"Guess it's my turn," Remy yelled from behind them, "Looks like I missed a lot."
He took a deep breath and moved under the break in the clouds. If this didn't work there was no going back. It was either bring her back or die trying. He closed his eyes, willing his heart rate to slow. He pulled a card out of his pocket, giving it a kiss before charging it and throwing it into the air. The wind pulled it higher, catching her attention as it swirled around her before finally exploding. Her face snapped down to him and he could feel his breath catch in his throat. He gave her a nervous wave before feeling himself being ripped into the sky. He took a second to catch his breath as he levitated in front of her. It was the first time he'd ever felt unsafe being in Rogue's hands.
"Is he insane," Tabitha called from where she hid.
Kurt shook his head, "Ze man has a death vish."
"Evening chere," he called out over the wind, "You are looking as lovely as ever."
She glared at him, "You dare to challenge me?"
Despite her threatening tone, the wind died down ever so slightly. On the ground Scott took the moment to stand and carry the still unconscious Jean back to the mansion. Professor shook his head as Logan gave him a questioning look. Her mental blocks were still too strong. Logan looked back to the sky, if there was anyone that could fight this, it was her. Remy swallowed hard, fishing around in his pocket before pulling out two cards, the King and Queen of Hearts. He held them out to her, charging only the King. The wind died down as she reached for the King, casually tossing it to the side. Remy couldn't help but smile, recalling the memory of their first fight.
He brought the Queen to his lips then held it back out, "My lucky lady, she's gotten me out of a whole lotta jams. I want you to her," he looked into her red eyes, "Maybe she can get you out of a jam or two, non?"
She reached out to touch the Queen, "What is it with you and cards?"
"It's like having 52 explosives in one little pocket," he smiled as the wind stopped.
She took the Queen from him, taking a moment to examine it. She brought her focus back to him as he pulled out another card and charged it. She watched carefully as he flicked the card towards the ground, exploding before it even had a chance to reach. She reached out to touch his face but hesitated. He took the moment to grip her wrist, moving her hand just inches away from him. Her brow furrowed as the wind started to pick up again.
"I'm not scared," he assured her, "I've told you before, go ahead, absorb my thoughts. See that I mean you no harm."
He placed his hand on top of hers as she touched the side of his face, closing his eyes. To his surprise she stroked his cheek with her thumb before running it over his lips. Her hand turned from cool mental to hot flesh. He let out the breath he hadn't even realized he was holding in. The wind died once more and he opened his eyes as he felt them slowly descending to the ground. He slid his hand up her arm while she still had her hand on his face. He knew any sudden movement might spook her so he moved slowly until he reached her neck.
He spoke softly, "I wish I could see those beautiful eyes."
Their feet lightly touched the ground and she took a step closer to him, her hand sliding down to his chest. She phased her hand through, wrapping around his heart. He put up a hand as Logan and Kurt moved towards him. His breath caught as she gave it a small squeeze. She looked up at him, her eyes hazy but their normal emerald green once more. Her skin returned to flesh, the glowing energy around it disappearing. She gave his heart another squeeze causing him to inhale sharply.
"It's yours," he soothed, "It beats for you, belongs to you," his fingers ran through her hair, "It'll do anything for you, even stop."
Slowly she released her grip, pulling her hand back out of his chest before her entire body went limp. Remy dipped down, pulling her into his arms. He looked down at her as he walked back towards the others. She seemed so small and helpless again. He stopped next to Professor.
Hs tone was even and emotionless, "You all but gave up on her. Why? Because you couldn't gain access to her mind? Or because you wanted to see for yourself just how powerful she could be? Did you need to see exactly what kind of leash you need to keep on her? They look to you for help, for guidance and in a time of need the only thing you can think to do is invade her mind. All you had to do was talk to her, connect with her on a personal level. The fact that that thought never crossed your mind speaks volumes to the type of man you are, Professor."
A few jaws all but dropped as he continued his walk towards the mansion. The Professor sat there for a moment, speechless as Remy's words sunk in. Never before had someone put his character into question. He looked on as those left outside made their way back towards their home. Beast met Scott at the front door, briefly looking over Jean as she started to come to. She assured him that she was fine, looking at Rogue in Remy's arms as they passed by.
Logan went to retrieve Rogue but felt a hand on his arm, "Let them be for now. Remy seems to have everything under control and the last thing Rogue needs right now is a battery of tests. Anything that needs to be done can wait until tomorrow."
She looked around as she grabbed her head with her right hand. How had she ended up back in her room? The last thing she remembered was headbutting Emma. She looked down at the object in her left hand, flipping it over to reveal the Queen of Hearts. She blinked a few times as she sat up. She felt completely spent and her body ached in places she didn't think could ache. She squinted as the lights came on with a click. He smiled at her as he crossed the room.
He handed her a glass of water then sat next to her in bed, "You're awake, how are you feeling?"
She groaned, "Like I go hit by a truck. What the hell happened? Did I black out?"
He scratched the back of his head, "I'm not sure why but I guess you lost control. I'm a little fuzzy on the details myself. One minute I was getting ready for bed, next thing I know I'm waking on in the front yard and you're absorbing the Phoenix from Jean."
She looked down, "Did I…is everyone okay?"
He rubbed her leg, "Everyone is fine, love. When you are feeling up to it Beast wants to run some tests. Just to make sure you are okay."
"Of course," she rolled her eyes, "At this point I feel more like a lab rat than a person."
He scooted next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "I think he really does just want to make sure you are all squared away. Though I understand why you feel that way. But I hope you know that I'd never let them turn you into some kind of experiment."
She rested her head on his shoulder, "I know. You said the last thing you remember from yesterday was getting ready for bed. Why didn't you come to sleep with me? I waited up for you."
He coughed, "I, well, um. I was doing some…stuff."
She shot him a look, "Does it have anything to do with why you were out with Kitty for hours yesterday?"
He avoided her gaze, "If I said no would you believe me?"
She scuffed but relented, "Fine, LeBeau, keep your secrets."