A/N: Sorry this took so long. The past couple of days were spent in emotional upheaval, so I wasn't in the right frame of mind to do this. Let's just say that I thought I was content with the way things were going, then something happened to really make me rethink things. Anyway, here it is.
Well, we're finally here. Their big day! There might be one more chap after this. It depends on how long this one ends up being. Thanks to all of you for your fantastic reviews and ideas. Speaking of, the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid dresses, as well as some of the decorations are courtesy of Riley-the-Sadist848. The hideaway is the brainchild of Shiro-Kitsune8. If you gave me ideas throughout the story and I used them, thank you. Thanks to chinesefireball88, Ameron and Bloodypassion for adding this story to their alerts and to japanesegal12 and greendolphin389 for adding this to their faves.
Disclaimer: As much as I wish for it to be, none of this is mine.
Sonar: Thanks for adding this to your faves. Can't you though? Makes for funny pictures running through your mind.
Shiro-Kitsune8: I quite agree. You don't want to mess with them. Hmm...I hadn't really thought about that.
Chellerbelle: Yeah, Wolvie's more of a subtle kind of guy. He has something in mind, though. ;)
Madame Star: Yeeesss. Romy revenge is very satisfying. Here is the chapter you've been waiting for.
Adoete: Thank you. (bows) Oh yes, he will respond.
Chica De Los Ojos Cafe: That part was a scream! I can just see Logan's face after she announced that. Hehehehehe.....
Team-JEdward2010: Glad to hear it. That's what I was going for. :)
Sweetcornbee: Oui, it is. You needn't count much further.
Courtney Summers: Haha! That makes me so happy to hear.
xdreamernumbuhfour: I'm glad it turned out funny for everyone. Yeah, I like the fuzzy dude, but he shouldn't mess with the master. I like how that turned out, too.
scott has a pole up his ass: I am so happy that chapter got you out of a bad mood. I love reading things like that. :D
acupofchamomile: Yes, it is! :D
The day before the wedding, Remy takes Rogue out to get away and have some breathing space before their respective parties that night. He drives her to a bayou a good distance away from the home and leads her into a tunnel created out of tree roots and branches.
"Nice lil' place ya got here." Rogue grins as she looks around. "So how many girls did ya bring here ta be alone with them?" She questions playfully.
"Actually cherie, de answer would be one. I used dis place f'r w'en I wanted t' be by m'self. T' get away fr'm Pere's demands. Y'd be de only femme who's been 'ere wit' me." Remy tells her as he wraps an arm around her and pulls her close.
"Well now, that does make me feel special." Rogue replies with a grin as she lays her head against him.
"An' well it should, Roguey. T'oug't we could use un petite break fr'm de mad'ouse an' I know no one will fin' us 'ere." Remy passes her a sly look.
"Don' discount Logan, Rems." She responds warningly.
"'Ave y' noticed de way 'e keeps lookin' at us?" He asks suspiciously. "Makes me wonder w'at's goin' on in dat min' o' 'is."
"Yeah, I have. All I know is that it can' be good. We'll have ta keep an eye on him."
"Only til we leave f'r our honeymoon. Den maybe 'e will take 'is aggressions out on someone else w'ile we're gone."
"Oh ya dreamer ya. He'll jus' wait til we get back. Ya know that." Rogue jests half-heartedly.
"Don' crush m' 'opes, chere. Let me dream a little, s'il vous plait?" Remy queries plaintively as Rogue giggles.
"Ya know, I'm kinda wonderin' what they have planned for me tanight." Rogue says in a slightly worried tone.
"Why's dat, mon coeur?"
"'Cause Wanda an' Kit let Jubes plan my party."
"Dat should be interestin'." Remy murmurs thoughtfully. "Wouldn' be s'rprised if she tried t' sneak a stripper in some'ow. Mig't 'ave t' talk t' 'er." He strokes his chin thoughtfully.
"Ta tell her ta cancel him?"
"Dat an' t' volunteer m'self." Remy wiggles his brows at her, making her laugh.
"Don' ya dare! I wanna be tha only woman from here on out ta see ya in ya altagetha, ya hear me, Swampy?" Rogue glares at him, but the full effect is lost on him as she starts laughing again.
"Weelll, since y' put it dat way....." Remy drawls suggestively as his hands grasp the hem of his shirt.
"Don' ya even try it, Remy LeBeau! Ya can wait one more night. Rogue declares between giggles.
He sighs in mock resignation. "D'accord, cherie. We'll play dis y'r way f'r now, but t'morrow nigh', y'r mine." A shiver slides down her spine at the seductive purr. She snuggles closer, wrapping her arms around him.
"Ya know, if John an' Pete are throwin' ya party, ya might wanna watch for any fires John might try ta start." Rogue suggests jokingly.
"'M sure Pete'll 'andle it jus' fine. B'sides, m' min' won' be on de party." He says this with a smoldering look. "If Johnny s' much as tries t' make a 'Flamin' Moe'* again, I'll sen' Logan aft'r 'im." Remy states warningly.
"He actually tried ta copy that?" She questions with humorous incredulity.
"Yeah. Burned Mags' eyebrows off. Aft'r dat, we 'ad t' 'ide all de cough medicine." Remy chuckles at the memory, Rogue joining him.
"S'ppose we should be 'eadin' back?" Remy asks a tad regretfully.
"Yeah, I think it's time. I don' know about ya, but I don' wanna face tha wrath of a bunch a angry bridesmaids 'cause I took too long ta get back an' get ready. Rogue stands as much as she possibly can in the small space and moves out to wait for Remy.
When they return, Wanda pulls Rogue aside and gives Remy an apologetic smile. "I'm saving your bride-to-be from the 'make-over mob'." Wanda informs him as she somehow sneaks Rogue past the searching girls. Rogue turns back to him, blowing him a kiss and giving him a small wave.
Wanda leads her into their room, locking the door behind her.
"Okay, which outfit did you have in mind for tonight?"
"The black skinny jeans an' my purple chinese style silk blouse."
"Ooh, nice." Wanda says agreeably as she takes the clothing out, careful to hang the blouse up and smooth it. She sets to work on Rogue's hair, pulling it up into an up-sweep and softly curling the ends, then taking the streaks and leaving them to frame her face. After applying her make-up, complete with glitter eyeliner, they descend the stairs to wait for the others.
The guys thunder down the stairs, admiring the two beautiful young women awaiting the rest of their entourage.
"Have fun, Rems, but not too much!" Rogue calls out to him with a sassy grin.
"Y' t'. Tell Jubes I'll be dere at 8 f'r de show!" He responds cheekily. The guys turn inquisitive glances toward him. "Private joke." He tells them as Rogue laughs.
The other women finally join Wanda and Rogue and they make the drive into town. Jubilee had somehow managed to talk Storm into getting directions from Henri to go to a night club, even though most of them were under-age. All she had to do was promise Storm that there would be no drinking, other than soda or other non-alcoholic beverages.
They pull up to an upscale nightclub and as they enter, all eyes follow them to a few tables. Especially the eyes of of a blonde. She watches sullenly as one-by-one, the girls give Rogue their gifts, all of them being pieces of lingerie. She opens the gift from Storm and finds a gorgeous pale green silk peignoir set.
"Oh Storm, this is jus' incredible! I love it." Rogue carefully folds it and returns it to its box. "Thank ya everyone. I'm sure Remy's gonna be quite happy with my new collection." She says coyly as the girls laugh.
"You are welcome, Rogue. I saw that and I thought it would look fantastic on you." Storm smiles fondly.
As the girls are dancing, the blonde makes her way to Rogue's table.
"S' y' t'ink y'r goin' t' marry Remy, do y'?" She asks tartly.
"Considerin' I'm wearin' his ring an' all tha plans are made, I'm gonna say yeah." Rogue retorts.
"Wrong answer, 'cuz w'en 'm done wit' y', der'll be not'in' lef' f'r 'im t' marry." Bella's eyes flash in insane rage.
"What makes ya think I'm gonna make it that easy?" Rogue questions snidely as she stands.
"Almos' got' y' once. If it hadn' been f'r Remy, y'd be dead." Bella answers with an evil grin.
"No, no, no, that ain' how it happened, Bella. If ya rememba right, I escaped from tha ropes before Remy got there ta rescue me. I will take ya out before I let ya get in tha way of our weddin'!" Rogue shouts angrily.
"It was s'pposed t' be our weddin' befo' y' came along an' ruined ev'ryt'in'!" Bella argues hotly as she advances menacingly toward Rogue.
"How many times does he have ta tell ya that he neva wanted ta marry ya before it sinks inta that thick skull a yas?" Rogue inquires furiously as she prepares to defend herself.
"Y' lie!" Bella snarls as she swings at Rogue, who deftly evades the move. She follows through with a spin and grasps Bella's arm, effectively flipping her over and onto the floor. By now, the other ladies have come over to assist Rogue, if necessary. Bella takes immediate notice.
"Oh no. Dis is b'tween de salope an' me." Bella growls. Rogue takes full advantage of her diverted attention and throws a nasty right-hook.
"Stop callin' me that!" Rogue yells. "If anyone is, it's ya. Remy's tol' ya time an' time again ta leave him alone, yet ya won' listen. I didn' influence him in one way or anotha. He's been tellin' ya this for years!"
Bella cries out in madness as she brandishes a stiletto.
"'Ey, she's got a knife!" A man calls out as everyone screams and begins backing away, leaving Rogue and her friends to the crazy woman.
"Oh, for the love of..." Wanda mutters disgustedly to herself as she hurls herself at Bella from behind, knocking her to the ground, but not before she strikes out, catching Rogue in the leg with the dagger as she falls. Rogue screams and stumbles into Storm's arms. The older woman helps her to a chair as Wanda sits on Bella's back and squeezes the blonde's arm until she releases her hold on the knife. Kitty runs up and kicks it out of reach. By now, the police have been called by the bartender, who approaches Rogue and Storm with a clean, wet cloth. Jean takes it and gently swabs the area.
"Looks like it will need a couple of stitches." Rogue groans in dismay at the diagnosis.
"Well, at least my gown has a full skirt. No one will see tha bandage." She states regretfully and winces as Jean wraps the wound in a clean, dry cloth.
Bella is arrested and charged with public disturbance and aggravated assault.
"Ladies, I believe this party is over. Let's get Rogue home and get her leg taken care of." Storm takes charge as she supports Rogue and assists her out.
The guys go to a blues club, Piotr having confiscated anything with the merest possibility of being flammable from John. The fire manipulator pouts as they go inside.
"Come, John. This is a party for our comrade. As of tomorrow, he will be a married man. Let's be happy for him." Pete tries to cheer him.
"It's just that I was going to try to get one of the sheilas in there to do a fire dance for our mate." John explains mournfully.
"Ah, John. I do not think that any of the women inside know how to do any kind of a fire dance."
"Not even with just a flamin' baton?"
"I do not think that would be a good idea. Let's go order ourselves a drink." Pete suggests, leading John toward the bar.
Several women attempt to catch the Cajun's eye throughout the evening, but all he does is nod and smile politely. One comes up to him and asks him to dance.
"Sure. W'at could one dance 'urt?" He asks nonchalantly.
He soon realizes his mistake as she keeps trying to press in close to and give him seductive looks. Remy firmly, but gently disengages himself from her grip. "Dis wasn' a bon idea, chere. 'M gettin' married t' de amour o' m' life t'morrow."
"So? That's tomorrow. There's still tonight. I could take you back to my place and make you forget all about her."
"I don' wan' t' fo'get 'bout 'er. She be de mos' belle femme I ev'r laid eyes on. Now, if y' will excusez moi." He says pointedly as he returns to the guys' table. A short time later, the guys laugh as Roberto, acting on a dare from Ray, tries to order a beer.
"Fo'get it, garcon!" Remy calls out among another chorus of laughs. "'E knows y' ain' ol' enoug'."
After awhile longer, they decide that it's time to leave, it being nearly midnight. When they get to the house, they notice that all the lights are still on.
"Hmm...I get the faint smell of blood." Logan growls as Remy jumps out of the car and sprints into the house. He throws open the door and sees Rogue on the couch with her leg propped up.
"W'at 'appened t' y'?" He asks worriedly, sitting in one of the chairs beside her.
"That deranged lunatic Bella, is what!" Rogue answers grouchily.
Remy sighs deeply and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Was 'opin' we wouldn' 'ave any run-ins wit' 'er. 'Ow bad is it?"
"Needed a couple a stitches. Don' even think a blamin' yaself for this, Rems. It's not ya fault that she's nuts." Rogue demands as the rest of the guys trickle in.
"Geez, Rogue. When you party, you really party!" Bobby crows, getting him a glare from Remy, Logan, Kurt and Scott.
"What the heck happened, Stripes?" Logan questions gruffly.
"Tha crazy woman who kidnapped me months ago, did this."
"Dat's it. Even dough she in jail, don' mean she'll stay dere. 'M goin' t' 'ave Henri get some o' de guild memb'rs guard all de entrances t' de church an' de reception 'all. I ain' riskin' anyt'in' mo' 'appenin' t' mon coeur."
"Good thinkin' Cajun. If I wasn't givin' the bride away, I'd do it myself and make sure she has no chance ta get away." Logan snarls dangerously.
"Do y' need 'elp gettin' upstairs, cherie?" Remy inquires solicitously.
"Well, no-" Rogue begins to reply, then changes her mind. "Yeah, I'm thinkin' I do." She says with a small grin. Logan rolls his eyes, knowing full well that she can manage just fine. Looks like just a cut, after all. Not like she has any broken bones or anything.
Remy chuckles. He knows what she's doing and he would do anything for his Rogue. He effortlessly picks her up and carefully takes her up to her room, where Wanda is already waiting.
"So that's why you waited up for him." Wanda slyly replies as he sets Rogue on her bed and leans over to lightly brush his lips against hers. He looks over at Wanda and gives her a cheeky grin and turns his attention back to Rogue.
"Y' ready f'r t'morrow?" He queries happily as he takes her hands.
"More than ready, Rems. I can' wait ta be married."
"Tres bon, 'cuz all I've dreamed 'bout f'r de pas' few mont's is bein' wit' y'." Remy murmurs as he leans in for another kiss.
"Hey! I have to share this room with her for one more night and I don't want to spend it watching you make out with her. I'm not leaving and you're not staying. You can have her all to yourself tomorrow night, but for now, amscray!" Wanda teasingly shoos him out the door as Remy laughs, purposely making it difficult for her to shove him out. She finally succeeds with a threat to hit him with one of her bolts if he didn't start moving. Just as she goes to close the door, Logan stops and watches as Remy chuckles and walks toward Henri's room.
"Nice work." Logan acknowledges, nods briefly and goes into his room.
Wanda wakes up early the next morning and notices Rogue already gone. She heads downstairs to see Rogue at the kitchen table, chatting with Tante.
"Oh, hi Wands. I was too excited, so I jus' got up."
"I guess there would be no point in asking if you are nervous." Wanda surmises as Tante pours her a cup.
"Nope, not a bit an' no, I'm not." Rogue answers merrily as she takes a bite of the flaky croissant.
"So, how is your leg?"
"Hurts a bit, but I'll live." Rogue jokes.
Kitty rushes in with her usual perkiness. "Like, I can't wait for the wedding!" She ends with a small squeal.
"She acts like she's the one getting married." Rahne quips as she takes a seat. All eyes turn to the petite brunette.
"No, he hasn't even, like, asked me yet." Kitty retorts lightly as she blushes. The others giggle.
"Alright ladies, we have a lot to do before the ceremony. The hairdresser and make-up artist will be here within the hour, so we need to be ready for their arrival." Storm informs them.
As the hours pass, the ladies prepare for one of Rogue's most important days of her life. Storm is dressed in a silk sundress in an eggplant shade. She is assisting with the bridal attendants dresses as Rogue gets her hair and make-up done.
"So Rogue, what do you, like, think?" Kitty bubbles as she and Wanda lead the procession in deep plum silk shantung A-line design gowns with a rhinestone Y-halter. The bridesmaids are dressed in the same type of gown, but in a lovely forest green. They all sport Swarovski crystal tennis bracelets set in gold, in the same shades as their gowns.
"Y'all jus' look fantastic!" Rogue enthuses as she looks them over, then is led back by Storm to get into her gown. Several minutes later, she emerges, looking every bit the beautiful bride.
"Oh, Rogue. You look absolutely radiant." Jean embraces her, then the others take their turn. Her hair is pulled back, like the night before, only this time, all of it cascades down her back in spirals with the stripes attractively left down and curled. She wears a delicate gold and crystal tiara with a chapel-length veil attached. Her gown is white silk shantung in an A-line design and is off-the-shoulder with a beaded bodice and a full skirt, complete with a chapel-length train. They descend the stairs to the waiting limo and are finally on their way to the church. When they pull up to St. Louis Cathedral, Logan opens the door and is speechless for a moment. He remembers what he's supposed to do and reaches in to help her out of the car.
"Ya look beautiful, Stripes. I hope Gumbo knows how lucky he is."
Rogue smiles at the man who has been the most like a father to her. "I'm sure he does." She says in quiet confidence as she takes his arm. The other groomsmen assist the ladies into the historic cathedral, everyone taking their places for the processional. Rogue peeks in and catches sight of Remy, looking amazing in his tux.
"Hey, no peeking!" Amara whispers and giggles quietly. As the guys stand beside Remy, the music changes and Remy anticipates the moment he's been waiting for ever since he left her at Blood Moon Bayou. He smiles appreciatively at each of the attendants as they make their way down the aisle.
As the music changes again, he takes a deep breath. This is it. His Marie glides gracefully toward him on Logan's arm, looking incredibly captivating.
As she moves toward Remy, Erik claps a friendly hand on Charles' shoulder. "You've done an amazing job with her. You should be proud." He murmurs to his oldest friend.
"I am. I am quite proud of all of my X-Men." Charles affirms quietly, watching as she makes it to the altar, Beast officiating.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" He asks.
"I do." Logan intones as he offers Remy her arm. Rogue stops him and embraces him quickly, which throws him off-balance for a second. He gives her a tender look and turns to sit by Ororo.
Beast continues the ceremony, speaking about what marriage means and arrives at a certain part of the ceremony. "If there is anyone who objects to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Needless to say, Rogue and Gambit are stunned when Logan rises.
"I do. I object because the Cajun here is a woman disguised as a man." Logan states, completely straight-faced as Remy glares at him, his hands taking on a familiar magenta glow. The groomsmen try to keep from laughing out loud.
Rogue stares at Logan angrily, Henri wiping his eyes with suppressed laughter as Mercy nudges him. Logan finally lets loose with a grunt of laughter. He turns to Rogue. "Just kiddin', darlin'. Let's get this movin' so we can get ta the food, Hank!" Logan calls out as he takes his seat, grinning all the while.
Beast clears is throat awkwardly. "And now that we have that out of the way, are there any real objections?" Beast inquires, peering at the audience. Satisfied that there are none, he proceeds.
"The bride and groom have written their own vows. Remy, you will go first."
"Marie, w'en I firs' met y', it was in battle. T'oug't y' were de mos' belle femme I'd ev'r 'ad de pleasure o' layin' eyes on. De more I saw o' y', de more I noticed dat not only were y' belle on de outside, but inside, as well. Y' showed me y'r 'eart an' t'day I give y' mine, mon tresor. Ev'ryt'in' o' mine is now y'rs, amour." Remy finishes with a loving smile.
"Remy, I used ta think ya were an egotistical, annoyin' pest who was jus' out for a challenge." This brings chuckles from the congregation. "Then when ya kidnapped me, we started talkin' an' I started ta see a whole different side a ya. Yeah, I'm admittin' it in front a everyone. I missed ya afta I came back ta Bayville. What clinched it for me, was when ya came back for me. Ya saved me from what coulda been a dangerous situation an' stood by me when we thought tha world was endin'. Now I'm promisin' ta always stand by ya, no matta what. Taday, I give ya all a me, no more holdin' back." Rogue returns the smile with a brilliant one of her own.
They exchange rings, then Beast wraps up the ceremony.
"I now pronounce them husband and wife. Now we all know that Remy has been gleefully anticipating this moment all morning, so without further delay, Remy, you may now kiss your bride." Beast intones joyfully as Remy takes her in his arms and gazes adoringly into her eyes for a moment. He gently cups her chin in his hand and kisses her deeply, over the span of several heartbeats and the applause of the congregation. As they part, he leans his forehead against hers.
"It is my great honor to introduce to you for the first time: Mr. and Mrs. Remy LeBeau!" Beast exclaims as the newly-married couple return up the aisle amongst cheers. As soon as they clear the doors, Remy pulls her aside and back into his arms, kissing her much more thoroughly.
"You owe me 10 bucks, John. I told you they would be in each other's arms again within five minutes of the conclusion of the ceremony." Wanda says smugly to her boyfriend as he grumbles good-naturedly.
"Figures ya two couldn't keep ya bloody hands offa each other long enough for me to win." He holds out a bill as Wanda takes it.
The bridal party piles into two limos and arrives at the reception hall. The party gasps in surprise at the elegant Mardi Gras style décor. Sheer purple and gold material sprigged with shimmery stars, drapes from the ceiling. The tables are covered with green silk tablecloths with an orchid centerpiece at each. Purple and white lights are strung throughout the room and the head table is decorated to resemble a tasteful float, complete with strands of beads draped over the front and confetti strewn about. Lively jazz music is performed by the band as a small parade of marchers, dressed to the nines, wind their way around.
The bridal party goes back outside to await introduction.
"Oh Rogue, it's just amazing in there!" Jubes enthuses.
"Yeah, looks like it's gonna be a great party!" Ray cheers as everyone takes their places. The others enter the room, then finally it's the couple's turn.
"An' now, f'r de firs' time in public, I introduce t' y' Monsieur et Madame LeBeau." The band leader shouts jubilantly as the musicians resume playing. The parade leads Remy and Rogue around the room, before taking them to their table with the rest of the attendants.
There is a good selection foodwise. Guests can choose from the Cajun/Creole fare indigenous to these parts, or they can instead, dine on some Southern staples. Before too long, it is time to cut the cake. It is a six tiered creation of alternating purple and green layers, decorated with gold fleur-de-lis and scrolling.
After dancing and visiting with their friends and family, Rogue and Remy leave, getting ready to depart for their honeymoon in Fiji. As they're getting into one of the limos to go to the airport, Rogue tosses her bouquet. She grins wickedly as Storm catches it. "Don' go runnin' off an' elopin' w'ile we're gone!" Remy yells as he gets into the car after his wife.
Nearly a day later (international date line taken into account), they arrive at their oceanfront resort and discover a lavishly decorated suite reserved for them.
"Can ya believe we're finally here?" Rogue asks as she steps into Remy's arms.
"If dis is a dream, den I don' wanna wake up." He answers huskily as he kisses her ardently.
"Usually when I'm dreamin' I wake up before tha bes' part, sugah. This seems pretty real ta me." She says happily. Her face takes on a mischievous expression. "If ya good, I can show ya what Jubes bought for me for that certain birthday." She tells him playfully.
"Y' know, I jus' realized dat I did a shameful t'ing agains' m' upbringin'. Any bon t'ief would've found out w'at was in dat box, by now." Remy replies with mock regret.
"Not if I kept hidin' it in different places." Rogue responds impishly as she removes it from her suitcase and closes the door to the bathroom.
Remy's eyes widen with delighted shock as Rogue emerges in a black lace teddy, leaving very little to the imagination.
"So....whaddya think?" Rogue queries naughtily.
"Why don' y' come ov'r 'ere an' let me show y'?" He smirks as his eyes glow with barely restrained passion.
Sorry if it seems like I skimmed over parts. I hope you enjoyed it, anyway and there will be one more chap.
*The 'Flaming Moe' was a drink created out of cough syrup and alcohol (can't remember what kind) by Homer in the Simpsons episode starring Aerosmith. Moe takes credit for the recipe, hence the name. It was originally named the 'Flaming Homer'.