- 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
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Breaking The HabitThe flickering of his eyes intensified her worry as she gently stroked the side of his cheek with the back of her blood stained hand. His breathing became steady again, but his skin colour seemed to have gotten paler. Drops of tears fell onto his naked body, but she didn't bother wiping her tears away. The emotions that ran through her were too conflicted – painful. She couldn't be concerned with meticulous things such as wiping her tears or tending to her numerous bleeding wounds. All that mattered to her was his welfare and whether or not he would live.
"Remy?" She queried softly in a trembling voice.
Hearing the fear in her tone, he forced himself to open his eyes and look at her despite all the pain he had to endure to do such a simple task. Even though he was able to make eye contact with her, it merely furthered her crying.
"Ya got me so scared, sugah. Do ya need anything?" She asked concernedly.
Slowly opening his mouth, he found that the dryness of it prevented him from saying anything, although the pain had something do with it as well. Sensing that he was trying to communicate vocally with her but couldn't, she knew exactly what he needed.
"Ah'll be right back, hon." She said and got up. Swiftly running to the kitchen, she grabbed a glass and turned on the tap. As soon as water was filled to its rim, she ran back to the motionless Remy and sat back down next to him.
Gently lifting his head with one of her arms, he gave an excruciating grunt. "Ah'm sorry, Remy." She apologized.
He responded with a meek smile and she began lifting his head up again. When she propped him up high enough, she took the glass of water with the other hand and placed the rim of it on the edge of his lower lip. Opening his mouth slowly due to the agonizing pain, he finally widened it enough for her to tip some water into it and down his throat. Choking at the intrusion of the water sliding down the wrong tube, he coughed some of it back. The regurgitated water trickled down the side of his jaw, as she slowly poured a bit more down his throat. This time, he swallowed the water with no problem except for the distressing sensation it stirred in his chest.
Ever so tenderly, she placed his head back onto the floor and got up once more. Not being able to stand the paleness of his skin nor the blue that it was turning, she ran to the bedroom and grabbed the comforter off their bed. Returning in a matter of seconds, she placed the blanket over his nude body as she rubbed his arms up and down, trying to stir some warmth in him.
"Why didn't ya just tell me, Remy? Why did ya have t'keep me in dark about this? Why did it have t'come to this?" She asked quietly as the tears continued to fall.
Using immense effort, he lifted his hands and brushed a few tears away from her cheeks. "I'm sorry, chere." He managed to say.
The tears fell even more as she pressed his hand against her stained cheek. "We're gonna go back, sugah. We need t'get ya help." She stated.
He nodded his head in agreement before he closed his eyes again.
Keeping one hand on the wheel while biting the fingers on her other hand, she drove down the empty road and towards the horizon. Fighting back the tears, the events of last night still burned vividly in her mind. All the hasty arrangements, the meticulous yet important details, the cleaning up of all the blood, she wasn't even sure how she completed any of it. However, one glance at the sleeping Cajun beside her, she remembered where the determination derived from. He had slept all night, waking only every so hours to take one of those mysterious pills that she didn't even know where he had gotten it from. She still hadn't heard the whole story, but at this point she didn't care to know. All she needed was for him to be well again. That was all that mattered.
Pushing the gas pedal harder, she grasped the wheel tighter. However, she whimpered softly as she released her hand and switched it to the other. Shaking her bandaged hand out, confusion muddled her thoughts. Remy had charged her hand, and though he didn't make it explode, he had burned it. He couldn't charge organic items. It was impossible; then again, after last night it seemed nothing was impossible.
The grand steel gates were in view as she slowed down. Pulling up to it, she braked softly and turned off the engine. Taking a deep breath, she leaned her head back against the headrest. She turned her head slightly to her right and gazed at her sleeping amour while lightly brushing his cheek with the back of her bandaged hand. Stirring slightly, he woke from his slumber and smile mildly while he stared into her tired green eyes with his own tired red ones.
"Mornin' Sunshine." She greeted softly, and returned the smile.
"Mornin' Gorgeous." He whispered.
She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips. Pulling back, she said, "We're here."
"I know." He simply responded.
"Are ya ready?"
"Question is, are you?"
"Remy…"
"We don' have t'do dis, y'know? I can…we can get help from somewhere else. If you're not ready, chere, I understand." He stated.
Wrapping an arm around his neck and pulling herself closer to him, she gazed into his eyes and said quietly, "This isn't about me. This is about you. And by now, don't ya know ah'd do anything for ya?"
Inhaling deeply, he leaned in and kissed her delicately on her unusually dry scarlet lips. "I'm sorry, chere." He apologized while retrieving back merely an inch from her.
"Ain't got anything t'be sorry about, sugah." She replied.
"I didn't mean t'hurt y'." He apologized further.
"As long as ya love me, ya won't hurt me."
"How can y' be so unafraid of me… of my powers when…"
"Ah think it was you who said, 'Dere are too many things t'be when around y' but scared ain't one of dem. [1]'" Rogue quoted the words he had said so many rainy nights ago.
Chuckling softly, he said, "Y' still remembered dat?"
"Ah remember everything when ah'm with ya." She stated softly.
"Je t'aime."
Kissing him again, she whispered, "Je t'aime aussi."
He circled his arms around her waist and she climbed over to him and seated herself on his lap. She buried his head in the crook of his neck, while he burrowed his in her hair. They simply held each other, cherishing the final moments before they had to face reality again.
"Are ya ready t'go, sugah?" She asked quietly, and as she did, she tightened her hold slightly on him.
"A few more minutes?" He requested and tightened his hold on her.
"Anything ya want, sugah."
-xoxo-
Checking herself once more to ensure that all her bandages and scars were covered, she held Remy's hand and glanced up at him. He looked back down at her, and they both felt the same nervousness and anticipation.
"So, ya gonna ring it or me?"
"Umm… me." Remy answered and pressed the doorbell quickly.
Within seconds, someone opened the door and gasped. "Rogue? Remy?"
"Hi Kurt." Rogue greeted with a smile.
"ROGUE!" He cried excitedly and embraced her enthusiastically.
"KURT!" She squealed as he spun her around.
"I can't believe you're back! You're back! I haven't seen ya in forever. That isn't a very good sisterly thing t'do!" He reprimanded happily as he placed her back down on the ground.
"Well… ah'm here now, right?" She asked, somewhat hesitantly.
"Right! And Remy, good t'see you." Kurt greeted genuinely and held out his hand for the Cajun to shake.
"It's good t'see y' too." Remy said as he shook Kurt's hand.
"Oh gosh… I can't believe you two are home. Vell… come in! Don't be a stranger." Kurt said and dragged them in.
"Kurt, who was at the…oh, it's you two." Kitty said coldly, as she just entered the foyer. Rogue smiled at her former roommate but did not receive the same sentiment. Glancing at Kitty, Rogue noticed that she looked like a completely different person. Her hair was at shoulder length; she was dressed in jeans and a black hoodie; and her usual carefree eyes certainly had lost that innocence.
"Hi Kitty." Rogue greeted.
"Hey. Well, I'll be in my room if you need me, Kurt." Kitty said and quickly left the room. Remy looked at Rogue for an explanation. She shrugged and turned her attention to Kurt for an explanation. He looked away hesitantly and said, "Kitty's been through some stuff…her parents…vell, it's not my place t'say. And she never got over the fact that you didn't ever come back or kept in touch… but she'll get over it now that you're back. I know she will so don't worry." Kurt ended off his explanation optimistically.
"Come one, let's go see the rest of the clan." Kurt said and began leading the way.
"Kurt, if it's not too much trouble, we're kind of tired from the long drive. Ya think we can see the professor, settle in, and then do this big homecoming later?" Rogue requested.
"Vell… ve can do two of the three. The Professor, Storm, Beast and Wolverine are on a mission right now. They're not back until tomorrow. But, you two can certainly settle into your bedroom first and ve'll have a big dinner later." Kurt suggested.
"That'll be great, Kurt. Thanks." Rogue said and hugged her brother while giving him a peck on the cheek as well. Kurt went as pale as a blue furry mutant could while his body stiffened. "Roguey, what did you just do?"
Remy and Rogue were both chuckling at Kurt's frightened response. "Ah can touch now, silly." Rogue explained as if it was such a known fact.
"Since ven??" He asked anxiously.
"Ah don't know… it's been a while. Guess ah forgot t'mention in the Christmas cards. Ya happy for me?" Rogue asked and gave him a lopsided grin. Kurt quickly embraced his sister in another gigantic hug. "Of course I'm happy for you!" He exclaimed.
"Kurt… not dat I wanna get in de way of dis beautiful sibling moment, but can y' try not t'suffocate my girlfriend?" Remy politely asked and Kurt quickly let go. Rogue was inhaling deeply, though a smile was still plastered on her face. "Sorry, Rogue." Kurt apologized sheepishly.
"It's alright, Kurt. And thanks, sugah." She directed her gratitude to Remy who grinned coyly at her. Rogue rolled her eyes and asked Kurt, "So who's in charge with all the adults gone?"
"I am." A deep voice answered from behind them. Rogue cringed slightly upon hearing the unexpected individual, while Remy looped a protective arm around Rogue's waist.
"It's good to see you, Rogue. Welcome home." He said and waited for her to turn around. Slowly, she turned around with Remy's hand grasping her side a bit firmer. "Thanks, Scott." Rogue responded and forced a small smile.
"Gambit." Scott said curtly and nodded his head.
"Cyclops." Gambit replied as curtly as the X-leader.
After that short exchange, awkward silence filled the room. Even Kurt was speechless and didn't have a clue how to break the unusual quiet. Finally, Rogue said, "Ah think Remy and ah are gonna go settle in. Maybe get some shut-eye before dinner. We'll see ya two later." Smiling once more at her brother and her former crush, she took Remy's hand and dragged him towards the direction of the bedrooms.
She wasn't quite sure which rooms was theirs or if there were even any spare rooms, but she would rather amble aimlessly then stay within three feet of Scott Summers for any longer.
-xoxo-
Resting her head on his chest, she breathed in his musky spicy scent and relished in the light heaving of his chest. As soon as they had found an empty room, they had crawled into bed and simply held each other. Though, he quickly fell asleep and there was no doubt in her mind that it was because he was physically a lot weaker now due to his uncontrollable powers.
Her mind was at peace for the moment regarding Remy, for she always felt at ease when she knew he was resting. However, her heart was torn by the cold reception Kitty had given her that afternoon. Rogue really couldn't blame her for acting that way, but at the same time, Rogue had thought that her friendship with Kitty was a bond that would forever be connected. Despite their differences from the very beginning, Rogue had always thought of Kitty as her best friend. Kitty was the only one who could put up with her attitude and actually talked back to her when the younger mutant was fed up with her. The idea that she had ruined a friendship so great really put a strain on Rogue. Quickly, she got up and gave Remy a soft kiss on the forehead. "Ah'll be back soon." She whispered, though she wasn't sure he could even hear her.
Glancing in the mirror quickly, she made sure that her cuts were all hidden. Noticing that her make-up had smudged slightly and a bruise was becoming visible, she reached for the powder and applied it hurriedly. Rogue hated wearing heavy make-up. Ever since that night in the rain, where her gothic make-up was washed away, she had never really touched any cosmetic products again. It annoyed her that she had to use it now, but there was really no choice.
Leaving the room, she wandered down the hallway slowly. Feeling uncertain of how she was going to approach the situation, she found herself in front of Kitty's room sooner than she had wanted. Taking in a deep breath, she lifted her fist to knock but the door quickly opened just as she was about to make contact with the door.
"Oh!" Kitty said, startled with Rogue's sudden appearance.
"Hey Kitty." Rogue said and smiled.
It was no surprise when Kitty didn't smile back." Hi. What do you want?" The brunette asked irritably.
"Ah… ah think we should talk." Rogue answered.
"Funny… barely a 'hello' in the last two years and you want to talk now? Well, I don't think I want to anymore. Plus, I have things to do." Kitty stated bitterly. Then, she pushed her way past her ex-roommate and walked swiftly down the hall and out of sight.
Sighing with disappointment, Rogue was about to turn back and return to Remy when she decided that some fresh air was needed. Finding the nearest exit that led to the Institute's ground, she settled on walking down the trail that led to that little pond in the forest. Breathing in the fresh air, she stuck her hands in her pockets as she took in the beauty of her surrounding. It had been so long since she had seen the natural beauty that only Mother Nature could provide, and she didn't realize how much she missed it. She made a mental note to bring Remy out for a walk later on. It would definitely do him some good as well.
When the pond came into view, she noticed that it looked about the same except for maybe the grass was a lot longer than before. Taking a seat next to it, all the emotions of the past came flooding back – the depression, the sadness, the solitude, and the pain. Inhaling deeply, she fought them off, not allowing herself to succumb to them. She had come along way from that introverted confused Goth she was merely two years ago. She was happy now… or at least she was until last night.
Her thoughts naturally wandered back to Remy. She still hadn't asked him about the truth behind his lapse of control nor did she really want to ask him. Perhaps it was because she wasn't quite ready to face the full reality yet. All she wanted was for him to get better, for them to go away from the Institute and for them to live happily ever after.
Somehow, that dream just didn't seem feasible anymore.
Crack.
"Who's there?" Rogue asked and whipped her head around. Turning an embarrassed pink, Scott answered, "Just me."
"Ohh… is there something wrong?" Rogue asked anxiously, thinking that Remy might have blown something up again.
"No. No. Nothing's wrong. I was just going for a walk and I saw you here… and I just thought I'd say 'hello'." Scott replied.
"Umm…alright. Hello then." Rogue said, a tad confused.
"Right… hello." Scott said awkwardly back. He looked at her nervously and then rubbed his hand against the back of his neck apprehensively.
"Ya know ya can sit if ya want." Rogue told him bluntly.
"Ohh… right. Sit. Sure." Scott said and took a seat next to her by the miniature lake.
"So… how have you been?" Scott asked slowly.
"Ah've been good. How have ya been?" Rogue asked in return.
"The same as usual." Scott replied.
"So, how's Jean? Still haven't seen her around." Rogue commented and looked over at Scott.
"Jean…actually, we're not together anymore." He answered and looked away from Rogue.
"Really? That's weird. Ya spent forever chasing her." Rogue said with surprise.
"Things change, people change. Can't explain it better than that."
"Right… if ya say so then."
"So, I noticed you're still with him."
"If you're talking about Remy, yes, ah am. And ah couldn't be happier." Rogue said pointedly and somewhat defensively. She still remembered how Scott had disapproved of their relationship to the point of pure hatred and it still annoyed her that he stuck his nose in her business.
Instead of making a comment about how she made a mistake staying with Remy or some rude comment similar to that, Scott looked away from her as disappointment washed over him. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. That's all I ever wanted for you."
Taken aback by his genuine words, she simply said, "Thank ya."
"You're welcome, though I do mean it with all my heart. I…well, I missed you… well, having you around that is." Scott said bravely.
"Really? That's surprising considering the last time ah saw ya, ah was yelling at ya.[2]" Rogue said.
"Yeah… that was really my fault. I'm sorry about that. I didn't know and I shouldn't have pushed you like that." Scott apologized.
"Well… it's alright. Ya didn't know ah was going out of control. It's all forgotten now." She responded.
"Okay. I… missed our friendship, Rogue." Scott continued.
"Hmm… ah never knew we had that deep of a friendship." She said honestly.
"I guess I missed the friendship we had after the time you saved me out on that cliff in the snowstorm shortly before you joined the team. [3] We did talk a lot and I don't know…never realized how much I missed our conversations until you left." He explained.
"Thinking about it, those conversations were about how ya were so in love with Jean." She pointed out.
"No… not those. Ohh…nevermind. I'm just being an idiot right now and wishing for something that doesn't exist anymore." He dismissed the topic hastily.
"Scott, ah'd like to be friends again just as long as ya don't tell me what to do or who t'see." She stated.
Feeling a flicker of hope, he asked, "really?"
"Yeah. Ah mean we did have some good times when ah was still on the team. Perhaps we can have a fresh start again." Rogue suggested and shrugged indifferently.
"I'd like that." He agreed heartily and smiled.
She smiled back and said, "Okay. Well, ah'm gonna go back and check to see how Remy's doing. Ah'll talk to ya later then."
"Yeah…later." Scott replied while watching her get up and leave him once more for the man who seemed would always own her heart.
The flicker of hope went out in a flash.
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[1] The quote's from chapter 18 of Somewhere I Belong.
[2] The incidence Rogue's referring to is from chapter 15 of Somewhere I Belong.
[3] That incidence is from the episode 'Turn of the Rogue' from Evolution. Also, the whole Scott and Rogue dynamic can be found in chapter 17 of Somewhere I Belong. Just read those chapters to understand it a bit better. You don't have to read the whole story to get the gist of it.