Disclaimer: Don't own anything. Except maybe the plot. Please don't sue me I'm a broke college student I don't really have anything you would want.

AN: I want to dedicate this chapter to all the people who are suffering because of Hurricane Katrina. As obsessed Remy/Romy fangirls I think New Orleans has a special place in all of our hearts. I really hope everyone comes out of this and that the city can be rebuilt.

And on with our regularly scheduled update already in progress.

Review Responses:

FluidDegree – I have to admit I almost wish I could make Remy's hopes come true. But then I would loose the other 12 chapters I have planned at this point. I'm glad you like it.

Sakura5tar – Yay for you liking the chapter. I'll give you that this is not the house that she gets her powers developing in. How she gets to said house or when is still a secret. I like to pretend I know what I'm doing. I'm glad you like the pace though I don't know how long I can keep it up. School starts next Wednesday and I am seriously behind in the stuff I needed to get done before classes.

BloodCalling13 – I'm glad you are still hooked. I'm not surprised be the grammar error I'm actually more surprised that there aren't more. Grammar was never one of my strong points. You are just going to have to see what Belle does. I'm really flattered that you are impressed by my story. Thank you.

Gabrielle myka – Remy is just such a sweet guy I think that everyone who is in a bad situation needs to at least have someone looking after her even if she can't get out of it. How Belle figures in seems to be a popular topic. Too bad I am going to try and avoid letting anything slip.

Bored247 – congrats on knowing all the French. Your reason for quitting is about the same as mine. I envy the people who are really good with picking up languages. I'm glad you loved the chapter and no worries Remy will do more I'm just not going to tell you what or when. I'm a little bit evil.

Balabaloosa – I'm glad you like the suspense. Its pretty fun to write though it might be a bad sign that I don't always know what is coming. You are getting your wish about when this chapter is set. How can I resist perty-please? I'm not a monster. :grins: That and it was my original plan. Hope you enjoy.

Purplesaviour – I'm glad you like it and approve of my character portrayal. I'm trying to do well with the update speed.

Spicy Sweet – Rogue doesn't have the white streak at the moment; she will be getting it later since I have decided that I am going to work loosely with the plot of the first movie. How loosely you will have to wait and see. I'm glad you like the chapter and here is an update for you.

Crazy4Cocopuffs – No problem on the translations. I studied French and I still need translations on most people's stories. I'm going to go with no comment on your question about the name. I'm really glad you like the story hopefully you will continue to enjoy it as I continue to write.

Chica De Los Ojos Café – Glad you liked it. Remy is great at planning which probably will help him later in life as a professional thief and all. Here's your update.

All Reviewers – THANK YOU. I totally love that you guys take the time to write a little review for me. I hope you enjoy.

AN: So yeah I've been trying to be good about updating but I'm just going to give you this warning now. School starts back for me on Wednesday. If things get too crazy I may have to put this story on hold. I'm taking a really insanely important math class that I have to get a good grade in so that has to come first. I really appreciate you guys reading and all I hope you can understand if it comes to that.

AN2: and on with the semi unplanned subplot. Hopefully you guys are enjoying it at least.

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December 24

11:35 pm

Remy and Henri are sitting on the roof. The night sky is dark around them and there is a bite to the wind causing Remy to pull his coat closer around him. The stars twinkle above them as Henri lights a cigarette. He then offers the pack to Remy who takes one and lights it with a practiced ease.

They sit for a minute smoking in silence before Henri turns to his brother. "Ah've missed ya petite frere. Even if ya always been a pain in my butt."

Remy smirks at his brother in as he goes to put out his cigarette on the shingles. "Remy missed ya too Henri, didn't get ta spend enough time tagether over Thanksgivin'."

Henri puts out his own cigarette flicking it out into the air. "So Ah gotta ask why ya ask pere and me ta come here instead of comin' home? Ah would of figured ya would want a chance ta see ya Belle."

Remy's face falls slightly at this statement but his brother doesn't seem to notice. Remy responds keeping the sadness out of his voice. "Remy got his reasons. Ya missin' ya Merci too much by bein' up here seein' ton frere. Why ya figure Remy would want ta see Belle. We both know dat pere sent Remy here ta end dat relationship."

"Oui, pere sent ya here ta end it but we both know dat ya haven't so don't try and tell meh different. Dere has got ta be somethin' pretty big ta keep ya from wantin' ta see her." Seeing Remy turn his face away and out across the house tops in the direction of Anna's Henri misinterprets and continues, "Have ya lost interest in da girl? Did pere's plan actually work?"

"Desole Henri, Remy can't tell ya why he wante' ta stay but it not cause he lost interest in Belle. But ya can't tell pere dat. Pere will think what he wants ta and so much da better."

Henri looks at his brother questioning this lack of information and his uncharacteristic seriousness. "Ya know ya can tell meh anythin' petite frere. Ya be da first one Ah told when Ah fell for Merci. Ah just worried 'bout ya. Don't want ya gettin' involved with somethin' if it isn't what ya want."

It is Remy's turn to be confused by his brother and though he hides it better from his face he still turns his head to look at Henri. "Desole, Ah just can't tell ya why Ah need ta be here but ya can trust meh dat Ah do." After another moment, in which is brother sits in quiet shock at the amount of first person Remy has just used, Remy adds, "Henri what da ya know dat ya aren't tellin' Remy."

This statement breaks Henri out of his trance like state. "Well if Ah tell ya what Ah know ya have ta swear dat ya wont let on ta pere what ya know or dat Ah told ya."

"Remy swear."

Taking a deep breath Henri look out at the stars high above their heads. "Ah overheard pere talkin' ta Marius Boudreaux 'bout the way the guilds are and da war and all. Dey be thinkin' 'bout tryin' ta make a peace treaty. Nothin' been finalized yet but pere was sayin' how dey need to find a way ta unify da guilds somethin' dat will bind dem tagether. Dey were talkin' 'bout an arranged Marriage. Ah dunno who dey plan ta marry off but Ah think it might beh ya ta Belle. It would make da most sense since ya guys were already interested in each other. It would make da peace more lastin' if da marriage actually worked."

All that Henri has said sinks in slowly before Remy speaks but when he does it is himself not Henri that he is addressing. "Merde, dis is not what Remy expected at all." Looking up at the sky Remy continues cursing intermittently in both French and English.

This throws everything I was planning out of the window. I can't let dad think that I have gotten over Belle that would jeopardize not only me being able to stay and take care of Anna but also ever having a chance with Belle. I want to be happy because I have a shot at dating Belle with permission but I just know that this is going to keep me from helping Anna the way I want to. Whom do I want more? Who matters more to me. I don't know the answers and that really scares me.

Henri pulls out another cigarette as he waits for his brother to calm down and holds the pack out offering them to Remy. Remy continues to swear even as he lights up the cigarette. After a few puffs he starts calm down and stops swearing.

It is now that Henri takes his chances speaking again. "Desole, Ah thought ya would beh happy ta know that ya might not have ta break things off with Belle. Why ya so upset anyway? With this plan ya get ta come without havin' ta give up ya girl. Seems like a good situation ta me."

"Its not dat Henri, pere's plan be a good one. Its just dat Remy thought the situation was different den it was and had been puttin' a lot of thought in ta fixin' dis different situation. Dat all been wasted now. How soon ya think dey goin' ta get dis treay worked out?"

As Remy lights another cigarette from his nearly finished one Henri replies, "Well dey only just started talkin' 'bout the arranged marriage probably be a couple more months before dey get close enough ta a final arrangement for pere ta want ta bring ya home and stop discouraging ya relationship. Ah think he is usin' it as a bargain chip de idea dat ya might loose interest since ya so far away. Get Marius to hurry and hopefully make a mistake so dat de Thieves come out a little ahead in de end. Ya know pere."

I have to write to Belle if she thinks I'm a bargaining chip and that I am going along with it because I have been staying here. That girl is going to hate me if I keep this up much longer.

"Dat not as bad as Remy thought. Might be able ta settle da things dat need ta get worked out by then. Ya think pere is goin' ta ask Remy 'bout his feelin's for Belle while he here?"

I guess Anna was right worrying about the effects this all is having on my life. I just have to find a way to keep them all from winning.

"Oui, Ah'm sure he will though he'll probably put it off 'til the end of the trip. Try ta get a read of what ya response will be before he asks. Never likes ta get surprised by de answer ta question."

Remy sighs again and glances down at his watch. He is shocked by the time that has pasted sitting up on the roof with his brother. He picks up the half empty pack of cigarettes and lighter before turning to his brother. "Henri, Remy got ta go. He can't say where but please don't follow. Can Remy have da rest of dis pack?"

Trying to read his brother but finding it difficult Henri simply nods. With this sign of agreement Remy gets up and makes his way to the edge of the roof top. As he is about to drop down he turns back to his brother.

"Merci Henri, Remy be back later and we talk some more ok?"

"Sure, Bonsoir Remy."

"Bonsoir Henri"

With that Remy steps off of the rooftop.

----

January 3

1:13 am

Anna is sitting on Remy's lap in her room. The first aid kit is open next to them but his arms are wrapped around her waist instead of bandaging her.

He lets a pleading tone comes into his voice as he speaks "Please Anna, just come back to my house and let Tante Mattie bandage ya up. She is much better at it den Remy is. She wont ask any questions. Please Anna. Ah just want ta make sure Ah've been doin' right by ya."

She sits in thought a time before slowly nodding her head. "Ah'll go but Ah'm gone if she asks too many questions. Ah don't want anyone else knowin'."

His face brightens with a smile as he stands up still holding her in his arms, "Merci petit, Merci."

She laughs softly as he begins to spin them around. "Put. Meh. Down. Ah'm getting' dizzy."

With this he stops spinning and lightly sets her down on her feet. They quickly pack up the first aid kit. She grabs a sweater and pulls it on before they make their way out of her window and down to the street. Walking the few blocks he her house in silence he gently places his arm around her shoulders.

Once they have arrived they make their way up to his windowsill where he lightly taps on the pane. After a few minutes with no response he repeats his tapping slightly louder. This time there is a response as a large African American woman comes to the window dressed in a thick robe.

She peers out the window trying to figure out who is tapping. When she sees Remy she opens the window quickly to let him into the room. She waits for them both to safely enter the room before speaking.

Letting a small amount of anger seep into her voice she interrogates them. "What do ya think ya doin' child. It be one in da mornin' and ya sneakin' a girl inta da house. Ya better have a good reason for dis."

Remy grins sheepishly while Anna stares silently at the floor. "Sorry 'bout da hour Tante Mattie its just she beh hurt and Remy thought ya could help out bah lookin' her over." After a moment of thought he looks up at her with the most innocent face he can muster, "Please Tante?"

Mattie's face softens as she looks from Remy to Anna. She motions for Anna to come sit at the desk. She then kneels down to be at eye level with the small girl. "Now chil' ya don't have ta beh scare'. Just tell meh what hurts ok?"

Anna looks up and over at Remy who gives her a reassuring smile. She then nods slightly before taking off her sweater and long sleeved shirt. With only her camisole left to cover her upper body the large number of bruises, burns and cuts that mar her skin are visible. Even with all of her experience healing for the guild a small gasp of surprise escapes her mouth.

Anna looks away unable to meet anyone's eyes as she speaks "Mah ribs have been hurtin' too."

Mattie nods at this before turning to Remy. "Chil' will ya go down ta da bathroom and get meh da normal supplies." He nods quickly and with one last look at Anna he heads for the door.

Once they are alone Mattie turns her attention back to Anna. "Now chil' Ah ain't gonna ask ya what happene' cause Ah'm guessin' dat if ya wante' ta talk 'bout it ya would 'ave gone ta da hospital and not have had mah Remy bandagin' ya up. Ah'm gonna do what Ah can for ya Chil' but Ah ain't a miracle worker."

Anna nods her head slightly before whispering her thanks.

Mattie then gently takes each of her arms in turn and slowly looks over them. "Ah'm gonna take a guess dat ya legs are 'bout da same." Anna nods after which Mattie continues, "now chil' Ah do have ta ask ya one question. Day a want Remy ta stay here while Ah take care of ya or do ya want him ta wait outside?"

Before Anna can answer Remy walks back into the room carrying bottles of salve and bandages. Struck by the silence of the room Remy grins and jokingly asks, "Did Remy come back at da wrong time."

Anna looks up at him smiling at his lame attempt to lighten the mood. "Nah ya came back at a fine time. If ya were ta stay while ya Tante Mattie was workin' would ya promise ta close ya eyes and not look?"

"Of course. Remy wouldn't think of openin' his eyes if ya didn't want him ta."

Remy walks over to the desk and puts down the stuff that he is carrying. He then goes to stand behind her resting his hands lightly on her shoulders.

Mattie takes in this scene and contemplates the best way to go about this. She then steps into action "Remy will ya go sit by da bed. Anna can ya go lay down on it." Remy and Anna both move to comply though Anna can feel the fear that rolls off of her as she lies down on the bed. Once she is settled he takes her hand gently and squeezes it.

Mattie allows this to continue for a small while before interrupting the calm. "Ok Remy time for ya ta close ya eyes. Should Ah put a blindfold on ya to remind ya?"

"Non Tante, Remy be good." Remy then shuts his eyes and settles in to wait while Anna is looked after never letting go of her hand.

After an hour or so Mattie has finished. She looks down at the girl that has drifted off during the process. "Poor chil' seems like such a good girl."

Thinking Remy is asleep as well she turns her back to the bed and goes to clean up the supplies. It is because of this that she jumps slightly when she hears his voice asking, "Ya done Tante? Can Remy open his eyes yet?"

"Yes chil' come and help meh clean up will ya. Ah think ya friend dere needs da sleep more den either of us."

Remy rises and crosses the room after carefully extracting his hand from Anna's. "She really is a good girl she just don't see it. Ya not gonna ask her any questions when she wakes up right?"

Mattie sighs to herself before turning to Remy "Non, Ah not gonna ask her anythin' more but Ah got some questions for ya."

"Den ask dem."

"Remy is she da reason ya didn't want ta come home for Christmas?"

"Oui, she needs lookin' afta' and Remy been doin' it. Can't let her down."

"And dis is why ya were so nervous makin' half da house jump at the slightest noise over Thanksgivn'? worryin' about dis girl?"

Remy looks over at Anna checking to see that she is still safely asleep before answering "Oui, Remy worries 'bout her 'lot she been through too much."

Mattie pulls Remy in for a tight hug as she continues "And ya worrie' dat ya pere gonna make ya come home before ya can figure out a way ta get her away from it all? Or dat if he knows den he is gonna be angry dat it will jeopardize the peace treaty ta have ya lookin' afta' a girl Belle might get jealous of?"

Remy simply nods into her chest feeling a release of pressure as he sees that someone else understands his burden.

"Ok den. Ah'm not gonna be able ta fix it all but Ah'll find a reason fo' ya ta stay here dat no one can challenge. Ah don't know how long it will beh but Ah'll figure somethin' out. Also Ah doubt that what Ah've done will stay on her for long so Ah'm gonna make up some extra ointment for ya so dat ya don't have ta answer any questions 'bout where its goin'. Dat be good?"

Remy nods again however this time he looks up at her face with a smile. "Oui, dat would be great. Remy just knew ya would be able ta help. Merci."

Mattie release Remy and looks over at Anna once more. "Don't thank meh chil' Ah ain't doin' much. Ah'll let her sleep here for now and in a couple of hours ya can take her home."

Remy nods once again and then goes over to the bed and takes a seat next to it holding Anna's hand once again.

Mattie sighs to herself once again as she turns back to the task at hand. And then under her breath quiet enough that even Remy cannot make it out she says "Dat poor chil' gonna need much more den salve if he don' get her out of dere soon. And Ah don't know how much longer Jean-Luc gonna let Remy stay but Ah sure hope it beh long enough."

Once she has finished cleaning up she turns back to check on the children and finds Remy asleep in his chair with his head resting on the bed next to Anna's as she sleeps soundly.

Smiling slightly she goes to put away the supplies Remy had brought her.

----

January 7

4:17 pm

Remy and his father are standing in front of the house. Jean-Luc has a lit cigarette hanging from his lips as he stands appraising his son. Despite being evaluated like a priceless statue Remy stands looking at his father defiance in his eyes with his hands buried deeply inside his coat pockets.

Having finished his appraisal Jean-Luc takes his cigarette into his hand. "Remy, dis has been a good trip. Ah'm glad ya asked us ta come up. Mattie just so happy 'bout seein' her daughter and who would of known dat she was just waitin' for a good time ta 'nnouce dat she was pregnant. Ah been wonderin' if ya knew and dat be why ya aske' us ta come so dat she could tell Mattie in person."

"Ya caught Remy pere. He wanted ta surprise Tante Mattie with da best Christmas present of all," replies Remy with a sheepish grin carefully placed on his face.

"Dat be good of ya fil. Makes da next ding Ah'm gonna ask ya easier. Mattie aske' moi ta let ya stay here 'til da bebe born. She seems ta think dat Elvire is gonna have trouble lata' on in da pregnancy. And given Mattie's talent for predictin' dese dings Ah'm inclined ta do as she asks. Dat means ya gonna be here until da end of June. Ya ok with dat fil?"

"Oui pere. Remy owe Elvire and her beau for takin' him in its da least he can do. Remy really don' mind it here too much. Sure it small but at least he didn't get sent up north or anythin'"

Jean-Luc nods his head contemplatively, "Ya a good garcon." He sighs before continuing "Ah know ya 'ware dat da reason Ah sent ya up here was ta stop ya buddin' relationship with dat 'ssassin girl Belladonna. Da real question beh has is worke'? Ya 'greein' pretty readily ta stay away from her longa'. Have ya found 'nother fille up here dat Ah should know 'bout?"

Once again Remy is careful to hide his true expression masking it with one of surprise before answering. "Pere, Remy's only reason for stayin' beh ta help out da people dat took him in. Remy hasn't found a girl, ya really dink dat ya wouldn't have met her since dat would probably have 'llowed him to come home."

"So dat mean ya haven't gotten ova' ya crush on Belladonna? Ah won't beh mad if ya haven't."

Hiding his desire to smirk behind a look of embarrassment Remy hesitates before replying. "Oui pere, Remy still want Belle. We been keepin' in touch some."

With a small smile Jean-Luc puts an arm around his son's shoulders. "It beh ok fil. Wa can keep talkin' ta her. It was wrong of meh ta try and control who ya like."

Behind them the front door opens as Henri makes his way out to join his father and brother. He calls out to them "Pere, Remy ya gettin' all sappy on meh. And here we managed ta go almost da whole way through da holiday without it."

Jean-Luc and Remy separate both laughing. Remy turns to face his brother and smirks before shooting back "Ya beh da one dat was cryin' when ya opene' da Christmas present Merci sent ya."

Henri flushes slightly "Oui but dat 'cause she be da best fille in da world. Ya wont understand 'til ya find da perfect girl and she sends ya somethin' from her heart."

"We will see. But for now ya be da only sap in dis family."

Jean-Luc smiles openly seeing his two sons together. He glances down at his watch and his smile fades slightly. "Henri we gonna need ta get goin' Ah'm gonna go get Mattie ya say goodbye ta ya frere."

"Oui pere"

Jean-Luc walks up the path to the house. Once their father is out of sight Henri offers Remy a carton of cigarettes. "Ah know ya can't buy dem on ya own and ya really shouldn't beh stealin' dem if ya don't have ta. It wouldn't due for da son of da head of da guild ta get caught."

With a smug smirk plastered on his face Remy replies, "ya know Remy good enough ta get dem without gettin'caught. Remy been practin' when he can, gonna beh better den ya as soon as he gets back ta da guild. But merci beaucoup anyways Remy appreciate dem."

Remy slips the carton under his jacket just in time as Jean-Luc and Mattie walk out the door. Elvire and her husband stand in the doorway having already said their goodbyes and not wanting to interrupt Remy's last moments with his family. She rubs her hands over the small swell of her stomach and smiles contentedly.

Remy and Henri hug briefly before Henri goes to stand by the car. "Ya be good petite frere and practice da new stuff Ah show'd ya. Don't want ya slackin' off just 'cause ya livin' da sweet life up here."

Remy smiles before replying with a cocky grin "Ya know Remy don't need practice. Ya just jealous dat he better den ya. Ah'll miss ya frere give mah best ta Merci."

Henri nods before getting into the car to settle himself. Next Jean-Luc comes up and hugs his younger son. "Ah know ya gonna keep up with ya practicin'. But da real priority is for ya ta do well in school and stay out a trouble. Ah don't want ta hear 'bout ya gettin' in trouble with da cops from stealin' or anythin' else."

"Oui pere, Remy be good. Don't worry. Remy'll take good care of himself."

"Bon. Ah'll miss ya fil. We try and come ta visit again. Ah'm sure Mattie will want ta beh here when her daughter beh due."

Giving his father another hug Remy looks up into the taller man's face. "Remy beh good and looks forward to it."

Nodding Jean-Luc slaps Remy on his back and heads over to the car checking that Henri is settled and everything is packed well so that it won't block the field of vision.

Mattie finally wraps her arms around Remy pulling him into her chest. Wet tears are flowing down her cheeks. "Remy ya beh a good boy and take care of mah Elvire" she continues in a whisper "and ya Anna dey both need ya."

Hiding his face in her chest when he finds himself unable to keep up his emotional mask, Remy simply nods his acknowledgement of her words. Pulling him in even tighter Mattie continues her whispered message "Ah bought ya all da time Ah could askin' ya pere ta let ya stay 'til Elvire has her baby. Figure out a way ta get her safe. Ah made up some extra salve and let it under ya bed in a box. Its not much but its da best Ah can do."

Again Remy nods before pulling away slightly. "Remy gonna do da best he can."

"Dat's good chil'. Dere just be one more thing." Mattie grabs a hold of Remy's ear before continuing causing him to wince in pain. "If Ah here one word 'bout ya smokin' does cigarette's ya brother gave ya near da bebe ya'll be wishin' da world was bigger so dat ya could have a chance of hidin'. Comprenez?"

"Oui Remy understand. Can he please have his ear back now?"

Mattie lets go of his ear and quickly give him one last hug before going to settle herself in the front passenger seat. Remy walks back to the house to stay with Elvire.

As the car pulls out of the driveway the small family standing on the porch waves until the car is out of sight before turning to go back into the house.

----

AN: Ummm I don't know why this got so long. Not that I really expect you guys to complain. Hopefully this has been fun to read. Ummm I'm trying to keep up my updating but I have a pretty full schedule between now and when classes start.

Anyway I really hope that you guys are enjoying this. I really hope that you guys will take the time to click the nice little button and send me a message telling me what you think.

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French:

Petite frere – little brother

Pere – father/Dad

Ton frere – your brother

Oui – yes

Desole – sorry

Merde – shit

Non – no

Fil – son

Fille – girl

Bebe – baby

Comprenez – understand