Disclaimer: So you say I can't have Remy and Rogue, but does that really make it true? Huh? Oh, I see, the Marvel legal team in the corner is pointing that fact out very clearly now. Hmmph.
A/N: I deleted this story and reposted it because there was something funky going on with where the story didn't show up. So, there are Review Responses in later chapters though no reviews since they were deleted with the first posting!
The nights after strenuous missions were always special to the X-Men. After each member had a chance to catch some sleep and recover from the horrors they witnessed on a regular basis the group of friends hit the clubs for some fun and fancy free relaxation. Tonight was no exception, but not all the moods could be considered high in spirit.
Sure, there had been plenty of laughter, sensual moves on the dance floor, and tons of liquor to go around, but no amount of these items could heal a breaking heart. Especially considering the bar didn't stock nearly enough booze to drown one team mate's sorrow.
As the night came to an end and the group started to head out to their respective vehicles, Residue, as he had appointed himself, faded into the shadows cast by the dark eaves of the building. In his self loathing he abandoned the name by which all his friends knew him and accepted a new, private moniker that he felt was all too apt: he followed without leaving residue that he had ever been present, the essence of who he previously was barely existed anymore, and there was only trace evidence left in his heart of what he had shared with her, with Rogue.
Letting his mind wander for a second he was glad that certain members of the group were designated to be sober drivers ahead of time because there was no way he would be making it home safely if he had that burden on top of him as well. Suddenly he laughed slightly. Since when had he started to delude himself. Sober or drunk Residue would be hopping on his motorcycle around the corner and speeding home anyway. Plus, it wasn't the liquor he had consumed that made his mind so cloudy now. It never was and never could be.
Watching with the eyes of a predator he saw Jean and Scott step out first. It was a good thing old One Eye had those nice sunglasses of his. Control was the least of his worries tonight as he very evidently stumbled his drunkenness to Jean's classic red Corvette.
Storm and Kurt were next, not surprisingly very sober. If she ever lost her control the weather would run rampant during her hangover and he was never one to imbibe too much. These two facts almost always made them the DD's, and, as predicted, they pulled a black Cadillac Escalade to the curb. A group of very inebriated 21 year olds stepped out of the club and toward the waiting vehicle. Kitty was practically hanging off Piotr, unable to move on her own accord. Bobby and Jubilee were barely able to hold each other up as each tried to support the other on their short trip to the sidewalk's edge. Before any of them could get in the sound all too familiar with a couple liters of liquor filled the crisp night air. Fortunately, the two girls managed to puke outside the expensive SUV before passing out on the back bench seat.
That left Hank and Warren. Well, the two men plus the two for whom Residue was waiting patiently in the shadows. Since someone had to stay home at the mansion with the Professor for the children and since it was technically his turn, Hank had stayed away from the pulsating night scene and his current love interest, Trish. As for Warren he left the club early with some purple haired chick. Barbie, or Brandy, or Betsy, or something. No one had really caught her name and no one had particularly cared. Warren was with a different girl every night of the week practically.
Finally, as expected, the two who drove Residue insane with jealousy were the last out the club's doors. The man quickly shed his coat to throw over Rogue's shoulders in the chilly autumn air. Both he and she were way too drunk to drive. Well, in all actuality, he could hold his liquor quite well while she continued to drink in an attempt to keep up with him. They could very easily hop on his motorcycle, just like Residue planned, and throw consequence to the wind in their drunk stupor. A bitter half grin crept across Residue's handsome features.
Thoughts of the bike skidding down the asphalt in a sickening bone crunching, flesh tearing massacre briefly raced through his head. It wasn't this thought that brought the twisted smile to his face, but the wry idea that at least then she wouldn't be either of the two men's and maybe then he could finally get some peace in his desolate existence.
All macabre thoughts were quickly erased by relief as he watched her raise her hand to flag down a taxi. As much as he begged to be put out of his misery in any form or fashion Rogue coming to harm was one that he secretly prayed never happened. Letting his mind wander again he thought that apparently one of them decided to be safe tonight. Or, more likely, they weren't returning to the mansion and didn't want any of the others to know where they were going. Xavier put a homing beacon on all vehicles at the mansion should any emergencies arise especially since some people had the ability to block out his mental summons.
Turning his attention back to the couple, Residue watched the man light up his choice of tobacco as he leaned against the closest light pole. She lushly bobbed over to him stealing a drag before throwing her arms around his neck. Cocky bastard had taught her that disgusting habit. Now Residue was really kidding himself. He smoked, too, and hell, he probably would have rubbed that little trait off on her if she had stayed with him long enough.
Watching covertly, Residue nearly wanted to tear the guy apart with his bare hands as the well built man leaned down slightly to place a searing kiss on her now touchable lips. It was that simple action that ran rampantly through Residue's mind. A kiss. That was how this all started.
