Disclaimer: Okay, still don't own X-Men and I'm defiantly not making any money off of this so no one sue. You won't get nothing but a headache. And I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or any of it's references. Oh, but I do own Ebony and the story idea and probably any characters you don't recognize. Yay me.
Authors Note: Everyone, y'all need to go and read Mercury Dream's stuff. It's really, really, really, really, really good. (Did I mention really?) A Rogue's Touch and All Grown Up are my favorites. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and cause the Brotherhood is greatly outnumbered, they get Tabby. Not that it really makes much of a difference since I'm also introducing the other newbies in this chapter but yeah. I may just have to create more bad mutants for the Brotherhood later. Anyway, read and enjoy.
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dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 26: Dances & New Friends
Rogue adjusted slightly on the plush rec room sofa as she leaned against Remy's arm, her head resting on his shoulder, there fingers intertwined. They had both been more than a little disappointed when they found out what exactly the beam the Sentinel hit her with did. And how if she'd stayed in it's path a little longer her and Remy might have been able to touch skin to skin. 'Oh well,' Rogue thought as she listened to the rhythmic beats of his heart and felt his body heat radiating from beneath his clothing. 'This works too.'
The entire institute was gathered in the large room, awaiting the Professor's to find out what the big announcement was. Most of the girls chatted excitedly about the dance which was only two days away now.
It was a few minutes before the Professor wheeled in, flanked by Logan, Ororo, Hank and Meranda. "Settle down please," Meranda said, causing everyone to quiet down and turn and look at the adults.
"I'm glad you're all here," Charles began, admiring his students, his X-Men, with a look of pride. "I have a very exciting announcement."
"Like, what's that Professor?" Kitty asked, anxiously.
"I'd like you all to meet our new students," Charles smiled as Meranda and Logan moved aside to reveal six new figures.
"Cool," Kurt stated, porting directly in front of the newbies, inspecting them closely.
"Manners Mister Wagner," Ororo reminded gently.
"Yeah, take a seat elf, give em some room," Logan added sternly causing Kurt to port back to his place, perching on the arm of the couch next to Remy.
"Now, why don't I introduce them," Charles continued, ignoring the interruption and moving aside so that the students could step forward. "This is Rahne Sinclair. She's joining us from Scotland." As he spoke, a sixteen year old girl with red hair done up in pig tails, light skin stepped forward smiling.
"'ello all," she said offering a small wave.
Everyone waved and offered their hellos. "So Rahne, what's your gift?" Jean asked good naturedly after everyone had said hello.
"Well," before everyone's eyes, the young girl before them transformed into a wolf and then after a few moments, back into a girl. "They call me Wolfsbane."
"Cool," Kurt said again as Rahne moved to sit down on the couch next to Rogue.
"And this, is Jamie Mardox, or Multiple," the Professor continued as a small boy, around thirteen, walked forward. He had short brown hair and was small and lean, obviously awaiting another growth spurt. He walked forward quickly, tripping on the rug on the way and falling to the floor, causing six replicas of himself to appear.
"Sorry," he mumbled blushing before him and his copies retreated to the side of the room, everyone saying hello and offering him friendly smiles.
"That's quite alright Jamie. And this, is Samuel Guthrie or Cannonball," Charles continued on.
"Howdy y'all," Sam smiled and waved revealing a southern accent.
"Oh no, not another one," Jubilee replied jokingly as she looked over towards Rogue and Remy.
"W'at dat mean p'tite?" Remy asked cocking an eyebrow, his smirk already in place.
"Welcome sugah," Rogue said smiling up at Sam. He was tall and lean with shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes and looked to be about 17. "Ya can help us with all these Yankees here," she smiled at him as he laughed out right.
"So, what's your power?" Scott asked as the room quieted.
"Well, Ah'd demonstrate, but Ah don't think the Professor here would lahke it none," Sam stated matter-of-factly.
"Mister Guthrie can convert thermo-chemical energy around his body, to propel him at high speeds," Charles explained for his students.
"Please, call meh Sam Professor," Sam smiled before taking a seat near Scott and Jean.
"Very well Sam," Charles smiled at the boy before continuing. "And this is Robert Drake."
"Call me Iceman guys, or Bobby," the young boy replied as he created an ice slide before him, sliding into the center of the room. "And you can all guess my gift."
"You better clean that up bub," Logan growled, as Bobby turned beet red and slunked over next to Jamie, as Ororo created a breeze and Jean opened the door, sending the ice slide out into the pool.
"As I was saying," Charles continued, and indicated the darker skinned boy to his left. "This is Roberto Da Costa or Sunspot."
The boy took a step forward. He was very clean cut and proper as he stood before the group, an expression of pure business on his face.
"So, like what's your gift?" Kitty asked, admiring the young mans build a little to hard, as Amara jabbed her in the ribs.
"I am able to absorb the suns energy and then process it into physical energy," Roberto explained.
"Wow, how fascinating," a sarcastic voice piped up from behind the Professor and everyone turned to look at the remaining boy. He was tall and well built as well, around 17, with blonde hair shaved close to his scalp, but not completely off, and the front bangs dyed orange and spiked. He leaned against the side wall easily, slouching and staring challengingly over at Roberto.
"And this students, is Ray Crisp or Berserker," Charles finished as the boy pushed himself off of the wall and stepped forward, electric energy pulsating between his hands.
"Some of us can create energy with out the sun," he smirked as he purposefully bumped his shoulder into Roberto.
"Watch it," Roberto growled and the two boys looked ready to start a fight when Logan stepped forward, resting a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Settle down boys. Any problems you have you settle in the danger room. With me," he said smiling evilly.
Both boys gulped, causing the rest of the group to break into a fit of laughter. When it subsided everyone got up to leave.
"Well dudes, welcome to Mutant Manor," Evan smiled as he and Wanda headed outside.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Concentrate Rogue," Meranda's soothing voice filled the air as Rogue sat in the middle of the circular clearing again, surrounded by nature, as Meranda walked a circle around Rogue.
Rogue's eyes were closed as she sat cross legged, her hands resting on her knees. The clearing was silent as Remy stood off to the side, leaning against a tree, watching the two women. Today was his turn to help Meranda and Rogue train and quiet frankly, he wished that everyday was his turn. He hated the idea that she had to absorb any of the others. Especially when he knew that some of their psyche's fought her. His never did, and never would.
Right now they were meditating, working on trying to discover the answer within Rogue's mind.
"Relax," Meranda's voice continued evenly as she kept her slow moving pace around the circle, the repeated motion not bothering her in the least. "Focus on your body, it's position. Let your mind be free. Let me worry about the others you keep there and let your self be at complete ease."
Rogue let out a deep breath and reluctantly released her mind shields. For a moment all the psyches rushed to the surface, struggling for control, Carol fighting the hardest. Then, all was silent and Rogue was seemingly alone in her mind, and it was a wonderful feeling. Outside, she could hear Meranda's voice, calmly reassuring her, and leading her on.
Remy watched the look on Meranda's face as she struggled to control all the ghosts in Rogue's mind, and keep her own head as well. He took three long strides and was at her side, as she knelt next to Rogue. "Y' alright mon ami?" Remy asked concerned as he knelt down next to Meranda, looking at the older woman.
"Yeah, I'll be okay," Meranda replied as Rogue slipped into a deep trance. "It's just," she turned and looked at the young man. "My mind's not designed to control all of this like hers is. It's hard."
"Y' want Remy should git someone?" the young Cajun asked.
"No, let's just carry on shall we?" Meranda said looking back to her daughter. "It means a lot to her. I'll be fine."
Remy watched the look of determination pass over the woman's face and knew he was beat. He'd only ever seen it grace the features of one other person in his life, and quiet frankly, he never won when Rogue wore it either. "Whatever y' say Ebony," Remy conceded as he rose and took his position near the edge of the clearing.
Meanwhile in Rogue's Mind…
Rogue found herself in the middle of a room she hadn't been inside in ages. It was the living room of a small two story house in Caldecott. The room was well furnished, with ornate Victorian style seating in rich reds and a large entertainment center, complete with big screen TV. It had a cluttered, lived in feel.
"Just like you remember it huh?" a soft voice asked, and Rogue spun around to see a raven haired girl, leaning against the door frame leading into the front hall. Her hair went down straight to her lower back in a long braid, with indigo streaks running through it. "Or at least how I remember it anyway," the girl smiled at Rogue and walked farther into the room. She wore a pair of black leather pants over black stiletto heeled boots with a blue cotton tank top, revealing her naval ring and the head and wings of the blue dragon tattoo on her stomach. She sat down on the sofa and patted the seat next to her, welcoming Rogue to join. "Haven't seen you in awhile. Take a seat, we'll catch up."
"What are ya doin' here Madison?" Rogue asked as she sat opposite the girl, looking hard at her.
"Don't you remember? After the party when you zapped that dickhead Cody?" Madison asked, looking somewhat hurt. "We went out looking for you. Found you too in that old cemetery. I tried to help you and next think I knew, I was in here fighting for space. Took me awhile to figure out what had happened, and by then you'd been nice enough to construct me my own little place here."
"Ah guess Ah forgot 'bout that," Rogue trailed off as she thought back for a moment to the night her powers came into play. "Why'd y'all try ta help meh anyway?" she asked after a few moments. "Ah never understood why."
"That's an easy one," Madison answered as she started rummaging through the mess on the coffee table, searching for the remote she could never find. "I've got one for you though, is it to much to fucking ask to get something on the damned tv in here? It's bad enough I'm stuck in this house by myself with that blonde bitch knocking at the door all the time, trying to lead a revolt, which you might want to watch out for by the way, but I also gotta contend with a big screen tv with nothing on it? Now that's harsh."
"Ya didn't answer my question. Why?" Rogue ignored her rambling, learning long ago from the living Madison, that it was a common occurrence.
"Cause, despite what you think, we're family," Madison replied, looking straight into Rogue's eyes. "We always were. Even when you didn't see it. Even when you turned away from us, we were still family. As far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure my corporeal counterpart will agree, we still are."
Rogue let out a sigh and sunk back into the couch cushions, thinking back hard for a few moments till the sudden image of an old Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode appeared on the screen. "How's this?"
"Oh you rock," Madison exclaimed settling back into the cushions next to Rogue, an excited expression on her face. "Oh, and I haven't seen this one either."
"Ya have been up here awhile haven't ya?" Rogue asked smirking as she watched the other girl for a moment, who simply stuck out her tongue and focused her attention on the show. After a few moments of silence, save for the tv, Rogue thought it'd be best to ask her other question when Madison beat her too it.
"The answer's here."
"What?"
"The answer you're looking for, it's here. In this house with me. That's why you're here."
"Ya know what it is?"
"Duh. Why else do you think I'm here? Why I'm not fighting for control with the others? Fighting to be free? I'm guarding it. From her."
"Carol?"
"Not Carol. You know who I'm talking about even if you don't know you know it yet. And Carol too. And that bitch of a shape-shifter. And the others too. Except for that Cajun guy. He's pretty nice, and cute too," with this Madison turned to Rogue. "So are you guys a thing? Cause I see him in here a lot and he seems pretty smitten with you."
"Stop changing the subject," Rogue said turning and looking at the girl. "What are ya protectin' in here?"
"Answer my question and I'll answer yours."
"Yeah we're an item, now tell meh."
Madison smile broadened, but quickly faded as she let out a long sigh. "The source of your power lies in this house. As well as how to control it, and what it can one day accomplish. What it will one day be. I think that's why you put me here. Cause you knew I'd be the one to look after it. Like we always tried to look after you."
"So what's the answer? How do Ah control it?"
"I can't tell you that Rogue."
"Why not?"
"Cause then it'd all be too damned easy. And with power like yours, you've got to fight to understand it or else you'll never be able to control it."
"So Ah came here for nothin' then?" Rogue sank back into the couch, letting out a moan.
"No. I can't tell you how to control it, but that doesn't mean I can't set you on the right path," Madison replied as she looked at Rogue hopefully with ice blue eyes. "The secret is in your pain."
"That's it?"
"Yep, pretty much," Madison smiled and turned back to the tv.
"Ya sound lahke Eric, ya know that?"
"Well, he did teach me well. Hey, do you think you could go, I don't know, find Tony and give him a tap? I'm kinda lonely in here."
"Hell no."
"Why not?"
"Cause Ah won't have y'all doin' dirty thing in mah mind."
"Okay Sakura," Madison teased as the two girls laughed and settled into a comfortable silence. "You've got to go soon. Your mom can't hold back the tidal wave forever y'know," Madison stated looking at Rogue.
"Yeah," the two girls rose and looked at one another. "Thank ya."
"Anytime," Madison wrapped her arms around Rogue, squeezing the girl for a minute. "You'll figure it out. Don't worry. And I'll see you later."
Suddenly Rogue was ripped from the home as the psyche's hit her like a ton of bricks. She quickly recovered and slammed up her mental shield just before any could gain control, causing her to loose her hold on her trance and open her eyes. Remy stood before her, holding up Meranda who was breathing heavily.
"Sorry baby, I couldn't hold them any more," Meranda apologized, wondering for a moment how her daughter was able to do it all the time.
"It's okay Mamma," Rogue said, refusing the bare hand Remy offered her. "Ah think we had a break through."
"So y' know de answer den ma chere?" Remy asked as he watched Rogue pull on her gloves.
"No Swamp Rat," Rogue replied as she helped steady her mother. "But Ah'm on mah way." And for the first time since the training began, Rogue offered them both an actual smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue ran her ungloved hands over the silk material of her hunter green dress, smiling admiringly. It fell off her pale shoulders and the sleeves went down to her wrists where they flared out. It fell down past her black heels, ending just above the floor. Her hair was pulled up in a neat French twist with her white bangs framing her face. She ran her fingers over her skirt one last time, reveling in the softness of the silk, before pulling on her gloves and reaching for the black velvet chocker on her dresser. It was an inch thick with a shinning emerald embedded in the center. "Hey Wanda, what tahme is it?" she asked the other girl as she fastened the necklace.
"Six forty-five," Wanda replied as she adjusted the corset on her dress.
"And what time is Lance coming so we can all leave?" Jean asked, her red hair falling straight down her back. She, Rahne and Jubilee had decided to get ready in Rogue and the other girls room. Amanda had even convinced her parents to let her get ready at the Institute.
"Like, seven," Kitty replied as she helped Amanda zip her dress. "And I, like, told him if he was even a minute late, he'd be dancing with, like, Blob all night."
"Harsh," Amara said as she took the last curler out of her hair, letting it fall softly over her shoulders.
"Blob's the big fat one right?" Rahne asked as she adjusted her pale green shirt and tank top.
A knock sounded on the door causing mutual looks of confusion to pass over the girls face.
"Come in," Jubilee called out as Meranda and Ororo entered the room.
"Wow, you guys look great," Meranda commented as she entered the room in a A-line black skirt, complete with slit up to the knee, her knee high black boots, and a red corset top, complete with a red velvet chocker and her hair down in lose curls.
"We're not the only ones," Amanda commented as Meranda did a quick spin.
"Yeah Mamma," Rogue said cocking an eyebrow. "Why are ya so dressed up?"
"Oh, no reason," Meranda smirked as she helped Jubilee spike her hair.
"She has a date," Ororo stated helping Wanda with her necklace.
"Oh, like with who?" Kitty asked excitedly.
"It's not a date," Meranda said glaring at Ororo. "Henry and I are just going out for coffee and to an genetics lecture."
"Sure it's not," Amara giggled.
"Ah think that's great Mamma, but what's Daddy think?" Rogue asked as she pulled a set of bangles out of her jewelry box and placed them around her mothers wrist.
"Oh, he's thrilled," Meranda replied sarcastically. "But I'm sure Ro will help improve his mood." Meranda winked over at her snow haired friend.
"Ororo chuckled softly. "I do what I can."
"You guys better hurry," Meranda said, changing the subject. "The guys are downstairs waiting. Even Lance is here already and the Professor want's to take pictures."
"Oh joy," Wanda rolled her eyes as the girls headed towards the door.
"That which does not kill us teaches us to avoid similar situations in the future," Meranda said as her and Ororo followed the girls out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What's taking them so long?" Lance complained as he stood in the front foyer with the men of the Xavier institute.
"I don't know, but I hope they hurry up. I'm starving," Kurt complained as he perched on the stair railing.
"What takes girls so long to get ready anyway?" Evan asked "They've been at it since three and it only took us an hour."
"It's de price we pay mon ami's," Remy stated as he shuffled his cards anxiously.
"Get used to it bubs," Wolverine growled. "It only gets worse."
"Ah, but how beautiful the end product is," Hank stated as he entered the room, looking like the man he was before the beast took over, thanks to the image inducer he now wore.
"Funny, and I always thought I was worth the wait, did you Ro?" Meranda said as she and Ororo descended the stairs.
"Whoa mate!" John breathed as Lance let out a low whistle. "If that's the mum, imagine what the shelia looks like," he jabbed Remy in the ribs causing the young Cajun to shoot a glare at the Aussie.
"Y' have a femme homme, so keep y' hands off Remy's hahn?" Remy stated as he looked back to Meranda. "Y' do look belle Madame."
"Why thank you boys, but if you think I look good, wait till you see the girls," Meranda stated as she turned around to look up the stairs. "Alright girls, get ready."
Meranda and Ororo took positions at the bottom of the stairs.
"Now presenting, the royal maidens of Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters," Ororo began as she and Meranda extended arms towards the top of the stairs. The men gathered around the bottom and watched as Rahne began to descend, followed by Jean, Amara, Amanda, Jubilee, Kitty, Wanda and finally Rogue. Each one stopped at the bottom of the stairs and spun before joining the guys.
"Wow, you all look hot," Bobby stated as he eyed the girls, more than a little jealous that he was going stag.
"Just remember, they're spoken for," Scott stated as he slipped a lavender rose corsage onto Jeans wrist.
"Alright everyone, gather together," Charles stated as he pulled out his camera.
"Oh, me too," Meranda said as she grabbed a new Olympus digital from a nearby table. "Look Logan, our little girls first dance," she said as the kids posed and the adults took pictures.
"Ah've been ta other dances y'know," Rogue stated as Remy fastened he red rose corsage to her dress and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Yeah, but we didn't get to be there for those kid," Logan stated, as Ororo placed a hand on his arm, keeping him from ripping Remy to pieces.
"Remy prefers ma chere wit' out all dat crap on her belle face," Remy whispered, noting the more neutral tones in her makeup compared to her usual gothic garb.
"Thank ya swamp rat. Ya don't clean up half bad yer self." She placed her hands over his as he rested his cheek against the side of her head. The two smiled broadly and snuggled closer to each other.
"Alright everyone shut up and smile," Meranda stated as she and Charles began snapping pictures.
After several minutes, and even more groans from the guys, Charles was out of film and Meranda's memory card was full. "Well, then, be home at a decent hour," Charles said.
"Eight thirty," Logan grunted causing everyone to look at him.
"Logan," Ororo stated in a firm tone, looking sternly at him.
"Fine. Two. But I better not smell any alcohol on any of you or it's four am sessions in the danger room till graduation," Logan threatened causing everyone to cringe.
"Right then," Meranda said walking over to Rogue and placing a hand on each of her daughters shoulders. "Have fun, keep your boy out of trouble, and don't do anything I wouldn't do," she paused and smiled wickedly. "Or anything I would."
"Yes Mamma," Rogue replied smiling as the groups started to head out to the cars.
"Gumbo, behave yourself and take care of my baby," Logan stated patting his hand on the Cajuns back.
"Always mon ami," Remy replied helping Rogue into her black leather three quarter length jacket and taking her arm.
"Drive safe," Hank added as the children all climbed into their vehicles and headed towards the dance, even Jamie tagging along.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The doors shut leaving the adults standing in the middle of the foyer.
"Well, we should get going as well," Hank said as he grabbed Meranda's duster off of the coat hook and held it open for her.
"Right, what time's the lecture?" Meranda said slipping her arms into it.
"Eight," Charles answered as he watched the two. "It should be quiet educating. And perhaps answer some of the questions that you and Hank have been unable to."
"Thanks again for getting us tickets Charles," Meranda said sincerely as she pulled out her black leather gloves and slipped them over her long slender fingers. "I'm really looking forward to it."
"Yeah, should be a good nap," Logan muttered causing Meranda to shoot him a glare and Ororo to jab him in the stomach.
"Quite the contrary my friend. The guest lecturer is a world renown geneticists from London," Hank supplied as he pulled on his own jacket.
"Aw, and I have to reprogram the danger room. Damn," Logan said sarcastically as he turned to head towards the elevator. "Comin' Ro?" he added winking at the Weather Goddess.
"Have a good time," Ororo stated before turning to catch up to Logan.
"We will," Meranda smiled as she linked her arm through Hanks. "Come on Doctor McCoy, or we'll miss the opening jokes," she smiled up at him before turning back to Charles. "Don't wait up."
Hank chuckled as he led her out to the X-van and helping her inside, shutting the door and walking around to the drivers side, climbing in.
"Wow, I can't remember the last time a guy opened a door for me," Meranda smiled sweetly at him.
"I can't imagine why," Hank replied, starting the jeep and heading out towards the gate.
"Well, when you're military, you don't usually have people rushing to open your door. Unless there a corporal or worse," Meranda let out a snort as she adjusted in her seat. "Not cause you're a girl and it's the gentlemanly thing to do. I appreciate it."
"Anytime my dear," Hank smiled as the two fell into a comfortable silence and Hank drove.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So, what does mon amore think of de dance?" Remy asked as he swayed Rogue slowly in the middle of the dance floor to the beat of the music.
"It's alright Ah guess," Rogue replied as she rested her head on his chest, her arms wrapped around him possessively. "The company's nice," she smiled up at him, causing the Cajun to smirk.
"Remy must agree mon amore," he smiled and kissed the top of her head.
"And the others seem ta be enjoyin' themselves," Rogue added as she looked around at her friends, all of them dancing with the ones they loved or other interested parties. Even little Jamie had found someone to dance with and Toad was wrapped up in his cheerleader.
"Seems dat every t'ing worked out for de best non?" Remy asked as he pulled her closer, breathing in the sent of her shampoo.
"Seems so," Rogue replied, relaxing in his arms.
They danced slowly for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of the others arms until Remy spoke again. "Remy has a surprise for ma chere." He leaned in close to her, his lips millimeters away from her own. "And he think dat she enjoy it," he added huskily.
"Really now," Rogue replied breathlessly, losing herself in his eyes as he moved closer. "And what might that be?"
"Dis," he stated simply before letting his lips brush tenderly against Rogues.
She tensed, waiting for the flood of memories to flow into her mind but was shocked to find that nothing happened. He pulled away from her, smirking as he watched the confusion play across her face.
"How…" she started but he quickly cut her off.
"Wax lips. Remy got de idea when he be watchin' Batman and Robin wit Evan de other day. Thought he'd surprise y'. How'd he do?" he eyed her closely, unsure of her reaction.
Rogue remained quiet for a moment before a smirk began to play at the corner of her lips. It still wasn't skin to skin, but it did beat the hell out of that silk scarf. "Rogue be thinkin' that Remy needs to buy some more of those," Rogue replied, pulling him closer for another kiss.
Across the room, Risty watched the dancing couple, her eyes glowing a fierce yellow in the dimness of the school gym.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During the lecture, Meranda had sat mesmerized, soaking in every detail and subject the speaker brought up. Occasionally she jotted down a few notes in the book she'd brought along. Hank too was mesmerized, but not by the lecturer. His eyes were glued on the raven haired goddess the whole time, watching the expressions that passed through her eyes as she listened.
The lecture was over now, but still he was mesmerized as they sat at a small coffee shop in town, as Hank listened to Meranda go on about some of the more interesting points of the lecture. He was vaguely aware that he wasn't really listening to what she said so much as watching her perfect lips form the words to say it.
"Hello?" Meranda waved her hand in front of his face. "Earth to Hank."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he apologized, as he felt his cheeks grow warmer, praying the image inducer would hide his blushing. "What was that?"
"Never mind. It's not important," Meranda smiled. It was nice to have a guy's attention on her. "Besides, I'm sure it's much more interesting where you are."
"I'm terribly sorry Meranda. I was listening, but it seems my mind is wishing to wander this evening," Hank apologized again as he smiled at her, sipping his coffee.
"To my perfect lips?" Meranda grinned, noticing his face fall, his cup midair and a deer caught in headlights expression on his face. "Sorry, you were projecting."
"Meranda you must forgive me," Hank began but she quickly cut him off.
"For what? For thinking I have perfect lips? Hell I'm flattered anyone could think I have perfect anything," Meranda smiled. "Besides, your lips aren't too bad themselves. It's just a shame you have to hide them."
"What do you mean?" Hank asked, sitting down his cup of coffee and resting his hands on the table.
"I mean," Meranda rested her hands on top of his larger ones. "That I like you better without the mask."
"Are you sure about this Meranda?" Hank asked after a few moments. "What about Logan? And Rogue?"
"Rogue's fine with it. And Logan's in love with Ororo remember? Anything he feels for me is just residual territorial nature due to his animalistic mutation," Meranda stated, causing a chuckle to arise from Hank. "I like you Henry McCoy. I like the way you laugh and the way you quote poetry. And I love the fact that I can have an intelligent conversation with you without having to hand out cliff notes before hand. And, quiet frankly, you look too damned good in a lab coat to say no to. So what do you say? Ya wanna give it a shot?"
"We only live once," Hank stated, leaning forward and kissing Meranda softly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Logan yawned and rolled over, pulling Ororo closer to him. "What time is it?" he asked, already falling asleep.
"A little before two," she answered, snuggling against him. "Why?"
"Nothing. The kids coming in just woke me up and I wanted to see if they listened or not," Logan replied as his eyes began to grow heavier.
"Oh," Ororo replied wondering if the children had a good time before slipping back to sleep as well when a sudden pinch on her butt woke her completely. Ororo shot up and stared over at the grinning Wolverine.
"I'm not sleepy anymore darlin," he grinned as she looked at him.
Ororo raised an eyebrow before leaning over to kiss him. "By the Goddess you're impossible," she stated as their lips met.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue had been in bed for well over an hour when her bedroom door opened and Meranda tiptoed across the room, kneeling next to her daughters bed and brushing the bangs from her eyes.
"What are you still doing up kido?" she whispered to Rogue.
"Ah don't know. Couldn't sleep Ah guess. How was the lecture?"
"I thought it was interesting, but I'm sure not everyone would share that opinion. How was the dance?"
"Good, Remy bought wax lips. And Ah wasn't askin' about the lecture."
"Wax lips huh? We already had the sex talk right?"
"Yeah, and Ah don't evah wanna do that again. Now tell meh about ya and Mistah McCoy."
"Well, we talked."
"And…"
"And, we're gonna give it a try, see how it works out. Now get some sleep. It's late and you have training in the morning."
"K. Night Mamma," Rogue rolled over onto her side and snuggled under her blanket.
"Night sugar," Meranda leaned over and kissed Rogue's forehead before rising and heading out to her room.
Authors Note: And another chapter up. Sorry it took so long, but this week has just been hell. Since it's Christmas week, two of the girls I work with decided to take off for the holidays to go out of town, which leaves me working everyday except for Christmas day. (And I'm sure that's only cause we're closed then.) So between work, shopping and everything else, my week's been pretty bad. It's 2:30 in the morning now and I'm barely finishing this up so yeah. Hopefully the next chapter will go up a lot quicker. Now, I'm only going do a few shout outs tonight, so to everyone else, thank you oh so much for your reviews. They mean a lot to me. And Happy Holiday's to everyone! cool-chick-rae ~ Y'know, I never even thought about the whole Rogue and Remy touch time. I know, I suck. But I did give you some Romy action though and more is on it's way I promise.
Lovablelatina ~ I can't say that you're right cause then I might give something away that I don't want to. But, I can say that anything is possible and everything is probable. At least I think that's right? Anyway, Risty just kinda wandered off while the fight was happening. But don't worry, she'll be back. I have plans for her, the poor thing.
Koosei ~ I don't really know how I feel about that. It's been suggested to me before, but I just can't get myself to do it. Oh, and soon. As soon as I can really get time to write anyway. I have some big plans and the only problem is lack of time to get them all on paper…er…on the internet.
Star-of-Chaos ~ I understand why Mercury Dream inspired you, but I never thought I'd inspire anyone. And if I did, I never thought it'd be towards something positive. Prison related maybe, but not positive. And I love your writing as you can tell by the fact that I have left reviews. If I don't like something, I don't review it usually. You should really keep it up.
Ishandahalf ~ What really inspired me to post this chapter was finding your fic online. That made my day this morning so I decided to strive extra hard for you tonight. You better update soon or I'm not going to. (Like that's really a threat right?) Anyway, sorry her powers weren't inactive, but she still got a little action and a lot more is to come I promise. As soon as my crack bunny slows down enough to let me sit down and right. It's pushing me in every other direction right now. Maybe you could talk to it or sick your crack bunny on it or something. And now I'm just sounding a little too insane so I'll stop now.
Rogue4787 ~ One of the better parts of college. Start late, get out early. Worse part is you actually have to try in the classes which I never had to do before. So that part sucks. I'm from the southwest actually, and we don't really use wicked a lot down here, but I am versed in what it means. That's probably one of the only few words I know, but then, I have family up that way. Anywho, I'm glad you liked it all and I didn't disappoint with anything. I'd hate to do that. Hope this one didn't and I'll try to get more up soon.
Taz9 ~ You know, you're the only person to say I haven't rushed anything. Thank you. That means a lot to me.
Mercury Dream ~ Hello again my dear. I'm doing pretty good since I got this chapter finished. How bout you? You are special and I love that your reviews are long. There my favorite ones cause they always put me in a better mood, which is no easy task. Trust me on that one. And insane is both good and appropriate, or else I'm screwed. And I have to agree with you. I love Orlando Bloom, don't get me wrong, but he's just such a goodie goodie and Remy's well not. But Spike on the other hand. I wish you could hear my Drusilla impersonation, it really freaks people out cause it's so good (or so I've been told), but that's random sorry. I actually Remember Scott's dad being the space pirate in the old cartoon's how sad huh? I feel super old. Especially since in 13 days, I turn the big 20. Scary. Anyway, back to the petition, yes I can get some people to sign and I'm sure others on Fanfic.net would too. Is it just me or are a lot of X-men fans also Buffy fans? Is it like a pre-req or something? Sorry, more randomness from me, pay it no mind. Oh, I love the comfy jacket and padded room. It always makes me feel special and loved. I took your advise on the rose thing, figured it wouldn't be good to add more bad luck to their already problem strewn lives. I don't know that it's really a love square with Logan/Meranda/Storm/Beast cause, the way I look at it, Logan wants Meranda and Storm, but he's the only one who really wants more than one person so it's kinda like really off triangle. Anyway, I digress. Back to the subject at hand (eventually) As for a baby Kurt, we never know what the future may hold and I'm not sure still where I want to end this fic. Might not end till they all die of old age in the x-men retirement home or something like that. Or until a giant robot steps on them all when they're at a party. Could be anything. Your ramble did, as always, make my day and I would never, and I mean, NEVER try to make you a Jott fan. You wanna hear something sad? I was once a Jott fan until I, y'know, looked at Remy. It was funy cause Rogue was always my favorite character, but I liked Scott and Jean together cause in my childish innocence I thought they were cute. And then, the Rajun Cajun stepped in and I was sold cause quiet frankly, who wouldn't be? And I'm so proud of you for converting the six year old. I converted at least two people to the wonders of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where others had tried before me and failed miserably. You have the gift of corrupting souls, just remember to always use it for good. (i.e. Making new Romy fans as you already have.) OR wait, would that be evil? I get them confused anymore. And now I really think I should finish answering the reviews before it's time for me to get up and I haven't even gone to bed yet. Much love to ya hon and I'll talk to you in the next chapter. (Unless you update before I do, hint hint.)
(Minor) Personality War~ I know she loved it. Even if she'll never admit to it. We'll get it out of her one day. Hope you liked this one too.
jaded beauty ~ It's true, I am a bitch, but not that big of one. Here's your update and more will be on the way.
Rogue77 ~ First off, yay you updated! Second, yay so did I! Well, that's all I really have to say. Hope you liked this one too.
Happy Holidays again all! Please Read and Review. It can be your Christmas gift to me like this is mine to you. (But please be nice)
Authors Note: Everyone, y'all need to go and read Mercury Dream's stuff. It's really, really, really, really, really good. (Did I mention really?) A Rogue's Touch and All Grown Up are my favorites. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and cause the Brotherhood is greatly outnumbered, they get Tabby. Not that it really makes much of a difference since I'm also introducing the other newbies in this chapter but yeah. I may just have to create more bad mutants for the Brotherhood later. Anyway, read and enjoy.
'text' internal speech
dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 26: Dances & New Friends
Rogue adjusted slightly on the plush rec room sofa as she leaned against Remy's arm, her head resting on his shoulder, there fingers intertwined. They had both been more than a little disappointed when they found out what exactly the beam the Sentinel hit her with did. And how if she'd stayed in it's path a little longer her and Remy might have been able to touch skin to skin. 'Oh well,' Rogue thought as she listened to the rhythmic beats of his heart and felt his body heat radiating from beneath his clothing. 'This works too.'
The entire institute was gathered in the large room, awaiting the Professor's to find out what the big announcement was. Most of the girls chatted excitedly about the dance which was only two days away now.
It was a few minutes before the Professor wheeled in, flanked by Logan, Ororo, Hank and Meranda. "Settle down please," Meranda said, causing everyone to quiet down and turn and look at the adults.
"I'm glad you're all here," Charles began, admiring his students, his X-Men, with a look of pride. "I have a very exciting announcement."
"Like, what's that Professor?" Kitty asked, anxiously.
"I'd like you all to meet our new students," Charles smiled as Meranda and Logan moved aside to reveal six new figures.
"Cool," Kurt stated, porting directly in front of the newbies, inspecting them closely.
"Manners Mister Wagner," Ororo reminded gently.
"Yeah, take a seat elf, give em some room," Logan added sternly causing Kurt to port back to his place, perching on the arm of the couch next to Remy.
"Now, why don't I introduce them," Charles continued, ignoring the interruption and moving aside so that the students could step forward. "This is Rahne Sinclair. She's joining us from Scotland." As he spoke, a sixteen year old girl with red hair done up in pig tails, light skin stepped forward smiling.
"'ello all," she said offering a small wave.
Everyone waved and offered their hellos. "So Rahne, what's your gift?" Jean asked good naturedly after everyone had said hello.
"Well," before everyone's eyes, the young girl before them transformed into a wolf and then after a few moments, back into a girl. "They call me Wolfsbane."
"Cool," Kurt said again as Rahne moved to sit down on the couch next to Rogue.
"And this, is Jamie Mardox, or Multiple," the Professor continued as a small boy, around thirteen, walked forward. He had short brown hair and was small and lean, obviously awaiting another growth spurt. He walked forward quickly, tripping on the rug on the way and falling to the floor, causing six replicas of himself to appear.
"Sorry," he mumbled blushing before him and his copies retreated to the side of the room, everyone saying hello and offering him friendly smiles.
"That's quite alright Jamie. And this, is Samuel Guthrie or Cannonball," Charles continued on.
"Howdy y'all," Sam smiled and waved revealing a southern accent.
"Oh no, not another one," Jubilee replied jokingly as she looked over towards Rogue and Remy.
"W'at dat mean p'tite?" Remy asked cocking an eyebrow, his smirk already in place.
"Welcome sugah," Rogue said smiling up at Sam. He was tall and lean with shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes and looked to be about 17. "Ya can help us with all these Yankees here," she smiled at him as he laughed out right.
"So, what's your power?" Scott asked as the room quieted.
"Well, Ah'd demonstrate, but Ah don't think the Professor here would lahke it none," Sam stated matter-of-factly.
"Mister Guthrie can convert thermo-chemical energy around his body, to propel him at high speeds," Charles explained for his students.
"Please, call meh Sam Professor," Sam smiled before taking a seat near Scott and Jean.
"Very well Sam," Charles smiled at the boy before continuing. "And this is Robert Drake."
"Call me Iceman guys, or Bobby," the young boy replied as he created an ice slide before him, sliding into the center of the room. "And you can all guess my gift."
"You better clean that up bub," Logan growled, as Bobby turned beet red and slunked over next to Jamie, as Ororo created a breeze and Jean opened the door, sending the ice slide out into the pool.
"As I was saying," Charles continued, and indicated the darker skinned boy to his left. "This is Roberto Da Costa or Sunspot."
The boy took a step forward. He was very clean cut and proper as he stood before the group, an expression of pure business on his face.
"So, like what's your gift?" Kitty asked, admiring the young mans build a little to hard, as Amara jabbed her in the ribs.
"I am able to absorb the suns energy and then process it into physical energy," Roberto explained.
"Wow, how fascinating," a sarcastic voice piped up from behind the Professor and everyone turned to look at the remaining boy. He was tall and well built as well, around 17, with blonde hair shaved close to his scalp, but not completely off, and the front bangs dyed orange and spiked. He leaned against the side wall easily, slouching and staring challengingly over at Roberto.
"And this students, is Ray Crisp or Berserker," Charles finished as the boy pushed himself off of the wall and stepped forward, electric energy pulsating between his hands.
"Some of us can create energy with out the sun," he smirked as he purposefully bumped his shoulder into Roberto.
"Watch it," Roberto growled and the two boys looked ready to start a fight when Logan stepped forward, resting a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Settle down boys. Any problems you have you settle in the danger room. With me," he said smiling evilly.
Both boys gulped, causing the rest of the group to break into a fit of laughter. When it subsided everyone got up to leave.
"Well dudes, welcome to Mutant Manor," Evan smiled as he and Wanda headed outside.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Concentrate Rogue," Meranda's soothing voice filled the air as Rogue sat in the middle of the circular clearing again, surrounded by nature, as Meranda walked a circle around Rogue.
Rogue's eyes were closed as she sat cross legged, her hands resting on her knees. The clearing was silent as Remy stood off to the side, leaning against a tree, watching the two women. Today was his turn to help Meranda and Rogue train and quiet frankly, he wished that everyday was his turn. He hated the idea that she had to absorb any of the others. Especially when he knew that some of their psyche's fought her. His never did, and never would.
Right now they were meditating, working on trying to discover the answer within Rogue's mind.
"Relax," Meranda's voice continued evenly as she kept her slow moving pace around the circle, the repeated motion not bothering her in the least. "Focus on your body, it's position. Let your mind be free. Let me worry about the others you keep there and let your self be at complete ease."
Rogue let out a deep breath and reluctantly released her mind shields. For a moment all the psyches rushed to the surface, struggling for control, Carol fighting the hardest. Then, all was silent and Rogue was seemingly alone in her mind, and it was a wonderful feeling. Outside, she could hear Meranda's voice, calmly reassuring her, and leading her on.
Remy watched the look on Meranda's face as she struggled to control all the ghosts in Rogue's mind, and keep her own head as well. He took three long strides and was at her side, as she knelt next to Rogue. "Y' alright mon ami?" Remy asked concerned as he knelt down next to Meranda, looking at the older woman.
"Yeah, I'll be okay," Meranda replied as Rogue slipped into a deep trance. "It's just," she turned and looked at the young man. "My mind's not designed to control all of this like hers is. It's hard."
"Y' want Remy should git someone?" the young Cajun asked.
"No, let's just carry on shall we?" Meranda said looking back to her daughter. "It means a lot to her. I'll be fine."
Remy watched the look of determination pass over the woman's face and knew he was beat. He'd only ever seen it grace the features of one other person in his life, and quiet frankly, he never won when Rogue wore it either. "Whatever y' say Ebony," Remy conceded as he rose and took his position near the edge of the clearing.
Meanwhile in Rogue's Mind…
Rogue found herself in the middle of a room she hadn't been inside in ages. It was the living room of a small two story house in Caldecott. The room was well furnished, with ornate Victorian style seating in rich reds and a large entertainment center, complete with big screen TV. It had a cluttered, lived in feel.
"Just like you remember it huh?" a soft voice asked, and Rogue spun around to see a raven haired girl, leaning against the door frame leading into the front hall. Her hair went down straight to her lower back in a long braid, with indigo streaks running through it. "Or at least how I remember it anyway," the girl smiled at Rogue and walked farther into the room. She wore a pair of black leather pants over black stiletto heeled boots with a blue cotton tank top, revealing her naval ring and the head and wings of the blue dragon tattoo on her stomach. She sat down on the sofa and patted the seat next to her, welcoming Rogue to join. "Haven't seen you in awhile. Take a seat, we'll catch up."
"What are ya doin' here Madison?" Rogue asked as she sat opposite the girl, looking hard at her.
"Don't you remember? After the party when you zapped that dickhead Cody?" Madison asked, looking somewhat hurt. "We went out looking for you. Found you too in that old cemetery. I tried to help you and next think I knew, I was in here fighting for space. Took me awhile to figure out what had happened, and by then you'd been nice enough to construct me my own little place here."
"Ah guess Ah forgot 'bout that," Rogue trailed off as she thought back for a moment to the night her powers came into play. "Why'd y'all try ta help meh anyway?" she asked after a few moments. "Ah never understood why."
"That's an easy one," Madison answered as she started rummaging through the mess on the coffee table, searching for the remote she could never find. "I've got one for you though, is it to much to fucking ask to get something on the damned tv in here? It's bad enough I'm stuck in this house by myself with that blonde bitch knocking at the door all the time, trying to lead a revolt, which you might want to watch out for by the way, but I also gotta contend with a big screen tv with nothing on it? Now that's harsh."
"Ya didn't answer my question. Why?" Rogue ignored her rambling, learning long ago from the living Madison, that it was a common occurrence.
"Cause, despite what you think, we're family," Madison replied, looking straight into Rogue's eyes. "We always were. Even when you didn't see it. Even when you turned away from us, we were still family. As far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure my corporeal counterpart will agree, we still are."
Rogue let out a sigh and sunk back into the couch cushions, thinking back hard for a few moments till the sudden image of an old Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode appeared on the screen. "How's this?"
"Oh you rock," Madison exclaimed settling back into the cushions next to Rogue, an excited expression on her face. "Oh, and I haven't seen this one either."
"Ya have been up here awhile haven't ya?" Rogue asked smirking as she watched the other girl for a moment, who simply stuck out her tongue and focused her attention on the show. After a few moments of silence, save for the tv, Rogue thought it'd be best to ask her other question when Madison beat her too it.
"The answer's here."
"What?"
"The answer you're looking for, it's here. In this house with me. That's why you're here."
"Ya know what it is?"
"Duh. Why else do you think I'm here? Why I'm not fighting for control with the others? Fighting to be free? I'm guarding it. From her."
"Carol?"
"Not Carol. You know who I'm talking about even if you don't know you know it yet. And Carol too. And that bitch of a shape-shifter. And the others too. Except for that Cajun guy. He's pretty nice, and cute too," with this Madison turned to Rogue. "So are you guys a thing? Cause I see him in here a lot and he seems pretty smitten with you."
"Stop changing the subject," Rogue said turning and looking at the girl. "What are ya protectin' in here?"
"Answer my question and I'll answer yours."
"Yeah we're an item, now tell meh."
Madison smile broadened, but quickly faded as she let out a long sigh. "The source of your power lies in this house. As well as how to control it, and what it can one day accomplish. What it will one day be. I think that's why you put me here. Cause you knew I'd be the one to look after it. Like we always tried to look after you."
"So what's the answer? How do Ah control it?"
"I can't tell you that Rogue."
"Why not?"
"Cause then it'd all be too damned easy. And with power like yours, you've got to fight to understand it or else you'll never be able to control it."
"So Ah came here for nothin' then?" Rogue sank back into the couch, letting out a moan.
"No. I can't tell you how to control it, but that doesn't mean I can't set you on the right path," Madison replied as she looked at Rogue hopefully with ice blue eyes. "The secret is in your pain."
"That's it?"
"Yep, pretty much," Madison smiled and turned back to the tv.
"Ya sound lahke Eric, ya know that?"
"Well, he did teach me well. Hey, do you think you could go, I don't know, find Tony and give him a tap? I'm kinda lonely in here."
"Hell no."
"Why not?"
"Cause Ah won't have y'all doin' dirty thing in mah mind."
"Okay Sakura," Madison teased as the two girls laughed and settled into a comfortable silence. "You've got to go soon. Your mom can't hold back the tidal wave forever y'know," Madison stated looking at Rogue.
"Yeah," the two girls rose and looked at one another. "Thank ya."
"Anytime," Madison wrapped her arms around Rogue, squeezing the girl for a minute. "You'll figure it out. Don't worry. And I'll see you later."
Suddenly Rogue was ripped from the home as the psyche's hit her like a ton of bricks. She quickly recovered and slammed up her mental shield just before any could gain control, causing her to loose her hold on her trance and open her eyes. Remy stood before her, holding up Meranda who was breathing heavily.
"Sorry baby, I couldn't hold them any more," Meranda apologized, wondering for a moment how her daughter was able to do it all the time.
"It's okay Mamma," Rogue said, refusing the bare hand Remy offered her. "Ah think we had a break through."
"So y' know de answer den ma chere?" Remy asked as he watched Rogue pull on her gloves.
"No Swamp Rat," Rogue replied as she helped steady her mother. "But Ah'm on mah way." And for the first time since the training began, Rogue offered them both an actual smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue ran her ungloved hands over the silk material of her hunter green dress, smiling admiringly. It fell off her pale shoulders and the sleeves went down to her wrists where they flared out. It fell down past her black heels, ending just above the floor. Her hair was pulled up in a neat French twist with her white bangs framing her face. She ran her fingers over her skirt one last time, reveling in the softness of the silk, before pulling on her gloves and reaching for the black velvet chocker on her dresser. It was an inch thick with a shinning emerald embedded in the center. "Hey Wanda, what tahme is it?" she asked the other girl as she fastened the necklace.
"Six forty-five," Wanda replied as she adjusted the corset on her dress.
"And what time is Lance coming so we can all leave?" Jean asked, her red hair falling straight down her back. She, Rahne and Jubilee had decided to get ready in Rogue and the other girls room. Amanda had even convinced her parents to let her get ready at the Institute.
"Like, seven," Kitty replied as she helped Amanda zip her dress. "And I, like, told him if he was even a minute late, he'd be dancing with, like, Blob all night."
"Harsh," Amara said as she took the last curler out of her hair, letting it fall softly over her shoulders.
"Blob's the big fat one right?" Rahne asked as she adjusted her pale green shirt and tank top.
A knock sounded on the door causing mutual looks of confusion to pass over the girls face.
"Come in," Jubilee called out as Meranda and Ororo entered the room.
"Wow, you guys look great," Meranda commented as she entered the room in a A-line black skirt, complete with slit up to the knee, her knee high black boots, and a red corset top, complete with a red velvet chocker and her hair down in lose curls.
"We're not the only ones," Amanda commented as Meranda did a quick spin.
"Yeah Mamma," Rogue said cocking an eyebrow. "Why are ya so dressed up?"
"Oh, no reason," Meranda smirked as she helped Jubilee spike her hair.
"She has a date," Ororo stated helping Wanda with her necklace.
"Oh, like with who?" Kitty asked excitedly.
"It's not a date," Meranda said glaring at Ororo. "Henry and I are just going out for coffee and to an genetics lecture."
"Sure it's not," Amara giggled.
"Ah think that's great Mamma, but what's Daddy think?" Rogue asked as she pulled a set of bangles out of her jewelry box and placed them around her mothers wrist.
"Oh, he's thrilled," Meranda replied sarcastically. "But I'm sure Ro will help improve his mood." Meranda winked over at her snow haired friend.
"Ororo chuckled softly. "I do what I can."
"You guys better hurry," Meranda said, changing the subject. "The guys are downstairs waiting. Even Lance is here already and the Professor want's to take pictures."
"Oh joy," Wanda rolled her eyes as the girls headed towards the door.
"That which does not kill us teaches us to avoid similar situations in the future," Meranda said as her and Ororo followed the girls out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What's taking them so long?" Lance complained as he stood in the front foyer with the men of the Xavier institute.
"I don't know, but I hope they hurry up. I'm starving," Kurt complained as he perched on the stair railing.
"What takes girls so long to get ready anyway?" Evan asked "They've been at it since three and it only took us an hour."
"It's de price we pay mon ami's," Remy stated as he shuffled his cards anxiously.
"Get used to it bubs," Wolverine growled. "It only gets worse."
"Ah, but how beautiful the end product is," Hank stated as he entered the room, looking like the man he was before the beast took over, thanks to the image inducer he now wore.
"Funny, and I always thought I was worth the wait, did you Ro?" Meranda said as she and Ororo descended the stairs.
"Whoa mate!" John breathed as Lance let out a low whistle. "If that's the mum, imagine what the shelia looks like," he jabbed Remy in the ribs causing the young Cajun to shoot a glare at the Aussie.
"Y' have a femme homme, so keep y' hands off Remy's hahn?" Remy stated as he looked back to Meranda. "Y' do look belle Madame."
"Why thank you boys, but if you think I look good, wait till you see the girls," Meranda stated as she turned around to look up the stairs. "Alright girls, get ready."
Meranda and Ororo took positions at the bottom of the stairs.
"Now presenting, the royal maidens of Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters," Ororo began as she and Meranda extended arms towards the top of the stairs. The men gathered around the bottom and watched as Rahne began to descend, followed by Jean, Amara, Amanda, Jubilee, Kitty, Wanda and finally Rogue. Each one stopped at the bottom of the stairs and spun before joining the guys.
"Wow, you all look hot," Bobby stated as he eyed the girls, more than a little jealous that he was going stag.
"Just remember, they're spoken for," Scott stated as he slipped a lavender rose corsage onto Jeans wrist.
"Alright everyone, gather together," Charles stated as he pulled out his camera.
"Oh, me too," Meranda said as she grabbed a new Olympus digital from a nearby table. "Look Logan, our little girls first dance," she said as the kids posed and the adults took pictures.
"Ah've been ta other dances y'know," Rogue stated as Remy fastened he red rose corsage to her dress and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Yeah, but we didn't get to be there for those kid," Logan stated, as Ororo placed a hand on his arm, keeping him from ripping Remy to pieces.
"Remy prefers ma chere wit' out all dat crap on her belle face," Remy whispered, noting the more neutral tones in her makeup compared to her usual gothic garb.
"Thank ya swamp rat. Ya don't clean up half bad yer self." She placed her hands over his as he rested his cheek against the side of her head. The two smiled broadly and snuggled closer to each other.
"Alright everyone shut up and smile," Meranda stated as she and Charles began snapping pictures.
After several minutes, and even more groans from the guys, Charles was out of film and Meranda's memory card was full. "Well, then, be home at a decent hour," Charles said.
"Eight thirty," Logan grunted causing everyone to look at him.
"Logan," Ororo stated in a firm tone, looking sternly at him.
"Fine. Two. But I better not smell any alcohol on any of you or it's four am sessions in the danger room till graduation," Logan threatened causing everyone to cringe.
"Right then," Meranda said walking over to Rogue and placing a hand on each of her daughters shoulders. "Have fun, keep your boy out of trouble, and don't do anything I wouldn't do," she paused and smiled wickedly. "Or anything I would."
"Yes Mamma," Rogue replied smiling as the groups started to head out to the cars.
"Gumbo, behave yourself and take care of my baby," Logan stated patting his hand on the Cajuns back.
"Always mon ami," Remy replied helping Rogue into her black leather three quarter length jacket and taking her arm.
"Drive safe," Hank added as the children all climbed into their vehicles and headed towards the dance, even Jamie tagging along.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The doors shut leaving the adults standing in the middle of the foyer.
"Well, we should get going as well," Hank said as he grabbed Meranda's duster off of the coat hook and held it open for her.
"Right, what time's the lecture?" Meranda said slipping her arms into it.
"Eight," Charles answered as he watched the two. "It should be quiet educating. And perhaps answer some of the questions that you and Hank have been unable to."
"Thanks again for getting us tickets Charles," Meranda said sincerely as she pulled out her black leather gloves and slipped them over her long slender fingers. "I'm really looking forward to it."
"Yeah, should be a good nap," Logan muttered causing Meranda to shoot him a glare and Ororo to jab him in the stomach.
"Quite the contrary my friend. The guest lecturer is a world renown geneticists from London," Hank supplied as he pulled on his own jacket.
"Aw, and I have to reprogram the danger room. Damn," Logan said sarcastically as he turned to head towards the elevator. "Comin' Ro?" he added winking at the Weather Goddess.
"Have a good time," Ororo stated before turning to catch up to Logan.
"We will," Meranda smiled as she linked her arm through Hanks. "Come on Doctor McCoy, or we'll miss the opening jokes," she smiled up at him before turning back to Charles. "Don't wait up."
Hank chuckled as he led her out to the X-van and helping her inside, shutting the door and walking around to the drivers side, climbing in.
"Wow, I can't remember the last time a guy opened a door for me," Meranda smiled sweetly at him.
"I can't imagine why," Hank replied, starting the jeep and heading out towards the gate.
"Well, when you're military, you don't usually have people rushing to open your door. Unless there a corporal or worse," Meranda let out a snort as she adjusted in her seat. "Not cause you're a girl and it's the gentlemanly thing to do. I appreciate it."
"Anytime my dear," Hank smiled as the two fell into a comfortable silence and Hank drove.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So, what does mon amore think of de dance?" Remy asked as he swayed Rogue slowly in the middle of the dance floor to the beat of the music.
"It's alright Ah guess," Rogue replied as she rested her head on his chest, her arms wrapped around him possessively. "The company's nice," she smiled up at him, causing the Cajun to smirk.
"Remy must agree mon amore," he smiled and kissed the top of her head.
"And the others seem ta be enjoyin' themselves," Rogue added as she looked around at her friends, all of them dancing with the ones they loved or other interested parties. Even little Jamie had found someone to dance with and Toad was wrapped up in his cheerleader.
"Seems dat every t'ing worked out for de best non?" Remy asked as he pulled her closer, breathing in the sent of her shampoo.
"Seems so," Rogue replied, relaxing in his arms.
They danced slowly for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of the others arms until Remy spoke again. "Remy has a surprise for ma chere." He leaned in close to her, his lips millimeters away from her own. "And he think dat she enjoy it," he added huskily.
"Really now," Rogue replied breathlessly, losing herself in his eyes as he moved closer. "And what might that be?"
"Dis," he stated simply before letting his lips brush tenderly against Rogues.
She tensed, waiting for the flood of memories to flow into her mind but was shocked to find that nothing happened. He pulled away from her, smirking as he watched the confusion play across her face.
"How…" she started but he quickly cut her off.
"Wax lips. Remy got de idea when he be watchin' Batman and Robin wit Evan de other day. Thought he'd surprise y'. How'd he do?" he eyed her closely, unsure of her reaction.
Rogue remained quiet for a moment before a smirk began to play at the corner of her lips. It still wasn't skin to skin, but it did beat the hell out of that silk scarf. "Rogue be thinkin' that Remy needs to buy some more of those," Rogue replied, pulling him closer for another kiss.
Across the room, Risty watched the dancing couple, her eyes glowing a fierce yellow in the dimness of the school gym.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During the lecture, Meranda had sat mesmerized, soaking in every detail and subject the speaker brought up. Occasionally she jotted down a few notes in the book she'd brought along. Hank too was mesmerized, but not by the lecturer. His eyes were glued on the raven haired goddess the whole time, watching the expressions that passed through her eyes as she listened.
The lecture was over now, but still he was mesmerized as they sat at a small coffee shop in town, as Hank listened to Meranda go on about some of the more interesting points of the lecture. He was vaguely aware that he wasn't really listening to what she said so much as watching her perfect lips form the words to say it.
"Hello?" Meranda waved her hand in front of his face. "Earth to Hank."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he apologized, as he felt his cheeks grow warmer, praying the image inducer would hide his blushing. "What was that?"
"Never mind. It's not important," Meranda smiled. It was nice to have a guy's attention on her. "Besides, I'm sure it's much more interesting where you are."
"I'm terribly sorry Meranda. I was listening, but it seems my mind is wishing to wander this evening," Hank apologized again as he smiled at her, sipping his coffee.
"To my perfect lips?" Meranda grinned, noticing his face fall, his cup midair and a deer caught in headlights expression on his face. "Sorry, you were projecting."
"Meranda you must forgive me," Hank began but she quickly cut him off.
"For what? For thinking I have perfect lips? Hell I'm flattered anyone could think I have perfect anything," Meranda smiled. "Besides, your lips aren't too bad themselves. It's just a shame you have to hide them."
"What do you mean?" Hank asked, sitting down his cup of coffee and resting his hands on the table.
"I mean," Meranda rested her hands on top of his larger ones. "That I like you better without the mask."
"Are you sure about this Meranda?" Hank asked after a few moments. "What about Logan? And Rogue?"
"Rogue's fine with it. And Logan's in love with Ororo remember? Anything he feels for me is just residual territorial nature due to his animalistic mutation," Meranda stated, causing a chuckle to arise from Hank. "I like you Henry McCoy. I like the way you laugh and the way you quote poetry. And I love the fact that I can have an intelligent conversation with you without having to hand out cliff notes before hand. And, quiet frankly, you look too damned good in a lab coat to say no to. So what do you say? Ya wanna give it a shot?"
"We only live once," Hank stated, leaning forward and kissing Meranda softly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Logan yawned and rolled over, pulling Ororo closer to him. "What time is it?" he asked, already falling asleep.
"A little before two," she answered, snuggling against him. "Why?"
"Nothing. The kids coming in just woke me up and I wanted to see if they listened or not," Logan replied as his eyes began to grow heavier.
"Oh," Ororo replied wondering if the children had a good time before slipping back to sleep as well when a sudden pinch on her butt woke her completely. Ororo shot up and stared over at the grinning Wolverine.
"I'm not sleepy anymore darlin," he grinned as she looked at him.
Ororo raised an eyebrow before leaning over to kiss him. "By the Goddess you're impossible," she stated as their lips met.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue had been in bed for well over an hour when her bedroom door opened and Meranda tiptoed across the room, kneeling next to her daughters bed and brushing the bangs from her eyes.
"What are you still doing up kido?" she whispered to Rogue.
"Ah don't know. Couldn't sleep Ah guess. How was the lecture?"
"I thought it was interesting, but I'm sure not everyone would share that opinion. How was the dance?"
"Good, Remy bought wax lips. And Ah wasn't askin' about the lecture."
"Wax lips huh? We already had the sex talk right?"
"Yeah, and Ah don't evah wanna do that again. Now tell meh about ya and Mistah McCoy."
"Well, we talked."
"And…"
"And, we're gonna give it a try, see how it works out. Now get some sleep. It's late and you have training in the morning."
"K. Night Mamma," Rogue rolled over onto her side and snuggled under her blanket.
"Night sugar," Meranda leaned over and kissed Rogue's forehead before rising and heading out to her room.
Authors Note: And another chapter up. Sorry it took so long, but this week has just been hell. Since it's Christmas week, two of the girls I work with decided to take off for the holidays to go out of town, which leaves me working everyday except for Christmas day. (And I'm sure that's only cause we're closed then.) So between work, shopping and everything else, my week's been pretty bad. It's 2:30 in the morning now and I'm barely finishing this up so yeah. Hopefully the next chapter will go up a lot quicker. Now, I'm only going do a few shout outs tonight, so to everyone else, thank you oh so much for your reviews. They mean a lot to me. And Happy Holiday's to everyone! cool-chick-rae ~ Y'know, I never even thought about the whole Rogue and Remy touch time. I know, I suck. But I did give you some Romy action though and more is on it's way I promise.
Lovablelatina ~ I can't say that you're right cause then I might give something away that I don't want to. But, I can say that anything is possible and everything is probable. At least I think that's right? Anyway, Risty just kinda wandered off while the fight was happening. But don't worry, she'll be back. I have plans for her, the poor thing.
Koosei ~ I don't really know how I feel about that. It's been suggested to me before, but I just can't get myself to do it. Oh, and soon. As soon as I can really get time to write anyway. I have some big plans and the only problem is lack of time to get them all on paper…er…on the internet.
Star-of-Chaos ~ I understand why Mercury Dream inspired you, but I never thought I'd inspire anyone. And if I did, I never thought it'd be towards something positive. Prison related maybe, but not positive. And I love your writing as you can tell by the fact that I have left reviews. If I don't like something, I don't review it usually. You should really keep it up.
Ishandahalf ~ What really inspired me to post this chapter was finding your fic online. That made my day this morning so I decided to strive extra hard for you tonight. You better update soon or I'm not going to. (Like that's really a threat right?) Anyway, sorry her powers weren't inactive, but she still got a little action and a lot more is to come I promise. As soon as my crack bunny slows down enough to let me sit down and right. It's pushing me in every other direction right now. Maybe you could talk to it or sick your crack bunny on it or something. And now I'm just sounding a little too insane so I'll stop now.
Rogue4787 ~ One of the better parts of college. Start late, get out early. Worse part is you actually have to try in the classes which I never had to do before. So that part sucks. I'm from the southwest actually, and we don't really use wicked a lot down here, but I am versed in what it means. That's probably one of the only few words I know, but then, I have family up that way. Anywho, I'm glad you liked it all and I didn't disappoint with anything. I'd hate to do that. Hope this one didn't and I'll try to get more up soon.
Taz9 ~ You know, you're the only person to say I haven't rushed anything. Thank you. That means a lot to me.
Mercury Dream ~ Hello again my dear. I'm doing pretty good since I got this chapter finished. How bout you? You are special and I love that your reviews are long. There my favorite ones cause they always put me in a better mood, which is no easy task. Trust me on that one. And insane is both good and appropriate, or else I'm screwed. And I have to agree with you. I love Orlando Bloom, don't get me wrong, but he's just such a goodie goodie and Remy's well not. But Spike on the other hand. I wish you could hear my Drusilla impersonation, it really freaks people out cause it's so good (or so I've been told), but that's random sorry. I actually Remember Scott's dad being the space pirate in the old cartoon's how sad huh? I feel super old. Especially since in 13 days, I turn the big 20. Scary. Anyway, back to the petition, yes I can get some people to sign and I'm sure others on Fanfic.net would too. Is it just me or are a lot of X-men fans also Buffy fans? Is it like a pre-req or something? Sorry, more randomness from me, pay it no mind. Oh, I love the comfy jacket and padded room. It always makes me feel special and loved. I took your advise on the rose thing, figured it wouldn't be good to add more bad luck to their already problem strewn lives. I don't know that it's really a love square with Logan/Meranda/Storm/Beast cause, the way I look at it, Logan wants Meranda and Storm, but he's the only one who really wants more than one person so it's kinda like really off triangle. Anyway, I digress. Back to the subject at hand (eventually) As for a baby Kurt, we never know what the future may hold and I'm not sure still where I want to end this fic. Might not end till they all die of old age in the x-men retirement home or something like that. Or until a giant robot steps on them all when they're at a party. Could be anything. Your ramble did, as always, make my day and I would never, and I mean, NEVER try to make you a Jott fan. You wanna hear something sad? I was once a Jott fan until I, y'know, looked at Remy. It was funy cause Rogue was always my favorite character, but I liked Scott and Jean together cause in my childish innocence I thought they were cute. And then, the Rajun Cajun stepped in and I was sold cause quiet frankly, who wouldn't be? And I'm so proud of you for converting the six year old. I converted at least two people to the wonders of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where others had tried before me and failed miserably. You have the gift of corrupting souls, just remember to always use it for good. (i.e. Making new Romy fans as you already have.) OR wait, would that be evil? I get them confused anymore. And now I really think I should finish answering the reviews before it's time for me to get up and I haven't even gone to bed yet. Much love to ya hon and I'll talk to you in the next chapter. (Unless you update before I do, hint hint.)
(Minor) Personality War~ I know she loved it. Even if she'll never admit to it. We'll get it out of her one day. Hope you liked this one too.
jaded beauty ~ It's true, I am a bitch, but not that big of one. Here's your update and more will be on the way.
Rogue77 ~ First off, yay you updated! Second, yay so did I! Well, that's all I really have to say. Hope you liked this one too.
Happy Holidays again all! Please Read and Review. It can be your Christmas gift to me like this is mine to you. (But please be nice)