Still a few more chapters to go so continue staying tuned! I'll let you know when this is "over" with a little "the end"--or...more like "to be continued", hint hint.
And I want to thank everybody who's read and reviewed. It means a lot that people care!
flowerperson: Demon's a cool name for a dog. I like it. And that's so cool how you named it after this fic! I'm so touched, really. Possessor of the X Gene: Balance, yes, that was what I hoped, without redundancy of course. I am so glad you think it wasn't cheesey! That's like my worst fear. Thanks for the virtual cookie. Sweety8587: Poetic...isn't that just a great adjective? Accomplishes so much and gives such meaning in just three syllables, without sounding silly. Thank you thank you. And no, I don't have MSN messenger. Sorry! Marakida: Sweet often turns sour through the course of time...sorry, that was a lame attempt at melodramatic metaphor. My point is, they'll be together, but for how long? AprilAngel413: Great, thanks. I'll try. Freak87: Yeah, the whole Rogue/Gambit thing is only good when they're not together. Haha, that sounds so messed up. We just like to see them break apart, get together, break apart--heck, Marvel's been doing it for decades, and it still hasn't gotten old! Do you find that strange? Head out of the ceiling, yeah, when I was writing that, I pictured it and it was a funny picture. The X-Men are very supporting people, the idea for all of us. I really wish I lived with people like them, in a house, with a common cause. --sigh-- ishandahalf: Hmm, Remy and Rogue not fighting for a long while? I'm not sure I can pull that off...I mean, it totally contradicts their very being, yeah? Hahaha... A new fic??? Oh my God, I'm so excited! I need some quality fiction to read, please! Outlines, hmm, I never really liked them. I just like to plan it out in my head, write only so much, then let the ideas flow and stuff freely. But go ahead with your outline and make something great. Can it be an action/adventure? Because that would be so much fun. What's the title of the story you and melancholic wrote? BananaPanda24: One of the best stories on the site? Thank you! Like I could stop writing! This is only healthy recreational thing I do--teens these days, drinking, smoking, agh. Not that I smoke. Heh. Really. EmeraldKatsEye: The story is coming close to its end, but not yet. You'll find I still have stuff in store for these characters. Yes, I can manage fluffy every once in a while. God, too much makes me sick. Have a tissue. Chica De Los Ojos Cafe: I should have made a note that "Heal" was not the last chapter--everybody was asking about it! Well, this one isn't the last chapter either, so stay tuned. Speechless, huh? That's great. Means you're feeling the effect. Of course there'll be more! I'd be insultedfor you guys if there wasn't. Totally Obsessed 47: I try cute, and sometimes pull it off. Guess I did it right for "Heal". But I really don't get how the whole break-up, make-up, break-up thing keeps going. Doesn't it get old? I haven't tired of it, but I've only been a fan since summer 2004--and this franchise has been around for, what, 40 years??? The fan craze...MidniteAngelGoth: Yeah, he was supposed to go back home. There's always that classic "unfinished business" deal going on with him. But for the moment it doesn't seem like he's going anywhere. I don't know how I do it. I wasn't as frenzied about all this like I was during the summer, when it first set in. But I'm still finding the inspiration somewhere. Hopefully it will never run out. And didn't you hear? There is a sequel! At least I'm planning on it. Qui Sera Sera: Thank you thank you thank you! I like how this is your fav fic. And like I could stop! Nightshade: Whoa, your enthusiasm blew me away upon first reading your review. Something in the "so frickin' awesome" rang. Thank you. And I'm not that great a writer, just a lowly fanfic dreamer. And, god, I am going to look like a complete idiot, but for some reason I can't find your fic. There's nothing titled "Fall Into Me" under X-Men Evolution stories. Is that your category? SickmindedSucker: Oh, please, you're going to make me tear up. I'm glad it touched your heartstrings, s'what I try to do. I couldn't decide what sort of flowers to use--roses too typical, violets too plain, carnations are almost just like roses...so I settled with lilies--ok, you probably don't care about that, lol. "Even if it wasn't intended last chapter, I'm glad you put everything you did in ther and I wouldn't have wanted to read it any other way..."--yeah, I get what you're sayin'. Thank you. SarQueen4: You're too sweet, but please don't stop, lol. Yes, I finally get to do some Romy without feeling like a cheeseball. They deserve it after all this drama, yeah? GothikStrawberry: Your intuition does not lead you astray. --wince-- Sorry, but yeah, badness always comes, though this time around it won't be the doubt-frustration-painful type, more like the what-the-hell-are-we-supposed-to-do now type...I think. I probably just confused you more. Cd lover: Wish I had a tissue to give you right then. I didn't know you had a shoulder demon, wait, maybe I did, lol. Umm... I'm not sure how I can help you with your email address problem at My comp crashed a few months ago too and I thought I would lose everything, including this fic! But I think I already told you that. But maybe you need to re-register or something. Enchanted light: oh, crap, I can't remember if it's you or the other person, "epona" something, who always leaves four-word reviews. If it is you, WOW. I am seriously shocked. You broke your...habit (?). Gonna kill Rogue, huh? Well, I could have done that for you, but...haha, you'd probably want to kill me then, yeah? Shockgoddess: I like comics and how they have pictures that are really just like freeze-frames of motion pictures, know what I mean? But yeah, they could delve a little deeper into the emotion and human drama. They are very short. I have a total of four comics, that my friend gave me as a Christmas present one year as a joke. Heh, ironic huh? And about the X-Men going to the funeral, they are quite bitter, but I probably didn't make that very clear. I think I just mentioned Rogue looking around at her teammates and noting a few funny expressions and tight jaws--but I was hoping to show the character of these young people: even though they were attacked by this seemingly psychotic girl, they retain enough...what it is, righteousness (?) to attend a funeral, bc they understand it wasn't entirely Annabel's fault. And plus, they wanted to be there for Rogue. Remy does seem like a private person--but he's a thief, has to be careful and discreet. But, oh, you know me, love to ruin the goodness with another obstacle before my fav couple. I still have a few twists in mind. Nimbio: Thank you for saying it wasn't "too sappy or fast"--that's one of my worst fears for a fic, I swear. I'm glad it came out "real and human" for you. This is definitely not the end and of course more badness occurrs--I just can't rid myself of it! Rocky and Bullwinkle?? Those two scare me--no reason, same as the Teletubbies and any type of doll-like thing in general. Lavender Rumiro: I think you're the first to actually say "thank you" for the fic--I'm touched. I'm glad you enjoy the fic; I do try to make the words flow, changing paragraphs and sometimes whole pages when it doesn't sound or "feel" right. Keep reading! Doza: Good job with reading all those chapters--it's a workout for the eyes! I've done it before for other fics. I'm glad you think parts of it was scary. It was under the suspense/romance category for a while, what with the mystery and all, but then I had to change it for obvious reasons.fudgebrowne: Oh, it's okay to cry! I didn't laugh, but I did smile, that's not too bad, right b/c I'm only pleased that you found my chapter so moving that you would shed tears over it. Very touching. And no, it's not the last chapter. Lady Godiva: See, the thing is, Annabel was just a means to get through to Gambit and Rogue. I never really considered her as anything but at first, but now when I think about it, when I see the reactions of you guys, I see that she's got more meaning than just the vehicle through which Rogue and Gambit are brought closer together. Her situation did suck, it was horrible and unfair, but she was courageous enough to end it on her own accord for the betterment of others--I don't know if I could do that. I think I'd just be angry and want to hurt things. Hmm, Logan may of said that, he may have not--guess none of us will really know. Orion Kohaishu: Is it wrong to enjoy your word-lessness? I like the wows, most definitely. Sorry, I'm basking way too much in this. I just love how you love this fic! Talent...I like that idea. Thank you so very much. I have to bow to that gracious applaus. Swear, I don't mean to sound like a dork. Jamie: aw, that was cute how you did that "satisfied sigh" thing. So little can say so much I guess. epona: I try, I try. You got watery eyes, too? Is it sick that I'm satisfied by that? Well, only bc it makes me feel good about writing an enjoyable read. Gyjvfvnvffdjiklgh: I'm not sure if you'll see this reply, but thanks for the review, and I'll bet you just randomly pounded the keys of your keyboard for that penname! Lord Xodarap: I'm running out of ways to thank people—why couldn't there be more ways of saying "thank you"? I mean, how many different ways can we say "funny"—comical, humorous, hilarious, laughable, farcical, yada yada yada…but only "thank you". You're the first to say I'm too good to ever stop—that means a lot, very flattering, too. Thank you!! Wildcard186: Thanks for thanking me. That's a sweet gesture. Texasgrrl: Thank you for reviewing! And I am soooo flattered that you would compare my fic to "Giddy" and "Love of My Life", two of my all-time favorites. You got scared, you cried? It's like a movie? Thank God I did it right! But whoa, from eight at night to seven in the morning? You have stamina. I applaud you. But hold on, it's not over yet. Misswildfire: No, it's definitely not over yet. I've still got some stuff to give you guys. AthenBlade: I tried to see things from Remy's point of view, not easy considering I'm technically a newbie at all this. But thanks for noticing. BlackNight369: I figure we could use some sweetness after all the heinously redundant angst. And heck no this isn't the end! I'll let y'all know when it is. EstrellaKitty13: Thanks, and about the two different spellings, I don't really know French, but I figure one spelled one way sounds different than one spelled the other way. So when I type "chere" (which I think sounds better) I mean for Remy to say it like "share". And then why I type "cherie" (which I think sounds not as charming) I mean for Remy to say it like "share-ee". Maybe that's just stupid but whatever, I take my liberties.
"Who is that?"
"She just got here a few minutes ago."
"She's hot!"
"Oh, shut up, she is not."
"I'm sensing a little bit of jealousy."
"Please! Look at her hair. What kind of dye job is that?"
"Maybe it's natural."
Jubilee wrinkled her nose as if she had tasted something sour. "Bobby, quit while you're ahead."
"I'm never ahead with you! There's always some snappy comeback or girlish mood swing--ow!" He yowled when she punched him on the shoulder. "This's seriously no way to treat an ex-coma patient."
"Well, watch out before I put you in another one."
Bobby sharply drew in his breath, "Phew, girl, you got a feisty side."
"Like ya didn't already know."
"What are you two bickering about now?" Kitty emerged from the girls' wing corridor, having just finished a late morning shower. Her hair, slightly damp, hung as a thick curtain of rich brown over her shoulders.
Jubilee leaned against the railing and thumbed towards the foyer below. "New arrival."
"Recruit?"
"Man, I hope so," Bobby sighed.
After thoroughly rolling her eyes, Jubilee said, "Probably not. I mean, look at her."
Kitty peered down at the first floor. Before the Institute doors sat a girl in a wheelchair. She was speaking in quiet tones with Ororo and the Professor, a young woman standing supportively behind her. She seemed like a perfectly typical girl, except for the locks of green hair sprouting from her head; it was a muted shade, but was no less alluring with its likeness to pale tree leaves.
"Doesn't she look a bit...ill?" Jubilee murmured. "I think she's visiting the Med Bay."
After a few last words, Ororo took the handles of the new arrival's wheelchair and guided her out of the foyer. The Professor continued to speak with the older girl. "You made the right decision in bringing her here."
The young woman was tall and slender, golden blond hair resting in straight locks upon her shoulders. "I just want Lorna to be safe," she said. "Our parents...they don't understand and they're…they're kind of afraid of her. You'll be able to take care of her, right?"
"Of course. And you do know she is quite welcome to stay, live and learn amongst youth just like herself?"
"No, that's all right, Professor Xavier. I have an apartment in New York. Lorna can live with me there after she's feeling better. I don't think she's ready to...well, take that step, I guess."
The Professor nodded understandably. "Visit any time you like, Miss Danes," he said.
"Thank you."
Kitty watched her leave, then exchanged curious expressions with Bobby and Jubilee. Before the thought even occurred to them, the Professor turned around and spotted them on the balcony.
"Hi," Jubilee chirped, waving her hand meekly.
The Professor raised an eyebrow, "I suppose it will be superfluous to make a formal announcement?"
Bobby guffawed and clapped Jubilee on the back, "Her mouth's gonna run all right, but you should do it for formality's sake."
"Get off!" Jubilee growled. She shoved him away and stomped towards the girls' dormitory.
"Hey, I was just kiddin'!" Bobby ran after her.
Kitty rolled her eyes, noticed that the Professor smiled half-heartedly. He nodded politely in her direction before hovering out of view in his chair. Kitty frowned, sensing that something troubled the man. Granted, it was natural for something to always be troubling him, what with all the problems mutants had to face and how he constantly had to be the one fighting them. Kitty pursed her lips, wondering if the present encumbrance had anything to do with recent events, with Annabel Velkonnen. Her curious side got the better of her.
She phased through the stair landing until she landed softly on the first floor. The Professor just disappeared around the corner of the next hall. Creeping along, Kitty followed him to a study. Unsurprisingly, Logan sat in one of the armchairs in wait.
"The new kid got settled in?" he asked in his usual growling voice.
The door closed behind the Professor as he entered.
Kitty prayed that her presence wouldn't be picked up. She listened through the door.
"...with Hank. Her mutant abilities are interesting, indeed, very similar to Magneto's."
"You think buckethead's her father or somethin'?"
"It is plausible," came the Professor's reply. "She is an adopted child so we cannot confirm that hypothesis. I asked the sister but no one knows who Lorna's real parents are.... But let's not discuss that now. Did you receive any word?"
"The boys at S.H.I.E.L.D. claim they don't know anything 'bout power-negating collars. I don't believe 'em for a second."
A strange fear billowed in Kitty's chest. Power-negating collars? She couldn't believe something like that existed. Ideas immediately sprang into her head, visions of assaulted mutants unable to defend themselves, metal rings constricting their throats.
"Armand informed me that his men purchased them from a private merchant for evaluation and test purposes," the Professor said. "The identity or any affiliations thereof were never given or sought."
"This smells, Chuck. Those things were too high-tech to've been cooked up in some makeshift science lab. Only research, materials, and financial backing could've done the job."
"Yes, I agree. And I can think only the government would invest in such an enterprise."
Kitty heard Logan scoff contemptuously, "And they said the Sentinel program was terminated. Out with the old and in with the new, looks like. Have to say, they're gettin' mighty creative."
"We know nothing for sure yet, Logan. As great a threat that this may be, I am afraid there is little we can do now. Research and reconnaissance are in order. We might even require some of the students to aid the effort."
"Got it. I'll marshal a team right now--"
"No...not so soon after...recent events. If these collars have been kept secret for so long, and so adequetly, I do not expect their revealing to be imminent. The students deserve a pause in the all the fear, struggle, and doubt."
Logan grunted in agreement. "You think this should be kept under wraps?"
"It would be best. I will inform Hank and Ororo..."
"Hey!"
Kitty nearly shrieked from fright. She spun around, coming face to face with the elf's weirdly yellow eyes. "Damn it, Kurt!" she hissed. "Don't do that again--"
"I gotta show you something!" he said breathlessly.
"Is someone out there...?" Footsteps neared the door from within Xavier's office.
Kitty gasped and snatched Kurt's arm, phasing them both through the opposite wall. She pulled him through several rooms before finally stopping in the kitchen. Seating herself at the table, she paused to catch her breath.
"Vhat vere you doing?" Kurt asked curiously.
"Nothing. Why'd the heck you jump me?"
He seemed to remember what had previously caused his excitement. "I just saw--you von't believe--jeez, it vas crazy!"
"What?"
"You just have to see it," Kurt declared. He grabbed her arm and with a poof of smoke, they ported out of the kitchen.
Kitty blinked and found herself standing right outside the second floor lounge, utterly confused. She waved away the stench of sulfur. "Jeez, you're acting like--"
"Ssh!" Kurt hissed and opened the door slightly ajar.
With an annoyed frown, Kitty peered into the lounge.
The TV was on, broadcasting one of the daily soap operas; but nobody paid it any attention. Kitty's gaze fixed on the couple sitting on the floor in front of the couch, playing cards patterned between them. She couldn't help smiling.
"Ah saw that."
"Saw what, chere?"
"You're cheating!"
"Now dat's a heinous accusation. How can y'cheat in two-person poker?"
Rogue huffed, "Knowing you, it wouldn't be hard."
"Ouch."
"Roll up ya sleeves."
"No, dat's okay," Gambit chuckled. "S'fine de way it is." He pulled his arm away as Rogue lunged forward to grab it. "What's de matter, chere, don' trust me?"
"Oh, shut up, swamp rat!"
Gambit only laughed as cards splayed everywhere from their struggle. He rolled onto his back as Rogue managed to pin him down. She seized an arm and yanked back the sleeve of his shirt. Plucking the card with deft fingers, she smirked, "Ace of Hearts? How are ya so predictable?"
Without warning Gambit twisted free and grabbed her arms. In one swift motion he rolled her over and landed on top with a flurry of cards, pinning her down with his torso and legs. "'Cause y' de ace o' my heart, chere," he said.
Rogue remained silent, green eyes staring into his red.
Kurt started making gagging sounds, and Kitty slapped him on the arm.
Suddenly the two Southerners burst out laughing. Gambit's deep chuckles mingled with Rogue's husky giggles into a comforting and wholesome sound. When they finally regained some composure, she said, "Ah can't believe how cheesey that was--like right out of a soap opera!"
Gambit continued to laugh heartily. "What can I say, couldn' pass up de opp'tunity." His chuckles faded to a smile as Rogue affectionately ruffled his hair. He leaned in close, his nose nudging hers. "But doesn' make it any less true."
A sweet smile spread on Rogue's face. She tilted her head back until their lips met.
The kiss seemed so profound yet simple, so unexpected yet inevitable, that it was just... Right. Kitty smiled as she silently closed the door. She settled Kurt with a skeptical look, "You ported me over here because they were, like, playing cards?"
He gawked at her in shock, "That's it? You're not even fazed?!"
Kitty shrugged.
"But--she vas touching him earlier, too! I couldn't believe mein eyes!"
"It's natural for people to touch each other."
"But it's Rogue--she--this's..." Kurt stammered, stared with wide eyes at Kitty's unperplexed state. Then he dropped his head. "I am so confused..."
Kitty draped an arm around his shoulders, started leading him away from the lounge. "Then let me enlighten you. But you have to promise one thing, Kurt."
"Vhat?"
"You can't, like, go run and tell everybody," Kitty said.
Kurt frowned at the graveness of her tone, "Is it some horrible secret or something?"
"No, it's more like a sensitive one. Just promise! For your sister's sake."
"All right."
Kitty nodded in satisfaction and began to tell him everything she knew.
-------------
Normalcy began to seep back into the happenings within the Xavier Institute. Much of the damaged parts of the building had been replaced, repainted, or replastered. The estate seemed to have never been disturbed. As the last bits of crash-landed plane were cleared away, professional landscapers arrived to refurbish the scorched plantlife and upturned earth. No more work was to be done on the students' part; the X-Men enjoyed a few days' leisure, relishing in the last remaining weeks of summer.
"I swear, it's broken."
"You just don't know how to use it right."
Rahne rolled her eyes and pushed Roberto out of the way. "I'll figure it out."
"Come on," he huffed, "grilling is an art for guys."
"Oh, stuff it, Roberto!"
"Rahne! Must we resort to verbal abuse?"
From his seat at the patio table, Logan gave a grunt of annoyance. "Quit bickerin' and solve the problem," he barked. "Else nobody'll be gettin' any burgers tonight." He nodded towards the students gathering on the patio, some wearing swimsuits for a dip in the pool, others in casual summer clothing for sporty games.
Rahne crossed her arms as Roberto fiddled with the dials and tubes of the grill. "I'm telling you, it's broken, or out of propane."
"I can fix it," Roberto insisted.
Tabitha wandered over, wearing nothing but her red bikini and a beach towel wrapped around her waist. "What's the prob here?"
"Grill's not starting up."
"Oh, amateurs," Tabitha sighed. "You don't always need gas to light up coals." She began rubbing her palms together, and before either Rahne or Roberto could protest, tossed a cherry bomb into the grill.
The tiny explosion made nearly everyone jump. Logan raised an eyebrow and turned in the direction of hazy smoke, "Tabitha..."
"No worries, Badger," she replied. "Nothing broke."
Roberto wiped his soot-covered face and peered at the grill. "Hey, the coals are burning. None of the grill rungs are broken either."
"See?" Tabitha grinned in satisfaction. She left Rahne and Roberto to their cooking duties and sashayed over to where the girls had gathered on the sun-tanning chairs.
"You guys met her today?" Amara was asking.
Jean spoke while adjusting the strings of her white bikini halter top. "Yeah, Lorna's a really sweet girl. Her hair is amazing. I think the greenness is part of her mutation."
Jubilee sat on a chair beside Amara. "Kinda like Rogue's hair," she remarked, smirking in Rogue's direction.
The girl merely shrugged and smiled absent-mindedly.
Tabitha asked, "What're her powers?"
"Isn't it something with magnetism?" Kitty offered. She looked towards Jean for confirmation.
"Yeah, like Magneto's, except not so intense, I would think. Ever since she woke up from the coma she's been sick and very weak. Her powers were becoming abnormal so Hank's going monitoring her condition for a while."
Rogue, who had been quiet throughout the conversation, sat slightly apart from the rest of the group. She showed more skin than usual, wearing only a green tank top and dark denim capris. Her hair lay in adorably wispy strands, shining under the sun with white and auburn bangs framing her pale face. The green of her eyes were never more noticeable. Presently, she rubbed sunblock over her exposed skin to keep from burning.
The other girls began gossiping about Bobby's fascination with the new arrival. Kitty moved to sit beside Rogue, her sapphire-blue eyes anticipating. "So...?"
Rogue frowned, "So...what?"
"Where is he?"
Rogue couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Is that all ya think about, me and my love life?"
"Well, when there are, like, so many new developments, how can I help it?" Kitty smiled. "Oh, yeah, um, Kurt knows about it now, too."
"What?"
"He saw you guys flirting and fondling," Kitty explained.
"We were not flirting and fond--when was this?"
"Just the other day. Card game, 'you cheater', wrestling--recall?"
A slight blush blossomed on Rogue's cheeks. She kept her face straight and asked, "Did ya tell him everything?"
"I had to. He was, like, gonna have a stroke." Kitty suppressed a giggle, "You should have seen him, shocked beyond belief. But hey, we're not talking about Kurt right now. Where is you-know-who?"
Rogue sighed as though exasperated. "He's talkin' with the Professor," she said quietly.
A frown darkened Kitty's features. "About...what?"
"Ah'm not sure. It hasn't been long though, about ten minutes so far."
"Have you talked with the Professor?"
"Yeah..."
"Did you tell him?"
"Yeah."
"You think they're talking about whether or not he's staying?"
Rogue shrugged nonchalantly, "Ah don't know. The whole X-Men thing isn't really his style, Ah don't think."
"People develop new styles all the time."
Rogue rolled her eyes, "Nice try."
"You're worried."
"Ah'm not anything."
Kitty subtly nudged her friend, careful as to not draw attention from the others. "It's okay to, like, admit you like someone," she smiled. "And especially if you more than like them."
Rogue nodded, but remained silent. She returned to applying sunblock.
-----------
Sunlight poured through the glass window panes, illumined intangible dust particles until they danced about the air, visible to the naked eye. Xavier's office, no doubt the place where grave matters and life-changing decisions were discussed, was made jovial and welcoming with a few potently golden rays of sun.
Remy's gaze flicked towards the window every few seconds. He saw the azure blue sky, the puffy white clouds. Sounds of people commingling and socializing floated into the office from the backyard, teasing him with their merriment. It seemed wrong to be sitting indoors on a day so perfect.
"So you have come to a decision," the Professor said.
Remy sat in front of the man's desk, wearing a navy blue baseball tee sewn with the X-Men logo, and dark green cargo pants. He played with one of his pocket's zippers as he spoke, "Not 'xactly."
"I understand your reluctance in joining the X-Men, but it seems to me at this moment that...well, you certainly look the part." A faint smile of amusement grew on the Professor's sagely features.
Remy laughed curtly, "Heh, guess so." He sighed and leaned forward until his elbows rested on his knees. "M'not crazy 'bout de whole fight-as-a-team, save-de-lil'-people deal," he admitted, "but I don' wan' leave jus' yet."
The Professor nodded, "Because of Rogue."
Remy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had not expected the Professor to know about them, but then again, he was a telepath. "Yeah, 'cause o' Rogue."
"If you were to leave," the Professor stated carefully, "have you considered taking her with you, wherever you intend to go?"
"T'be honest, dat never occurred t'me."
"Good. I cannot say I would support such a venture. Despite her newfound control over her powers, she still has much to learn about them."
"Couldn' agree more, sir."
"Then that leaves us still with the matter of your residence or departure," the Professor stated bluntly. "I must voice my own thought on this matter: Despite your rather questionable past and less than sumeritan dealings, I feel that you would be an asset to the team. You have unparalleled skills and a well-rounded knowledge from your experiences as a thief."
"Jus' de perfect recruit, hein?" Remy smirked.
"Not only that, but a trustworthy person as well."
Remy couldn't help raising an eyebrow.
"Rogue is severely indisposed towards trusting others," the Professor said, "yet she has complete faith in you. I do not doubt her instinct, nor mine. Understand that being part of this Institute demands faith, companionship, and teamwork. Our lives are not filled with luxurious days of inactive lethargy; we work, we train, we strive towards a common goal..."
Remy eased his words in, "Dat's no problem, Professor."
"I did not believe it would be. Either way, Remy, there is a place for you among us, if you are willing to take it. My offer has never expired."
The Professor's little diatribe was filled with imperative words, an oration towards hopes and dreams that Remy had never believed in. He remembered scheming with Magneto on how best to thwart the X-Men's efforts; he remembered trying to blow them up on several occassions. And suddenly he was sitting before their leader, being asked to join? It was almost funny.
Remy sighed, "Like I said before, m'not too crazy 'bout fightin' for somebody else's cause, 'specially one dat, no offense, doesn' seem too realistic." He remembered Magneto's ideal state of existence, war with flatscan humans until they submitted to the will of mutants. It seemed so much more conceivable than Xavier's dream of peaceful coexistence.
"People will see the follies in their ignorances," the Professor said confidently. "Who will teach them if not us?"
"Pers'nally, I don' think y'can. Dey'll jus' have t'take deir own time t'get used t'us. But we won' be seein' dat in de span o'our lives."
The Professor sighed and rubbed his barren head. "To each his own view," he nodded. "Think about what we have discussed, Remy. I am not the only one who would be pleased about your joining. But the decision is ultimately up to you."
The meeting was over. Remy stood to leave, but stopped in the doorway. "Would I have t'dress like de others?" he asked.
A chuckle. "You already are, Mr. LeBeau."
Remy looked down at his shirt, smirked. "S'pose so, but seriously, Prof, de uniforms are lil'..."
"Mandatory."
"Right," Remy said with a dry laugh. "Well...I'll let y'know 'bout...all de stuff."
"Please do."
Remy closed the door behind him. He stood in the hall and released a sigh; too many thoughts floated about his mind, too many decisions he didn't want to make. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he strolled through the wing until he reached the master staircase. Choices, decisions, choices... There was business to be dealt with in New Orleans, responsibities and commitments he had run away from for too long. He had planned to go back, planned to face the Guild and--but Rogue was here. Promise and hope were here.
Remy was so deep in his thoughts he didn't realize he'd reached the kitchen doors. They swung open without warning.
"Whoa, dude, watch where you're goin', huh?" Bobby said. He pivoted on his feet to avoid crashing into the former Acolyte, nearly dropping the tray of food in his hands.
Remy stepped aside to let him pass. "An' who gets de pleasure?" he smirked. His eyes scanned the offerings: a lavishly heaped sandwich, an enormous cookie, a side dish of vegetables, apple sauce, and a glass of ginger ale.
"Patient in the Med Bay," Bobby replied nonchalantly.
"Helluva lot o'trouble y'go through, non?"
Bobby raised an eyebrow, "You suggesting somethin'?"
Remy shrugged, "De filles have deir way o'gettin' t'us. Have t'admit, though, dat green hair sure is enticin'."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bobby asked, rather defensively. "You got a thing for green-haired girls?"
"D'you?"
"We're not talking about me."
"Don' t'ink we been talkin' 'bout anyone else, homme."
Bobby narrowed his eyes though his cheeks blushed, at least as much as possible for a guy. "Lorna's a cool person." He spoke as though the fact was vernacularly known. "So I'm giving her a cool lunch."
Remy moved past, patting the younger boy on the shoulder, "Dat's de way t'get 'em." He entered the kitchen, chuckling to himself. He could hardly recall his first time wooing a femme, and even then, he thought it had almost been an easy, effortless task.
"Something humorous, Mr. LeBeau?" The snowy-haired weather witch stood at the kitchen counter, arranging hunks of ground beef into nicely rounded patties. She wore a sporty one-piece bathing suit over which were a pair of hemp pants and a mesh robe shrouding her ebony skin.
"De pops'cle's got a lil' crush on de new fille," Remy smirked.
Ororo nodded, turned to wash her hands at the sink. "Lorna is very a sweet girl. I am not surprised." She wiped her hands on a towel and lifted the plate of beef patties. "Will you be joining us for the cook out?"
Remy wandered over to the kitchen table, where various fruits and shish-ka-bobs awaited to be served. He noticed the enormously large punch bowl, chilled and pink in citrus quintessence. "Probably," he said, popping a watermelon ball into his mouth. His eyes wandered out the patio door, scanned the various mutants mingling about the backyard.
"She is already out there," Ororo said.
Remy masked his surprise, feigned indifference. "Who?"
The older woman only smiled and carried the steaks outside to be grilled.
Remy chewed his lip for a moment in thought. Had it somehow spread, the news of him and Rogue? It surprised him that he was not annoyed; in the past it would have irritated him beyond measure for rumors to spread about his relations with a femme, people getting ideas and making assumptions. He huffed in amusement. They can assume all they want. He ladled himself a cup of punch and downed it in one gulp.
"Should've known ya'd spike the punch."
Remy slowly turned around. Every time was like seeing her for the first time. The green of her eyes gleamed like always, accentuated by the olive of her spaghetti strap top. Her pale skin glowed with ivory creaminess in the golden light of the sun.
"Y'friends could use de kick," he smirked, playing along.
Rogue strolled into the kitchen, taking her sweet time in approaching him. She was such a tease, and she didn't even know it. "They're rowdy enough without your bad influence."
"M'influence ain't all bad," Remy said. He leaned back against the table, watched as Rogue slowly approached. He noticed the sway of her slender hips, the light swing of her smooth arms. That unntouched skin…it was tantalizing just to look at. "Seems t'work real well on de local femmes."
Rogue rolled her eyes, "Sure, all the boy-crazy ones." She was thinking of Amara, Jubilee, Rahne…
"Dat means you too, river rat. Didn' know y'were so eager."
She pursed her lips, crossing her arms as she stopped half a foot away from him. "Ah am not eager."
"Non? Den why y'showin' all dis skin?" Remy grinned, reaching forward and brushing his finger from her shoulder to elbow. "Y'tryin' t'entice somebody, chere?"
Rogue shrugged, "Maybe."
"Who's de lucky homme?"
"Ya might know him."
"Qui? Must be a charmin' devil t'win a bella femme like you."
Rogue rolled her eyes, a smile twitching at her lips.
"An' he's prob'ly good-lookin', too, hein? De debonair knight in shinin' armor?" Remy leaned forward, slowly closing the distance between them. Dieu, was she always so pretty? "'Course, looks ain't everyt'ing. He's got t'make y'laugh too, keep de time passin'. He ever borin'?"
Rogue shook her head, a smile lighting her face. Then she released a disappointed sigh, lowered her eyes, "But no guy's ever supposed to be that pretty. Ah actually think he's gay."
Remy winced, drawing backwards at the thought. "Aw, chere, why y'got t'ruin de game?" he groaned. "I jus' remembered dat waiter an' his hand on m'rear end." He smiled when she laughed, when she leaned forward and draped her arms over his shoulders.
"Can't play a player, Remy," she giggled.
Giggled.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, wanting to feel the warmth of her adorability. It was amazing how she could be so strong and callous one moment, then soft and feminine the next.
Her emerald eyes glanced curiously behind him, "Ya didn't really spike the punch though, right?"
Remy flashed his trademark smirk, shrugged with feigned guilt.
Rogue scowled, "If ya did, Logan's gonna fallay you like a—" She gasped in surprise when Remy leaned forward, pressed his mouth against hers. Her last thought forgotten, she leaned up and further into him, wanting the closeness she had been deprived of all her life.
His hands caressed her hips, fingers sneaking under the hem of her top and traveling up the small of her back. She shivered involuntarily from his touch, as she always did, and found that all the things he was doing might drive her mad with pleasure. What else could be expected from a girl of such little experience? Sure, she knew the acts of the people she had absorbed, but to feel it herself to the blissful pith of its occurrence…
She released a sensual sigh as his kisses traveled down her throat. Did touch always feel so heavenly? Or was it Remy. It had to be Remy. She was so lost in him that she forgot they were in the kitchen, her team mates only a patio door away from seeing their actions.
Somebody gasped.
Rogue pulled away from Remy and spun around.
Kitty stood frozen near the door, blue eyes wide. She laughed awkwardly, "Oh, don't let me, like, interrupt…" Cheeks flushed, she struggled to keep a straight face as she hurriedly left the kitchen.
Rogue strangely did not feel embarassed. She turned to face Remy when he laughed, then joined in his mirth. There was nothing particularily funny about the situation; still, neither could stop chuckling.
"Does everyone know by now?" Remy asked.
"Why would you think so?"
"Well…Storm knew."
Rogue shrugged.
"Y'don' care?"
"Not really," Rogue said, realizing it just then. "Do you?"
Remy grinned mischieviously and pulled her close again, "Dey can watch if it suits 'em."
A sour expression twisted Rogue's features, "Get ya head out of the gutter, swamp rat."
He laughed again, a deep and comforting rumble. "Chere, chere," he sighed as he played with her hair. "Sometimes I jus' can't help m'self 'round you."
"Ah make you have dirty thoughts?" Rogue huffed, then realized what she had said and blushed noticeably. "Way ta corner myself…"
Her unintentionally suggestive statement only incited more chuckles from Remy. He kissed her on the cheek and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Jus' can't keep y'wits in front o'me, non?"
Rogue rolled her eyes, though a smile snuck onto her face. She kissed him tenderly, fingers trailing along his refined jaw. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her cheek against his in contentment. But her own insecurities wouldn't leave her alone; a question nagged at her comfort. "Remy?"
"Mmm?"
She was afraid to ask, wasn't sure if she even wanted to know yet. Maybe it was better to enjoy the time they had, instead of wasting it with dread and regret. But her own stubbornness won against better judgment. "Are you going to leave?" She winced, annoyed that her voice sounded so meek.
Remy said nothing at first, continuing to hold her as she wondered and wondered about his answer. "What if I was," he finally said.
Rogue looked at him, her green eyes fixing on his red. She couldn't hide the disappointment forming on her face, a despair she never wanted to acknowledge, let alone share with anyone. Especially him. Damn pride. "Well, Ah…" Her eyes drooped. "Ah don't know…"
"Would y'come wit' me?"
The question caught her off guard; her heart skipped a beat. "So you are leaving."
"I didn' say dat."
"Then what are you saying?"
"Can't y'answer de question?"
Rogue felt herself becoming slightly unnerved. "Ah asked first."
He watched her for a long while, perusing her features. Slowly he leaned forward until their foreheads rested against each other. "Wasn' plannin' on bein' anywhere wit'out y', Rogue. M' go'n' be wherever you are." His eyes widened when she suddenly kissed him, fervor so great that his head bent back. As she eased away the kiss, he felt dazed and light.
"Ya really are a snake-charmer, Cajun," Rogue whispered against his cheek, a smile in her words. "And ditto."
Moments like these were rare, especially in a life like his. Remy held Rogue closer, remembering everything that had happened to bring them together; the rewards were always more appreciated when wrought through such incredibly heinous struggles. Things were so good, so right, that there was this feeling deep in his gut that something was bound to spoil it.And then it happened.
A third presence cleared his throat.
Remy and Rogue turned towards the kitchen entrance. The Professor eased through the door on his chair. "Remy," he said, "there is someone here to see you."
Rogue stepped away to an appropriate distance. "Old girlfriend?" she glanced at him teasingly.
"Never had one, chere," he smirked.
She laughed dryly, then raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"
"Rogue, not now, " the Professor said, a vague trace of apprehension in his voice. "It is his…" The words faded as a figure stepped into the doorway behind him. The man was tall and sturdy, taught muscles hidden under his jacket. The light shone on his shaved head, the only hair on his face being eyebrows and an accute mustache. He seemed lethal, friendly, professional, and laid-back all at once.
"Who…" Rogue trailed away as she realized who the man was. Remy's memories....
Remy's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Henri?"
"Qui, mon frere. Long time no see." Henri smiled and wrapped his younger brother in a rattling bear hug. "Didn' t'ink y'could run 'way forever, did y'?"
Remember how I used to go...
Next Chapter: Duty