Flashback
"All you gotta do is take his wallet," Jean Luc whispered to the small boy, "Take as many wallets as you can. You understand Remy?"
The small boy focused in on his target, quickly bumping into the man and grabbing his wallet. He said his apologies for bumping into him and went on his way. He returned to Jean Luc a few hours later, over a dozen wallets in his pockets. Jean Luc smiled approvingly, counting the money as Remy watched the crowd. A small girl caught his eye. She had porcelain skin with long, dark brown hair that stopped mid-back. He watched as she smiled and walked by with her mother. Jean Luc looked at his adoptive son, following his gaze.
He smiled, "Good pick Remy, why don't you go see what the woman has to offer?"
"I was hoping that I was done for the night. I have to be up for school tomorrow," Remy said, trying to distract his father.
Jean Luc looked at him for a moment, "Alright, have Henry take you home. And don't be taking any detours now, you hear?"
"We won't, thieves honor," he called as he ran in Henry's direction.
He found Henry in his usual spot. Henry was tall, tan and built like a rock. His hair and eyes were brown, matching his biological father's. Despite Henry being Jean Luc's only heir, Remy was the most valued member of the Guild. He was still expected to make quota and train like any other Guild member, but Remy was protected. Not out of love or the goodness of his heart. Remy was a mutant and Jean Luc loved to use his powers whenever he deemed necessary. Henry, on the other hand, took Remy under his wing. He was everything a person could want in an older brother. Remy knew that even if Jean Luc only loved his powers, Henry loved Remy as his brother, as family. He looked up from his book as Remy came running over to him, smiling at the small boy.
"Hey there squirt, finally time to get you to bed," Henry asked as he stood, "shouldn't have even had you out on a school night if you ask me, but he's the boss."
He rustled Remy's hair before they quietly walked through the back allies. Henry checked every now and then to make sure they weren't being followed. Remy kept his eyes straight forward, his hands in his pockets. They both turned when they heard a can being kicked. Not far behind them were members of the Rippers, led by Julian. He was about Henry's height, age and built, with many piercing on his face and ears. He had ugly blonde hair and gross green eyes. He smiled as Henry stepped in front of Remy.
"What's the matter, kid still can't fight," Julian snickered.
Remy pulled his hand out of his pocket, holding up four cards as the members of the Rippers laughed. Henry smirked, knowing full well that they were about to be in a world of pain. They all watched as the cards turned red, flying in their direction. They exploded upon hitting the ground. Henry threw Remy over his should and began to run.
"Alright little man, all you gotta do is make sure they catch up. I'll handle the rest," Henry said as they turned a corner, "Can you handle that?"
Remy pulled three more cards out of his pocket, showing Henry he could manage. Henry ran until he saw the other members of the Thieves Guild. He placed Remy on the ground, patting the top of his head. Remy put the cards back in his pocket, lowering his head to the others. Remy may have been the youngest member of the Guild, but he was also one of the most skilled and the others knew it. Jean Luc had trained him well. He grabbed Henry's hand as they made their way to the boats they'd stashed in the bayou. Henry lifted him into the middle boat before climbing in himself and pushing off the land.
"Pop said we're gonna be moving closer to town," Henry told Remy as they drifted home, "Said he's gonna keep this house as headquarters so it stays hidden, but this house will be closer to your school. That sound like a good idea to you?"
Remy nodded, staring into the water. She was so pretty. That little girl with the bouncing brown hair. He'd never seen before, maybe she was a tourist. Unless she'd just moved here with the woman he could only assume was her mother. Henry waved his hand in front of his face. He blinked a few times, turning to look at Henry.
"Did you hear any of what I just said? I was trying to tell you that there's a female couple just moved down the street," Henry explained again, "and they've got a little girl that's about two years younger than you. So you'll have a new friend to play with when you aren't working or doing homework."
Remy smiled, "That'd be nice."
"What if none of the kids like me," Rogue asked as Irene helped her dress.
Irene smiled and tickled the girl's stomach, "Everyone is going to love you. All you have to do is be your cute, sweet little self. Now give mommy a kiss, mommy Raven is going to walk you to school and pick you up. Okay?"
She smiled, "Okay. Be careful, and don't bump into stuff."
"I'll try my best, my little protector," she kissed Rogue's head, "I love you. Have a good first day."
Rogue kissed her back, "I will."
She walked into the living room where a brown-haired woman waited for her. She held out her hand and smiled at Rogue. Rogue smiled back as she spun in a circle, showing off her first day of school outfit. Raven couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh, very stylish," she praised as she took Rogue's hand, "I'll be back soon," Raven called to Irene before exiting the house, "Are you excited for your first day of second grade?"
"Yes," Rogue smiled even wider, "Mommy Irene said I'm gonna make lots of new friends. I can't wait and now I can eat in the lunchroom. So, I get to pack a lunch in my new lunchbox."
Raven smiled as the little girl babbled on and on about all the things she'd get to do as a first grader. She was happy the child enjoyed school so much. Rogue gulped as she stopped in front of the steps leading up to the school. It was a lot bigger than she thought it would be. Raven bent down and kissed her on her head, hugging around her shoulders.
"Do you want me to walk you in," she asked while standing up.
Rogue took a deep breath, "Nope, I'm a big girl now. I can go in all by myself."
"Alright," she patted Rogue on the butt, "Then get going. I want to hear all about your day when I come to pick you up."
Rogue nodded then bolted up the steps, leaving Raven alone at the bottom. She turned and walked back home. Rogue looked around at all the pictures lining the hallways. Her old school had been much smaller than this one. This one was filled with so many students. She walked the halls until she found her room. The teacher smiled as she walked through the door, seating herself in the front, next to a girl with long, blonde hair.
"Hi," said the girl, "I'm Belladonna."
Rogue smiled, "Hi, I'm Anna."
Belladonna noticed Rogue's accent, "You just move here or something?"
Rogue shook her head, "Yeah, from Mississippi."
"So you're a river rat," Belladonna said matter-of-factly.
Rogue lowered her head, "I guess so."
"Alright class, today you'll all be getting your third-grade helper," the teacher announced, "Remember, they have already been chosen for you so no trading."
The third graders all walked in, walking towards their first grader. Rogue sat by herself, no third grader coming to greet her. She lowered her head then noticed a boy standing in the front of the room. The teachers were talking about something as the boy stood. Rogue found it odd that he was wearing sunglasses inside. She stared at him, not able to see where his eyes fell.
He stared back at the girl he'd seen last night at the fair. She, like him, had no partner. He didn't have one because no one really wanted him as a partner. They all thought it was weird that he had to wear sunglasses inside. She, however, didn't have a partner because she was new. He moved from the teachers' side, walking straight to her desk. She immediately sat up straighter, her eyes still locked on his, with a smile spread across her face.
He put out his hand, "Hi, I'm Remy LeBeau."
Students watched as she shook it, "I'm Anna Marie Alders, nice to meet you Remy LeBeau."
Belladonna hit his hand away, "She doesn't wanna talk to you, Remy. No one does, go away."
He looked down. As he did so Belladonna snatched his sunglasses off of his face before throwing them on the ground. He quickly closed his eyes and dropped to the ground, groping the floor to find them. The other students began to laugh as he crawled around on the floor. She, however, didn't find it funny at all. She walked over to where the glasses lay, picking them up and walking back to him.
"Here," he heard her say.
The students ignored the two as then kneeled on the ground. Remy felt someone grab his hand, facing it palm up. He felt his sunglasses being placed back in his hand, but they were closed. He fumbled to pull the arms out so he could put them back on, feeling someone take them from him again.
"You can open your eyes if you want," she spoke again, "It's alright. No one else is looking, I promise."
When he opened them, he saw a pair of emerald green eyes looking back at him. She stared in wonder at his red on black eyes. She didn't gasp or look away as he stared at her. She smiled as she handed him his open glasses. He quickly put them on, making sure no one else saw. They both stood back up, still looking at each other. The other children glared at them. Naturally the new girl from Mississippi would make friends with the only other friendless kid in class.
"I like them," she said sweetly, "Momma Irene is blind, so her eyes are different too. You can be my third-grade helper if you want?"
Remy smiled, "Sure."
They went to the back of the classroom where no one would bother them. After that moment they became almost inseparable. Even when Jean Luc announced that one day Remy was going to marry Belladonna, joining the two clans together. Even after Remy started hanging out with Belladonna, by force not choice. Henry smiled as he watched the two play outside. The girl seemed much smarted and more mature then her other peers. She could keep up with Remy's energetic personality. Jean Luc, on the other hand, thought the girl was nothing but a distraction. Remy was too fond of this little girl.
Rogue's mothers began to worry too. They had plans for Rogue, plans that didn't involve a little Cajun boy with a spirit like the wind. He distracted her too much. They hadn't dreamed she'd make a friend that she would want to see outside of school. It didn't help that the boy lived right down the street from her. He'd walk her home every day. Then they'd both rush to finish their homework so they could play before Remy had to 'work' with his family.
The real concern came during the summer, where the fairs picked up and everyone was free to do as they pleased. Remy and Rogue would have sleepovers almost every night in the tree house Henry had made for them. They'd stay up late then sleep in. After waking up they'd both go home to shower and change clothes then they'd go back to playing again. Sometimes Belladonna would join them and if Remy had to go to Belladonna's because his father said so, Rogue was always tagging along with him. They never argued about anything. They shared everything with each other, never once did anyone here a "hey that's mine" or a "no, only I can play with that". It was the oddest and most interesting friendship they'd ever seen. What Henry liked most about Rogue was the fact that Remy didn't have to wear his sunglasses around her. Never once did he hear her ask why his eyes were the way they were. She just accepted them.
For the most part they'd rough house outside, causing them to come home with torn clothes constantly. They would also go exploring in the woods, bringing home poison ivy and poison oak. Even when they were itchy messes they'd still go outside and play or wrestle in the front lawn. Henry and his girlfriend Mercy laughed as the two would tackle each other again and again, the winner usually being Rogue. Jean Luc, on the other hand would smirk, seeing these play fights as ways for Remy to practice hand to hand combat. This worked until Remy actually hurt Rogue, after that day it was purely play.
"I don't like that girl," Jean Luc grimaced, "She's got him all distracted. It's no good when I need to train him."
Henry sighed, "Pop, she's the only real friend that boy has got, and I think he deserves at least that. Do you honestly believe that Belladonna really likes him or likes being around him?"
"It don't matter if she likes him or not," Jean Luc huffed, "They're getting married whether they like each other or not so they might as well get used to being around each other now."
"Well what if he doesn't want that," Henry asked, becoming agitated by his father's selfishness, "What if he's in love with the little girl in the front yard? You know, the girl that accepts him for who he is. And have you seen her? She's gonna grow up to be a beautiful Southern Belle."
"Non," Jean Luc said, casting Henry's input aside, "She has no connection to any Guild. She holds no value to me."
Henry glared at his father, "But she does hold value to your son. That should mean something to you," he stormed out of the room, Mercy following him.
"I can't believe school's starting up again soon," Rogue said as she and Remy lay in the grass, "And I'm gonna be seven this year. I think third grade's gonna be fun. What do you think?"
"I think you look really nice today," he replied, making her blush, "And third graders get a fourth-grade helpers."
"Maybe you'll get to be my helper again this year," Rogue beamed.
Remy smiled, "Yeah well, you're the only person that even wants me as a partner."
Rogue stared at him, "That's just because all the other kids are stupid and mean."
Remy just continued smiling. Rogue was the only real friend he actually had. Even members of the Guild thought he was a freak. She'd only seen his eyes; he had no idea what she'd do if he showed her his power. She'd probably run away and not want to speak to him again. He sighed. He couldn't even be fully open with his best friend. He also knew his father wanted him spending more time with Belladonna but, truth be told he liked spending time with Rogue more. He didn't know what he'd do without her. Before she came along school was hell for him, not that he'd admit that to Henry or his father. He'd lost count of the times he'd wanted to blow something up just to scare people into leaving him alone. The physical manifestation of his power in his eyes would be enough to make them go away.
"Are you gonna just stand there or are you gonna come inside," Rogue called from his front porch, "Mercy said she and Henry are gonna take us out for ice cream!"