Several hours later Rogue woke up early.
Earlier than she had in a long time.
The sun wasn't even up yet and the darkness still consumed the room.
She felt something laying across her thigh, and after realizing that it was Remy's hand she carefully removed it from her body and then sat up in the bed.
Remy murmured something incoherently and then rolled over onto his stomach where he continued to sleep.
Rogue found that although, yes, she did have Remy in bed with her, and yes, it was somewhat comforting. She also found she just didn't want to snuggle back up with him and pretend that she was just a normal girl, living a normal life.
Couldn't be further from the truth. she thought gloomily. And besides that she knew she had some things she had to do.
Staring at the clock past where Remy lay Rogue saw that it was 4:36 A.M.
She hadn't even slept four hours. But she knew she couldn't sleep any longer.
Giving Remy a somewhat saddened lookRogue got outfrom underneath her sheet and Remy's blanket that had somehow become wrapped around her also,and got out of bed.
Pausing she looked back at Remy one more time before entering her bathroom to take a quick shower. Remy had already retrieved the blanket and was now himself enveloped under neath it. Still sound asleep.
She also saw him subconsciously reaching out for something, she knew he was looking for her. When his hands didn't make contact with anything, he settled for her pillow which he hugged tightly to his body.
She couldn't help but smile at that, despite herself.
After her shower she changed into her uniform, grabbed two objects out of her drawer which she placed on two loops on her belt and headed downstairs.
It was strange making her way downstairs, it was so quite.
Usually when her days were starting she was one of the last to get up, the noise already reaching deafening levels and everyone running about.
But that day there was nothing.
Just the sound of Rogues feet making contact with the ground as she walked down the stairs.
There were no lights on, and she didn't bother to turn any on, knowing she could easily find her way without them. She had after all, done this many times before.
She found the tranquilly and quietness of the mansion helped dull her slight depression that was ebbing in the back of her mind. She enjoyed moments like when she felt like she was the only person in the world. Most people that probably would have frightened, but her being a person who wasn't afraid of being alone, and more often than not preferred it, it was a nice experience.
Of course now that she had Remy in her life, that had changed. She barely had any time to herself any more. She didn't feel smothered or anything, but found she had slowly become accustomed to him being there with her, as if he was a part of her.
Continuing her trek through the mansion she finally reached her destination. The Danger Room. She punched in her code and the doors opened swiftly and then closed noiselessly behind her.
And that is where she found Jean. She was stretching out her long legs.
Jean looked up at her.
"Your late" she said admonishingly.
"I know, sorry, didn't even remember to set my alarm clock so I'm lucky I'm up at all"
Jean started to grin. She then sat down on the mat and started stretching her arms and legs further.
"Guess that means your date went well with Remy"
Rogue looked down at the ground not bothering to make eye contact with the redheaded telepath.
"I Suppose so" Rogue looked around her "Where's Kitty?" Rogue asked as she joined Jean on the floor and started to stretch as well.
"She's up there in the control room" Jean saidwhile raising her chin in that direction. "She's programing a new scenario for our session today"
They looked at each other knowingly, and both started to laugh.
"Wonder who she is going to have us fight today? Barney the dinosaur or Sylvester the cat?" Rogue asked caustically.
Their laughter increased.
Jean said between breaths..."She makes what we are suppose to fight so darn cute that you don't want to beat them to a pulp"
"Yeah" Rogue said laughter enveloping her words "couldn't believe it when she had Bugs Bunny jump me last week"
"she watches too many cartoons" Rogue said
"she likes cartoons too much" Jean said at the exact same time that Rogue spoke.
When the laughter settled down Jean gave Rogue a once over.
"You look like you haven't gotten much sleep, we don't have to do this today if you don't want."
"No that is ok, I'll wake up once we get started."
Ok" Jean said, while getting up off the mat and then heading over to a bench where she picked something off of it.
She headed back over to Rogue.
Jean smiled down at her and handed Rogue an envelope.
"Happy Birthday Rogue"
Rogue feigned confusion "Today's not my birthday"
Jean started to retract the card and started to look confused.
"Just kiddin' Jean" Rouge said while taking the card out of her hand. "Do you want me to open it now?"
"If you would like" jean replied while rolling her eyes at Rogue.
Rogue opened the card which had a cute kitten on the front and read the inscription.
Dear Rogue,
Happy Birthday!
To The one person I never thought I would be friends with. But glad I am.
Wishing you much happiness on your birthday and all the days to follow.
Love, Jean.
Rogue looked up at her after she finished reading it.
"Thanks Jean, that was really nice of you"
Jean beamed.
"Wait till you see the present I got for you!"
"Do I get it now?" Rogue asked her eyes brightening.
"Of course not Rogue...later at your party." Jean noticed Rogues expression when she said that, "I know how patient you are she said chuckling softly "But you will just have to wait till tonight"
"I can wait, at least you haven't lost yours"
Jean's eyebrows rose in confusion. "Someone lost your gift?"
"Yea, Remy did he..."
But she didn't get to finish since that is when Kitty entered the room.
"Remy did what?" Kitty asked in her usual happy tone of voice.
She walked up to where Rogue and Jean were, first looking at Rogue them back at Jean.
"Remy lost Rogues birthday present."
"No!" Kitty shrieked. "He lost your present!" she looked down at Roguewarmly "How horrible!"
"And he trashed his room looking for it!" Rogue paused for effect, watching as they both waited for her to continue "It looked like he even threw his dresser mirror, he broke glass all over his bed!"
"I thought only girls threw stuff when they were angry!"
"Puleeeze" Rogue said "You have never seen Remy when he can't locate something! He turns into dark side Remy!"
"Yeah, Scott goes pretty berserk himself when he looses stuff too" Jean offered.
Jean and Rogue caught each others eyes.
"Men!" they said at the same time.
Kitty was standing there silently, a look of contemplation on her pretty features.
She also looked puzzled.
"What is it Kitty?" Jean asked, noticing Kitty's unusual silence.
"Well, I was wondering" she said, her eyebrows still burrowed in confusion "if Remy had glass all over his bed, and trashed his room,...where did he sleep last night?"
After Kitty's question came out Rogue found both Jean's and Kitty's eyes on her, both almost watering at the mouth waiting for her answer.
Rogue took her time to respond. Enjoying the sudden spotlight.
"With me" she finally stated.
Kitty's mouth dropped open and Jean just stood there stunned.
Both kitty and Jean then sat down on the mat by rogue.
Jean was the first to speak up.
"Did..." Jean paused as if unsure how to continue "Did anything happen between the two of you?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"Well," Jean said stopping her words again while she looked at Kitty who nodded at her as if telling her it was ok "We know that you guys can touch each other"
Rogue started playing with her hair, one of her nervous habits.
"You haven't been listening into my thoughts again have you?" Rogue asked somewhat accusedly, but really she was just trying to change the subject.
"Of course not, only that one time when my powers were growing, and that was an accident"
"Oh, come on Rogue!" Kitty said while hitting Rogue playfully "We've known forever!"
"It's not like you guys have actually hid the fact or anything..." Jean said looking back at Kitty as if for support.
Kitty finished what Jean had started "We have been waiting for you to talk about it with us but you never have, but we know how private you can get sometimes"
Jean looked at Rogue empathetically, and placed her hand on Rogues knee.
"Do you want to talk about it now?"
Rogue jumped to her feet.
"Nothing really to talk about" she said while brushing the dust of her uniform.
"That's it!" Kitty said while she flipped up onto her feet. Jean also got up off the mat. "Are you guys sleeping together or what?
"Kitty!" Jean chastised.
Kitty gave Jean an annoyed look.
"Please, I don't have to be a telepath to know that you were thinking the exact same thing!"
Kitty and Jean then continued to argue with one another. Almost to the point where they forgot about Rogue.
Rogue stood there watching somewhat amused with it all.
What the heck she told herself. Why not just tell them, they know how to keep things quiet..
She looked over at kitty who was still disputing with jean her arms waving around wildly.
Well, pretty quiet.
"No" Rogue said loudly.
They both stopped talking and turned around to face Rogue.
"No what?" Kitty asked.
Rogue sighed, and placed her hand on her hips.
"No we aren't sleeping together, don't think we actually could if we wanted to, we can only touch for short periods of a time"
Rogue cocked her head to the side.
"That enough info for you or do you want a detailed description of how Remy looks with hardly any clothes on?" she asked caustically.
"Why wouldn't you want to?" Kitty inquired.
Jean slapped Kitty on the shoulder.
"Ouch that hurt!" Kitty said glaring at Jean.
"It was supposed to!"
Jean put a hand on Rogue's shoulder.
"We don't mean to be so nosy...it's just well, she said turning around and indicating Kitty with her hand "like Kitty said, you keep to many things to yourself and well.."
"Your our best friend Rogue, you can trust us, you can tell us anything, you don't have to be so closed up all the time.
Kitty said while placing a hand on her shoulder "We really care about you, you know?"
Rogue lowered her head, somewhat ashamed that her friends thought she didn't open herself up enough.
"I know you guys care" she finally said "I'll try to be more forthcoming with things going on with my life"
"That's all we ask Rogue" Kitty said while giving Rogue a hug, Jean then followed with one of her own.
"Well enough of this mushy stuff" Jean said "Lets do what we came here to do and kick some butt!"
"Hope not Roger rabbits" Rogue said.
Kitty glared at her. And then smiled at both of them wickedly. "No, not roger rabbit"
This time it seemed as if Kitty had taking their weekly training session a little more serious.
Sentinels were coming out of nowhere along with some of the members of the old brotherhood.
Magneto himself even showed up to give them quite a good wallop. For a time anyway.
When the three worked together and timed things right they could defeat practically anything in the danger room.
They were working on their 5th sentinel. It red beam was searching the ground looking for it's next target.
It didn't see Jean as she floated up behind it, Nor Rogue who was hiding behind some boxes crouched and ready to spring into action.
"Now" Jean yelled telepathically to Rogue from where she was hovering behind the huge monstrous metal creature.
Rogue ran out from her hiding place.
It didn't take long for the sentinel to notice her.
"Mutant target acquired" the inhuman, unfeeling voice boomed.
"Target this" Rogue shouted. She pulled out two Sais from her belt, her favorite weapon of choice lately. She flipped one over and after Aiming expertly she quickly located her target. And threw. And hurled once more. Both weapons meeting there intended destination.
The sentinels, sensory grid located behind it's inhuman eyes.
In the mean time Kitty had appeared from nowhere. Jean slowly pointing her outstretched hand down started to lift her up into the air.
Jean rose along with Kitty and positioned them both above the distracted sentinels head.
After Jean saw that Rogue had sufficiently distracted the metal beast, both Kitty and Jeans eyes met. Kitty nodded.
Jean dropped her hand to the side.
Kitty fell. Phasing through the sentinel she quickly grabbed.as many of the sentinels electrical innards, skillfully locating what she needed in the seconds she had and pulling them out on her way down.
Before she hit ground, to possible death or even serious injury Jean caught her telekinetically, mere inches above the ground, and then quickly shot Kitty and herself to the side out of the way of the now falling sentinel, while at the same time managing to put a protective bubble around them both.
Seeing that they were done Rogue ran. Barely managing to get out of the way.
When the sentinel hit the ground waves of tremors hit the floor, shaking all the girls slightly were they stood. But none were hurt.
Rogue ran back toward the sentinel, nodding at Jean who was in the far corner with Kitty who was already crouched and ready for the next opponent, Jean hefted Rogue into the air effortlessly and landed her onto the top of the sentinel. Rogue climbed up to the top of the sentinels head and retrieved her weapons. She placed them deftly back into herbelt. Then jumping off the large sentinel Rogue was caught in midair by Jean's telekinesis which lowered Rogue slowly to the ground.
"Well that was fun" Rogue said as she wiped the sweat off her face and her neck.
As if her words were magic, The sentinel disappeared, and the room turned back to it's usual state.
Kitty got out of her crouching position and Jean lowered the shield that she had surrounding their bodies.
They too were both sweating. Their clothes sticking to them the same as Rogue's were to her.
"Yes, Kitty," Jean said her face showing bewilderment "But to be quite honest that didn't seem like one of your programs."
"That's because it wasn't" Kitty said while trying to catch her breath.
"Really?" Rogue asked, somewhat curious "Who's was it then?"
Kitty bit her bottom lip.
"Well..." she said...
"Well?" Jean said, tapping her foot expectantly.
"It was Wolverines"
"I thought the program looked somewhat suicidal" Jean said, slight humor in her voice. "but how did you get hold of it, he guards his program like the gold in fort Knox!"
Kitty scrunched her nose. "Well it's pretty easy for a girl who can phase through walls"
"So in other words" Jean retorted "dumb question."
"Yep"
They all looked at each other. And their now worn out and drenched with sweat states.
"Showers?" Rogue said looking questionably at the two.
Jean and Kitty both shook their heads in the affirmative.
"Showers" they both said.
Almost an hour an a half later after first entering the Danger Room the three girls exited. Now fresh from there much needed showers and changed into their everyday clothes.
Jean in tan slacks and a short shirt that showed off her flat stomach, Rogue in jeans and a short sleeved pale green shirt that covered her completely and Kitty in shorts and a tank top.
"Well one thing about these early mornin' danger sessions, is they sure do make me hungry." Rogue said after hearing her stomach start to rumble.
"Ain't that the truth" Kitty concurred.
They got on the elevator and after pressing the appropriate button it closed its doors and started to move upwards.
After they reached their destination and got out of the elevator Jean turned to then and said as her eyes twinkled mischievously "Last one to the kitchen has to make the eggs!"
"Your on" Kitty squealed with delight.
And she then took off...Right into the wall.
"Hey" Rogue screamed after Kitty's disappearing form "No powers!"
Jean looked at Rogue and shrugged her shoulders. "See you down stairs"
And then she took off into the air, flying toward the kitchen at top speed.
Rogue was left standing there, alone.
Figures she told herself.
And that was when a sleepy Kurt walked out of the room and into the hallway.
He noticed her right away.
But he would have been blind not too.
A big silly grin planted on her usually quite serious face, one that seemed to take up everything in her path.
"Do ya trust me?" she asked him hurriedly while running up to him.
"Of course" He said regarding her with tired eyes.
"Great" she said.
And she quickly kissed him platonically on the cheek.
That's all it took. Enough to leave him alright, and her with enough power to do that which she had to do.
Bamf.
Teleporting into the kitchen she silently screamed with excitement noticing she was the first one there.
She hurriedly sat down on a stool and tried to look casual, as if she had been there quite a while. Glancing at the fruit bowl she grabbed an apple and started to eat it.
A good twenty seconds passed.
She was about to take another bite of her fruit when Kitty appeared, walking through the refrigerator. Kitty looked quite happy with herself... until she noticed Rogue.
Rogue with a half eaten apple in her hand.
"What!" she exclaimed.
Rogue just took another bite of her apple. "Took long enough" Rogue said between the crunching of the apple.
That is when Jean arrived. She lowered herself on the ground. Noted the two, regarded Rogue with a raised eyebrow, and then calmly made her way to the stove, leaning on her tiptoes she reached and grabbed a pan.
"So.." Jean not bothering to turn around but instead headed toward the refrigerator.
"What do you guys want in your eggs?"
Twenty minutes, three empty plates and a pitcher of half empty orange juice later, a very happy Remy entered the room. Noticing the girls lost in deep conversation he paused, made a decision and then silently made his way over to the sink where he leaned against the cold marble.
Rogue was so involved in her conversation with Jean and Kitty, the topic of conversation being whether cats or dogs made better pets, that she didn't even notice.
"You are so wrong! Rogue said her voice thundering with agitation. "Dogs are way more difficult to take care of that cats! You have to train them, teach them where to use the bathroom...Plus they stink and...!"
"Dogs do not stink!" Kitty interjected
"They do too! Plus.. "
But his time Jean was the one to interrupt Rogue.
"You are both wrong," Jean said while shaking her fork in the air "neither cat nor dog, makes the perfect pet"
Oh, Yeah," Rogue said briskly "Then what is the perfect pet according to Miss Jean Gray?"
"A bunny rabbit"
A rabbit!" Kitty and Rogue said simultaneously. They looked at each other, both rejecting what Jean just said.
"The only thing Rabbits are good for are for their feet!"
"Yeah, for good luck charms" Kitty agreed.
"You guys don't mean that!" Jean said disapprovingly.
"I.." Kitty opened her mouth but then closed it, she noticed Gambit who was listening to them all with much interest and amusement.
She coughed and then tilted her head indicating Remy.
Rogue and Jean both turned around in their chairs the sound of metal against tile filling the room for a couple seconds.
Remy got up out of his leaning position and made his way over to them.
"Sorry, Gambit didn't want t'interupt you most interestin' conversation" He then lifted an eyebrow "but if ya want t'ask Gambit, Gambit would have t'say dat the best animal dat makes a pet is.."
"Oh, don't even bothering finishing that sentence" Kitty said interrupting Remy, "we all know you are going to agree with Rogue."
"dat not so..Gambit was goin' t'say the best pet, is no pet at'all."
Kitty got out of her chair and picked up her plate before heading to the sink to rinse it off. She stuck out her tongue at Remy in passing.
But he didn't notice. His eyes were already on Rogue who was also getting out of her chair.
Jean noticed way the two were looking at one another and decided to join Kitty at the sink..
Remy looked over Rogues shoulder at Jean and Kitty who were trying hard not to any attention to them.
He grabbed Rogues hand and led her out of the kitchen, to the Rec room. Being still quite early no one was there.
"Remy what's this about ?" she asked After he closed the door behind him. "And what are you doin' up so early?"
"Well Remy found dat you weren't dere and he decided to come lookin' for his amour" he gazed at her warmly and then approached her slowly.
He stopped about an inch from her, their bodies so close to touching. Warmth radiating off him. Rogue immediately forgot that she was waiting for a response to her questions.
He then leaned in slowly, she met him half way.
And there lips met. Just like the night before he started out slow, soft, almost tentatively. But then the passion grew, he pulled her closer to him. He tasted like bananas and spearmint, and as usual a hint of a cigarette. She found she liked it immensely. He then parted from her, picked her up and placed her on the pool table, which he had inadvertently pushed her towards. She wrapped her legs around him and brought him back towards her. He looked at her longingly and placed his hand on her face, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his smooth hand against her skin, which then brushed over her lips. Rogue finally opened her eyes as she felt Remy start trailing delicate kisses down the side of her neck. She nearly purred with pleasure.
"Well chere" he said into her ear, his words full of emotion and his warm breath against her skin bringing her more pleasurable sensations. "Do y'want Remy t'answer your questions, or not?"
"Ah don't care anymore" she said her accent somewhat thickened.
He chuckled at that.
"Well ya should petite" he said pulling away from her sluggishly while looking at her sorrowfully, not wanting to stop what they were doing, but knowing that wasn't the main reason he had sought her that morning.
He made his way over to the couch where he picked up his tan trench coat, reaching into one of it's pockets he pulled out a small wrapped box.
Turning around he had looked somewhat guilty.
"Can ya believe dat it was in dere the while time, Remy forgot dat he put it dere."
"So you tore up your room for nothing"
"wouldn't quite say dat" He said looking while looking at her in such a way that her insides felt like they were melting.
He took her hand and placed a small box on it.
He indicated for her to open it.
She took her hand out of his and took the small bow off.
Then she started to slowly unwrap it.
"Are you always dis slow to open your presents?"
"Yep"
She sped up a little and with exaggeration ripped off the paper and threw it on the floor.
"That better for you sugah?"
He nodded yes, while still watching her attentively.
Now in her hands was another little box.
She opened the sides and let out a small gasp.
This can't be what I think it is, she thought, while somewhat excited and scared and the same time.
A jewelry box.
A small one.
Suddenly nervous she flipped open the small velvet box.
When she saw what it was she found she was relieved.
It was a small gold necklace. Very intricate, and what looked to be very expensive.
She pulled it out of the box and looked and it using the daylight that was streaming through the windows.
It had a small heart on the gold chain that had an R on each side of it. Small Diamonds surrounding it and Emerald on each R. Her birthstone.
"It's beautiful Remy" she said while finding it somewhat difficult to breath. "I love it!" She jumped into his waiting arms and gave him a huge hug while managing not to drop the necklace.
He pulled away from her and they both looked at each other happily. He then blinked as if trying to break a spell.
"Dats not all petite, turn da necklace around"
She did.
In small engraved letters it read Pour toujours mon amour.
"For always my love" He said softly, translating the words for her.
Her eyes started to water and she found herself back in his arms.
After a while they parted once more.
Then Remy turned Rogue around, lifted her damp hair up and with great care he put the necklace around her neck.
He then turned her back around and softly kissed Rogue on her forehead.
Then looking deeply into her eyes, he took her hand in his, and then whispered to her.
Je t'aime, I love you Rogue."
He was suddenly very intense, staring at her waiting for her to reply in kind.
She had never told him that she loved him before.
Now would be a perfect time to tell him Rogue she told herself.
Do I love him?
Of course you do!
I Do? Do I know what love is?
Are you an imbecile! He is the best thing that has ever happened to you!
But telling I love him that is a big step!
So? Open your mouth and tell him already!
All those thoughts happening in a split second.
She opened her mouth not sure what she was going to say.
"I love you too Remy" she found herself saying, the words coming out easier from her mouth than she thought they would.
His eyes lit up, Remy then pulled Rogue to him with her hand that he was still holding, and before Rogue could say anything more, his lips came crashing down on hers.
Today is going to be a great day she told herself, before surrendering her thoughts to the moment.