xXx
A month and a half.
One month and a half since he had gotten out of the hospital.
"Are you sure? It doesn't make me look fatter, right?" Rogue was examining herself in front of the mirror.
"Ro', you look absolutely beautiful. Can we please leave now?"
"Are you just telling me that to get me away from the mirror?" He sighed.
"No, I'm not. Come on, we're going to be late."
"But this dress-"
"Looks fine." He was uncomfortable. Terribly uncomfortable. He hated being in a tuxedo, he hated looking at people wearing tuxedos, and he hated weddings.
"Why are you so uptight?"
"I'm the best man and I have to be there before the wedding is over." She rolled her eyes and gave in.
"I hope no one there talks about premarital sex."
"Why?"
"Most people are against it." He blinked and she threw up her arms. "And I am pregnant with your child and we are not married!" They walked downstairs. "I won't be home for a while, 'Rene!"
"All right, Rogue."
"Oooooh!" The pregnant one halted and looked back the woman. "Is that.."
"Ice cream. Mint chocolate chip." Rogue's jaw basically fell to the floor.
"You can eat at the reception.." Remy started.
"Let me have a bowl on the way."
"You might spill it all over that dress." He grabbed her hand and smiled. "How about I take you out for ice cream when the wedding is over?"
"Fine."
xXx
"You should really take anger management classes."
"I don't need 'em." She snapped.
"Come on, that comment was filled with-"
"Sarcasm?" Rogue leaned her head against the window of the car. She stared outside as they passed other people, who were talking and laughing happily. "They should have picked a better day."
"Why?"
"It's going to rain." She said, her emerald eyes gazing upward, towards the swirling mass of gray clouds. Hopefully, both the reception and the wedding were inside. She knew it was inside the church but the reception.. she wasn't sure if it would be held in the family's backyard. They would have to have a large house to fit the entire guest list in it. Truth was, she never even met these people and would probably know no one. So, she would put on her sweetest façade and let Remy parade her around, showing her off. Hell, she didn't mind it at all. Nope. Not one bit.
"You okay?" He reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently.
"Peachy." She said softly. The truth was, she wasn't happy. She was going to someone else's wedding when she was pregnant and not even married. Her life was filled with horrible choices and anger and hatred. To her, she didn't have a childhood. That was better than the truth so she let herself believe it. Remy glanced at her then sighed and pulled his hand away. He could practically sense her misery. He was trying but nothing was working. He hoped against hope that it was her hormones. She closed her eyes and decided that falling asleep was better than this silence.
xXx
"Ro'." Remy shook her gently. "Ro', wake up. We're here." Rogue opened her eyes and looked over at him, blinking. "Hey." He whispered with a smile. "You okay?"
"Yeah." She yawned and blinked. "Where are we again?"
"At the wedding. Come on." He helped her out of the car and she leaned heavily against it.
"Who's weddin'?"
"My brother's weddin'."
"Which brother was that?" She asked looking at him through glazed eyes.
"Henri." Remy answered, blinking. He brought his hand to her forehead and narrowed his eyes. "You don't have a fever.. Are you delirious from something..?" He had no idea what to do.
"I feel sick, Remy." She closed her eyes and leaned her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm getting dizzy."
"Did you take anything this morning?"
"No." She said, wincing. "But could you not speak so loud?" They stood there for a moment before she looked back up and smiled weakly. "Maybe it'll pass. I'll be fine, okay? No need to worry."
"But-"
"I've felt worse and nothing was wrong then. See? I'll be okay." She took a step forward and grabbed his arm. "But could you escort me?"
"Sure." Remy walked her in and she looked down at the floor, feeling a little sicker than she hoped to be.
"Uhm.. Rem? Can.. Can you tell me where the ladies' room is?" He paled.
"Are you sure you can-"
"Remy LeBeau, I'll be fine. Just tell me where the goddamn bathroom is."
"Down this hall, to the right." She nodded and walked away from him, holding herself up as best as she could. Once she got into the bathroom, she went to a stall and leaned heavily against the door.
"Damn.. What the hell?" She felt horrible. Maybe she was just getting ill. She probably caught something. But she was right. The sick feeling passed five minutes later and she was able to see straight. She checked how she looked in the mirror again. She hated the color white. She hated it with a passion. But it wasn't a funeral; it was a wedding.
"Rogue?" She looked up when she left the bathroom, seeing Remy standing there, concern etched on his face.
"I was probably car sick. Nothing big to worry about. I feel fine now." She said with a small smile. "Now, can we get this over-with? You promised me some ice cream, mister."
"And that is one promise I won't dare break." He grinned and took her hand, leading her back down the hall. "I know you'd kill me."
"There are worse punishments than that."
"Like?"
"You'd be sleeping alone for the next year." He stopped.
"All for ice cream?"
"All for ice cream." She said with a grin. Then, her grin faded when they got into the crowded room. Remy squeezed her hand as a gesture of comfort but it didn't help. She was nervous. Very nervous. Someone saw them and made their way over.
"Well, if it isn't mon brother, Remy!" Rogue didn't look up. "Good to see you again."
"Same to you, Henri." Remy grinned. Then he saw his brother's gaze. "This is the one I was tellin' you about. This is Rogue. Rogue, this is Henri." The Southern girl finally lifted her gaze to meet with the man who was Remy's brother.
"Congrats, Henri." She said with a smile. Henri stared at her for a moment before he plastered a huge grin on his face.
"Well, aren't you pretty. Rem never was good at describing things in letters or over the phone. His description wasn't even close." Rogue blushed and turned her head to the side. "Timid, too. You look like such a sweet little thing. Thank you for comin' an' for the blessings." He gave Remy a slap on the back. "So, you've finally found the right girl to settle down with, hm?"
"Oui." A smile passed Rogue's lips and she felt her nervousness disappear. Maybe she shouldn't worry about what these people would think. And, if Marianne was right and Remy stayed with her, then these people would become her family.
xXx
When the wedding was done and over-with they all stepped outside. Rogue was right. It began to rain slightly. Mercy threw the bouquet of flowers and, while everyone else was feuding and pushing each other out of the way, Rogue looked up and caught it. She looked at Remy and he looked at her. They both blushed heatedly.
"Good luck, you two!" Everyone cried as they climbed inside the car. The limo drove away with the bride and the groom. Remy sighed and put his arm around his lover's shoulders.
"Well, let's get-"
"Remy." She felt his body tense. He had seen his father but had avoided conversation with him. "I see you've shown up."
"Jean Luc." Remy said, letting go of her and turning to face his father. "I see even you are here." There was a stony coldness to Jean Luc's face as he looked at Rogue. She then looked at Remy.
"I think I should wait by the car." She whispered and she turned away, walking calmly down the stairs.
"What is it with you?" Remy asked his father, narrowing his eyes. "Is it that you don't like to see me happy?"
"That isn't it." Jean Luc said with a shake of his head. "Are you with her because you made her pregnant?" Remy stared at the man in disbelief.
"How could you think such a thing?" He scoffed, suddenly angry.
"Because of the image you created for yourself."
"Is it against all logic and law that I've finally decided to make a right decision and settle down?"
"Oh, so you found a pretty southern belle and decided to 'settle down' with her?"
"No." Remy turned away and scowled. "I don't know why I'm even talkin' to you."
"Don't turn away from me, boy."
"You have unsettled issues with me, is that it?"
"Yes, that's exactly it." The cold words didn't even hurt him. They didn't make him shiver. They just hung in the air.
"Hm. Well, take your problems somewhere else."
xXx
Remy yawned and looked up at the sky. The night was dark and foreboding, no stars, no moon.. The streetlight he walked under flickered.
"Perfect. I hope she's happy." He sighed.
Henri's married before me. Never thought that would happen. But Mercy's a nice girl. Knew her for five years before he married her. That dolt. Could've done it last year. Ironic, how he proposed to her for her birthday.
His thoughts ended as he entered the hotel lobby. He felt that a few days away in a hotel with Rogue was needed. She did say that she wished it were just the two of them for a few days. He went up the stairs and arrived at the apartment.
"Remy." He looked up and dropped the bag. "I wanna go home." He smiled and nodded.
"Sure, Baby." He said softly. "We can go home tomorrow. I'm too exhausted to drive that long tonight." She nodded.
"What kind did you get me?"
"They had chocolate."
"That's fine." She grabbed the bag and went on her merry way to the bedroom. Remy rolled his eyes. All that way for ice cream. He had wanted to take a walk anyway. It was a chilly night but perfect for a short walk.
xXx
"Are you suggesting that you want to stay longer? I don't feel like being here, Remy." He leaned back in the chair and frowned. "I have this feeling that I should be home."
"Okay, we'll go." He smiled. "Get ready for a road trip!"
"It's only a three-hour drive." He scoffed.
"It's still a road trip."
"Whatever."
xXx
Remy leaned over and kissed her. She pushed him away with a laugh.
"I'm only going to the bathroom."
"Look at the line." She winked at him and got out of the car. He watched her walk over.
"Hey there.." She called to the woman in the front. The woman turned around and smiled. "Uhm.. I'm a little embarrassed but we've been on the road an hour an' I really have to go." She bit her lip. "I don't wanna cut or nothin' but.."
"Heavens, I remember when I was pregnant." The woman smiled. Many of the girls looked in the car and saw Remy and were too distracted to care. "You can go next."
"Thanks a lot." When she went in when the girl came out and went in. The woman looked back at the car. She smiled. Young couple, hm? She thought it was really sweet that they were taking a trip together. Remy sighed and leaned his head back, resting it on the seat.
"Aw, hell." He opened the door and got out. He needed a drink. Badly. Coffee time.
xXx
"Home! How I've missed you!" Rogue twirled around when she got on the porch. "At least I'm out of that damn dress from yesterday."
"I thought it looked good."
"Psh. You think I look good in anything."
"Of course you do." She opened the door and was a little surprised to see Raven and Marianne sitting with Irene in the living room.
"Hello, all!" She grinned. "How are you?"
"Good, and how are you feeling?" Raven smiled and stood up, going forward to hug to the mommy-to-be.
"Same as when I last saw you. Hello, ma, 'Rene." She greeted them with a smile.
"How was Henri, Remy?"
"He looked as good as ever an' Mercy looked good, too. I still say it's about damn time." Remy helped Rogue take her coat off then he took his own off. They both kicked off their shoes. "Went out to lunch today so no need to worry about Ms. Iamstarving."
"Shut up, Mr. AllIdoiscomplain." She crossed her arms and grinned. "I don't like being in the car with him for three hours."
"Well, you're not exactly a little ray of sunshine either." The three women watched the playful banter with smiles on their faces. Rogue sat down on the couch.
"It feels nice to be home." She closed her eyes and smiled.
"You better have been treating my little girl okay, mister." Marianne grinned and put an arm around Rogue's shoulders. "After all, she is bearing your child." Rogue laughed dryly.
"The only harm he could bestow upon me would be to get the wrong type of ice cream from the store." Everyone laughed. Remy blushed furiously.
"I only did that once!"
"It's a crime, my boy." Irene stated. "Pregnant women like to eat their favorite ice cream." Rogue suddenly got up.
"I want a pickle." Even grinned knowingly at the daddy-to-be. Remy slapped his forehead.
"I want a nap."
xXx
Rogue let out a groan of pain and slapped the other occupant of the bed.
"Remy." She groaned. "Remy!" He opened his eyes and blinked, looking over at her. Seeing her expression, he sat up and paled.
"What is it, Baby?" He asked in concern.
"I think I'm havin' contractions.." She gazed at him. "I-I want to call the doctor."
"We should have put a phone line in here.." He got out of bed and helped her up. He helped her down the hallway, and then down the stairs, then went to the phone. He turned on a lamp and watched her as she dialed the number of her doctor. "You okay?"
"It hurts, Rem." She said with a frown. "Do you think I'm okay?" He blinked.
"Doctor. The doctor needs to be called. Here's that stupid little thing to time them. I'll get you packed. You'll need clothes.. and.."
"Just get me clothes, Remy." She stated. Inside, she was in turmoil.
This is too early! We're not ready for this now! Why me, baby? Why now?
Remy noticed her hesitation reaching for the phone and also the look on her face. He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
"I'll be there with you. Now, call the doctor, okay? I need to get the stuff." She smiled and nodded. Then she felt her next contraction. She winced and breathed deeply. Remy went upstairs and fetched her some clothes and a bag to put it in. The next thing they both knew, they were heading to the hospital.
xXx
"What the hell is going on!?" Remy asked, frowning. Raven and Irene had been woken up and had called his mother, so the waiting room had three anxious females but that wasn't what the distressed boy was asking for.
"Well, she can't pass the baby."
"What's that mean?"
"It means that she will have to be prepared for surgery." He nodded, knowing he could do nothing about it. He looked over at her and went over.
"I'm going to use the phone and make a call. And I'll tell ma and the others, too." She nodded and smiled at him. "I'll be here when you wake up, okay?"
"'Kay." She said softly, watching him leave the room through glazed eyes.
xXx
"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up." Remy stated. Ever since he had that accident, Logan had made him promise to tell him when Rogue would be having the baby. "She's getting prepped for surgery."
"I'll be there in a few." They hung up and Remy went to the waiting room. He stood outside and stared at the three through the window, seeing them looking worried, excited, and tired. He smiled and went inside, trying to make the best of the news.
"How is she?" Marianne asked, standing up when she caught sight of him. Remy let out a sigh. He could not fool this woman, of that he knew.
"She's fine, the doc said. But she can't go through with the pregnancy. She's being prepped for surgery." The three gave each other weary looks. "She can't pass it."
"Cesarean Section." Raven slouched in her chair. "Did she take the idea without a fight?"
"She's in so much pain right now so she went with it. Besides, there is no fighting them because they're right, either way." He put his hand on his mother's shoulder and gently pushed down, making her sit. "The most we can do now is wait."
xXx
Rogue opened her eyes and lazily looked around the room. She felt.. fine. Just fine. Nothing else.
"Hey, look at you. Awake already." She turned her head and smiled slightly, still very tired.
"Don't be too sure, ya hear?" Remy brushed her hair out of her face and smiled.
"How do you feel?"
"Jus' fine." She answered drowsily. "Still tired.. like I haven't slept in days." He stared over at her, his warm brown eyes going to her hand, which he took.
"Then, sleep." She gave him a nod, then drifted off. Remy stared at her and leaned forward, gently kissing her hand before getting up to get something to drink. He walked by the nursery and peered in through the window. His eyes took in all the young, somewhat cheerful faces and others who were screaming and crying. He then sighed and continued on his way.
xXx
"Rogue?" Her eyes fluttered open and she looked to her right, where she remembered seeing him last time. Her eyes landed on a small figure, wrapped in a light blue blanket. "I requested blue. I know you hate pink and so do I.." He trailed off. She was staring at the bundle. Then her emerald eyes met his and he smiled. "Want to meet our little girl? She hasn't been named yet since you weren't ready last time." He stood up and leaned over, setting the child gingerly in her arms. She stared down at her baby with a smile on her face.
"Chantel." She whispered. Remy blinked.
"But that's-"
"What you called me when you saved me from that vender." She finished with a grin. "That's when we first met. You were the first person to ever become my friend, Rem. That's why I want to name her Chantel." He smiled and nodded.
"Chantel it is, then." Rogue nodded. "Do you want the others to come in? They're anxious to see both of you."
"Sure. Who's here?"
"Logan, ma, 'Rene, and Raven." He said softly. She nodded and he walked over to the door and went out. She looked down at her little child in her arms. Her little angel. The one who had been kicking the living shit out of her just not too long ago. The door opened a few minutes later and everyone piled into the room.
"Honey, how do you feel?" Marianne asked, worry shining in her eyes. Rogue smiled.
"Better."
"And what is her name?"
"Chantel."
"Nice name." Logan said with a grunt. "Seems to fit." He let a smile work it's way to his face.
xXx
Remy watched Rogue pace the floors of their bedroom as he leaned against the headboard, his hands behind his head. They had gotten in from the hospital that morning and had been home all day, spending it with their child.
"She'll be fine in that room, Cher." He said with a frown. "It was goin' to her, remember?"
"Yeah.." She bit her lip. "I just don't know if we can hear her cry or not.. What if-"
"Calm down and get some sleep. It's right next to this room and the walls are not sound proof, believe me." He rolled his eyes when she continued pacing the floor. "And don't even think about goin' to check on her. You'll wake her up and then no one will sleep."
"Shouldn't we have the crib in here, just in case? Just for a little while.."
"Baby, please come to bed. I'm tired and you have the light on because you can't pace in the dark. Now, come on." She sighed, knowing he was right. "I'll put the crib in here tomorrow when we've all had our sleep."
"Thanks, Rem." She went over and turned off the light then crawled in bed and let herself slip off to her dreamland
xXx
Well, long chapter, hmm? I'm rather fond of it. Cookies for me! =) Please review!