Disclaimer: I do not own the X-men or anything associated with them…
A/N: I'm back from Europe. So, I have several OC's in this chapter. I really like the Kurt/Kitty pairing, but since I have Piotr here I've decided to pair Kurt with someone of my own. Hope you enjoy, and thanks to all those who reviewed!
Chapter 12: Island Paradise
As Rogue was led down the grand hallway, she couldn't help but take notice of the finery around her. The mahogany moldings were carved into delicate designs and the wooden floor was covered in fine rugs. As they passed a window, she could see the extensive gardens below. The terrace was tiled in beautiful Italian marbles, so lovely it nearly took her breath away, and at its center was a fountain in the shape of a dolphin that spouted water into a blue-green reflecting pool.
Tante Mattie stopped at the end of the hall and opened the door to the right. The room was small, but bright. Two large windows opened up to a balcony that overlooked the garden and revealed a view to the sea. There was a small canopy bed in the center of the room, a dresser with mirror, and a few small cushioned chairs.
"Is de room t' y'r likin', dear?" Tante Mattie asked, standing in the doorway.
"Yeah, the room is amazin'. Thank you, ma'am." Rogue said as she opened the balcony windows allowing a gentle breeze in carrying the fragrant smells of bananas, sea, and pine.
"Now don't y' be callin' me ma'am, youngin'! Y' can call me Tante jus' like de others." Tante scolded as she shook her finger at Rogue.
Rogue smiled and nodded her head. Just then a thunder of footsteps could be heard running down the hall and a whirlwind came bounding into the room.
"Tante!" Christian shouted as he leapt into the larger woman's arms.
"Oh my, child! How y' have grown! Jus' look at Tante's lil' man." Tante spun the boy around in a tight embrace and placed a small kiss on the top of his head. "What took y' so long?"
"Sorry, Tante. I had to stay on the Devil's Lust, while Captain was on the Anna Marie. I just now caught up. Where's the Captain?" Christian asked eagerly.
Tante ruffled the young boy's hair and smiled. "I believe he's downstairs, child. I'm sure he'd be happy t' see y'. Why don't y' go and find 'im."
Christian didn't bother to reply, but smiled and ran out of the room as quickly as he had entered, leaving Tante Mattie shaking her head.
"He's a delightful boy." Rogue said. "He seems ta really love Captain LeBeau."
Tante took a seat in one of the small chairs and laughed a little. "Remy has a way inta people's hearts. Don't y' agree?"
Rogue was taken aback by her question. "Ah don't believe Ah know the Captain well enough ta say."
Tante smiled and tilted her head as a mischievous gleam shone in her eyes. "Hmmm… Is dat so? Well, my dear, I mus' be getting' back t' my kitchen. Y' look like y' could use some of Tante's good southern cookin'! Y're skin and bones, child, but I'll be talkin' t' y' again soon." With that being said, Tante Mattie stood and left the small room, leaving Rogue to puzzle over her reaction.
Rogue was sitting in one of her cushioned chairs a few moments later when a gentle knock came at her door. "Enter," she said, placing the book she had found on her lap and turning to face the door.
Remy stepped into the room. His long auburn hair was damp from a fresh shower and tied with a cord at his nape. He was dressed in all black, from his blousy silk shirt open at the neck to his tight black trousers and thigh-high boots. The single splash of color in his somber outfit consisted of a bright red neckerchief tied about his throat, which brought out the color in his unique eyes. "Bonjour, chere." Remy leaned a hip against the chair. He was now positioned to read over her shoulder, his hip just brushing her arm.
If she leaned to her right…her gaze slid in that direction and found his muscular thigh, right at eye level. The thought of her fingers on his leg sent a flash of heat through her so strong that it sucked the breath from her.
"What y' readin', mon chere?" His question stopped her thoughts in their tracks and brought her back to the present moment.
"Ah found this book in the dresser," Rogue answered. "There's no title, but looks interestin' enough. Is there a problem?"
Remy shook his head and reached over her shoulder to take the book in his hand. As he leaned over her, Rogue caught the strong intoxicating scent that could only be described as Remy's and his hand brushed hers. Remy felt a jolt of electricity jump between them at the touch and wondered if the same was true of Rogue.
Remy turned the leather bound volume over in his hand and immediately recognized it as one his own journals, a childhood attempt at writing and expression. But why was it in this room? "Y' found dis book here?"
"Yeah…over in the dresser. Why?"
Remy looked puzzled. "Nothin', chere. Jus' didn't expect it t' be in dis room." He placed the book back down into her lap and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Tante sent Remy t' invite y' t' lunch. It'll be ready soon."
Rogue watched as Remy pulled away from the chair and started toward the door. She couldn't pull her eyes away from his form. His clothes hugged him with a closeness that left little to the imagination and certainly sent hers spinning back to that bight aboard her ship. What is happenin' ta meh?
When Remy reached the door, he turned and his eyes cast an unusual expression. "Je t'aime, chere." He paused for a brief moment, watching as Rogue stared out the window to the sea, but then quietly left the room.
Lunch was served at noon on the terrace. The others were still down in the village, so it was only a small gathering. Remy and Christian were already waiting and both stood as Rogue entered the garden, earning them an approving smile from Tante.
"Christian, how grand ya look," Rogue exclaimed. Tante had dressed the boy in dark brown trousers, a tan jacket and a snowy white shirt.
"You look grand, too, Captain Darkholme," Christian said shyly. "I'm glad you brought my Captain back to me. Thank you."
Rogue smiled but said nothing as Christian continued to chatter. Remy came around and pulled out her chair. She nodded her thanks, trying to concentrate on Christian instead of Remy's handsome face. Though his clothing could not be described as formal wear, it seemed entirely proper for on informal lunch in the tropics.
Remy took his seat at the opposite end of the table and Christian quickly followed his example. The garden door opened and a young man walked in smiling brightly. "Remy! Good t' see y' again cousin!"
Remy smiled and stood to embrace the younger man giving him a strong pat on the back. "Lapin! Tante didn't tell Remy y' were here."
"De others are out explorin' 'gain. Y' know dey can't sit still f'r long, jus' like someone else I know." Lapin took the seat to Remy's side and cast a glance down to the end of the table. "Now who is dis belle femme?"
"Dis belle femme happens t' be Captain Darkholme of de Anna Marie." Remy said and turned his eyes to Rogue. "Rogue, dis is Remy's cousin, Lapin."
Lapin stood and walked down to Rogue taking her hand in his and placed a small kiss on the back of her hand. "Enchanté, mademoiselle."
Remy cleared his throat, and Lapin turned giving him a devilish grin.
"Ah'm glad ta meet ya, Lapin. Ah can see good manners run in the family." Rogue looked down to the end of the table and smiled.
Lunch was an interesting affair. Lapin and Christian's enthusiasm kept the mood light and joyful, although Remy said very little during the meal. His demeanor over the past day had changed considerably and Rogue was beginning to wonder what had caused this sudden mood swing.
Tante had prepared a huge feast for the group and practically forced Rogue to eat her fill. They had dined on spicy jerked pork and fried plantains, sweet potatoes and various vegetables. The food was exquisite.
Rogue was nearly finished with her meal when she noticed another visitor had arrived in the garden. The small orange and white cat strolled along the edge of the table, and jumped into Remy's lap, purring loudly and rubbing into her master's hands.
"Bonjour, Sophie." Remy smiled and his mood seemed to lighten as he stroked the cat lovingly. "Ça va? Did y' miss Remy, mon petite?"
The cat continued to purr and cuddle up to her owner until Tante returned to the garden carrying a tray of fruit for dessert. "Remy! Put dat animal down!" Tante placed the tray on the table and pulled a large spoon from her apron. "Shoo…Shoo!"
"Tante! Sophie jus' happy t' see Remy!"
The cat sat up on Remy's lap and hissed at the large woman, who continued to wave her spoon threateningly. "Oh, child, dat creature only listens t' y'. Get it away from dis table or I'll be usin' dis spoon on y'!"
"Oui, Tante." Remy stood and held the cat gently in his arms. "Come, Sophie."
Tante rolled her eyes and apologized to Rogue for the invasion. Remy returned a short moment later. "Remy needs t' find John and check on de Devil's Lust. Christian, why don't y' read another chapter in de book of geography Remy gave y'? Y'r readin' skills need improvin', as does y'r knowledge of de world."
"Aye, Captain," Christian said. He gave a smart salute and marched off to his room.
"He's a good boy, Rems." Lapin said as he watched Christian leave the garden. "I'll come with y'…been a while since I saw de Aussie." Lapin turned to Rogue and gave a slight bow. "Á plus, chere."
"Au revoir, Lapin," Rogue replied.
Remy started to follow Lapin out of the garden but not before turning back to Rogue. He gave her an enigmatic smile and bow. "Au revoir, chere." And then he was gone.
Rogue stared after him, left alone in the garden with Tante.
"Dat boy has it bad, non?" Tante placed a large hand on Rogue's shoulder as she stood behind her.
"What do ya mean?" Rogue asked, lifting a single brow.
"Phew! Don't tell ol' Tante y' can't tell dat boy is head over heels f'r y'! Don't y' worry if Remy seems a bit outta sorts. Not every day he meets his match." Tante patted her on the back and smiled. "Now why don't y' go and have a look around. Dere's lots t' be seen."
Rogue decided she hadn't explored the house with any thoroughness as yet, and she always liked to be familiar with her surroundings. It was a survival instinct. She also wanted to learn more about her fellow captain and consider their new circumstances. So taking Tante's advice, she left the garden and ascended the grand stairs to the second floor.
The first room Rogue encountered was a beautifully decorated library. The bookcases stretched to the ceiling and were filled to their limits with books of all types. A large fireplace was located at the far end of the room and two large leather chairs flanked either side. A large window with multicolored glass filled the back wall and a large chandelier provided the light.
The next room had to belong to Christian, she guessed. From where she stood, it looked like Armageddon had struck and nothing had been left standing. Clothes and wooden pieces of all manner of toys and ship parts were strewn about. It was strange to see the room, for it showed quite vividly Christian's transition from boy to man. Wooden soldiers and ships were littered alongside ropes that bore various knots. Two medieval style pendants hung along one wall with a dragon rampant on one and a gryphon reposed on the other. His unmade bed was designed much like Remy's had been on the Devil's Lust, and if she didn't miss her guess, there was a crocheted black sheep tangled in the bed covers.
Rogue decided to help Tante by cleaning up some of the destruction. She set about collecting the wooden toys and arranged them on some shelves. She placed her other gathered toys in a carved wooden chest that was set next to his bed. The chest was a beautiful cedar piece with coiling dragons carved all over it. In the center of the lid, the boy's name was carefully inscribed into a small cloud, Christian Alec LeBeau. But what stunned Rogue more was when she looked to the inside of the lid and read the poem that had been carved there:
There once was a small boy named Chris,
Who was loved much more than a bit.
With eyes of green and hair of brown,
He had a smiling face that seldom frowned.
And though his room was seldom neat,
Perhaps this chest will help achieve that feat.
She traced the writer's initials with her fingertip- RL. Remy LeBeau? She closed the lid and left the room quietly.
The room next door was a much larger and magnificent. It was decorated just as Remy's quarters on the Devil's Lust. There were two large French doors that opened onto a balcony much like the one found in her own room, and a large four-poster bed covered in silks. Another large fireplace filled one of the smaller walls and a bookcase filled another. Rogue walked over to the nightstand near the bed and opened the small drawer. It was filled with quills, sheets of onionskin, and a leather journal. She lifted the book from the drawer and fingered the cover. She recognized Remy's elegant handwriting on the pages, handwriting which was similar in a way to the journal she had started reading earlier that day.
"Looking for something?"
Rogue turned swiftly, unable to hide a guilty intake of breath, aware of the open drawer behind her and the journal in her hand. In the doorway, she saw an exotic beauty of olive-skin, dark-hair, amber eyes and with generous curves. Her clothing, low cut and slightly transparent, left little to the imagination. Hands on her ample hips, the woman glared at Rogue.
"No…Tante told meh Ah should look around the house, and somehow Ah ended up in here." Rogue placed the journal back into the drawer of the nightstand and closed it slowly. "Who are you? This isn't your room, is it?"
The woman's eyes narrowed. "I am Sinaesta, and you know this room is not mine. It belongs to Remy. Why are you here?"
Rogue placed her hand on her hip and kept her eyes locked on the other woman. "Captain LeBeau and I only stopped here to replenish our supplies before finishing our expedition. Nothing more."
"Good," Sinaesta replied, her cat-eyes glittering.
The question that burned on Rogue's tongue had to be asked. "What are you ta Remy? What is your place here? You don't look like relation."
"I belong to Remy," Sinaesta declared smugly. "Father gave me to him. Father was the last great Calusa chief left on the island. Nearly all our people, except those living in a small village at the north end of the island, were annihilated by the Spanish who came many years ago. Father trusted Remy. Before Father died he asked Remy to find me a suitable husband from among our people when the time came, but I want no one but Remy," she said fiercely.
Rogue rolled her eyes.
"Sinaesta!" Tante Mattie yelled from downstairs. "Get down here girl! I need y'r help in de kitchen."
"Coming, Tante!" She replied. "I hope you enjoy sleeping in my room. I'll be happy when you are gone," she threw over her shoulder as she flounced out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
What is it with Remy and crazy women? Rogue thought as she looked at the door. Taking a deep breath, she sat on the edge of the bed, but was quickly joined by Sophie who climbed out from under the sheets. "Hello, Sophie. Waitin' on Remy?"
The cat curled into a ball near her lap and began her grooming process. "Don't think Ah find your company flatterin'. Ah never was much of a cat person mahself." Rogue said to her. Sophie looked up from her grooming and Rogue could have sworn one bright, green eye winked at her.
Rogue woke slowly and her eyes began to adjust to the darkness. Where am Ah? She thought, but then remembered coming to the island. Looking around the dark room, she saw the large French doors and felt the silk beneath her fingers. Ah must've fallen asleep in Remy's room. A loud knock sounded on the door.
"Rogue, youngin', are y' in dere?" Tante asked.
"Yeah, Tante…Come in."
Tante opened the door with a large smile on her face. "Child, y' missed dinner. What are y' doin' in here?"
"Ah must've fallen asleep after Sinaesta left. Sorry about dinner."
Tante shook her head in dismissal. "Don't y' worry, dear. Most of de house went t' de celebration anyways. Can y' hear de music?"
Rogue looked to the large balcony doors and listened to the sounds outside. Lively music drifted in on the breeze and the sounds of carousing filled the night air. "What are they celebratin'?"
"The village always celebrates de return of de Devil's Lust. Many of dem sailors have families here, and don't make it home often. I believe y'r friends are attendin'. Do y' want t' go down, petite? Or would y' like t' talk t' ol' Tante?"
Rogue looked back to Tante and tilted her head. "Talk about what, Tante?"
"My boy, Remy."
Rogue laughed a little. "Remy? What about Remy?"
Tante's expression turned serious. "How do y' feel 'bout him?"
"Ah…" Rogue hesitated. "Ah'm not sure what ya mean."
"Hmmm…" Tante moved to sit on the bed next to Rogue. "Dat boy has been hurt enough in his life, child. Ol' Tante can tell when he has fallen, and Remy likes y'. He needs someone who'll treat him right. Can y' do dat for my boy?"
Rogue was at a loss for words. How could she reply to that question? She had feelings, strong feelings, for Remy, but to admit those feelings to this woman was another matter. How could she admit feelings that she could yet define herself? This was all new to Rogue.
"Ah'll do mah best not ta hurt him, Tante. That Ah can promise, but Ah'm not sure how Ah feel right now. Do ya understand?"
"I understand, dear, and dat's all dis old woman can ask. But I don't think y'll find de answers y'r lookin' f'r in dis room. Y' need t' go t' him." Tante's smile returned and she stood.
"Where is he?" Rogue asked. "Ah think Ah need ta explain."
Meanwhile…
Kitty and Piotr were walking along the beach away from the heart of the celebration and noise. He turned her up a narrow path into a copse of wind-bent, gnarled pine trees, the ground beneath them crunchy and fragrant with pine needles.
Piotr moved in front of her, laying his hands on her shoulders, easing her backwards a pace so that she felt the trunk of a tree against her back. An owl sounded somewhere above her and the silence between them was a moment suspended, filled with a gravity of intent that could not be misunderstood. Kitty titled her face, meeting the Russian's steady, hungry gaze. His mouth hovered over hers and then his lips met hers. At first it was a cool, firm touch, more of a statement than a caress, she thought. Kitty liked his smell; it was salty, tinged with the fresh air, and spiced with pine. She touched his lips with a rapid flickering of the tip of her tongue, tasting like a bee testing a flower for its nectar. Salt and sweet. She brought up her hand and laid it against the side of his face, feeling its shape, the hollow of the cheek, the angularity of the cheekbones, the line of the jaw.
When the kiss broke for needed air, Piotr spoke. "I love you, Katja."
"I love you, too, Piotr."
Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into another kiss. Kitty pushed her tongue more insistently against his mouth and Piotr's lips parted, drawing in the intruder with a sudden vehemence that for a second took her by surprise. Kitty pressed herself against him, as their tongues played. His hands moved down her body, holding her hips now, thumbs pressing into the sharp pointy hip bones that she had always wished were not so apparent. But Piotr didn't seem to mind them. In fact, he was playing a tune now that made her catch her breath even as her tongue plunged and fenced and she tasted the sweetness of his mouth with a hunger that couldn't be sated.
Piotr broke the kiss again, looking down at her flushed face, her parted lips, her luminous eyes. "Will you sail with me, Katja?"
"What?"
"When I get my new ship, would you sail with me? I cannot imagine living without you near. I need you. I know it is much to ask, but please consider my offer, love." Piotr placed a hand under Kitty's jaw and stroked her chin.
"I'll have to think about it, and talk to Rogue. But I do want to be with you."
He kissed her, tracing the shape of her face with his tongue before returning to her mouth. A swift stroking caress of her lips and then he possessed her mouth and she had no control over this. She received him, gloried in the deep, embracing power of his kiss. Piotr kissed her long and deep, stroking her cheek with a flat palm until she had regained her breath, then drew her against him, caressing the back of her head. A tiny smile played over his mouth.
"Shall we retire to ze house, Katja?"
Kitty smiled and took Piotr's hand in hers. "Yes, I'm sure Rogue will be worried."
Back at the village…
All the inhabitants of the small village were out in the streets playing music, dancing, drinking, and singing. For many of the sailors aboard the Devil's Lust it had been over a year since their last visit home and all were happy to be reunited with their families for a short time.
A large fire had been built in the town square and many men and women were dancing to the lively music played by the musicians. John saw Wanda sitting on a wooden bench and approached her.
"Excuse me, love. They are about to play a jig and I was wonderin' if you might care to join me for the dance?"
Wanda looked up at John, who was bestowing a handsome smile her way. He wore a pair of white breeches and shirt with a tan waistcoat embroidered in red. His hair was secured in a queue and he looked rather dashing and debonair.
"Sure, Johnny-boy, I thought you'd never ask!"
He beamed, and held his arm out for her. He took her hands in his and arched them up and away from their bodies. They danced together easily, as if made for one another. When the music stopped, they were breathless and completely disheveled. Exhilarated, Wanda patted the wayward strands of her hair back into place, then straightened her clothes, which had shifted slightly while John had twirled her about.
"Thanks for the dance, love." John said as he kissed her gently.
"Mmmm…the pleasure was all mine."
Kurt watched as John and Wanda finished their dance and walked over to join some of the villagers in a game of chance. He was sitting along the edge of the street drinking a tankard of ale and watching the revelry all around, when a young woman approached him.
"You look lonely, handsome. Can I join you?"
The young woman was small and slight, with the pale freckled complexion that so often went with red hair and fiery green eyes. Kurt smiled and patted the empty space next to him in invitation. "Vhat's your name, mädchen?"
"I'm Meg. What's your name, handsome?" Meg asked as she took the seat offered.
"Kurt."
Meg smiled and scooted closer to Kurt. "Nice name. You sound like you're from Germany. I'm Scottish by birth, but moved to this island with my father years ago. Are you new in town?"
"Ja," Kurt said. "I studied in Germany for several years. My captain and I just arrived on the island today with the Anna Marie to get supplies."
"Will you be staying long?"
"A few days, perhaps." Kurt took a long drink from his tankard.
"Only a few days…that's too bad. Time is perhaps of the essence." With a mischievous smile, Meg leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of Kurt's mouth before jumping up and smiling. "Come on, handsome, lets dance!"
Kurt threw down his tankard and took Meg by the hand allowing her to drag him into the crowd of dancers, laughing all the way.
Rogue worked her way along a secluded path that was found behind the terraced garden. The thick tangle of mangrove and pine forests was all but impenetrable and she spotted several deceptive-looking patches of quicksand on either side of the winding path. Despite everything and the deepening darkness, she couldn't help admiring the natural beauty of the island.
Colorful tropical birds flitted in the trees as various frogs called out to one another. The numerous Indian mounds were both mysterious and intriguing, topped with shells that had blackened with age. The path finally opened up onto a beach, a pristine crescent of white sand.
Rogue spotted Remy sitting near the water's edge. A large quarter moon hung in the velvet sky, as he watched the silver path of moonlight rippling on the black water. She moved up silently, but he was aware of her presence almost immediately. She took a seat next to him and placed a hand on his knee before speaking.
"Would ya like some company, sugah?"
Remy placed his hand over hers and squeezed. "Oui, some company would be bein. What do y' think of Remy's island, chere?"
"It's beautiful," she said wistfully. "Where's the Indian village?"
"At de north end of de island. We rarely disturb 'em. De Calusa are remnants of an ancient warlike tribe, but… de chief and Remy were on friendly terms before he died."
"Tell meh about Sinaesta." Rogue said, rubbing her hand along Remy's leg.
"Jealous, chere? Non…y're not de jealous type." Remy answered his own question. "When did y' meet her?"
"After lunch while Ah was explorin' the house." Rogue turned to look in Remy's eyes. "She said that she belongs ta you."
"Ahh…non, Sinaesta jus' fancies herself in love with Remy, mais she more like a sister. She's been livin' in de house f'r several years, and hasn't met de right man yet, non?"
"Some sister…" Rogue said under her breath.
Abruptly Remy rose and stripped off his silk shirt.
"What are ya doin'?" Rogue asked, staring at the rippling muscles illuminated by the moonlight.
"Goin' f'r a swim. Remy's hot," he said and sat to pull off his boots. "Will y' join Remy?"
He pulled her to her feet and turned her around so he could throw her over his shoulder.
"Remy! Stop!"
"Why? Remy doesn't like t' swim alone." He walked out into the surf. "Y' can keep y'r clothes on if y're concerned 'bout modesty, mais y've got nothin' t' worry about."
Apparently Remy didn't give a fig about his own modesty for as soon as he dropped her into the water, he dropped his breeches and reached for her hand. She held back a moment before placing her hand in his. Together they swam deeper into the water, allowing the cooling waves wash over them.
"Remy, we need ta talk, sugah."
He ducked beneath the surface, and when he came back up he placed an arm around her waist pulling her close to him. "Oui, chere, mais not tonight."
He drew her closer to him, and she could feel the hard lines of his body against hers. He kissed the hallow of her shoulder, before beginning on the tiny buttons of her shirt. He appeared to be in no hurry, instead concentrating on his task as if it were the most delicate operation. Rogue looked down with a curious sense of detachment at his nimble fingers as they worked.
Rogue ran her hands over Remy's chest and then grasped his shoulders. Water surged and splashed around them.
"See dat rock jus' dis side of de breakers? Remy'll race y' dere," He challenged.
"What do Ah get if Ah win?"
He stared at her, his ruby-onyx eyes glittering in the night. "Do y' think y're good 'nough t' outswim Remy?"
"Ah know so, sugah. What do Ah get?"
"Whatever y' want, chere, but when Remy wins y' answer jus' one question, oui?"
Rogue cocked an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting.
"Y'll hear de question after Remy wins. Now are y' game?"
She gave him a smug smile. "You won't win." Then she was off like a shot. Apparently her strong swimming surprised him, for it took several minutes for him to catch up with her. They swam apace for a time, and when Rogue pulled ahead, Remy unleashed his reserved strength. Rogue's clothes slower her down, and to her chagrin he reached the rock first, treading water as he waited for her.
Remy caught her against him. "Now it's time t' pay de forfeit, chere." Placing an arm around her waist, they swam together back to shore. Remy stopped to catch his breath in the shallows, anchoring his feet in the sandy bottom and holding Rogue in place. Water lapped around their waists as Remy lowered his face and touched her wet mouth with his.
"Y' taste of salt," he whispered, licking her lips with a bold sweep of his tongue. "Open your mouth." The heat of the kiss warmed the water around them.
Remy lifted her into his arms and gently carried her to the beach and laid her down under the cover of a swaying palm tree. "Rogue, chere…"
"Yeah, sugah?" Rogue asked, moving to straddle Remy's waist as he reclined on the sand next to her.
He moved his hands along her back and caressed her shoulders. "Quel beau…Je t'aime, chere." Remy hesitated for a moment and then frowned.
"What's the matter, darlin'?" Rogue asked softly.
Remy looked away and sighed. "Rogue, answer jus' one question. Do y' love Remy or non?"
Rogue looked Remy square in the eye. "What is it ya want meh ta tell ya?"
"Remy wants de truth."
She sighed and moved from his lap. "Ah…Ah'm not sure, darlin'."
Disappointment squeezed his chest so tightly he could barely breathe. Well, what did y' expect?
'Yeah, Remy, Ah love ya.'
His jaw tense, he pushed himself up and dressed. "Oui, Remy should've known."
Rogue tugged her shoes on, giving him an irritated glare. Hands on her hips, she asked, "Why are ya so angry?"
"Remy's not angry," he snapped, snatching his shirt down over his head. He heard a rending of fabric as a tear appeared in his sleeve.
"Yeah, ya are," Rogue accused. "Ya said ya wanted the truth."
"And y' gave it t' me." With both cannons of it blasting a hole in his heart. Why couldn't she love him? He started off into the thicket.
"Remy, where are ya goin'?"
"Remy needs t' think."
Rogue folded her arms over her chest as she watched Remy trudge away from her. Men, she thought. You give them what they want and suddenly they don't want it anymore.
"Fine," she whispered. "Go off and pout." Why was it so important for him to hear that she loved him? Why is it so hard for meh to admit that Ah love him?
"Damn…Remy!" She called, chasing after him.
A/N: Let me know if there's something you'd like to see coming up next. I have a pretty good idea where this story will go, but I'm always willing to add to it. Joseph and Bella will be back soon...just as soon as the crews leave Remy's island. If you're wondering about Rogue's reactions in this chapter, all will be explained soon as well. Thanks!
