Author's note: Hi everyone, I know it took me a really, really, really, long time to update, but I've had a bad case of writer's block. And honestly I'm having a rough time getting over it… Any suggestion is welcome! Anyway,very sorry for the long update.
I also want to thank everyone who reviewed! It made me so happy! I can't believe you guys liked it so much! And from only the first chapter! WOW! I'm truly amazed by all of you! Thank so so much! But I also have to admit, I feel the pressure, and I love it.
Also, a special thanks to TriGemini and LithiumAddict, your reviews really, really lift up my spirits, and now I can't help but be afraid that the next chapters will not be good enough… But it really made me feel happy and proud. Thank you very much!
Chapter 2 - Stay
Present time – New York, Westchester
A threatening growl escaped Logan's throat as his eyes observed the scene before him. The intruder, straddling Rogue, seemed to be too much comfortable for his liking. He faintly heard Ororo's voice, but didn't pay any attention to it as he pushed the door opened, releasing his claws and only fallowing his instincts.
"Let her go." He snarled through clench teeth, eyeing the man as if trying to figure out the best way to rip him to pieces.
Remy only smirked at Wolverine, unfazed by his threats, "Now?" he asked, in a childish voice. "But we were just starting to have fun." He replied looking back at Rogue, the playfulness radiating from his grin.
Rogue sneered from under him, completely ignoring the two teachers, "Right, being pin down by a trespasser and being forced to listen at his pathetic attempts of flirting is definitely my idea of fun."
Remy leaned closer to her face, making sure that his breath lingered over her lips, "Glad we've found something in common chère." Remy whispered, seemingly forgetting about being caught.
Rogue frowned at his remark, and twisted her head slightly to the side, being painfully aware of how close their faces were. She parted her lips to retort, but the man's weight had shifted and he had, suddenly, been pulled off her.
"Logan!" Ororo cried in surprise, as Wolverine grabbed Remy's trench coat and forced the young man into the nearest brick wall.
"You went just a little too far there Gumbo!" Logan warned, and slammed Remy's back into the wall to emphasize his point, forcing a groaned from the Cajun's mouth. "Rogue, are you alright?" Logan continued, his eyes never leaving the intruder.
"Yeah…" She retorted, finally standing up, "Just feel a little violated." She couldn't help but add.
"Now, chère, that's not very nice." Remy replied while gripping Logan's hands, hoping to loosen his hold. Unfortunately, his attempt only made Logan knock him back into the wall.
"Ouch! Now that's just abuse!" He hissed and glared at Wolverine.
Logan growled, "Don't tempt me." He replied menacingly, a claw slowly expanding towards Remy's neck.
"That's enough!" Ororo's voice finally rang out, grabbing every one's attention.
"Logan!" She started, pointing a finger at the man, "Let him go!" She turned her gaze and finger to Remy, "Gambit, shut up!" and then towards Rogue, "And Rogue…" the woman's voice trailed off, wondering what she could accuse the young lady of, "…Stop provoking him!" Ororo finally let out.
Rogue's eyes widened, "But I didn't…"
"Stormy, don't blame her, it's not her fault she can't resist…"
"Don't even finish that sentence." Ororo threaten, directing her finger back at Remy. "Logan let him go." She repeated, this time more softly.
"Fine." Logan replied dryly, letting go of the man and making him fall to the floor, smirking as Remy glared up at him.
Remy stood up and his gaze softened as his eyes meet Ororo's.
"We have a front door." Storm stated, grasping the young man in a firm hug.
"Yeah, I've noticed it, but I didn't want to wake up anyone." He replied stepping out of the embrace, offering Storm a small smile.
Logan snorted, "And what a good job you did."
Remy smirked at the man, "I must admit it wasn't my best stunt, but it was definitely was the most exciting, don't you think chère?"
Rogue rolled her eyes, ignoring the slight confusion she felt over the little scene and headed towards the balcony door, "Please, I'd rather forget." She responded, not even looking at him before stepping inside with Logan following closely behind.
Ororo smiled at Remy, and waited for the door to close before starting speaking to her young friend, "So, what brings you here?"
Remy shrugged, taking his eyes off Ororo to glance at the scene past the closed doors. Logan seemed to be reprimanding the young woman, pointing a finger at her with his jaw set and his brow frowning. The young woman, Rogue? He wondered briefly. Looked down at the floor slightly, before, as if regaining her strength, crossed her arms over her chest and gave the man a defiant gaze while retorting something to him. Logan's eyebrow rose slightly, but he didn't seem all that surprise at her actions. He muttered something back, and the young woman's eyes slightly widened and he could definitely make out a 'what!' forming by the shape of lips.
Ororo's eyes trailed off to stare at Logan and Rogue, she turned back towards Remy, "She broke curfew." She explained, amused.
Remy arched a brow and leaned back against the railing, "A little rebel, huh?" He inquired with a soft chuckle, "I like that in the woman."
Ororo just rolled her eyes, "She's a very nice girl, but just make sure you don't get on her bad side." She replied with a grin, watching back the scene over her shoulder. Now she could clearly see Rogue debating with Logan. And Ororo automatically thought that the young woman was trying her best to weaken Logan's resolve over her punishment. Barely a few seconds later, she could see Logan cross his arms over his chest, bow his head down slightly and muttered a 'fine'. Rogue gave a small pout like smile, obviously knowing better than to smirk at her victory. She briefly hugged Logan, who didn't refuse the contact and walked out of the kitchen, surely going off to bed. Logan watched her go before looking back through the doors, keeping an eye on the intruder. He threw another glare at Remy before finally turning around and leaving himself.
Ororo's eyes drifted back to Remy as she heard a laugh escape his throat, "Now, doesn't she has him wrap around her little fingers."
"Yeah, she's the only one who can do that." Ororo agreed, before continuing, "You still didn't answer my question." She reminded him, a gentle smile playing over her lips.
Remy gazed back to the older woman in front him, "Do I need an ulterior motive to come see you now?" He inquired playfully, letting the question hang in the air as he slowly walked over to one of the few patio chairs, seating himself down and lighting a cigarette.
Ororo calmly took the seat in front of him, used to the dodging aspect of his behaviour. "Of course not. But, usually, the only time you get out of New Orleans is when you're on a mission. So… what are you here to steal?" She asked, leaning forward with a devilish smile crossing her features.
Remy smirked at Ororo's excitement, knowing that his exploits had always fascinated her, and he had always thought that it was because of the boring life she was living now, in this very institute. "Sorry to disappoint you, Stormy. But I'm not here for any illegal activities."
"Oh?" Storm couldn't help her surprise, but then it dawn on her. "What did you do?" She inquired on a mocking parental tone, but she immediately wished she hadn't. Storm frowned when Remy advert his eyes to the floor and took a long drag out of his smoke. "What happened?" Ororo questioned softly, concern washing over her features as she leaned in further, trying to catch a glimpse of Remy's eyes.
"I ran away." Remy replied indifferently, shrugging his shoulder and bringing the cigarette back to his lips.
Ororo reclined in her chair, a bit stunned. Never would she had imagined Remy running away from the Guild, he loved his life back there, he loved the people, the city, the thrill and the chase. "But why?"
Remy groaned, unwilling to remember or to explain why he had left his family, friends, and criminal life behind. "I just needed to get away."
"Don't lie to me." Ororo told him, frowning and catching the smoke out of his raised hand throwing it away. The gesture made him look up at her in surprise, which was exactly what she wanted. "Why?" she asked again holding his eyes to hers. Remy sighed and tear his gaze away from hers, licking his lips and passing a hand in his hair. Ororo noted the nervous and defeated air in his actions, and decided not press him further. "It's okay, you don't have to tell me…"
Remy cut her off, breathing in and out fiercely, "Because of Belladonna." He replied crossing his arms over his chest leaning back into his chair.
Ororo frowned not recognizing the name, "Who?"
"The arrange marriage." He clarified.
Ororo's face fell she hadn't even thought of that stupid marriage. She remembered the first time he had mentioned it to her and she also remembered the nervous habits he involuntary expressed whenever the subject was being brought up. "I can't believe they actually went through with it."
Remy laughed cynically, "Yeah, well they did!" he spat out angrily and stood up abruptly. "You know, they didn't even think about my opinion or… feelings in all of this! They just… They didn't care! Mon père didn't care!" He replied, briefly letting out the frustration and hurt.
Ororo walked over to him and enveloped his large body in a hug. "You did the right thing. And I'm proud of you." She whispered against his ear, tightening her hold.
Remy just barely sighed, hearing what she was saying, but wasn't quite sure if he'd believe it.
"Just stay here for awhile, and clear your head." Ororo requested.
Okay, yes I know short chapter, not really interesting… but I just couldn't continue with the next day… So there you have it. Hope you guys liked it, and will continue to review… Because we all know that an author can't go on without those.