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 or quotes or anything else you recognize from elsewhere. Oh, but I do own Ebony and the story idea and probably any characters you don't recognize. Yay me. And I don't technically own Sakura and Eric. My friend Megan does. So let's all thank her. Everyone together, THANK YOU MEGAN.
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 couple of fics that you all need to go read too. Okay, I know, it's been forever since I updated and it's awful of me and I do apologize. But sadly, school (evil as it is) kept me from updating. But I am out for the semester, and I've passed all my courses so yay me! And now I'm hoping to finish up this story and move on to working on some of all my other ideas. So enjoy this and feel free to review.
And hey, at least I'm not dead so you'll get an ending to this story. And hopefully the posting of a few others.
Oh, and everyone needs to thank melissarxy1 for this update. She inspired me and you should go read her stuff too.
'text' internal speech
dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 38: Old Friends, New Enemies.
"I don't know why it's bothering you so much Jean," Scott stated as Jean huffed next to him on the couch. "You don't even like them anyway."
"You just don't get it Scott," the red head rolled her eyes at her naive boyfriend. "It's the principle. They should have asked me to go with them."
"Why? So that psycho bitch can hold a gun to your head?" Scott began idly flipping through the channels on the television in the rec room.
"No, so I could have shot them down," Jean stated, flipping her hair behind her shoulder arrogantly.
"You mean get shot," Scott muttered, causing her to fume more. She was about to open her mouth to protest and lecture him on the importance of agreeing with your girlfriend, again, when the doorbell rang.
"Never mind," she huffed rising. "You'll never get it, like so much else." She walked to the front door and opened it, finding a clean cut blonde haired young man standing in front of her. He was tall and muscular and obviously a jock. "Hi, how can I help you?" she asked politely.
"Hi, Ah'm lookin' fer Professor Xavier," he replied with a smooth Southern drawl.
"Well you're in the right place," Jean moved aside and offered him a warm smile, welcoming him in. "So what special gift brings you here today?" she asked closing the door behind them.
"How's this?" Jean turned to face him but found nothing.
"Hello?" she called out, looking confused. She started to scan for him with her mind when a sudden tap on her shoulder caused her to spin around and find the blue eyed boy directly behind her.
"Neat huh?" he smiled innocently at her.
"You can turn invisible?" Scott asked, entering the room to see what was keeping Jean.
"Yeah," the boy replied turning to the new comer.
"Cool. Scott Summers," Scott extended a hand. "And this is Jean Gray."
"Cody Webster," the boy extended a hand. "Pleasure ta meet ya," they shook and Scott led him into the rec room. "Is the Professor in?"
"No, he's at a conference with some of other instructors, but he should be back soon," Jean supplied as they headed into the rec room. "Would you like to wait?"
"Sure," Cody looked around and smiled. This could definitely start to feel like home.
"You total ho! No, wait, you're not a ho. You're a big booty ho," Madison accused as they drove back to the mansion. Sakura blinked and arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"She's right," Rogue chimed in, turning from the passenger seat. Wanda glanced at in the review mirror at Sakura. "He was flirting with ya the entire time. Well, at least until he called Maddie a muttie freak."
"Whatever. He just wanted to talk about my tattoos," Sakura dismissed.
"Yeah, that's why he was checking out your ass and tit's the entire time," Madison scoffed. "He was flirting and I'm going to tell Eric."
Sakura glared, "Don't you dare."
"Well Kura, why can't I tell Eric if he wasn't flirting? Cause then, you couldn't possibly have been flirting back, like you were," Madison asked in entire false innocence.
"I wasn't flirting but you know how he gets. All broody," Sakura said and frowned.
"I know and it's the only time he shuts up." Madison exclaimed. Five pairs of eyes turned to Madison and stared in shock.
"What are you talking about?" Jubilee asked incredulously. "The dude never talks."
"That's just because he doesn't like any of you," Madison replied still glaring over at Sakura.
"Oh yeah, and yer on his favorite list," Rogue chimed from the front, smirking back at her.
"Oh Silent Bob loves me and he knows it," Madison said leaning back in the seat, examining her new manicure.
"He's just in denial about it." Sakura muttered. The girls grinned and the conversation shifted to the new shoe store.
"Come on, damn it, that wasn't a foul," Logan growled as he took a swig of beer. He, Remy, Tony and Eric sat watching a college hockey game.
"Ah think Ah feel fifty bucks comin' mon way," Remy muttered smugly, leaning back in the couch.
"No," Tony denied passionately, leaning forward in his seat, his eyes focused on the game. "They could still win."
"A fool and his money are soon to part," Eric muttered, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. This wasn't an uncommon occurrence. Since Maddie had healed, they had returned to the warehouse, coming over to the mansion quiet frequently to be around Rogue and some of the others. Right now, Kura was in the process of analyzing the technology behind the danger room, and even Cerebro to help upgrade their own systems. Quiet often the days ended in the girls shopping and Logan and Tony losing a large sum of money to Remy. All in all Eric found quiet a bit of amusement from the arrangement. Remy was still grinning at the two muscular men as Rogue, Madison and Sakura came into the room. The other girls had taken their bags upstairs and could now be heard stomping around above.
"Someone's a ho and was flirting with a dickhead at the mall," Madison said in a sing song voice looking over at Sakura as the girls made their way around the couch. Rogue decided that sitting in Remy's lap was not the best thing to do in front of her father so she sat beside him and interlaced their fingers. Madison smirked as she plopped into Tony's lap, his eyes glued to the TV and his body tense. He grumbled when she blocked his view but leaned back and was silent as she settled on his lap. "And for once it wasn't me." Madison declared, smiling triumphantly .
"Y' mus' be very proud," Remy smirked as he kissed Rogues hand.
Eric looked up as Sakura, who was standing before him as she glared at Maddie. She looked back at him and frowned. "I was not."
"She was so." Madison assured him as Sakura sat by his side, Eric arm curling around her. "He was hot too. And he wanted to know all about her tattoos."
"You suck," Sakura snapped, glaring daggers at her friend.
"I do not," Madison denied as Tony turned, his mouth opening to respond but she turned and placed her finger on his lips. "Shut up."
"Kiss me." Tony said and Madison leaned forward. They only kissed for a moment before the game was back on and Tony pushed her away to watch.
"Oh, you're so sleeping on the couch tonight," Madison said deadly. She got up, walking past Sakura and Eric, who were now on their way to 'making up' for Sakura's 'infidelity.' "Yeah, she grabbed his ass too," Madison added angrily as she walked to the front foyer and towards the living room.
"Baby I didn't mean it, come on," Tony yelled after her, his eyes never leaving the television. "You know you're all I think about, damn it!" he added as the opposing team scored another goal.
"Your good at that kid," Logan said taking another swig of his drink. "Screwing yourself over."
"No one's better," Tony muttered as Sakura nodded emphatically as she ran her fingers thru Eric's hair while he watched the game, running small circles over her thigh with his fingers.
They all returned their attention to the game when Madison's startled voice came from the living room. "Holy shit," followed by the cocking of her gun.
They were off the couches in an instant, heading towards the room. They entered to find Madison, her right arm fully extended, berretta in hand as she stared down Cody, anger and vengeance in her eyes.
Rogue's breath caught in her throat as he turned and looked at her, his blue eyes pleading. "Ya wanna help meh out here Marie?" he asked, his hands in the air as he looked fearfully over at her.
At this point, Sakura's 45's appeared in her hands. "No she really doesn't."
"Remy get her out of here, now," Madison said coolly, her eyes never leaving Cody. "And as for helping you out, I'm more than willing to do that. Now close your eyes and say good bye you worthless piece of shit."
"Easy there," Scott said stepping in between the gun and Cody's chest.
"You think you being there's going to stop me slim?" Madison asked icily. "You're nothing but fucking fodder to me. Now. Get. The. Fuck. Out. Of. My. Way." She spoke slow, emphasizing each word as if speaking to a child.
Meanwhile, Remy turned to look at Rogue, who had a deer frozen in headlights appearance about her. "Chere?" he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Who is this?" Remy had a strong feeling in his gut, but was praying he was wrong.
"Let me answer that for ya Remy," Tony said, pulling a gun from the back of his jeans and holding it sideways in front of him, stepping up next to Madison. "This is the little chicken shit who fucked her over."
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" Logan growled, stepping between the rest of the guns, seeing that Eric had pulled his as well. "Who is this guy?"
"This is Cody," Jean said quickly, hoping to draw some of the weapons away from people. "He's a new mutant from Mississippi. He's come to stay at the institute."
"The hell he is," Madison growled.
"Cody.." Remy's voice trailed off as he looked over at the blonde haired boy, his red and black eyes glowing brightly.
"He's the one who raped meh," Rogue said, her voice barely above a whisper as the room fell silent.
After a moment of silence, pandemonium struck as Logan roared and lunged for Cody. Even Scott turned and reached for his visor, ready to blow the boy to hell. Cards appeared in Remy's hand, charging violently and all the Dragon's cocked their weapons.
"What?" Storm screeched as she came running into the room, her white tresses flying behind her. She entered just in time to see the group descending on Cody as Rogue stood in the middle of the room, looking lost and scared. Storm thought fast and sent a strong gust of wind into Logan and Remy, sending them both flying into the far wall before turning and sending another gust into Scott.
Jean meanwhile had her hands full, stopping all five bullets moments before they struck Cody, all in places that would have killed him instantaneously.
"What by the Goddess is going on here?" Storm said, her hands poised to defend the scared young man again if necessary. By this time, the younger X-Men had rushed down the stairs to see what the commotion was about and all stood in the foyer looking in.
"Let me the hell down Ro!" Logan growled, struggling against the breeze that held him securely.
Suddenly Rogue shook her head and looked around before turning and running out the front door.
"I do not think so my dear," Ororo replied as she watched the young girl run off, signaling Kurt and Kitty to follow her. "Not until you tell me what has happened here. Or until the Professor returns."
"I don't think you could stop all of them Jean," Madison said evilly. "I have six other mag's already loaded. And it only takes a second to reload."
Ororo moved her hand swiftly, sending a strong gust into Madison, knocking her against the wall next to Scott. "I do not think that would be wise child."
"Damn yo," Madison grumbled rubbing her neck. "I just got better damnit!"
"Enough," Ororo bellowed. "Now someone tell me what is going on, now!"
"That won't be necessary Ororo," the Professors calming voice said as he, Meranda and Beast entered the room.
"Thank the Goddess you're here Professor," Ororo sighed. At this point, she was at a loss of what else she could do. She had Logan and Remy pinned with one arm, and Scott and Maddie with the other. And if the Dragon's decided to turn on her to let their friend go, then all she had left to defend herself was lightening, and she really didn't want to hurt anyone.
"Wow. What'd we miss?" Meranda said looking around the room appreciatively. "I got ya 'Ro," she added sending a magnetic blast to Logan, holding him tighter to the wall and pulling the guns away from the dragons, letting them land at her feet.
"And who is this?" Hank asked walking over to Cody and looking at the boy curiously as the young man stood shaking in terror.
"That'd be Cody," Logan growled angrily, glaring at Meranda. "The kid who raped our daughter."
"Oh," Meranda said slowly, anger growing in her eyes. "In that case," she released Logan and sent the guns flying back to the dragon's. "Carry on. Oh and Jean, Ro, feel free to back off," she added as energy crackled around her and several other students.
"Enough," Charles said firmly. "That's not how we operate here," he wheeled over to Cody. "Come, we have much to discuss," he shot a glance at the others before he escorted the young man to his office and shut the door.
"Son of a bitch," Tony growled. "What's to fucking discuss?"
"Easy baby," Madison said soothingly, walking over and running her nails over his scalp. "We'll get him. Soon. We always do."
Remy walked briskly across the mansion grounds towards the gazebo. Kitty and Kurt had returned soon after Rogue ran out, confessing that they'd lost her when she'd taken to the air just outside the door. Logan and Meranda had been going to find her, but Remy had convinced them otherwise. He knew exactly where she was and he was sure she wasn't ready for the questions her parents would have for her just yet. Besides, unlike the feral couple, Remy had had months to come to terms with what Cody had done to his chere, and plot his death accordingly. Logan and Meranda still had to adjust.
He climbed the stairs slowly and found her huddled in a shadow in the far corner. Her knees were pulled tightly against her chest and her eyes stared blankly ahead. Fear, pain and anger radiated off her in waves, intensified by their psychic and emotional bond. Remy moved quickly to her side, settling next to her and wrapping an arm comfortingly around her shoulder. She stiffened at first before relaxing against him. He easily pulled her into his lap, holding her against him, running a hand comfortingly over her hair and rocking her slowly.
Rogue began to cry softly, clinging to Remy's shirt, drawing on his strength and reveling in his warmth and the safety it offered.
"Y' okay mon amore?" Remy asked softly after a moment, kissing her forehead and resting his skin against her own, unafraid of the danger it represented at her current emotional state.
"Yeah, Ah'll be fahne," Rogue whispered softly, leaning against him and closing her eyes, trusting that Remy would never hurt her the way Cody had. She never had to worry about that from him. "It was jus' the shock a seein' him again. Ah'll be okay though."
"Y' lyin' t' meh chere," Remy stated, pulling her closer against him.
'Not jus' ya sugah. Ah'm doin' a pretty good job a lyin' ta mah self ta," Rogue answered calmly. "Ah jus' need ta do it right now though. How's the parental's takin' it?"
"Non t' bon," Remy chuckled softly. "Dey be arguin' over who git's t' rip him open first. Remy plannin' on joinin' in when w' go inside," Remy stated, kissing her temple again.
"Calm down sugah," Rogue soothed, leaning forward and running her hand through his hair, sensing his anger. "Ya gonna blow us both up if ya keep it up," she stated kissing his cheek. "We'll git through this. Besides, there's no way yer beatin' mah mom or mah daddy when it comes to whose gonna rip him apart."
Remy smirked and brought her hand to his lips. "How are y' really mon amore?"
"Honestly?" Rogue asked and let out a sigh. "Lahke hell. But Ah'll git through it. Ah mean, there's no way he's gonna try nothing' with y'all here to put the fear a God inta him. Between ya, mah parents and the Dragon's, he's screwed if he try's ta touch meh."
"Dat right mon amore. Dey be cleanin' dat little twerp outta de carpet fer de next hundred years non?" Remy stated. "Y' think de Professor be lettin' him stay?"
"Ah don't know," Rogue began when the Professors voice rang out in her head.
'Rogue, please join me in my office,' he asked her politely.
'Course Professor,' Rogue replied before looking to Remy. "Guess Ah'll find out now. He wants ta see meh."
"Oui, Ah know," Remy said tapping his temple. "Y' want me t' accompany y ma chere?" Remy asked helping her rise and following, leading her out of the gazebo and helping her down the stairs.
"No, Ah'll be fahne," Rogue stated, straightening her cloths and lacing her fingers with his as they headed towards the institute. "But ya can walk meh over there."
Remy smiled and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder and the two walked inside and towards the Professors office. Cody sat outside the door next to Jean, an apprehensive look on his face. Rogue felt Remy stiffen and reach for his cards. 'Hush sugah,' she emphasized thorough their link and watched as Remy began idly twirling the card between his fingers, charging it and un-charging it as it moved. Rogue averted her eyes, refusing to look at the other Southerner as they made their way to the door and Remy paused outside while Rogue turned to face him. "Ya gonna be good out here bah yerself?" she asked, eyeing him cautiously.
Remy wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned his forehead against her own. "J'essayerai mais il ne sera pas facile." (Translation: I'll try but it won't be easy.)
"Bien, si vous êtes un bon garçon je vous donnerai une récompense," Rogue replied smiling up at him seductively. (Translation: Well, if you're a good boy I'll give you a reward )
"Et est-ce que que ce pourrait être mon amour?" Remy asked, looking directly into her eyes. (Translation: And what might that be my love?)
"Nuh-uh sugah," Rogue smiled softly. "Yer jus' gonna have ta wait." Rogue kissed his lips lightly before opening the door and retreating into the office, closing it behind her.
Remy turned slowly, letting his demon eyes fall on the trembling boy, the red glowing brighter than usual. Cody gulped and palled as Remy took a seat near the door, shuffling his cards idly as he waited for Rogue.
"Come in Rogue," Charles said warmly as she closed the door behind her. "Pease, take a seat."
Rogue moved slowly across the room and sat before the Professor, eyeing him expectantly. "Ya wanted ta see meh?"
"Yes my dear I did," he sighed and steepled his hands beneath his chin. "I suppose I should just, cut right to the chase so to speak? I've spoken with mister Webster and he relayed to me parts of your shared past."
As the Professor spoke, Rogue stiffened. He looked at her kindly and continued.
"Although, he doesn't see that anything happened that night besides mutual affection, I know that you feel otherwise. And by all means my dear, I believe you. I've never known you to lie before Marie, and I know you're not lying now. But you must understand what a predicament this puts me into. On the one hand, I cannot in right conscience let him into this school knowing what he has done to you and how he has hurt you both emotionally and physically," Charles paused and took a breath, looking intently at Rogue, noticing her unease. "Would you like me to call one of your parents? Or Remy perhaps?"
"No, Ah'm fahne. Go on," Rogue said, taking a cleansing breath before Charles continued.
"On the other hand, when I opened the school, I made a vow to never turn out a gifted youngster or a mutant in need. So you see my dilemma?" Charles asked looking at her for a long moment. In many cases this girl was like a Granddaughter to him and it killed him to even be considering admitting Cody where he would have the opportunity to hurt her again. On the other, he still felt it was his duty to give all mutants a chance to change and sadly, as much as he hated to admit it, Cody was no different. (AN: Don't hate the Prof okay guys. I have to have him do this or else Cody will just leave and then how can Remy beat the shit out of him? And other things that will make Mercury Dream smile.)
"Of course Ah do Professor but Ah don't understand what that has ta do with meh," Rogue replied confusedly.
Charles took a deep breath before continuing. "I have agreed to let him stay. But only on the grounds that you approve it. He's been ostracized by his family and friends and now has no where else to go. But I understand how hard having his presence here would be on you, so the decision is entirely up to you," he paused and rolled around to the front of the desk, taking Rogue's hands into his own. "Know that whatever you decide, I will support you my dear. And know that it is the right decision."
Rogue took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Different thoughts raced through her mind and all the psyche's were voicing opinions. If she let him stay here, the chance of her getting hurt again was still there. On the other hand, if she told the Professor no and to kick Cody on the street, how was she any better than the boy who raped her over two years ago? "Can Ah think about it fer awhile? Give ya an answer this afternoon?"
"Of course my dear," Charles squeezed her hands supportively.
"Thank ya Professor," Rogue rose and headed to the door. "Ah'll be back latah," she added and walked out, closing it behind her. She looked up and saw Cody, still trembling under Remy's gaze as her demon eyed boyfriend glared daggers at him, daring him to even breathe. The card in Remy's hand moved nimbly through his fingers, glowing like the fires of hell themselves.
Jean sat nervously in the hallway, her eyes averting between the two young men before falling on Rogue. "Are you okay Rogue?" she asked sweetly aloud. 'What have you decided?'
"Ah'm fahne sugah," Rogue replied, placing a false smile over her face. 'And no, Ah haven't decided anything yet. The Professor gave meh till this afternoon.' She glared over at Jean before walking in front of Remy and wrapping both arms around his neck as he broke his glare at Cody to look up at her, his eyes immediately softening. "Ya wanna put that out mon cher? Ah'd lahke ta still have a house bah the end of the day."
Remy smirked up at her and rose, wrapping an arm swiftly around her waist and holding her too him. "Of course mon amore," he pulled all but a bit of the charge from the card and threw it into the middle of the hall. It floated slowly to the ground, landing directly in front of Cody and letting out a small BOOM, startling the boy into the air. "Que le professeur a-t-il voulu?" (Translation: What did the professor want?)
"Let's go talk sugah," Rogue replied, taking his hand and leading him towards the stairs with a sigh. Leaving Cody and Jean staring off after them.
"You're what?!" Madison, Sakura and Meranda all yelled at the same time as Alito Dei Draghi and Rogue's parents all sat in the kitchen at the warehouse, staring at Rogue and Remy. Rogue had called Maddie and asked if they could all meet there, Logan and Meranda included, so that no one would interrupt.
Rogue took a deep breath and said again, her voice calm, "Ah'm gonna tell the Professor to let him stay."
"Why?" Tony asked, the reasoning escaping him.
"Because, if Ah turn him out with no where else ta go, then Ah ain't no bettah than he is. Now Ah've thought about it, and Rem's and Ah have discussed it and it's what Ah want," Rogue replied, looking at her hands, which rested on the table. Immediately, Remy's were in them, giving a comforting squeeze.
"Oh, baby," Meranda sat down and looked deep into Rogue's eyes, brushing a white bang from her eyes. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah kid. If you don't want him there just say the word," Logan growled, still fighting to come to terms with what had happened to his daughter.
"Hell, and if your so worried about him being off in the streets with no where to turn, we can take care of that," Madison offered, anger lacing her tone, twirling a knife in her hand effortlessly.
"No, killin' him ain't the answer. For all we know he's changed," Rogue began, earning a snort from Eric. "Sides, Ah need ta do this fer meh. Ta know he ain't got the power ovah meh that he used ta."
"You do know this is crazy right?" Sakura asked, glaring over at Rogue. Her voice was calm and collected, but her eyes shown with a hint of anger. "You don't have to stay there with him. You've got a place here."
"Ah know, but Ah really need ta do this. But there are some conditions that we discussed and Ah'm discussing with all y'all before Ah see the Professor," Rogue said, sitting straighter and clearing her throat. "One, when y'all come over, try not ta threaten him ta much. Ah know y'all hate him, and so do Ah, but Ah don't want him to think he's worth the tahme. Ah'd rather he jus' think Ah've forgotten all about him and maybe he'll leave meh alone that way."
Tony, Eric, Sakura and Madison all looked at each other, sharing a private conversation with out words before they each nodded and Madison turned to Rogue. "We'll try, but no promises. He looks at you cockeyed, or hell, says your name in our presence, he's dead."
"Understood," she turned to her parents. "That goes fer ya ta." Logan snorted and Meranda raised an eyebrow. "Promise," Rogue stated, glaring at them.
"Fine, we'll be good," Meranda replied, elbowing Logan who only grunted in response.
"Good. Now onta two," Rogue took a breath and looked down at her hands for this one. "Remy and Ah want to move inta a room together."
"WHAT!" Logan bellowed, the vein in his neck bulging.
"Wow, go Rogue," Maddie smirked as Kura shot her a look.
"Logan!" Meranda growled over at him before turning to Rogue. "And why do you want to do this besides putting us both in an early grave?"
At this point Remy decided to speak up. "It's non because why y' t'ink," Remy stated, looking directly at Logan and Meranda. "Ever since ma chere go' control over her powers, she been sleepin'. Now she be worried de nightmares be returnin'. A' dis way she non have t' worry 'bout him hurtin' her in her sleep non."
"That's what she has me for bub," Logan growled threateningly.
"Daddy Ah ain't four anymore," Rogue stated, staring him directly in the eye. "Ah'm turnin' nineteen in a few weeks. Ya took good care a meh when Ah was little, but eventually yer gonna have ta realize Ah can take care of mahself. And that sometimes, Ah need someone who ain't mah father ta do it."
Logan looked at her for a long moment, noticing how much of an adult his daughter had become. "So ya want me to give you the okay to sleep with Gumbo over here?"
"Well hell Logan, she's already doing that anyway," Meranda said looking over and glaring at him. "And from what I hear, you already gave her the okay for that. But that's besides the point," Meranda turned back to Rogue. "Okay, so you don't want to have the nightmares again. And Remy makes you feel safe, I understand that. But if you feel that strongly about it, why are you letting him stay?"
"She has a point Rogue," Eric stated calmly. "Why are you doing this if you're already afraid?"
"Ah don't know really," Rogue replied honestly. "It's just somethin' Ah have ta do. And Ah need y'all ta understand that." She looked up at her friends and family.
"Fine," Maddie said. "We'll try to understand. "But, you have to know you always have a place here too."
"I guess we're moving furniture this afternoon," Tony groaned. "I hate when friends move."
"All the rooms are furnished bub," Logan stated.
"Yeah, but have you seen all the cloths she's bought under the influence of my girl and Medusa over there?" Tony said jerking a thumb in Sakura's direction.
"Yeah, and with your credit card Mr. Clean," Sakura replied calmly as Eric kicked Tony under the table, eliciting a glare from the other man.
"That's if the Professor will even approve us sharin' a room," Rogue sighed.
"I'm sure that won't be a problem," Meranda stated, resting her chin on her hand. "Especially since he's going to have to explain letting Cody stay to me. I'm sure after that experience he'll agree to anything."
"And why are you dating McCoy again?" Logan asked glancing over at her. "Cause last time I checked, he was wholesome, not evil, and a pacifist."
"Because he makes up for that in several other ways," Meranda replied, smirking and waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew, way more than Ah wanted," Rogue stated as Sakura and Maddie nodded in agreement, sick looks crossing their faces.
Meranda just laughed loudly as they began to head to the garage and back to the institute.
It was later that evening and the mansion was in turmoil. Everyone had mixed emotions about the current situation of Cody moving in and all the changes that were going on in the sleeping arrangements. The Dragon's had left early after Sakura received a phone call on her cell. They said they had a party to attend but Rogue was pretty sure it was a job. Maddie had offered her and Remy the chance to tag along but they'd declined, saying they really wanted to get settled. Maddie then told them that she'd call in a couple of days and they'd left. Rogue kind of regretted not going, but she was sure there'd be other missions to help out on.
After picking a room and moving the larger pieces of furniture into it, Logan, Ororo, Meranda and Hank had left for the movies and dinner. Logan making sure to remind Remy before they did that his room was just across the hall from theirs and he could hear everything. Now they were both busy in their separate rooms, packing the last of their belongings and moving them down the hallway.
"I can't believe you're, like, not going to be our roommate anymore," Kitty said watching Rogue shove the last of her possessions into a box.
"You do realize you're leaving me with them," Wanda growled, glaring directly at Kitty.
Rogue laughed as she easily lifted the box and looked over at them. "Y'all act lahke Ah'm movin' ta Europe or somethin! Ah'm jus' goin' down the hall ta the adults wing."
"Yeah but with Remy," Amara said, picking up Mr. Marbles from the pillow and placing it on top of the box Rogue held. "You'll almost be like a married couple."
"We're already almost lahke a married couple," Rogue commented as she headed for the door, the girls following, picking up the few boxes left in the room and heading down the hallway. As Rogue passed one of the bedrooms, the door opened and Cody made to leave. There eyes met for a brief moment before Rogue turned her head and kept moving. The girls all turned their noses up as they passed him, Wanda sending a hex bolt where he stood, causing him to jump back and glare down the hallway at their retreating forms.
Remy looked up as they entered the room, his breath catching in his throat. Rogue came in, her now long hair tied back by a lavender bandanna, the white bangs framing her face which was now devoid of the thick gothic makeup and done up in natural tones. She wore an old pair of faded black jeans and a pale lavender spaghetti strapped midriff tank top with one of Remy's black silk business shirts. The cuffs were rolled up to the middle of her forearms and she carried a box in front of her. Instead of her normal combat boots or sneakers, a pair of black flip flops with metallic threaded butterflies on them adorned her feet as she came into the room. It was a much larger room than the ones they'd had before, mostly because it didn't contain three other beds. Just one king size four post in the center of the room.
"Ready for us to leave already Rems?" Evan teased as he walked over to Wanda and took the box from her, kissing her cheek.
Remy shook off his daze and strode quickly across the room, taking the box from Rogue. "Vous regardez le ce soir très beau mon coeur," (Translation: You look very beautiful tonight my heart.) he said kissing her lips lightly.
"Merci mon cher," Rogue replied smiling as she moved across the room to some of the other boxes. "Have ya got all yer stuff sugah?"
"Oui," Remy set the box down at the foot of the bed on an antique wooden trunk.
"This should be interesting," Wanda commented as she rolled out one of Remy's posters featuring a scantly clad woman straddling a motorcycle.
"You said that again baby," Evan commented as he held up Rogue's Spike calendar.
"Maybe you guys should, like, watch that Merge show before you attempt to do this," Kitty commented as she looked at all the clashing elements in the boxes around the room.
"Or ask them to come and help," Kurt added as he made to leave the room with the others.
"What, ya ain't gonna help?" Rogue laughed as their friends hurried out of the room.
"Sorry mates," John said as he closed the door behind him, leaving Remy and Rogue alone in their new room.
They looked at each other for a moment before both grinned and started taking their items out of the boxes. Rogue walked over to the closet and opened the doors. "Wow, Ah don't think this would hold half of Kit's stuff," she commented as she turned to Remy. "Which side ya want?"
"Don't matter Cherie," Remy replied as he moved one of the boxes of cloths over to a dresser.
"K," she started hanging her cloths as he began placing some of his in the drawers. "Ya want meh ta hang yer stuff ta?"
"Oui," Remy replied as he took one of her boxes and started placing her cloths in the other drawers of the dresser. "Dis is kind o' nice non?" he commented after several minutes.
"Yeah it is," Rogue smiled over at him. "But there's no way in hell yer puttin' her up," she indicated the poster on the bed.
"Ah, y' don' lahke Chloe?" Remy teased as he took a look at the poster and then at Rogue, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Rogue merely raised an eyebrow. "Ya named her Chloe?"
Remy laughed loudly and walked across the room, pulling Rogue into a deep, passionate kiss. They stayed like that for several moments, just drowning in each other, before pulling away, each desperately needing air. They just held each other for several moments, just looking around at the mess their belongings had created. "Dis non look bon," Remy murmured, kissing Rogues temple and pulling away to work on one of the nearby boxes.
Rogue chuckled lightly. "What have we gotten inta?"
"Don' know p'tite. All Remy know is if we wan' t' sleep tonight, we need t' uncover de bed," Remy smirked, looking over at the largest pile, conveniently situated in the center of their bed.
Rogue groaned and reluctantly walked over to the bed. "Yer right. Lets jus git this done. It's been a long day. And Ah've been lookin' forward ta not havin' ta share a bathroom with half the Institute all afternoon."
"Love y' t' chere," Remy teased as Rogue threw a pillow at him. He laughed loud and they went to work finishing their unpacking.
All was quiet and the full moon hung high in the sky as a single being crept down the hallway of the adult wing of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. The only sound being made was steady breathing as the figure crept unnoticed to the door he had been looking for. To the untrained eyes and ears, the sound would have been thought to be a ghost or the breeze. But it was a man, and he had a mission, and his mutation kept him safe from the prying eyes of the institutes inhabitance.
He'd thought he'd experienced hatred and intolerance when his mutation had first manifested, but it had been nothing compared to the "warm" welcome Cody Webster had received today upon arriving at Xavier's. Cody just didn't get it. These people were supposed to be his brothers and sisters. Supposed to accept him. But instead they had looked down on him. Rejected him. And more than one had threatened important body parts, not to mention his life. And to make it worse, that bitch Madison and her crew were hanging around. And it was all her fault.
He'd never really understood his attraction to Marie, or Rogue as she was now going by, but it had been instantaneous. Maybe it was her hair, and the way it defied every rule known to man and the Gods by being born two toned. Or perhaps it was the way her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the sand, and the powerful life force pulsating behind them. Or the way her skin just begged to be touched, yet for so long was forbidden to the caress of man. Or maybe it was just because she looked so damned good in a pair of blue jeans. He wasn't sure, but all he knew is he wanted her now as much as he did then. And to make matters worse, he couldn't have her. At least not right now anyway with her parents and that swamp trash lurking about her at all times.
No one could ever understand the hold Marie had on Cody back in Mississippi. He was after all Cody Webster. Star of the football team and the most wanted athlete in all of Caldecott. He could have any girl in all of the south, and had had most of them. But even after the accident which sent him into a temporary coma, and her disappearance after that, her hold on him was still strong. He could still have anyone, but he wanted her. She ate at his existence and being until no other woman could satisfy him. Maybe it was her looks, or as some of his friends joked, maybe he was just in love. But Cody knew better. It was because she got away, and not on his terms either but on her own, and Cody couldn't stand that. Throughout his life he'd been in charge, and because of that, on top. When she left it tipped his world. He lost control and he wouldn't rest until he got it back. Got her back. (AN: Yeah, Cody's nuts but then y'all probably already figured that part out)
He came to a stop outside a large wooden door in the adult wing of the mansion. He looked slowly from side to side to make sure no one was lurking about, besides him that is, before slipping soundlessly into the room, shutting it gently behind him. Moonlight spilled easily through the open balcony doors and a cool breeze blew the sheer white curtains slightly. The light continued on, stopping in the center of the large king size four poster, and bathing its occupants in the surreal glow.
Oh she was definitely more beautiful than he remembered. She lay on her side, her long hair flowing easily around her face and shoulders, making her look like a sleeping angel. The only thing that killed the picture for Cody was the bare chested sleeping Acadian besides her, holding her close against him, his arms wrapped protectively around her, his face buried in her hair.
He doesn't deserve her, the southern boy thought, growing angry. Cody was the star. The champion. The best at everything he ever did and he never lost and he sure as hell wasn't going to start now, and lose Marie to this backwater trash. X-Man or no X-Man, Cody would prevail once again against this Gambit.
Cody was pulled from his hate filled thoughts when Rogue stirred slightly, rolling onto her back and closer to Remy and sighing contentedly in her sleep, a snow white bang falling over her eyes.
'Oh she'll definitely be mine again,' he thought reaching out an invisible hand to brush away the strand.
"Don' even think 'bout it homme," a cold voice stated.
Cody froze, his eyes darting over towards the bed and meeting the Cajun's demon ones, glowing fiercely. 'How can he see me? I'm invisible!' Cody's mind raced and his breath unconsciously quickened as he remained frozen in place.
"Y' non bon as y' thought," Remy continued, rising on his elbow and pulling Rogue closer to him, eliciting a contented sigh from the sleeping girl. "Now leave for Remy have t' make y'," a glowing card appeared from no where in his fingertips. "And don' let meh catch y' here again boy," the last part came out as a growl.
Cody quickly backed away, and headed for the door, not ready to tempt the fates just yet. He'd much rather have the advantage.
As the door closed behind him Remy let out another growl and uncharged the card, slipping it under the pillow. 'As if that twerp could sneak into the Prince of Thieves room undetected,' Remy thought, more than slightly insulted at the boys audacity. Next to him, Rogue began to stir.
"Rems, what's wrong?" she murmured, her voice clouded with sleep as she snuggled closer to him, resting her arms around his chest.
"Non mon amore," Remy replied, kissing the top of her head and wrapping his arms around her tightly. "Go back t' sleep."
"Kay," Rogue yawned, snuggling her head against his neck and placing a small kiss near his jaw bone. "Love ya."
"Je t'aime aussi," Remy replied smiling as they drifted back to sleep.
"All I'm saying is y'all should have come with us and god did I just say 'y'all'?" Madison said in one breath as she pulled her newest baby, a sleek black Eclipse convertible into Xavier's garage and parked it.
"Yeah ya did," Rogue smirked, climbing out and reaching into the back for her shopping bags. Maddie had insisted on a girls day out at the mall once they got back in honor of Rogue's birthday since the team had returned three days late. Sakura was currently in "exile" according to the Dragons leader since she'd chosen to break the famous eleventh commandment and spend the day with a more than half naked Eric.
"You're just a horrible influence on me," Maddie grumbled, pulling out more of Rogues bags, leaving her own for the trip back to the warehouse. "So, how's married life?"
"We ain't married," Rogue stated, thoroughly annoyed with the question.
"Yeah, well close enough," Madison stated. "And trust me, it's not any different once you are."
"Ah still can't believe y'all got married," Rogue said as they started towards the door leading into the kitchen.
"Yeah, neither can Tony. I think he's still in shock. Or denial. I can't figure out which," Maddie replied. "What about the chicken shit? He keeping his distance?"
"Oui, but Ah keep catchin' him lookin' at meh. But that ain't half as bad as the fact that since he moved in, Ah ain't had a minutes peace. If Remy ain't around then it's Daddy, Mamma, Beast, Ro, Wanda, Kurt or any of the others, makin' sure he ain't comin' near me. Hell they won't even schedule us sessions in the danger room together so Ah can kick his ass or nothin. It's the most annoyin' thing in the world," Rogue replied trying the handle and finding it locked. 'That's odd,' she thought as she started searching for her keys, struggling with all her bags.
"Well you coulda moved in with us, but no. You had to be all strong and independent and look what it got you," Maddie replied with a grin. "A house hold of overprotective shadows. But on an upside, he's been looking at you, so that means I get to hurt him," she grinned evilly. "I think I'll start with his knees," she mused.
"Yeah ya do that. Damnit!" Rogue cursed, still foraging through her bag.
"What?" Madison asked, coming out of her fantasy where Cody was broken, bloody and begging for death.
"Ah can't fahnd mah damn keys," Rogue grumbled, having a perfect memory of them lying on her dresser. "Ah guess Ah'll jus' have ta flay up ta the windah and hope it's open. Or we can drag this stuff ta the front door, cause Daddy said if Ah break another door tryin' ta git in, he's making me pay for it," Rogue grumbled placing her bags on the ground and heading towards the front. A tisking noise stopped her in her tracks and caused her to turn, and stare at Madison, who was giving her an amused, yet disapproving look. "What?"
"You mean to tell me you're living with a professional thief and you hang with us and still you don't know how to get that door open without pulling it from it's hinges or flying to a window? What have these X-Men been teaching you?" Maddie set down her bags and went into a crouch before the door, pulling a chopstick knife from her hair as she descended. She positioned herself directly in front of the lock and set to work. Within moments the lock gave a satisfying click and the door swung open. Maddie grinned and rose, replacing the chopstick with a satisfied sigh. "See."
"Nice," Rogue commented, grabbing her bags and walking past Madison. "Or we could have jus ran the bell."
"Picky picky," Madison rolled her eyes and grabbed the remaining bags, following Rogue in and shutting the door behind her.
As soon as she entered Rogue knew something was up. The entire house had settled in an eerie quiet and seemed almost deserted.
"Funny, Ah thought they'd be home," she mumbled as they headed thru the kitchen and into the main hall.
"Wow, I didn't know this place could be this quiet with Guthrie, Kurt, Jamie, John and Chrisp living here," Maddie mused looking around and setting down the bags near the stairs.
"Yeah really," Rogue snorted following suit. "Anyone home?" she yelled out receiving only her echo as a response.
"Guess not," Maddie said, looking around slowly, her guard already up. Suddenly a loud crashing noise rang out from the rec room. "Or maybe someone whose not supposed to be."
Rogue put her defensives up and flexed her hands, keeping her body limber as she headed towards the door leading into the rec room, Madison close behind. She turned the knob and opened it slowly, stepping into the room cautiously. It was unnaturally dark and even Rogue's senses had trouble adjusting, yet her sixth sense told her she as far from alone. "Hello?" she called out into the room and hit the light switch to her left to find it already turned on. "Huh?" she whispered as the lights suddenly came back to life.
"SURPRISE!"
Rogue jumped as all the inhabitants of the institute and the remaining Dragons yelled at her, including six Jamie's who were blushing profusely by a broken lamp.
"Happy birthday darlin'," Logan said enveloping her in a bear hug as Rogue stood shocked before the group.
"Okay back off," Meranda said, stepping forward from the crowd. "And let the woman who's actually responsible for this day hug her daughter."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Logan growled releasing Rogue and stepping aside to glare at the black haired Goddess as she moved past him. "I distinctly remember being there."
"Yeah well donating the sperm and passing out in the delivery room don't exactly count now do they?" Meranda challenged wrapping her own arms around Rogue. "Happy birthday sugar."
"Wow, Mr. Logan, like, passed out?" Kitty said, trying desperately to stifle a giggle and failing miserably.
"Shut it half-pint. Or it's two weeks in the danger room at 4 am with me," Logan growled and glared at Meranda, who only smiled sweetly, her arm still around Rogue's shoulders. "Had to mention that didn't you Eb?"
"Wow, learn something new everyday aye Kitty-Kat?" Lance grinned and pulled Kitty as far away from Logan's claws as possible as she continued to giggle.
"What is all this?" Rogue asked, having finally re-gained her voice after the shock of it all set in.
"It's for you," Jean supplied smiling, despite the eye rolls she received from the female Dragons. "Because you deserve it."
"You're a member of this team now Rogue. And this family," Scott chimed in. "Why wouldn't we do this?"
Rogue looked around in awe at all the decorations and the large cake and long food table towards the back of the room, the end laden with gifts of various sizes. She smiled brightly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "This is jus too much," she whispered as Meranda kissed her temple and Logan wrapped his arm around both of them.
"Maybe, but not nearly what you deserve kid," Logan stated proudly.
"And it just gets better," Meranda smiled. "Hank tell her what else she's won for her special day."
"Ah yes, as a special reward, all of us 'adults' as it were will be flying over to Washington DC for a special hearing on the new Mutant Right's act, and will not be back until tomorrow afternoon, unless otherwise called upon," Hank said smiling broadly.
"Meaning?" Jubilee asked excitedly.
"Meaning child," Ororo stated, "that you will have the house to yourselves until our return."
"We are trusting this party to be adult enough to not require supervision," Charles added, rolling forward. "The senior X-Men are in charge until we return, and please, make sure there is still a roof to return to?" he smiled at his students. "And happy birthday Rogue dear," he added before wheeling towards the elevator.
"Alright!" Evan stated, spinning Wanda around, who simply rolled her eyes at him.
"Keep that up Evan, and I may reconsider joining them," Ororo declared with a smile.
Evan looked defeated for a moment as he slowly lowered Wanda to the ground. "No fears Auntie O. We'll be good."
"I trust that you will," Ororo replied heading for the hanger. "Happy birthday child."
"Thank ya sugah," Rogue smiled.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow, until we meet again on the marrow," Hank bent over and kissed Rogue's hand. "Try not to drink too much."
Rogue laughed loudly as Hank smirked at her and followed them out.
"Well, you know the saying. It's only illegal if you get caught so," Meranda hugged Rogue once more. "Happy birthday my angel. See you tomorrow. Have fun kids."
"But not too much," Logan added, kissing Rogue's hair one last time before heading out the door behind the others. "And I'm trusting you to keep them under control Scooter," he called over his shoulder as he entered the elevator with the others.
"Are you sure this is wise Professor?" Ororo asked as the doors closed in front of them.
"Oh come on Ro, how bad can it be?" Meranda asked optimistically. "I mean, we've got to start trusting them sooner or later right?"
"Yeah, later," Logan stated as they all looked grimly up towards where they left the children.
"Let's just hope we've taught them to make the right decisions shall we?" Charles stated as they headed towards the Blackbird.
Music blared from the speakers and bodies danced around the floor of the rec room as the party continued on in full swing.
"Well, I have to say, it's no Mardi Gras, and it's definitely no LA, but not bad for a boarding house gig," Maddie stated, sipping her Corona as she stood with Rogue, Wanda and Amanda near the balcony, all taking a much needed break from the dance floor. Around them, bodies danced to the beat of Ludacris's "Splash Waterfalls" as Ray played the roll of DJ.
"You're jus' embarrassed to admit yer havin' fun," Rogue teased as Maddie smirked over at Tony, who was making his way across the floor, like a lion who'd just cornered his latest kill, with Remy at his side and Kura and Eric tagging along, closer to one another than anyone thought physically possible.
"You know it," Maddie grinned as the group finally joined them, Tony slipping a hand around her waist and kissing her neck and ear, giving her a little pout until she finally offered up her beer which he took happily.
"Thanks babe," he grinned and chugged the rest of it.
"Anytime, now go get me another," Maddie rolled her eyes and looked up at him expectantly.
"Dere be non p'tite," Remy replied, nuzzling Rogue's neck and nipping playfully at her ear.
"We were just about to make a run," Eric added, pulling his lips away from Kura's only long enough to make the comment and returning them quickly.
"So what, do you need money or something?" Madison asked as Tony went back to kissing her neck, obviously a little drunk already.
"No, just do what you do best, and see if anyone else wants to tag along," Tony replied, his hands pulling Maddie closer as he started kissing her collar bone.
"And that would be?" Maddie was obviously trying hard to keep her cool, and pretty much failing. Wanda smirked over at her and Amanda blushed slightly and turned away.
"Getting everyone's attention with that gorgeous little mouth of yours," Tony replied, biting her lip before kissing her tenderly.
"Fine, but you're not driving," Madison said sternly after the kiss ended. "And I mean that Tony Deluca. I'm much too young and pretty to be a widower."
"No problem. We'll have that Scott guy drive. Now please," he looked at her with hungry eyes, trying to look pleading.
Madison just rolled her eyes and pulled herself from his arms long enough to bring her fingers to her mouth and give an ear ringing whistle. All sound stopped in the room as everyone turned to stare at her, startled by the sudden intrusion.
"Beer run. Whose in?" Tony asked as Maddie smirked at her accomplishment. "Besides, Scott."
"Me? Why do I have to go?" Scott whined. He'd been dancing with Jean the whole night, and quite frankly, wasn't ready to stop.
"Cause they're too drunk," Wanda stated, indicating Remy, Tony and Eric, who still had yet to release Sakura.
"Fine," Scott kissed Jean once before heading over to the guys.
"Anyone else?" Tony asked.
"Da," Piotr replied, needing a break from his sugar hyped girlfriend, and looking forward to the car ride with his new friend Eric since they'd both been reading some of Tolstoy's work and he was interested in finding out Eric's point of view when the other man had consumed some alcohol.
"Guess dat's it den non?" Remy asked kissing Rogue's cheekbone one more time before settling on her lips. "What ma chere wan?"
"Bourbon," Rogue replied kissing him back. "And ya ta come back in one piece hahn?"
"Oui," Remy replied, kissing her once more before he followed Tony, Scott, Piotr and Eric, who Tony had managed to drag away from a now very pissed off looking Sakura, towards the car.
"Great, now that that's settled," Madison replied turning back to everyone. "Lets party!"
It was getting late and Rogues shoes were killing her as she slowly flew up the stairs to her bedroom. Remy and the guys had been gone for about an hour and should be back soon, so she thought she'd change into some better boots before dragging her boyfriend out onto the floor again.
She entered the room and shut the door behind her, kicking off her shoes and hitting the light switch before heading towards the closet. She didn't make it halfway across the room before she stopped, senses alert as she did a quick scan of the room. Everything seemed to be in place, and she appeared to be alone. But her sixth sense told her otherwise, as did the feeling of someone's hand brushing against her bare arm.
Rogue jumped back and looked around. "Who the hell is in here?" she growled, although she already knew the answer to that.
This time the hand ran a finger down her cheek. Rogue cringed and moved back again, finding herself against the wall next to the bed.
"Ya need ta git outta here now," she snarled, reaching down and opening a drawer, finding her 45's staring back at her. She was about to reach for the guns when the drawer slammed shut and something hit Rogue hard in the gut, sending her flying into a dresser.
"Is that how ya talk ta him huh?" Cody's voice stated angrily. "To your swamp trash?"
"There's only one piece a trash in this house Cody Webster," Rogue said standing easily. 'He must not a gotten the memo that Ah'm invulnerable,' she thought as she slipped her hand unnoticed into the drawer that had popped open and removed one of her sai's, tucking it into the belt of her pants. "And he ain't even manly enough ta show his face." She began moving slowly, thinking back to the early training sessions with her mother, she closed her eyes and waited.
Downstairs, the guys had just returned with the much needed alcohol, and the music stopped long enough for it to be brought in and dispensed. Ray was just about to hit play again when a loud crash was heard from upstairs.
"Like, what was that?" Kitty asked, looking around the room as she leaned against Lance.
"It sounded like it was coming from the adult wing," Amara said as everyone looked to Jean, who now had her eyes closed.
They shot open suddenly, fear clear on her face. "It's Rogue."
Like a bolt of lightening the teens headed up the stairs, Remy in the lead as Kurt BAMPFED away.
It was sudden. Simply a change in air pressure on her left side, but it was enough. Before Cody could react Rogue spun into a round house kick and felt a satisfying connection with her foot and hopefully his face. She continued the move, pulling her Sai from her pants and striking out, feeling it sink into his skin as she raked it over his body.
Unable to withstand the pain and maintain the energy to remain unseen, Cody flashed into existence before Rogue, blood dripping from the cut in his stomach, a large welt growing over his right cheek.
Year's of anger, fear and hatred boiled up inside Rogue as she looked at his once perfect face and saw the shock there that she'd actually been the one to win this.
"Damn Marie. Ah jus' wanted us ta git back tagether," he said, clutching his abdomen. "Ah still love ya and Ah know ya still love meh," he made to move for her, reaching out a hand to her face.
Hearing those words come from his lips was just too much for her. "Ya ain't got no idea what love is ya worthless piece of shit," Rogue growled. "And ya never will." She grabbed his neck in both her powerful hands and gave it a hard twist.
Time seemed to slow then as the door opened to reveal Kurt standing there, watching his sister snap the boys neck, and the loud sound of Cody's skull dislocating from his spine seemed to echo through the hallway as everyone stopped before the door and stared. Cody fell with a loud thump, his eyes staring lifelessly ahead.
"Rogue," Kurt said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Vhat have you done?"
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 couple of fics that you all need to go read too. Okay, I know, it's been forever since I updated and it's awful of me and I do apologize. But sadly, school (evil as it is) kept me from updating. But I am out for the semester, and I've passed all my courses so yay me! And now I'm hoping to finish up this story and move on to working on some of all my other ideas. So enjoy this and feel free to review.
And hey, at least I'm not dead so you'll get an ending to this story. And hopefully the posting of a few others.
Oh, and everyone needs to thank melissarxy1 for this update. She inspired me and you should go read her stuff too.
'text' internal speech
dreams
Wandering Souls
Chapter 38: Old Friends, New Enemies.
"I don't know why it's bothering you so much Jean," Scott stated as Jean huffed next to him on the couch. "You don't even like them anyway."
"You just don't get it Scott," the red head rolled her eyes at her naive boyfriend. "It's the principle. They should have asked me to go with them."
"Why? So that psycho bitch can hold a gun to your head?" Scott began idly flipping through the channels on the television in the rec room.
"No, so I could have shot them down," Jean stated, flipping her hair behind her shoulder arrogantly.
"You mean get shot," Scott muttered, causing her to fume more. She was about to open her mouth to protest and lecture him on the importance of agreeing with your girlfriend, again, when the doorbell rang.
"Never mind," she huffed rising. "You'll never get it, like so much else." She walked to the front door and opened it, finding a clean cut blonde haired young man standing in front of her. He was tall and muscular and obviously a jock. "Hi, how can I help you?" she asked politely.
"Hi, Ah'm lookin' fer Professor Xavier," he replied with a smooth Southern drawl.
"Well you're in the right place," Jean moved aside and offered him a warm smile, welcoming him in. "So what special gift brings you here today?" she asked closing the door behind them.
"How's this?" Jean turned to face him but found nothing.
"Hello?" she called out, looking confused. She started to scan for him with her mind when a sudden tap on her shoulder caused her to spin around and find the blue eyed boy directly behind her.
"Neat huh?" he smiled innocently at her.
"You can turn invisible?" Scott asked, entering the room to see what was keeping Jean.
"Yeah," the boy replied turning to the new comer.
"Cool. Scott Summers," Scott extended a hand. "And this is Jean Gray."
"Cody Webster," the boy extended a hand. "Pleasure ta meet ya," they shook and Scott led him into the rec room. "Is the Professor in?"
"No, he's at a conference with some of other instructors, but he should be back soon," Jean supplied as they headed into the rec room. "Would you like to wait?"
"Sure," Cody looked around and smiled. This could definitely start to feel like home.
"You total ho! No, wait, you're not a ho. You're a big booty ho," Madison accused as they drove back to the mansion. Sakura blinked and arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"She's right," Rogue chimed in, turning from the passenger seat. Wanda glanced at in the review mirror at Sakura. "He was flirting with ya the entire time. Well, at least until he called Maddie a muttie freak."
"Whatever. He just wanted to talk about my tattoos," Sakura dismissed.
"Yeah, that's why he was checking out your ass and tit's the entire time," Madison scoffed. "He was flirting and I'm going to tell Eric."
Sakura glared, "Don't you dare."
"Well Kura, why can't I tell Eric if he wasn't flirting? Cause then, you couldn't possibly have been flirting back, like you were," Madison asked in entire false innocence.
"I wasn't flirting but you know how he gets. All broody," Sakura said and frowned.
"I know and it's the only time he shuts up." Madison exclaimed. Five pairs of eyes turned to Madison and stared in shock.
"What are you talking about?" Jubilee asked incredulously. "The dude never talks."
"That's just because he doesn't like any of you," Madison replied still glaring over at Sakura.
"Oh yeah, and yer on his favorite list," Rogue chimed from the front, smirking back at her.
"Oh Silent Bob loves me and he knows it," Madison said leaning back in the seat, examining her new manicure.
"He's just in denial about it." Sakura muttered. The girls grinned and the conversation shifted to the new shoe store.
"Come on, damn it, that wasn't a foul," Logan growled as he took a swig of beer. He, Remy, Tony and Eric sat watching a college hockey game.
"Ah think Ah feel fifty bucks comin' mon way," Remy muttered smugly, leaning back in the couch.
"No," Tony denied passionately, leaning forward in his seat, his eyes focused on the game. "They could still win."
"A fool and his money are soon to part," Eric muttered, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. This wasn't an uncommon occurrence. Since Maddie had healed, they had returned to the warehouse, coming over to the mansion quiet frequently to be around Rogue and some of the others. Right now, Kura was in the process of analyzing the technology behind the danger room, and even Cerebro to help upgrade their own systems. Quiet often the days ended in the girls shopping and Logan and Tony losing a large sum of money to Remy. All in all Eric found quiet a bit of amusement from the arrangement. Remy was still grinning at the two muscular men as Rogue, Madison and Sakura came into the room. The other girls had taken their bags upstairs and could now be heard stomping around above.
"Someone's a ho and was flirting with a dickhead at the mall," Madison said in a sing song voice looking over at Sakura as the girls made their way around the couch. Rogue decided that sitting in Remy's lap was not the best thing to do in front of her father so she sat beside him and interlaced their fingers. Madison smirked as she plopped into Tony's lap, his eyes glued to the TV and his body tense. He grumbled when she blocked his view but leaned back and was silent as she settled on his lap. "And for once it wasn't me." Madison declared, smiling triumphantly .
"Y' mus' be very proud," Remy smirked as he kissed Rogues hand.
Eric looked up as Sakura, who was standing before him as she glared at Maddie. She looked back at him and frowned. "I was not."
"She was so." Madison assured him as Sakura sat by his side, Eric arm curling around her. "He was hot too. And he wanted to know all about her tattoos."
"You suck," Sakura snapped, glaring daggers at her friend.
"I do not," Madison denied as Tony turned, his mouth opening to respond but she turned and placed her finger on his lips. "Shut up."
"Kiss me." Tony said and Madison leaned forward. They only kissed for a moment before the game was back on and Tony pushed her away to watch.
"Oh, you're so sleeping on the couch tonight," Madison said deadly. She got up, walking past Sakura and Eric, who were now on their way to 'making up' for Sakura's 'infidelity.' "Yeah, she grabbed his ass too," Madison added angrily as she walked to the front foyer and towards the living room.
"Baby I didn't mean it, come on," Tony yelled after her, his eyes never leaving the television. "You know you're all I think about, damn it!" he added as the opposing team scored another goal.
"Your good at that kid," Logan said taking another swig of his drink. "Screwing yourself over."
"No one's better," Tony muttered as Sakura nodded emphatically as she ran her fingers thru Eric's hair while he watched the game, running small circles over her thigh with his fingers.
They all returned their attention to the game when Madison's startled voice came from the living room. "Holy shit," followed by the cocking of her gun.
They were off the couches in an instant, heading towards the room. They entered to find Madison, her right arm fully extended, berretta in hand as she stared down Cody, anger and vengeance in her eyes.
Rogue's breath caught in her throat as he turned and looked at her, his blue eyes pleading. "Ya wanna help meh out here Marie?" he asked, his hands in the air as he looked fearfully over at her.
At this point, Sakura's 45's appeared in her hands. "No she really doesn't."
"Remy get her out of here, now," Madison said coolly, her eyes never leaving Cody. "And as for helping you out, I'm more than willing to do that. Now close your eyes and say good bye you worthless piece of shit."
"Easy there," Scott said stepping in between the gun and Cody's chest.
"You think you being there's going to stop me slim?" Madison asked icily. "You're nothing but fucking fodder to me. Now. Get. The. Fuck. Out. Of. My. Way." She spoke slow, emphasizing each word as if speaking to a child.
Meanwhile, Remy turned to look at Rogue, who had a deer frozen in headlights appearance about her. "Chere?" he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Who is this?" Remy had a strong feeling in his gut, but was praying he was wrong.
"Let me answer that for ya Remy," Tony said, pulling a gun from the back of his jeans and holding it sideways in front of him, stepping up next to Madison. "This is the little chicken shit who fucked her over."
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" Logan growled, stepping between the rest of the guns, seeing that Eric had pulled his as well. "Who is this guy?"
"This is Cody," Jean said quickly, hoping to draw some of the weapons away from people. "He's a new mutant from Mississippi. He's come to stay at the institute."
"The hell he is," Madison growled.
"Cody.." Remy's voice trailed off as he looked over at the blonde haired boy, his red and black eyes glowing brightly.
"He's the one who raped meh," Rogue said, her voice barely above a whisper as the room fell silent.
After a moment of silence, pandemonium struck as Logan roared and lunged for Cody. Even Scott turned and reached for his visor, ready to blow the boy to hell. Cards appeared in Remy's hand, charging violently and all the Dragon's cocked their weapons.
"What?" Storm screeched as she came running into the room, her white tresses flying behind her. She entered just in time to see the group descending on Cody as Rogue stood in the middle of the room, looking lost and scared. Storm thought fast and sent a strong gust of wind into Logan and Remy, sending them both flying into the far wall before turning and sending another gust into Scott.
Jean meanwhile had her hands full, stopping all five bullets moments before they struck Cody, all in places that would have killed him instantaneously.
"What by the Goddess is going on here?" Storm said, her hands poised to defend the scared young man again if necessary. By this time, the younger X-Men had rushed down the stairs to see what the commotion was about and all stood in the foyer looking in.
"Let me the hell down Ro!" Logan growled, struggling against the breeze that held him securely.
Suddenly Rogue shook her head and looked around before turning and running out the front door.
"I do not think so my dear," Ororo replied as she watched the young girl run off, signaling Kurt and Kitty to follow her. "Not until you tell me what has happened here. Or until the Professor returns."
"I don't think you could stop all of them Jean," Madison said evilly. "I have six other mag's already loaded. And it only takes a second to reload."
Ororo moved her hand swiftly, sending a strong gust into Madison, knocking her against the wall next to Scott. "I do not think that would be wise child."
"Damn yo," Madison grumbled rubbing her neck. "I just got better damnit!"
"Enough," Ororo bellowed. "Now someone tell me what is going on, now!"
"That won't be necessary Ororo," the Professors calming voice said as he, Meranda and Beast entered the room.
"Thank the Goddess you're here Professor," Ororo sighed. At this point, she was at a loss of what else she could do. She had Logan and Remy pinned with one arm, and Scott and Maddie with the other. And if the Dragon's decided to turn on her to let their friend go, then all she had left to defend herself was lightening, and she really didn't want to hurt anyone.
"Wow. What'd we miss?" Meranda said looking around the room appreciatively. "I got ya 'Ro," she added sending a magnetic blast to Logan, holding him tighter to the wall and pulling the guns away from the dragons, letting them land at her feet.
"And who is this?" Hank asked walking over to Cody and looking at the boy curiously as the young man stood shaking in terror.
"That'd be Cody," Logan growled angrily, glaring at Meranda. "The kid who raped our daughter."
"Oh," Meranda said slowly, anger growing in her eyes. "In that case," she released Logan and sent the guns flying back to the dragon's. "Carry on. Oh and Jean, Ro, feel free to back off," she added as energy crackled around her and several other students.
"Enough," Charles said firmly. "That's not how we operate here," he wheeled over to Cody. "Come, we have much to discuss," he shot a glance at the others before he escorted the young man to his office and shut the door.
"Son of a bitch," Tony growled. "What's to fucking discuss?"
"Easy baby," Madison said soothingly, walking over and running her nails over his scalp. "We'll get him. Soon. We always do."
Remy walked briskly across the mansion grounds towards the gazebo. Kitty and Kurt had returned soon after Rogue ran out, confessing that they'd lost her when she'd taken to the air just outside the door. Logan and Meranda had been going to find her, but Remy had convinced them otherwise. He knew exactly where she was and he was sure she wasn't ready for the questions her parents would have for her just yet. Besides, unlike the feral couple, Remy had had months to come to terms with what Cody had done to his chere, and plot his death accordingly. Logan and Meranda still had to adjust.
He climbed the stairs slowly and found her huddled in a shadow in the far corner. Her knees were pulled tightly against her chest and her eyes stared blankly ahead. Fear, pain and anger radiated off her in waves, intensified by their psychic and emotional bond. Remy moved quickly to her side, settling next to her and wrapping an arm comfortingly around her shoulder. She stiffened at first before relaxing against him. He easily pulled her into his lap, holding her against him, running a hand comfortingly over her hair and rocking her slowly.
Rogue began to cry softly, clinging to Remy's shirt, drawing on his strength and reveling in his warmth and the safety it offered.
"Y' okay mon amore?" Remy asked softly after a moment, kissing her forehead and resting his skin against her own, unafraid of the danger it represented at her current emotional state.
"Yeah, Ah'll be fahne," Rogue whispered softly, leaning against him and closing her eyes, trusting that Remy would never hurt her the way Cody had. She never had to worry about that from him. "It was jus' the shock a seein' him again. Ah'll be okay though."
"Y' lyin' t' meh chere," Remy stated, pulling her closer against him.
'Not jus' ya sugah. Ah'm doin' a pretty good job a lyin' ta mah self ta," Rogue answered calmly. "Ah jus' need ta do it right now though. How's the parental's takin' it?"
"Non t' bon," Remy chuckled softly. "Dey be arguin' over who git's t' rip him open first. Remy plannin' on joinin' in when w' go inside," Remy stated, kissing her temple again.
"Calm down sugah," Rogue soothed, leaning forward and running her hand through his hair, sensing his anger. "Ya gonna blow us both up if ya keep it up," she stated kissing his cheek. "We'll git through this. Besides, there's no way yer beatin' mah mom or mah daddy when it comes to whose gonna rip him apart."
Remy smirked and brought her hand to his lips. "How are y' really mon amore?"
"Honestly?" Rogue asked and let out a sigh. "Lahke hell. But Ah'll git through it. Ah mean, there's no way he's gonna try nothing' with y'all here to put the fear a God inta him. Between ya, mah parents and the Dragon's, he's screwed if he try's ta touch meh."
"Dat right mon amore. Dey be cleanin' dat little twerp outta de carpet fer de next hundred years non?" Remy stated. "Y' think de Professor be lettin' him stay?"
"Ah don't know," Rogue began when the Professors voice rang out in her head.
'Rogue, please join me in my office,' he asked her politely.
'Course Professor,' Rogue replied before looking to Remy. "Guess Ah'll find out now. He wants ta see meh."
"Oui, Ah know," Remy said tapping his temple. "Y' want me t' accompany y ma chere?" Remy asked helping her rise and following, leading her out of the gazebo and helping her down the stairs.
"No, Ah'll be fahne," Rogue stated, straightening her cloths and lacing her fingers with his as they headed towards the institute. "But ya can walk meh over there."
Remy smiled and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder and the two walked inside and towards the Professors office. Cody sat outside the door next to Jean, an apprehensive look on his face. Rogue felt Remy stiffen and reach for his cards. 'Hush sugah,' she emphasized thorough their link and watched as Remy began idly twirling the card between his fingers, charging it and un-charging it as it moved. Rogue averted her eyes, refusing to look at the other Southerner as they made their way to the door and Remy paused outside while Rogue turned to face him. "Ya gonna be good out here bah yerself?" she asked, eyeing him cautiously.
Remy wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned his forehead against her own. "J'essayerai mais il ne sera pas facile." (Translation: I'll try but it won't be easy.)
"Bien, si vous êtes un bon garçon je vous donnerai une récompense," Rogue replied smiling up at him seductively. (Translation: Well, if you're a good boy I'll give you a reward )
"Et est-ce que que ce pourrait être mon amour?" Remy asked, looking directly into her eyes. (Translation: And what might that be my love?)
"Nuh-uh sugah," Rogue smiled softly. "Yer jus' gonna have ta wait." Rogue kissed his lips lightly before opening the door and retreating into the office, closing it behind her.
Remy turned slowly, letting his demon eyes fall on the trembling boy, the red glowing brighter than usual. Cody gulped and palled as Remy took a seat near the door, shuffling his cards idly as he waited for Rogue.
"Come in Rogue," Charles said warmly as she closed the door behind her. "Pease, take a seat."
Rogue moved slowly across the room and sat before the Professor, eyeing him expectantly. "Ya wanted ta see meh?"
"Yes my dear I did," he sighed and steepled his hands beneath his chin. "I suppose I should just, cut right to the chase so to speak? I've spoken with mister Webster and he relayed to me parts of your shared past."
As the Professor spoke, Rogue stiffened. He looked at her kindly and continued.
"Although, he doesn't see that anything happened that night besides mutual affection, I know that you feel otherwise. And by all means my dear, I believe you. I've never known you to lie before Marie, and I know you're not lying now. But you must understand what a predicament this puts me into. On the one hand, I cannot in right conscience let him into this school knowing what he has done to you and how he has hurt you both emotionally and physically," Charles paused and took a breath, looking intently at Rogue, noticing her unease. "Would you like me to call one of your parents? Or Remy perhaps?"
"No, Ah'm fahne. Go on," Rogue said, taking a cleansing breath before Charles continued.
"On the other hand, when I opened the school, I made a vow to never turn out a gifted youngster or a mutant in need. So you see my dilemma?" Charles asked looking at her for a long moment. In many cases this girl was like a Granddaughter to him and it killed him to even be considering admitting Cody where he would have the opportunity to hurt her again. On the other, he still felt it was his duty to give all mutants a chance to change and sadly, as much as he hated to admit it, Cody was no different. (AN: Don't hate the Prof okay guys. I have to have him do this or else Cody will just leave and then how can Remy beat the shit out of him? And other things that will make Mercury Dream smile.)
"Of course Ah do Professor but Ah don't understand what that has ta do with meh," Rogue replied confusedly.
Charles took a deep breath before continuing. "I have agreed to let him stay. But only on the grounds that you approve it. He's been ostracized by his family and friends and now has no where else to go. But I understand how hard having his presence here would be on you, so the decision is entirely up to you," he paused and rolled around to the front of the desk, taking Rogue's hands into his own. "Know that whatever you decide, I will support you my dear. And know that it is the right decision."
Rogue took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Different thoughts raced through her mind and all the psyche's were voicing opinions. If she let him stay here, the chance of her getting hurt again was still there. On the other hand, if she told the Professor no and to kick Cody on the street, how was she any better than the boy who raped her over two years ago? "Can Ah think about it fer awhile? Give ya an answer this afternoon?"
"Of course my dear," Charles squeezed her hands supportively.
"Thank ya Professor," Rogue rose and headed to the door. "Ah'll be back latah," she added and walked out, closing it behind her. She looked up and saw Cody, still trembling under Remy's gaze as her demon eyed boyfriend glared daggers at him, daring him to even breathe. The card in Remy's hand moved nimbly through his fingers, glowing like the fires of hell themselves.
Jean sat nervously in the hallway, her eyes averting between the two young men before falling on Rogue. "Are you okay Rogue?" she asked sweetly aloud. 'What have you decided?'
"Ah'm fahne sugah," Rogue replied, placing a false smile over her face. 'And no, Ah haven't decided anything yet. The Professor gave meh till this afternoon.' She glared over at Jean before walking in front of Remy and wrapping both arms around his neck as he broke his glare at Cody to look up at her, his eyes immediately softening. "Ya wanna put that out mon cher? Ah'd lahke ta still have a house bah the end of the day."
Remy smirked up at her and rose, wrapping an arm swiftly around her waist and holding her too him. "Of course mon amore," he pulled all but a bit of the charge from the card and threw it into the middle of the hall. It floated slowly to the ground, landing directly in front of Cody and letting out a small BOOM, startling the boy into the air. "Que le professeur a-t-il voulu?" (Translation: What did the professor want?)
"Let's go talk sugah," Rogue replied, taking his hand and leading him towards the stairs with a sigh. Leaving Cody and Jean staring off after them.
"You're what?!" Madison, Sakura and Meranda all yelled at the same time as Alito Dei Draghi and Rogue's parents all sat in the kitchen at the warehouse, staring at Rogue and Remy. Rogue had called Maddie and asked if they could all meet there, Logan and Meranda included, so that no one would interrupt.
Rogue took a deep breath and said again, her voice calm, "Ah'm gonna tell the Professor to let him stay."
"Why?" Tony asked, the reasoning escaping him.
"Because, if Ah turn him out with no where else ta go, then Ah ain't no bettah than he is. Now Ah've thought about it, and Rem's and Ah have discussed it and it's what Ah want," Rogue replied, looking at her hands, which rested on the table. Immediately, Remy's were in them, giving a comforting squeeze.
"Oh, baby," Meranda sat down and looked deep into Rogue's eyes, brushing a white bang from her eyes. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah kid. If you don't want him there just say the word," Logan growled, still fighting to come to terms with what had happened to his daughter.
"Hell, and if your so worried about him being off in the streets with no where to turn, we can take care of that," Madison offered, anger lacing her tone, twirling a knife in her hand effortlessly.
"No, killin' him ain't the answer. For all we know he's changed," Rogue began, earning a snort from Eric. "Sides, Ah need ta do this fer meh. Ta know he ain't got the power ovah meh that he used ta."
"You do know this is crazy right?" Sakura asked, glaring over at Rogue. Her voice was calm and collected, but her eyes shown with a hint of anger. "You don't have to stay there with him. You've got a place here."
"Ah know, but Ah really need ta do this. But there are some conditions that we discussed and Ah'm discussing with all y'all before Ah see the Professor," Rogue said, sitting straighter and clearing her throat. "One, when y'all come over, try not ta threaten him ta much. Ah know y'all hate him, and so do Ah, but Ah don't want him to think he's worth the tahme. Ah'd rather he jus' think Ah've forgotten all about him and maybe he'll leave meh alone that way."
Tony, Eric, Sakura and Madison all looked at each other, sharing a private conversation with out words before they each nodded and Madison turned to Rogue. "We'll try, but no promises. He looks at you cockeyed, or hell, says your name in our presence, he's dead."
"Understood," she turned to her parents. "That goes fer ya ta." Logan snorted and Meranda raised an eyebrow. "Promise," Rogue stated, glaring at them.
"Fine, we'll be good," Meranda replied, elbowing Logan who only grunted in response.
"Good. Now onta two," Rogue took a breath and looked down at her hands for this one. "Remy and Ah want to move inta a room together."
"WHAT!" Logan bellowed, the vein in his neck bulging.
"Wow, go Rogue," Maddie smirked as Kura shot her a look.
"Logan!" Meranda growled over at him before turning to Rogue. "And why do you want to do this besides putting us both in an early grave?"
At this point Remy decided to speak up. "It's non because why y' t'ink," Remy stated, looking directly at Logan and Meranda. "Ever since ma chere go' control over her powers, she been sleepin'. Now she be worried de nightmares be returnin'. A' dis way she non have t' worry 'bout him hurtin' her in her sleep non."
"That's what she has me for bub," Logan growled threateningly.
"Daddy Ah ain't four anymore," Rogue stated, staring him directly in the eye. "Ah'm turnin' nineteen in a few weeks. Ya took good care a meh when Ah was little, but eventually yer gonna have ta realize Ah can take care of mahself. And that sometimes, Ah need someone who ain't mah father ta do it."
Logan looked at her for a long moment, noticing how much of an adult his daughter had become. "So ya want me to give you the okay to sleep with Gumbo over here?"
"Well hell Logan, she's already doing that anyway," Meranda said looking over and glaring at him. "And from what I hear, you already gave her the okay for that. But that's besides the point," Meranda turned back to Rogue. "Okay, so you don't want to have the nightmares again. And Remy makes you feel safe, I understand that. But if you feel that strongly about it, why are you letting him stay?"
"She has a point Rogue," Eric stated calmly. "Why are you doing this if you're already afraid?"
"Ah don't know really," Rogue replied honestly. "It's just somethin' Ah have ta do. And Ah need y'all ta understand that." She looked up at her friends and family.
"Fine," Maddie said. "We'll try to understand. "But, you have to know you always have a place here too."
"I guess we're moving furniture this afternoon," Tony groaned. "I hate when friends move."
"All the rooms are furnished bub," Logan stated.
"Yeah, but have you seen all the cloths she's bought under the influence of my girl and Medusa over there?" Tony said jerking a thumb in Sakura's direction.
"Yeah, and with your credit card Mr. Clean," Sakura replied calmly as Eric kicked Tony under the table, eliciting a glare from the other man.
"That's if the Professor will even approve us sharin' a room," Rogue sighed.
"I'm sure that won't be a problem," Meranda stated, resting her chin on her hand. "Especially since he's going to have to explain letting Cody stay to me. I'm sure after that experience he'll agree to anything."
"And why are you dating McCoy again?" Logan asked glancing over at her. "Cause last time I checked, he was wholesome, not evil, and a pacifist."
"Because he makes up for that in several other ways," Meranda replied, smirking and waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew, way more than Ah wanted," Rogue stated as Sakura and Maddie nodded in agreement, sick looks crossing their faces.
Meranda just laughed loudly as they began to head to the garage and back to the institute.
It was later that evening and the mansion was in turmoil. Everyone had mixed emotions about the current situation of Cody moving in and all the changes that were going on in the sleeping arrangements. The Dragon's had left early after Sakura received a phone call on her cell. They said they had a party to attend but Rogue was pretty sure it was a job. Maddie had offered her and Remy the chance to tag along but they'd declined, saying they really wanted to get settled. Maddie then told them that she'd call in a couple of days and they'd left. Rogue kind of regretted not going, but she was sure there'd be other missions to help out on.
After picking a room and moving the larger pieces of furniture into it, Logan, Ororo, Meranda and Hank had left for the movies and dinner. Logan making sure to remind Remy before they did that his room was just across the hall from theirs and he could hear everything. Now they were both busy in their separate rooms, packing the last of their belongings and moving them down the hallway.
"I can't believe you're, like, not going to be our roommate anymore," Kitty said watching Rogue shove the last of her possessions into a box.
"You do realize you're leaving me with them," Wanda growled, glaring directly at Kitty.
Rogue laughed as she easily lifted the box and looked over at them. "Y'all act lahke Ah'm movin' ta Europe or somethin! Ah'm jus' goin' down the hall ta the adults wing."
"Yeah but with Remy," Amara said, picking up Mr. Marbles from the pillow and placing it on top of the box Rogue held. "You'll almost be like a married couple."
"We're already almost lahke a married couple," Rogue commented as she headed for the door, the girls following, picking up the few boxes left in the room and heading down the hallway. As Rogue passed one of the bedrooms, the door opened and Cody made to leave. There eyes met for a brief moment before Rogue turned her head and kept moving. The girls all turned their noses up as they passed him, Wanda sending a hex bolt where he stood, causing him to jump back and glare down the hallway at their retreating forms.
Remy looked up as they entered the room, his breath catching in his throat. Rogue came in, her now long hair tied back by a lavender bandanna, the white bangs framing her face which was now devoid of the thick gothic makeup and done up in natural tones. She wore an old pair of faded black jeans and a pale lavender spaghetti strapped midriff tank top with one of Remy's black silk business shirts. The cuffs were rolled up to the middle of her forearms and she carried a box in front of her. Instead of her normal combat boots or sneakers, a pair of black flip flops with metallic threaded butterflies on them adorned her feet as she came into the room. It was a much larger room than the ones they'd had before, mostly because it didn't contain three other beds. Just one king size four post in the center of the room.
"Ready for us to leave already Rems?" Evan teased as he walked over to Wanda and took the box from her, kissing her cheek.
Remy shook off his daze and strode quickly across the room, taking the box from Rogue. "Vous regardez le ce soir très beau mon coeur," (Translation: You look very beautiful tonight my heart.) he said kissing her lips lightly.
"Merci mon cher," Rogue replied smiling as she moved across the room to some of the other boxes. "Have ya got all yer stuff sugah?"
"Oui," Remy set the box down at the foot of the bed on an antique wooden trunk.
"This should be interesting," Wanda commented as she rolled out one of Remy's posters featuring a scantly clad woman straddling a motorcycle.
"You said that again baby," Evan commented as he held up Rogue's Spike calendar.
"Maybe you guys should, like, watch that Merge show before you attempt to do this," Kitty commented as she looked at all the clashing elements in the boxes around the room.
"Or ask them to come and help," Kurt added as he made to leave the room with the others.
"What, ya ain't gonna help?" Rogue laughed as their friends hurried out of the room.
"Sorry mates," John said as he closed the door behind him, leaving Remy and Rogue alone in their new room.
They looked at each other for a moment before both grinned and started taking their items out of the boxes. Rogue walked over to the closet and opened the doors. "Wow, Ah don't think this would hold half of Kit's stuff," she commented as she turned to Remy. "Which side ya want?"
"Don't matter Cherie," Remy replied as he moved one of the boxes of cloths over to a dresser.
"K," she started hanging her cloths as he began placing some of his in the drawers. "Ya want meh ta hang yer stuff ta?"
"Oui," Remy replied as he took one of her boxes and started placing her cloths in the other drawers of the dresser. "Dis is kind o' nice non?" he commented after several minutes.
"Yeah it is," Rogue smiled over at him. "But there's no way in hell yer puttin' her up," she indicated the poster on the bed.
"Ah, y' don' lahke Chloe?" Remy teased as he took a look at the poster and then at Rogue, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Rogue merely raised an eyebrow. "Ya named her Chloe?"
Remy laughed loudly and walked across the room, pulling Rogue into a deep, passionate kiss. They stayed like that for several moments, just drowning in each other, before pulling away, each desperately needing air. They just held each other for several moments, just looking around at the mess their belongings had created. "Dis non look bon," Remy murmured, kissing Rogues temple and pulling away to work on one of the nearby boxes.
Rogue chuckled lightly. "What have we gotten inta?"
"Don' know p'tite. All Remy know is if we wan' t' sleep tonight, we need t' uncover de bed," Remy smirked, looking over at the largest pile, conveniently situated in the center of their bed.
Rogue groaned and reluctantly walked over to the bed. "Yer right. Lets jus git this done. It's been a long day. And Ah've been lookin' forward ta not havin' ta share a bathroom with half the Institute all afternoon."
"Love y' t' chere," Remy teased as Rogue threw a pillow at him. He laughed loud and they went to work finishing their unpacking.
All was quiet and the full moon hung high in the sky as a single being crept down the hallway of the adult wing of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. The only sound being made was steady breathing as the figure crept unnoticed to the door he had been looking for. To the untrained eyes and ears, the sound would have been thought to be a ghost or the breeze. But it was a man, and he had a mission, and his mutation kept him safe from the prying eyes of the institutes inhabitance.
He'd thought he'd experienced hatred and intolerance when his mutation had first manifested, but it had been nothing compared to the "warm" welcome Cody Webster had received today upon arriving at Xavier's. Cody just didn't get it. These people were supposed to be his brothers and sisters. Supposed to accept him. But instead they had looked down on him. Rejected him. And more than one had threatened important body parts, not to mention his life. And to make it worse, that bitch Madison and her crew were hanging around. And it was all her fault.
He'd never really understood his attraction to Marie, or Rogue as she was now going by, but it had been instantaneous. Maybe it was her hair, and the way it defied every rule known to man and the Gods by being born two toned. Or perhaps it was the way her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the sand, and the powerful life force pulsating behind them. Or the way her skin just begged to be touched, yet for so long was forbidden to the caress of man. Or maybe it was just because she looked so damned good in a pair of blue jeans. He wasn't sure, but all he knew is he wanted her now as much as he did then. And to make matters worse, he couldn't have her. At least not right now anyway with her parents and that swamp trash lurking about her at all times.
No one could ever understand the hold Marie had on Cody back in Mississippi. He was after all Cody Webster. Star of the football team and the most wanted athlete in all of Caldecott. He could have any girl in all of the south, and had had most of them. But even after the accident which sent him into a temporary coma, and her disappearance after that, her hold on him was still strong. He could still have anyone, but he wanted her. She ate at his existence and being until no other woman could satisfy him. Maybe it was her looks, or as some of his friends joked, maybe he was just in love. But Cody knew better. It was because she got away, and not on his terms either but on her own, and Cody couldn't stand that. Throughout his life he'd been in charge, and because of that, on top. When she left it tipped his world. He lost control and he wouldn't rest until he got it back. Got her back. (AN: Yeah, Cody's nuts but then y'all probably already figured that part out)
He came to a stop outside a large wooden door in the adult wing of the mansion. He looked slowly from side to side to make sure no one was lurking about, besides him that is, before slipping soundlessly into the room, shutting it gently behind him. Moonlight spilled easily through the open balcony doors and a cool breeze blew the sheer white curtains slightly. The light continued on, stopping in the center of the large king size four poster, and bathing its occupants in the surreal glow.
Oh she was definitely more beautiful than he remembered. She lay on her side, her long hair flowing easily around her face and shoulders, making her look like a sleeping angel. The only thing that killed the picture for Cody was the bare chested sleeping Acadian besides her, holding her close against him, his arms wrapped protectively around her, his face buried in her hair.
He doesn't deserve her, the southern boy thought, growing angry. Cody was the star. The champion. The best at everything he ever did and he never lost and he sure as hell wasn't going to start now, and lose Marie to this backwater trash. X-Man or no X-Man, Cody would prevail once again against this Gambit.
Cody was pulled from his hate filled thoughts when Rogue stirred slightly, rolling onto her back and closer to Remy and sighing contentedly in her sleep, a snow white bang falling over her eyes.
'Oh she'll definitely be mine again,' he thought reaching out an invisible hand to brush away the strand.
"Don' even think 'bout it homme," a cold voice stated.
Cody froze, his eyes darting over towards the bed and meeting the Cajun's demon ones, glowing fiercely. 'How can he see me? I'm invisible!' Cody's mind raced and his breath unconsciously quickened as he remained frozen in place.
"Y' non bon as y' thought," Remy continued, rising on his elbow and pulling Rogue closer to him, eliciting a contented sigh from the sleeping girl. "Now leave for Remy have t' make y'," a glowing card appeared from no where in his fingertips. "And don' let meh catch y' here again boy," the last part came out as a growl.
Cody quickly backed away, and headed for the door, not ready to tempt the fates just yet. He'd much rather have the advantage.
As the door closed behind him Remy let out another growl and uncharged the card, slipping it under the pillow. 'As if that twerp could sneak into the Prince of Thieves room undetected,' Remy thought, more than slightly insulted at the boys audacity. Next to him, Rogue began to stir.
"Rems, what's wrong?" she murmured, her voice clouded with sleep as she snuggled closer to him, resting her arms around his chest.
"Non mon amore," Remy replied, kissing the top of her head and wrapping his arms around her tightly. "Go back t' sleep."
"Kay," Rogue yawned, snuggling her head against his neck and placing a small kiss near his jaw bone. "Love ya."
"Je t'aime aussi," Remy replied smiling as they drifted back to sleep.
"All I'm saying is y'all should have come with us and god did I just say 'y'all'?" Madison said in one breath as she pulled her newest baby, a sleek black Eclipse convertible into Xavier's garage and parked it.
"Yeah ya did," Rogue smirked, climbing out and reaching into the back for her shopping bags. Maddie had insisted on a girls day out at the mall once they got back in honor of Rogue's birthday since the team had returned three days late. Sakura was currently in "exile" according to the Dragons leader since she'd chosen to break the famous eleventh commandment and spend the day with a more than half naked Eric.
"You're just a horrible influence on me," Maddie grumbled, pulling out more of Rogues bags, leaving her own for the trip back to the warehouse. "So, how's married life?"
"We ain't married," Rogue stated, thoroughly annoyed with the question.
"Yeah, well close enough," Madison stated. "And trust me, it's not any different once you are."
"Ah still can't believe y'all got married," Rogue said as they started towards the door leading into the kitchen.
"Yeah, neither can Tony. I think he's still in shock. Or denial. I can't figure out which," Maddie replied. "What about the chicken shit? He keeping his distance?"
"Oui, but Ah keep catchin' him lookin' at meh. But that ain't half as bad as the fact that since he moved in, Ah ain't had a minutes peace. If Remy ain't around then it's Daddy, Mamma, Beast, Ro, Wanda, Kurt or any of the others, makin' sure he ain't comin' near me. Hell they won't even schedule us sessions in the danger room together so Ah can kick his ass or nothin. It's the most annoyin' thing in the world," Rogue replied trying the handle and finding it locked. 'That's odd,' she thought as she started searching for her keys, struggling with all her bags.
"Well you coulda moved in with us, but no. You had to be all strong and independent and look what it got you," Maddie replied with a grin. "A house hold of overprotective shadows. But on an upside, he's been looking at you, so that means I get to hurt him," she grinned evilly. "I think I'll start with his knees," she mused.
"Yeah ya do that. Damnit!" Rogue cursed, still foraging through her bag.
"What?" Madison asked, coming out of her fantasy where Cody was broken, bloody and begging for death.
"Ah can't fahnd mah damn keys," Rogue grumbled, having a perfect memory of them lying on her dresser. "Ah guess Ah'll jus' have ta flay up ta the windah and hope it's open. Or we can drag this stuff ta the front door, cause Daddy said if Ah break another door tryin' ta git in, he's making me pay for it," Rogue grumbled placing her bags on the ground and heading towards the front. A tisking noise stopped her in her tracks and caused her to turn, and stare at Madison, who was giving her an amused, yet disapproving look. "What?"
"You mean to tell me you're living with a professional thief and you hang with us and still you don't know how to get that door open without pulling it from it's hinges or flying to a window? What have these X-Men been teaching you?" Maddie set down her bags and went into a crouch before the door, pulling a chopstick knife from her hair as she descended. She positioned herself directly in front of the lock and set to work. Within moments the lock gave a satisfying click and the door swung open. Maddie grinned and rose, replacing the chopstick with a satisfied sigh. "See."
"Nice," Rogue commented, grabbing her bags and walking past Madison. "Or we could have jus ran the bell."
"Picky picky," Madison rolled her eyes and grabbed the remaining bags, following Rogue in and shutting the door behind her.
As soon as she entered Rogue knew something was up. The entire house had settled in an eerie quiet and seemed almost deserted.
"Funny, Ah thought they'd be home," she mumbled as they headed thru the kitchen and into the main hall.
"Wow, I didn't know this place could be this quiet with Guthrie, Kurt, Jamie, John and Chrisp living here," Maddie mused looking around and setting down the bags near the stairs.
"Yeah really," Rogue snorted following suit. "Anyone home?" she yelled out receiving only her echo as a response.
"Guess not," Maddie said, looking around slowly, her guard already up. Suddenly a loud crashing noise rang out from the rec room. "Or maybe someone whose not supposed to be."
Rogue put her defensives up and flexed her hands, keeping her body limber as she headed towards the door leading into the rec room, Madison close behind. She turned the knob and opened it slowly, stepping into the room cautiously. It was unnaturally dark and even Rogue's senses had trouble adjusting, yet her sixth sense told her she as far from alone. "Hello?" she called out into the room and hit the light switch to her left to find it already turned on. "Huh?" she whispered as the lights suddenly came back to life.
"SURPRISE!"
Rogue jumped as all the inhabitants of the institute and the remaining Dragons yelled at her, including six Jamie's who were blushing profusely by a broken lamp.
"Happy birthday darlin'," Logan said enveloping her in a bear hug as Rogue stood shocked before the group.
"Okay back off," Meranda said, stepping forward from the crowd. "And let the woman who's actually responsible for this day hug her daughter."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Logan growled releasing Rogue and stepping aside to glare at the black haired Goddess as she moved past him. "I distinctly remember being there."
"Yeah well donating the sperm and passing out in the delivery room don't exactly count now do they?" Meranda challenged wrapping her own arms around Rogue. "Happy birthday sugar."
"Wow, Mr. Logan, like, passed out?" Kitty said, trying desperately to stifle a giggle and failing miserably.
"Shut it half-pint. Or it's two weeks in the danger room at 4 am with me," Logan growled and glared at Meranda, who only smiled sweetly, her arm still around Rogue's shoulders. "Had to mention that didn't you Eb?"
"Wow, learn something new everyday aye Kitty-Kat?" Lance grinned and pulled Kitty as far away from Logan's claws as possible as she continued to giggle.
"What is all this?" Rogue asked, having finally re-gained her voice after the shock of it all set in.
"It's for you," Jean supplied smiling, despite the eye rolls she received from the female Dragons. "Because you deserve it."
"You're a member of this team now Rogue. And this family," Scott chimed in. "Why wouldn't we do this?"
Rogue looked around in awe at all the decorations and the large cake and long food table towards the back of the room, the end laden with gifts of various sizes. She smiled brightly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "This is jus too much," she whispered as Meranda kissed her temple and Logan wrapped his arm around both of them.
"Maybe, but not nearly what you deserve kid," Logan stated proudly.
"And it just gets better," Meranda smiled. "Hank tell her what else she's won for her special day."
"Ah yes, as a special reward, all of us 'adults' as it were will be flying over to Washington DC for a special hearing on the new Mutant Right's act, and will not be back until tomorrow afternoon, unless otherwise called upon," Hank said smiling broadly.
"Meaning?" Jubilee asked excitedly.
"Meaning child," Ororo stated, "that you will have the house to yourselves until our return."
"We are trusting this party to be adult enough to not require supervision," Charles added, rolling forward. "The senior X-Men are in charge until we return, and please, make sure there is still a roof to return to?" he smiled at his students. "And happy birthday Rogue dear," he added before wheeling towards the elevator.
"Alright!" Evan stated, spinning Wanda around, who simply rolled her eyes at him.
"Keep that up Evan, and I may reconsider joining them," Ororo declared with a smile.
Evan looked defeated for a moment as he slowly lowered Wanda to the ground. "No fears Auntie O. We'll be good."
"I trust that you will," Ororo replied heading for the hanger. "Happy birthday child."
"Thank ya sugah," Rogue smiled.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow, until we meet again on the marrow," Hank bent over and kissed Rogue's hand. "Try not to drink too much."
Rogue laughed loudly as Hank smirked at her and followed them out.
"Well, you know the saying. It's only illegal if you get caught so," Meranda hugged Rogue once more. "Happy birthday my angel. See you tomorrow. Have fun kids."
"But not too much," Logan added, kissing Rogue's hair one last time before heading out the door behind the others. "And I'm trusting you to keep them under control Scooter," he called over his shoulder as he entered the elevator with the others.
"Are you sure this is wise Professor?" Ororo asked as the doors closed in front of them.
"Oh come on Ro, how bad can it be?" Meranda asked optimistically. "I mean, we've got to start trusting them sooner or later right?"
"Yeah, later," Logan stated as they all looked grimly up towards where they left the children.
"Let's just hope we've taught them to make the right decisions shall we?" Charles stated as they headed towards the Blackbird.
Music blared from the speakers and bodies danced around the floor of the rec room as the party continued on in full swing.
"Well, I have to say, it's no Mardi Gras, and it's definitely no LA, but not bad for a boarding house gig," Maddie stated, sipping her Corona as she stood with Rogue, Wanda and Amanda near the balcony, all taking a much needed break from the dance floor. Around them, bodies danced to the beat of Ludacris's "Splash Waterfalls" as Ray played the roll of DJ.
"You're jus' embarrassed to admit yer havin' fun," Rogue teased as Maddie smirked over at Tony, who was making his way across the floor, like a lion who'd just cornered his latest kill, with Remy at his side and Kura and Eric tagging along, closer to one another than anyone thought physically possible.
"You know it," Maddie grinned as the group finally joined them, Tony slipping a hand around her waist and kissing her neck and ear, giving her a little pout until she finally offered up her beer which he took happily.
"Thanks babe," he grinned and chugged the rest of it.
"Anytime, now go get me another," Maddie rolled her eyes and looked up at him expectantly.
"Dere be non p'tite," Remy replied, nuzzling Rogue's neck and nipping playfully at her ear.
"We were just about to make a run," Eric added, pulling his lips away from Kura's only long enough to make the comment and returning them quickly.
"So what, do you need money or something?" Madison asked as Tony went back to kissing her neck, obviously a little drunk already.
"No, just do what you do best, and see if anyone else wants to tag along," Tony replied, his hands pulling Maddie closer as he started kissing her collar bone.
"And that would be?" Maddie was obviously trying hard to keep her cool, and pretty much failing. Wanda smirked over at her and Amanda blushed slightly and turned away.
"Getting everyone's attention with that gorgeous little mouth of yours," Tony replied, biting her lip before kissing her tenderly.
"Fine, but you're not driving," Madison said sternly after the kiss ended. "And I mean that Tony Deluca. I'm much too young and pretty to be a widower."
"No problem. We'll have that Scott guy drive. Now please," he looked at her with hungry eyes, trying to look pleading.
Madison just rolled her eyes and pulled herself from his arms long enough to bring her fingers to her mouth and give an ear ringing whistle. All sound stopped in the room as everyone turned to stare at her, startled by the sudden intrusion.
"Beer run. Whose in?" Tony asked as Maddie smirked at her accomplishment. "Besides, Scott."
"Me? Why do I have to go?" Scott whined. He'd been dancing with Jean the whole night, and quite frankly, wasn't ready to stop.
"Cause they're too drunk," Wanda stated, indicating Remy, Tony and Eric, who still had yet to release Sakura.
"Fine," Scott kissed Jean once before heading over to the guys.
"Anyone else?" Tony asked.
"Da," Piotr replied, needing a break from his sugar hyped girlfriend, and looking forward to the car ride with his new friend Eric since they'd both been reading some of Tolstoy's work and he was interested in finding out Eric's point of view when the other man had consumed some alcohol.
"Guess dat's it den non?" Remy asked kissing Rogue's cheekbone one more time before settling on her lips. "What ma chere wan?"
"Bourbon," Rogue replied kissing him back. "And ya ta come back in one piece hahn?"
"Oui," Remy replied, kissing her once more before he followed Tony, Scott, Piotr and Eric, who Tony had managed to drag away from a now very pissed off looking Sakura, towards the car.
"Great, now that that's settled," Madison replied turning back to everyone. "Lets party!"
It was getting late and Rogues shoes were killing her as she slowly flew up the stairs to her bedroom. Remy and the guys had been gone for about an hour and should be back soon, so she thought she'd change into some better boots before dragging her boyfriend out onto the floor again.
She entered the room and shut the door behind her, kicking off her shoes and hitting the light switch before heading towards the closet. She didn't make it halfway across the room before she stopped, senses alert as she did a quick scan of the room. Everything seemed to be in place, and she appeared to be alone. But her sixth sense told her otherwise, as did the feeling of someone's hand brushing against her bare arm.
Rogue jumped back and looked around. "Who the hell is in here?" she growled, although she already knew the answer to that.
This time the hand ran a finger down her cheek. Rogue cringed and moved back again, finding herself against the wall next to the bed.
"Ya need ta git outta here now," she snarled, reaching down and opening a drawer, finding her 45's staring back at her. She was about to reach for the guns when the drawer slammed shut and something hit Rogue hard in the gut, sending her flying into a dresser.
"Is that how ya talk ta him huh?" Cody's voice stated angrily. "To your swamp trash?"
"There's only one piece a trash in this house Cody Webster," Rogue said standing easily. 'He must not a gotten the memo that Ah'm invulnerable,' she thought as she slipped her hand unnoticed into the drawer that had popped open and removed one of her sai's, tucking it into the belt of her pants. "And he ain't even manly enough ta show his face." She began moving slowly, thinking back to the early training sessions with her mother, she closed her eyes and waited.
Downstairs, the guys had just returned with the much needed alcohol, and the music stopped long enough for it to be brought in and dispensed. Ray was just about to hit play again when a loud crash was heard from upstairs.
"Like, what was that?" Kitty asked, looking around the room as she leaned against Lance.
"It sounded like it was coming from the adult wing," Amara said as everyone looked to Jean, who now had her eyes closed.
They shot open suddenly, fear clear on her face. "It's Rogue."
Like a bolt of lightening the teens headed up the stairs, Remy in the lead as Kurt BAMPFED away.
It was sudden. Simply a change in air pressure on her left side, but it was enough. Before Cody could react Rogue spun into a round house kick and felt a satisfying connection with her foot and hopefully his face. She continued the move, pulling her Sai from her pants and striking out, feeling it sink into his skin as she raked it over his body.
Unable to withstand the pain and maintain the energy to remain unseen, Cody flashed into existence before Rogue, blood dripping from the cut in his stomach, a large welt growing over his right cheek.
Year's of anger, fear and hatred boiled up inside Rogue as she looked at his once perfect face and saw the shock there that she'd actually been the one to win this.
"Damn Marie. Ah jus' wanted us ta git back tagether," he said, clutching his abdomen. "Ah still love ya and Ah know ya still love meh," he made to move for her, reaching out a hand to her face.
Hearing those words come from his lips was just too much for her. "Ya ain't got no idea what love is ya worthless piece of shit," Rogue growled. "And ya never will." She grabbed his neck in both her powerful hands and gave it a hard twist.
Time seemed to slow then as the door opened to reveal Kurt standing there, watching his sister snap the boys neck, and the loud sound of Cody's skull dislocating from his spine seemed to echo through the hallway as everyone stopped before the door and stared. Cody fell with a loud thump, his eyes staring lifelessly ahead.
"Rogue," Kurt said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Vhat have you done?"