A/N: Okay, so far Toxic Hope is winning out in the race for next fic, but the margin is only by 1 point! Also, I've changed the summary on CC, cause it's not as bad as I seemed to describe it. You only have this chapter and the next to vote, so if you want one over the other, head over to my profile page to get the details on making your choice. On to the chapter, I think this is the longest I've ever posted. Enjoy!
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Okay, so far Toxic Hope is winning out in the race for next fic, but the margin is only by 1 point! Also, I've changed the summary on CC, cause it's not as bad as I seemed to describe it. You only have this chapter and the next to vote, so if you want one over the other, head over to my profile page to get the details on making your choice. On to the chapter, I think this is the longest I've ever posted. Enjoy!...
"Who do y' wan' t' tell first, cheri?"
"Ah think Ah need ta let Joe down."
After making it down from the roof the newly engaged couple walked down the halls to announce the good news to their friends. It was about nine o'clock so the mansion was pretty quiet. The younger students' lights out was already past and the older kids were either in their rec or dorm rooms. With the hyperactivity of the day finally starting to settle down the Xavier staff scattered throughout the mansion to find their own relaxation. That meant Rogue and Remy would have to search out their friends. They had made it down to the first floor without meeting anyone making Rogue think they were wandering aimlessly. Remy, on the other hand, knew exactly where he was going.
As they passed the Staff Lounge low voices indicative of a meeting floated out to them. Already knowing about the discussion Remy continued beyond the open door to walk down the hall. While he was able to sneak by, the occupants saw Rogue, and, as expected, Scott called out to them.
"Rogue, Gambit, would you please come in here."
Remy tensed his shoulders pretending he was bothered about being caught. He turned around with Rogue's hand still in his leading her into the room. Scott sat at the head of the table while Bobby, Logan, Storm, Hank, and Kitty surrounded the other edges.
"I hope you both have an explanation for missing this mandatory meeting about the quartlery aptitude tests."
"Ah'm so sorry, Scott. Ah didn't know. Ah forgot ta check the virtual board this morning."
"Ignorance is no excuse, Rogue. Besides, if you had been present earlier Storm would have been able to remind you of the meeting like everyone else."
"Me pardonner, mes amis, but Rogue's absence wasn' 'ntirely her fault. She was agreein' t' be mon femme."
Congratulations filled the room as everyone present rose from their seats. Rogue was furious, though she didn't let it show. She just stared down Remy before anyone could notice the death glare. He knew she wanted to tell Joseph first, so why did he announce it to everyone? Her thoughts weren't allowed to dwell too much on it as Hank and Storm were the first to reach them. She whispered something to Remy and he hugged her. As more of their friends approached, Remy and Rogue were separated from each other, leaving them to accept kind words on different sides of the room. Scott made his way to Rogue first.
"Congratulations, Rogue. I'm so happy you can experience something like what Jean and I share."
"Ah don't understand. Ya acted so sad when Ah left for school an' then when Ah got back ya'll happy again. Then ya propose, but Ah found out Jean's comin' back. What's goin' on?"
"Oh, well, the Professor found Jean's signature right about the time you graduated. I was so excited with the possibility of bringing her home that a weight lifted off my shoulders. The only problem was he couldn't pinpoint her well enough for us to get her until today. He took Kurt and Warren to Canada a few hours ago to find her."
"Okay, so if you knew about Jean why did ya ask me ta marry ya?"
"I think I better let Gambit explain it to you later. Congratulations, again."
Before she could get any more information from him, Scott had turned to fade into the crowd standing around her.
"Wait! Scott? Scott!"
A hand in hand Bobby and Kitty moved closer to Rogue effectively blocking her view of Scott's retreating form. She didn't see him move to the other side of the room with Remy, Hank and Storm, but the two in front of her made it evident that the supposed ex's were not as over as Bobby had made it sound. Suddenly she was enveloped in Kitty's bubbly embrace as her close friend hugged her.
"I totally can't wait till you start planning the ceremony. There's so much to do even if you have it here at the mansion. You are going to get married here, right?"
"Ah don't know. We haven't had thah chance ta talk about it. Ah thought ya two broke up?"
"Well, we kind of did. Kitty got made at me because I forgot our anniversary-"
"-Again-"
"-Again. So she told me this morning she didn't want me coming anywhere near her until I made it up to her. I forgot on purpose so I could surprise her with a special date tonight. We made up at dinner."
"An' all that stuff about how it was a mistake for ya ta let me go?"
"You'll have to ask Gambit."
"Why does everyone keep sayin' that? Hey wait!"
It was too late. Logan had already taken the place of a retreating Bobby and Kitty. Reaching out to grab Rogue's arm, he gently turned her toward the corner, effectively blocking the group on the other side and the doorway. He walked with her a few steps so they could have a little more privacy. Taking the opportunity, Joseph slid into the room, patiently waiting his turn.
"Hey, kid."
"Ah suppose ya're gonna come up with some reason about proposin' an' tell meh ta talk ta Remy, too, aren't ya?"
"Listen, I may not particularly agree with the way Gumbo went about things, but it looks like it worked. Who am I to argue?"
"Logan, Ah don't get it."
"You will. Congratulations, Marie."
Logan moved closer before catching Rogue in a tight squeeze. He bent down to whisper softly in her ear.
"Remember, if he ever hurts you again-"
"-Ah know, Ah know, ya'll skin him alive."
Pulling away slightly, he smiled down at her. The gesture wasn't returned though as Rogue's brows knit tightly together. If the day hadn't thoroughly confused her this small get together certainly was doing a good job. She didn't have much time to sort things through when a tap on her shoulder made her break the embrace. Joseph stood behind her. Taking his cue, Logan moved away to let the couple have their confidentiality.
"Joe, Ah'm so sor-"
"-Marie, there's no need to apologize. I understand and I wish you the best in your upcoming life."
"Ah never expected this ta happen."
"I did. In fact, it was in the expectation of you returning to Remy that I created the Molecular Mutation Dampener. I am truly regretful of my deception over our time together. However, there is no one else for whom I would rather have spent the last eighteen months providing a false impression. "
"What do'ya mean 'false impression'? Ah thought ya and Ah-"
"-No, Marie. My intentions were not as honorable as I led you to believe, though not in the sense most take that phrase to mean."
By this time Remy had made his way over, as if the whole thing had been planned. Rogue suddenly remembered his earlier question about what she would say if he told her everything was a setup. Realization dawned on her as she tried to figure out exactly what he had done. With Remy now included in their discussion, Joseph continued his well wishing.
"I would like to give you both an early wedding present, in honor of this blissful occasion."
He pulled a remote out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Rogue.
"After we returned from our date tonight I had the opportunity to install my creation in Remy's personal quarters. This remote will give you complete control over the MMD, though its implementation is only effective within the confines of the room."
"Oh, Joe. Ah can't accept this. Ya made it for ya an' meh, not meh an' someone else. It's not right."
"Marie, it was made for you and no one but you. Perhaps it is time that I defer to your fiance."
"Why does everyone keep doin' that? What did'ya do, Remy?"
Rogue turned to the immensely pleased man at her side as Joseph took a step back. All she wanted to do besides find out what was going on was wipe that smug grin off his face. She remembered her control and patiently waited for him to explain. As for his smirk, it dissipated on its own as he thought of where to begin.
"I tol' y' I knew I had t' do somethin' drastic t' get y' back, p'tit, an' that I went back t' Louisiana when y' didn' come home fo' yo' break. Well, I didn' 'xactly sit 'round doin' nothin'."
"So far ya haven't tol' me anythin' Ah don' already know."
"I knew all th' stuff y'd try t' use t' keep us apart, so I figured if I could get y' control o'er yo' mutation dat y'd have t' listen t' reason. It took me a while, but wit' th' Professor I was able t' fin' someone who could help. When I tol' Joe what I needed he was more dan willin'."
"Is this true, Joe?"
Rogue turned to look at him. She could see out of the corner of her eye the others conversing amongst themselves ignoring the little scene unfolding in the corner.
"Yes, though the idea of romantically attaching myself to you came later. If I had known then that the plan would include such deception, I would not have agreed."
"Ya better keep explainin', swamp rat."
"I knew I had t' get y' t' forgive me an' I knew you never would as long as y' wouldn' speak t' me. T' lower yo' suspicions I t'ought I'd have all th' men in yo' life propose t' y', but I had t' make sure y' said no. Dat's when I asked Joe t' go out wit' y', but t' make sure y' didn' fall fo' him. Knew y'd never cheat, so when th' ot'ers asked y' I wouldn' have t' worry 'bout it."
"Ya're tellin' meh that ya asked a man y' barely knew ta get meh t' like him so I'd say no t' all mah friends, including David, who ya managed ta convince ta propose just so ya could get meh ta forgive ya?"
"Oui, an' t' make sure dat when I asked y' wouldn' say no."
"An' all that talk 'bout leavin' in thah morning'? "
"Jus' talk. So, what d'y' t'ink, cheri? One hell o' a way t' ask, non?"
"One hell o' way! One hell o' way? Ah'll show ya one hell o' way-"
"-Scott!"
Before Rogue could beat Remy to a bloody pulp for his little game Jean came rushing into the room and into Scott's waiting arms. Her anger was quickly washed away when she saw the reunited joy in the two lovers actions. Though Jean was unwillingly separated from Scott physically through what they all believed to be death, Rogue had freely separated from Remy emotionally. Watching the couple affectionately hold each other while whispering promises to never let the other go, she realized how stupid she had been for giving up the last four and half years that could have been spent with the man she loved. As the two became more aware of their surroundings, Jean noticed all her friends standing on one side of the room while Rogue and a newcomer were standing on the other.
"Am I missing something?"
"I'll explain it all later, Jean, but the short version is Remy just asked Rogue to marry him."
After realizing just how fortunate she was to have a second chance with Remy, Rogue knew she couldn't let his diversion interfere with their happiness. However, she also couldn't just let go of what he had done. Seeing the perfect opportunity to turn his little game around on him, Rogue decided to get a little fun herself.
"Yeah, and Ah'm not too entirely thrilled with thah way ya did it, Cajun. Ah'm givin' ya ta thah count of three ta get a head start 'fore Ah whomp yer sorry-"
Everyone started laughing at her mock anger effectively blocking out the curse she by which she referred to him. Seeing the playfulness return to her ivy eyes brought an ease and lightness to his soul that Remy hadn't had in a long time. No one could ever say he didn't have the best poker face at the mansion. No one could also ever say he wasn't already five steps ahead. Backing away from her he raised his hands in mock defense.
"Now, chere-"
"-Don't chere meh."
Rogue took a menacing step forward to get him moving. He turned to run out of the room. Apparently Bobby, Scott, Logan, and Joe thought it was hilarious as their laughter soon drowned out the rest of the group.
"An' don't think ya'll are gettin' off scott free. When Ah'm finished with him, Ah'm comin' after ya'll!"
Finally speaking to Rogue, Storm offered a little piece of knowledge Remy obviously hadn't given her already.
"Really, Rogue, it didn't happen exactly as he says. You should ask him what he did have control over."
"Would ya'll stop sayin' that! Ah'm tired of askin' him ta explain!"
Taking off out of the room, Rogue made to the hall just in time to see Kurt bamf! away with Remy. So he was going to play hard to get, was he? Well, she'd just have to come up with a new plan of torture. An idea suddenly sprung to life in her head as she realized she still had the remote control in her hand. Heading up to his room Rogue laughed in twisted delight as she knew exactly how she would get back at Remy.
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R/R: Thank you to everyone who's taking a look at this fic. I hope you are enjoying it. If you'd like to tell me, just hit the blue button. It's easy, so don't be afraid or nervous if it's your first time. I promise it won't hurt. Plus, you get a Shout Out since I respond to everyone! Speaking of Shout Outs:
sakura5tar: Was this a quick enough update for you? I don't want you dying, you're one of my best reviewers! Yay:) So glad you liked the last two chapters. Hope you like this one too! I know, I had a lot of people worried in chapter 8, but see, it's all good. And after my little torture from Cruel Twist of Fate, I decided I better have a happy ending or I'd be ducking rotten tomatoes and worn out boots. And I'm glad you liked the story behind the ring. It seemed to give it a bit more depth and meaning, not to mention how special it was for Remy to give it to Rogue. Thanks for the review!
IvyZoe: Yep, you guessed it. :) He needed something drastic, and, well, this was drastic. Rogue was being drastic and unreasonable and Remy had break down her barrier. I'm glad to hear your arm is better. Thanks for the review!
ishandahalf: LOL! Nervous? Why nervous? You don't think I'd be that mean two fics in a row do you? Especially after the earlier chapters on top of that. I've been trying to incorporate some of their comic relations into my fics since this is supposed to be movieverse and since none of it has happened yet, it needs to be added. Can't have happiness all the time, gotta have some troubles. Yeah, the ring had special meaning already, but for Remy to give it to Rogue meant a lot more than just a solitaire from the jewelers. Then she'd fall right into his plan. He had to make sure she realized just how much she loved him. Remy out of the deal makes the little plot worth while. So, are your questions finally answered? Only some of them? Well, I'll detail more in the last chapter. And speaking of Joe, you may NOW officially hurt him. :) His purpose is over and done and we won't be seeing anymore out of him anytime in the near future. He thought about making an appearance in Consequential Circumstance, but the evil glare I gave him put him back in his little locked corner cell. And since we're on the topic there, I've decided to revise it a little bit. It wasn't working out exactly like I wanted, so there actually is more good Romy in it than bad. But still, it's gonna be a rough ride. Though, after seeing both, you may decide I suck at summaries and judging angst, etc. I don't think you'll be disappointed though. No more bad endings like Cruel Twist of Fate. Not in the near future anyway. Thanks for the review!
Prexistence: Don't worry about the two fics, you'll get to see them both. As for posting together, it depends on how much of a reserve of posts I build up. I don't want any long breaks in posting between my little fics and the massive, humongous monster that's residing on my computer right now. And, considering I've edited the beginning too many times because of the stuff in the middle, I'm not gonna write myself into a corner by posting early. Okay, you can now beat the crap outta Joe! He's done, over, and gone. Won't be back any time soon. I promised him if he came back to mess things up that he would end up in tiny little, painful pieces. So he's hiding in his dark little corner right now. I know what you mean-how could anyone say no to Remy, much less Rogue. So, did you like the look on everyone else's face or the one on Rogue's better? She's got so much in store for that Cajun and his antics :)…Thanks for the review!
WolvGambit Le Diable Blanc: Yay! I'm so glad you liked. Hope you like this one too. :) Thanks for the review!
kyo-kitty: Oooo, the best huh? Well, just wait till the end then cause it only gets better:) Thanks for the review!
MJK: I know, I was so mean with the summary, but you're right, I'd want Remy there at the wedding if he was the groom:) Yep, Remy had it all planned, though some of it didn't get added until later, but you'll just have to wait and see what! I'm glad you liked the rings. Sometimes when I write I get really descriptive or want to be really accurate, and I come up with things that if I didn't know about them before than I figure most people didn't know either. Instead of cutting content, I decided to give pictures when I could so everyone would understand what I was describing. Okay, I've got your vote for TH down, but don't worry about the other. As it turns out, it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's still gonna be a lot of hard, but I think there's more good in it than bad. I don't think I could write a really super angsty fic anymore. So hopefully it's down to a median level now. Thanks for the review!