Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Thanks to: PomegranateQueen, ishandahalf, GreenFairyGirl88, SweetRevenge151, Totally Obsessed47 and Babydex for reviewing. Your reviews are what keep me motivated to update quickly!
To answer a few questions:
Ishandahalf: hmm..you have a lot of questions that unfortunately I can't answer right at this moment, but I can promise they will be answered eventually! I'm glad you like the instant connection I always give them: I think that is one thing that stabilizes their on again/off again relationship in the comics, that instant, insatiable comfort.
GreenFairyGirl88: Your Ororo question will be answered in this chapter. And yes, Kitty is the ghost girl. This will also be explored a bit more (and even more later on) in this chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Totally Obsessed47: That was Kitty, and her translucent appearance will be further explored later on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only sound as Rogue re-entered the mansion was the tick-tick of the grandfather clock against the far wall. It echoed teasingly in her ears as her eyes searched the lobby for any signs of Remy.
But like most of the mansion, the front entrance was empty. Remembering the fear she had seen in Remy's eyes, she headed for the elevator, some inclination inside her pointing towards the med bay downstairs.
The seconds passed by in a daze as she stood alone in the elevator, her eyes upwards, watching the red numbers fade from 1 to B. When the door clicked open, Rogue did not want to move. She felt her feet respond as the doors swooshed closed behind her. She stood in the corridor for a brief second, before turning her vision to the right.
A young sandy haired boy sat tucked in a corner, behind a plant. His arms were wrapped tightly around his knees, as he rocked back and forth. Rogue walked to him cautiously, stopping a foot away.
He rose his head from his knees, his crystal blue eyes meeting hers. He stood up quickly, shocked by her presence. He rubbed his eyes as he did so, red flushing his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around his hospital gown.
"Are ya alright sugah?" Rogue asked quietly.
He nodded nervously, backing against the wall, his eyes fearful of her movements. Rogue nodded back and continued down the hall, afraid he would dissolve away as well.
She came upon the glass panes that peered into the med bay and wished in that one moment as she stared through, that she had just stayed upstairs.
The place looked destroyed, equipment and furniture scattered about as if the storm outside had attacked. Jean stood in the background, her eyes surprisingly calm, her chin raised. Hank and Scott were in front of her, arguing with the man opposite them.
And it was that man, his eyes wet, his face red with anger. It was that man who made her heart stop as he stood there, the body of the white haired Ororo in his arms, that drew her attention and made her wish she could close her eyes and forget.
She watched Hank creep closer, his eyes on the dangling body of Ororo. The doctor's mouth turned into a snarl as he pointed a finger towards Remy. Jean began to move forward then as she watched Remy's mouth move quickly, his angry tone making its way past the thick glass.
Rogue was pressed up against the glass when she felt the hand clamp down on her shoulder.
"You should not be down here child.
Rogue's body was twisted around to face the voice, and a strange feeling of disgust rose up in her throat at the sight of the man Ororo had attacked that morning.
"Do not look at me like that Rogue. It is by my good graces that you stay her free of charge, receiving medical treatment.
Rogue shook her shoulder free of his grasp. "Y'all are Eric Lensherr?
He nodded in response his eyes already on the scene behind the glass. He moved to the sliding doors, ignoring Rogue as he stepped inside. She followed him, wanting to hear the conversation.
She could hear the sparks of electrical equipment providing background sound to the arguing. She watched Hank step forward and try to grab Ororo from Remy. But he protectively guarded her in his arms.
"Enough!" she heard Eric mutter beneath his breath as he out stretched one hand. Rogue watched with bewilderment as Remy suddenly went stiff, dropping Ororo to the cold floor below with a sickening thud. She could see the rage boiling within his veins as he struggled to move.
Hank scooped the woman up and Remy was dropped to his knees, clutching his throat and panting hard. His eyes rose to Eric's with venom.
"Fuck you Eric.
Rogue watched Eric's jaw tense at the words as he thought.
"She is dead Mr. LeBeau. Nothing can be done about that now." It was a simple answer, and Eric moved to Jean and Hank's side as they placed Ororo on an examining table.
"And y'killed her Eric," Remy replied bitterly as he stood up furiously.
"That is quite enough Remy," Eric glanced towards Rogue. "You know we gave Ms. Munroe the pills. We did what we could.
Remy's eyes blazed as he slammed his fist down on the counter. "She wasn't takin' dose pills in de end!
Hank looked up then, as his latex gloves snapped into place. "Yes she was Remy. By force unfortunately. I was injecting them into her." His eyes pierced into Remy's, pleading silently for him to stop talking.
Remy swept everything off the counter in anger and Rogue swore she saw a pink glow emit from his hands. He stormed towards Eric, his only focus in the room.
"Dis ain't over Eric," he spat, his height meeting evenly with Eric's, as he leaned into the man.
Eric did not seem phased. "On the contrary Remy. That is exactly what it is. I will make sure of it.
Spinning around Remy marched out of the room, knocking whatever he could over in the process. Rogue stood huddled in the corner, forgotten. But as the Eric's attention returned to Hank and Jean, Rogue slipped silently back out, intent on finding Remy. Intent on making sense of everything.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She strode back through the same hallway, heading for the elevator. She stopped as she reached the area where the blonde haired man had been crouched, but he was no longer there. But the plant he had hid behind was now completely iced over, the clear sheet shimmering in the artificial light. Rogue watched it drip onto the floor beneath as it melted, her breath catching in her throat. But she had no time to think about the frozen plant as she continued to the elevator.
It was not in use. Remy must of taken the stairs. Without a second thought, Rogue pushed open the door and began a quick sprint up the flight of stairs, reaching the first floor seconds later.
She looked through every open doorway as she ran down the hall, much like she had done the day before. She could hear the rain pouring down in buckets outside.
After scrambling around the better part of the first floor, Rogue eyed the grand staircase, taking in a quick breath. She had no idea why she was looking so hard. But then something outside caught her attention instead. She walked quickly to the little enclave with tall windows that faced the outside lawn.
She collapsed onto the seat pillows as she watched Remy's figure walk steadily out, his back to her. He was heading for the graveyard at the top of the hill. He ripped his trench coat off unexpectedly, throwing it to the ground, his t-shirt and jeans the only thing protecting him from the rain now. But he moved forward despite. The rain soaked through his fabric as his form began to get smaller and smaller.
Rogue wanted to follow him, run outside and join him in the rain. But she didn't know him. She didn't understand his relationship with Ororo. She was not a part of his life. Her head fell against the glass, strands of white shielding her eyes. A wave of fatigue swept over her as she felt her tired eyes give way to sleep.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was one of those quick naps that leaves you feeling un-rested. It may have only lasted five minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Her eyelids blinked open slowly, as her head rose up. She felt herself gasp as her hand flew to her heart in surprise.
Remy was standing just outside the window watching her. The rain still poured down, soaking his lean frame, his long hair clinging to his face. The large drops of water hid whatever tears may have fallen for his friend, sliding down his cheeks in quick succession.
And his eyes were a bright, fiery red on black against the foggy air.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He didn't suppose she would understand. But he stood there none-the-less, watching her watch him in shock, her tiny hand clutched to her chest, her body frozen. He could not offer her a movement or word of comfort from behind the glass, as his own body felt stiff.
Eventually one of her hands pasted itself against the glass pane, her eyes searching his for an answer. After all, they were such unusual eyes, surely they could provide some meaning. Remy felt his resolve swell up, as his chest rose to meet the same rhythm.
A flash of lightening struck then, illuminating the window. For that split second he was provided with his drowned image in the glass window. His hand went immediately to his eyes, as he shut them. He had just endangered her by revealing his red orbs. He re-opened his eyes, and she was still there, watching him, waiting even.
He knew this place could not keep a secret forever. It was only a matter of time. He knew now what had to be done. He took off then, in a quick sprint, his body disappearing into the thick fog that had rolled in without warning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rogue sunk back into the window seat, her heart beating hard, trying to catch back up with the beats she had missed while watching Remy. It was misty outside, dark. She didn't know what she could trust here. Ghostlike people, iced over plants, and demon eyed handsome men haunted the place. She curled up against the window, afraid to move, afraid to see something else that would make absolutely no sense.
But the front door slamming open distracted her, and her eyes fleeted to the entrance, hoping to see Remy again.
But a sharp-nosed woman with glasses stood there instead, an upset face and a snarl marking her features. Her hand stood braced against the door as her eyes roamed the room. When she came upon Rogue, her eyes widened, and she stepped warily inside, shutting the door from the still raging storm outside.
She walked slowly to Rogue's form, her heels clicking softly.
"What are you doing here?" she gasped.
Rogue looked at her perplexed. "Do Ah know ya?" She pulled her arms tighter to her knees, fearful of anyone, even if they claimed to know her, as she did not know how to trust just yet.
"Are you serious?" The woman admonished, placing her hands on her hips.
When Rogue just stared at her, brows squinted stressfully, the woman stiffened. Her arms moved to press down the folds in her skirt as she cleared her throat.
"Sorry, I mistook you for someone else." The woman sped walked away, her entire body tense as she disappeared from Rogue's sight.
Rogue felt a tear slide down her cheek as she clamored up from her position and ran upstairs, wanting the comfort of the space she had to call her own.
But as she walked down the empty hallway, empty, always empty, she began to hear music. Her ears followed it to an open doorway, a soft glow of light flew from the inside, as the quiet melodies played within.
When she reached the doorway and peeked inside she found no one. Curiously, she wandered in cautiously, her eyes navigating around the entire space. Her vision took in the tall, arched windows and dark curtains, the lit candles, and the silver cross that hung from the wall. The eerie glow of the candle provided an intense feeling as Rogue reached the bedpost.
"Evening mein frauling." A German accented voice spoke lowly.
Rogue nearly jumped in surprise, clinging on the bedpost and spinning around to come face to face with a young, dark haired man. He watched her, a strange glint in his eye, as he then circled around her to his desk.
"Ah'm sorry, it's just, Ah-
He held one hand up to quiet her, his back now faced to her. She shut up immediately, waiting for his next move or word. It was several seconds before he turned back around.
He looked at her as one would look at their prey, his mouth turned upwards in a slight smirk. "Mein name is Kurt Wagner. And you are Rogue." It was a statement, not a question.
"Yes," she stuttered, feeling very uncomfortable, trapped even.
"Zis is a strange place, is it not?" He moved away from the desk, taking a cross pendent with him as he went. Rogue still stuck stead fast to the bed post, but Kurt did not give her a chance to reply to his question.
"It is best not to show your fear here frauling." He lifted a hand to her cheek, his surprisingly long nails digging into her skin.
Rogue pushed away from him then, her shove knocking him back into his desk. Her palm traced the area his nails had punctured, as her eyes shot daggers toward him.
Assuming he was one of the patients gone crazy, Rogue jolted out of the room, running the entire way back to her own bedroom.
Upon reaching her room, she parted the door open slowly, only to find the room not to herself. Remy lay outstretched on the bed, his wet clothing and muddy boots sinking into her sheets. One arm was draped over his face, but it was removed as Rogue shut the door behind her.
He looked at her, his eyes still red, but made no move to get up. Rogue walked closer, his eyes, his presence, pulling her in. She stopped when her waist hit the edge of the mattress, and she placed her hands on the soft material.
"I couldn't hide em' from you chere. I don't even know you and I just couldn't." He spoke softly, his red eyes giving off a warm concern even in their demonic semblance.
Rogue leaned in a little, trying to search further into their depths. "And ya don't have to Remy." She said, the words flowing naturally. "Ah think they're beautiful.
He gave a gentle laugh then, his mouth lifting up. He moved his hand down from his face to his stomach. Rogue watched his every movement, eying the length of his body until he rested his hand down. And even then she examined his hands. She felt intrigued. She felt strangely comfortable.
"Are ya ok Remy?" Rogue asked when the silence began to bite at her.
His chest heaved up then as he took a deep breath. Then he forced himself into a sitting position, his concentration now entirely on her.
"Non chere. And I won't be as long as I'm here. Ro' was my last reason ta stay.
"Oh," Rogue felt herself swallow, disappointment hitting her heart.
He smiled, wanting desperately to kiss her again. "But, I can't leave y'here chere, not after you've seen my eyes. It won't be safe for y'.
"Ah'll go with you Remy," Rogue said without directly being asked. "Ah can't stay in this place neither." Her nose scrunched up, a move that Remy found attractive on her, and he took his chances leaning in once again.
She met his lips this time, aware the kiss was coming. One slender hand reached up behind his neck, pulling him closer. When their lips parted, Rogue looked at him faintly.
"Ah ain't normally like this with strangers sugah," she tried to explain.
He ran a hand through her hair gently. "You don't feel like much o'a stranger to me Rogue.
"Ah know, it's strange.
"Everything around here is chere.
She laughed at this, her eyes roaming the bed sheets.
"Meet me out front, near de garage in about one hour. Can ya do dat petit?" He lifted her chin up.
"What about Ororo's funeral? Don't you want ta stay for that?" She voiced the question carefully, afraid to hurt him.
He let go of her chin with a loud sigh. "Course I do Rogue. But we can't risk it. It could be days before de funeral even happens.
Rogue rested a hand on his arm comfortingly. "Ah understand Remy.
He gave a weak smile and slid off the bed with ease, his feet hitting the ground without a sound. He lifted one finger up to signal the one hour she had and then silently left her alone.
She rummaged through the closet again, picking out a few select items to take with her. She had no other personal belongings besides the clothes that had been on her when she had been found. A small backpack in the corner of the closet served to hold her things, as she stared one last time at the room she had called home for two days.
Are ya crazy gal? Rogue asked to herself, giving a soft laugh at the way her life was going. She began to move to the doorway when her eyes caught sight of the pills on the counter. She walked to them hesitantly, picking up the bottle. She looked around, fearing Remy was still watching her, and then shoved them into her bag, just in case. But instead of heading back to the door, she walked to the window, climbing over its edge. She reached for the drain pipe, her bag on her back, and slid down slowly.
The storm was still raging about wildly, and the wind bit her face as her feet touched the ground. It had only been half an hour since Remy had left her and glancing towards the front entrance, she did not see him. And so, she could not help herself but to look up at the graveyard that continued to beckon to her.
And once again a blurred, black figure stood up there, undistinguishable in the distance. But Rogue was nearly sure it was the ghost girl that continued to harass her psyche. Rogue ran then. The grass was still slippery, but she had switched to tennis shoes that gritted into the ground much better. The wind and the rain kept her steps quiet, her movements hidden.
When she reached the top of the hill, the girl's features began to appear. It was the same girl, but her hair was down, blowing in the wind, its translucent texture nearly white. Rogue stopped a few graves away, unsure of what to do.
But the girl knew she was there. She turned one cheek towards Rogue, and even her see through skin managed to make visible one tear. Her eyes looked too pained to appear shocked as the sharp wind blew hair in front of her face.
And then the girl ran. But Rogue wasn't sure if she was afraid or not. So she followed, the mud becoming squishier the further into the graveyard she ventured.
Her shoe finally caught in the mud, as the girl melted back into the ground once again. Rogue fell to her knees, unable to keep her balance as her foot sunk like quicksand into the muck.
"Ah'm sorry!" she yelled, just as the girl disappeared. Rogue slammed her fist into the mud in frustration. Then she tired pulling herself out of the mud, grabbing hold of the grave in front of her as leverage. But as her eyes scanned the inscription, she fell back down, her mouth agape. It read:
Belladonna LeBeau, loving wife. Another regretfully lost.
Rogue simply sat there, unable to move as her jeans soaked through with mud, her shoes completely covered.
"She wasn't really dat lovin'.
Rogue whipped her head around at the sound of Remy's voice, watching his trench coat flap around dramatically, his hands clenched to his sides.
"Ah-Remy Ah-
"Come on chere," Remy offered her a hand, pulling her up from the wet ground. "We have ta get out of here.
Rogue obeyed his words, afraid to ask more questions. She clung to his offered hand as they trudged back to the mansion.
But as they reached the entrance to the gravesite, Rogue's eyes wandered to the grave the ghost girl had been crying in front of. Rogue felt her own tears come on as she read the inscription, somehow feeling the girl's loss.
Lance Alvers. The first soul lost, but never forgotten.
At the tug of Remy's hand, Rogue moved forward, giving one last look at the dreadful place, letting the hard rain wash away the mud that littered her outfit. By the time she had reached Remy's motorcycle, the mud had been replaced by water.
She climbed on as the bike roared to life, hugging Remy tight as he guided them through the thick fog.
"When will this storm stop?" Rogue questioned quietly.
"When Ororo is set at peace chere." Remy replied, his voice wistful as they drove by the gates that she had entered two days previous. Her creepy intuition at seeing those gates had been correct.
She wondered how so many alive could live in such a house of ghosts.
