Savage Discovery

Savage Discovery – Beginning to Feel

Based on the 1990's X-Men cartoon and takes place during and after the second 'Reunion' episode. A discovery in the Savage Lands changes Rouge's life forever.

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Gambit's heart clenched seeing the tears running down his love's face. Gently he pulled her into a hug, holding her close as her shoulders shook. His heart was full to overflowing with love, happiness and relief, making his head spin. Not that he would admit it to anyone but the woman in his arms. Tenderly he pressed his lips to the top of Rogue's head, closing his demon eyes in bliss.

"Let's go Hank." Xavier said softly, but Remy's belle heard and pulled away from him with a smile brighter than a summer bayou sun.

"And let ya'll go without hugs?" Rogue wrapped her arms around one of Beasts, looking as if she were floating on air. The two older mutants smiled at her indulgently, laughing softly.

"Are you happy Marie?" Xavier used her given name tenderly, and the smile on Gambit's love's face grew even bigger and brighter.

"I can be me, can't I?"

"You are whoever you want to be." Beast answered as Marie moved to hug Charles.

"I can finally be Marie to everyone I love." Her gaze moved from Professor to Doctor to Lover. "I can put Rogue aside until she's needed."

The love in Marie's eyes almost burned Remy with it's intensity and purity. In the back of his mind he wondered what he had ever done to deserve the love of such a woman.

Marie was happier beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Giddy to tell the other X-Men she requested Xavier call them all together in the Rec Room. The whole way there Gambit had his hand wrapped around hers, thumb stroking her skin softly.

"I love you Remy." She spoke gently, throat tight. "Thank you for staying beside me during all of this."

"Dat's what love is chere." Gambit pulled her to a stop in the hall outside the Rec Room. "I may not have had de best templates, but I know de truth of it."

So full of love and hope, she lifted her lips to his and gave him a soft kiss. A sudden flash blinded her, making her pull away from her Cajun man. Undeterred, he arms slipped around her waist with quick thievery.

"This is like so cool!" Jubilee was jumping up and down behind Jean who snapped the picture. The others were crowded behind her in the doorway to the Rec Room. Unintended, sparks were popping up around the enthusiastic teenager, bright bursts of yellow, blue and pink.

"Calm down child." Storm placed her hand on Jubes shoulder as she moved through the crowd, the ever graceful goddess.

"Congratulations Rogue." The African woman kissed Marie's cheek gently.

"Please, call me Marie now when we're home." She was nearly overwhelmed by all the sensations that she was feeling. The air on her hands, the peaceful way Gambit held her close, the love in the hugs and kisses of her fellow mutants. It was the beginning of a new life and she couldn't wait to get started.

"Are you sure Rogue?" Scott asked, face concerned even with the ever present ruby sunglasses.

"I've called mah self that to keep people away, to keep them from getting hurt." She glanced at the man holding her. "Sometimes it don't work."

"Gambit couldn't leave ya all alone, belle chere." Remy gave her a slight squeeze. "Remy been yours from da first look."

Remy felt her shiver at his words. Part of him raged to seclude themselves somewhere private and finally give into the desire to see, feel, taste and have every inch of her, body and soul. The other half of him that had grown over the years to overshadow his born in urges wanted to take his time and reintroduce her to the world, to not overwhelm her after so very many years hiding behind cloth.

"Marie it is then." Xavier smiled happily, turning his chair towards the dining room. "How about lunch?

"Ah would rather take a walk outside." Marie shook her head. "Ah'm too excited to eat."

"I'll pack you a basket." Storm smiled softly. "You may become hungry later."

"Gambit'll help you wid dat 'Ro." Gambit let go of Marie, wanting the food to be special, mot just sandwiches and picnic fare. He pressed a quick kiss to the back of Marie's hand before slipping into the kitchen.

"You seem even more smitten than usual my friend." Storm laid a soft hand on Remy's shoulder. "And happier than I've ever seen you."

"Remy won deny being pleased bout de turn of events." He shrugged, trying to explain the complex emotions he felt inside. "Marie is a belle fille, but dere's more."

Storm simply watched him as he pulled together a simple Cajun spread of cold and spicy chicken salad, soft seasoned rolls and sparkling water.

"She been so scared of herself for so long, she needs care to become real again." He glanced at the African goddess. "Remy wants to be the one ta help her, to see her joy at being whole again."

"You must love Marie very much." She said softly, helping him fill the basket, adding fresh sweet sugar cookies to the mix. Gambit let it slide, know Marie loved the cookies.

"I really do Ororo." Remy used himself not in the third person, hoping to show his oldest X-Man friend the true depth of his feelings. It must have worked, because the white haired woman smiled brightly and hugged him tight, sniffling softly.

Marie was excited and nervous at the same time. She could touch without hurting anyone as long as her powers were turned off. But she had grown so used to having her powers on all the time that she felt a little empty without the coiled energy Carol Danvers powers or the edge of fear she had from her own powers. She also knew that her willpower concerning Remy wouldn't last very long even if he was doing nothing more that sitting beside her. She smiled shyly when he came out of the kitchen, basket in hand and blanket over shoulder.

Everyone congratulated her again as they slipped out one of the side doors and headed out onto the grounds.

"I never imagined I'd feel so free." She sighed as they walked arm in arm through the woods, headed for the lake. "It's even better than flying."

"Remy is glad you are happy." His voice was warm and soothing to her jagged nerves. They stopped just inside the tree line of the lake, Gambit spreading out the pale yellow blanket. As they settled down to eat, Marie leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"I am happier than I could have ever imagined." Suddenly hungry, Marie tucked into the salad and rolls. They ate, sharing stories, hopes and plans for the future. She removed her boots and socks before stripping off her jacket. She then rolled her sleeves up to the elbows, still dressed in her skintight uniform. She was giddy at the thought that she would be able to wear shorts and tank tops without fear. Marie was nibbling on a sugar cookie when Remy shifted and drew her attention.

She watched his gloveless hand reach up and felt an electric shock when his warm, rough skin settled against hers. Marie's eyes slipped closed, leaning into his touch. Slowly they gravitated towards one another, drawn together inexorably. She was helpless to deny the attraction between them any longer. There was something about the Cajun man beside her that completed her, filled the void that she could feel deep inside. He was a constant presence in her life and mind, a thread woven between them that nothing could sever, not even her de-activated powers.

"Remy?" She whispered, slowly opening her eyes, His face was inches from hers, eyes burning brightly, features taut, but his voice was gentle.

"I don't want to push you Marie," He spoke quietly, making her wonder why he was using proper English. "I love you, and I'll accept your decision. But I need you, I have since we first met."

Marie's breath caught at the inflection in his voice, feeling an answering need rising within her.

"Remy …"