A/N: I apologize ahead of time for the next few chapters. It actually was one incredibly massive piece, but I didn't want to post a 14 page chapter when all the others had only been 2-3. So, with that said if the transition between chapters is a little funky, that's why. Also, as so ardently requested, here is the ROMY!
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After taking a long shower where she spent thirty minutes 'washing' her hair, Rogue flopped on her bed. What had gone so terribly wrong with the world that men whom she considered friends wanted a loving relationship with her but the man she considered beloved wanted a friendly relationship.
Where had that come from? She hadn't thought about Remy since, well, since she and Joseph started dating. Then she realized why her thoughts were turning back to where her heart had always been. With all the ideas of wedded bliss floating around her today she finally admitted to herself that no matter how much she tried to make a life with someone else she would always only love Remy. Subconsciously Rogue started to plan on how to break up with Joseph. The more the idea played around in her head the more she seriously considered her situation.
Suddenly she could hear Logan's voice in the hall. It was then that the memory of his motorcycle still in the driveway when she and Joseph came home was brought to the forefront. Not wanting to have another talk with him she frantically thought of how to get out of her room and where she could go once out. He could probably already smell that she was here.
There weren't many places left that hadn't played a weird part in her day and that would allow her to concentrate on her own feelings. The trails at the back of the mansion were out because of Bobby. The rec rooms wouldn't provide her with the peace she sought yet her office just around the corner was out thanks to Scott. Leaving the mansion for the third time just wasn't appealing and with David's and Joseph's actions Rogue would be hard pressed to find serenity. Obviously staying put wasn't an option either. The only place left that would be completely deserted was the roof.
Opening her window she stepped onto the frame before taking a literal flying leap to the top of the mansion. As expected the secluded retreat was empty. Rogue walked the short distance to the edge of the east wing where Xavier had a sheltered lattice frame protecting some stone garden benches. There were two more similar structures on each side creating a semi circle that cast long dark shadows in the bright night. Storm tended some of her prized creeping plants on the perfect conditions the lattice work provided. The greenery was blooming letting the sweet fragrance linger on the gentle breeze of the clear, starry night.
A huge full moon hung lazily above the forest line providing her with enough light to see the entirety of the mansion's grounds. Someone must have just left because she could still smell his or her cigarette smoke mingling with the fresh blossoms' aroma. Taking a seat looking over the lawns Rogue let her left side rest against the sturdy trellis. She let her eyes slip close while attempting to empty her active mind. It wasn't working.
"Somethin' on yo' mind, chere?"
A startled Rogue jumped slightly at the intrusion. It was rare that someone could sneak up on her, but then look who had managed the covertness. She thought the roof was abandoned. Opening her eyes she looked over to see Remy leaning his right shoulder casually against the opposite side of the trellis while taking a drag. He was gazing over the lush, grassy area laid out before them.
"No, why d'ya ask?"
"Y' only come up here when yo' troubled."
"Oh."
She was amazed at how well the man knew her. Not a lot of people were privy to her inner workings. They were never allowed close enough to know her so intimately. Remy, on the other hand, had plenty of opportunity to understand her but threw it all away. He took a seat on the stone bench leaving quite a bit of space between them. With his cigarette hanging limply between his lips he was able to pull out a deck of cards and start shuffling them.
"Helps t' talk 'bout it."
"If ya knew thah kind of day Ah had..."
"'M listenin'."
Rogue sighed. Maybe he was right. Talking it out would help her sort her thoughts. She was just apprehensive about talking to him so deeply. They hadn't really spoken since he had left for New Orleans the day after she found out he was married. Not that she blamed him. She did kind of flaunt Joseph in his face. Of course, this was the perfect opportunity to mend some old wounds.
"Well, thah short version is Ah was asked by five different men ta marry them."
Remy said something under his breath. She didn't quite catch it, but it sounded like don't something blame something. After that he stayed silent and she knew he was waiting for her to continue with the longer version.
"First Bobby, then Scott, followed by Logan and David, with Joe rounding out the count."
"What did y' say t' dem all?"
"Bobby didn't give meh that chance ta answer. Jubilee burst in during Scott's proposal. Ah told Logan his opportunity was hell an' gone. David bolted after Ah told him Ah was datin' Joe. An' speaking of, Ah told him I'd have ta think about it. As for the actual questions let's just say most of them were lacking in thah romance department."
"Not every homme can be a LeBeau, p'tit."
A sigh escaped her lips. The man that knew everything about getting a lady was sitting next to her and she couldn't even get him to look at her right now. Rogue realized just how much she missed the days when the greatest Master of Romance pursued the biggest Sucker for Romance. Why did he have to be married? They never would have had a problem if he hadn't been. That statement brought a whole new delusion to her warped sense of reason. She laughed at herself. He took it as mirth at his comment. The space between them closed a few inches.
"They all had good taste. Bobby was gonna take me ta Tiffany's. Scott had a Gucci. Logan's was in a vintage box, but it was big an' classy. Cartier got David's money an' will hopefully give it back. An' Joe went ta Harry Winston."
"So I take it dey all gon' be returnin' rings tomorrow."
"Ah don't know."
Rogue paused. Her attention was focused solely on him. It must have been her imagination, but she could have sworn he was sitting at the other end of the bench when he sat down. Now there was only a foot and a half separating them. Taking one last draw from his cigarette he dropped the stub to the ground before crushing it out with his foot. Remy returned to shuffling while coaxing her to finish.
"I t'ink y' do, chere."
"Well, yeah, it's obvious that everyone except Joe will."
"Y' gon' say yes t' th' homme?"
Even after telling Remy, Rogue found her mind hadn't cleared any. In fact, it was more muddled than when she came to the roof. Scratch that. Her mind was clearer, her feelings were an entirely different story. She still hadn't come to a clear solution with Joseph. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Remy stand up just enough to move his jacket off the bench. When he settled back down he was even closer to her.
"Normally Ah'd say a girl is only proposed ta once, but Ah don't really think that applies today. At least Joe an' Ah've been together for a while an' marriage is kinda thah next step. Plus he says he came up with somethin' ta turn off mah mutation."
"I know."
"How could ya know that. He just told meh at dinner tonight."
"I have a li'l confession t' make. I was dere."
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R/R: As always, thank you to everyone who's taking a peek at my little creation. I hope you are enjoying it. If you'd like a special thanks, just hit the little blue button! Now, on to the Special Thanks:
Prexistence: Well, for once I have something else in mind for Remy and Bella. I realized I kept writing the same thing over and over again so I needed to change it up a bit. As for Rogue and Joseph, let's just say she doesn't say no. You'll have to wait and see what that means wicked grin As for your happily ever after, there definitely is one. Thanks for the review!
sakura5tar: I don't know how it came to me. I guess I was just trying to think of alternatives to Gambit to throw in a little angst for my future fics and then it just kinda hit - why don't I use them all? So, I did. Then I thought that would be a little ridiculous so I had to come up with some flesh to it. Well, the flesh is about to happen :) And yes, she will marry someone. So glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for the review!
baby12: I'm really happy you like it and think it's good. Thanks for the review!
kyo-kitty: I really don't like the Rogue/Joseph thing. If it had been before Remy then maybe I would have liked it more, but after that Cajun everyone else just seems wrong for her. Don't feel bad for Joseph. In a way, he's kinda using her. And his intentions are not as genuine as you think, but you'll just have to wait and see what I mean :) Thanks for the review!
ishandahalf: Of course Joseph would get on the trolley - after all, save the best for last, right? Well, almost ;) Sorry though, Rogue doesn't reject him, crush his soul, or tell him it's over. As for the device, it is important, but not as much as you would think. Actually, you're pretty close with the taking it and going to another guy! LOL! In my first draft I was going to have her grab it and go after Remy, but I thought that was a little harsh. What I've worked out is way better anyway. Yeah, he is pretty clueless about her wanting to leave, though there is a reason for that… And the only sense in which Joseph is an asshole is for going along-oops, can't tell that yet, now can I? But seriously, Joseph doesn't give the device to Rogue. Oh, I love your idea for the battle royale! I wish I had thought of that, but I was so interested in the end and getting the important thing taken care of that I was kinda one track minded on it. That would have been so cool. But if it was a last one standing kind of thing, I think Logan would win :( Healing factor and all. Although, if Joseph took him on first then he could rip the Adamantium away from his skeleton. Then it wouldn't be that hard for someone to take out him. And you should love the next 6 chapters. Thanks for the review!
pashtess: (x2 for the reviews) No, nothing in the water, although there is something afoot in the House of Xavier. And the guys falling down at my feet, well, that's kinda where the idea came from - how would Rogue react if every possible love connection proposed? As for Remy, well he's been there all along, just not on speaking terms with Rogue by her choice, not his. But I think that has changed, now, don't you? Thanks for the review!
MJK: See, it only took 5 chapters before Remy came in and there's still 6 more to go, all of which include him! The device, well, Joseph doesn't give it to Rogue. Sorry. You'll just have to keep reading to find out what he does with it :) Thanks for the review!
WolvGambit Le Diable Blanc: If you thought this chapter was good, just wait for the next 6! Thanks for the review!
