shoulder and with a puff of sulfuric smelling smoke, found them selves in the smaller breakfast room just off the kitchen. Usually only the adults ate here, or students who missed a meal. Kurt ushered both the exhausted girls into chairs with their tea as he set about a light but healthy lunch for them.
Logan arrived just as Kurt set the soup, sandwiches, a bowl of fruit, and two more cups of tea in front of girls who looked at the simple fare as if it were a King's feast before them. The short stocky man took a chair. A cup of coffee balanced on one knee as he waited until the girls got part of their meal down. Kurt, of course, ate as well. Sometimes the elf boy reminded him of a walking garbage disposal. A grin shot across his face at the thought and it earned him three puzzled brows and a pause in the ravenous intake of food.
"Well now that I got yer attention. Kitty, you did good. You not only helped Rogue through the course, but you saw situations where having another person with your mutation would take you on a shorter route, and used them. I said I wanted you all through the course by noon. I thought you two would finish around two. Right now it's only one." He smirked and Kitty just stared at him slack jawed. Shocked both at the compliments and the speed that she and Rogue had completed the courses in today.
Rogue looked at the stunned expression on Kitty's face. 'Ah guess that means we did okay.' An apple rolled over her palm and she allowed her thoughts to drift back to the training session as lunch settled.
"Rogue," She snapped free of her thoughts and gave her full attention to Logan, "Now we know that your control just ain't in all our heads," He smirked, "It's not perfect but it's a start. You took the lead today when you needed to, but didn't get bent outta shape at having to follow someone younger than you," He paused to let his words sink into both girls. Logan had not expected the training session to go as well as it did. This was uncharted territory they now explored with Rogue's mutation, and he hadn't been sure that this was the best approach. Those misgivings were rapidly receding.
The four talked for a while. Logan answered their questions and explained that starting next week Kurt would be added to the training sessions. He figured Kurt and Kitty would be the two least hesitant about training in this way with Rogue. Once the others found out how well it worked, it would make those sessions even easier on everyone. Around two Logan noticed Rogue's eyes shift every other second or so to the clock behind him. ''Nother outin' with the Cajun I bet.' His feelings on this whole relationship thing were mixed at best, but he also trusted Rogue's judgment or at least he tried to trust.
"All right, off to the showers with ya'll," With that he left, though Rogue sprinted past him on his way up the stairs. Obviously she found some energy even after the grueling training session. He shook his head as he continued his way to his own rooms to prepare for the afternoon sessions with the new kids.
Rogue bolted through the garage door just around three. 'Shit Ah'm late!' With practiced hands, she took the soft top off the Jeep and jumped inside. Scott, who stood at the other end, cleaning his car, wondered just why she was in such hurry as she all but left skid marks on the driveway.
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The park was not crowded, and Rogue had no problems picking out the familiar Harley. Her brow furrowed as she pulled into the spot next to the bike. It was there, but no Gambit. The green display on her radio read 3:30, and she groaned. She hopped out of the door-less Jeep with a long sigh. How was she supposed to find him? Green eyes scanned the nearby area, but no familiar form stood out amongst the trees. Though a faint flash of red and white caught her eye near the motorcycle.
Lying on the ground near the wheel was the Two of Diamonds with "cold" written on it. 'Oh vera cute.' She smirked and looked in the direction it pointed. After three feet away was the Three of Diamonds with "still cold" written across the bottom. Her smirk deepened as she followed the general direction it pointed as well. The soft grass tickled her toes in the open sandals and soon she spied the Four of Diamonds…"getting warmer", it read.
The trail led closer to the pond, but only when the Jack of Diamonds with "scorching" on the back found its way into her hands did she see him. Sprawled out on the grass and half leaning against a tree on the other side of the water. His sunglasses hid those wicked eyes, but she knew he saw her. As an after thought she picked up the Queen and the King on her way over. The Ace lay just at Remy's feet. Rogue reached down to pick up the final card, "burning up" written at bottom.
Remy watched with a slight grin as she came to stop just where his feet were. He looked up to the wide smirk on her lips and the cards she held in one hand. Jeans covered her legs, and all he could see were the tips of her toes in the sandals. Long sleeves covered her arms and she had donned her usual leather gloves. He noticed her hair was still damp from what he assumed a hasty shower given that she had not even bothered to apply makeup at all.
Rogue crouched next him in the sheltering shade and lightly dropped the stack of cards on his abdomen.
"Yer idea a' bread crumbs?" The smirk changed into a lopsided grin. Her arms crossed over her knees as she tried to be not so aware of his eyes upon her. He leaned up, careful to remain outside of that invisible barrier she had erected, but still pushing the boundary.
"Jus' wan'ed t' make sure y' could find yo' way t'rough de forest, Cher," He winked and leaned back on his elbows.
"Sorrah about bein' late," She began while taking a sudden interest in a blade of grass, "trainin' ran late this mornin'."
"S'alright, Remy figured y' might not be able t' make it at all. Wadn' like dis was well planned, non?" He shot her that lazy grin. Rogue flopped onto the ground next to the tree. Both knees pulled up as she rested her arms on them. "So anythin' y' wanna do, Cher?"
"Sittin' heah n' not movin' is tha best idea Ah can think of," She laughed. Remy graced her with a puzzled expression, "Logan's idea a' trainin' tends ta take tha wind outta ya for tha rest a' tha day."
"Den we admire de view o' dis lovely day," Once again he leaned back against the tree and barely managed not to groan as she scooted just a little bit away. Rogue gave entirely new definition to 'one step forward, two steps back'. His one solace was that it was not just he. She very rarely let anyone within easy touching distance, though he thought he had overcome part of that last night. 'Guess not. Dis fille be de most frustratin' one yet.'
"Sounds lahke a good plan ta me." She stretched her legs out with a soft groan. Stretching, Logan's tea, and a hot shower had not prevented a few small cramps nor negated the sheer exhaustion of her muscles. 'Ah pro'lly shoulda stayed home. But…' Her thoughts trailed off as she cast a sideways glance to Remy. A few weak rays of sunlight dappled his face through the leaves in ever shifting pattern over the decisive contours of his face and the reddish goatee.
A comfortable silence fell over the two and Rogue allowed the soft breeze to coax her eyes half closed. Her tired brain refused to form a coherent thought, but that was just fine with her. Watching the sun dance its reflection over the pond seemed a far more valuable use of time right now. She relaxed in slow increments as his presence became less of an anomaly and more comfortable to her.
Remy's thoughts were not as peaceful as hers. She frustrated him. Most girls who said 'just friends' lied either to the guy they said it to, themselves, or both. Rogue seemed entirely sincere and endlessly determined. He suspected she might have an interest beyond friendship, but that interest was small in comparison. 'She idn' one t' jump int' somethin'. She can't,' He reasoned. His gaze locked to the water beyond as well. Whatever thoughts might have come next found themselves derailed with a soft thump on his shoulder.
His head turned as much as the object now on his shoulder would allow. Her soft hair caressed his chin as he realized that she was actually resting her head on his shoulder. A puzzled expression crossed Remy's face. 'Wonder what brought dis on?' He was just about to ask. His gaze sweeping down from the top of her head to her face when he saw that her eyes were closed. Each breath she took came deep and even and Remy almost burst in ironic laughter. 'Dis a good sign o' not?'
He shifted her very gently using all delicacy in a thief touch to maneuver his arm around her shoulders. Her head now tucked half against his chest, half against his shoulder as her sleeping protests at his movement subsided. Delicate fingers curled against his shirt and she snuggled a bit closer to him. His hand fell around her with a gentle squeeze and he leaned back. 'Dis is actually kinda nice.' He chuckled and dozed off an on a bit himself.
Her firm mattress moved and Rogue gave a disgruntled murmur as she turned her head away from the light and into the pillow. Something brushed her hair…once…twice…at the third time she swatted whatever it was with her hand. Her pillow shook with a strange noise and it brought a confused frown to her lips, but she refused to open her eyes. Thoughts moved at a slug pace to the conscious part of her mind. But it was the soft southern purr of a male voice that brought her to full awareness.
"C'mon, Cher. It's almost 5:30," Mortification flooded Rogue as she remembered just whom she was with and deduced that this comfortable, warm 'bed' was not a bed at all. Remy stifled a laugh as she froze in embarrassment. Before she bolted off, Remy slipped his arm from behind her and shifted just a bit away from her. It seemed to help as she lifted her head and raked the auburn and white tendrils from her face with a groggy yawn. Her hands clasped together and she looked away from him. He wondered if she blushed, but caution urged him to just be still for a moment.
"Ahh…Ah'm sorrah about that," A soft cough. He smiled, but not at the soft apology, but at what he felt hidden in the words. Yes she was terribly embarrassed, but underneath it lurked a small sense of enjoyment as well. 'Not much but it be a good start.'
"No need t' apologize, Cher. Y' needed a nap, n' Remy be mo' comfortable den a tree, non?" He winked at her when she finally turned back around. A faint reddish cast to her cheeks, but she ignored it well.
"Ah don' know," She teased, " 'Least a tree don' move 'round n' try ta wake meh up."
"Well, Cher, Remy'd loved t' sit heah wit' y' longer, but dat heavy head o' yorn was stopping de blood flow t'his arm," He drawled. At first came the look of indignation then a smirk as she forgot all about her embarrassment and lightly kicked his booted foot. 'A'least Ah'm readin' 'er betta'.' Normally Remy would have quipped off something far more…suggestive, but he figured that would have sent her at a full run back to her Jeep. Instead, she was relaxed again. "Wha? Remy can' help it y' gotta thick head," His grin widened.
"N' Ah suppose you'd be an expert in tha' particular area, huh?"
"What'cha tryin' t' say der, Cher?"
" Just sayin,'" She shrugged with an innocent smile. "How's it go again? Oh yeah… 'Takes one to know one.' "
"Oh so y' gonna go all grade school are y'?"
"Just sayin'," She repeated with the sweet smile still in place. Remy chuckled and his smirk widened.
"Y' still ain't tol' Remy why y' t'ink his head be as hard as yorn." His elbow nudged her ribs gently, and she fell quiet for a moment. 'What de hell did Ah say dis time!?!' His thoughts all but growled in aggravation. He felt the undercurrent of her unknown sadness before it vanished in the next instant and she smiled. It was one of those strange melancholy smiles he had seen on her before.
"Ah think Ah betta let ya figure that one out there, Remy." A small grin replaced her previous expression and Remy felt his irritation fade to confusion. Rogue's moods were an uncertain sea whose surface never mirrored the ebb and flow of the currents beneath. The heavy serious note in her words caused them to catch in thoughts. It wasn't just something to say for banter's sake, she meant it. 'But wha' in de hell is dat supposed to mean?' Yep, frustration returned and he decided to change the subject.
"Y' wanna go grab somethin' t' eat?" The grass between the fingers of her flattened hand swayed in the breeze. His eyes traced the clinging curves of the gloves she wore until her voice drew his attention and his eyes upwards.
"Ah can't," She frowned because oh how she wanted to, "Ah got kitchen duty t'night."
"Y' cook?"
"Simple stuff," She nodded, "But tanight Ah got clean up."
"Remy definitely gonna have t' remember dat," He stood up, the trench sorting itself into perfect place. He reached out a hand to her and helped her to her feet in one easy motion. The walk back to the parking lot seemed far too short for them both. Though before Rogue could climb into her Jeep, Remy claimed her hand and lifted it to his lips.
"T'ank Y' for comin'," His thumb traced small circles on the back of her glove.
"Thanks fer invitin' me," To his surprise she reversed the position of her hand in his and a moment later kissed his gloved hand, "A thank ya present," She smirked and climbed into the Jeep taking no small amount of enjoyment in the stunned if brief look on his face. Remy recovered fast, he always did, and flashed that oh so charming, oh so dangerous grin. His reward was a flicker of appreciation in those deep green eyes before she backed out of the space and headed out of the park.
'Dat girl jus' full o' surprises.' His grin deepened as he sat on the bike. Oh the game had gotten even more interesting now. Something tickled in the back of his thoughts. That he had enjoyed her presence far too much for it just to be a game. After all if that's all it was, couldn't he claim victory? How many other guys had gotten this close to her? 'What de hell am Ah thinkin'? Course it ain't over yet.'
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I must apologize to all of you who have read this fic for the late update. Things were a little hectic for awhile, but I think will settle some and allow me some real bonding time with my keyboard. Anyway, I am a bit nervous about this chapter and somewhat eagerly somewhat hesitantly await your words. Enjoy!
Demon Rogue13 – Thanks much!
Angie X – Thanks to you too! I apologize for the delay!
Yumiko – Than you so much for keeping interested and for the compliments. I promise to try and update more frequently!
Ishandahalf – Alas even the crack bunnies could not enable more writing time. Le sigh. Hehe.. here is the answer to your previous question. Enjoy!
Katrina5 – Rushing any story is bad heh! And thank you, I hope I continue to delight! Remy is a sneaky lil bugger isn't he?
DBZpunkchick – And finally the update!
Caliente – Low Key = Good or so I think. Here you go!