- Y'all know the dilly yo that I don't own Marvel or these characters no matter how hard I wish on that shining star… figures that wishes don't come true… blah blah blah
Author's Note: First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for your reviews! I don't have the time to respond to them being that it's three in the morning and I just spent an hour finishing this chapter up. Not to mention before I started finishing this, I was cleaning my house for almost seven hours straight! It's all clean and pretty now!! YAY! I invite all of you over to check it out and P-A-R-T-Y! Just don't mess the place up… LoL. Anyway, I am so dead tired and I apologize for not updating this story sooner. I had meant to do so, but stupid life is getting in the way of But, I'll soon be unemployed and it'll free me up to write more chapters hopefully. Anywho, everyone, read, review, and enjoy! Much love always!
Breaking The Habit
Italian, Cantonese, English and Spanish intersected each other, as the many conversations were spoken all at the same time within the tiny diner. Though the food could not be considered great and the maintenance of the place was questionable, the regulars kept coming back. It could be because of the convenience of the location. It could be because of the low cost of the food, despite the taste of it. But, she liked to believe it was because of the friendly atmosphere the diner offered.
The interesting characters that ran the restaurant always had a smile on their faces, despite some of the rougher times each individual faced. For instance, there was the boss, Larry. His wife had left him after ten years of marriage, but instead of dwelling on his loss, he focused on opening the diner. Though she was the one who had left him, he had been emotionally released from her with the help of the diner. Rogue liked to believe that was the reason why he held such affection towards the tiny establishment, and never took a day off during the week. Plus, Larry often donated his time and effort at the shelters on the Thursday nights he did take off from the diner, though keep in mind, he still worked the Thursday morning shift at the diner. Larry was an extremely kind and generous man, and Rogue often thought of him as a father she never had, but always wished she did when growing up.
Then, there was the head waitress, Sharon. One look at her, anyone would be convinced that they had seen her in a movie or television show of some sort, for she looked exactly like the stereotypical waitress in the movies. She had long curly red hair, which was pulled back into a puffy ponytail. She also had cat eyeglasses and a nasally voice. Beyond her somewhat obnoxious appearance and voice, she was perhaps one of the sweetest women Rogue had ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her friendliness was always blunt but she never rejected anyone. There were times when skeptical characters came into the diner, but Sharon always showed them the same respect and courtesy she did everyone else. Rogue thought highly of the women, not only because of her overt good nature and kindness, but also because she was the first person she talked to about her new sexual experiences with Remy a year ago. The understanding and advice Sharon had given her had really made her feel more secure about her ability to touch.
Then, there were Jorge, Michelle and Sarah, also known as the Trents since they were siblings and also, the nieces and nephews of Larry. When, the Trents' parents had died in car crash fifteen years ago, Jorge was merely ten, Michelle was seven, and Sarah was only five. Larry's sister was their mother and since the kids had no other relatives willing to take them in, Larry had stepped up to the plate. He took the kids in and raised them as if they were his own. That was probably one of the reasons why Larry's marriage never worked out since his ex-wife always disliked taking care of kids that weren't her own. The fact that she couldn't get pregnant didn't improve the situation either, as so Rogue had heard from Sharon. Nonetheless, the children stood by their uncle and loved him as if he really was their father. Though they only worked part-time at the diner, the Trents were constantly a joy to be around, having undoubtedly picked up the optimistic outlook on life from their uncle despite the hardships they had faced earlier on in life. Rogue enjoyed the company of the Trents especially Sarah who was the closest in age to her. But every time she chatted with the petite brunette, it left a bittersweet taste since she always reminded her of Kitty and made her realized how much she missed her ex-roommate.
It had been officially two years since she had last seen anyone from the Institute. Sure, she had called maybe twice to inform them that she was okay and sent the annual Christmas cards. But, besides that she didn't have contact with any of them. It might seem like a rather ungrateful thing of her to do, but the Institute held too many terrible memories for her and she was never quite ready to face any of it. The shaky joining of the team, the solitude she felt constantly, the difficulty of controlling the voices and the breaking point; the coma Remy suffered because of her. The memories pained her every time she thought about it and that was the reason why she had never tried to stay in touch with the X-Men. They would only serve as a reminder to her, when her life used to look grim every single day.
But, on a sunny day like today, Rogue rid of her negative thoughts and only concentrated on the positive. She had a great job with people she truly cared about. She had her powers under control, although she hadn't actually used her powers in over a year and was not a hundred percent positive that they still worked the same way. She had a loving boyfriend who she knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The lunch hour rush had just ended and there was only four more hours to go in her shift. Then, she would be home where a handsome caring man was waiting for her.
"So, I totally like thought man, he is definitely the 'one', y'know? Don't ya totally think so, Rogue?" Sarah asked excitedly while talking about her latest boyfriend.
"He sounds pretty great…" Rogue answered politely and restrained herself from rolling her eyes. Sarah always claimed that every boyfriend she had was the 'one', and usually the relationships never lasted more than two months.
"Yeah… but he isn't anything like Remy. You got lucky there, girlfriend." Sarah pointed out.
Rogue flushed a rosy pink and shrugged off the comment. "Thinking 'bout your guy again?" Sharon asked as she came up from behind her.
Rogue opened her mouth to deny the claim, but was interrupted by Sharon once more. "Don't bother lying t'me. I can tell y' were thinking of him by the way you're blushing. Heck, if I can land a man like that, I'd blush every time I think of the naughty lil' things we do t'gether."
Sarah and Sharon both started laughing as Rogue continued to blush profusely. Instead of responding to the redhead's bold comment, Rogue simply turned around and went to check on her customers.
"Hey, darling, more coffee please?" A customer requested and held up his empty mug.
Rogue sauntered over to him with the pot in hand and while she poured she said automatically, "Of course, sugah. Anything for my best customer."
"So, I'm your best customer eh?" The pleased man stated more than asked, as he looked at Rogue suggestively. Not quite sure how to respond, since a customer never reacted so daringly before, Rogue merely batted her eyes and gave him a smile.
"If I'm your best customer then, what say we go out one of these nights?" He asked intrepidly.
"Ah'd loved to, sugah, but ah'm spoken for." Rogue answered proudly, gave the customer one more dazzling smile before she turned around and walked away.
Yes, life was good for the white-striped hair mutant gal and there was plenty to smile about these days. But, if she had known what was happening to her boyfriend merely ten miles away, she would undoubtedly have thought otherwise.
-xoxo-
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
His eyes darted back and forth intently as he muttered every curse he knew underneath his breath. He had specifically said 'one hour' but he had been standing there for over ninety minutes now and his patience was waning. During that time, he had managed to keep his powers under control but he didn't know how much longer he could keep it that way. Gazing down at his hands, the fear overcame him once more. The same fear he felt when his powers had first mutated; the kind of bewildered fear where he knew that all the innocence he had was officially gone and now, all there was to look forward to was the jaded death that fate had promised him since birth.
Tightening his hand into a fist, he pounded the brick wall he had just been leaning against before. A shock of pain followed rightfully after the action, but he ignored it as he continued to curse endlessly. It was never the pain that bothered him. He was one who could take pain. It was the confusion, the frustration, and the anxiety that bothered him. He still couldn't explain why he was losing control at a moment where he finally had his life in order, when everything was actually perfect for him. He should have known that the past would catch up with him and there was no escape from it.
But he didn't want to believe it, for if he even uttered a word about it to anyone, he would lose everything dear in his life including Rogue. She could never understand what he had to do. Heck, he didn't even understand why he did the things he did. Many nights he tried to convince himself that it was the desperation that forced him to seek help from the man, but desperation or not, he shouldn't have done those wretched deeds. Regrets or not, they were done and the past cannot be re-lived. All he could was suffer the consequences; yet, he had absolutely no intention of doing just that.
If only he could just get his hands on them. Everything would be fine and his powers would be under control once more. He only needed a few. A few would do the trick. "Where de fuck is he?" He cursed beneath his breath.
"Right here, y' bastard." A low voice answered him.
Gambit's head snapped to the left, and stepping out from the shadows was a brawny fellow with shaggy black hair and a mustache. While the man appeared to be a force to reckon with, he was as nervous and jumpy as Gambit.
"Where is it, Grey?" Gambit asked pointedly.
"I don't know why I helped you. He's gonna kill me if he finds out." Grey stated.
Glaring at him while approaching him, Gambit snatched him by the throat and lifted him up into the air. The man struggled slightly as he tried to breathe. "I said where is it?" Gambit growled menacingly.
Grey stuck his hand into his pocket and produced a bottle of small round pills. He held it out to Gambit who quickly seized it and dropped Grey to the ground. The man landed roughly onto the floor while Gambit popped one of the pills. A loud of sigh of relief was let out by Gambit as he felt the control returning completely. Dusting himself off, Grey stood up annoyingly and asked, "What the fuck is your problem anyway? You know I can't leave that place for very long. You know I ain't supposed to steal that shit from him. And what the fuck is wrong with your powers?"
"Look, I'm sorry, but I needed it. And don't give me dat shit of an attitude. I saved your life many times, Grey, or have y' forgotten?" Gambit retaliated.
"Y'call practically being a slave t'that monster a life worth living? Fuck, if I had know then, I would have asked you to kill me right there and then." Grey retorted angrily.
Guilt overcame Gambit as he recalled the events Grey Crow, code name: Scalphunter, was referring to. Softening ever so slightly, Gambit responded in a much calmer voice. "Homme, I didn't know he was gonna use y' for dat. I'm sorry about it. But would y' rather be dead and never experienced what y' did wit' Malice?"
"Don't mention her name, and in case you forgotten she's fucking dead too and at the hands of that monster. Y' did this, LeBeau. Y'know it. I don't even know why I helped y' get those damn pills. But rests assure that the debt I owe you is repaid. Never call me again, I owe you nothing." Grey said bitterly.
"Non. Look, Grey, I need your help. My powers are a lil'… let's say, malfunctioning at de moment, and I don' know how long before dey'll be fine again. I promise I'll try t'do everything I can t'get y' out of dat hellhole. Just promise me y'll get me de pills when I ask y' too… please." Gambit pleaded as the desperation returned. He wasn't sure the thirty or so pills in his hands were going to last long, and he needed to ensure that if he didn't have any more of it, he would still be able to get some.
"You're full of lies, LeBeau. You're not gonna get me out. The only thing ya care about is yourself." Grey scoffed indignantly.
"It ain't like dat anymore. I promise I'll get y' out. Just keep in touch, d'accord?" Gambit requested as his voice cracked slightly.
Grey's hard cold eyes studied the Cajun, trying to figure out his true intentions, but he couldn't conclude anything. Thinking back to the hellhole where he was practically kept a slave, Grey could almost taste the freedom Gambit was offering. Though he tried hard to cover up his own desperation, Grey knew that he wanted Gambit to be telling the truth. That was the only way he could ever be free.
"Fine. But, get this straight, Gambit. I'll kill you if you don't keep this promise." Grey threatened.
"Dere's no need for dat since I ain't gonna break de promise. So, y' keep getting what I need and I'll do what I can t'get y' out." Gambit finalized, gave one more look at Grey, then, turned and leapt up on to the escape ladder of the building. He began his way home, while he constantly reached into his pocket where the important bottle of pills was sitting.
-xoxo-
Grunting frustratingly as the palms of his hands began to turn red, he let out a sigh of defeat and plopped back on to the bed. He stared down at the undone tie hanging from his neck and cursed silently at it.
Giggling interrupted his activity though as he stared up at beautiful auburn and white haired woman gazing down at him. "Did ya need some help, sugah?" She offered her services.
Grinning back at her, he simply nodded his head 'yes'. "Well, then at least get up." She urged, but instead obeying to her command, he looped his arms around her and pulled her down to him.
"REMY!" She shrieked in a feigned annoying tone.
He ignored her cry and hugged her tightly to himself. Eventually, Rogue didn't bother to fight his sudden need for affection and settled into his arms. Neither of them spoke as silence took over. Usually, the silence was just as welcomed as the conversations. However, today, the silence felt odd and left a bitter taste in Rogue's mouth as she sensed that something was definitely not right with Remy. Softly, she asked, "Is something wrong, sugah?"
Ignoring her question, he merely held her tighter to him. This action only added to Rogue's suspicion, but she knew that at this moment, it was not the right time to nag him about trusting her. She could feel that he needed comfort and reassurance, even though she wasn't sure why. Nonetheless, she acted her role as she hugged him tighter to herself, and whispered ever so softly, "Ah love ya. Always have. Always will."
She seemed to have done the job as he loosened his grasp on her and kissed her sensually on the lips. When he pulled away from her, he whispered back, "Je t'aime toujours."
She brushed the side of his face with the back of her hand, gave him a light kiss on the cheek and pulled herself up on the bed. He followed suit, and once he was up as well, she began doing his necktie.
"So, what did ya do t'day?" She asked in an attempt to avoid the real problem at hand by focusing on small talk.
"Not too much. Just cleaned and shopped." Remy answered indifferently.
"Ah've noticed. What possessed ya t'buy a whole new dinner set, not t'mention a table, chairs, cushions and a phone?" She queried. When she had returned home, she thought she had walked into the wrong apartment as soon as she stepped through their entrance. Their home had been almost completely re-furnished and it irritated her slightly that he did such a thing without consulting her.
"We just needed a change, chere. Since I didn't have anyt'ing t'do today. I t'ought it'd be good t'make use of de money we got recently." Remy shrugged off her question, not looking her in the eyes though. He hated lying to her, but he convinced himself that once his powers were in tact again, he would tell her everything that had happened. This way, she wouldn't worry about him unnecessarily.
"If ya say so then…" Rogue said and finished off his tie.
"Merci, chere." Remy thanked her.
"You're welcome, sugah. Now, Ah gotta get changed." She said and walked towards the bathroom where her red slip-dress was waiting for her.
"D'accord. Don't keep me waitin' too long though." Remy said and headed towards the mirror in the room. Grabbing the gel from the top of the dresser, he squeezed a bit onto his hands and ran it through his auburn hair. Looking at his reflection, he decided to put a little more gel in. He reached for the bottle again and as soon as he touched it, the bottle turned the familiar crimson. He quickly chucked the bottle out the opened window where it exploded in the air with a loud 'Boom'!
Rogue rushed into the room with her hair half-done and asked worriedly, "What happened??"
"Nothing. It was nothing." Remy replied as he turned around and reached into his jacket pocket without her seeing.
Not believing a word he was saying, she walked over to him but he had already popped a pill by the time she reached him. She spun him around and took his hands into hers. Examining it, she asked again, "What happened?"
"Nothing. I accidentally charged the bottle of gel." Remy explained and took his hands away from hers.
"Remy, ya don't ever accidentally charge things…" She said and arched an inquisitive eyebrow.
"Chere, dere's always a first for everyt'ing. I'm fine really. It won't happen again." He assured her.
Still eyeing him apprehensively, he smiled warmly for her and encouraged, "Just go back and change. Den we can go out for our night on de town. Watch a good show, have dinner at a nice restaurant… all de t'ings y'love but we can't do if y' stand here undressed."
Softening up a little upon being reminded of the night ahead, Rogue simply turned around and headed back to the bathroom without saying a word.
Sighing with relief, Remy turned back towards the mirror and looked straight into his eyes. Taking the bottle out of his pocket, he opened it and popped another pill.
Just in case anything should happen again.
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