Despite her battle worn and weary appearance, Rogue had managed to acquire them a room at a cheap motel not far from the place still stained in blood and charred from explosions and fire. It was amazing what a little extra money and a flirty smile could do. Tomorrow, maybe they could find something more permanent, or maybe they'd travel. She was leaving the decision up to Remy... if only he would talk to her. He hadn't spoken a word since everything had come to a head and Apocalypse had been defeated.

Landing in a desolate area nearby, Rogue slung the duffle bag over her shoulder and walked the rest of the way to the motel. Unlocking the door, she stepped inside and closed it behind her before looking around the dark room. Remy was nowhere in sight, but she could see the light on in the bathroom through the partially open door. The motel room was fairly small and the sparse furniture consisted of a double bed, a large bureau that was missing a drawer, matching nightstands and lamps, one of which was missing its shade, a phone and a television in the corner that she was certain wouldn't work. The white walls were stained yellow from smoke and there were burns in the carpet. Setting the luggage on the bed, Rogue's expression rang of sadness as Mystique's words from earlier came back to haunt her. What if she was making a huge mistake? What if she was throwing away the life she had grown so accustomed to for nothing?

Shaking her head, she forced herself to approach the bathroom, her steps nervous and hesitant.

"Remy, Ah'm back," she said, her voice portraying confidence she only wished she really felt. Grasping the edge of the door, she slowly pushed it open. "Ah got some clean – oh my Gawd..."

Rogue's eyes widened and her hand moved swiftly to cover her mouth as she took in the scene before her. Remy's bloody clothes were in tatters on the floor, and he was huddled by the toilet, completely nude, his arms folded on the seat and his head resting over the bowl. A million emotions flooded over Rogue as she stared, unable to move for a moment, but one quickly overtook them all: concern. Rushing to his side she crouched down, lightly brushing his hair back with one gloved hand. Upon closer observation she could see that he was shivering and his tanned skin was glistening with perspiration. She suspected that his skin would feel cold and clammy to the touch, but this would have to remain speculation. She could smell the stench of vomit and her stomach lurched as she reached over to flush the toilet. The loud noise seemed to rouse him and he slowly raised his head, but not enough for her to see his eyes. Much like his refusal to speak, he had yet to look her in the eyes.

"Shh, it's okay, baby," Rogue said softly, placing her other hand on his back for support as she continued to brush soothingly through his hair. "Why don't we get ya all cleaned up and inta some nice, clean clothes, huh?"

She wanted an answer, whether it verbal or a simple nod of his head, but she had to settle for him releasing his hold on the toilet seat and leaning back into her hand. Helping him to his feet and into the tub, she tried to keep her eyes on his face and her mind on the task. It wasn't like she hadn't seen him naked before, but it seemed so long ago now when their powers had been subdued. At the time, she hadn't had to just look, she had been able to touch, kiss, caress...

No more. Besides, this was hardly the time to be ogling his body and, considering the current state he was in mentally, it was easier to get her mind back on track and focus on the task at hand. Removing her gloves, she turned them inside out before slipping them back on, the cleaner side of them now facing out. With him sitting in the tub, the stopper not in place, she adjusted the temperature of the water and turned the showerhead on. Methodically yet tenderly she shampooed the blood and flesh from his hair, rinsing it clean. Finding several wash cloths and towels in a small cupboard, she resumed her position beside the bathtub. Catching one finger gently under his chin, she tilted his head up so she could see his face. She was surprised at how easily he allowed her to do this after avoiding her gaze for so long, but any positive feeling that they were making progress was dashed as he closed his eyes before she could glimpse them. Sighing deeply, she wet the cloth and carefully cleaned his face and neck. The uniform he had been wearing kept the blood from most of his body, so only his hands remained stained. Using extra soap and a slightly rougher touch, she thought she heard him whimper as she washed the blood from his hands, but when she cast her eyes to his face, she found his head bowed once more.

"Now, if ya can get yaself dried off, Ah'll just grab ya some clean clothes. Ah'll be right back," she said, standing and making her way quickly out of the room. Pulling the door to behind her, she managed to make it to the bed before her legs collapsed beneath her. Tossing her soaked and soiled gloves into the wastebasket, Rogue buried her face in her hands and tried to stifle the sounds of her sobbing.

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A/N: No blabberin' this time, right on to the reviews!

Rogue181: Glad I piqued your interest. Hope ya enjoy where this goes.

BJ2: Your review made me squeal. ;D Gambit is my all time favourite character, and the one I enjoy writing most, so it's great to know that what rings true to me for his reactions rings true for others as well. thank you. Also, thanks for your feedback on my question. Not sure if it was completely clear in the last chapter, but Remy doesn't have the black skin or any physical sign of Death, but when he looks in the mirror, he's still haunted by the image and still sees himself that way.

ishandahalf: Now I know I got a Rogue/Remy story when the infamous Ish reviews it! ;) Thankies!

LoneRaven: I know, right? I sat here for like two days thinkin' "Are people even readin' my story? I can't see! And if they are, they can't even review!". It was very annoying. :D Anyways, I totally love your fan vids, so I'm really glad you're likin' my fic!

Anamarie: Another squeal from me. As much as I adore my poor, abused Cajun, I can't help but torture him. Glad to know his reactions are believable, and that you're anticipatin' more.

Gambitlover21: is loved aww! Always nice to hear that the emotions I'm puttin' into this get felt on the other end. And already read and reviewed your last chapter, darlin'.

Tammy: Thanks for the feedback on my question! For this story, I think I'm gonna stick with the fact that no physical aspects of what Apocalypse did to him remain, only the emotional aftermath, but I am tempted to write another, very different, one-shot that deals with the other side of the coin. I prolly will write that this weekend, perhaps. And glad you enjoyed the Rogue/Mystique convo. If they don't talk in the comics and Mystique just becomes another teammate, I'll be even more irrate. Or maybe not, considerin' I won't be readin' the title then, but whatever. ya know what I mean, I hope.

Prexistence: This soon enough for ya? ;) By all means, hon, rant away. I ain't gonna stop ya. Thanks for the review! glad ya like.

Whew!