A/N: I gotta thank Gunslinger 2024 for inspiring me to add a love interest for Logan. I originally wasn't going to. Thanks go to Simle Abby and minimesnape for adding this to faves.
Chellerbelle: I know, I wanted to get in one last confrontation with her.
Shiro-Kitsune8: I'm envisioning a maximum security facility with power dampeners. You?
xdreamernumbuhfour: I know, right? I've read about several places down south that have Mardi Gras celebrations, but not to the scale of New Orleans. Cool. Tell him he's welcome. :) My niece's is on the 6th and she'll be 5. Stabbing Mystique with a spork would make for great entertainment for several hours. How about with a rusty spoon? Oh, the torture!
Madame Star: I have done that so many times. I hate when that happens! Oh well, glad you enjoyed it, anyway.
Chica De Los Ojos Cafe: Yep, the planning is well underway. And thanks muchly.
scott has a pole up his ass: Yay, no pink! Yeah, I thought the color combo sounded cool and elegant, using the deeper shades. Oh, and thanks for reviewing "All I Want For Christmas".
Team-JEdward2010: I thought it sounded like a cool idea to do. Haha...maybe I will do that. Yes, he is and yes, she is. Haha...ya got me with that inside joke.
roguelove321: Aww, thank you so much and here you go.
Riley-the-Sadist848: What can I say? I didn't want to make poor Rogue choose between the two of them. She has enough to do without that. :)
tfobmv18: I am soo happy to hear that! :)
Disclaimer: Haven't done this in awhile. Don't own 'em, sadly enough, or I would run away with Remy.
3 days before Christmas~
In Canada, Logan sits in a cozy cabin, located deep in the wilderness. He gazes thoughtfully into a cheery fire as it licks at the logs he'd just cut a couple of hours ago. His thoughts turn to Rogue, as they often have over the past three months. He just does not understand what went wrong between them. They have been close, ever since she joined a couple of years ago. Their bond deepened after she lost control of the psyches. Ever since then, he's thought of her as a daughter. Rogue, Laura and Kitty. His three daughters. Out of everyone at the mansion, he has always understood Rogue the best, or at least he thought he did.
When she finally gained control of her ability, he cheered, in his own way, right along with her. He knew that someday she would meet someone she would come to love. What he didn't bargain on was two things: One, that it would be this soon. Two, that the man ended up being Gambit.
Logan knew that something had transpired between the two of them down in Louisiana, but he hoped that nothing would come of it. His hopes were dashed when Remy moved back to Bayville, then as if that wasn't bad enough, he decided he was going to join the X-Men. Ever since then, Gambit and Rogue were inseparable.
Logan sighs, rises from his comfy recliner and stirs the fire. Returning to his seat, he returns to his ruminations. As he takes a sip of coffee, Gambit comes to mind. The young Cajun is too brash, cocky and charming for his own good. The man can fight, that's for sure. He proved that with Apocalypse. It's just his motives concerning Rogue, that has the Canadian worried.
He shakes his head ruefully. Maybe he shouldn't have been so demanding with Rogue when he ordered her not to marry the Cajun. Okay, no maybe about it. He was wrong and inside, he knew how she was going to react to that. That girl does not take to being ordered at all. She'd been pushed around so much when she was with Mystique. She just doesn't realize that he's trying to look out for her best interests. He can't bear the thought of seeing any of his girls hurt.
After he checks on his venison stew, he moves back into the small living room, but before he can sit again, there is a knock at the door. Wondering who it could possibly be, he steps up to the door cautiously. He catches a faint, albeit familiar scent and his brows raise in surprise. Opening the door, he takes in the beautiful sight before him.
"Well, aren't you going to invite me in?" Storm questions with a trace of humor, as Logan stares at her.
"Uh...yeah, come in." Logan says, sweeping an arm in invitation.
"Hmm...nice place you have here." Storm glances around the room.
"Ororo, is there something wrong at home?" Logan asks worriedly.
"There is something wrong, but it is not at home." Storm answers astutely. "It has been three months, Logan. How much longer do you intend to stay away?" She inquires softly.
As Logan turns away, Storm lays a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Logan, it is time for this stand-off to stop. Come home. We miss you."
"Ya sure about that, darlin'?" Logan turns around and grins wryly with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, most of us," Storm admits with a small smile.
"So tell me, are Stripes and Gumbo still together?" Logan growls out.
"Yes, they are. Their wedding plans are well underway and you've got to stop this, Logan! They are both very much in love and I have never seen Rogue so happy. Remy treats her like a queen and has really stepped-up to help in your absence. Just what is it that keeps you from accepting him? Is it that he was an Acolyte?"
"I don't trust him." is all Logan will say in his defense.
"I think he has proven himself to be trustworthy. Rogue does, also. If you would give him a chance, I'm sure that you will, too. Besides, what about us? I really want to keep seeing you, Logan, but I can't if you don't come home. Please." Storm gazes at him entreatingly.
"Does Stripes miss me?" He asks quietly.
"I believe she does. She doesn't say too much about it, but there have been times where a look of sadness crosses her face. Logan, if you want her to be happy, then respect her decision to be with Remy. I'm not saying that you have to like him, but just...reserve judgment until you know him a bit better." Storm plays the card that finally changes his mind. "Do it for Rogue. And for me."
Logan jams a hand through his hair, considering her request for several minutes. He walks over to her and wraps his arms around her waist. "Darlin', ya drive a hard bargain," He pauses and takes a deep breath. "alright, I'll come home an' I'll try ta leave Gumbo alone." He replies resignedly.
"Good, because I have definitely missed you." Storm responds, leaning in to kiss him.
After staying in the cabin overnight, with him taking the sofa, the two board Velocity and head eastward, toward home the next morning.
At the Institute~
"Remy, quit eatin' all tha popcorn!" Rogue declares as Remy reaches into the bowl and sneaks another kernel. "It's for tha garlands." Rogue informs him when he grabs another one and chuckles wickedly.
"W'at'll y' give me t' stop?" he questions impishly as his hand darts out yet again. He isn't quick enough this time however, when Rogue slaps his hand away.
"If ya don' stop, I'll have Jamie follow ya aroun' everywhere ya go, singin' Christmas carols at tha top a his lungs." Rogue threatens with a diabolical grin.
"Y' wouldn'." Remy gazes at her calculatingly.
"Ya willin' ta take that chance?" Rogue asks shrewdly.
"Y jus' evil t' dis Cajun." Remy affects a pout.
Rogue giggles and puts the bowl well out of his reach. "Aww....po' baby." She coos, as she moves closer to him, brushing a bit of hair out of his eyes. Rogue puts her arms around his neck and softly presses a kiss to his cheek.
"Not bon enoug'." He replies in mock hurt.
Rogue grins and kisses him behind his ear, working her way across his jawline. Just as she reaches his lips, she lifts her head up and gazes into his eyes.
"Betta?" She inquires huskily.
"Some." He answers quietly, staring into hers. After a few seconds, he closes the small gap between them, kissing her deeply. This is the scene that greets Storm and Logan as they enter the room.
Storm lightly clears her throat and lays a calming hand on Logan's arm, reminding him of the promise he made her, as Remy and Rogue part suddenly at the sound, Rogue blushing slightly.
"'Ey, Stormy!" Remy greets her effusively, making no move to leave his fiance's side. "I see y' broug't Monsieur Claws back wit' y'." He observes, his smile fading just a bit.
"Yes, I believe he's been away for long enough." Storm states with a small smile. "Logan, don't you have something you want to say?" Storm prompts him.
"Uh...Stripes, can I see ya in the kitchen for a minute?" Logan queries hesitantly.
Rogue regards him soberly for a moment. "Alrigh', but if ya gonna start in-"
"No, Rogue. I...just need to talk for a minute." Logan interrupts, giving her a tender look that she hasn't seen for some time.
Rogue nods her head mutely and rises from the couch.
"Y' wan' me t' come wit', cherie?" Remy questions, sparing a quick glance at Logan.
"No, hon. But would ya wait here for me?" She requests, shooting him a pleading look.
"O' course, mon amour. I be righ' 'ere." He replies soothingly.
Rogue pours herself a cup of hot apple cider and sits at the table. "So, why did ya wanna see me, Logan?" She queries in a guarded tone.
"Look, Stripes, I....was wrong to tell ya that ya weren't marryin' Gumbo. Ya gotta know that I was just tryin' to look out fer ya. I don't like seein' ya hurt, Rogue."
"I know, but ya gotta let me decide what's bes' for me, Logan. That's what I keep tellin' ya. Ya gotta undastan' that I know what I'm doin' now. Yeah, there will be times that I make mistakes, but ya can' hova aroun' me, protectin' me from everythin'. I wanna live life an' I wanna live it with Remy."
"Yeah, I know that now. So, does Gumbo treat ya well?"
"Remy treats me very well. He really loves me, Logan. He's proven that ta me ova an' ova again." Rogue smiles softly.
"Good, cuz ya deserve only the best."
"An' I've got him."
Logan chuckles in concession. "Alright, Stripes! I get it, I get it." He holds his hands up defensively.
"Ya betta." Rogue nods curtly.
"I'll try not to be hard on the Cajun, either." Logan says gruffly.
Rogue walks up behind him and wraps her arms around his neck in a hug. "Thank ya, Logan. I have... somethin' I wanna ask ya." Rogue tells him shyly.
"Well, what is it Stripes? Spit it out." Logan demands, but not unkindly.
"I was-well, what I thought was..." Rogue hesitates uncertainly, then continues. "I wanted ya ta give me away." She requests quietly.
"You want me...?" Logan is unable to finish his question.
"Yeah. Ya tha closest ta bein' a dad ta me." Rogue answers honestly as she reaches out and takes his hands.
"Rogue...I don't know what to say. I-I'd be...honored." Logan gazes at her, unable to suppress the emotion in his eyes.
Rogue smiles brightly and gets up from her chair, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Thank ya. Ya don' know how much this means ta me." She replies with tears in her eyes.
She makes her way back into the other room, where Storm is laughing at a story Remy was telling her. They both look up at her arrival. As she wipes tears from her eyes, their looks change to ones of concern.
"Are you alright, child?" Storm inquires gently as Rogue sits by Remy. His arms automatically pull her close and he visibly relaxes, catching her emotions.
"I'm fine. Logan said he'd give me away." Rogue answers contentedly, laying her head on Remy's chest.
"Dat's bon, Roguey. 'M 'appy y' deux settled y'r diff'rences." Remy says as he strokes her hair.
"Me too, Rems. He even said that he's gonna try not ta be so hard on ya."
"Aww...jus' w'en I was t'inkin' o' ways t' 'ave fun wit' 'im." Remy jests.
"Remy...." Rogue states warningly.
"Okay, I'll try t' be'ave." He yields as he rolls his eyes.
"That's all I ask, seein' as ya already have such a hard time doin' so." Rogue teases.
"Can' 'elp m'self. 'Specially wit' such belle comp'ny aroun'." He looks at her with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Rogue drily expresses and happens to glance at a now empty popcorn bowl.
"Remy!" Rogue yells in exasperation.
"Y'r de one dat lef' it in 'ere." He points out.
"Uh-huh, keep tellin' yaself that as ya poppin' me anotha bowl." Rogue tells him as she hands him the bowl.
"De t'ings I do f'r love." Remy mutters as Rogue and Storm laugh.
"Storm?"
"Yes, Rogue?"
"Why did ya go afta him?"
"I thought it was time to get all of this behind us. He is needed here."
"Why do I get tha feelin' that ya not jus' talkin' about him bein' needed aroun' here in general?" Rogue inquires astutely.
Storm briefly looks down, debating within herself before answering. "Because Logan and I were seeing each other, before he left." Storm answers quietly. "We're picking up where we left off."
A broad smile covers Rogue's face. "I knew it. I knew there was somethin' between ya two. Don' worry," Rogue hastens to add. "I won' tell anyone, if ya don' wan' me ta."
"I would appreciate it, child, although I'm certain that it will not remain a secret here much longer. Not with the 'mutant grapevine' in full swing." Storm says with a knowing smile.
"Yeah, I'm surprised they didn't catch it then." Rogue chuckles softly.
"I am heading upstairs to change. It would seem I have a date tonight." Storm informs her as she makes her way to her room.
Rogue smiles after her, then notices Remy coming out with the bowl filled with freshly popped corn. She pats the seat next to her. "Come an' help me. Ya wanna do tha cranberries?"
"Sure. Not'in' bett'r dan stayin' in by de fire wit' ma femme." He says as he passes the bowl to her. She scoots the bowl containing the berries toward him and work resumes on the garlands as they blissfully discuss wedding plans and a few other topics of interest.