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 but the others are all really good as well. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and if any of you didn't already know, Ishandahalf has posted a fic that you all need to go read too. I meant to get this chapter up before Christmas, but work made it impossible. Hope y'all still enjoy though.
'text' internal speech
dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 29: Christmas at Xavier's
Rogue smiled as she took a small glass ornament with a ornately painted angel on it. She fingered it gingerly before placing it on the tree in the middle of the Rec room in the Xavier Institute. It was the last decoration to be put up. She looked around the room in awe of the transformation it had taken over the period of the morning. Garland and tinsel hung from the tree as well as the stair rail and mistletoe hung in the doorway leading to the front hall. Stockings were along the fireplace as well as several festive candles placed along the mantel. Lights adorned the tree and the windows and presents were piled high under and behind the tree. Rogue took a step back and gazed up at the tree, admiring the tree, wrapping her arms around her arms as she gazed up. Arms wrapped around her waist and she tensed visibly, fear running across her face before a smooth Cajun voice purred into here ear, "Jus' meh chere."
Rogue relaxed a bit and snuggled close to him, her gaze never leaving the tree. "It's beautiful ain't it Swamp Rat?" she whispered leaning against him.
"Remy seen more belle things he whispered into her ear and kissed the top of her head. "An' Remy holdin' de mos' belle thing on earth." His kisses moved down to her neck, still with the barrier of her hair between his lips and her skin. She leaned against him a bit, reveling in his affections, moaning slightly.
"What are ya doin' Rems?" she closed her eyes, her voice breathless and barely above a whisper. "What if daddy comes in?" He continued to kiss her, his lips moving from her neck to her shoulder, his hands beginning to move as well. "Rem's we shouldn't be doin' this, Rogue continued as the sound of breaking glass brought her out of her reverie. She opened her eyes as she saw the ornament she'd just placed on the tree shattered on the ground. Suddenly Remy's arms tightened around her waist, bruising her abdomen. "Remy stop it!" she said pushing at his hands to no avail. They just tightened around her as his kisses became more ravenous. "Remy!" Rogue began to kick and struggle against him, the struggle ripping the silk metallic blue dress she wore. Finally he let go of her waist, pushing her way forcefully. She spun on him and instead of her demon eyed lover, she found the blonde haired blue eyed football player she'd thought she loved long ago. "Cody?" she asked. Her voice was small, barley above a whisper. She looked down at the dress she wore, remembering the last time she wore it. It was Madison's. She'd begged her friend to let her borrow it for her date with Cody that night and Madison had finally submitted, although more than a little reluctantly. She'd wanted everything to be perfect, and now it was the one night she regretted not staying home most of all. The Rec Room darkened and a cold chill blew across Rogue's bare arms as she looked on the young man before her in terror.
"Oh come on Marie," his words echoed, like a terrible nightmare coming to life again. "We both love each other," his voice was cold and she could smell the alcohol on his breath as he moved closer to her. He wore his normal letterman's jacket and blue jeans. His hair was messy and his blue eyes shown brightly with lust. "It's a natural thing."
"No Cody," Rogue whispered as she broke out into a run, hoping that she'd be able to beat one of the fastest runners in all of Caldecott County Mississippi. But just like before, his speed was too much for her. He caught her around her bare wrists and spun her to face him delivering a solid backhand to her cheek.
"Now that wasn't very nahce Marie," Cody said pushing her hard against the wall, pinning her with his well toned body. "Now be good," he stroked the side of her face. "Ah don't want to hurt ya none." He kissed her forcefully and stole what little innocence she had left away forever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kitty, Amara and Wanda woke with a start to Rogue's screaming. Before any of the girls could react the door flew open and Logan and Meranda ran in, as did Hank and Ororo as the others congregated around the door way. Rogue thrashed about in her bed, screaming at the top of her lungs as Logan and Meranda rushed to her side. Logan reached out a hand and grabbed her bare arm only to feel a pulling at his skin as her powers began to suck away at his life force. Meranda reacted quickly, grabbing Logan and pulling him quickly away as she put up a psychic field of protection around her own skin and tried to grab hold of her daughter.
"What's going on?" Wanda asked as she watched her friends agony.
Suddenly Remy and Kurt were standing next to the bed in a cloud of sulfur and brimstone. Remy quickly released Kurt's arm and made his way next to Rogue's bed, capturing her thrashing arms in his gloved hands. "She's absorbing everyone," Meranda explained as she struggled with her daughter. "And her shields are up. I don't know what's wrong with her."
Charles Xavier entered the room, noticing Ororo and Hank helping Logan to his feet and Remy and Meranda struggling with Rogue as everyone watched on. "What's wrong with her Chuck?" Logan asked as he leaned on Ororo from support, drained from his daughters touch.
"I do not know Logan," Charles said as he tried to enter Rogue's mind but was thrown back by a powerful mental shield. "She won't let me in."
"Move," Remy stated firmly, which earned him a quizzical stare from Meranda. "Remy have an idea." Meranda shrugged and moved over reluctantly, ready to pounce back in as soon as she was needed. Remy pinned Rogue's arms down to her sides and opened his empathy to her, conveying his love and a feeling of calm towards her. Slowly, Rogue's struggling began to fade and she merely whimpered in Remy's arms. He leaned in close to her, his hands still wrapped around her wrists. "Come back to meh cherie," he whispered soothingly into her ear. "It be a dream. Non of it be real," he continued, his arms slowly letting go of her wrists and rising to wipe the stray hairs from her face. "Come back to Remy Chere."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"The secrets in your pain," Madison's voice said clearly as Rogue looked up from her crumpled place on the ground she sobbed openly as she looked up at Madison who stood before her in a black leather corset top with a silk metallic blue strip down the front and black leather hip huggers. Her boots were polished and a black leather three quarter length fitted her snuggly. Her long black and indigo hair was pulled up into a pony tail and she offered a perfectly manicured hand to Rogue.
Rogue looked up at her with the wide sad eyes of a child and stared at Madison's bare hand before taking it gingerly and being pulled into another set of memories.
"I'll kill him! I'm going to fucking kill the little bastard." Madison seethed as she paced before the couch where Rogue sat with Sakura and Eric on either side of her, Sakura's arm around her as she sobbed. The dress Madison had loaned her was in tatters and tears streaked her face.
"Baby calm down," Tony's gravely voice said sternly as he stood looking threw a nearby drawer. "He'll get what's coming to him," Tony added as he pulled a pack of bullets from the drawer. "But you don't get to have all the fun."
Eric sat staring menacingly ahead, his eyes cold as he stared over at Rogue, a brotherly love in his eyes. He rose quickly, walking over to grab his jacket, a dangerous manner in his step. Everyone stepped back away from the man before them, fear and respect in their eyes as he grabbed his weapons of the counter. "You know where he lives?" he asked Tony, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Yeah, but don't you think you're going a little overboard there?" Tony eyed the arsenal his friend was donning. "He's just a high school jock, not a army."
"I don't take chances," Eric stated simply, slipping on his black cotton trench coat.
"Wow, calm down there," Sakura stated as she handed Rogue a glass of water. "You're scaring Tony for god's sake."
Rogue choked back a fit of laughter in between her sobs at the thought of the muscled giant afraid of anything. This was her family. Strong and dangerous and never yielding to any challenge. And she'd let them down by letting Cody push her around for as long as she did. And for letting him, she couldn't even bare to think about it now as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. "This is all mah fault," she whispered into her hands.
"Hey, never think that," Sakura said squeezing Rogue's shoulders tighter.
"If anything it's our fault for not taking care of him sooner," Madison stated kneeling before Rogue. "And believe me, we're going to soon rectify that." Madison rose and headed for the door with Eric and Tony on her heels. "Stay with her Sakura," she called over her shoulder.
"Will do and Madison?" Sakura called after her, as Madison stopped and turned. "Bring me back a souvenir."
Madison smirked as she headed out the door. "Will do and don't worry. This won't take too long."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What is it Gumbo?" Logan growled as he watched Remy hover close to his daughter as he whispered to her in French.
"Don't know Monsieur," Remy replied as he pulled away from Rogue slightly, still keeping close to her. "She be confusing t' dis Cajun. T' many emotions to deal with." He shook his head once and stroked her face once more. "Ah keep tryin' t' soothe her, but it non workin'."
"Keep trying kid," Meranda said resting a hand on his shoulder, feeding some of her strength into him. "Bring her back to us."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue was soon alone on the couch as Sakura faded into the nothingness of a pale memory. "Ya didn't kill him did ya?" she whispered to the shadows as Madison emerged, still clad in her black leather.
"We were going to, but there were too many witnesses. He was with his football buddies, bragging about it. Tony and Eric put the fear of god into him though, before the police showed up and we bailed. They wouldn't let me put a bullet between his eyes though," Madison replied staring angrily into the distance, her fists clenched at her sides.
"Ah still don't understand," Rogue looked up and saw her fathers psyche pacing outside the window of the house in her mind. She jumped off the couch startled. "What's he doin' here!"
"You're asleep," Madison replied as she shut the curtains. "He made the mistake of touching you when you were reliving your past. And here he is, joining the masses." She peered out around the blinds at the feral man, anxious to get to his baby girl.
"But Ah don't understand," Rogue said sinking back into a chair. "Ah can touch mah parents."
Madison sighed and began to look perturbed. "Think about it Rogue. He touched you while you were dreaming that Cody was RAPING you! What was the one thing going through your mind during that experience that has never went through your mind before, especially where your parents were concerned."
Rogue thought and suddenly it all fell into place in her mind, like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that fell under the couch. The one thing she always wondered and hoped for after her powers emerged was that her parents could touch her. She wanted them to be able to hold her and comfort her and lover her with out the fear of her poison skin coming into play. When Cody touched her that night though, the only thought that went thru her mind was that he couldn't. And after that, she didn't want anyone to ever touch her again, except for her parents. She felt safe with her parents in ways that she never felt safe with anyone else, except for Sakura, Madison and the guys. Then when Cody touched her again, she absorbed him, and that scared her so much that by the time her friends found her, it was all falling into place now.
Rogue was suddenly at the party. Irene had told her it would do her some good to get out with some friends and she was regretting it already. She leaned against the railing of the porch looking out over the river, taking in the sounds of the night as country music flooded her ears from behind. Suddenly Cody had a hold of her, dragging her to the dance floor and when she went to get away, their skin touched for the briefest instant and he was in her mind, while his body was passed out at her feet. It was then that she ran.
She wasn't sure how she ended up in the old graveyard, but there she was, curled up against one of the massive headstones sobbing. Her shirt had gotten torn in the process and her arm sat bare to the world.
"Rogue, there you are!" Madison's voice was clear as she heard her friends footsteps pound against the ground towards her. "We were worried about you." Madison stopped next to her and looked her over, kneeling down besides her. "Rogue? Marie."
Rogue looked up into Madison's crystal blue eyes, devoid of their usual contacts and sobbed. "Ah don't know what's wrong wit meh! Ah'm just so scared."
"It's okay," Madison soothed. "We'll get you some help," and that was when she placed a bare hand on Rogue's shoulder and passed out before Rogue's eyes.
Rogue was back in the living room as Madison watched her. "Ah trusted Cody," Rogue began, her voice barely above a whisper, but it seemed to echo still among her mind. "And then he hurt meh worse than anyone could and after that Ah didn't want anyone ta evah touch meh again. So that triggered mah powers and aftah that no one could touch meh," her accent grew as she spoke.
"It was a defense mechanism of your powers," Madison filled in. "you've had them longer than you think, but one mystery at a time."
"So when he touched meh again, mah powers kicked in and it scared meh so when you touched meh, Ah absorbed ya to. And everyone else aftah that," Rogue continued, her voice becoming stronger as realization overcame confusion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Somethin' be happenin'," Remy said as Rogue's mood began to change drastically.
"What is it child?" Ororo asked.
They had since moved Rogue down to the infirmary where monitors and such were hooked up to her still form as Remy still kept a grip on her, trying to pull her out of her makeshift coma. The students had been sent back to bed since most were leaving the next morning to head home for the holidays. All had been promised a full report on Rogue's health before they left.
"Don't know, but she calmer now," Remy supplied as he kept to his task. "Maybe she come back soon non?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"That's why mah parents could touch meh then? Not the genetics?" Rogue asked after a bit.
"That's part of it. The genetics plays a role as well, but when you feel threatened, your powers do whatever they can to help protect you. But the key is, you always wanted to be able to touch your parents," Madison replied.
"So to beh able ta touch the othahs…" her voice trailed off.
"You have to want to. To trust that they're not going to hurt you like Cody did and know it in your heart," Madison supplied as she took her seat next to Rogue. Suddenly, Remy's voice filled her mind, pleading with Rogue to come back to him. "He's been at that for awhile," Madison commented as she looked over at Rogue. "You should probably get up now anyway. You've learned all you have to, the rest is just trusting yourself and those around you enough to see it through."
"Will Ah be able ta come back here?" Rogue asked after a beat, not ready to let her renewed friendship die.
"Of course!" Madison smirked. "You think you have all the answers now? Please. You have no idea how powerful you will one day become. And like I said, this house is your power center. And since I'm housekeeping," she smiled at her friend and nudged her in the ribs. "Go to your man already, he's giving me a headache."
"Thank ya Madison," Rogue began as the other woman waved her off.
"Think nothing of it my dear. Now get," and with that Rogue faded back into consciousness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue opened her eyes to see Remy's red and black orbs staring down at her intensely. "Welcome back mon amore," he whispered to her, pushing a stray white bang behind her ear.
"It's good ta be back sugah," Rogue replied smiling up at him before she wrapped her arms around his neck.
The room let out a collective sigh as the two hugged each other for a moment, even Logan not daring to break up the scene. Finally Charles wheeled over and spoke. "Are you alright my dear?"
Rogue pulled reluctantly away from Remy and looked at the Professor as well as at the other adults. "Yeah, Ah'm fahne. Ah jus' had ta finish figurin' out some stuff. Ah'm okay now," she smiled at Remy as she asked herself one important question. Could she trust this guy? 'Hell yeah,' she thought as she rewrapped her arms around his neck.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue sat wrapped in a warm blanket in front of a roaring fire in the Institutes rec room. It was Christmas Eve and all around her the room shown with the spirit of the holiday. Rogue was cuddled up next to Remy as they listened to Hank read A Christmas Carol with Charles, Meranda and even Logan who had stayed home to spend this Christmas with his baby girl. Everyone else at the institute had gone home with someone that year. Wanda with Evan and Ororo to Evan's parents house. Kitty, Kurt, Ray, Sam, Jamie, Rahne, Roberto, Bobby and Jean had all gone home to their respected parents homes while Scott went to Hawaii to spend the Holidays with his brother. Jubilee had taken Piotr home with her and Amara had taken John back to Nova Roma with her. Remy had decided to spend the Holidays at the Institute, his brother having relayed the message that the assassins were still after his blood for leaving Belladonna at the alter, and besides, he wanted this Christmas to be with Rogue.
"And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One," Hank finished Dickens classic and closed it, removing his glasses with his large blue hands and smiling at his listeners.
"Very nice homme," Remy commented sipping on a cup of coco.
"Indeed, very well done Henry," Charles agreed, placing his hands in his lap.
"Not bad," Logan added his own praise as he stifled a yawn.
"Marvelous Henry," Meranda said as she kissed his cheek and rose from her perch on the arm of his chair and headed over to the tree.
"Ah lahked it," Rogue agreed as she held her coco in her gloved hands.
"Well, what do you say we open presents now?" Meranda asked as she walked back from the tree, her arms laden with gifts.
Logan let out a snort. "It's good to see some things never change."
"What do ya mean daddy?" Rogue asked looking between her parents.
"Your mother over there loves Christmas. She used to get up really early in the morning and make sure all the presents were set out for you and that I made believable Santa noises when I ate the cookies," Logan smiled slightly at the memory. This was the first Christmas he'd celebrated since he buried his wife and daughter over fourteen years ago. He was just so glad they were alive again.
"Oh hush, you weren't any better," Meranda stated as she gathered the last of the gifts on the coffee table. "Now who wants to play Santa?" she asked removing a red hat. They'd all opened their other gifts at a small Christmas party before the other students left. These were just there own personal exchange.
"Why don't you do it my dear?" Henry suggested taking a sip of his cider. "The hat does look best on you."
"Okay fine," Meranda replied giddily, placing the hat atop her black curls and settling before the packages. "Okay, this one is for Rogue from, Hank," she handed the gift over to her daughter and picked up the next. "And this is to Remy from Charles," this continued on until everyone had several packages before them. "Okay, who wants to open one first?"
"Let Stripes go first," Logan stated as he watched his daughter intently.
"Okay," Rogue picked up the first box, which was rather large and heavy and wrapped in gold paper with a green bow. "This one's from Henry," she smiled over at him and unwrapped the package revealing a leather bound copy of Edgar Allen Poe's complete works. Rogue took in a breath and pulled out the book, marveling at the gilded lettering on the cover. "Thank ya Henry, it's beautiful."
"You're very welcome my dear," Henry replied. "I know he is your favorite."
"Open another one," Meranda urged her on as she handed her a larger box.
"Okay, this one's from Mamma," she said ripping into the green paper and pulling out a black leather duster identical to her mothers.
"Now you can stop stealing mine," Meranda smiled at her daughter as she hugged her mother fiercely.
"Thank ya, Ah love it!" Rogue exclaimed, shedding the blanket and pulling it on.
"Good, now open this one next," Meranda handed her another box, this one from the Professor.
Rogue tore into the paper to reveal a pair of fur lined black leather gloves. She looked up at the Professor smiling. "Thank ya."
"I thought they might go with the jacket your mother bought you," Charles said smiling warmly at her. "And since you're always complaining about the cold I thought those might help."
"Here, open Remy's chere," Remy said handing her a long slender box wrapped in red paper with a black bow.
Rogue took it smiling and ripped into the packaging finding a long jewelry box. She opened it to find a brilliant necklace that looked like it came off of royalty with black onyx surrounding the emerald in the center. Remy took it out of the box and clasped it around her neck. The gem rested easily against her pale skin as she fingered it delicately. "It's beautiful Sugah," she whispered as she smiled over at him.
Remy offered her a genuine smile and kissed her gloved knuckles. "Remy knew y' like it mon amore."
"Now mine kid," Logan said, tired of watching the love birds, indicating a box on the floor near her feet.
"Okay," she leaned over and picked up the box that was large and light in her grasp. She ripped into it to find her birth certificate and social security card. "What's this fer?" she asked looking up at her father with curiosity.
"Well, I guess now would be a good time to give her her last gift," Meranda smiled as she pulled out a box that was hidden in her pocket and handed it to her daughter. "This is from your Dad, Henry, Ororo, the Professor and myself. Think of it as an early graduation present as well."
Rogue ripped into the package and found a set of keys. "What's this?"
"Those would be keys to the new red mustang parked outside in the garage," Logan answered with a smirk.
Rogue's face paled as she looked around the room.
"And the papers are so you can finally get your license," Meranda added as Hank shot a picture of Rogue's face. Ororo had wanted to see it. "Surprised?"
Rogue leapt up and launched herself at all the adults individually. "Thank ya so much!" she squealed as she made her rounds.
"Now Remy feel left out," the Cajun pouted as Rogue hugged Hank.
"Well buy meh a car next tahme and ya can have a hug to. But since tis the season and all," Rogue replied as she ran back to her seat and hugged the Cajun.
"Okay, now lets everyone else open our gifts huh?" Meranda said as they all dug into their gifts together.
"Remy love his gift cherie," Remy whispered huskily into her ear as he looked at the beautiful black silk shirt Rogue had gotten him, as well as a tee-shirt with a skull in it's center, surrounded by flames as well as flaming cards in a full house in front of it.
"Good, cause that ain't the end of yer gift," Rogue said as she got up, grabbing his hands and pulling him over towards the front entrance to the room. Everyone stopped admiring their presents to watch the young couple. Rogue lead Remy over to the entry way and stopped beneath he mistletoe. "Well, ain't ya gonna kiss me Swamp Rat?" Rogue asked.
Remy smirked and reached into his pocket to grab his wax lips only to find them missing. He looked at her questioningly, as a smile played in her eyes. "Lookin' for these?" she asked pulling out the box. Remy's eyes widened for a bit as she smirked. "You'll see Ah'm full a surprises Cajun," she sad as she grabbed a hold of his collar and pulled him down, their lips meeting passionately, bare for the first time.
The adults in the room all watched in awed silence, waiting for the Cajun to fall unconscious to the floor and shocked to see nothing happening. Slowly Remy wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
They pulled away from each other after a few moments, needing air. Remy looked at Rogue in shock for a moment before speaking. "Y' figured it out p'tite?"
"Oui," Rogue replied softly, blushing a bit as she spoke. "Ah jus' had ta trust ya not ta hurt meh. And meh ta be able ta control it."
"Ah Cherie," Remy brushed a snow white bang from her eyes. "Remy always knew y' could."
Suddenly a strong hand clamped down on Remy's shoulder and they both turned to meet Logan's glare. Rogue's heart stopped and for a moment she was afraid she'd have to use her super strength to keep her father from killing her boyfriend. After an intense moment, Logan finally spoke. "You better take good care of her Remy," he stated smiling at his daughter. "Or I'll make you look like the Gumbo you are." With that he leaned over and hugged Rogue. "I'm so proud of you kid."
"Thank ya daddy," Rogue replied as she pulled away from her father only to have her mother pounce on her.
"I knew you could do it," Meranda said hugging Rogue tightly.
"Ah couldn't a done it wit' out ya mamma," Rogue said as Meranda pulled away slightly. "Ah would a nevah thought Ah could."
"No," Meranda stated smiling at her. "You're stronger than you know. And smarter than you think. You would of figured it out. I'm just glad I was here to see you do it."
"Congratulations My dear," Henry said hugging Rogue as well, as she placed a kiss on his furry cheek.
"I believe celebrations are in order then," Charles mused. "This is truly a proud day."
Rogue smiled as she bent over and kissed the Professors cheek as well. "Well what are we waitin' fer then? Let's party."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue laid in her bed staring out the window. She still couldn't believe she'd done it. She'd learned to control something that she'd never thought she'd be able to. Now her power didn't' seem like such a curse after all. She let out a long sigh before climbing out of bed, her bare feet touching the cool wood floor soundlessly as she crept to the door and opened it, checking both ways before heading down the hallway and entering the door three rooms away. Remy lay sleeping soundly in his bed, his chest bare and his right arm stretched out next to him, his left resting across his abdomen as he slept. She crept over to his bed, watching him in the moonlight for a moment, as Jewel's 2 Become 1 song popped into her head. 'Great, now Ah'm gonna have ta find that cd and listen to it or that song's nevah gonna leave,' she thought for a moment before turning her attention back to her sleeping love.
She Had been hoping he'd be awake, but no matter. Seeing him sleeping peacefully would have to be enough to get her through the night. She turned to leave when a husky voice called out to her.
"Problem Chere?"
She turned and smiled at him, blushing slightly. "Ah couldn't sleep," she confessed, the excitement of the day had her adrenaline pumping.
Remy smiled at her and moved over in the bed, pulling down the covers.
Rogue smiled gratefully and climbed in, snuggling close to him as he pulled up the covers and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her bare shoulder. "Better mon amore?" he asked as he already began to drift back to sleep.
"Much," Rogue smiled, feeling her own eyes grow heavier. "Night sugah. Ah love ya."
"Je t'aime aussi," Remy replied pulling her closer and drifting off to sleep.
Authors Note: Okay, I know it's technically the 6th and all, but I still worked my butt off to get this up so I'm still proud. And to all of you who asked what she saw in here head, there you have it. She relived what Cody did to her. And there was the answer. I came up with this idea few months ago and School and Work just kept getting in the way so it didn't get posted as fast as I wanted it to. But fortunately, I wrote it down so I didn't forget. I hope no one was disappointed. Now, next chapter, we get to Meet the real Madison, Sakura, Tony and Eric so it should be interesting. Now to my many reviews.
selene ~ Thank you and Thank you! I really appreciate the Review and the birthday wishes.
Star-of-Chaos ~ That's why I didn't kill Mystique off just yet. So she's always there for later, just in case I need to stir some trouble or give Meranda someone to pound on.
Jukebox ~ Okay, I know technically it was two days but at least it was fast so I'm still proud of myself. And thank you so much for the birthday wishes.
Lovablelatina ~ Well I was happy to do it. And I assure you there will be no Romy breaks. It's not allowed. I think everything will go better for them now that she has control, at least on that level. There will still be complications, but that is the way of life. Hope you liked this chapter and it answered all your questions.
Rogue4787 ~ It was kinda a combo of her worst memory, being raped, and her greatest fear, it happening again. But we all know Remy would never push. (Mostly cause, in all honesty, would he really have to?) And if I knew where to find a guy like that, I'd probably be writing less fan fiction. And see, Hank should be every Romy fan's new hero. Logan's making some process, but he's no where near letting her stop being his little girl yet. But he may back off just a bit so I can have my cute little Romy moments. And yes, the others will be making their appearance in the next chapter so keep your eyes open for that one, which will hopefully be up by the end of the week. But no promises. Enjoy.
HPFANATIC-21 ~ You should be proud of me Lisa, I got it up almost in the same day. Go me. Was your guess right? The football team needed it. Especially ours, but then you remember how it was. And they really did suck. And don't say I'm better! We're both good except in different aspects. Like, for example, you kick ass at dialog where I'm more with the description. But no matter. Let me know how you liked this chapter.
Gothic Cajun ~ That was my attitude in school too. Still is although that works slightly less in college, much to my distress. I hate trying to put forth effort into that kind of shit but no matter. My hair's in that phase right now, and as you can tell is bugging the shit out of me. Thank you for noticing the "slut" "how?" line. I thought it was funny, but then I'm insane. Feel free to use it. I do all the time, mostly cause I am an evil heinous bitch. Makes life more interesting. My mom thinks I'm pretty nuts too most of the time so no matter. Enjoy.
Crystalyn ~ thank you dear. The more people who read it the better. I'm flattered, really. I don't know that it's the greatest though in my opinion, but people keep telling me that you are your own worst critic. If you're looking for some other good ones may I suggest Mercury Dreams stuff, Ishandahalf's story and From the Shadows by Black Queen. It's really really good. Those some of my favorites anyway.
Mercury Dream ~ Don't worry I'd never just end it like that on you. I promise you fair warning first.
Yeah, Mystique cares but she's still an evil bitch. Makes it more complicated, cause you kinda feel sorry for her cause all her kids hate her, but then again, she does deserve it.
Be glad you can't relate. It's never a pretty thing. I hated those final tests cause it was all a bunch of bullshit and in college it's the same. All you have to do is memorize all the old tests and you can pass the college final no problem. The problem is all the pressure they put on you before hand. They decide that everything under the sun is due the week before finals and then you also have to memorize all those tests and it's just too confusing. I had Wanda's same feelings though, and I'm glad I did last semester cause it doesn't bother me so bad that I have to retake one of my classes. (I didn't fail, I got a D which stands for damn good doesn't it? But sadly, a D doesn't count for anything and I have to retake it for a C or better, damn grading scale…sorry, had to vent.)
Hank should be all my readers hero now, since he saved Remy so he could appear again. And I must agree with you on the annoying parents issue. And Y'know, I'm kinda a huge bitch for making Rogue deal with all of them at once. But she's tough and Remy's always there to help. (hehe) Vent away though, cause lord knows I do enough.
Yeah, Kelley's pretty much fucked now. But it's his own fault. Oh, well here, if you failed you had to repeat the grade, at least if you failed bad enough. Mostly it was just Kelley being a dick. And I didn't want the Professor to be all grim, cause then it doesn't really give you much hope Y'know? Or at least in my (crazy and insane) opinion.
Wait till you see Madison in the next chapter. She's not exactly the same as she was…but I don't want to tell you too much yet. And yeah, if she reminds you of you and she's based off my personality, then the world should live in fear. Seriously. I used to be really shy, like back in elementary school and then I stopped caring and discovered that whole telling the truth bit. It can be more painful most of the time and works great on enemy's. And this is just my sick twisted mind talking and I should stop now. Oh, and when I said you weren't people it was a compliment. See, I hate people ( and by people I mean those stupid bastards that the world seems to be populated by, by like 95 percent or more) so when I say you're not people, it means you're not one of those 95+ percent that make me homicidal. Sorry if it was a little confusing. My brain works funny sometimes and you have to really know me to figure it all out, and even then I've been known to confuse.
And your hint was taken about Rogue and Remy kissage cause tada! They have had smooches and more are sure to come. (I promise)
Yeah, I wanted to make Rogue a bad girl to the fullest extent. She's never killed anybody except for Carol but she was no saint either. But you'll find out even more about that later.
I love him more and more too. Remy's great and I need one of him in real life. Hopefully this answered any possible questions about what was going on in Rogue's head and the secret to her power. I tried my best. It was pretty bad at least in my opinion. And I had to leave some suspense in the last chapter. And I almost didn't add that part where Remy was holding her but then I just knew I had to cause I was going thru Romy withdraws and yeah, now I'm rambling and will stop now.
Amanda's family was booing Kelley not cheering him on. I decided that they're going to like Kurt in this story cause him and Amanda are just too cute together.
Prof had to stand up for them and it's true when you think about it. You can't learn anything with out a basic education. And I couldn't resist making Kelley look like an ass. He just annoys the hell out of me. Feel free to use it by all means. It'll give me another good laugh.
Hmm…what would I like? Updates would be good. I like those. On any of your stories, it doesn't matter. I love them all. And I want Remy, but I damn Marvel owns him. Oh well, I'll settle for just writing about him and claiming no ownership whatsoever.
48 hours huh? I've done that before. I think my personal best was 72 or so…maybe less. A friend and I stayed up for like 3 days straight. We were a lot younger then though. I love the night, but can't stand the mornings. Not without coffee and well anything caffeine really. Caffeine is my friend.
Nope you're the only one who sang where I didn't have to put in earplugs or gouge out my eardrums. And I thank you again.
Oh, that would be good. Then we can get all the other insane Romy/Spike fans to sign it and maybe get our wish. That would be nice.
That sucks. I was sick one year over Christmas and it just takes all the fun out of it. And sisters can suck ass that way. That's why I try not to talk to mine that often. She just annoys the hell out of me.
Of course I'm excited about your sequel. And I can wait, especially if you're going to be working on the others in the mean time. Something Blue was funny as hell. I loved that ep. But I just love Spike's monolog cause it's true.
Yes I did so you better enjoy. J/K. I did put it in for you though. I thought you might like and I can't go upsetting one of my favorite authors/reviewers. It'd be bad for ratings.
I've only seen a couple of the new ones cause I don't have the station it's on. My friends dad taped them for us (one of my converts.) But they're pretty funny and what makes it better/worse depending on your view, is Spike is more of the Champion then Angel is. It seems to me like Angel's just given up, but I could be wrong. I like Spike as the Champion though so hey, still works for me. Interesting theory. And I understand your thoughts behind it. (Damn gravity.)
I don't think I could make it work either, but I can always try if I get in a pinch thank ya.
Oh yeah, it's going to be interesting, at least I hope anyway. Scott and Jean are just too clean cut in evo. There the people we all hated in school. The preppy ones that seemed to have everything going for them so it's more fun to bash them.
Harmony is funny, but I don't know. I guess I knew too many people like her and when I was watching it, I was also going to school with them so it was just too much. But I'm sure she'd make a great comic relief on Angel.
Black is a good color. I live by it. And other dark colors, but black mostly dominates. I like red and purple though too…sorry, just more randomness from me.
I'll go to your bio page and get it. I don't like posting my email cause I get enough spam and stuff as it is and I don't need more so I don't put it up a whole lot of places. And I'm paranoid too, but anywho. Hope you liked. This response is two pages long so I didn't beat you. Damn. Oh well, maybe next time.
Ishandahalf ~ I wasn't surprised that you reviewed just happy. I love it when you do that. I would never underestimate your powers, they're too cool. And insane is good. Helps write good fanfic. Glad you liked the chapter and you always inspire me in some way shape or form. Either to write more or laugh at your review or to perk my day up. At least I didn't make you wait too long to find out what was going on. I'd be cruel and heartless if I did that. And I added more Romy fluff at the end just for you. I thought you might appreciate it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Right there with you on the drooling. Yeah, the football players and Kelley deserved everything they got and more. Bastards. And aren't you happy she has control now? I am. Cause now I can get down to some smooches. I'd recommend your fic anytime dear. Can't wait for your next chapter. I just hope I get to read it before I head off to work. Night for now.
Lightspeed Suzuka ~ Thank you and I'll be sure to let her know. I like your name mostly cause it reminded me of Sakura's. Anyway, that was just random.
Btch ~ Have to agree with you on the school bit, but hey, they need an education. Hope this chapter answered all your questions. If not let me know, and yeah, you do gotta love Remy. He's just so gosh darn adorable.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed. As always much love to y'all and see ya next time.
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 but the others are all really good as well. So go read her stuff to. Now, quickly! Oh, and if any of you didn't already know, Ishandahalf has posted a fic that you all need to go read too. I meant to get this chapter up before Christmas, but work made it impossible. Hope y'all still enjoy though.
'text' internal speech
dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 29: Christmas at Xavier's
Rogue smiled as she took a small glass ornament with a ornately painted angel on it. She fingered it gingerly before placing it on the tree in the middle of the Rec room in the Xavier Institute. It was the last decoration to be put up. She looked around the room in awe of the transformation it had taken over the period of the morning. Garland and tinsel hung from the tree as well as the stair rail and mistletoe hung in the doorway leading to the front hall. Stockings were along the fireplace as well as several festive candles placed along the mantel. Lights adorned the tree and the windows and presents were piled high under and behind the tree. Rogue took a step back and gazed up at the tree, admiring the tree, wrapping her arms around her arms as she gazed up. Arms wrapped around her waist and she tensed visibly, fear running across her face before a smooth Cajun voice purred into here ear, "Jus' meh chere."
Rogue relaxed a bit and snuggled close to him, her gaze never leaving the tree. "It's beautiful ain't it Swamp Rat?" she whispered leaning against him.
"Remy seen more belle things he whispered into her ear and kissed the top of her head. "An' Remy holdin' de mos' belle thing on earth." His kisses moved down to her neck, still with the barrier of her hair between his lips and her skin. She leaned against him a bit, reveling in his affections, moaning slightly.
"What are ya doin' Rems?" she closed her eyes, her voice breathless and barely above a whisper. "What if daddy comes in?" He continued to kiss her, his lips moving from her neck to her shoulder, his hands beginning to move as well. "Rem's we shouldn't be doin' this, Rogue continued as the sound of breaking glass brought her out of her reverie. She opened her eyes as she saw the ornament she'd just placed on the tree shattered on the ground. Suddenly Remy's arms tightened around her waist, bruising her abdomen. "Remy stop it!" she said pushing at his hands to no avail. They just tightened around her as his kisses became more ravenous. "Remy!" Rogue began to kick and struggle against him, the struggle ripping the silk metallic blue dress she wore. Finally he let go of her waist, pushing her way forcefully. She spun on him and instead of her demon eyed lover, she found the blonde haired blue eyed football player she'd thought she loved long ago. "Cody?" she asked. Her voice was small, barley above a whisper. She looked down at the dress she wore, remembering the last time she wore it. It was Madison's. She'd begged her friend to let her borrow it for her date with Cody that night and Madison had finally submitted, although more than a little reluctantly. She'd wanted everything to be perfect, and now it was the one night she regretted not staying home most of all. The Rec Room darkened and a cold chill blew across Rogue's bare arms as she looked on the young man before her in terror.
"Oh come on Marie," his words echoed, like a terrible nightmare coming to life again. "We both love each other," his voice was cold and she could smell the alcohol on his breath as he moved closer to her. He wore his normal letterman's jacket and blue jeans. His hair was messy and his blue eyes shown brightly with lust. "It's a natural thing."
"No Cody," Rogue whispered as she broke out into a run, hoping that she'd be able to beat one of the fastest runners in all of Caldecott County Mississippi. But just like before, his speed was too much for her. He caught her around her bare wrists and spun her to face him delivering a solid backhand to her cheek.
"Now that wasn't very nahce Marie," Cody said pushing her hard against the wall, pinning her with his well toned body. "Now be good," he stroked the side of her face. "Ah don't want to hurt ya none." He kissed her forcefully and stole what little innocence she had left away forever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kitty, Amara and Wanda woke with a start to Rogue's screaming. Before any of the girls could react the door flew open and Logan and Meranda ran in, as did Hank and Ororo as the others congregated around the door way. Rogue thrashed about in her bed, screaming at the top of her lungs as Logan and Meranda rushed to her side. Logan reached out a hand and grabbed her bare arm only to feel a pulling at his skin as her powers began to suck away at his life force. Meranda reacted quickly, grabbing Logan and pulling him quickly away as she put up a psychic field of protection around her own skin and tried to grab hold of her daughter.
"What's going on?" Wanda asked as she watched her friends agony.
Suddenly Remy and Kurt were standing next to the bed in a cloud of sulfur and brimstone. Remy quickly released Kurt's arm and made his way next to Rogue's bed, capturing her thrashing arms in his gloved hands. "She's absorbing everyone," Meranda explained as she struggled with her daughter. "And her shields are up. I don't know what's wrong with her."
Charles Xavier entered the room, noticing Ororo and Hank helping Logan to his feet and Remy and Meranda struggling with Rogue as everyone watched on. "What's wrong with her Chuck?" Logan asked as he leaned on Ororo from support, drained from his daughters touch.
"I do not know Logan," Charles said as he tried to enter Rogue's mind but was thrown back by a powerful mental shield. "She won't let me in."
"Move," Remy stated firmly, which earned him a quizzical stare from Meranda. "Remy have an idea." Meranda shrugged and moved over reluctantly, ready to pounce back in as soon as she was needed. Remy pinned Rogue's arms down to her sides and opened his empathy to her, conveying his love and a feeling of calm towards her. Slowly, Rogue's struggling began to fade and she merely whimpered in Remy's arms. He leaned in close to her, his hands still wrapped around her wrists. "Come back to meh cherie," he whispered soothingly into her ear. "It be a dream. Non of it be real," he continued, his arms slowly letting go of her wrists and rising to wipe the stray hairs from her face. "Come back to Remy Chere."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"The secrets in your pain," Madison's voice said clearly as Rogue looked up from her crumpled place on the ground she sobbed openly as she looked up at Madison who stood before her in a black leather corset top with a silk metallic blue strip down the front and black leather hip huggers. Her boots were polished and a black leather three quarter length fitted her snuggly. Her long black and indigo hair was pulled up into a pony tail and she offered a perfectly manicured hand to Rogue.
Rogue looked up at her with the wide sad eyes of a child and stared at Madison's bare hand before taking it gingerly and being pulled into another set of memories.
"I'll kill him! I'm going to fucking kill the little bastard." Madison seethed as she paced before the couch where Rogue sat with Sakura and Eric on either side of her, Sakura's arm around her as she sobbed. The dress Madison had loaned her was in tatters and tears streaked her face.
"Baby calm down," Tony's gravely voice said sternly as he stood looking threw a nearby drawer. "He'll get what's coming to him," Tony added as he pulled a pack of bullets from the drawer. "But you don't get to have all the fun."
Eric sat staring menacingly ahead, his eyes cold as he stared over at Rogue, a brotherly love in his eyes. He rose quickly, walking over to grab his jacket, a dangerous manner in his step. Everyone stepped back away from the man before them, fear and respect in their eyes as he grabbed his weapons of the counter. "You know where he lives?" he asked Tony, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Yeah, but don't you think you're going a little overboard there?" Tony eyed the arsenal his friend was donning. "He's just a high school jock, not a army."
"I don't take chances," Eric stated simply, slipping on his black cotton trench coat.
"Wow, calm down there," Sakura stated as she handed Rogue a glass of water. "You're scaring Tony for god's sake."
Rogue choked back a fit of laughter in between her sobs at the thought of the muscled giant afraid of anything. This was her family. Strong and dangerous and never yielding to any challenge. And she'd let them down by letting Cody push her around for as long as she did. And for letting him, she couldn't even bare to think about it now as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. "This is all mah fault," she whispered into her hands.
"Hey, never think that," Sakura said squeezing Rogue's shoulders tighter.
"If anything it's our fault for not taking care of him sooner," Madison stated kneeling before Rogue. "And believe me, we're going to soon rectify that." Madison rose and headed for the door with Eric and Tony on her heels. "Stay with her Sakura," she called over her shoulder.
"Will do and Madison?" Sakura called after her, as Madison stopped and turned. "Bring me back a souvenir."
Madison smirked as she headed out the door. "Will do and don't worry. This won't take too long."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What is it Gumbo?" Logan growled as he watched Remy hover close to his daughter as he whispered to her in French.
"Don't know Monsieur," Remy replied as he pulled away from Rogue slightly, still keeping close to her. "She be confusing t' dis Cajun. T' many emotions to deal with." He shook his head once and stroked her face once more. "Ah keep tryin' t' soothe her, but it non workin'."
"Keep trying kid," Meranda said resting a hand on his shoulder, feeding some of her strength into him. "Bring her back to us."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue was soon alone on the couch as Sakura faded into the nothingness of a pale memory. "Ya didn't kill him did ya?" she whispered to the shadows as Madison emerged, still clad in her black leather.
"We were going to, but there were too many witnesses. He was with his football buddies, bragging about it. Tony and Eric put the fear of god into him though, before the police showed up and we bailed. They wouldn't let me put a bullet between his eyes though," Madison replied staring angrily into the distance, her fists clenched at her sides.
"Ah still don't understand," Rogue looked up and saw her fathers psyche pacing outside the window of the house in her mind. She jumped off the couch startled. "What's he doin' here!"
"You're asleep," Madison replied as she shut the curtains. "He made the mistake of touching you when you were reliving your past. And here he is, joining the masses." She peered out around the blinds at the feral man, anxious to get to his baby girl.
"But Ah don't understand," Rogue said sinking back into a chair. "Ah can touch mah parents."
Madison sighed and began to look perturbed. "Think about it Rogue. He touched you while you were dreaming that Cody was RAPING you! What was the one thing going through your mind during that experience that has never went through your mind before, especially where your parents were concerned."
Rogue thought and suddenly it all fell into place in her mind, like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that fell under the couch. The one thing she always wondered and hoped for after her powers emerged was that her parents could touch her. She wanted them to be able to hold her and comfort her and lover her with out the fear of her poison skin coming into play. When Cody touched her that night though, the only thought that went thru her mind was that he couldn't. And after that, she didn't want anyone to ever touch her again, except for her parents. She felt safe with her parents in ways that she never felt safe with anyone else, except for Sakura, Madison and the guys. Then when Cody touched her again, she absorbed him, and that scared her so much that by the time her friends found her, it was all falling into place now.
Rogue was suddenly at the party. Irene had told her it would do her some good to get out with some friends and she was regretting it already. She leaned against the railing of the porch looking out over the river, taking in the sounds of the night as country music flooded her ears from behind. Suddenly Cody had a hold of her, dragging her to the dance floor and when she went to get away, their skin touched for the briefest instant and he was in her mind, while his body was passed out at her feet. It was then that she ran.
She wasn't sure how she ended up in the old graveyard, but there she was, curled up against one of the massive headstones sobbing. Her shirt had gotten torn in the process and her arm sat bare to the world.
"Rogue, there you are!" Madison's voice was clear as she heard her friends footsteps pound against the ground towards her. "We were worried about you." Madison stopped next to her and looked her over, kneeling down besides her. "Rogue? Marie."
Rogue looked up into Madison's crystal blue eyes, devoid of their usual contacts and sobbed. "Ah don't know what's wrong wit meh! Ah'm just so scared."
"It's okay," Madison soothed. "We'll get you some help," and that was when she placed a bare hand on Rogue's shoulder and passed out before Rogue's eyes.
Rogue was back in the living room as Madison watched her. "Ah trusted Cody," Rogue began, her voice barely above a whisper, but it seemed to echo still among her mind. "And then he hurt meh worse than anyone could and after that Ah didn't want anyone ta evah touch meh again. So that triggered mah powers and aftah that no one could touch meh," her accent grew as she spoke.
"It was a defense mechanism of your powers," Madison filled in. "you've had them longer than you think, but one mystery at a time."
"So when he touched meh again, mah powers kicked in and it scared meh so when you touched meh, Ah absorbed ya to. And everyone else aftah that," Rogue continued, her voice becoming stronger as realization overcame confusion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Somethin' be happenin'," Remy said as Rogue's mood began to change drastically.
"What is it child?" Ororo asked.
They had since moved Rogue down to the infirmary where monitors and such were hooked up to her still form as Remy still kept a grip on her, trying to pull her out of her makeshift coma. The students had been sent back to bed since most were leaving the next morning to head home for the holidays. All had been promised a full report on Rogue's health before they left.
"Don't know, but she calmer now," Remy supplied as he kept to his task. "Maybe she come back soon non?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"That's why mah parents could touch meh then? Not the genetics?" Rogue asked after a bit.
"That's part of it. The genetics plays a role as well, but when you feel threatened, your powers do whatever they can to help protect you. But the key is, you always wanted to be able to touch your parents," Madison replied.
"So to beh able ta touch the othahs…" her voice trailed off.
"You have to want to. To trust that they're not going to hurt you like Cody did and know it in your heart," Madison supplied as she took her seat next to Rogue. Suddenly, Remy's voice filled her mind, pleading with Rogue to come back to him. "He's been at that for awhile," Madison commented as she looked over at Rogue. "You should probably get up now anyway. You've learned all you have to, the rest is just trusting yourself and those around you enough to see it through."
"Will Ah be able ta come back here?" Rogue asked after a beat, not ready to let her renewed friendship die.
"Of course!" Madison smirked. "You think you have all the answers now? Please. You have no idea how powerful you will one day become. And like I said, this house is your power center. And since I'm housekeeping," she smiled at her friend and nudged her in the ribs. "Go to your man already, he's giving me a headache."
"Thank ya Madison," Rogue began as the other woman waved her off.
"Think nothing of it my dear. Now get," and with that Rogue faded back into consciousness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue opened her eyes to see Remy's red and black orbs staring down at her intensely. "Welcome back mon amore," he whispered to her, pushing a stray white bang behind her ear.
"It's good ta be back sugah," Rogue replied smiling up at him before she wrapped her arms around his neck.
The room let out a collective sigh as the two hugged each other for a moment, even Logan not daring to break up the scene. Finally Charles wheeled over and spoke. "Are you alright my dear?"
Rogue pulled reluctantly away from Remy and looked at the Professor as well as at the other adults. "Yeah, Ah'm fahne. Ah jus' had ta finish figurin' out some stuff. Ah'm okay now," she smiled at Remy as she asked herself one important question. Could she trust this guy? 'Hell yeah,' she thought as she rewrapped her arms around his neck.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue sat wrapped in a warm blanket in front of a roaring fire in the Institutes rec room. It was Christmas Eve and all around her the room shown with the spirit of the holiday. Rogue was cuddled up next to Remy as they listened to Hank read A Christmas Carol with Charles, Meranda and even Logan who had stayed home to spend this Christmas with his baby girl. Everyone else at the institute had gone home with someone that year. Wanda with Evan and Ororo to Evan's parents house. Kitty, Kurt, Ray, Sam, Jamie, Rahne, Roberto, Bobby and Jean had all gone home to their respected parents homes while Scott went to Hawaii to spend the Holidays with his brother. Jubilee had taken Piotr home with her and Amara had taken John back to Nova Roma with her. Remy had decided to spend the Holidays at the Institute, his brother having relayed the message that the assassins were still after his blood for leaving Belladonna at the alter, and besides, he wanted this Christmas to be with Rogue.
"And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One," Hank finished Dickens classic and closed it, removing his glasses with his large blue hands and smiling at his listeners.
"Very nice homme," Remy commented sipping on a cup of coco.
"Indeed, very well done Henry," Charles agreed, placing his hands in his lap.
"Not bad," Logan added his own praise as he stifled a yawn.
"Marvelous Henry," Meranda said as she kissed his cheek and rose from her perch on the arm of his chair and headed over to the tree.
"Ah lahked it," Rogue agreed as she held her coco in her gloved hands.
"Well, what do you say we open presents now?" Meranda asked as she walked back from the tree, her arms laden with gifts.
Logan let out a snort. "It's good to see some things never change."
"What do ya mean daddy?" Rogue asked looking between her parents.
"Your mother over there loves Christmas. She used to get up really early in the morning and make sure all the presents were set out for you and that I made believable Santa noises when I ate the cookies," Logan smiled slightly at the memory. This was the first Christmas he'd celebrated since he buried his wife and daughter over fourteen years ago. He was just so glad they were alive again.
"Oh hush, you weren't any better," Meranda stated as she gathered the last of the gifts on the coffee table. "Now who wants to play Santa?" she asked removing a red hat. They'd all opened their other gifts at a small Christmas party before the other students left. These were just there own personal exchange.
"Why don't you do it my dear?" Henry suggested taking a sip of his cider. "The hat does look best on you."
"Okay fine," Meranda replied giddily, placing the hat atop her black curls and settling before the packages. "Okay, this one is for Rogue from, Hank," she handed the gift over to her daughter and picked up the next. "And this is to Remy from Charles," this continued on until everyone had several packages before them. "Okay, who wants to open one first?"
"Let Stripes go first," Logan stated as he watched his daughter intently.
"Okay," Rogue picked up the first box, which was rather large and heavy and wrapped in gold paper with a green bow. "This one's from Henry," she smiled over at him and unwrapped the package revealing a leather bound copy of Edgar Allen Poe's complete works. Rogue took in a breath and pulled out the book, marveling at the gilded lettering on the cover. "Thank ya Henry, it's beautiful."
"You're very welcome my dear," Henry replied. "I know he is your favorite."
"Open another one," Meranda urged her on as she handed her a larger box.
"Okay, this one's from Mamma," she said ripping into the green paper and pulling out a black leather duster identical to her mothers.
"Now you can stop stealing mine," Meranda smiled at her daughter as she hugged her mother fiercely.
"Thank ya, Ah love it!" Rogue exclaimed, shedding the blanket and pulling it on.
"Good, now open this one next," Meranda handed her another box, this one from the Professor.
Rogue tore into the paper to reveal a pair of fur lined black leather gloves. She looked up at the Professor smiling. "Thank ya."
"I thought they might go with the jacket your mother bought you," Charles said smiling warmly at her. "And since you're always complaining about the cold I thought those might help."
"Here, open Remy's chere," Remy said handing her a long slender box wrapped in red paper with a black bow.
Rogue took it smiling and ripped into the packaging finding a long jewelry box. She opened it to find a brilliant necklace that looked like it came off of royalty with black onyx surrounding the emerald in the center. Remy took it out of the box and clasped it around her neck. The gem rested easily against her pale skin as she fingered it delicately. "It's beautiful Sugah," she whispered as she smiled over at him.
Remy offered her a genuine smile and kissed her gloved knuckles. "Remy knew y' like it mon amore."
"Now mine kid," Logan said, tired of watching the love birds, indicating a box on the floor near her feet.
"Okay," she leaned over and picked up the box that was large and light in her grasp. She ripped into it to find her birth certificate and social security card. "What's this fer?" she asked looking up at her father with curiosity.
"Well, I guess now would be a good time to give her her last gift," Meranda smiled as she pulled out a box that was hidden in her pocket and handed it to her daughter. "This is from your Dad, Henry, Ororo, the Professor and myself. Think of it as an early graduation present as well."
Rogue ripped into the package and found a set of keys. "What's this?"
"Those would be keys to the new red mustang parked outside in the garage," Logan answered with a smirk.
Rogue's face paled as she looked around the room.
"And the papers are so you can finally get your license," Meranda added as Hank shot a picture of Rogue's face. Ororo had wanted to see it. "Surprised?"
Rogue leapt up and launched herself at all the adults individually. "Thank ya so much!" she squealed as she made her rounds.
"Now Remy feel left out," the Cajun pouted as Rogue hugged Hank.
"Well buy meh a car next tahme and ya can have a hug to. But since tis the season and all," Rogue replied as she ran back to her seat and hugged the Cajun.
"Okay, now lets everyone else open our gifts huh?" Meranda said as they all dug into their gifts together.
"Remy love his gift cherie," Remy whispered huskily into her ear as he looked at the beautiful black silk shirt Rogue had gotten him, as well as a tee-shirt with a skull in it's center, surrounded by flames as well as flaming cards in a full house in front of it.
"Good, cause that ain't the end of yer gift," Rogue said as she got up, grabbing his hands and pulling him over towards the front entrance to the room. Everyone stopped admiring their presents to watch the young couple. Rogue lead Remy over to the entry way and stopped beneath he mistletoe. "Well, ain't ya gonna kiss me Swamp Rat?" Rogue asked.
Remy smirked and reached into his pocket to grab his wax lips only to find them missing. He looked at her questioningly, as a smile played in her eyes. "Lookin' for these?" she asked pulling out the box. Remy's eyes widened for a bit as she smirked. "You'll see Ah'm full a surprises Cajun," she sad as she grabbed a hold of his collar and pulled him down, their lips meeting passionately, bare for the first time.
The adults in the room all watched in awed silence, waiting for the Cajun to fall unconscious to the floor and shocked to see nothing happening. Slowly Remy wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
They pulled away from each other after a few moments, needing air. Remy looked at Rogue in shock for a moment before speaking. "Y' figured it out p'tite?"
"Oui," Rogue replied softly, blushing a bit as she spoke. "Ah jus' had ta trust ya not ta hurt meh. And meh ta be able ta control it."
"Ah Cherie," Remy brushed a snow white bang from her eyes. "Remy always knew y' could."
Suddenly a strong hand clamped down on Remy's shoulder and they both turned to meet Logan's glare. Rogue's heart stopped and for a moment she was afraid she'd have to use her super strength to keep her father from killing her boyfriend. After an intense moment, Logan finally spoke. "You better take good care of her Remy," he stated smiling at his daughter. "Or I'll make you look like the Gumbo you are." With that he leaned over and hugged Rogue. "I'm so proud of you kid."
"Thank ya daddy," Rogue replied as she pulled away from her father only to have her mother pounce on her.
"I knew you could do it," Meranda said hugging Rogue tightly.
"Ah couldn't a done it wit' out ya mamma," Rogue said as Meranda pulled away slightly. "Ah would a nevah thought Ah could."
"No," Meranda stated smiling at her. "You're stronger than you know. And smarter than you think. You would of figured it out. I'm just glad I was here to see you do it."
"Congratulations My dear," Henry said hugging Rogue as well, as she placed a kiss on his furry cheek.
"I believe celebrations are in order then," Charles mused. "This is truly a proud day."
Rogue smiled as she bent over and kissed the Professors cheek as well. "Well what are we waitin' fer then? Let's party."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rogue laid in her bed staring out the window. She still couldn't believe she'd done it. She'd learned to control something that she'd never thought she'd be able to. Now her power didn't' seem like such a curse after all. She let out a long sigh before climbing out of bed, her bare feet touching the cool wood floor soundlessly as she crept to the door and opened it, checking both ways before heading down the hallway and entering the door three rooms away. Remy lay sleeping soundly in his bed, his chest bare and his right arm stretched out next to him, his left resting across his abdomen as he slept. She crept over to his bed, watching him in the moonlight for a moment, as Jewel's 2 Become 1 song popped into her head. 'Great, now Ah'm gonna have ta find that cd and listen to it or that song's nevah gonna leave,' she thought for a moment before turning her attention back to her sleeping love.
She Had been hoping he'd be awake, but no matter. Seeing him sleeping peacefully would have to be enough to get her through the night. She turned to leave when a husky voice called out to her.
"Problem Chere?"
She turned and smiled at him, blushing slightly. "Ah couldn't sleep," she confessed, the excitement of the day had her adrenaline pumping.
Remy smiled at her and moved over in the bed, pulling down the covers.
Rogue smiled gratefully and climbed in, snuggling close to him as he pulled up the covers and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her bare shoulder. "Better mon amore?" he asked as he already began to drift back to sleep.
"Much," Rogue smiled, feeling her own eyes grow heavier. "Night sugah. Ah love ya."
"Je t'aime aussi," Remy replied pulling her closer and drifting off to sleep.
Authors Note: Okay, I know it's technically the 6th and all, but I still worked my butt off to get this up so I'm still proud. And to all of you who asked what she saw in here head, there you have it. She relived what Cody did to her. And there was the answer. I came up with this idea few months ago and School and Work just kept getting in the way so it didn't get posted as fast as I wanted it to. But fortunately, I wrote it down so I didn't forget. I hope no one was disappointed. Now, next chapter, we get to Meet the real Madison, Sakura, Tony and Eric so it should be interesting. Now to my many reviews.
selene ~ Thank you and Thank you! I really appreciate the Review and the birthday wishes.
Star-of-Chaos ~ That's why I didn't kill Mystique off just yet. So she's always there for later, just in case I need to stir some trouble or give Meranda someone to pound on.
Jukebox ~ Okay, I know technically it was two days but at least it was fast so I'm still proud of myself. And thank you so much for the birthday wishes.
Lovablelatina ~ Well I was happy to do it. And I assure you there will be no Romy breaks. It's not allowed. I think everything will go better for them now that she has control, at least on that level. There will still be complications, but that is the way of life. Hope you liked this chapter and it answered all your questions.
Rogue4787 ~ It was kinda a combo of her worst memory, being raped, and her greatest fear, it happening again. But we all know Remy would never push. (Mostly cause, in all honesty, would he really have to?) And if I knew where to find a guy like that, I'd probably be writing less fan fiction. And see, Hank should be every Romy fan's new hero. Logan's making some process, but he's no where near letting her stop being his little girl yet. But he may back off just a bit so I can have my cute little Romy moments. And yes, the others will be making their appearance in the next chapter so keep your eyes open for that one, which will hopefully be up by the end of the week. But no promises. Enjoy.
HPFANATIC-21 ~ You should be proud of me Lisa, I got it up almost in the same day. Go me. Was your guess right? The football team needed it. Especially ours, but then you remember how it was. And they really did suck. And don't say I'm better! We're both good except in different aspects. Like, for example, you kick ass at dialog where I'm more with the description. But no matter. Let me know how you liked this chapter.
Gothic Cajun ~ That was my attitude in school too. Still is although that works slightly less in college, much to my distress. I hate trying to put forth effort into that kind of shit but no matter. My hair's in that phase right now, and as you can tell is bugging the shit out of me. Thank you for noticing the "slut" "how?" line. I thought it was funny, but then I'm insane. Feel free to use it. I do all the time, mostly cause I am an evil heinous bitch. Makes life more interesting. My mom thinks I'm pretty nuts too most of the time so no matter. Enjoy.
Crystalyn ~ thank you dear. The more people who read it the better. I'm flattered, really. I don't know that it's the greatest though in my opinion, but people keep telling me that you are your own worst critic. If you're looking for some other good ones may I suggest Mercury Dreams stuff, Ishandahalf's story and From the Shadows by Black Queen. It's really really good. Those some of my favorites anyway.
Mercury Dream ~ Don't worry I'd never just end it like that on you. I promise you fair warning first.
Yeah, Mystique cares but she's still an evil bitch. Makes it more complicated, cause you kinda feel sorry for her cause all her kids hate her, but then again, she does deserve it.
Be glad you can't relate. It's never a pretty thing. I hated those final tests cause it was all a bunch of bullshit and in college it's the same. All you have to do is memorize all the old tests and you can pass the college final no problem. The problem is all the pressure they put on you before hand. They decide that everything under the sun is due the week before finals and then you also have to memorize all those tests and it's just too confusing. I had Wanda's same feelings though, and I'm glad I did last semester cause it doesn't bother me so bad that I have to retake one of my classes. (I didn't fail, I got a D which stands for damn good doesn't it? But sadly, a D doesn't count for anything and I have to retake it for a C or better, damn grading scale…sorry, had to vent.)
Hank should be all my readers hero now, since he saved Remy so he could appear again. And I must agree with you on the annoying parents issue. And Y'know, I'm kinda a huge bitch for making Rogue deal with all of them at once. But she's tough and Remy's always there to help. (hehe) Vent away though, cause lord knows I do enough.
Yeah, Kelley's pretty much fucked now. But it's his own fault. Oh, well here, if you failed you had to repeat the grade, at least if you failed bad enough. Mostly it was just Kelley being a dick. And I didn't want the Professor to be all grim, cause then it doesn't really give you much hope Y'know? Or at least in my (crazy and insane) opinion.
Wait till you see Madison in the next chapter. She's not exactly the same as she was…but I don't want to tell you too much yet. And yeah, if she reminds you of you and she's based off my personality, then the world should live in fear. Seriously. I used to be really shy, like back in elementary school and then I stopped caring and discovered that whole telling the truth bit. It can be more painful most of the time and works great on enemy's. And this is just my sick twisted mind talking and I should stop now. Oh, and when I said you weren't people it was a compliment. See, I hate people ( and by people I mean those stupid bastards that the world seems to be populated by, by like 95 percent or more) so when I say you're not people, it means you're not one of those 95+ percent that make me homicidal. Sorry if it was a little confusing. My brain works funny sometimes and you have to really know me to figure it all out, and even then I've been known to confuse.
And your hint was taken about Rogue and Remy kissage cause tada! They have had smooches and more are sure to come. (I promise)
Yeah, I wanted to make Rogue a bad girl to the fullest extent. She's never killed anybody except for Carol but she was no saint either. But you'll find out even more about that later.
I love him more and more too. Remy's great and I need one of him in real life. Hopefully this answered any possible questions about what was going on in Rogue's head and the secret to her power. I tried my best. It was pretty bad at least in my opinion. And I had to leave some suspense in the last chapter. And I almost didn't add that part where Remy was holding her but then I just knew I had to cause I was going thru Romy withdraws and yeah, now I'm rambling and will stop now.
Amanda's family was booing Kelley not cheering him on. I decided that they're going to like Kurt in this story cause him and Amanda are just too cute together.
Prof had to stand up for them and it's true when you think about it. You can't learn anything with out a basic education. And I couldn't resist making Kelley look like an ass. He just annoys the hell out of me. Feel free to use it by all means. It'll give me another good laugh.
Hmm…what would I like? Updates would be good. I like those. On any of your stories, it doesn't matter. I love them all. And I want Remy, but I damn Marvel owns him. Oh well, I'll settle for just writing about him and claiming no ownership whatsoever.
48 hours huh? I've done that before. I think my personal best was 72 or so…maybe less. A friend and I stayed up for like 3 days straight. We were a lot younger then though. I love the night, but can't stand the mornings. Not without coffee and well anything caffeine really. Caffeine is my friend.
Nope you're the only one who sang where I didn't have to put in earplugs or gouge out my eardrums. And I thank you again.
Oh, that would be good. Then we can get all the other insane Romy/Spike fans to sign it and maybe get our wish. That would be nice.
That sucks. I was sick one year over Christmas and it just takes all the fun out of it. And sisters can suck ass that way. That's why I try not to talk to mine that often. She just annoys the hell out of me.
Of course I'm excited about your sequel. And I can wait, especially if you're going to be working on the others in the mean time. Something Blue was funny as hell. I loved that ep. But I just love Spike's monolog cause it's true.
Yes I did so you better enjoy. J/K. I did put it in for you though. I thought you might like and I can't go upsetting one of my favorite authors/reviewers. It'd be bad for ratings.
I've only seen a couple of the new ones cause I don't have the station it's on. My friends dad taped them for us (one of my converts.) But they're pretty funny and what makes it better/worse depending on your view, is Spike is more of the Champion then Angel is. It seems to me like Angel's just given up, but I could be wrong. I like Spike as the Champion though so hey, still works for me. Interesting theory. And I understand your thoughts behind it. (Damn gravity.)
I don't think I could make it work either, but I can always try if I get in a pinch thank ya.
Oh yeah, it's going to be interesting, at least I hope anyway. Scott and Jean are just too clean cut in evo. There the people we all hated in school. The preppy ones that seemed to have everything going for them so it's more fun to bash them.
Harmony is funny, but I don't know. I guess I knew too many people like her and when I was watching it, I was also going to school with them so it was just too much. But I'm sure she'd make a great comic relief on Angel.
Black is a good color. I live by it. And other dark colors, but black mostly dominates. I like red and purple though too…sorry, just more randomness from me.
I'll go to your bio page and get it. I don't like posting my email cause I get enough spam and stuff as it is and I don't need more so I don't put it up a whole lot of places. And I'm paranoid too, but anywho. Hope you liked. This response is two pages long so I didn't beat you. Damn. Oh well, maybe next time.
Ishandahalf ~ I wasn't surprised that you reviewed just happy. I love it when you do that. I would never underestimate your powers, they're too cool. And insane is good. Helps write good fanfic. Glad you liked the chapter and you always inspire me in some way shape or form. Either to write more or laugh at your review or to perk my day up. At least I didn't make you wait too long to find out what was going on. I'd be cruel and heartless if I did that. And I added more Romy fluff at the end just for you. I thought you might appreciate it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Right there with you on the drooling. Yeah, the football players and Kelley deserved everything they got and more. Bastards. And aren't you happy she has control now? I am. Cause now I can get down to some smooches. I'd recommend your fic anytime dear. Can't wait for your next chapter. I just hope I get to read it before I head off to work. Night for now.
Lightspeed Suzuka ~ Thank you and I'll be sure to let her know. I like your name mostly cause it reminded me of Sakura's. Anyway, that was just random.
Btch ~ Have to agree with you on the school bit, but hey, they need an education. Hope this chapter answered all your questions. If not let me know, and yeah, you do gotta love Remy. He's just so gosh darn adorable.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed. As always much love to y'all and see ya next time.