Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Here's a shorter, quick update, since I don't know when I will be able to update next.
Thanks to ishandahalf, Aro, Kira, GreenFairyGirl88, silky black, and Antonia for reviewing! You guys did ask me a few questions, but unfortunately you all asked questions I can't answer just yet. This chapter may answer a few though.
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Rogue's eyes shot open, the pattern of the ceiling above greeting her good morning. She sat up slowly, twisting her head around, taking in the empty spot beside her. She threw the sheets off her bare legs, and let her feet meet the hard wood floor.
She walked to the window, pulling the curtain aside. She was thankful to see the rain had stopped. She was about to drop the curtain and search out Remy, when she saw the couple sitting on the bench in the yard. It was Henri, and the woman next to him in the photograph.
Henri was talking to someone she could not see, as the woman lay stretched out reading a book, her legs atop Henri's lap. Rogue began to feel a headache form between her eyes, on the bridge of her nose as she watched them. Watched them, observed them. Something was wrong; something seemed too familiar. Rogue grabbed her head, resting it against the glass. The window pushed open at the pressure, and the sound of their voices carried up to her second floor view.
She recognized Remy's voice, it's sweet husky tinge floating up to her ears as she lifted her head and watched him step further onto the lawn, now in full sight. The two men looked to be in a serious conversation, but she could only see Henri's face. Then the man began to chuckle. She watched Remy shrug, a cigarette becoming visible as the smoke blew away, and his hand rested to his side, dangling it carelessly.
A strange sense came over her, as she saw Henri's eyes began to move upwards, towards her window. Quickly, she rolled her body along the wall, and out of his line of sight. She felt herself hold her breath, afraid to make one single move. After a few moments had passed, she inched away from the wall, careful to avoid the window. She headed for the door, wanting to take a shower, change her clothes.
But the doorknob turned before she had a chance. She stepped back as Remy entered the room, a slight smirk on his face.
"Mornin' chere.
"Out for a mornin' smoke?" Rogue asked, the words exiting her mouth before she had a chance to think about them.
His smirk turned to an all out grin. "Knew y'were spying on me chere.
Rogue felt herself blush and she looked to the floor. "Yeah, well, Ah'm gonna go take a shower, then-
"Den I'm gonna take you out ta breakfast.
She looked up, swiping a strand of hair from her eyes. "Ok. Sure." Rogue then tried pushing herself past Remy, only to feel her arm being tugged on.
"Hey Rogue, have y'started remembering anything bout' your life yet?
Rogue paused, remembering the feeling of a few seconds previous as she took in a deep breath. "No. Still nothing Remy. Why?
ÔNo reason. Just wondered is all." Rogue nodded, then began walking down the hall, feeling his eyes burning their stare into her back the entire time.
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Rogue wandered down the stairs, having not been able to find Remy in his room after her shower. The front entrance was open, allowing a breeze to sift through her lace blouse. Her eyes roamed the outside lawn as she stood in the doorway.
"Is it true y'don't remember anything girl?" She heard the voice ask behind her. Rogue continued her gaze outside, knowing it was Jean Luc asking the question.
"Sure is sugah." Rogue responded, her voice dripping with overly sweet tones.
Jean Luc stepped up beside her, his arms placed behind his back.
"I've seen y'somewhere Rogue. I recognized dat white stripe." She saw his hand vaguely gesture towards her from the corner of her eye.
"Y'may have Mista LeBeau, but that don't help meh none unless y'remember meh name too.
He gave a short laugh. After a few seconds his tone became serious again. "I do know a name I believe is associated with you Rogue. If that helps.
She turned to him then, her expression cross. "Anything helps at this point in the game.
He nodded. "Yes, but if I am correct in this, you may not wish to search out your past.
"Ah'll decide that." Rogue swallowed, unsure of where her confidence was coming from.
"Fine. Her name is Raven Darkholme. But she is not an easy woman to get a hold of. She-
"Hope y'ain't bothering Rogue father.
Rogue spun around, Remy's intense gaze sternly watching his father.
Jean Luc met his son's gaze with slight annoyance. "Of course not Remy." He smiled then, stepping past Remy briskly, nodding a good bye towards Rogue.
Remy continued to stare outside, anger apparent on his face.
"Your father thinks he may know someone associated with meh Remy." Rogue stated plainly, crossing her arms.
He looked to her, one brow raised. Then he walked past her, to the outside concrete patio. Rogue followed him out on hurried steps.
"What was that look for Remy? Don't ya think it might help me figure things out ta know even just one name?
Remy stopped walking, spinning back around. "Was dat name a Ms. Raven Darkholme petit?" He watched her eyes glow with fire. "Dat ain't no name you want t'be associated wit!
"Why?!
"Mystique, as she is known as in the criminal world, is a dangerous woman Rogue. She's done a lot o'bad things, and a femme like you wouldn't o'been involved wit her. Mon pere has got y'mixed up wit someone else.
As his last word hit the air, they simply stood there, staring at one another. Finally Rogue nodded, setting her hands on her hips. "Fine Remy.
He tried to smile, lighten the mood, and she gave a weak grin back. He put one arm around her shoulder and began leading her towards his bike.
"You're memories will come back soon enough chere.
Rogue nodded numbly. "Yeah, maybe sugah.
The crowds of New Orleans pushed by them absentmindedly as they exited the tiny breakfast cafe. Rogue felt the warmth of Remy's hand reach out and mingle with her own, palm resting against palm. Rogue smiled and looked up.
"You seem so familiar Rogue. Only problem is, I woulda remembered a belle femme like you." He was looking at her with a sort of curious admiration as he spoke, his head tilted to the side.
"Hmm. Rogue looked forward into the crowds pleasantly. "It's so much nicer here, so much more comfortable.
"Oui. But dis city has a dark edge to it, one dat made me question coming back.
Rogue heard the flick of the knife before the attacker even had a chance. Spinning around, she crescent kicked the weapon out from his palm, adding a swift sidekick to the jaw, knocking him back a ways. The crowd around them began to scream, backing off from the trio.
"Who the hell are you?" Rogue spat.
"I'm one o'dose dark edges LeBeau was mentionin'." The blond man rasped, spitting blood from his mouth to the ground.
Remy's eyes were blazing, as he stepped towards the man. "You ain't a drak edge Julian. Dark edges have more class and craft den de coward you are.
"Where's my sister freak?" Julian countered, tightening his fists.
"She's finally safe from de likes o'you!" Remy shouted.
Julian made a move once again, his rage blaring, his eyes sadistically focused on Remy. But Remy was faster, and far more agile. He had a bo staff removed from his jacket before Julian could reach him. And once Julian was close enough, Remy pulled him into an arm lock, shoving the staff to his neck, glowing red.
"I know you've heard dose stories bout' me Julian. De ones dat talk bout' me being le diable blanc? I've got a dark edge too Julian, one dat's a helluv a lot more dangerous den yours," Remy hissed, his voice low.
Rogue watched Julian swallow as Remy released him, shoving him back. Julian tightened his collar, scowling at the two. "Dis ain't over LeBeau! Y'can't fight an entire clan!" With that, Julian took off down the nearest alleyway. Remy made no move to follow.
"Dat was Belladonna's crazy brother. Knew I'd have de unfortunate chance o'running into him," Remy muttered, his words directed towards Rogue, while his eyes stayed attached to the alley.
"Maybe we should head back ta your place Remy-
"Non! I ain't gonna let Julian ruin our day petit." Remy grabbed hold of Rogue's hand once again, dragging her back into the crowds that had seemingly forgotten their short feud.
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Rogue sat on the porch swing many hours later, the creaking of the wooden bench humming along with her far away thoughts. Every detail of this place felt like home, as if she had known it once.
She rested her elbow on the bench's arm, letting her hand play with the curls of her hair as she stared forward in a lull.
She felt the pressure of him sit beside her, but he managed to seat himself without making the bench creak.
"Well ya definitely move with quiet steps swamp rat," Rogue observed with a smirk.
"Why chere, I don't think y'know me well enough to call me dat." Remy replied sarcastically, crossing his leg, his foot resting on his knee, as he tapped his finger against his leg.
"Your home fits meh surprisingly well Remy. Just like ya do." Rogue mouthed, one finger twirling a strand of hair.
"Well you can have dis home chere, cause it's caused me nothing but heartache for de last few years." He paused, and with an afterthought he turned to Rogue, placing one hand on her own. "Course you can have me too.
Rogue looked at him, snapping her head quickly, just catching his seductive wink. Rogue rolled her eyes. "Your humor seems way too comfortable with meh sugah, like Ah've heard all you jokes before.
"What is dis, hurt Remy night?" He asked, squeezing her hand playfully. Rogue laughed, leaning back against the bench. There were several moments of silence as Rogue watched the setting sun.
"Ah was thinkin' o'finding that Darkholme woman Remy.
She felt his hand tighten against her own, before he removed it. She sighed, knowing he would not react kindly to her decision.
"Dat ain't a good idea Rogue.
"Ah need meh memories back Remy." Rogue pressed, her tone longing.
Remy let his neck rest against the back of the bench as he kicked the wood patio, causing the bench to rock back and forth.
"Ah want ta know you Remy, but Ah need ta know myself first." Rogue sat up straight now, her head curved to face him.
Remy refused to meet her eyes, as he remained hunched low on the bench. Rogue felt anger began to boil within her, as her fist tightened.
Slamming her fist into the wood bench, Rogue caused the entire thing to collapse, as the bottom landed on the patio, bringing them both to the ground. Rogue pulled herself from the broken mess immediately, holding her wrist in surprise, flexing her fist open and closed. She looked down at the splintered wood, then met Remy's eyes.
He looked just as shocked as her, not moving a single muscle, his eyes almost fearful of her. "What just happened chere?" he breathed.
"Ah don't know Remy." Rogue replied, her voice soft.
Just then, Tante Mattie came running out the front door, concern written all over her face. When she took in the broken bench, she smiled.
"Now dat musta been some fight." She gave a hearty laugh, crossing her arms. But when she caught sight of the couple's expressions, she dropped her grin.
"I think we need a second Tante," Remy muttered, standing up from the broken wood, brushing his pants off.
"Sure thing Rem. Let me know if y'need me." She disappeared as quickly as she had come, leaving the two to themselves once again.
"Well, I'm gonna venture a guess chere, dat super strength is your gene mutation." Remy finally spoke.
Rogue swallowed. "Well, maybe-maybe Ah just hit rotten wood, maybe it was built weakly or something.
She watched Remy's brow raise. "How bout we test it den chere?
"On what?
Remy motioned for her to follow him back inside. He jogged quickly upstairs, and she followed at the same speed. She found them back in his bedroom.
"Ok, now chere, try pickin' up my dresser.
Rogue placed her hands on her hips in annoyance. When Remy just continued to wait, she dropped her arms and headed for the dresser.
She bent low, grabbing the bottom. It lifted under her fingers with ease, and in a matter of seconds she had it in her arms. Once again shocked, she dropped it hard, nearly toppling it over onto Remy.
"Maybe that was just a light dresser," Rogue spoke slowly.
"Every drawer was full Rogue." Remy walked towards her, grabbing hold of her shoulders, rubbing her arms.
Rogue took in a deep breath. "This is so strange. Ya would think this woulda come back ta meh sooner.
"Maybe your memories are starting t'come back now Rogue." His eyes looked so full of concern, their red glow comforting rather than appearing demonic. Rogue let herself relax, allowing herself to fall into Remy's arms, hugging him fully.
"That would be nice sugah.
"It'll happen, y'just need to relax chere." Remy held her close, his hands darting gently across her back.
Rogue pulled away from him then. "Or maybe Ah need ta get angry. That's what triggered the strength.
Remy let his hand reach out and cup her chin. "Or maybe any emotion on high will trigger it Rogue," he said huskily.
Rogue felt herself go weak, as she leaned back into his body. "Maybe Rem," her accent breathed thick like honey.
He smiled at the nickname, as he met her lips, letting his passion take over. He pressed his body hard into her, backing her up to the bed. Her hands roamed down his neck, across his shirt covered chest, slipping underneath the thin fabric, her warm fingernails trailing playfully across his skin. He moaned at the contact, his hand moving to reciprocate, one hand unbuttoning her lacy blouse.
They were new, yet familiar. Complete strangers really, but their hands moved with practiced grace as they collapsed fully naked onto Remy's bed.
And every curve fit with every curve, the unknowing feeling melting away with the unexplainable warming comfort.
