Archive: Sure, just ask me first at smokhea@aol.com
*Special Note*: It's been a long time and I wrote a lot. This chapter is packed with lots of interactions, so sit back and relax, it's another long one.
Warning: The proceeding chapters may deviate slightly from X-men canon. It's hard to follow everything that happened in the comics exactly, so I'll use some things and change other things. Just go with the flow, it will make the story more interesting.
Interactions
Chapter 10
Conversations and Confrontations
(The Full Cast)
Scott looked around at the people in the War Room, happy that The X-Men decided to stay around and chat, instead of their regular routine of running straight for the door.
So far so good. He thought to himself with satisfaction as he stood at the front of the room.
"Congratulations, honey. It looks like your plan is beginning to work." Jean said as she put her arm around Scott's waist.
"Yup, it looks like it is." He gave a smile than focused his attention on her. "Are you sure you're feeling better?" He asked with concern.
"I'm fine. It was just a slight dizzy spell. I feel 100% again." She answered him with a forced smile as he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.
"I'm glad." He answered, which gave her a good opening to change the subject.
"You should be glad. I have a special evening plan for us tonight. You better conserve your energy Mr. Summers."
"I can't wait. But…"
"No, buts…" She warned waving her index finger.
"Just a little 'but'." He pleaded. "I still have to write up a few reports…"
"Honey…" She wined.
"I'll be a little late coming home. Just make the plan around 10:00pm."
"Okay, that's late…but not too late. You better be ready tonight, we have a lot of catching up to do." He answered her with an unexpected kiss on the lips that was filled with weeks of pent-up passion. It left her breathless.
"I'll be ready. Try not to fall asleep before I get home this time." He winked. This was in reference to last night. By the time he reached the Boathouse after speaking with Remy, Jean was fast asleep. Scott looked past her as someone else caught his eye. "I have to go and have a little talk with Beast before he heads on to London."
"Of course." She managed to get out still disoriented by the kiss. Scott gave her hand a quick squeeze and made his way to the beaming doctor.
Jean watched her lover from a distance. She couldn't wait to finally spend some time alone with him, though another man still took up the majority of the thoughts in her mind…Gambit.
*
Henry and Ororo stood in the middle of the room catching up on some last minute chatter.
"I envy you, Beast. You are the only one of us allowed to leave the mansion for a long period of time." Ororo smiled.
"It won't be all fun and games. I will have important research to compose."
"While that is true, it still does not count. Research to you is like gardening to me or stealing to Remy or playing tricks to Bobby or fighting to Logan or…"
"…Giving orders to Scott or painting to Pitro…" He added.
"…All in all it is something that you love to do."
"You are correct." He finally let loose the joy he felt. "I am going to make the most of this time off."
"If anyone deserved some time off it is you. You have spent so much time huddled away in your lab. I've barely seen you away from the battlefield or training."
"That is true. Though I must admit my time laboring in the lab did pay off in the end. It was…worth it."
"Really? How so?"
"I'm speaking of course, about the device I made for Rogue."
"Oh…that." Her voice was indifferent.
"Please, no standing ovation." He said sarcastically.
"I am sorry, Hank." She racked her brain trying to come up with a compliment for him. "I think you have raised the bar as far as your ability to create a mechanical invention."
"True. I'm sure I'm giving Forge a run for his money..." He said without thinking. He stopped short when he remembered the failed relationship between the two X-Men. He noticed that Ororo gave no outward sign of emotion, but he still tried to cover his tracks. "Not that Forge is losing his touch, I'm sure he's making great progress with the X-Force. Progress in his professional life of course, I'm not sure about his personal life. Not that you would be preoccupied with his personal life…or lack thereof…" He rambled on with speed.
"I am not uncomfortable speaking about him so you do not have to be."
"Right…it has been a long time." He decided to change the subject. "As I was saying, I am excited about the bracelet."
"I only hope the bracelet isn't more trouble then it is worth." She noticed a slight change in his face but kept on talking before he could interrupt. "I hope you have a great trip. It is too bad that we have never had the chance to spend time together even when the teams were re-merged."
"Yes, it is too bad. Then again, we will be on hiatus for quite awhile. I'm positive when I return we will have all the time in the world."
She smiled. "I hope you have a wonderful time at the conference."
Scott stood behind Ororo as she was speaking with Henry. From what he could over hear they were having a light conversation. He tapped her on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, Storm. Beast can I speak with you for a minute." He asked as Henry looked at him with bright eyes.
"Of course, fearless leader. It's the least I can do after what you have done for me." He turned back to Ororo. "Thank you for the well wishes, Storm."
"Have a safe flight, my friend." She smiled.
*
Henry then made his way with Scott to the furthest corner of the room. Scott thought about the best way to approach the question he wanted to ask the doctor.
Should I go with the direct root or try and beat around the bush?
He finally opted to 'beat around the bush'. Yes it was more risky, but he did not have any other choice. However, Henry was the one who spoke first.
"Scott, I would like to thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to attend the conference. This conference will in no doubt have a monumental effect throughout the world. I'm glad that I will have the good fortune to be there in person to witness the historic event."
"I'm happy I could make your day." He gave a genuine smile and began to initiate his plan. "I also wanted you to know that I purchased two tickets to London."
"Do you plan on attending the conference with me?"
"Ahh, no. But what I did plan is for you to be accompanied by Miss Tish Tilby." Henry looked at Scott dumbfounded.
Tish Tibly was his girlfriend, someone who he hasn't had the chance to date in quite a while due to the X-Men's hectic schedule.
"I can't believe you would do this!" He said with excitement, however it soon diminished. "I really would love to accept the offer, but it is such short notice. I doubt Tish would be able to attend."
"Actually, that is not the case. I spoke with her early this morning. She thought it would be difficult to get time off from her job, but she was able to get her vacation time early if she could cover some parts of the conference…I hope I didn't over step my bonds."
"No, of course not. It has been so long since we have spent any time together. I can't believe you thought of this. I greatly appreciate it."
"Anytime, friend." It's time for the punch. "But there is one more thing I have to ask you. Since you will be leaving the team for awhile, I think it's best for you to take the bracelet from Rogue…until you get back, of course."
"What?" He looked confused. "You know I can't do that."
"I think it's safest for everyone if you take it with you."
"As long as she reads the booklet, it is safe to operate, whether I'm here or not."
"I'm half way through the book, and it is pretty complicated."
"If there are any complications you can just contact me in London."
"I wouldn't want to disturb you while you're with Tish." Time for the second punch. "Did I also mention that after the three day conference is over, you don't have to return here immediately? You and Tish are welcome to stay away for as long as you want…with no penalty from me."
"I get what's going on. Do you intend for this trip to London to be a cover so I can take away the bracelet? Do you want me to stay longer in London as a bribe?" Scott knew in advance that it would be hard to get anything by Henry.
"It's not a cover or a bribe." Actually, that's exactly what it is. "You'll just have the bracelet until the professor comes back."
"According to Psylocke, he could be gone a long time."
"If it's to be, then it's to be."
He shook his head. "No, I don't think I can do it."
Now I have to get a little dirty. Time for the Knock Out. "You do know that the extra ticket to London is refundable, right?"
"Scott…"
"Listen, I'm not trying to be a hard ass. I'm giving you the perfect excuse to get the device back from her. Just tell Rogue she will get it back soon enough, I'll handle the rest."
Henry thought about it for awhile.
The bracelet is completely safe to activate…if the book is read. It is obvious that Scott has an ulterior motive for me to take the bracelet from Rogue that doesn't involve her safety. He practically told me the other day that he did not want her to have it. Maybe I should call his bluff and stay in NY.
However, I haven't spent anytime with my girlfriend in weeks, and going to London would be very romantic. But I can't put a hold on Rogue's chance at a normal life just to satisfy my hormonal urges.
I guess Tish and I will have to hold off on a romantic vacation. She could spend time here at the mansion or we could go to the city…for only 12 hours. His thoughts began to wander.
Tish…she is so beautiful, intelligent and she's so cute when she…maybe Rogue wouldn't mind me taking the bracelet from her. After all, she wasn't happy when I gave it to her in the first place…and maybe it would be best for the Professor to help her through this situation, it couldn't hurt. Yes, it's a lame excuse, I know.
"Fine, I don't have to like it, but I'll do it." Henry was sad knowing that he could very well be hurting a friend by denying her the ability to touch for the first time in years so that he could touch.
"Thanks, Hank. Have a great time with Tish."
*
Rogue remained at her seat deep in thought; she didn't even notice Remy glaring at her from across the table. She was too busy being distracted by the voices in her head…well, one voice in particular.
Rogue, Rogue, Rogue. I guess I've made it quite clear that I can fuck up your day without much effort. I have nothing to do all day but annoy you and if you want me to stop, you know you have to do.
Rogue did not speak. She knew what he wanted her to do but it was impossible. There was no way in hell that she could take his psyche out of her mind. She did not want to answer him, but it was no use. He could hear her thoughts, and there was no way should could just stop thinking.
Ah'm not negotiatin' with you. And if you don't shut up, Ah'll push you in the back of mah head again.
Ahh, speaking of that…I saw some, interesting things back there. There's so much about you that I didn't know.
The sound of his voice in her head chilled her. It made her mad that a total stranger had complete access to her memories.
He sensed the anger in her. I'm sure I know more about you then you know about yourself.
How is that possible?
You've pushed a lot of things back there to try and forget about them…She heard him give an evil laugh. Maybe I should go back in your mind and bring them out here to…jog your memory.
A sudden panic enveloped Rogue before she could stop it.
I guess you don't like that idea very much.
Ah don't care what you do. She tried to lie. However, she knew it was useless, this guy was in her head and could feel what she felt. And in-turn, she could feel what he felt.
I'm just curious about something. Way in the back of your mind you have…doors that are clamped shut. It's odd, because the door you trapped me in was locked, but you did a pretty shitty job…it was easy to get out. But these doors that are way back there are different…whoever designed it must have been a professional.
Professor Xavier made those doors for me long ago, before Ah knew how to do it mahself.
Well, he did a good job, but the doors are really old.
Yeah, so? He did it a long time ago.
But they are really, really old. They seem to be…breaking.
What?!
You heard me.
Yeah, Ah heard you, but Ah don't believe you. Professor X made those doors, and if he made them they will stay close.
Whatever you say, really I don't give a damn. But just think about this. If those memories are so bad that Xavier had to build Fort Knox to keep them away from you, I wonder what it would mean to you if they were to open…accidentally.
You don't scare me. There is no way you could ever open it, Ah'm sure of it. She thought forcefully, but still there remained some doubts.
*
Remy slouched in his chair. It surprised even him that he wasn't halfway out the driveway now that the meeting was over and the team was off Red Alert.
He looked over at Rogue who seemed to be deep in thought. This would have been the perfect time for them to actually 'date' each other. He would have wined and dined her now that they had all the time in the world on their hands…but not today, after all they were just friends. He silently cursed underneath his breath, between Rogue's 'unwanted' friendship and Jean's 'mock' friendship…that word was beginning to piss him off. But if that was what Rogue really wanted, he would abide by it…for now.
Just when he got the nerve to finally kick her under the table…Bobby came up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. Remy watched as she gave him a warm smile. Bobby quickly pulled her out the seat and across the room, making it a point to avoid Remy glaring at them. Remy didn't have enough time to get mad, by then Logan's cough from down the table caught his interest.
"Could it be? Does de great Wolverine have a cold?" Remy asked as he made his way to Logan.
He looked up at the Cajun with a snarl. "It's just a chicken bone that got stuck in my throat."
"Ain't dat sometin'? You can be run over by a six-teen wheeler an' survive, but can easily be taken out by a chicken bone in your windpipe."
"Yeah…ain't that somethin'." Logan answered with annoyance. Remy sat on the table still keeping eye contact. "Is there somethin' on you're mind, Gumbo?"
Ahh, Gumbo. De name dat Wolverine gave me on account dat I am hot and spicy…or maybe it was 'cause it was my favorite Cajun dish to make…or maybe it was t' annoy me…or maybe, jus' maybe it was 'cause he actually t'ought of me as a…pal
"You gonna be busy t'morrow?" Remy asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Depends." He took out his toothpick "What are we doin'?" He asked as Remy grinned.
"We'll be addin' some speakers t' my new car." Logan looked at him with interest; he loved working with his hands.
"Sounds like a plan." He said as he got up from his chair. The chicken that he had still sitting in the kitchen suddenly entered his mind. Without another word to anyone else he became the first X-Man to leave the War Room.
He was never really dat big on conversation. Remy thought as he focused his attention back on Rogue and Bobby who were across the room.
*
Bobby pulled Rogue so he could talk to her without interference from anyone, namely Remy. The 'kitchen' incident still lay heavy on his mind. He looked into her eyes, which to him seemed kind of dazed.
Rogue was glad that Bobby pulled her out of the conversations of her mind. She silently hoped that the voice in her head would keep quiet now that she was talking with someone, however the voice had other ideas of his own.
"How's it going, Rogue?" He asked trying to break the…ice.
"It's goin' alright, Bobby." She said with a smile.
Why are you lying to him. Why don't you tell him that your powers are going crazy? Isn't this guy supposed to be your best friend or some shit? If you ask me I think he's a loser.
Would you jus' let me have a decent conversation? She focused back on Bobby. This was not the first time she experienced speaking to someone while her head was in chaos. By now, she was used to it.
"I see that you got rid of your stutter…Ah, Ah, Ah…" He said in reference to her last sentence the other day.
"Shut up, Drake!" She playfully hit him on the arm. "What kind of stunt where you tryin' to pull yesterday, anyway?"
"Miss. Flirt here is actually mad when someone flirts back."
"Damn, straight. Ah'll admit it, Ah can only dish it out to others…"
"And you freak when you get it back." He finished her sentence.
Ain't you two all warm and cozy. I could puke…if I still had a mouth, or a stomach for that matter.
Rogue just continued with her 'outside' conversation. "Well, Ah ain't trying tah have mah life become a soap opera again."
"If you can't handle my little innocent flirtations, how can you handle Gambit."
"He's not flirtin' with me." She said while shaking her head.
"Come on, Rogue. Now that you have the bracelet he will be all over you."
"Ah told you we are jus' friends, Bobby."
"Yeah you did, but I never took you seriously…" He stopped and looked deep into her eyes. "You're serious?"
"Yes, Ah am."
And here comes another lie. You know you still have the hots for that guy with the lame accent. I can feel it every time he comes near you.
Were jus' friends!
You insult both of us by lying to me, I'm in your head, remember?
Bobby was still in disbelief. "You're telling me you two are just friends. Even though you have the bracelet?"
"Yup."
"I don't believe you. You're attracted to him like a moth to a flame."
"Maybe." She smiled. "But Ah've been burned by the fire one too many times.
If only that were true. "But like a moth you never seem to learn from your mistakes, and head right to the flame again."
Ahh, shut up already! Why can't this idiot speak like a normal person? The voice's out burst of anger had a strong affect on Rogue. She now felt frustrated as well.
"Enough with the metaphors!" She yelled. She stopped suddenly when she realized that she was projecting the voice's angry emotions and not her own. That was scary to her.
"Actually, it was a simile." Bobby retorted.
He's right, you know. A metaphor is when you describe something by referring to something else.
So what's a simile?
When you describe something as being similar to something else.
What?
If someone is strong, you would say he is a lion. That's a metaphor. If you say that he is like a lion…that's a simile.
"Whatever!" She yelled again. That was directed to the voice more then it was to Bobby. That scared Rogue again. She was usually better at separating her mind from reality.
She again focused on her friend. "Ah'm just tryin' to be by mahself for awhile; Ah'm takin' it one step at a time. Gambit's been really great about it. He's not pushin' me at all."
"I here ya." If Gambit's not pushing her into a relationship, I guess I shouldn't be either. Wolverine's right, the last thing she needs is two guys fighting over her. Time to change the subject.
He looked past Rogue to Betsy standing alone by the View Screen. Her face looked indifferent, she showed no emotion. It was almost eerie.
"So, do you know what's going on with Betsy?"
"Yeah, she's pissed off." Rogue looked over at her teammate.
That Asian chic is hot! When I get back into my body you better introduce us.
"No Duh!" He looked over to the British Ninja again. "I wonder what happened to her?"
"Why don't you go over and ask her. Ah'll be here makin' preparations on your funeral."
"Hell no, I'm not going over there. You should go."
Why us?
"Why me?"
"Because she must be having girl problems, and you're a girl."
That sounded demeaning.
"Ah'm a girl?"
"Sorry, woman. You can go over there and talk with her and show her some understanding. I'll make you any bet that it's her 'time' of the month."
Ha, this guy is pretty funny.
"You're so immature. Jus' because a woman's having a bad day doesn't mean she's on her period. You should have learned that in health class."
"Yes it does. How come when we made that bet awhile back, I was able to tell every time you were on the 'rag' just by your attitude."
Ha-ha. I think I'm beginning to warm up to the guy.
"The 'rag'? Very classy, Bobby."
"I try." He smiled.
"Anyway, you could tell because you cheated. Ah don't know how yah did it, but I know yah did."
She is right, I did cheat. "I bet you that I can go over there and get her to laugh within five minutes."
"Make it three minutes, and you got yourself a bet."
"Deal!" They sealed the bet with a handshake.
Shit! You guys bet on making people laugh and what time your period comes? Remind me to show you how to bet 'money' on the ponies, now that's fun.
Bobby got up to leave, then turned back around to Rogue. "But if I don't make it back, avenge my death!"
"For sure!" She said as she started her watch.
Henry tapped Rogue on the shoulder.
"Hi, Beast."
Oh look! It's the big, blue, 'Happy Birthday' guy.
"Rogue, I would like to see you in my Lab in about a half an hour."
Shit! What did you do now?
"How long will Ah have to be there?" Rogue asked.
"Not too long." Henry called as he became the second X-Man to head through the exit.
She crossed her arms in disappointment. "Great! Jus' what Ah need, another doctor's appointment." Rogue looked over to Remy and watched as Jean pulled him to a corner to talk. A slow diabolical smile grew on her face.
Let the sideshow begin. She rubbed her hands together in a sinister fashion.
*
Bobby walked slowly over to where Betsy was standing. She kept her back turned away from him, though Bobby knew she could tell someone was behind her. After all, she was a trained Ninja.
Bobby and Betsy were never close to each other. They talked when they had to, but mostly kept their distance from one another.
I guess that's a good thing. Bobby thought. It means that I haven't had the chance to do anything to Psylocke to get on her bad side.
"Hey Betsy, what's going on?" He asked nonchalantly.
"Nothing." She mumbled.
"Doesn't sound like 'nothing'."
Betsy looked up at him, wondering whether she should talk to him or just walk away. She opted to talk.
"If I knew I was returning home to The Brady Bunch, I would have just went straight from DC to London." She huffed with a thick high-class accent.
"Ahh, come on! The Brady Bunch weren't that bad." She looked up at him with a 'gimme a break' face.
"I'm serious." He insisted. "I can be Greg, the handsome oldest brother, who all the girls loved."
For some unknown reason, she decided to give in to his discussion. "Fine. I guess I'll be Marsha. The pretty girl who the other sisters were jealous of…"
He shook his head. "Actually, I think of you more along the line of Alison."
"Alison?" disgust filled her voice. "You mean the housemaid?"
"Yeah." He smiled. Time for the set-up. "And you know what, I got a pile of underwear up stairs that needs watching."
"You are an imbecile! There is no way I would ever wash your dirty underwear."
"Why not?" Now, it's time for the kill. "I would volunteer to hand wash your panties." He finished as she burst out in laughter.
"You're ridiculous." She put her hand on his shoulder and brushed her purple hair with her other hand in a flirtations manner. Betsy oozed sex appeal all over; he swallowed hard as she continued on. "Thanks, Bobby. I really needed to laugh today."
"You want to talk…about what's bothering you?" His voice squeaked, as if he was still going through puberty, however, she didn't have enough time to enjoy his skirmishing fully.
Now he's crossed the line. "Just so that you can go back and tell Rogue? I don't think so." She squeezed his shoulder hard. "I'd rather scream out my private thoughts through a megaphone in Times Square, than to have you as a confidant." She released her grip.
"Ouch! That hurt." He rubbed his shoulder. "In more ways then one."
"Good!" She gave him a slight push. "Now get away from me Ice…Before I have you melted."
"Hey, I get the hint. I can tell when I'm not wanted." Bobby watched as she spun around and left the War Room.
*
Ororo waited patiently for a few moments after she saw Henry leave the room. She turned her attention to the leader of the X-Men. She had wanted to speak with him for days, and today seemed like the perfect time. The goddess made her way to Scott with an unreadable face.
Scott was standing by a View Screen typing commands into the board. He seemed to be in deep concentration.
"May I speak with you for a moment?" Ororo asked.
"Ahh, yes. You have to make it fast, I have things to do." His voice had a hint of irritation.
"Good, because this will not take long."
He looked away from the screen to her blue eyes. "You were unusually quite during our meeting."
"I'm surprised you notice."
He gave a slight smirk. "I'm guessing you have a hidden meaning in your response."
"Your guess would be correct. I want to know when Jean received a promotion in her rank?"
"Excuse me?"
"I do not appreciate you giving an order without consulting me first or conferring matters of the X-Men with your wife before discussing them with me. I wasn't informed when you decided to let the team stay on Red Alert and I was not informed when you decided to take them off. I know Jean is your wife, however whatever concerns the teams should be brought to my attention at the commencement."
"Yes, you are right I did not inform you but…"
She interrupted him. "Today the team was looking at me to confirm your decision to take them off Red Alert and I was not able to because you kept me in the dark. That should never have happened."
"I came to my decision late at night, that is why I was unable to advise you of my plans."
"I know I haven't discussed my rank with you or the professor, he had to leave on such short notice. When there were two teams we were both co-leaders; Now that the teams are merged again it seems that I have been demoted to second in command without my knowledge."
"Demoted is a pretty strong word. I thought it was pretty clear that you were not leader anymore."
"Yes, it was clear by your and the professor's actions, but not by explanation. Anyway, as second in command I still feel the need to be notified of any changes concerning the team."
"Like I said before, it was a last minute decision and you were too busy. Anyway, by then you were working on other things. As a matter of fact, you were technically off duty at the time."
"Next time inform me with what you are going to do, even if you think I'm 'too busy' or 'off duty'. I'll make the time." She said firmly. It seems the only way I can be taken seriously is if I show a strong forceful front. And the minute a woman does that, she is considered a bitch.
"Anything you want, Storm." He said in a tone that seemed condescending to her.
"Do not patronize me, Cyclops." She warned. They stared at each other in a heated silence.
*
Jean made her way with Remy to the back of the War Room. She looked him deep in the eyes, trying to see if she could read anything in them. She was looking for any hint of the selfish bastard Rogue had described to her earlier in the day. However what she saw was nothing but innocent eyes…if red eyes could be considered innocent.
Either Remy is a saint or he is the devil in disguise. She thought disturbingly. The not knowing was unnerving to her.
"What's goin' on, chere?" He asked with a soft voice.
"I need to speak with you, Remy…"
"Before you go any further, Jeanie, I jus' wanted t' apologize for what happened earlier. I only meant for my comment about de car t' be an inside joke between us, I didn't tink you would react so…visibly."
His words enraged her; his apology seemed like a farce.
Doesn't this seem like déjà vu. He made the exact same apology to me last night. And I did tell him that I embarrassed easily.
"Really? I think you knew exactly how I was going to react. I think you wanted to embarrass me in front of the team."
"If I wanted t' embarrass you, I would have put a whoopee cushion underneat' your seat." He started to laugh. "Chere, I gotta tell ya. I was laughing so hard in my sleep at dat 'fart' story. I mean, I could picture you in front of de class in your prissy outfit, fartin' up a storm!" He couldn't stop laughing, not that he wanted to.
"That's not funny."
"You didn't mind when I laughed last night." He said with continued laughter.
"Today is not last night!"
Remy could feel the rage in her.
What's she so mad about? "I said I was sorry, what else do you want from me."
"I realized that I was an idiot for trusting you last night."
Ahh, so she's havin' some regrets huh? And I t'ought we were 'friends'. "You have no reason t' worry…" He lowered his head inches from hers. "Everyone knows I can keep a secret." He grinned.
For some reason she felt a slight fear creep through her body. But she still tried to look strong. "You better know how, or else…" She warned.
Ain't dat cute. Li'l Jeanie's tryin' t' intimidate me. Two can play dis game. "Or else what?" He asked still locking her in place with the gaze of his eyes.
"Or else…I won't be held responsible for what I let slip to Rogue."
Mistake number three.
Heat started to flare throughout his body. If there're was anything that Remy didn't like, it was threats, especially when someone threatened his relationship with Rogue. Nevermind the fact that Jean was probably bluffing. He was going to teach her to never make threats her ass can't afford.
"Is dat a threat?" He asked not blinking as he looked at her. "Let me get dis straight. If I tell Scott dat you fantasize about me, you still love Wolverine, he doesn't satisfy you in bed and you are insecure in your marriage, you will…what? Tell Rogue dat I love her?" He smiled. "Dat doesn't seem like much of a threat, Jean. It seems like you have more t' lose."
They eyed each other in a stand still.
*
Bobby made his way from the View Screen to Rogue. She looked up at him with intrigue.
"Ah'm surprise you're still alive. So what happened?" Rogue asked still keeping an eye on Remy and Jean.
"The usual. I tried to have a heart-to-heart with her and she bit my head off."
"That's Betsy for yah!"
"Uh-huh. Oh yeah, I won the bet." He added as Rogue rolled her eyes. "Listen, I have some things to take care of in the city tonight. It might take a long time, do you want to come with me?"
"What exactly to you have to do?"
He smiled. "The Professor ordered some equipment long ago for our base of operations. I have to go and pick everything up. You know how we can't have delivery trucks up here."
"Yeah Ah know. But Ah don't wanna go to the city."
"It'll be fun! You have to come with me."
"No way. The second Ah get there you'll have me do all the heavy lifting."
"It's not like you can't handle it."
"Ah repeat, no way! Ah jus' wanna relax tonight and be lazy for once in a long time."
"Alright, fine! I'll just go by my lonesome…"
"Ahh, poor baby." She pinched his cheeks with her gloved hand.
She suddenly lost interest in their conversation when she noticed that Remy and Jean looked like they were almost reaching their boiling point.
"Ah've got to go. The li'l side project Ah was working on has jus' come to a head."
"What have you gotten yourself into this time." Bobby asked as he noticed the mischief in her green eyes.
"Ah'll tell yah later." She gave him a friendly slap on the back and headed towards the feuding couple. Bobby left the War Room to finish his last duty in New York City before he would finally be on vacation.
*
Remy stood close to Jean knowing that his presence both thrilled and disgusted her. It's just part of my charm. He thought with a smile. He was the first to finally break the silence.
"You're jus' mad 'cause Aces are high, de highest card in your hand is a two and I have all de good cards up my sleeve…" I love applying de strategies of a card game t' life.
"I'm warning you Remy…"
"Oh, and jus' for future's sake when you have another daydream about me…" He boldly brushed his hand on her face holding on to her chin. "I'm always de one on top." He grinned feeling her embarrassment and slight attraction. "Maybe if you point Cyke my way I'll give him a few pointers on how t' get you off, before he loses control."
He was getting to her, but she wouldn't allow him to continue. "You're forgetting one thing, Cajun. It looks like you didn't see all the cards in my hand." She said expanding on his earlier metaphor. "I'm Rogue's psychologist now. I can make or break your relationship with her." It was now Jean's turn to give a satisfied smile.
Game Over.
Remy was shocked, but he didn't let his confidant façade slip. He only considered the power of therapy Jean had over Rogue to work in his favor, not against it. Remy was pissed off. He didn't know how this little game with Jean got out of his control. Last night he had Jean in the palm of his hand, now she seemed to have jumped out of it when he wasn't looking.
Time t' pull de Ace from my sleeve. "Don't be surprised if you never get de chance t' council Rogue. I can make her cancel her 'sessions' wit' you wit'out her even askin' me why."
"How?" She asked not really believing him. He could feel her doubt.
"She trusts me Jean, somet'in' it seems like you never could do. I guess dat's why we can never truly be friends."
She almost gave into his plea, ready to scold herself for letting this situation get out of control. But the words of Rogue from earlier that morning flashed through her mind…
'He will do what any gambit would…take advantage of the situation.'
Anger started to build up in her again. "I'm not buying your sympathy crap, not anymore. If you think…" They didn't notice the curious girl creeping up on them.
"What are y'all up to?" Rogue's voiced chimed in. They both jerked their head to her direction.
"Not'in' Rogue. Jean was jus' about t' finish tell me somet'in'." He turned back to the telepath. "Go ahead Jean, continue."
Jean looked at Rogue and knew she couldn't continue the conversation. She gave Rogue a slight nod and walked out the door.
"What was that all about?" Rogue asked innocently.
He looked at her playfully. "What have I told you 'bout bein' so nosy?"
"Ah've never seen Jean that mad at yah before." She continued speaking, ignoring his question.
"Rogue, mind your business."
Logan made his way back to the War Room having just finished his meal. Now that they had some time on their hands he could do a lot more stuff. He looked around the room, finding the women he came to see standing at the back.
"Rogue." He called to her. "Later on I will call on you for our…meeting." Tonight he would start working on his plan of getting to the core of Rogue's problems. And if her problem was what he thought it was, it would be a very long night.
"Sure thing, Wolvie." She called back as he left the room again. Rogue knew that 'meeting' was a code for their karate lessons. She turned back to Remy.
"Meeting?" He asked with a confused grin. "What's dat all about?"
"Remy, mind your business." She said mockingly.
He chuckled. "I should have seen dat one comin'." Remy looked past Rogue and saw Ororo making her way out the room.
"Excuse moi, chere." He said barely looking at Rogue. "I have t' do somet'in'." He left her before she had a chance to respond. Rogue followed him with her eyes as he chased behind Ororo.
*
Ororo was about to walk out the door of the War Room when something or…someone prevented her from leaving.
Remy. She thought as he stood in front of her.
"Hey, hey, wait." He stood at the door blocking her from leaving with one hand.
"Will you remove your hand?" She asked calmly.
"You've got t' pay de toll first."
She looked at her friend who seemed to be in a very playful mood. She decided to give into his upbeat attitude, considering she was still a little upset over her conversation with Scott. "Okay, how much is the toll?" She smiled.
"$50.00."
Her mouth dropped open. "Remy, that's ridiculous."
He gave a blasé shrug. "Hey, if you got a problem complain t' de government."
He then let his eyes roll slowly up her body. "But you are kinda cute. I'll give you a special discount."
Let's see where he is going with this. "Fine, what is the discount."
"A nice wet kiss." She started towards the door, but he still blocked her with his hand. "Okay, okay, no kissin'." She stopped and looked at him again. "You can get out if you know de password."
I know I will kick myself for this but…"What is the password?"
" 'Remy is de best lover in de world', or 'Remy is de reason why a breathe'…really de password is any kind of compliment t' me."
"I don't have time to boost your ego, Gambit."
"Okay, okay, okay. No more games." He said but knew that it wasn't the case. "I'm t'inkin' dat we might be able t' hang out t'night."
"I will be busy tonight."
He nodded his head. "I t'ought you might say dat."
"Well, then why did you ask?"
He shrugged. "Jus' tryin' t' make conversation."
"You mean, just trying to play another game." She corrected as he smiled to avoid her comment.
"So, what will you be doin' t'night?"
"I will be going out. That is all I wish to say at this moment."
"You're goin' out…wit'out me?!" He gave a look of mock surprise.
"Remy, are you jealous?"
"Maybe, a li'l." He winked, which made her laugh. "It's our time off, I want us to spend some time toget'er. It's been so long since we had a conversation dat lasted more dan 10 minutes."
"That is true. If you really want to spend time with me you can help me do the dishes."
"De dishes?" He looked disappointed. "Dat doesn't sound like my idea of fun. Anyway, look at dese hands, dey are too delicate t' watch pots." He pulled off his gloves and held his hands out to her. Ororo took them into her own hands examining their exquisite appearance.
This is coming from a guy that would tune his car and check the oil with his bare hands. Yes he is rather confident, but he doesn't cross the line of being vain. He is handsome, but it is God given beauty. I'll admit that if he spent hours in the washroom just to get ready, it would be too much. If he spent his days grooming his body hair or plucking his eyebrows I would not be able to take it. A narcissistic person is really hard to deal with. But that is not Remy. He is a guys-guy not afraid to get a scrape or two. He is one who loved having a particular scar on his left cheek and pouted for a week when it finally healed.
"You can always wear gloves." She said getting back into the conversation.
"You know I hate doin' dishes. But if you really wan' me t' help, jus' say de word and I will be at your service." He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them.
Rogue remained in the corner watching Remy and Ororo from afar. She watched as they laughed, talked and touched.
That girl over there is a knock out! It should be illegal to look that good. Hey, isn't that your boyfriend flirting with her.
For the umpteenth time! He is jus' mah friend.
Really? Then why are you so jealous.
Ah'm not jealous. She lied, then finally realized it was pointless to lie to him. Okay, maybe Ah am jealous. Jealous meanin' that Ah wish Ah could have what she has…
The Cajun?
No, the ability to touch.
Then why don't you press that button on the bracelet.
Fuck the bracelet! Ah wanna do it on mah own.
Hmmm, you seem to be telling the truth for once. He had a deeper meaning behind what he said, but decided not to expand on it…at least for now. He focused back on the weather goddess.
What's her name again…Storm? Her name should be Hot Damn! Don't take offence, you're cute too. I love watching you get out of the shower and look in the mirror. Your tits are just the right size and your pus…
Can you just get on with it? She thought to herself: So that's why Ah've been starin' at my breasts longer than usual. Mental note to self: Close mah eyes every time Ah walk by a mirror naked.
The difference between you two is that she can be touched.
No shit Sherlocke.
It seems like that guy…Remy right?..Yeah, it seems like Remy has taken a liken to her. You better stop acting like you're too good for him or he just might leave your ass.
You know what? Ah'm gettin' sick and tired of you actin' like you know everything.
Look at them over there flirting up a…Storm. If you don't interfere right now she'll be pregnant with his kid the next time you blink.
Ah swear, Ah'm gonna knock the shit outta you.
Yeah? How are gonna do that?
Ah will… She stopped as she heard Ororo's laughter. For reasons she couldn't explain, anger started to build up in her. Without giving it another thought she headed towards the 'loving' couple. Rogue walked in between them so that Remy had to let go of Ororo's hands.
"Excuse me." Rogue said with a sly smile directed at Ororo who rolled her eyes in annoyance. She walked out the room and headed down the hallway.
"Hey chere, where you goin'?" Remy turned away from Ororo to get a better look at Rogue.
"Ah'm gonna go do a swan dive off the roof!" Rogue yelled matter-of-factly.
"What did you say…" But it was too late, she was already gone. Dat girl is crazy!
He turned back around and realized that his former captive had made her way down the other hallway.
"Hey, 'Ro, I'm not finish wit' you yet." He caught up to her, spun her around and held her arms.
"I'm sorry, next time I guess I should wait for you to dismiss me."
"Come on, chere. I didn't mean it like dat." He smiled. "But really, where are you goin' t'night?" He waited but she gave no response. "You know I could jus' follow you and you would never know."
"Yes, I am aware of that. I am also aware that you would never do such a thing because you respect my privacy…as I respect yours."
"Oh, why did you have t' go and say dat." I hate when she does dis t' me. Now I can't spy on her. He looked at her with intrigue. "Are you bein' so secretive because you're meetin' a man, perhaps."
She shook her head. "I already know this game, Gambit. The minute I start answering one of your questions, you will never stop until you get the answer you want."
She knew all my secrets. "Fine, fine, I give up." He threw his hands in the air signaling defeat.
"You have to remember, Remy. I am not 12 years old anymore." He pulled her into a hug.
"Ahh, yes, you are growin' up. I never t'ought I'd live t' see de day my li'l Stormy would leave de nest and head out on her own. I remember not too long ago when I would t'row you up in de air and…"
She loved those times but wouldn't allow him to play with her emotions to get further information out of her. "How much longer will your reminiscing take?"
"Alright." He pulled out of the hug, but still kept his arms around her. "Jus' promise me one ting."
"Yes?"
"If in case you are meetin' a guy…jus' talk t' me about him first. Before it gets serious. Will you promise me dat?"
"I never said I was meeting a man…" She tried to correct him.
"I know, I know, jus' humor me. Do you promise?"
"If in case I am meeting a man…and I'm not saying that I am…I do promise to tell you first if it gets serious."
"Thanks, Stormy." Well, she didn't know all my secrets. She was about to leave but he pulled her back.
"Stormy, don't forget de kiss." He said as he pouted his lips and closed his eyes. To his surprise he felt her fingers dig into his cheeks as she squeezed them around his face.
"Owww!" He winced.
"I will be graduating to lightning bolts next, if you do not stop calling me that." She warned.
"Aw louve oow tuu." He managed to get out between his squashed cheeks. Translated what he said was: I love you too. He was barely audible, but Ororo understood him completely.
His heart stopped beating as he waited for her response. If she didn't answer him soon, he would surly die.
His words warmed her heart. "I love you more." She said as his heart began to beat again. "We will talk tomorrow." She smiled. Still holding his pouted 'fish' lips she gave him a quick kiss on the mouth. She let go of him, and watched as the redness started to disappear from his face.
"T'ank de Lord, I'm healed!" He called after her as she walked towards the elevator, headed to the upper floor of the mansion. Ororo concealed her laughter until the elevator door closed.
******
You are finished!.. So far!
Author's Note: So Rogue has dozens of voices in her head, and one voice that is loudest because of some unknown problem with her mutation. I just wanted to show how difficult and confusing it must be to have a conversation with someone 'outside' while her head is going crazy. I also wanted to show how her emotions could be in chaos, like when she yelled at Bobby because the voice was frustrated and not her. And what's going on with all the doors that are breaking in her mind? Or is the voice lying to her.
I'm sure you didn't see the confrontation between Ororo and Scott coming. I remember an old comic where issues of who was leader of the team came into play; I wanted to expand on it here.
Please no complaints about the Remy/Ororo scene. I don't want to hint at what may or may not come in the future, but at this moment I thought it was a cute little scene between two friends. Just be happy for the 'Ro/Remy shippers. Okay, okay, you can complain if you want. : 0)
So what did you think about the Jean/Remy scene? Just in case you haven't figured it out, my version of Remy for this story is going to be a tad darker than other fics…just a little tiny bit, don't worry. But to me Remy will always be a little shady; he's a thief after all. I like the fact that he's not a goody-goody and I'm going to expand on that.
Because the X-Men will not be fighting enemies in this story, the conflict has to come from within their own circle. You've read a lot of the problems that have surfaced so far, but there are still a few more that remain to be seen.
Answers: So there isn't any confusion. When I write (character/character) I'm just saying that those two people are primarily in the same scene, not that they are necessarily going to 'get it on'.
Rainmaker- yes Remy might seem like a 'bad guy' because that's how I am writing him. But I'm not trying to make him evil or anything, just really interesting. I know Storm is a goddess, but it would be really boring if I made her 'perfect'. I think I'm writing her with dignity, but I want her to loosen up a bit. Part of the reason she isn't so 'calm' will be explained next chapter. : 0)
I'm glad a lot of you are enjoying my 'puns' and 'one liners'.
More Storm? Okay!
Please review and tell me what you liked about the chapter, or what you didn't like. Thanks again to the new reviewers, and everyone else who continues to check in.
Next Time: Jean talks to her best friend Ororo about the problems she has been having with three men in her life. There will be a brief appearance by Remy (courtesy of a flashback) and Rogue, though they are not together in the scene…