"Thank you so much for letting me stay for the holidays," Rogue said as she hugged everyone good-bye.
"You are welcome back any time petite," Jean Luc kissed her forehead, "Now keep that boy of mine in line."
"No promises," she joked, "You know what a hard head he is."
She laughed as Remy glared at her before saying his goodbye's. After the incident with Julien, Jean Luc had been nothing less than a perfect host. It seemed he and Remy had even worked out a few issues. She looked over to her least expected friend as Belladonna planted a small kiss on Remy's cheek before snuggling back up to Emil happily. Henry and Remy loaded the bags in the car as Merci swooped in for one last hug. She watched as everyone waved goodbye to them as they pulled out of the driveway. Rogue was almost shocked at just how sad she was to leave. She'd spent the better part of December with the LeBeau family and it was the most at home she'd felt in a long while. She smiled as she thought about Christmas and New Year's. It was the best year she'd had and she'd never felt this happy. Remy grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze, the feeling of cold metal touching his skin. He was surprised that Rogue was still wearing the promise ring he'd gotten her. The white gold matching her pale skin as the emerald surrounded by diamonds matched her eyes. Or at least that's what he'd thought of when he bought it.
"What you got on your mind," she asked.
He shook his head, "Nothing really, just surprised you didn't take off the ring. It's not like we're around my family anymore."
She pulled her hand away and examined the ring, "I mean, it's gorgeous and it's not like you'll take it back so I might as well wear it right," she dug into her pocket, pulling out her cell phone, "Hold that thought. Hello, hey Logan. Remy and I are on the road now. Egypt, why do we need to go to Egypt? No, that's not possible. We still have at least another week. Are you sure? Yeah, we can pull in there. Will his car fit? Alright, I understand. See you soon, bye," she hung up the phone, putting back in her pocket, "We have to go to the hotel parking lot a mile up the road. Logan is gonna get us in the X-Jet. Your car is gonna get picked up in another jet by Mr. McCoy. We gotta get back to the mansion as fast as possible. We leave for Egypt tomorrow."
Remy's eyes widened, "Tomorrow? But I thought…"
Rogue looked out the window, "I know. I'm sorry, I thought we'd have a little more time too."
He pulled into the parking lot in time to see Logan standing there. They got out of the car, grabbing all their bags and walked over to the jet. Rogue noticed everyone that had been away for vacation. Scott held Jean's hand tightly, Kitty clutched her phone in one hand and Lance's hand in the other. Remy wrapped his arm around Rogue's waist when he saw Pyro, Colossus, and Saber Tooth. They both sat close to their teammates. Remy got a few glances from his old comrades, the harsh ones coming from that sadistic animal known as Victor Creed. Remy held Rogue's hand tightly.
"Why are they here," Remy asked Jean.
"You'll need this," Rogue interrupted, touching Jean's hand, "It's a small part but it'll be enough to help you save the Professor. It'll obey you until the mission is over."
Jean smiled, "Thank you Rogue, I don't even know how to repay you."
Rogue smiled back, "Just let Professor know this wasn't his fault and there was nothing more he could do. He'll understand."
Remy squeezed Rogue's hand, "We're gonna get you through this, I promise."
She nodded, "I know."
He wrapped his arm around her tightly, kissing the top of her head. He looked over at Saber tooth, who had been eyeing the pair up since they walked on the jet. Remy could tell that he was itching to have another go at Rogue, but Wolverine was also keeping a close eye on him. He could feel his eyes starting to glow but felt instantly calmed by the pair of lips that brushed against his ear, urging him to relax. He let out a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding. Everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief as the jet touched down, each person scrambling to get off and away from their former enemies. Inside the team was met by the rest of the X-Men along with the rest of the members of the brotherhood. Wanda ran over to Rogue, hugging her friend tightly.
Kitty grabbed Rogue's hand, "Look at those rocks. Did you get engaged over Christmas break and not tell anyone?"
"Oh," Rogue blushed and pulled her hand away, "No, it was just a Christmas gift from Remy. No one is getting married any time soon…I think."
Tabitha nudged Jean, "I wish all my exes got me Christmas gifts like that."
"That's not…you," Rogue turned to face Emma Frost.
"I'm surprised you actually came back. I figured you'd run scared," she taunted, "or maybe you just wanted the extra time with him," she looked at Remy, "before you die. Don't worry, once you're gone I promise to take good care of him."
"Shut up," Rogue growled, "When the time comes you'll get yours."
Emma laughed, "You'll be too distracted trying to make sure Apocalypse doesn't tear your lover to shreds to even have time to worry about me."
Before Rogue could respond Emma was gone, "I can't wait to rip her to shreds."
"She makes a valid point," Tabitha pointed out, "We'll handle her, you can't afford any distractions."
"Besides him who are we up against," Rogue asked.
Jean let out a deep breath, "Well against their will he has Magneto, Professor, Storm and Mystique. Yeah I know, I thought she would be acting on free will but apparently she's not. Acting on their own free will he has Emma and Mesmero."
"Those are two mutants that shouldn't be taken lightly," Kitty dropped Rogue's hand, "But, Nick Fury is sending in his Sentinels to help."
Rogue rolled her eyes, "I'm sure Logan's thrilled. I'm gonna go run some simulations in the Danger Room, I'll catch up with you guys later."
Remy decided to follow her. She was ready, more than ready. He knew she was going to get her mind off of things. He knew that she has made peace with her fate, but he also knew that a small part of her was still worried they'd fail. He took a seat in the observation deck. She moved so gracefully, dodging any form of tire that came her way. She seemed almost blissfully unaware of her teammates below her. He sat there amazed, she seemed so in her element.
"Chere, how much longer are you gonna be in there," his voice yelled through the intercom.
She came to a halt, "How long have you been watching me?"
He turned off the simulation, "Oh, a good while. Why don't you stop obsessing and come get something to eat? It's nearly dinner time. You can always come back later."
She touched her feet to the ground, "If you want to bring some dinner up to my room in a bout an hour I'd appreciate it. I'm gonna go to the training room and hit the punching bag for a while. After that session I feel a little amped."
He laughed and waved his hand but exited the observation deck. He made his way up the stairs, passing her as she walked to the gym area. He laughed as he heard a small explosion. If she kept this up she was going to trip the sprinklers for sure. Upstairs he walked into the kitchen and offered Logan a hand. He wasn't surprised to see an assortment of proteins and carbs. He was surprised at how quiet everyone seemed to be. Even Pyro kept his mouth shut. He guessed Logan could read his face as the older man cleared his throat.
"I think the comment from Emma shook them up a bit," he explained, "I had to reassure a few of them that there was no way we'd let Rogue die. But the way she's training downstairs has them nervous."
Remy looked at the counter, "They should be nervous, we all should. Anyone that isn't is a fool. There is a very real chance that some of us aren't coming back from this," he looked at them, all sitting at the kitchen table, "They're just kids."
Logan gripped his shoulder, "So are you Gumbo. Are you not worried?"
"She's not coming back," he looked at Logan, sadness lacing his eyes, "I'm gonna die either way. What's there to be worried about?"
Logan nodded. He knew what Remy meant and he couldn't deny that a part of him was going to die as well. They heard a loud bang downstairs and Remy couldn't help but laugh. She was going hard and he could tell. He took some time to chat with everyone, eyeing the way Pete was growing red the more he talked to Kitty. The gentle giant would be better suited here, especially now that Magneto held nothing over him. He checked his watch, she should be coming up soon so he decided to gather a plate of food for her. He gave Logan a nod and took the plate up the steps. He couldn't help but laugh as Rogue walked through her bedroom door moments later, soaking wet.
"Have a good time in the training lab," he asked between laughs.
She started to pull her shirt off, "I may have tripped the sprinklers. You accidently catch a few punching bags on fire and it's apparently a hazard."
"Well your food's on the dressed," he tore his eyes away from her, "I'll leave so you can get changed and eat."
"You can stay, we can watch a movie," she pulled down her pants, "Can you hand me one of the towels in the bathroom?"
He could feel his face get hot, "I can wait until you get some close on. Here, please take the towel."
She giggles, "Are you embarrassed?"
He shifted, "That's not the word I'd use to describe it."
"It's nothing you haven't seen before," she unhooked her bra and let it fall, "Focus on picking a movie and I'll get changed quickly."
"Could just come over here and kiss me," he mumbled.
"I heard that," she glared at him.
He turned his focus on the TV, flipping through the movie options. He settled on some chick flick that he didn't catch the name of then turned his attention back to her. She walked out of her closet in a tank top and pair of oversized sweatpants…his sweatpants. She grabbed the plate of food and crawled into her bed, tapping the spot next to her for him to sit. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she leaned her head on his chest, both picking absentmindedly at the food as they watched. He placed the plate on the end table next to him, looking back down at Rogue. She pulled her face to his and lightly kissed his lips. The gesture surprised him and he couldn't help but stare.
She smiled sadly, stroking his cheek, "One last time?"
He gathered her up in his arms, "If I say no that mean you'll owe me at a later point. That's how it works right?"
She could feel his heart racing, "I wish that's how it worked."
"Then," he kissed the top of her head, "If this is our last night…I just want to hold you."
She climbed into his lap, curling into a ball. Her cheek pressed against his and she could feel the wetness even though he did his best to hide it. He pulled her tighter as she dipped her head down to kiss his neck. She calmed him each time he went to speak. She could hear the irregularity of his breath and didn't want his voice to break. Silence was better. She pulled away and he placed his hands on either side of her face. He leaned in and kissed every inch of her perfect face, leaving her lips for last. It took every once of strength to pull away. He smoothed her hair as she rested her face against his chest once more. It was the first time he'd ever wished that tomorrow wouldn't come.