Archive: Sure, just ask me first at smokhea@aol.com
Special Note: Do you really care what I have to say? No! How about what Remy and Rogue have to say? Yes! Then read on…
P.S.: Broadway…brace yourself :0)
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Chapter 15
Sexual Frustrations
(Ororo)
Ororo walked through the forest by her lonesome. She looked up at the starlit sky and felt a relief knowing she could finally start her vacation. She would have stayed a little longer in the mansion to see if Scott needed a helping hand, but assumed that he would have everything under control…
Being the control freak that he is! She thought. Her mind was filled with a lot of things concerning the team, however tonight she put it all aside.
Ororo summoned the winds to lift her high into the sky. Her final destination was at the peak of a tall tree. She stood on a strong branch, overseeing the woods, surrounded by what she loved most…nature. There she sat and waited…
(Betsy)
Betsy remained tied to the headboard of her bed struggling to get her hands free from the cloth. She was seething over the entire incident with Remy.
I cannot believe Gambit had the nerve to actually tie me up! When I get my hands on him! But why should I be surprised. Fuck, this is a guy who would do whatever he can to get what he wants.
He's a fucking snake that's all about manipulation. What other kind of man would have the audacity to join a team of mutants who he knowingly tired to kill years before? He knew what he was doing when he joined the X-men, what would happen if we found out the truth, yet he still took the risk. They don't call him Gambit for nothing.
I don't trust him; never did, but I didn't realize just how dangerous he could be until he gambled with my life. Her thoughts went to a time before the trial when she was injured in a battle and near death. Remy was the only one there to help her and he and Betsy were on each other's bad side. He would have sooner let me die than have me tell everyone his secret. And I'll go to my grave believing that if he had known for sure that I knew about his past, he would have let me die.
And he did it all for Rogue. He does really seem to have feelings for her…in an obsessive sort of way. The scary thing is that he may love Rogue too much, and a man who will do anything for love is dangerous.
Gambit is someone who only cares about getting what he wants. So how to you get back at someone like that? She smiled. Well, you do whatever you can to stop him from getting what he wants. A devious plan began to form in her mind. I will teach him what happens when he pushes me too far. She again started to struggle with little success of escaping her bedpost. Tonight she had to put her plan for Remy on the back burner.
(Bobby)
Bobby stepped out of the X-Vehicle, which he parked just outside the docks. He had driven deep into the city in order to get the expensive cargo that would aid the X-men in their fight against the criminals of the world. He looked at his digital watch: 9:45; he was late. He would have reached the docks earlier however, he stopped off in Long Island to visit some old friends.
Bobby walked into the dingy storage house and was greeted by a familiar face.
"Hey, Randy! It had been a long time." An older gently men called to him. He was short with a round belly and bolding head. He came from behind the counter to greet the X-man who was in civvies clothing.
Still after all this time, Bobby had never gotten use to the alias he would use when going certain places, in order to protect the identity of the X-men.
"Not long enough, Mr. Harry." Bobby replied as he shook the man's hand. "I could do without having to carry heavy shipments into the van."
He looked over Bobby's shoulder. "So, it's just you by yourself? What happened to the pretty lady that would always come with you?"
He smiled. "She didn't come this time."
"Too bad, that girl's a strong one, couldn't tell just by looking."
"No, you couldn't" He walked over to one of the many crates and used it as a seat.
"She's a pretty one, that girl." His smile grew wider revealing a few missing teeth. That smile always provided Bobby with a good laugh.
"Yeah, she's beautiful."
"I never had time to ask ya before, but are you her…"
"Boyfriend?" He shook his head. "No. We're just…friends."
"Friends?" He chuckled holding his belly. "I don't envy you." He walked over to where Bobby sat lighting a cigarette on his way. "My son just broke up with his girlfriend and he's looking for some…companionship—wink-wink." He laughed hard and started to cough up some phlegm. Bobby had to try hard to keep from throwing up at the sight of the man. "You think maybe you could ask her if she wants to date him?"
Fuck no! Maybe I should answer him in a way that isn't so harsh. "I don't think so." He replied politely.
"Oh, what was I thinkin'. A girl like that, she's bound to have someone."
"No, it's not that. She's just not looking for someone right now."
"Oh, is that what she told ya?" The old man asked with suspicion.
"Yeah, why?"
"I ain't the best looking guy in the world, so I've heard every excuse in the book. And that my friend, is one of the best excuses."
"It's the truth."
"When a girl says somethin' like that to you, it really means she's just waiting for someone else."
"Oh really?" Bobby asked humoring him.
"Yup." Mr. Harry walked over to his desk and pushed aside stacks of papers. He scribbled something down on a card and gave it to Bobby. "That's my son's number. Just do me a favor and make sure she gets it." He smirked, "I know that he will be her type."
"I'll see what I can do." Yeah right! He crammed the card into his pocket. "I don't mean to brush you off, but I'm here for a pick-up." Bobby opened up his palm pilot and read from the file. "The serial number is 87-832-542-69. It should have reached port by 8:30pm."
"Right, about the shipment…" Mr. Harry said scratching his chin.
Oh-oh! "I don't like your tone."
"There's been a storm. The ship has been delayed for a couple of hours."
Great, just what I need. "How many hours, like 2-3?"
"More like 7-8." He looked over to his ratty couch. "You might wanna take a more comfy seat."
That couch must be covered in who knows what. "I'll just stay right here if you don't mind." The man looked over to Bobby and nodded his head. He then proceeded out the door to help with another cargo that just entered the port.
"I should call Scott and tell him I'm going to be really late." Bobby began to look around for a hidden area to use his communicator.
(Logan)
Logan sat at the computer screen in the Security Room. One by one he began programming the new passwords. Programming was one of the worst assignments he could ever get. Actually, any assignment that didn't involve him using the brut of his mutant powers was the worst he could ever get.
He started to quicken his pace as he typed in the numerical sequences. There was no way he was going to spend his entire night in front of a computer screen, especially not this night.
(Scott)
Scott finished typing the last period on his 42-page report to Xavier. He leaned back in his chair and cracked his knuckles, knowing that in couple of days he would have to add more to the paper. Anytime Xavier was away for a period of time, it was Scott's job to keep an up-to-date summary of everything that occurred in the mansion. Right now Scott was playing catch-up; he was typing four days of activity in one night. It wasn't like him to have work pile up, however once and a while he would take on more work then he could handle.
I would have made Storm handle the passwords, but she ran out of here before I could call her. Then she goes and gets mad when I don't inform her of matter involving the team. Though I can admit that I do have some control issues. It took me everything I had to give Wolverine the task of completing the new passwords. I live by the motto: If you want something done right, do it yourself. But the motto doesn't work when you're on a team.
He stretched his arms and stiffly got out the chair. He looked at his watch.
Shit! 10:15. Jean's going to kill me for being late. He smirked. I guess I'll just have to make if up to her, over and over again…hopefully. The fact that he hasn't been a great lover the last couple of mouths hadn't been lost on him. He was about to leave the room and noticed a flashing light on the communication machine.
How did I miss a message? It must have just came in. Scott pressed the play button:
It looks like I'll be held up here until early tomorrow morning; there was a storm. I deserve a raise for having to put up with this god-awful smell. This place stinks of every kind of shit, dog, cat, human, mutant…but I digress.
Anyway, don't worry, I'll be back before the 12-hour rule ticks away. 10-4, over and out, do you copy?! I love this job!
…Oh yeah, make sure my ice cream sandwich is still in the freezer when I get home—guard it with your life!
Scott laughed at the message left by his long time friend. Bobby will always be the class clown. With the press of another button the time of the message was logged.
He entered the elevator and got off at the main floor. He passed the winding staircase and was heading for the front door; but something kept him from leaving.
Maybe I should check on Rogue. I know Henry said he had everything under control with her, but I just have to make sure. He turned around and ran up the stirs to the Women's Quarter and stopped just in front of Rogue's bedroom door.
(Remy/Rogue)
Remy stood in the same position a couple of feet from where Rogue sat. The room was silent, he was almost afraid to breathe let alone move a muscle. He waited patiently for her to make the first move.
Rogue stared at the green light eliminating from her bracelet; it was activated. She looked across the room to where the Cajun stood like a statute. A smile slowly curled on her lips.
"They're gone." She whispered.
"Who's gone?" He asked puzzled.
"The voices, they're gone. Ah can't hear them."
Remy reached out to her through his empathy. He rarely ever tried it before, knowing he could never handle all the different emotions that would bombard his body. His empathy brushed lightly against her form. He could still sense many different emotions in her, however as oppose to her emotions being chaotic, they were now somehow—organized. He pulled his empathy away from her.
"I can still sense a lot of different feelings comin' from you."
"Ah know, but the voices aren't talking anymore. Ah can't hear them."
"Dat's a pretty good side-effect."
Remy watched her slowly stand up, wiggling her gloved fingers. She pulled off her gloves, threw them to her feet and rubbed her hands together.
"Ewww! Mah hands are sticky."
"You're wearin' gloves in summer, it's sweat."
"The only time Ah ever sweat is when Ah do a 10 hour danger room session." She then jumped once, paused for a moment and jumped again.
"What are you doin'?"
"Ah was jus' seeing if Ah could fly. Ah can't" She squatted near the end of his king sized bed. With all her strength she lifted the bed with difficulty. After holding it for a moment she let go. "Man, that's heavy! Ah could have broke mah back. There goes mah super strength." She then pressed her long fingernails against her soft skin. "Oww!" She pouted. "No more invulnerability." The loss of that power hurt her the most.
"T'ree down, one t' go."
She turned her full attention over to Remy who hadn't moved from his spot. And he will stay there forever if Ah wanted him to. He's the type of guy that will wait until Ah feel totally comfortable before he made his move. "Do you mind being mah li'l Gienny Pig?"
He shrugged casually. "Someone's got t' do it."
"True, but it doesn't have to be you."
"True, but I want it t' be."
She made her way to him, her body shaking nervously with each step. She was amazed at his carefree expression. It's jus' like him not to have any fear with the thought of touching me. His attitude was unnerving to her. "Remy, don't move a muscle and tell me if you feel anything…"
"Don't worry, chere." He said nonchalantly, "I know de drill, I'll be careful…"
She nodded in response, ready to touch him.
His eyes flashed with a fiendish grin. "…Besides, what's de worst dat could happen?"
She burst into anger. "The worst is you could die!" He rolled his eyes. "Remy, this is no times for games. Promise me you'll pull away if you feel dizzy."
"Why you so scared? You can't fly, you don't have your strength anymore, you're not invulnerable, not'ing should happen when you touch me."
"None of those where mah original mutations in the first place. Who's to say that the bracelet will stop mah absorption power? Ah didn't even get to test it out with Beast. Remy, Ah wasn't able to pull anyway the last time we touched and who's to say it won't happen again? You'll have to be the one to let go if anything goes wrong. Ah don't have mah strength anymore so it will be easy for you to push me away."
He bent over and looked her straight in the eyes with determination. "I hope you do absorb me. I can't t'ink of a better place t' be den in your mind." Yes, he was being flirtatious, but it was the wrong time.
"That's it, Remy, forget it! Ah can find someone that doesn't have a death wish to help me." She turned to leave.
"Wait, wait!" He grabbed her arm with a jerk and pulled her back to face him. Holy shit! If she wasn't wearing de bracelet dere would be no way I could have pulled her back. She's as light as a feather.
She too was taken aback by his strength. He's so strong. Ah don't think Ah can get used to being this weak.
He let go of her covered arm. "I'm sorry. I promise I'll pull away if I start t' feel dizzy."
Rogue remained doubtful. Just earlier in the evening he was begging her to absorb him. "Ah don't know…"
"I'll pull away, chere. Trust me." He knew those two words would never fail to win her over.
"Always."
The thief smiled, she was now ready to take the next step.
*
Scott stood ready to knock on Rogue's door. He had everything all ready planned out in his mind.
When Rogue answers the door, I'll just make some lame excuse saying that I wanted to make sure she finished all of her previous work related assignments. Then I'll slowly ease her into a conversation about her bracelet. Hopefully I will be reassured as Henry was that she will not use the device.
Scott brought his hand to the door ready to knock, but his conscience weighted in. What am I doing? Didn't I accept Henry's reassurance that Rogue wouldn't use the bracelet? He did give me his word and I know him to be an honest person. Maybe now I should start trying to let go of some control. If Henry thinks I don't need to worry about Rogue, I won't. Why should I bother add unnecessary stress to my life? Rogue might say something that may trouble me and ruin my time with Jean.
He let his hand drop to his side and was about to begin his trek to the Boathouse he and his wife shared. He walked past Betsy's room, on his way out the Woman's Quarters.
Betsy never did tell me everything that happened with the team in Australia. I might as well tell her that I want a detailed report by morning, if she's not asleep already.
Scott knocked firmly on Betsy's door…no answer. He knocked again with more force…no answer. Though this time he did hear a creaking noise. It was the familiar sound of bedsprings creaking with continued impact.
Wait a minute. Is Betsy having sex? Maybe Warren came back? No, I would have seen it on the outside camera; I was in the Control Room all this time. Unless she's with…Bobby? No, it's still in the city. Wolverine? No, he's still working on the passwords. Gambit!?! Although I wouldn't put anything past him…there's no way she would ever sleep with him, let alone touch him. She hates him, that much.
He pushed open the door a crack. "Pyslocke?" He called, with only a small part of the room in his vision. He heard a muffled cry. Scott pushed the door wide open to witness Betsy tied to the bed with a scarf around her mouth.
He quickly turned into X-Man mode. His eyes gave a quick scan of the room ready to blast any invader on sight. The coast was clear. He ran over to her bedside and pulled down the scarf that tied her mouth.
"How many got inside and where were they headed?" His hand was ready to press the X-men communicator button.
"Stop! Everything's fine."
"What? Did they leave? Who were they?"
"Don't bother with the communicator, we were not infiltrated."
Her breath reeked of alcohol. "Psylocke, have you been drinking?"
She looked like a child who got caught sticking her hand in the cookie jar. "Yes."
He examined her wrists. "Still doesn't explain why you're tied to the bed. Or maybe it does." He imagined Betsy trying something wild in a drunken state that went horribly wrong, but that didn't make any sense. "Who did this to you?"
"Who do you think?"
He focused on the complicated knots that held her wrists together. There was only one obvious person. "Gambit."
"Bingo! That bastard tied me to the bed and ran out of here."
I'm not even going to try and guess why he felt the need to tie her up. "Should I ask you where you got the alcohol, or should I just assume that it was from Gambit?"
She nodded and began her tattletale. "He has an entire liquor cabinet stacked to the hilt in his room."
"Alcohol is not to be brought on the property…" He spoke with his official leader voice.
She nodded in agreement. "I know."
"Or consumed on the property."
She lowered her head and whispered, "I know."
"You're a skilled fighter. Why didn't you just stop Gambit with your powers?"
"I wasn't able to get a good fix on him. He hadn't been drinking, so with his agility in tact there was no way I could have fought him off."
"You must have drank a lot if you couldn't utilize your powers." He knew this because it took Jean longer then the average female to get drunk.
"I did. My mind is still kind of hazy."
He felt concerned with the fact that she needed to drink to hide from her problems. "What's wrong, Psylocke. What was it that gave you the need to drown your sorrows in booze."
She turned her face away from his hidden stare. "Nothing's wrong. I was just really thirty." He placed his hand on her chin and made her look him in the face.
"Something must have happened. Does it have anything to do with Warren?"
She swallowed hard not wanting to answer him. "I know he's your friend."
"You're my friend too. What happened?"
"Warren and I…" She signed. "We broke up."
*
Slowly, Rogue brought her trembling hand closer to his face. He remained still, frozen in time, awaiting her touch. His hands were clasped together behind his back and his feet planted firmly on the floor, ensuring that he wouldn't just throw her on the bed then and there.
Take it easy, Remy, calm down. Treat her like a swan dat will fly away if you make any sudden movements. He felt his body respond with anticipation. Yeah right! Easier said den done.
Her hands targeted the hair on his face reasoning that she would have more contact with his stubble than his flesh. She touched his prickly five o'clock shadow and pulled back.
She gave a goofy grin. "Your face is like a porcupine.
"Should I take dat as a compliment?"
"Yeah, Ah guess. Ah like porcupines. You ready?"
"I've been ready since de first day I met you."
Rogue reached for the base of his neck, her fingers lightly brushing over his collarbone. She looked at his face for any signs of stress.
"I feel fine." He reassured her with a smile giving her the faith to continue.
She traced her fingers with more confidence up his neck, along his chin, then around the outside of his lips. She finally brought both hands to outline his facial features as if she were blind. He couldn't keep the grin from escaping his face; she smiled with him. The experience of actually touching another person caused a tear to escape her eyes.
She wiped the moisture from her face. "Ah don't know why Ah'm crying. It's not like Ah never touched you before."
"It's been a long time, chere."
"Too long." She began to run her hands along his shoulders, squeezing them every so often. "Your skin is so soft." She whispered as she examined his body like a doctor. She took hold of his biceps applying pressure to his muscle. "Yet your body is so hard."
You don't know de half of it. Each soft touch caused him to fight harder for control. But why should I suppress something dat feels so natural?
His mind stopped wandering when he realized that Rogue kept her hand on his shoulders, not moving.
"What is it?"
She stood on her tiptoes, moving her head closer to his neck taking in his aroma. "You smell like Betsy."
You can never get anyt'ing past a woman and her nose. "She went crazy wit' her perfume bottled dis morning."
"Is that right?" She brought her wrist up to her nose and took in the fruity smell of the body lotion she applied all over her body that morning. She rubbed the remaining fragrance from her wrist onto his neck. Again she smelled him and looked at him with satisfaction. "There, that's better."
He grinned wickedly. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say dat you were marking your territory."
"Then it's a good thing you know better." She teased.
She placed her hands in the center of his chest. The sexual energy that was flowing through Remy was becoming more difficult to control. Relax, you'll get your turn soon enough.
Rogue stared at his chest, wishing she had the power to see through his white undershirt. Then again, the material was thin enough not to leave much to the imagination. As she stared at the trail of chest-hair leading down his undershirt, the outline of his abdomen, she had the urge to feel him all over.
On impulse she removed her hands from his shoulders and slid them underneath his shirt, resting on his hard abs.
Her quick movement caught him off guard; Instinctively, Remy inhaled deeply. His sudden reaction was all she needed to jolt a suppressed memory:
…They were on a hill in Israel, the timeline had just been returned to normal. Rogue opened her eyes and was greeted with Remy's lifeless body in her arms. She called to him and he would not answer. She tried desperately to search for a pulse, there was none…
She was now mentally back in his bedroom, but she still only saw his lifeless body in her mind. "No, no!" She backed away. "Ah killed him!"
Damn, she's havin' a flashback. "Rogue, it's okay." He followed her as she backed herself into a corner and sank down hugging her knees. "I'm fine." He reached for her shoulder.
"Don't touch me!"
"Rogue, you didn't hurt me. Everyt'ing's fine, de bracelet works. See…" He had every intention of touching her face to reassure her that she was not harmful.
"Please, Remy…don't." She whispered.
He could see how frighten she was and dropped his hand to his side. "Okay, okay, I won't touch you. Settle down, everyt'ing we'll be all right."
She swung her head around frantically. "Where're mah gloves? Ah want mah gloves!"
"Calm down, calm down. I'll get 'em for you." He found them buy the foot of
his bed and gave them to her. She quickly put them on, immediately she felt a change throughout her body. The gloves made her feel…safe.
He watched as she hugged her knees, rocking back and forth. "You're not ready for all dis. You should probably turn it off."
"Ah can't. Remember the book says it has to stay on the entire 8 hours or else…"
"…You might have a heart attack. Shit!" Where is dat booklet anyway? That question soon faded from his mind when he saw the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Time t' score some 'not rushing you into a relationship' points. "Dis is going a li'l too fast for you. Maybe you should go back t' your room." I hope she says no. But what's a gamble if dere isn't any risks? I jus' put all my chips down on de poker table.
She nodded in agreement. "Maybe you're right."
Fuck! Looks like I'm leaving de table empty-handed. "Of course I am." He forced a smile.
Remy backed away from her as she stood up and headed for the exit. She opened his door then turned around, "Night, Remy."
"G'night, chere." He closed the door.
Rogue stood outside his room in the dark hallway. It took a while for her eyes to get use to the darkness. Soon she was able to make out the long walk from Remy's room to the Women's Quarters.
She took her first steps; her mind paid great attention to the creaks of the hardwood floor. With each movement away from Remy's room her heart sank deeper, she was suffocating in the darkness.
Her thoughts flashed back to the locked door in her mind; there she was a young teenager without her powers, covered in blackness and scared beyond belief. She felt the same way now.
What the fuck? Ah haven't been scared of the dark in years, so why now? All I have to do is make it to mah room and everything will be fine. Mah room…alone. Images of Jason chopping up bodies with a chainsaw from Friday the 13th circled her mind. Ah've never been afraid of Jason before, but without mah powers, his chainsaw can cut right through mah flesh. Something mus' be wrong with me if Ah'm afraid of a fictional character.
Then again, what if Sabretooth broke into the mansion? Yeah, that's more likely. Shit! What good am Ah without mah powers? As more time passed on, the goal of making it to her room seemed less and less likely.
Remy flung himself across his bed. He was faced with the reality of having to spend the night alone. I was so close.
Still he would always have the memories; the trouble was they weren't enough. I better go t' de bathroom and finish off what she started. On his way to the bathroom there was a knock on the door. Who could dat be? He didn't have to wait long for the answer.
Rogue stood before him, fiddling her gloves. "Remy?"
"Yeah, chere. You forgot somet'ing?"
"No." He could tell that she was trying to think of the right words to say.
"What is it?"
"Can Ah spend the night here with you?"
"…Yeah." He managed to answer with a solemn expression.
Remy opened the door wider and stepped aside so she could enter. She didn't notice the huge grin he was fighting to keep off his face. Remy, you sneaky bastard, you've hit de jackpot!
*
Scott stared at Betsy too stunned to speak. Yes, Warren and Betsy had their little spats, but it never before led to an official 'break-up'. "I can't believe it."
"Well, believe it! It's true."
"Are you sure you're not going to get back together? Maybe you both need some space for awhile until you can work everything out."
"Hell no, it's over!"
"I don't know what to say."
She found Scott's speechlessness amusing. "Don't look so sad. It was only a matter of time before we broke up. I know you all were surprised we lasted as long as we did."
"That's not true."
"Don't bother deny it. I know."
Of course she knows. Betsy was never one to shy away from reading people minds. I guess there is no reason for me to lie. "Okay, maybe at first, but the more time you two were together it was obvious that their was something special."
"Special?" She snorted, "Give me a week and I'll have another special relationship."
"It seems like you're the one in denial now."
"Why would you say that?"
"You're acting as if you don't care about your brake up."
"That's because I don't."
"So you always get drunk for no reason?" She looked away from him. He could tell that she was really hurt but knew her pride would not allow her to admit it. "You are probably the most self-reliant woman I know. You've been through a lot and with each trail and tribulation you've somehow become even stronger. But you don't have to be strong all the time. You have people here that you can lean on."
"I've never cried over a man and I'm not going to start now."
"I'm not asking you to. I just want you to know that I'm here if you need me."
She thought a moment before she spoke. "You know that old expression: The grass is greener on the other side." He nodded. "Well that's my life. Warren wanted to hop the fence and take a closer look at the neighbors grass."
Scott tried to dissect the metaphor. "He wanted to see other people?"
"No, you see that would be too easy. After he examined the neighbors grass, he hoped right back over and tried to clone his grass in the same likeness. Needless to say, it didn't work.
"So, Warren tried to change you to fit his idea of another man's girl."
She raised her eyebrows. "Aren't you clever? That's exactly right."
Scott shook his head in disgust. "I can't believe that guy sometimes. Only someone that arrogant, would try and do such a thing. Where would he get an idea like that?"
"Funny you should ask that question; considering, you're the neighbor."
"What?"
"He wanted me to be more like Jean a woman without any flaws. I'm not Jean."
"No you're nothing like her…but that isn't a bad thing."
"It is in the long run."
"Why? You're a beautiful woman…"
"There's plenty of beautiful women around."
"Ahh, but few have Asian features, a British accent and matching violet hair and eyes?" Though he could never notice the true beauty of her eyes and hair considering he sees everything through a red haze.
"Okay, so I'm unique looking. But an accent coach, hair dye and contacts could put all of that uniqueness to an end."
"You're a trained assassin. You can kill someone by just hitting the right spot on the body; there's a lot of guys out there that considers that kind of danger a turn on."
She smiled. "Keep going."
"Above all, you are a good person. If Warren is too jaded to realize that, someone else will, I'm sure of it. Don't sell yourself short, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth? "Gee. If you would have followed up that last sentence with a kiss on my forehead, you'd be my father."
"Then your father must be a pretty smart man."
"He is." She began to twist her wrists uncomfortably. "Not to spoil the moment, but can you please untie me?"
He looked at her embarrassed that he didn't untie her immediately after in entered the room. "I'm sorry." He stretched over her and began to make his way through the complicated knots. "What was Gambit thinking? It's not coming out."
Betsy practically licked her lips as she relished the feeling of her old crush brushing against her body. "That's okay. I'm not in any rush." Her tone was flirtatious. He looked down at her with a half smile.
He was about to continue the innocent flirtation, then thought against it. I think it's better for me to keep my mouth shut. He focused back on the task. "I'm going to have to cut the scarf."
"What? Don't bother, they don't make them like they use to. Can you please try to untie it?"
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises." Shit! How can Gambit make a knot this difficult? He continued to work in silence.
"All the guys here worship your wife. I think that's the first thing that made my flirting with you different. You already had Jean, so you liked me because I wasn't her."
Yes, that was true. Betsy became a hot Ninja and I was—smitten—with her for a few moments. But still I loved Jean, I always will.
"Don't get scared, I know how deeply you love Jean." She responded letting him know that she had read his thoughts. "I wanted Warren to have the same deep feelings for me."
"He did love you, Betsy."
"But wasn't your love. I've always listened to your thoughts of Jean. I never knew a love like yours was even possible."
"Anything's possible."
She could tell that he wasn't getting any further in taking out the knots. She 'accidentally' brushed her leg against his side. "Aren't you a little nervous being here with me, like this?" He looked down at her. "Jean could peak into your mind right now without you even knowing."
"I haven't done anything wrong, so why should I be nervous? Besides, Jean would never read my mind unknowingly."
"Are you sure about that?" She pushed herself up a bit more so that she could be closer to his warm body. In the corner of her mind she wanted to know it she could tempt him.
"Yes, we trust each other completely."
Her temptations were going unnoticed. He's not even budging a little bit. "I've never been able to have that kind of trust in relationships. Hell, the more I think about it, maybe I was the fucking bastard and not Warren."
He paused from untying the knots. "Stop getting down on yourself."
"It's like I want to scream, yell and fight all my anger out. But what I feel most now is…hurt. He really hurt me. I've never felt this way before over a break-up. Could it be that I actually loved him."
"Why is that so hard to believe?"
"Because I'm Betsy Braddock. I'm smarter then that."
"Love reaches everyone one way or another, even the great Betsy Braddock."
"But what good is me loving someone if he doesn't loves me back?"
Again she's beating herself up. "Didn't we already go over this?"
She wasn't hearing him. "Gambit is right. Warren finally realized just how pointless our relationship was…"
"Stop it."
" 'Why buy the milk when you can get the cow for free.' "
What? "He actually said that to you?"
"Gambit doesn't care about me so he can tell me the god-awful truth! He says what everyone is thinking."
"Then listen to what someone who actually cares about you says. Any man would jump at the chance of having the pleasure to call you his wife. Warren just wasn't the right guy. Betsy, you could have whatever man you want."
Damn! He knows all the right words to say. "What if the man I want already has a wife?"
Scott stared at her a moment. His hands slipped down from her wrists to her shoulders. "I repeat, you can have whatever man you want."
"Then I want you, if only for a moment."
He leaned forward without hesitation and pressed his mouth against hers. His tongue slip out and parted her willing lips. She hungrily explored his mouth with her tongue, urging him on with a soft moan. He was the one taking control of the situation moving his hand down her body and groping her bottom. Every inch of his body was responding to her erotic style of foreplay. Betsy wanted to stay in that moment forever.
*
Bobby strolled along the deserted storage house waiting for his shipment to come in. He was beginning to get tired and decided to amuse himself with a game he loved to play in the summer. He pointed his index finger at a spot on the wooden floor. The moisture in the air began to circulate at the spot he was focused on and the room began to decrease in temperature. In a matter of moments ice was forming on the floor. He stopped his powers and admired the small ice rink he created. He sat back and waited to see how long the ice would take to melt on a hot summer night. He jumped up on a crate and pressed the timer button on his watch.
Bobby reached into his pocket and pulled out the card that Mr. Harry gave him. The name Shawn was written in messy handwriting followed by a phone number.
Why should I bother waste Rogue's time with this nonsense? No way I'm going to let this guy benefit from Rogue now being able to touch. He ripped the paper into shreds and threw it into the air.
He looked back to the floor and noticed that the ice had melted. It took 1 minute and 25 seconds. Again he used his power to create another patch of ice, this time a bit thicker then before and then he reset his watch.
If Gambit has the decency to give Rogue some space, I had to so the same, it was only right. I wonder what Rogue is doing right now?
*
The normally smooth talking thief was silent. He was trying to let the moment of the oncoming night sink in his mind. Rogue stood awkwardly not knowing what to do next.
She finally spoke. "Ah'm so hot staying in these warm close." She was still wearing her long sweatshirt and pants that covered her entire body.
"I'll turn on de AC a bit." He went to the wall and turned on the air conditioner in his room.
"Okay, but Ah still feel sticky. You mind if Ah take a shower?"
She's kidding, right? "No, go right ahead." Remy rummaged through his closet and gave her a towel and a washcloth.
"Ah need some pj's. You got anything?"
Why doesn't she jus' get them from her room? Who de hell cares! "Here, you can wear my lucky jersey."
She accepted his sport jersey with pride. He wouldn't give his lucky shirt away to just anyone. She was still missing one thing. "Ah need underwear."
She wants t' wear my underwear? Talk about a turn on. "Boxers or tighty whities?"
"Tighty whities!"
I've died and gone t' heaven. He threw a pair of briefs at her from his draw.
"I'll be back." Remy followed her with his eyes as she went into the bathroom and closed the door. Now he was faced with the difficult job of figuring out the sleeping arrangements.
Would I be too forward if I made a spot for both of us on de bed? He could hear her starting the shower. I don't have much time t' decide.
After a 10-minute shower, Rogue came out the washroom wearing his black jersey that reached just above her knees and her gloves.
"Oh, Remy. Water never felt so good in mah life! Never knew what Ah was missing." She saw the pillows and blankets that covered the floor next to his bed. "Ah'll take the floor."
"No you won't." He stated while fluffing a pillow. "Take de bed."
"Ah feel bad kicking you out your bed."
"You don't have a choice. Doctors orders."
"Since you put it that way." She leaped onto his pillow filled bed and got under the comfy covers.
He took his place next to the side of the bed closer to the window. Rogue looked under all of her five pillows, but she didn't find what she wanted. "Do you have your playing cards?"
"Of course, chere. You know I always keep 'em under my pillow…"
"Jus' in case!" They said together.
"Good!" She got back under the covers. "Ah was jus' making sure you have them."
"Why? You planning on getting' attacked?" He laughed, though he was surprised when she didn't join him.
"You never know." She mumbled. "Night, Remy."
"Night, chere." He closed his eyes hoping he could calm down enough to sleep. Five minutes passed.
"Pssst. Remy!" She called in a loud whisper.
He opened his eyes to see her head hanging over the bed looking down at him. "Huh?"
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"Something like a hissing sound from outside."
He listened for few seconds; there was nothing. "No."
"Well, Ah heard it."
He stopped again trying to pick up any sound. "I still don't hear anyt'ing."
"Do you sense anyone on the grounds?"
"No, I jus' sense people in de house." He waved his hand. "It's probably jus' de crickets."
"Crickets don't hiss, they chirp!" She fumed.
"Birds chirp, crickets…" He chuckled to himself; they could argue like this all night if he didn't put a stop to it. "Go t' sleep, Rogue." She stuck her tongue out at him then covered her head with a pillow. He closed his eyes for about 10 minutes.
"Psst, Remy!"
"Yeah?" He opened his eyes to see Rogue's head poking out from the bed.
"Tell me you heard that."
Again he didn't hear a sound. "Heard what?"
"It sounded like a tapping noise. You sure you don't sense anyone on the grounds?"
"I'm positive."
"Are you positive, positive or are you jus' positive."
I don't believe dis! "Chere, go t' sleep."
"Fine!" She covered her head with her sheets.
He laughed to himself; she was always so cute when she was angry. He finally drifted to sleep.
"Psst, Remy!"
"What!" He yelled with his eyes still closed. He opened them and was surprised to see Rogue over him on his makeshift bed. He sat up. "Chere, somet'ing wrong?"
"Ah heard another noise."
"It's not'ing."
"If it's nothing why did Ah hear it?"
He smiled. "Because you're paranoid."
She folded her arms over her chest. "Of course you can be all cool and collected. If a bad guy was to burst in your room right now, Ah'd get blasted first 'cause they can't see you."
He grinned when he realized the bed was covering his sleeping figure from anyone who would be standing at the door. "You're right about dat."
"Ah want to sleep here."
"So now you wanna change spots? You want me t' get blasted first?" He laughed and in time she joined him.
"Silly!" She looked at him shyly, twisting the sheets in her fingers. "You can stay here too; that way we both will be safe."
The laughter slowly retreated from his face. "As you wish."
*
Just when Scott thought he couldn't get enough of Betsy, she abruptly pulled back. They were both breathing heavily.
Scott was dumbstruck. He couldn't believe what he had done. "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened. I, I didn't mean to…"
"Take it easy, Scott. It was my fault."
He looked at her with confusion. "No, I shouldn't' have taken advantage of your vulnerable state. You wanted me to listen to you and I…and Jean…" It was as if his mind was scattered.
"Scott, I made you do it."
"You what?!"
"I pushed into your mind and made you drop your moral defenses." The second time he said, 'you can have any man you want' was when she took control of his mind.
"You made me kiss you?"
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have done it…"
"Yet you did it anyway. I'm a married man…"
"It was my mistake. It will never happen again."
He had to admit that he felt relief. There was no denying the sexual tension between them after so much time together. There were times when he imagined what her kisses would be like…no, she was nothing like Jean. I had my chance to feel her lips against mine and it wasn't my fault. Maybe it was a good thing to get the sexual tension out of the way…
"Why don't we just call it even?" The expression on her face again told Scott that she was reading his mind and heard his thoughts.
"Never again, Betsy. I love Jean and I would never do anything to jeopardize what we have together." He stated with severity.
"I understand."
He was willing to let what happened go by remembering that Betsy still had alcohol in her system and probably just needed to feel love. However, he was never a big fan of mutants using their powers for their own personal gain at the expense of others. "Can I trust you to never tell Jean? Not for my benefit, but for your own safety."
"I won't tell her."
"Good." I guess it's just better for me to act like the whole thing never happened. It's better for me to do that then have Jean find out and kill her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a huge switch army knife. "I have to do it." She nodded her head for him to cut her expensive silk scarf. Once her hands were free she rubbed them together helping out her blood circulation. "I have to go home to my wife."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." He really did have a special connection with Jean. Maybe that sense of loyalty is what attracts me to him. His turning me down is a huge turn on. He got up from her bed and made his way to the door. "Thanks, Scott. For listening to me."
"You're welcome."
He closed her room door softly behind him. She snuggled into her covers and drifted to an easy sleep with a smile on her face.
Scott was building up fury as he made his way closer to Remy's room.
What the hell is he thinking bringing alcohol unto the property! Then he sat by and watched as Betsy drank past her limit. What if there was an emergency and we had to go into battle? Betsy would be in no condition to fight and she is a vital part of the team!
Scott stood in at Remy's bedroom door ready to pound it down…
Honey. He heard his wife's voice call in his mind.
Jean?
You said you would be home by 10:00. It's 10:50, what's keeping you?
Nothing, baby. I'll be right there.
I'll be waiting.
He looked back to the door. Remy will just have to wait until morning. He started to run through the halls and hopped down the steps. He sprinted through the estate towards the Boathouse.
Scott entered his home and was immediately hit with the aroma of a well-seasoned roast chicken. His belly began to rumble when he realized that he hadn't satisfied his appetite in hours.
"Honey, I'm in the bedroom." Jean called from another room.
His stomach would have to wait, considering there was another part of his body that was in desperate need of satisfying. Scott bypassed the kitchen table and made his way to the closed bedroom door. He door opened with a creaky sound. I've got to get that fix.
His eyes opened wide when he saw his loving wife sprawled on the bed. She was wearing a short white see-through nightgown with spaghetti strips that fell off her shoulders.
"It's about time you showed up. I was beginning to think of other ways to please myself." She climbed off the bed and approached her husband. "The cat caught your tongue?"
"Sometimes I forget just how beautiful you are. You leave me speechless."
"That's good, 'cause the last thing I want to do right now is talk." Jean locked her lips against his in a passionate kiss. With their bodies pressed so tightly together, she could already feel him responding to her.
She loved the fact that she could turn him on so fast after all this time. Hopefully she wasn't going too fast for him to maintain himself.
He pulled away from her lips and started to trace kisses along her neck. Jean went up on her tiptoes so that he could apply more pressure to her neck and clawed her fingers up and down his back. She rested her head on his shoulder taking in his sent deeply. She loved his smell, accept, this wasn't it. Somehow, it was different.
Scott pulled away from his neck, breathing heavily.
"Wait right here." He said and dashed for the washroom. She reasoned that he was going for a condom and sat on her bed deep in thought.
Scott smelled of perfume. Jean had a great memory and knew that the perfume belonged to Betsy. So he was with Betsy all this time, and close enough to her to have her scent. I trust that he wouldn't have done anything wrong, but I don't trust her. It was almost like he had a hard-on before he entered the room and again, he was just with Betsy. She was crossed. I will not have sex with him if he has his mind on another woman.
She crawled into their bed and under the covers. Scott shot out the washroom with a pack of condoms in his hands.
"Okay, I'm ready." He saw a pained expression on her face. "Jean?"
"Scott, I don't feel well."
He approached the side of the bed and placed his hand on her forehead. "What's wrong?"
"I think it's a continuation of what happened earlier in the War Room."
"So maybe it will blow over in a few minutes."
She shook her head. "I don't think so. I don't feel up to it, honey. I'm sorry."
"Shhh. Don't even worry about me. Just get some sleep and you'll feel better in the morning. You want me to make you some tea?"
"No, I'll be fine."
"Okay." He kissed her softly on the forehead and made sure she was tucked in. "Goodnight."
She peaked between the covers and saw him return to the washroom, most likely to flush his passion down the toilet.
Jean smiled with satisfaction. Good!
*
Rogue laid on her back as Remy lay beside her with his elbow resting on his pillow. This was a new thing for Remy; never before would she let him sleep in her bed…with good reason. He mused as he took in her touchable, yet untouchable figure. He did notice that she went underneath his covers wrapped in another sheet she brought from the bed. It was obvious that she was still hesitant of being touched.
"Remy?"
"Yeah?"
"It's not so bad…having this bracelet."
"Dat's good to hear."
"Ah still can't believe Ah have the ability to control mah powers without using those awful Genosha collars."
"It's a blessing straight from God."
"God? Yeah right."
"What are you saying?"
"Ah'm saying that God has nothing to do with this."
Her response didn't sit well with the man that was raised a Catholic. "Chere, you tellin' me you don't believe in God?"
"Heck, no! Ah'm not crazy, of course I believe in God, but…"
"But?"
"But…not only did he make me a mutant, Ah was cursed with a power that keeps me isolated. Ah was doomed to spend the rest of mah life alone. So yes, Ah believe in God, Ah jus' don't know why He hates me so much."
"God doesn't hate you."
"Then why am Ah burden with uncontrollable absorption powers?"
"If you really wanna know de answer, I'll tell you why."
Could he possible know the answer to an age-old question? "Why?"
"God gave you a power dat keeps other from touching you because…" he gave a devilish grin, "He wants t' keep you for Himself." She laughed.
"Then you better be careful. If He's watching us right now, He might get the wrong idea."
"I don't care, I already know I'm goin' straight t' hell." She laughed again, not knowing that he was being serious."
"You're too much." Really, Rogue was trying to lead up to a question that had been bothering her since she last spoke with Canon. "Can Ah ask you something?"
He smiled. "Of course."
"You always told me that Ah shouldn't trust Xavier when Ah was having therapy 'cause Ah was vulnerable. Ah mean, he is a good person. What could he have possibly done to me?"
"X is a good guy, I'm not denying dat. De t'ing is, when someone has too much power, there's always de temptation t' abuse it."
"Xavier would never go against his ethics."
He snickered at her naivete. "He made a promise never t' use his power t' tamper wit' people's minds, den he went and turned Magneto into a vegetable…not dat I blame him."
She silently thanked the heavens that Magneto recovered from his coma, even if he still went back to his evil ways. "But he had to do what was right for that situation."
"So now he's playin' God? Not good, chere."
"Still, Magnus is an enemy…"
"Dey were once best friends." He added.
"But what did you think Xavier could have done to do me?"
He shrugged. "Never gave it much t'ought. He could have controlled you when he turned into Onslaught."
"He never turned into Onslaught for a long time. Xavier was still himself when Ah was having mah sessions with him. What were you so afraid of?"
"Really, chere. It was not'ing specific."
She wouldn't except his answer. "Did you think that he could have used me for…you know."
"What?" He had no idea what she trying to ask him.
"There's Genosha collars all over here. Maybe he could have used me for…Don't make me say it."
"Are saying what I t'ink you're saying?"
"If he did, Ah wouldn't have known. He could have erased mah memory…Ah don't even wanna think about it."
"Are you telling me dat you t'ink Xavier took advantage of you—sexually?"
"What else am Ah supposed to think? You're the only who keeps telling me over and over again that he could have done anything to me without me knowing!"
"Jus' calm down. I'm sorry if I scared you, I didn't mean t' do dat. I know what I said, but Xavier wouldn't do anyt'ing like dat t' you, I'm sure of it."
"What makes you so sure? He's a powerful mutant and able to change anything."
"I can feel him, he can't change dat."
She was intrigued. "What do you feel in him?"
"Xavier is a strange guy. When I first heard about de X-men, and saw all dese hot women in skimpy outfits, I t'ought somet'ing was up. Come on, an older man gathering all dese young girls and boys into a school were he could 'tutor' dem had de word pervert written all over it, but…"
"But?"
"But…he's not like dat. When I first met Xavier and we all finally settled back down into de mansion, I would always feel him out. Anytime you, or any other of the girls, walked into de room he felt…normal."
"Normal?"
"Yeah, he looks at you girls and guys, like his kids."
"Really?"
"It's de truth. All I feel from him is love, respect, you know, de usual. I've never felt any kind of weird sexual energy from him."
"Wait a second. When I met Xavier by then he was given an improved body by Lilandra and was able to walk. When you first met Xavier the Shadow King paralyzed him. Maybe his accident caused him to lose his sexual urges."
"No way, he can still get it up. Whenever he sees Lilandra he's ready t' jump her, as well as any other woman. He's a healthy sexual guy."
She felt better. "So, Ah don't have anything to worry about."
"Chere, you t'ink I could stay in de same house wit' a man I even t'ought was capable of doing somet'ing like dat to you?" She shook her head 'no'. "I would have killed him, myself."
She couldn't believe what he had said. "Remy!"
"Oh, and you wouldn't have done it too?"
"Okay. Maybe you're right."
"Of course I am." He smiled. "Still I have to admit I find it strange dat he doesn't have any sexual urges for de X-Women. But what can I say, he's very good at controlling those types of feelings, I guess."
"Ah guess." She let out a yawn.
"I can see you're tired."
"It's weird, Ah can't keep mah eyes open. Ah've never been so sleepy in mah life." She turned over on her side.
"Den get some rest. You've had an eventful night…Rogue, Rogue?" She was sound asleep. He gave her a soft kiss on the back of her head and gently place his arm around her waist. In her sleep she back into him, giving him the pleasure of spooning her.
I can handle dis. I can handle dis. He kept repeating over and over in his head. He was lying.
*
Bobby now had four circles of ice melting on the floor. This new game was now beginning to get old.
Man, I'm tired! He thought with a yawn.
"Hey, Randy!" Mr. Harry yelled from deeper in the storage room.
"Yeah!"
"It looks like part of your shipment just came through! You might wanna put this in your van, while you're waiting for the next part!"
"All right!" He jumped down from the crate and made his way to the back room filled with crates marked fragile in big red letters.
"That one's yours." Mr. Harry pointed one of the medium sized crates. Bobby didn't move from his spot. "Whatcha waiting for?"
"Don't you have a lifter or something so that I don't have to carry it?"
"There all in use right now." He looked him over. "You're a strong young man, you can lift it yourself. That girl you always bring here never needed any help. You're telling' me she's stronger then you?" He laughed. "Don't be a wimpy boy!"
The older man succeeding in pressuring Bobby to carry the crate. The young X-man felt his ego taking over, never mind the fact that Rogue had super strength on her side.
He bent over and picked up the box. It was heavy, but he could manage it.
"Good, good. Now be careful you don't break your back." Mr. Harry then turned his attention to other business.
The Iceman walked with heavy feet through the storage space. That's it! Next time I'm going to force Rogue to come with me! He could see the open doorway in front of him. Come on, Bobby! You can do it! He cheered himself. You can do it! You can do it! You can…
Crash!
Bobby fell flat on his face. In front of him he could see the crate open with broken metal spread all over the floor. It soon became apparent that he slipped on one of his ice formations.
Fucking, Shit!
*
He tenderly ran his long fingers up her leg along her thigh. With ease he slipped his fingers between her legs; she gasped at the feel of his warm hands against her warm center.
She grabbed a fist full of his hair forcing his head to meet hers. His tongue circled the inside of her mouth with a skill only he could master. She sucked on his tongue wanting to pull all of him inside her; letting out a moan when he began to stoke her. He unwillingly pulled away from her lips wanting to witness the emotions he caused in her displayed on her stunning face.
He began to stroke her slowly, smiling when he could see the frustration on her face—she wanted more, now. He wouldn't give it to her yet; he wanted to teach her that slow and steady wins the rest.
He began to increase his pace as she began to shift her hips with his rhythm. His erection was beginning to become painful as it begged for attention. However, he tried hard to ignore his need, wanting to bring her to completion. He moved faster as her cries of joy became louder. He wouldn't stop until she screamed his name…
"Remy!"
"Wh-what?" He awoke from his sleep disoriented. His hand still rested on her hips, though it was lower just over her private area. It was a dream, nothing really happened. Though he could still feel his hard-on trying to break free from his pants. It didn't help matters much that it was pressed again her back.
Rogue turned over to met his gaze, eyes wide with surprise. "You're poking me."
"It was my elbow." Oh yeah, like she's gonna buy dat. She nodded her head seeming to accept his excuse. "I'll be right back." He got up and stumbled through the darkness into the washroom.
Rogue sat up waiting patiently for his warm body to return to her side. The longer he stayed the more anxious she started to feel. What's taking him so long? Just when she about to get up and knock on the door, he emerged from the other room. He walked back into the room and slip back under the covers.
"You were in there for a long time. What were you doing, a number one or number two?"
"Number t'ree." He mumbled more to himself than to her.
"What was that?"
"Um, never mind." Again he put his arm around her waist and noticed that she left a small space separating their middle area. Looks like she doesn't wan' to get poked by my 'elbow' again.
She had a far away look in her eyes that left him curious. "What are you t'inking about right now?"
"It's like we jus' traveled back in time, to the cave."
De first time we touched wit'out her absorbing me. Dat was de best night of my life, but now it might have t' be pushed down to de second best night of my life. "So you're having a bit of déjà vu."
"Oui, oui."
He chuckled at her lame attempt to speak French. "You need to brush up on your French."
"*Je parle Francis!"
"Barely. Dere are plenty Cajun Counties down in the Mississippi."
"And Ah picked up a lot of French from those places. Ah jus' haven't kept up with practicing."
"Uh-huh." He responded sarcastically.
"Ah still can't believe Ah touched you after you said you wanted me to absorb you."
"Why? You trust me."
She smiled. "Don't trust anyone."
This was the first time that she had ever used his words against him. Long ago when he first uttered those words to her by the pool was the time she shouldn't have trusted him; the entire team shouldn't have trusted him. He quickly pushed that thought to the back of his mind, not wanting to think about it any more. That was then and this is now.
"Don't trust anyone, except me."
"That's not what you said before, but it doesn't matter. Ah'll always trust you."
"Can I have dat in writing?"
"No."
"It was worth a try."
"Whatever, Rembrant."
He signed. "How many times do I have t' tell you t' stop calling dat?"
"Well, what else could Remy be short for?"
"Remy could be short for Jeremy."
"Uh-uh. Jerry is short for Jeremy."
"I t'ought Jerry is short for Jerome."
"No-no. Jerome is short for Jeremy."
He laughed. "But you said Jerry was short for Jeremy."
"That's because Jerome and Jerry are both short for Jeremy."
"How can dat be…" He stopped, knowing that they could argue this point all
night. "Forget about it." They remained in a comfortable silence for a few moments.
"Remy?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being with me when Ah first used the bracelet, like you said you would be."
"I wouldn't want t' be anywhere else." He started to move in a bit closer to her so that he could test her out. Ever so slightly she moved away. There was no doubt in his mind that she realized that he was turned on by the closeness of their bodies. The weird thing was, she never was one to shy away from his erections. If anything she would tease him about it…but not this time.
Rogue liked the fact that his arm was around her. There in his arms, she truly felt…safe. And just so that he didn't get the wrong idea, she added, "You really are a good friend."
Merde! She still t'inks I want t' be her friend? He watched as she drifted into a peaceful sleep. Seeing her there by his side stopped anymore of his wallowing in self-pity. The sight of her warmed with heart. He wished that the night could go on forever. "Jus' sleep now in my arms…we can always talk tomorrow."
*
Logan walked quickly along the estate grounds, just in case anyone would call him back to the mansion in need of his help. After he finished computing all the passwords he took a quick shower and changed into a buttoned black shirt and black jeans.
He entered the forest and strolled along an uncharted path that few people knew to take. He knew every inch of the property as if was a part of him. Like the animals, he felt a complete connection to nature.
He stopped suddenly dead in his track as he picked up a familiar scent. He followed the smell through the bushes, which brought him to a particular tree. With great skill he began to climb, unconcerned with the dangerous height he was reaching as he neared the top of the tree.
Looking up he saw Ororo standing with her back against the tree bark. He climbed at bit higher over her head and squatted down to look at her.
"Nice weather we're havin' tonight."
Her eyes remained focused on the moonlight. "Yes, it is beautiful."
He followed her gaze. "A nice breeze on what should be a hot sticky summer night." He looked down at her once again. "You got somethin' to do with it?"
"No I do not. For you see, if the weather was a reflection of my feelings right now, it would be a damp cloudy night." She turned to him with fury in her eyes. "You're late, Logan."
"Sorry, babe. Didn't think I'd take this long. Forgive me?"
She shook her head. "You have not given me a reason to." He jumped down from his branch to hers. A smiled curled on his face as he approached her gorgeous figure. He placed his hand on the side of her face, his fingers resting in her hair, and brought her head towards his waiting lips. They kissed each other deeply with an understandable urgency.
Logan pulled back first, grinning at the sight of her lips still moving slightly as if she was still being kissed. "What about now?"
She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and nuzzled her nose against his neck. He took her actions as a sign of forgiveness. "Why did you have me waiting so long? This is the one night I thought you would be early."
"I got tied up doin' other things."
"Really? It must have been important. What were you doing?"
"Scott called me to work on the passwords for the security systems."
"Yes, that is a long job to do, but it shouldn't have taken you this long."
"True. Before that I was helping Rogue with somethin'."
Her ears perked up. "Rogue? Does it have something to do with her bracelet?"
"Sorta." He mumbled stepping back from her. She could tell that he didn't want to talk about exactly what he was doing with Rogue, so she didn't push that issue.
"My heart goes out to Remy. He will never find peace with her. That Genosha collar will give him false hope."
"The Cajun can take care of himself. If there's anyone you should be worried about it's Rogue."
She shook her head. "I know Rogue well enough to know she isn't some helpless infant. All she does is pout her lips and flash her eyelashes and you men believe her to be a six year old child."
He snorted. "Like Gambit doesn't have the same affect on you women, with the way you fall over him?" She rolled her eyes in response. "Why are you so hostile towards the kid anyway?"
"She is trying desperately to get on my last nerves. Earlier today she was groping me." He chuckled. "And yesterday she told me to 'fuck off'."
"Really? Me too."
"You?" She smiled as the moonlight followed his dark form. "I never knew she was suicidal."
"Me either. She's taking her time with the bracelet." He turned to her with a serious expression. "You better let Gumbo know that if he tries anything with her before she's ready I'll…"
"He would never force her to do anything…"
"No, maybe not force her, but he's good with words. He could talk the Iron Man into buying a bulletproof vest. Rogue wouldn't even know she was being taken advantage of."
She rolled her eyes. "And that's were you are being naïve. Rogue knows she has a hold over Remy. She could convince him to…um…buy her a parachute." They both burst into laughter.
"What was the number one rule when we're together?"
" 'Never talk about Gambit and Rogue's relationship'. We are both closer to one more than the other. I guess we will never be able to see eye to eye on certain situations…hence the rule."
Her smiled grew wider as she eyed her man. They have been dating secretly for weeks now yet she still found it hard to believe.
I sometimes have to pinch myself some nights when we are together. Who would ever think that I, leader of the X-men, would ever date a team member…again?
I had always thought that dating a member of the team would lead to trouble, but I put all my doubts aside with Forge. Needless to say, that relationship ended horribly. I swore that I would never put myself in that situation again…then along came Wolverine.
It started out really slow. We would always bump into each other in these forests. We loved taking time to ourselves and walking amongst nature. And soon we began seeking for one other in the woods, enjoying each other's company. One thing led to another and here we are, still together weeks later.
The hardest thing was figuring out how we would keep our relationship secret with a house filled with telepaths. One plus was that Wolverine's mind could not be read. Another plus was that Jean and Xavier would never read my mind without my knowledge. And thank goodness Betsy hasn't been suspicious, because she would read my mind without hesitation if she thought something was up.
However Gambit's empathy would prove to be a bit of a challenge. Luckily I knew before hand that he hated reading Logan's emotions because they were too 'primal'. And it takes a lot of time for him to read me, seeing as though I suppress a lot of my emotions. As long as Logan and I stayed away from each other so that we didn't project our affection for one another, everything was fine.
But I must admit that there are moments where I am a tiny bit unsure of our relationship. Actually, it's every moment a particular person is mentioned.
"I had a conversation with Jean earlier."
"Uh-huh." Logan answered as he squatted down on the branch examining a caterpillar.
"She said she had a talk with you about your going out at night."
"Yup." He lowered his hand to the branch so the caterpillar would continue moving over his fingers.
"She wanted me to ask you what you were up to since you did not tell her. If I had not acted so calmly when she told me about your late nights out, she would have been suspicious. She probably would have probe my mind without me knowing."
He looked up at her temporarily distracted from the bug.
"But to the best of my observations, she did no such thing."
He nodded his head turning his attention back to his hand.
"I asked her why is she so interested in what you do in your spare time. She told me she would always be interested in you."
"Really?" He wiped his hand of the bug and walked over to her. "That's good for her." He placed his hands on her hips and pressed against her ready for another kiss.
"Logan!" She stopped him with her hands pressed on his chest. "If she is married to the love of her life and still thinks about you then…"
"Then what, 'Ro? I don't think I like where you're going with this."
"Am I wrong to have some apprehension of your feelings towards me?"
"Yes, you are dead wrong. I thought that's why we took so much time building this relationship, so I could prove to you that you are the only one for me…so that we could prove it to each other. This is more than just two people lookin' for any warm body to hold on to. Are you second guessing what we have together?"
"No, of course not. It is just…" I am being ridiculous. I know he loves me. "You are right. I know I must be acting crazy when you are the voice of reason. Looks like I am beginning to rub off on you." She giggled.
"I like the sound of that." He grinned mischievously putting his arms around her waist.
"Maybe, I was just working out some last minute jitteriness."
"Because of tonight? I rented a room for us in the city. My bike is parked just over there." He pointed beyond the trees to a remote road leading out of the town. "I plan on making the most of the 12 hours we're allowed away from the mansion."
"About tonight." Her tone of voice made him aware that something was wrong.
"It is not going to happen."
"Are you still mad because I was late? Did I miss my window of opportunity." He joked.
"I'm serious, Logan."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. It's just that I had a talk with Remy."
"I thought we agree we wouldn't tell anyone about what's going on between us."
"I didn't tell him anything."
"Good. Last thing we need is for the team to be gossiping about us."
"Like we did about Rogue's bracelet?" She smiled, he chuckled.
"Yeah, exactly. So what does Gambit have to do with us?"
"He made me promise him that I wouldn't get too serious with my boyfriend before telling him first. And when he said 'serious' he meant before I get into a sexual relationship."
"I thought you didn't tell him anything."
"I didn't. Remy was starting to get suspicious and just made me promise him out of the blue to cover his bases."
That clever bastard. "See, what did I tell you about the mouth on him? You didn't even notice he was tricking you."
"He did not trick me." The more I think about it...he did trick me. "He's only looking out for my best interest. It is wrong for me to keep this from him. I won't tell him who you are, but I will tell him that I am involved with someone."
"So we're putting everything on hold just to get the 'okay' from Gumbo?"
"Logan…"
Sometimes I think she's a little too close to him. "I don't know why you're doing it."
"He is my friend…and I promised him. Please do not make me pick between my love for you and my word to a friend. I fear that my love for you may win."
Shit! Good answer. "Do what you gotta do." He pulled her closer to him. "The thing is, I don't know if I can wait any longer."
She was doubtful. "We have waited for months, are you telling me now that one more day is beyond your reach?"
"Yup, that's exactly what I'm telling you."
"Patients is a virtue."
"Never wanted to be virtuous." He stepped away from her and pulled her arm with him. "Come on, let's go."
She looked around confused. "Where?"
"Just because we won't be going to a hotel, doesn't mean we can't spend the night together."
She smiled seductively in agreement. "Let's go!"
******
*I speak French
Author's Note: Ok, there was no way I was going to let R/R sleep together on their first night…that would be too easy. Anyway, they're just friends, right? Ahh, yeah…right.
Did anyone besides Broadway see the Ro/Lo thing coming? Do you like the pairing, yes/no?
Answers: Broadway, your worst fear has come true. But, without giving away anything, I promise that my Lo/Ro pairing will be different from others (though I haven't read much Lo/Ro fics).
Wildcard00: The reason you might not find this fic is 'cause I usually update at night so by the morning by story near is the middle of the 'new chapt' list. However, it is always there somewhere.
Thanks for all the review; I'd like to know what you all thought about this chapter.
Next Time: Scott reprimands the thief, Ororo seeks out Remy's company, Logan is jealous, Bobby is in trouble and suspicious of Rogue. Plus one of the vacationing X-men makes a small guest appearance.