Kaliann: It was time for Amara to get a love interests and I wanted to do something different. Oh, the end may be near, but there's still good things to come.
The Uncanny R-Man: Yeah, I didn't want everyone to just freak out at that and I had to throw Dr. Strange in there somehow. Figured you'd like that Amara/August kiss scene. I never read the Gambit series just a guess from what I know about New Orleans. Yeah, that's why I gave Kitty more fighting skills. Well, more fluffiness that's for sure.
KSimonT-X: Yeah, I know, but I didn't write that scene with the women I did edit it to make it more believable, but I'm glad you still found it funny.
Mazdamiatta: Don't worry Rogue will get her 'freak on' in this chapter don't worry about it. We hope to have a great proposal at least we hope so. Yeah, this does have many characters it also means it's harder to make sure everyone gets decent time in the story. Yes, Selene and all those other Hellfire Club people are real characters in Marvel comics.
GothikStrawberry: I'll try to fit in as much August/Amara romance that I can. Glad you liked the Kitty/Rogue part so much. And yeah I'm a hopeless romantic myself.
Doza: Yeah, it was kind of a homage to that final episode even with how the battle 'ended' by switching to the control room.
Jenskott: I didn't want one of those cliché all out arguments about August so I went a different route. Thanks, I'm glad you like the Amara/August part. That story Vince told is all true you can look it up. Yeah they do place their man above the others but that's what makes it fun to read. I agree with you, maybe one of the reasons Jean/Rogue get along better is cause Rogue has nothing to be jealous about anymore.
Mark C: Oh yeah, August and Amara are on the way to becoming the new couple at the mansion. Emma will find a way to help out you know her she doesn't take anything laying down. Glad you liked the kitchen scene that was funny. I think it was nice for Kitty/Rogue to talk helps show how deep their friendship is and Rogue will get her chance with Remy soon.
Aaron: Oh yeah, that would be nice to see Tabby/Sam's reaction to Amara's new love interest. Glad to see you're an Angel fan too, Emma will get to play a part in the end.
RogueBHS: Oh yeah, the results of tat bet will be fun to read. Well, I wanted to go a different way with 'ending' the battle. I liked the Kitty/Rogue friendship myself it was really cool.
Coldqueen: Freak out huh? Well there are a couple of others that I'll be R and R later on.
ViciousAssassin: I have no idea what you mean by 'family bond' between Amara/August but I'm pretty sure you're wrong. But it is nice to have those two together and now the others will find out later too will be funny to watch. Remy/Rogue scene will come at the end of this chapter.
Thanks to: Qullian, X00001, Simba317,
Hellfire and Brimstone
CHAPTER 74: BONDS OF FAMILY
Garden – Logan/Ororo/Laura
With things once again settling over the course of the next few days after the startling revelations from Jack and August, pretty much everybody was seeking to find their own ways of coping. On one hand, it was nice to know that they now had a weapon that just might be powerful enough to kill Selene once and for all…On the other hand, it was still a bit discerning that this was her own daughter that was wanting to do this. And while they certainly couldn't blame her after hearing her story, it was quite a drama to say the least and it left the team with plenty to process.
Jack's story had been equally disturbing, not to mention horribly vivid. And for those close to him, such as Laura, it sure did put a lot of his behavior into perspective. It explained why he was so reluctant to talk about his past or about things like love. Laura remembered clearly how he always faltered when she brought it up when it concerned her relationship with Logan and later, Ororo. The same held true for Amara, Vincent, and Emma as well…Giving them all a deep understanding of just why this man was so tormented.
But despite the harshness of his story, he seemed to be really improving. Many, including Laura, noticed that he was smiling a bit more and was no longer in the deep rut he had dug himself into after Jean's exorcism. There were also rumors going around that his better mood was directly linked to that of Mystique's, the best evidence of that being the way they were hanging around one another and how Kurt and Rogue had been acting as a result. But regardless of the reasons, it was nice to see him more upbeat for once…Or at least as upbeat as a guy so tormented by his past could be.
For Laura Logan, Jack's story held an even stronger meaning for her because it spoke so vividly of the kind of loneliness and pain that she was so familiar with. Like him, she had spent the better part of her life feeling so empty, angry, and bitter at the world. And it wasn't until much later when she found something to fill that void with her place at the institute and especially with her father, Logan, and the woman she was increasingly referring to as her mother, Ororo.
In some ways, Jack's story made Laura feel thankful…For unlike him, she hadn't lost the people who meant most to her. She found them and she was genuinely happy with them. She couldn't even imagine losing them in the way Jack had lost Layla. It made her feel all the more happy to have such loving people in her life and she found that as time went on, she continued to see both Logan and Ororo as true family.
"Dad…you're doing it wrong," said Laura, who was trying to guide Logan through the process of proper planting in Ororo's garden on a warm, sunny afternoon.
"Yeah, yeah…I know," he grunted, setting the pot down in a frustrated gesture, "I just can't get these damn things spaced out right."
"That's because you're rushing it," said Laura, trying in vain to show him while doing her best not to laugh at how a man that once took on Apocalypse and the Hellfire Club could become so frustrated with something like gardening.
Logan rolled his eyes as he turned to face a greatly amused Ororo, who was clearly holding back her laughter as she hovered just outside the balcony conjuring up some rain clouds for her beloved plants. He didn't know why he agreed to do this. After all, he didn't know the first thing about gardening. But if it meant so much to Laura and Ororo, then he at least owed it to them to give it a try. If for anything…For a little 'family' time. Even though it still wasn't official, Logan was well aware of the fact that Laura coming to see Ororo as her true mother…Even called her 'mom' on a few occasions when they were alone.
"You can handle entire armies, yet you can't handle seeds and soil…" said Ororo with a grin, earning her a bit of a look from her lover.
"Yeah, well it's not like tuning a Harley, so cut me some slack."
"Hey, it's harder than it looks, father. Believe me, I know. In fact, it took me two days just to get this first part down," said Laura, laughing somewhat at Logan's unique take on all this.
"Well you're a fast learner kid…Me, I guess I'm just a bit more stubborn."
"Oh I don't think neither of us would argue that," said Ororo with a laugh.
"Yeah, that's you alright …" grinned Laura.
Such words made Logan blush a bit, but he tried to hide them as was often his custom. It was times like this that Ororo wished she had brought a camera for this. It was such an adorable scene…Watching Logan interact with his daughter in such a way. She really did bring out a different side to him…A side few people ever would have suspected the big bad Wolverine of having. But becoming the unexpected father of a teenage girl who had spent most of her life as a living weapon brought many unexpected developments to say the least. And many as such were doing them both some real good…That much nobody could deny.
"See, it's not that hard," said Laura as she set the pot down, "You just didn't mix the fertilizer in the soil before adding the seeds."
"Guess so…" he said with another frustrated sigh as he grabbed another pot, "I swear, this stuff is just as complicated as tuning a bike."
"Well that's the thing about gardening, Logan…It requires patience. And I think we all know that patience has never really been your strong point," said Ororo, letting out another laugh as she landed and dispersed the clouds.
"That's just what happens when ya live fast darlin'," replied Logan, flashing her the wolfish grin that he knew she found so sexy, "And besides…I may be stubborn, but I can still adapt."
As if to show his point, Logan popped out his middle claw in his left hand and used it to stir the soil and the fertilizer in the pot before adding in the seedlings. And this time, he managed to get it just as Laura had shown him, winning him an approving glance from the two women he considered to be the most important forces in his life.
"See…Ya can teach an old dog new tricks," he said, giving Ororo the pot so that she could set it up in her display.
"Indeed…" said Ororo in response, glad to have this family time together.
In seeing the way Logan and Ororo looked at one another from this, Laura couldn't help but smile as well. She still didn't understand love and in many ways, she doubted that she ever would. But the more she saw it between these two, who were so much like parents to her, the more significant it became in her minds. With her acute senses, she could see it in their eyes…This bond that linked the both of them so deeply and profoundly. They really did love each other, more than she would ever be able to understand.
"Good use of resources," commented Laura, deciding to follow suit as she used her claws in a similar way for the next pot.
"Hey…Gotta use what ya got, no matter what the situation," he grinned, "It's part of what makes me the best at what I do."
"Oh I wouldn't doubt that…" said Ororo as she took a step back in order to get a full few of her display, "Especially during uncertain times such as this, I think it's important that we use what we have now…Because in our line of work, things can still change very quickly."
"Still worried about Selene, huh?" responded Logan, his tone quickly shifting upon the mention of that horrific woman's name.
"I think everybody is, Logan. Whatever this…This darkness is that Jack and the Professor keep speaking of, it seems as though it just keeps getting stronger with each passing day. And the more I think about it…The more I know that we'll have to be the ones to put a stop to it."
A solemn feeling fell over the mutant family, for they had seen first hand the kind of horrors that this woman was capable of. She had abducted and tortured their friends on two occasions and was now on the verge of bringing a literal hell on earth. She was so cruel that she tortured her own flesh and blood…Making her, without a doubt, one of the sickest adversaries they had ever come across. Twice they fought her…And twice they managed to triumph, but not without prices. And after two defeats, it was a pretty safe bet that this time she would show no mercy.
"Are you worried that if we do have to stop it…It won't come without a price?" asked Laura, beginning to see what she was getting it.
"Yes…I suppose I am," said Ororo with a sigh, "I mean, we're talking about a woman who wants to unleash demons into the world…A woman who once tortured her own daughter."
"All the more reason to fight even harder when we do meet again," said Logan, sounding more confident and determined, "Now that we have this August chick on our side and that dagger, I think we have a real chance to put a stop to this bitch once and for all."
"But do you really think that she'll make it that easy?" said Laura, knowing all too well how one's enemy adapted to such threats.
"Hell no…Of course she won't make it easy. She's already lost twice and she ain't gonna be that careless a third time. She won't show any mercy…She won't hesitate to go the distance. She knows she's probably going to face us again…So this time, she'll be ready for us."
"And knowing her, she'll make whatever we have to go through all the more horrific…" said Ororo, a shiver running up and down her spine as she contemplated what they could be up against, "I guess I'm just worried that if she doesn't hold back…Then someone might get hurt or worse in the process…And all the happiness we've found will be shattered."
Seeing her sudden shift in demeanor, Logan got up and made his way over towards his lover, pulling her into a reassuring embrace. Immediately, she sank into his arms, not wanting to let go. Laura, although not exactly knowing what was going on, found herself joining them. And as desolate as she still felt on the inside after so many years of sorrow and torment, having her a father and a mother that cared about her so deeply just made her feel so warm inside…So happy and strong. And with such great darkness looming just on the horizon, she would definitely need as such for what's to come.
"Hey, you ain't gotta worry about anythin' darlin'," said Logan in a soft tone, "And ya know why? It's because I'm NOT gonna let anythin' happen to you, Laura, or any of the kids. If I have to go through hell itself…Then so be it. But you two are my family now…And nobody, not Selene or the Hellfire Club, is ever gonna take that…I promise."
Knowing that a promise from Logan was not a promise that could be broken, both Ororo and Laura couldn't help but smile. It showed just how far he had come from the epitome of a loner to a guy completely dedicated to his family. He now had a woman that he loved dearly and a daughter that he would do anything for. And for somebody who had always been so tormented by his past or a lack there of, it was something he desperately wanted to hold no matter what evil he had to face.
"I guess Kitty was right…You really are a softie at heart," said Laura with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah…Just don't go spreadin' the word too much," he said with a laugh in response, "Just because I have a soft side doesn't mean I'm a softie."
"In that case, then why are you doing such a soft little activity like gardening?" said Ororo with a smug grin.
Logan simply shrugged.
"Great smells…Fresh air…And a chance to spend some time with the two greatest women in the world…What more could a guy ask for?"
His simple, yet eloquent explanation brought another round of smiles. Through an activity as simple as gardening, they really could share a moment together as if they were a true family. And for former weapon X23, having both her mother and her father here by her side, lending her the kind of support she thought she'd never have, just brought so many warm smiles to her face.
Such smiles didn't go unnoticed. Just below the balcony where Ororo's garden was visible for all to see, Jack had been meditating in the forest when he caught a glimpse of a smiling, happy Laura through his all seeing eye. Having spent quite a bit of time with her during her difficult early days, he saw the young girl as a strong friend and even kind of looked at himself as sort of her 'unofficial uncle' at times. And to see her smile like this after having lost so much in her life was just such a welcome sight.
Even with such a powerful darkness looming over the horizon, that didn't stop moments such as these from manifesting…Moments where hope seemed so much greater and the stakes grew even higher. And after having lost everything himself, seeing a girl like Laura find a means to fill that void in her soul really gave Jack something to believe in, for if she could find such happiness…Maybe he could as well.
It was an interesting possibility to consider, but for now he set such thoughts aside…For he had yet another wild night planned with a beautiful blue shape shifter.
-Infirmary-
Emma was walking into the medical room with Vince holding her hand along the way. Beast had told them that the equipment for her and the baby had arrived and they wanted to start Emma on a few tests. It was too soon to try out the ultrasound equipment that just arrived to see how the baby was doing. She was nervous, but hid it well and she could sense the same from her fiancé although that was also partially because these places made him nervous. They only brought back those memories of him being a test subject.
But there was no way he was going to miss out on this. He vowed to be there for her throughout all of this. He still just couldn't believe any of this at times. Here he was, engaged to the most beautiful woman on the world and they were having a baby. It was a lot to take in and yet slowly he seemed to get used to it.
They saw Beast with Sage's help setting up some equipment by one of the beds. Sage looked up, "Oh good, we're just about ready for this. Please Emma, lay down and get comfortable."
Vincent was there for her through her examination, either holding her hand or just giving her support. She was glad she wasn't going through this alone. It was scary enough as it was, but she could feel him in her mind giving her support. They noticed a slight raise in her blood pressure, but given what was going on they couldn't blame her for having it. Hank had told her that she needed to relax a bit more sometimes and that too much stress wasn't good for her.
Hank also was getting a few other things like what to add to her diet and with Sage did a few tests to see if there were any physical problems. So far, it all seemed normal much to the parents' relief. As they were walking the halls, Emma had to wonder how she was supposed to relax and voiced that to her lover.
"Just how can I relax with the end of the world literally on our doorstep? I mean, it's bad enough to suddenly be thrown into this darling, but I swear if it's not one thing it's another."
He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, "Yeah I know, but I have an idea. How about we spend an hour a day and I can teach you some of my meditation techniques?"
She thought about it, "That could work. Tour mind is unusually strong and orderly then most people."
That was true, for usually she only found minds like that in telepaths, although he had many mental barriers in his mind it was his mind that also she found captivating. It wasn't as simple as most minds she found and it was very refreshing to have someone whose mind was on par with her own.
"Although I wouldn't mind a few visits to the 'garden' or the 'castle' either." She smiled at him…Flashing him the same smile that she saved just for him.
He smiled back at her, as 'the garden' was that mental plane where they went to sometimes that secret spot Emma made years ago to just lose herself in with that beautiful field by the river under that tree. The 'castle' was new it was just what it sounded like only it was something they shared at nights to just be alone with each other. Usually in that royal bedroom as they just laid under the sheet of that giant silk bed. The thing with those mental planes were everything was perfect there, so it was perfectly relaxing.
Later that night in their room, Vince was in his usual sleep attire only the lamp on the small table next to the bed was on as he was looking at the ceiling thinking about his child. He had already talked to Mary and Benny, his two oldest friends from back home. He kept in touch with them and they were both surprised as hell that he was going to be a father. He had already told them that they were invited to the wedding when the date was set. He kept the whole end of the world thing from them, for he didn't want to worry them.
Mary was doing great and told him that the orphanage was doing better then ever. Although she and the others missed him and he missed them too, that place would always be the place the only man that he ever considered a father was killed in front of his eyes now.
Now he looked at the image of the little thing that was growing inside of the woman that would soon be his wife and it was just kind of surreal. He always wanted to be part of a real family and here he was making one. He wondered if he would be a good father…If it would be a boy or a girl? So many thoughts kept running through his mind.
"Still thinking about it?" Emma's voice broke him from his thoughts and he looked up to see her coming out of the small bathroom in her white silk robe.
"Yeah, I just can't seem to get used to the idea."
She smiled and nodded. It was just so strange at times, but as she got used to the idea she wanted this baby. This was their chance at true happiness and to have the family life they were both denied. She just hoped that they wouldn't screw up. They both had some major issues and they still both were haunted by their pasts. Would they even tell their children of the horrors each of them had faced? And if so, how much would they tell them? She wasn't sure she wanted to tell her kids she was thrown into an asylum, raped, beaten, tortured, and for a time barren. For Vince, how could he tell them about seeing his mother killed in front of him? Or the man that was like a father to him too? Or being experimented on?
"You're as nervous about being a parent as I am," Vince said to her, clearing sensing it. This link they shared allowed them to be intimate on a whole new level with each other and he could feel what she was thinking.
"Yes…But I know together we can do this. We didn't survive this long in life to let anything stop us."
It was true they were both survivors and both had survived things most people wouldn't have as they had. She undid her robe and let it fall to the floor. Vince straightened a bit, seeing that instead of her usual nightgown she wore something that resembled her old Hellfire clothing, only this time it was all silk and not leather.
"E-Emma, wh-what?" Vince tried to talk, but the sight of this very sexy woman who crawled onto the bed towards him was very distracting. She smiled a bit loving even now she could surprise him and make him like this.
"I bought this awhile back for a special occasion, but with everything I didn't want to wait until our honey moon. Since this is kind of what I had on when we first met, I figured it would be nice," she purred as she kissed him deeply. He wrapped her up in his strong arms deepening the kiss.
'Vincent…Please promise me…Promise me you won't do anything stupid,' she went to him as she felt his hands gently over her body, 'I don't want to lose you, I can't lose you.'
'I won't. I don't kill easy and Emma, I have a great reason to live' He stopped kissing her and looked up at her beautiful face in the lamp light caressing her face. "You and the baby are my life now. You two are the most important things to me and I can't lose you both now."
She smiled at him touched by his words, "You better…I know I can't do this alone and the baby will need their father…And so do I."
"You won't lose me Emma, I swear to you…" He looked into her blue eyes and she into his for a moment. Then she kissed him gently on the lips savouring the taste as he reached over and turned the lamp off.
-Kurt's Room-
Kurt was in his bed, still lost in thought although he wasn't alone. Cuddled up against him was his girlfriend Wanda as she had her head laid on his chest hearing his heart beat. These nightly visits had become more and more frequent as the two got closer. Sometimes it was for just comforting each other. It felt nice for both of them to have someone there at night. Wanda, who had been alone for so long, loved the feeling of Kurt against her, to feel his arms around her and his tail too.
Kurt loved having someone that cared for him at night, for it helped him to sleep easier and after growing up so isolated and alone it was just to nice to have her here. Lately, Kurt had regained that lovely personality that she fell for. She loved being with someone who made her laugh, smile, and feel good about herself. True, Kurt seemed to have permanently lost a part of his innocence, but nothing could change that. He was still the wonderful man she loved.
Kurt hand a hand running through her short dark hair as his tail was gently moving over her leg. She smiled as she shifted it was a very odd and yet nice feeling, "Kurt? What are you thinking about?"
"A lot actually…"
"This is about your mother and Jack?" she asked him. Kurt had been pretty shaken up that first time and of course, she noticed. It took her some time, but he told her everything. "I have no idea how weird that is for you."
"Ja no kidding, who vants to know zhat zheir mother is…Vell…"
She smirked as he struggled to say it, "Yeah ,I know what you mean…Although she does seem a lot happier."
"Ja, she does and I am happy for her…It's just information I could live vithout. I mean zhat vas NOT zhe vay I vanted to know."
He remembered seeing Jack coming out of her room and the things he said…Hearing how his mother was a great woman in bed wasn't something he wanted to know. And the mental imagery alone was haunting him. He could handle the thought of them together. He liked Jack and he was a good man and seemed to be a good influence on his mother. But the image of them naked and…Together…It really just wasn't something he needed to think about.
"Hey…It could be worse."
He looked down on her, "How?"
She shrugged, "When you heard those noises, you could have ported in." She looked up at the suddenly very shocked and sick look on his face of him thinking about THAT possibility. "Yeah, see what I mean? So how's Rogue handling it?"
She would have asked Rogue herself since lately she and Rogue had become closer. Maybe it was because they had so much in common and the fact that she was dating her brother, but they were close now. They hung out and talked, and when alone they even swapped stories about their pasts and experiences. Both knew the same pain and loneliness in life.
"About zhe same as me I guess." Kurt sighed thinking about his sister…Although she seemed to be thinking about something lately, what he had no idea.
Wanda cuddled up a bit more to Kurt hugging him to her, "Kurt…This whole thing that's coming…We're going to win this right?" Truth was, she was scared, because for the first time in her life, she had a lot to lose. She had found a home and family with the X-Men and above all, love in Kurt. The thought of losing him had been haunting her lately. She couldn't even sleep unless he was next to her so she could assure herself he was still there.
Kurt held her close. After losing Amanda, which had hurt like hell, he didn't want to lose another girl he loved. He knew it was rare for him to find love twice in this world given his looks and he thanked God for sending both Amanda and Wanda into his life. He had remembered how after that first time with the Hellfire Club, he had been so angry with God. How could he allow that to happen to his friends, his family, and to him? Was this another 'punishment' to him like his looks?
It took over a month for Kurt to realize that God had nothing to do with that. It was because of people that bad things happened and Selene was the worst there was. He thought that maybe that's why Wanda had joined them, to help Kurt deal with what happened to him. H was sure that without her, he would still be a shell of his former self.
"Vanda…Just know zhat I love you more zhen life itself…nd no matter vhat happens…I vill alvays love you and be zhere for you."
Wanda shut he eyes feeling the tears in them and burying her face in his chest. She didn't like to have others see her cry, especially Kurt, but his words meant so much to her because she knew he meant every word of them.
"Kurt I love you so much," she whispered out and felt him nuzzle his face to her head as they just held each other there in the darkness.
Mystique's Room – Jack/Raven
After an unknown amount of hours spent making love from every which way they could muster, Jack Robinson and Raven Darkholme once again let out another deep grunt of ecstasy as they collapsed onto the bed in a naked heap, feeling so drained yet so good at the same time.
"Oh-OH JACK!" moaned the shape shifter upon feeling her final peak before collapsing atop her lover's body.
"Oh Raven…"
The room was filled with gentle gasps as the two lovers attempted to catch their breath. Raven found herself laying comfortably atop the young man's chest, listening to the gentle beat of his heart and savoring the warmth she felt in his embrace. It was amazing that after their first mind blowing session, they had the energy for so many others. Jack wasn't kidding when he said that he had a lot of sexual energy and he was probably the only one to measure up her.
Since they started doing this, they played around with her abilities somewhat. Mystique still shifted into a Layla-like form for Jack to make love to. Doing so really seemed to have an effect on him, for Layla was just such a big part of his soul that even having the illusion of her in his arms was enough to make him feel a sense of comfort and strength the likes of which he hadn't felt before. At times, Mystique had mixed feelings about this because when she was in that form, he would call her 'Layla.' It shouldn't have bothered her since he made it clear in his story how much he loved this girl, but still…It did have some affect on her.
But aside from making love as Layla, Jack still took it upon himself to return the favor and do her in her natural form…Something that still held a great deal of significance to her. It was enough that he was the best lover she ever had, able to match her in terms of energy and endurance while also giving her the kind of pleasure she once thought impossible…But to do it to her in her natural form was just something that meant more to her than she could ever put into words. He thought she was beautiful…He thought that her real, true form…Was beautiful.
"Mmm…How can a guy who gets so little sleep still have so much energy in bed?" said Mystique in a tired tone as she rested her head on her lover's chest.
"Training, exercise, mutant anatomy, and a ton of sexual energy sure helps," said Jack with a slight laugh in response as he casually ran his hand up and down the warm skin of her back, "Plus…Sleep tends to bring nightmares and I get enough of those when I'm awake."
"It's amazing you manage…" she said to him, looking back up at his wide awake form with her tired yellow eyes.
"Yeah…I know. Sometimes I don't know how I do it either. But I guess it just comes along with the package…" he sighed as he laid back on the soft pillows, trying to rest his weary mind.
"And oh what a package it is…" she responded in a sultry tone, gently tracing patterns along his well built chest.
The two lovers fell silent once again, simply relishing in the afterglow. Mystique knew that she was probably going to be sore in the morning again…But it was a feeling she was quickly becoming accustomed to. If anything, I was one that she enjoyed because it showed just how good this man was to her. It was nice to be able to do something like this…To rid their minds of stress through the power of a mind numbing release.
And because of Jack being the embodiment of an immortal entity, he couldn't get a woman pregnant and was immune to any and all disease, so there weren't any real complications to worry about. He 'shot blanks' as he called it because of the spell Yoshinto had cast upon him, but that was okay with Raven…It just meant they wouldn't have to worry all that much about protection.
But aside from the warm feeling that such an act offered, it had left a noticeable impact on how their behavior in the eyes of the others. While Jack's was still very subtle, he was still smiling a bit more than he was when he was in his rut. But for Raven, she had been practically scaring people with her mood. But it wasn't like she could help it. She felt so good…So complete. Here she was with a man who really honestly understood her…A man who held her in his arms without fear or apprehension. It made her feel things she thought she'd never feel for anybody…Yet here she was. Even if his heart still belonged to Layla, that didn't mean they couldn't share something.
"You know, at this rate people are going to start thinking you've become a softie…" commented Jack, breaking the silence as he continued to gently sooth the shape shifting woman to sleep with his soft hands.
"I know…I know…But honestly, Jack, do you really think I care?"
"Well it's not like I can't see it," he said with a slight laugh, "But still, you've got to admit…Seeing you so much more chipper now really has been affecting the perception of others…Namely your kids."
"Yes, I know…I take it they're still reeling from that 'incident' that happened after our first night together," said the shape shifter, letting out a slight groan at that, for both Kurt and Rogue could hardly look at her after that without cringing from the mental images.
"I know…And I guess that was my fault in many ways," conceded Jack, "It wasn't just that they saw me coming out of your room…It was that I was dumb enough to actually say that you were good."
"Mmm…I don't know whether I should be thankful or furious about that," she said, looking back up at her lover with a humored look, "That's not something kids want to hear about their mother…Particularly when they're at 'that' age."
"Yeah, but still…I think this is something that you should talk to them about."
"Oh yeah, that'll be fun…" muttered Mystique, cringing at the thought of having THAT discussion with her children, "Care to give me a little heads up with that eye of yours? I've still been a bit curious as to how serious Kurt's relationship is with Wanda and how far Rogue has gotten with Remy."
Jack found himself blushing at that, for he could easily see the truth concerning those four, but it was something he chose to keep to himself since he didn't really like to intrude on the privacy of others. After all, there was always the chance that he would find out something disturbing and he had quite enough of that for one lifetime.
"Uh…I don't think that's my business, Raven," he replied somewhat awkwardly.
"Oh come on! Can't you just take a little peak? For me?" she said in a playful, sultry tone.
"Raven, I'm serious about this…" said Jack, his tone shifting as he cupped her chin and brought her gaze up towards his, "If we're going to keep doing this, I don't want to be the one to come between you and your family. I know there's still a lot of distance between you and your kids…Distance that has been difficult to bridge because of past unpleasantness…But I don't want to make things worse, I want to make things better. And if I'm going to continue to be your lover, then I think it's only honorable that I get the blessing of your family."
Mystique thought about that for a moment. It still wasn't very appealing to her…Talking to her kids about her sex life and how she needed this in her life. But he did have a point about the part concerning the distance that remained between them. Sure, they had made a lot of progress since her arrival and there wasn't nearly the level of bad blood there was before she came…But still, there were so many unresolved issues that she hadn't had the guts to confront, this being one of them.
She liked Jack…She liked him a lot. He had shown her things she never thought she'd experience before. She had given her more than any other man. Already, he was an important part of her life and he was having quite an impact on her. And as such, sharing this impact with her children seemed not only logical, but necessary.
"You're right, Jack…" she sighed, "I just…After all the mistakes I've made as a mother, I guess it's just hard working up the guts to really sit down with them and lay some of those issues to rest. And I know I'm running out of time here. I mean, they're almost fully grown adults now. They're both in very serious relationships and they're both growing into such wonderful individuals that…I guess I'm just not sure if the rift between us is irreparable."
"Try not to think of it as rebuilding something, Raven…Try to think of it more as simply building," he said in response, once again using his soft hands to sooth away her stress, "I know part of you think it's too late…But trust me, it's never too late. It's scary, don't think I'm not aware of that…But for you family, is it not worth it?"
Having never had a family to call his own and having lost the love of his life, Jack didn't know if he could really help her much with something like this. All he had to go on was heartache and that was probably not the best means to go by with something like this. But for Raven, who had already done so much to try and better things between her and her children, it wasn't just heartache that was the problem…It was more fear than anything else.
She didn't want to hurt her kids…She had done that enough. And maybe through the happiness she was finding with Jack, she could finally overcome that fear. That didn't mean it would be easy, but if ever there was a time for her to lay issues of the past to rest…Now was it.
"You're right, Jack…I should talk to them," she finally said, once again resting her head upon his chest, "I suppose it would make things easier for us if we had their blessing. Plus…I suppose I should do whatever I can to let my kids know how much they mean to me before this darkness manifests."
"Yes, there's that too…" said Jack, his tone growing more distant, for he could still see it clearly with his all seeing eye, "Just remember, we have to do whatever we can with the time we've got…Because in the face of such darkness, there's no telling whether or not we'll get a second chance."
"But that won't happen, will it?" said Mystique, looking back up at her lover with a more anxious look, "We have the means to stop Selene now…We can end her plans before they begin."
"Well knowing her…That's easier said than done," sighed Jack, knowing all too well after having faced Selene twice.
"Easy or not…I still have faith that we'll beat her," she said, giving Jack a little kiss on the cheek, "And for my kids…And you for that matter…It's worth it."
Such words brought a smile to Jack's face as Mystique finally succumbed to her exhaustion. She remained securely in his arms, but at the same time he remained bit anxious about this. For one, it sounded as though Mystique was really getting close to him…More than he probably had anticipated. It was difficult for him because he still loved Layla with all his heart…But she was dead. Mystique, however, was in the here and now. And he liked being with her…She understood him in many ways others couldn't.
He didn't want to stop sharing moments like this with her, but part of him couldn't help but wonder…Where exactly was this leading him? All this darkness, all this conflict, all this confusion…What was it all leading him towards? Even his all seeing eye couldn't decipher this one. He only had the present and his memories to go on. But regardless of where this would lead him, he was determined to see it through until the darkness was subdued. In the back of his mind, however, he knew full well that such a triumph would be difficult beyond measure and there was no telling how far he would have to go in order to succeed.
As for Mystique, having all these new changes in her life was truly mind boggling at times. But for the solstice it brought her, it was worth it. And as she finally nodded off in the arms of the mutant warrior, she made a silent vow to herself that she would mend things with her children before it was too late.
-Rogue-
It was late, but Rogue had been thinking all day about this moment. She was in her usual green and orange sleeping attire and she had resolved to go through with this. She just had to know if she could. She would go over to Remy's room and hopefully…She would be able to have sex with him. She wanted to, but she was scared. She was scared that she might freak out like Kurt. Kurt had told them all once in one of the group sessions that when things between him and Wanda got heated once he had just freaked out.
She remembered Wanda telling her about that too. Seeing how shaken her brother was in that session was bad, but that had been over a month ago though and even though they still held counselling sessions both group and a few individual ones she felt much better now. She knew that they all would carry the scars of this forever, but the pain had lessened. She remembered how when Jean tried to talk about her ordeal about Shaw, she broke down crying.
Jean had always been 'miss perfect,' but seeing that had really opened her eyes to just how fragile Jean was. She was just like everyone else and whatever old jealousies or anger she had felt died that day seeing Jean break down. She had only done that twice, hell they all broke down at least once in the counselling sessions, but everyone was there for the other. Now she felt stronger and she wanted to not let the past chain her anymore.
But first, she needed to swing by Jean and Scott's room. She wasn't sure what she was more nervous about this or the possible sex with Remy. When she got to the door she knocked a couple of times. Jean opened the door in only her large T-shirt that ended at her thighs, it was one of Scott's old shirts also.
"Oh Rogue."
"Yeah sorry…I'm not interruptin' anythin' am ah?" She really hoped Jean and Scott weren't getting it on, that was another mental image she didn't need in her head.
Jean blushed as she knew what Rogue was referring too. True enough that now that both she and Scott shared a room, it didn't mean they had sex every night. That was too much for either of them with all the pressure, "Oh no, we were just going to turn in soon."
"Okay good…Look this is strange and well…Ah need ta borrow somethin' from ya?"
"Oh? What?" Jean really wondered what on Earth she wanted to borrow at this time of night. Rogue mumbled something that she didn't get, "I uh…Didn't understand that."
Rogue blushed and lowered her eyes, "Look Ah need a…A condom…"
Jean's eyes widened and she knew why she would want one, "Just a second…"
She closed the door and went to the drawer that they kept them in. She and Scott used different means of safe sex, both condoms, birth control bills, and spermicidal product that she sometimes used.
"Jean?" Scott asked, seeing her go for that.
"It's not for me…One of the other girls needs to borrow one." He simply nodded his head not wanting to know anymore. He didn't care which girl asked for that and he didn't want to know.
When she returned to the door she stepped out into the hall closing the door behind her. She looked at Rogue, "You sure you're ready for this?" Jean knew better then most what she had gone through and this wasn't an easy step. Rogue took a breath and nodded her head. Jean gave a warm smiled and handed it to her, "Rogue…Take care and I hope this works out for you."
Rogue gave a week smile to her, "Thanks."
She walked down the halls and finally came to Gambit's room. She hesitated a bit and then knocked. She heard the sound of him opening his door and of course just like him he gave her that damn smile of his as he looked at her with those red and black eyes. At the moment she wished he hadn't since her knees felt a bit weak at it. She really wished she could get over that, she was nervous about this as she was.
"Hello, you know if dey see dis people will talk cher," he grinned at her.
"Ask meh if ah care," she said to him seriously although after a moment she gave a slight smile. He opened the door and let her in as she sat down on his bed. He looked at her and noticed that she seemed a bit tense.
"Something de matter?" he asked her.
Last time she had been like this was that nightmare that caused her to ask him if she could stay. That night had been worth waking up in the middle of the night. He had had lots of ladies in his life but he never had just spent the night with one just having her next to him. That was new to him. He sat down next to her waiting to see if she would speak first.
"Remy…Am Ah beautiful?"
The question surprised him as he took her chin and made her look at him, "What are you talkin' about cherè? You are a very beautiful woman…Don't ever t'ink dat yo' not."
She smiled at his words, "Remy…If…If ah said Ah was ready for you…Would you…Would you like to try and sleep together?"
"I take it you don't mean like before."
"No…Remy Ah want this, Ah really do Ah'm sick of being afraid to try…"
He could see the determination in her eyes…Those eyes always had a fire to them that he found captivating and he knew how much this meant to her. So he leaned down and captured her lips with his own.
"If you're sure about dis…" he said softly to her stroking her face with his hand.
She closed her eyes feeling his hand on her skin, "Ah am."
She placed the condom next to the bed and he smirked as she did come prepared for this. He knew that she may still have bad memories, but he wanted to make new ones, better ones about this. He would also be looking to see if she couldn't handle it and he would back off. He didn't want to force her into this, for she had been through enough of that for a lifetime.
Rogue kissed him again gently as her heart was racing a little. She felt his hands move to the small of her back as he gently caressed her there. Her own hands found his chest and she never noticed just how well defined his muscles were. All those years of training as the thief seemed to have given him a great body. Remy himself always saw how Rogue had the right about of curves on her body. She was strong, but also feminine and very alluring in her own way.
He started to slowly move his lips to her neck and Rogue closed her eyes at his lips there she gave out a small whimper of pleasure and his hands continued to move over her body. She wrapped her arms around him as they continued to slowly make out with each other. Rogue going slowly and taking it one step at a time, not wanting to rush this for a few reasons…One of them is that if they went too fast she might end up being reminded of that cell room of Selene's.
Soon they broke off and he looked into those beautiful green eyes of her as his hands slowly moved down her shoulder and arms and went to her hips. He gently placed his hands under her top never breaking eyes contact to see if she wanted to stop. But all she could do was just stare back at him and let him do what he wanted. He started to slowly pull up her top, she raised her arms as she helped him out of it so now after throwing the garment to the floor she was in her black bra.
He kissed her lips softly as his hands were at her cheeks. She was so glad he was being gentle with her. Soon she felt his hands gently move down and cup her breast. She shivered a bit at it, but nothing to bad for her as he slowly started to move his hands over them. She moaned a bit it was a lot nicer this time, unlike those men who had been rough and cruel to her, painfully molesting her hurting body. This was pleasurable then that.
Soon, he was kissing her shoulder as his hands went to her clasp on the back of her bra and he expertly unhooked it. He helped Rogue out of it and for the first time he was seeing the woman he loved half naked in front of him. Rogue felt a bit self-conscious at the moment being so exposed to him like this. Remy just smiled at her and slowly took his own shirt off so they were 'even' as it were. She looked over his body it was nearly perfect except for the nasty looking scar where Deathstrike had nearly killed him so long ago. She trailed her hands over his body and one hand sent to the scar.
"You got this because of meh."
He took her hand and kissed it, "It was worth it."
She blushed at his comment as he pulled her to him and sat her down on his lap. He kissed her deeply this time, but gently. She felt his tongue in her mouth and so she returned the favour. His kisses then went to the collarbone and then as she bent a bit back he went to her breasts. Her breathing was a bit shallower now as she felt him kiss her there tenderly and gave a small out cry of surprise when he took one of her nipples in to his mouth. She felt his hands on her naked back and it sent shivers down her spine.
After a little of this, Rogue felt flushed and when they kisses again she pressed her chest up against his she felt his heated body up against hers. He picked her up and gently laid her on his bed. She smiled down at her beautiful form as he took off his pants. She took in the sight she wasn't surprised he wore black silk boxers. He leaned over her as he placed his hands on her body and slowly moved it down. He gently took her pants and she raised herself off the bed to help him get her out of it.
He looked down at his beauty there in a simple black panties. He leaned over her and kissed her on the lips. She hooked her arms over his neck as she kissed him, feeling a naked flesh on hers for the first time since that horrible day. She felt his hands over her body and one hand went to the front of her panties gently caressing her sensitive area. She moaned out feeling things she hadn't felt before.
But then she felt strange like she was trapped. Her breathing became harder as images of what happened started to appear, she felt vulnerable and she didn't like it. She tried to push it away but she tensed up, Gambit noticed this and stopped immediately.
"Ya alright, cherè?"
"Ah…Ah don't know…Remy Ah think…Ah need ta beh in control of this. Ah can't be not in control again at least not for this," she said as her eyes pleaded with him.
Remy nodded and got off her and onto his back next to her, "Anything that will help you, but if you can't den please tell me."
"Ah will Remy…"
She felt a bit better as she got on top of him. She needed to be in control of this. She was sure she could if she was. She ran her hands over his body as he reached up and did the same, she grinded her crotch to his feeling his arousal there and she closed her eyes taking in the feeling of this. She was a bit calmer now, the panic gone as she relaxed feeling the pressure against her groin. Remy groaned out feeling her move her hips like that against him.
After a while he had to say something, "Rogue…If you keep dis up…Remy is going to shoot off is his shorts."
She smile at him and leaned down kissing his chest as she slowly moved down his body. So far everything was just incredible for the most part. As she started to take off his boxers he reached over to the condom and tore the package open. She blushed as she was seeing him naked for the first time and she liked what she saw. She took down her panties as he placed on the condom watching her.
"Don't shave cherè?" he asked seeing her fully exposed.
She rolled her eyes, "Do ya have any idea how hard it is to keep it shaved all tha tahme?"
She really didn't understand why some women went through all the trouble. Sure, she kept it trim, but totally shaved was just too much trouble. Keeping her legs shaved was hard enough as it was. She felt like trembling a bit as she sat over top of him.
She took a breath and decided it was now or never as he helped her down onto him. She moaned feeling him enter her. It wasn't so painful like that last time, but this time she wasn't a virgin although she wished she still was, then this wouldn't be as hard. They started nice and slow with her moving her hips and he matching her. Soon, the movements started to pick up as they felt the passion start to build up together. Remy felt great at the moment she was very nice, but he kept on looking at her to see if she had any problems but now it looked like she had none.
As they moved on their bodies got warmer and both had started to slightly sweat a bit. Rogue was lost in the feeling now she gripped the covers as her body was tensing up only this time in pleasure, "Oh god, oh god, oh…god…Remy…Ah…Oh fuck…"
She threw her head back feeling herself so close.
Remy gripped her hips as he continued to move, "Almost there chere…Just…A bit…More!"
He let out a loud groan and she felt him climax. The sudden rush was all her body needed as she cried out his name as she felt her first sexual climax of her life.
"Oh god Remy!" she called out.
Soon she sat there panting and catching her breath she fell down onto his body taking deep breaths. He wrapped her up in his arms gently running his hands over her back also taking some deep breaths.
She felt her eyes tear up at the moment, "Why? Why couldn't this have been mah first time?"
"It was," he told her holding her knowing how hard a topic this was, "For us it was, for both of us, dis was de first time with each other. Dis was our moment and our first time as a couple."
He held her close as she closed her eyes and just laid there letting him hold her. It was not her first time, but this was their first time as a couple and that was good enough for her.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 75: LAST MINUTE TALKS