She looked up at him, placing her hand on the side of his face. She smiled through the pain, trying her best to comfort him. Everyone was trying their best to recollect themselves, taking a moment to breathe. It had been a draining battle, but they won, they had actually won. The world was safe from Apocalypse, thanks to her. They'd all watched at one point or another. They watched as she delivered and took hit after hit. She'd looked so graceful, flying in the air after the mutant trying to kill them all. But they could tell that her fighting style had changed. She was in survival mode, giving this fight all the strength and power she had. Now here she was, in his arms once more.
"We did it," she breathed, "Everyone's safe now."
"You did it," he agreed, "You were amazing. Wait 'til we get home. Then you can get some food and we'll take a long nap," he brushed hair off the side of her face then lifted her head to kiss it.
She used her thumb to rub his face, "I'm not going home with you Rems," she sounded tired and weak, "I love you Remy LeBeau, with all my heart."
"Don't," he voice broke a bit, "Don't you dare say your goodbyes. You are a strong girl, today's not your time. Not yet."
"Always so stubborn," she laughed.
He took a deep breath, "You're gonna be ok, you hear me? You will be fine cherie."
He felt her hand fall from his face and he looked down at her. She looked like she was sleeping. She looked so peaceful. He gently shook her, patting her face with his hand. She still didn't open her eyes. He shook his head back and forth, holding her closer to him. He refused to check for a pulse, some part of him knowing he wouldn't feel one. He pulled her into him.
"Non," he wept, tears streaming down his face, "Come on chere. You can't leave me. Come on Rogue, you gotta get up," he sobbed even harder, "You gotta wake up, please Rogue. I love you, you have to stay with me. Please, Rogue, please. Don't do this to me, don't leave me. Please wake up. Please," he rocked back and forth, "Non, non! NO!"
His eyes shot open, his face and body covered in sweat. He looked over at Rogue sleeping peacefully next to him. He pulled her close to him, willing himself to calm down. He breathed in her scent. How many more nights would he have next to her? What morning would they be summoned, and he'd lose her? Not having a time frame was even more nerve wracking than the actual fight ahead. He squeezed her a little tighter.
He felt her hand touch his face, "Remy, what's wrong?"
He buried his head into her hair, "It was just a nightmare, I'm alright."
"You sure, you seem kind of freaked out," she kissed his neck, "We can talk about it if you want," she soothed him while running her hand through his hair, "Or we can just lay here like this. But everything's alright and you're safe."
"I don't want you to fight," he whispered.
"Was that what the dream was about," she pulled them so his head was on her chest, "Remy, you can't ask that of me. If I don't then a lot of people will die."
He shook his head, "But if you do then…"
"Quiet now," she soothed again, "Push those thoughts from your mind for now and try to get some more sleep. What can I do to help you relax?"
He felt the thin material in between his fingers. He slipped his hand under the see-through top, running his hand along her bare back. A sound escaped her lips as he kissed in between her breasts. He kissed along her neck and the side of her face, moving his hands to her hips. He nibbled on ear as his hands pulled down her panties. He then slipped both hands under the shirt, lifting it up as his hand traveled back up her side. She raised her arms over her head as he pulled her shirt off. He pulled off his boxers as he placed himself in between her legs. He placed his left hand on the back of her head and the right on her hip. He lightly kissed her before grabbing a condom from his drawer.
He entered her slowly, his lips covering hers as a moan crawled up his throat. He loved her touch, the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair and especially the taste of her lips. He also loved listening to her moan and sigh in pleasure and vice versa. He buried his face in her hair, his lips right near her ear. She listened to the way his breath caught in his throat as he moved, her hands laced through his hair. Her name escaped his lips like she was his religion and he was giving praise. He released, feeling completely spent as her grip tightened around him.
He opened his eyes only to see the sun streaming in from Rogue's windows and French doors. He ran his hand up and down Rogue's bare back. She lay next to him, still sound asleep. He smiled at his Rogue, loving how peaceful she looked. He let out a sigh, the weekends were beginning to feel too short. Tomorrow would be Monday again and he'd have to sit through more pointless lessons at school. He leaned down to kiss her head, taking in her scent. He wanted more time with her. She let out a small hmm as she began to wake. She smiled at him before scanning her room, all her presents stacked neatly in the corner. She looked back at him.
"Morning," she hummed as she placed a kiss on his neck.
He stroked her shoulder, "Morning."
She sat up and stretched, "I don't think I've ever had this many birthday presents. It feels more like Christmas. I can't wait to open them."
He laughed, "I mean, there's no one in this room stopping you. Go crazy."
She pulled the sheets around her, making a makeshift dress then crawled off the bed. Remy enjoyed the view of her laughing and gushing over everything. He watched as she held up clothes, make-up and jewelry, cards filled with money. Remy smiled as he looked at her. She had wrapping paper surrounding her, along with boxes, bows and tissue paper. He crawled to the end of the bed, Rogue's blanket around his waist. She looked back at him, her sheet fanned out in a circle around her. The only other things she wore was the necklace Remy had given her. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs.
"I take it you like everything," he asked.
She shook her head, "Yes, I'll have to tell everyone thank you again. This is so much more than I could have ever asked for."
She began to fold up the boxes and collect the wrapping/tissue paper. Remy watched as she quickly disposed of everything. She moved some things around to fit the new make-up on her vanity. She opened her jewelry box and gently placed all the new items inside. Remy walked over to her bookcase as folded all of her clothes before bringing them to her closet. A sketch book caught his eye as he skimmed through the titles. He pulled it, thumbing through the pages. Each drawing was a beautiful as the next, in several different styles. Rogue snatched the book from him.
"Is there anything you're not good at," he asked while walking back to the bed.
"They aren't all mine. There's a lot of people in here and each of them have interesting talents," she replied, "Now, come on and get dressed. I have a training session with Logan at noon, so I need to get some food now. You can join us if you want. You'd be nice and warmed up for the danger room session at three."
Remy yawned, "Can't we just stay here in our own little world? It's peaceful here."
She giggled, "Sorry darling. Today's a busy day. I'm meeting the girls after the Danger Room Session to go shopping."
She pulled him out of bed and shoved him out the door. He walked to his room, taking a minute to plop down on his bed. He didn't want to interrupt Rogue's training session, but he should do a nice workout of his own. He pulled on some gym clothes, throwing Rogue's blanket on her bed. He brushed his teeth and headed downstairs. To his surprise she wasn't in the kitchen. He shrugged but ate some breakfast. He checked his watch as he cleaned up. She had half an hour before her session, but she hadn't come down for breakfast. He made his way back up the stairs as Tabitha walked by.
"Hey," she called, "You lose something?"
He stopped, "Rogue. Have you seen her?"
She walked up to him, tracing circles on his chest, "I'm pretty sure she has a training session with Logan. I can keep you company in the meantime."
He took another step back, "Look, there would have been a time when I'd have been tempted but…"
She let out a small laugh, "Calm down, I'm only messing with you. If I see her I'll let her know you're looking for her."
He nodded, "Thanks."
She laughed again, patting his shoulder before heading towards the library. Remy shook his head but headed back down the stairs. He heard the sound of grunting and blows connecting with a punching bag as he approached the training room. They were low and definitely not female. He turned the corner to see Logan, covered in sweat but alone none-the-less. Logan paused mid-swing as he noticed Remy in the mirror.
Logan wiped his brow, "Either you've decided to shape shift, or you were sent to take Stripes' spot."
"Option three, I'm just me and I came down here because she was supposed to be with you training," Remy countered, "But it seems she is still MIA."
Logan took a drink of water, "She hasn't been down here yet, but she still has a few minutes before I go to hunt her down. You check her room?"
"Non," he shook his head, "I was about to, but Tabitha directed me this way. I haven't seen her for a bit, just wanted to let her know I'd be in the gym and to come get me when you guys were done."
"Hey, I just passed Tabitha on my way down," Rogue said from the doorway, "She said you were looking for me. Everything okay?"
"Where were you," Remy questioned.
"Professor saw me walking by on my way to get breakfast and asked to talk with me for a bit," Rogue shrugged, "I didn't think it would cause so much alarm."
"I mean you could have said something to someone," Remy huffed.
"I didn't think I needed to check in with you before doing anything," she hissed.
He scuffed, "You don't but it's a little concerning when you say you're gonna be somewhere and then you aren't there."
She grabbed his arm as he walked past her, "I'm sorry, I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Why are you getting so upset?"
He pulled his arm away, "I'll be in the gym. Come get me when you're done. Or don't."
She glared at him, "You are being ridiculous."
He sighed, "Rogue…"
"Just get out of my face," she snapped.
"What is your problem," he growled.
"You're my problem," she hissed, "You always have to know where I am or what I'm doing! What are you, my mother? You give me this pissy attitude and then turn around and act like it's me. You are not my keeper so quit acting like it!"
"I'm so sorry that I worry about you," he yelled, "and that I like knowing that you're safe and under control."
"That I'm under control," she spat, "Right, because I'm some hot head that flies off the handle at the drop of a hat. Oh, wait, that's you! At least when I lose control it can't always be helped! And what gives you the right to think that you have any control over me, you arrogant son of a bitch."
"I'm arrogant," he laughed dryly, "What about you? You waltz around here like a god damn saint, ready to sacrifice yourself without a second thought! And for what? Because you've spent your life being groomed to be some super mutant! It's that stubborn pride that refuses to let you ask for help and that attitude that goes with it that's gonna get you killed."
He pushed past her and stalked off. Logan cleared his throat, bringing her attention back to him. She walked into the room fully, placed her gym bag on the ground then turned to face him. They both took a sparring stance. Two hours later and Logan lay on his back in the middle of the training room floor, feeling dead and drained. Rogue stood hunched over, catching her breath. Once she collected herself, she helped Logan up then walked to the girls changing room to put on her uniform. She walked out and to the danger room to begin her stretches. The rest of the older team members began to trickle in about ten minutes later. Rogue stood up again and felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her shoulders. She looked up to see Sam smiling at her.
"Everything alright," he asked, "Remy seemed pretty pissed in the locker room."
She was about to answer when Remy came over. He asked Sam if he could have a minute alone with Rogue. He grabbed her arm and led her into the corner of the room. She refused to look at him, making him feel like shit. He went to stroke her face, but she just pulled away. He cupped her face in his hands. She looked down, not wanting to see his face. She refused to say sorry this time, though she knew she should.
He gathered her in his arms, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have acted like that," he stroked her head, waiting for her reply.
She stood there motionless, "We have a session to do," she tried to pull away.
"Rogue," he pulled her in tighter, "Please, don't do this. I'm so sorry. It's no excuse, but I'm scared, I'm absolutely terrified. You're gonna die and I'm absolutely powerless to stop it. Do you have any idea how hard it is to accept? I can't," his voice broke a bit, "I can't lose you again."
"Remy," she pulled away, "I can't do this right now."
He tried to grab her hand as she walked back with the rest of the group. He joined them shortly after, standing next to Rogue. He looked down and noticed Sam had grabbed her hand. His eyes began to glow again. He refused to let Sam try to move in on Rogue. They both got split when Logan named teams. They left the danger room session an hour and a half later. Remy showered quickly then waited outside of the girl's locker room for Rogue. He went to grab her when she walked out but an arm wrapped around her shoulder. He glared as Sam walked away with Rogue. His heart sank as he heard her laugh. How did today become so messed up? He walked up to his room, not wanting to stay downstairs and listen to everyone have a good time. He closed his door, not noticing the girl sitting on his bed. He walked straight out to his balcony, his eyes closed and his hands massaging his temples. She followed him out, wrapping her arms around his chest, her own chest pressed up against his back. Her head rested a bit below his shoulder blades. He didn't bother to turn around.
"You can't keep thinking about losing me," her voice was soft, "It's gonna drive you crazy."
He spun around quickly, taking her in his arms, "How can I not," he buried his face in her hair.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, one hand going into his hair, "Maybe…maybe we just need a little space."
He pulled away from her, "Are you breaking up with me?"
She looked down, "Remy, I don't mean to but sometimes I can hear your thoughts and dreams," she let out a breath, "They're so loud and they're heartbreaking," her eyes began to fill with tears, "I can't shut them out even when I try, even with all your mental blocks."
"Rogue…," he cupped her face with his hands.
She pulled herself into him, burying her face in his chest, "I'm scared," she cried, "I'm so scared Remy, I don't want to die. I'm seventeen, I'm not ready to die. But more than that I don't want to hurt you anymore and I can't talk to you about it because it hurts you more. I can feel it, the way your mood shifts, the way your heart beats slower."
He tried to sooth her, stroking her hair, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to…I'll do better. I'll try harder. Please don't leave me, I love you."
She pulled away, "Remy…"
"Don't," his eyes pleaded with her, "Don't do this. Please."
She took a few steps back, "I'm sorry."
She ran out of the room, closing the door behind her. He felt like the room was spinning. He leaned back and gripped the railing. This had to be a bad dream, he'd wake up soon. He recollected himself, darting out of his room and down the steps. He stopped midway, looking over the banister. She was walking out the door with Jean, Kitty, Wanda and Tabitha. Wanda's car was already at the gate by the time he got to the door. He hung his head and walked back to his room. He locked the door behind him. That's when he felt them. He wiped his eyes, but they didn't stop. Remy LeBeau was actually crying over a girl.
Rogue walked up the stairs, hands filled with bags. Shopping had distracted her but now she found herself stopping in front of his door. She looked at the ground sadly and kept walking. It was for the best she kept telling herself, like ripping off a band-aid. It may hurt now but it would be better for him in the long run. She dropped her bags on the floor and flopped onto her bed, tears streaming down her face. The knock on the door startled her. She opened the door to see him standing there.
"Please," he placed his hand on the door, "Just…one more night."
She nodded her head, moving to the side to let him in.