- 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: Well, I'm feeling kind of sad because of the whole Rogue and Remy supposedly breaking-up in the comics. I can't handle that! I just can't! Oh gosh… it's such a depressing manner. But if they do, I shall live through Ultimate X-Men where Gambit and Rogue will supposedly be together. I'm crossing my fingers for sure though, Gambit in UXM looks like a big old creepy bum. But I'll take what I can get. Anywho, thanks to though who have reviewed. This chapter is… well, could be better but you'll see the severity of the change in our favorite Cajun. Plus, I just want to get these two lovebirds home to the mansion. Anywho, please read and enjoy this chapter. And well, I'm not one to ask for reviews but anything would be good. Noticing that many of my readers have given up on me… and I blame for deleting my first account. sigh anywho, even if you're gonna flame me, please review! I'll read any review good or bad right now! Like, I said, I'll take what I can get. ;)
Enchantedlight, Kitsu Black, T., DreamCatcher89, Just Me, Allimba, Weapon X 61, Freak87, demiducky25, Animaniax: Thank y'all for reviewing and keeping me in good spirits about this story! You are all much loved by me! A million chocolate kisses for all! – muah!
Melancholic: Woman… I'm updating… why aren't you?? I think it's about time you keep your side of the bargain… tsk tsk. ;P Peace215: Well, about Grey… you'll learn more about his and Remy's relationship in this story. And you'll definitely learn a lot more in the next few chapters. So, stay tune for that. Oh, and the pills…. Well, you'll learn about that too. Wow, I would love to answer all your questions, but then there will be no point to write the later chapters. Trust me… it'll be very interesting once they return to the Institute. Thanks for reviewing though! Much love as always! You're my favorite, y'know that? =) Pyro Lady: Yups, Gambit's experiences are from before Somewhere I Belong, and it will get very interesting once all the secrets come out. Stay tune for that and I'm writing as fast as I can! Hope it's fast enough for ya! SickmindedSucker: Remy is stupid eh? Well… Rogue will know soon enough… scroll down ;P Episodic: I agree. Rogue is being naïve. Though, there will be an explanation on why she seems to be 'naïve' in this chapter. Wow… explaining all those stories must have been hella hard! Gosh… I wouldn't be able to stop talking if I had to explain all that to someone. Anywho, yups, more comics people will be in… well, the EVO people anyway. And Jubilee will be back though her role will be minor. You'll see! And yellow jacket… of course it's cool! Arikitten: Good question about Rogue draining him. Well, first of all, that won't work because she would just make him conscious. Not to mention, she will have his powers temporarily and will then be uncontrollable instead of Remy. And he will tell her soon… sort of. =) ishandahalf: Isn't it funny how you're mad at my Remy and I'm mad at your Remy? LoL… gosh… we've dug a hole for each other… TheRealMai: All your questions will be soon answered. Just wait! ;P PomegranateQueen: Your review had me in fits. I loved the bluntness of it! He is a moron eh?
Breaking The Habit
The light motion of his chest mesmerized her olive eyes as a soft sigh escaped her cherry lips. It was half past – she wasn't actually sure anymore, but it was pitch dark in the room and the only light emitted was from a tea light candle on the bedside table. Ever so softly, with her free hand, she gently ran her fingers through his auburn tresses. A murmur of content flowed out of him, but he did not stir from his slumber. Another sigh left her lips but she continued to gaze at him.
The past few nights she hadn't been able to sleep – though she wasn't sure how anyone could when the person she loved was stressed out to the extent that he was practically tormented by some secret he wasn't ready to share yet. It pained her to see him always so jumpy and nervous and even though she tried her best to calm him down, she knew she failed every time. If only he would tell her what was wrong, maybe then, she would know how to deal with it and how to help him. But, being the stubborn man he was, Rogue knew that he wasn't going to tell her anytime soon.
Though she was angry with him that he wouldn't share his secret with her, she was perhaps more disappointed. It was disheartening to know that the love of her life, the only person she would trust with her entire heart, body and soul could not do the same for her.
When she had first gained control of her powers, it wasn't simply the matter of him going into her mind and aiding her in the caging of her inner demons. When she had wakened and found that she could make physical contact, it took six months before she gained full control of her powers and the ability to turn it on and off. But, she had done it with him by her side. He had helped her every step of the way and he never gave up on her. When she needed him the most, she allowed him to be there and allowed herself to trust him.
Now, however, it hurt her to know that he wouldn't do the same for her. That he was going to cheat her of her position of the only person he could turn to; he could trust. And as she lied in bed next to him, a few tears trickled down her cheeks as she realized that the only person he could truly trust was himself and nobody else.
-xoxo-
"Earth to Rogue!" Sarah yelled loudly.
Rogue quickly snapped out of her daydream and with a blank expression, she turned around to face Sarah. "Huh?"
"What the hell were you thinking about? You seemed to be off on a world of your own." Sarah commented and raised a curious eyebrow.
"Oh… nothing. What were ya sayin?" Rogue asked quickly.
"Gosh… I don't think I wanna bother like repeating myself. Obviously, you're the one who needs t'talk. So, tell me, what's up?" Sarah inquired.
"Nothing. Nothing's up." Rogue answered unconvincingly.
"Mmhmm… and pigs can fly." Sarah commented sarcastically.
"Hmm…right. Okay." Rogue said dazedly.
"Okay, girlfriend, there is like something definitely not right. Spill it!" Sarah demanded.
"Really…nothing's the matter." Rogue drawled.
"Ohh…I see. Trouble in paradise?" Sarah questioned.
"No. No." Rogue dismissed.
"What are ya gals yakking about now?" A high nasally voice joined in.
"Rogue's having problems with Remy." Sarah told Sharon blatantly.
"Really? What's the matter, hun?" Sharon asked concernedly.
"Nothing is wrong." Rogue tried to reject their claim, but to no success since the two other women kept pestering her.
"Dearie, it's alright. We'll understand. Just tell us what's the matter." Sharon encouraged.
"Yeah, Rogue. We'll like help whatever way we can." Sarah chirped in.
"Fine, if it'll shut ya gals up. I just think Remy's keeping something from me; that's all." Rogue informed them.
"Aww… sweetie, is it another woman?" Sharon asked.
"Oh no! No! Nothing like that. If it was, he won't have a dick t'cheat on me wit'." Rogue stated strongly.
"Then, what is it, hun?" Sharon queried.
"He's just… ah don't even know. Ah can't even guess. He's been so different lately. Always nervous and looking over his shoulder. Ah think he's in trouble, but he won't tell me with whom or what." Rogue said in a defeated tone.
"Oh, sweetie… men can be such idiots." Sharon stated bluntly.
"I completely agree." Sarah concurred.
"Umm… this ain't exactly helping. But, oh… just forget about it." Rogue stated dejectedly.
"No no. We're not gonna forget about it at all. What you need to do is get it all out. So, what do you plan to do about it? You plan to confront him about all this?" Sharon questioned.
"Ah… well, ah've tried but he keeps telling me there ain't anything wrong. Ah don't know what to do anymore." Rogue said.
"Well, I think you need to push him until he tells you." Sarah said.
"Hmm… normally I would agree, but perhaps what you need to do is give him time so when he's ready, he'll tell you." Sharon suggested.
"That's what ah'm doin' now, but it hurts ya know? It hurts knowing that there's something wrong and there ain't anythin' ah can do about it. Ah just wanna make it go away for him like he has for me." Rogue said and started to choke up.
Immediately, Sharon took the girl into her arms and gave her a comforting hug. "It's alright, sweetheart. This shouldn't be a crying matter. I'm sure when you go home tonight, he'll come clean. It's not going to be so bad." The older woman said soothingly while she embraced the younger girl.
"Like I'm sure Sharon's right, Rogue. Don't worry too much about it. If you want, you can go home now and I'll cover the rest of your shift." Sarah offered kindly.
Rogue pulled back from Sharon's arms and dabbed her tears away with a napkin. "Ah can't do that to you, sugah. It ain't right. Ah can get through the next three hours." Rogue said.
"Look, it's totally okay. I need to hang around for a bit anyway, might as well make myself useful. You go home and figure this out and then come back tomorrow all happy and ready to work my morning shift." Sarah said in an upbeat tone and gave a wink to Rogue.
Rogue chuckled at the Sarah's subtly but decided to take her up on her offer. "Okay, That'll be fine. Thanks so much ya two." Rogue said and gave the two women a quick hug before she ran to the back to get her stuff to go home. She only hoped that whatever was causing him to be so discreet would finally be out in the open today.
-xoxo-
"Ya know this is the third time this week. Why are you going through these so fast?" Grey asked apprehensively.
"Dis ain't any of your business." Gambit snapped as he greedily reached for the bottle in Grey's outreached hand. Anxiously, he popped opened the bottle, took two pills and quickly swallowed them. A sigh of relief followed immediately as he felt his breathing become steadier.
"Something's not right. I don't think these things are working for you. The time intervals shouldn't be this short. A bottle should last you at least two weeks." Grey said slowly as if he was trying to figure out the puzzle regarding Gambit's new habit.
Gambit simply glared at him and without a word, he turned his back and began to walk away. "LeBeau! Wait! Give me those pills back." Grey requested and chased after Gambit.
"NON! Dese are mine." Gambit hissed and placed a protective hand over the pocket. His eyes were bloodshot containing more red than usual, and there was a sick twisted obsessive look in his eyes – a look that said he would kill to keep what was his. Grey stepped back and studied the Cajun. It was hard to believe that this junkie used to be his friend all those years ago. It was hard to believe that the red-eyed mutant, who so resembled the devil himself at the moment, could be capable of doing anything that regarded his own freedom. That was when he realized it. Gambit had no intentions of freeing him. Heck, Gambit couldn't even free himself of his own troubles. The revelation simply made Grey angry as he turned his back on the Cajun.
"Don't call me again, LeBeau. I ain't getting anymore for you." Grey said coldly and began walking away.
His words hit home for the Cajun addict, as Gambit ran after one of the most lethal mutants. "Grey. Y' can't bail out on me on dis. I've kept my word. You better damn well keep yours!"
"LeBeau you haven't kept shit. Does it look like I'm free from that lunatic? Does it look like I'm living in my rightfully deserved existence? No. I've kept my word but with the way you're going, you'll be lucky if you can get home. This shit ain't working for you. And you know it. Stop kidding yourself and get some real help." Grey hissed angrily.
"Real help? REAL HELP? And where de fuck do y' suggest I get dat? Go back t'dat monster and have him do god knows what t'me again? Or shall I go find Magneto and have him place dose metal plates in my head again? Better yet, why don't I just walk into a fucking hospital and ask for some assistance from a regular doctor dat knows shit about mutant genes?" Gambit snapped.
"Frankly, I don't give a fuck where you get that help from. Choose any of those, and I don't give a damn. I'd kill you now if it weren't for my debt to you. But the debt has been long repaid and there shall be no contact between the two of us anymore. So, get your help from whoever you choose, but I'm not an option anymore." Grey stated icily.
Sensing that Grey meant every word he said, Gambit began to get extremely desperate. Putting on a false smile, he said lightly, "Hey Grey. Y' don' mean dat. We buddies remember? De good ol' times? Remember all dose times I'd save your ass? Remember I get out den I come for you? Remember all dat, Grey? How are you gonna give up a friendship like dat?" While Gambit said all this, he tried to elbow Grey jokingly in the side. But Grey only looked at him with disgust and stepped away.
"Don't talk about the past. We were never friends and you know it." Grey said bluntly.
"What are y' talkin' bout? We used t'be de best of friends. Don't forget all dose times Remy be saving your life." Gambit pointed out, as an attempt to put some guilt on the other man.
"You saved my life because of your conscience. You were the reason I exist at all. Getting all those DNA samples and playing God. Those times you saved my life, you know it was because you couldn't live with the guilt of disrupting nature like y' did for dat madman. You created this sick mess for yourself. I owe you nothing. Now, fuck off." Grey said maliciously.
His harsh words didn't deter Gambit's desperation though as he attempted one more time to approach Grey in a chummy manner. "C'mon Grey. How y' gonna play dis Cajun like dat? After all we been through? Hey, if it weren't for me, y' wouldn't have met Malice. Remember how much y'love her?"
Instead of winning Grey over, he merely looked at Gambit with absolute hatred. Quickly, he took out a few metal pieces from his inner jacket pockets, and within seconds, he assembled a deadly spear like gun. Pointing the tip of the spear straight at Gambit's heart, he said blatantly, "Never mention her again. We were never friends. You're a pathetic junkie that will always look out only for yourself. Leave me alone, or I will kill you."
"Fine, y'fucking wanna work for dat shithead for de rest of your life. Go ahead. Don't expect help from me either." Gambit growled indignantly. Without another look at Grey, he turned around and left.
All Grey did was look after his former friend with pity and contempt.
-xoxo-
"Bastard t'inks he can play me like dis… he has anot'er t'ing coming." He growled as he twisted the doorknob and entered his apartment. Chucking his keys on the table, he continued to grumble as he walked towards the bedroom. While on his way there, he caught sight of his reflection and stopped mid-step.
There were heavy purple bags under his eyes. His pupils were dilated and since he did not shave in two days, a rough patchy beard was beginning to form. Not helping his appearance was his disheveled hair and a few lines that formed at the corner of his eyes. Shaking his head in disgust, he walked away from the mirror, threw his coat on the bed and ambled back out to the kitchen. Heading for the cabinet, he could almost taste the rich taste of the bourbon he craved urgently at the moment. Grabbing a shot glass and the bottle, he poured himself a shot and quickly downed it. While still holding the glass in hand and proceeding to pour another shot, the glass began glowing the way too familiar amber again. Quickly, he threw the glass across the room.
BOOM!
It exploded in mid-air above the couch.
"OWWW! SHIT!" A feminine voice screamed and jumped up off the couch. Rogue looked down at her arms and there were cuts everywhere. Not to mention, she was bleeding intensively while a few shards of glass was still stuck in her open wounds.
"Rogue?? Chere?? Are y' alright?" Remy asked frantically and ran across the room with a towel in hand.
"REMY! DROP THE TOWEL!" Rogue screamed.
Remy looked down at the towel and he knew what to expect. The towel was now a bright crimson and he threw it into the air and took cover.
BOOM!
He got up off floor and sprinted to Rogue. She was still bleeding but she seemed to be more worried about him than with her own wounds. "Remy, you're gonna tell me what's going on now." She stated strictly with a hint of trepidation.
"Chere, are y' okay?" He ignored her question to ask his own. He reached for one of her arms but she pulled away and he caught the edge of her shirt instead. Instantly, her shirt began glowing crimson, and it took her merely a few seconds to rip her shirt off. She threw it away from them, and once again:
BOOM!
Again, being more concerned about her than himself, he tried to reach for her, but she stepped away from him. "Remy, what is going on here?" She asked sternly with her eyes wide with fear.
"Let me help y' wit' dose first." He said and pointed to her numerous cuts.
"No… ya tell me what's going on right now." She demanded.
Shaking his head in distress, he walked to the bathroom for some band-aids in the medicine cabinet. But as soon as he touched the knob, it turned into a burning red, and he quickly took cover.
BOOM!
Knowing that he was completely out of control now, he raced for the bedroom where the pills were sitting in his coat pocket. However, he was stopped by Rogue who stood pointedly in his way. "Tell me what's going on!" She cried as tears started streaming down her cheeks.
"Rogue, get out of my way first. I need 'em, den everyt'ing will be fine." He insisted as he tried to get around her.
"REMY! YOUR CLOTHES!" She cried loudly.
He looked down and every piece of clothing he was wearing was all glowing that dreaded scarlet. Quickly, he undressed himself with Rogue's help as she mauled off his shirt. They threw it away from themselves with a second to spare.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"Remy! Tell me what's going on! Please!" She begged as she maintained her distance from her nude boyfriend. Remy collapsed to the floor and was gasping for air.
"Can't breathe, chere. Can't breathe. Need 'em." He managed to say in a faint hollow tone.
"Get what? Where are they? What?" She asked hysterically as she kneeled next to him. He reached for her hand and she gave him a tight squeeze, tears flowing uncontrollably, while she tried to be strong yet finding it a difficult task since she was completely horrified from what she was witnessing.
"Jacket…pills" He managed to lip to her.
"Okay… don't die on me, Remy. Please." She begged as she got up off the floor. His hand was still gripping hers though. Suddenly, she felt a burning sensation in her hand and without even having to look, she knew that Remy was somehow charging her skin and making it burn.
"Remy, you're hurting me. Let go!" She cried frightfully and yanked her hand away from his. He looked at her in horror as he realized that he had hurt her. She didn't bothering looking down at the redness of her palm and instead ran to the bedroom. Frantically searching through the many pockets of his trench coat, she finally produced a strange bottle that contained thirty or so round pills. Running back to him, she rapidly opened the bottle and took a couple out.
Kneeling next to him once more but ensuring that no skin contact was made, she swiftly dropped two pills into his mouth. He swallowed them both and closed his eyes. Never would he have thought that it would come to this. But it had, though his entire body felt numb, and it was painful to breathe, what hurt the most was knowing that he had hurt Rogue. That he had not only emotionally hurt her but physically as well. She had all the cuts, bloods, and bruises to prove it.
Crying hysterically, Rogue bravely touched the side of his face as she asked worriedly, "Are ya okay, Remy? Tell me you're okay."
Opening his eyes slowly, though not wanting to for he would have to face reality and the mess that he, and him alone, had created. Tears were in his eyes too as he couldn't even bring himself to answer her vocally. Instead, he simply nodded his head 'yes'.
She sighed with relief though her eyes still held that fear that he was responsible for. "We're gonna get ya help, sugah. Ah ain't gonna let ya do this alone. Everything's gonna be fine. Just don't die on me." She said as her tears fell onto the side of his cheek, intertwining with his own.
He simply nodded his head in agreement though it was painful to do even that. Before she got up to go grab the First Aid kit, she gave him a ravenous kiss on the lips and mouthed, 'Ah love ya'.
He simply nodded his head.
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