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"Just like take it easy Lex." Kitty insisted just as John and Wanda climbed into the limo and Wanda moved to close the door when Kurt stopped her.
"Wanda...Where's Rogue?" Kurt finally asked.
"Shit!" Wanda yelled before racing back into the mansion, but the short stocky black woman snapped open another door.
"GAL, dis way quickly!" She called, and Wanda ran out the glass kitchen sliding doors onto a patio and followed the sound of two voices that hung in the air.
Chapter 17: Homecoming part 2
Rogue followed this guy, out of the open glass French doors and out on to a brick terrace. She thought they were just going to stop there and look out over the grounds, but he continued grinning back at her as he lead them down the stairs in the terrace wall into the garden. Some type of flowers climbed up the post covering the top lamp slightly, so it casted odd shadows across the grounds. Though they had no flowers it was clear the plant was climbing over the wall from low in the garden, but was maintained by someone to keep it from taking over the terrace side of the wall.
The pair took the steps slowly descending to the main garden path that was a patch work of cobble stones and grass that softened the look and gave the garden a more natural flow. The garden was lit with solar aisle lights, while some of the hedges had been decorated with white fairy lights. As they continued down this main path Rogue began to question where they were going and how this guy knew the gardens so well. Before she could ask him however he stopped just outside a darker curving path that was lined with foliage of all sorts. He looked at Rogue with his red on black eyes and Rogue read a different mischievous look in them that had replaced the determined look he had had earlier when they'd been dancing.
"Do you trust me?" He asked a smirk now playing across his lips.
Rogue looked at him curiously and slowly moved closer to their intended path. Bushes and small trees of all sizes flanked the path on either side, while larger hedges filled with fairy lights rose behind the other plants, casting the whole path in dim light. Just before the path curved stood two thin red leafed trees that hung over on to the path the lowest tips of the branches brushing the walk way. Mist hung over the full cobblestone path and Rogue thought she could hear a faint rush of water from just a little farther down the path. She looked back at him and smirked.
"If I must." she smirked back at him, two could play at this game.
He grinned at her before pulling her down the path; though this time he walked beside her. Rogue noted how he was at least a head taller than her, and something in her gut made her remember a night not so long ago with... but no it couldn't be him. She shook that thought out of her head and concentrated on living in the moment.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked, curiously as the mist got steadily thicker.
"Now, milady, where's the fun for me if I tell you where we are off to when I can show you?" He countered cocking his head at her curiously, his ruby red irises glowing in the dim light.
"Well I should just leave then! Mama always told me to never talk to strangers." Rogue stated as she tried to turn however her heel caught a slippery stone causing her to fall back into him.
"Careful milady." he stated causing Rogue to blush softly.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked once they began walking again.
"No reason just thought you would enjoy the adventure." He stated as they passed under a flower arch way.
He casually reached up and pulled a blood red and white flower off of the arch. He turned dramatically a few steps later bowing before Rogue presenting the fresh flower to her smiling. Smirking back at him Rogue took the flower and studied its petals with a look of wonder on her face.
"It looks painted." She said as she stroked the soft red and white petals
"It's a Dahlia. My mum loved them..."
"That's so sweet..." Rogue said her voice trailing off and her eyes misting over in thought.
"Did you know your mama well?" He asked watching her.
"Not as much as I wish I did. She and dad died when I was only 7." She replied softly, "I remember them at least, but my...well..."
"That bad?" He asked.
"Yeah..."
"Well don't dwell on that, tonight. Look. We're here!" He announced pulling back a curtain of Willow tree branches.
Below them laid out with perfect scrutiny were thousands of hedges forming intricate swirls, shapes, and patters framing the path below. There were flowers of every color illuminated by thousands of fairy lights that hung in the trees. Rogue was so stunned she allowed this man to gently pull her down the path into the glorious wonderland of a garden.
As she followed him she couldn't help up look all around her mouth opened in amazement as they passed hedges shaped like horses, elephants, towers, cakes, birds, and more. Her favorite topiary however was the flowered hedges that framed an elegant fountain area. Each topiary had a different color set of flowers that arched around a patio forming a flower rainbow.
"How is this even possible?" she whispered as she reached out and touched a dark green colored flower to smell it.
"The gardeners use dyed water after the plant is a year old." the man explained.
Remy couldn't help, but smile as he watched her features light up even more as he showed her his favorite garden patio. He had asked Mattie and her team of volunteers to set it up special tonight and he was glad he had. The garden had never looked so good. So mystical. Perfect for his mystery girl. Remy glanced at his watch smiling.
"Milady, turn around or you'll miss the show." Remy said in his northern accented voice, as he ushered her away from the dyed hibiscuses so they both faced the fountain.
At exactly 11:05 pm the fairy lights dimmed and soft music began. The girl in his arms seemed confused for a moment until the fountain before them slowly sprang to life. Water jets rose colored by lights until they there were brilliant orange, blue, green, and pink jets of water rising up to the tree tops. The jets of water bounced and changed with the music and when classical music changed to techno dramatic beats small rays of lazars casted new colors around Remy's garden.
While the show continued Remy watch her more than the water. Watched as her face lite up in fascination, as her dress reflected the colors being throw at it. The music began to rise in tempo and Remy knew the show was about to end. He looked up just in time to see the entire fountain change from blues and greens to vibrant pinks and purples. The largest jets of water, the fan jets, sprang into life the color until the last ringing note hit and the lasers cast a brilliant red heart onto the fans seconds before the fountain went still, returning to its previous state.
Remy grew concerned when minutes passed in silence as the fairy lights returned to their normal brightness. He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes questioning why she wasn't speaking.
Lexa couldn't believe the night she was having. This guy was more then she thought she ever wanted in a guy. Not that she had ever thought of love as anything more than a chemical reaction. He led her though many types of dances, even a tango, in which she had nearly fallen, do to her aching ankle.
"Should we sit?" He asked her.
"Sorry," She sighed, "I want to dance more."
"You will, but for now let's go outside." He smiled taking her hand and leading her onto a terrace.
Lexa looked up at the moon, thinking of all the nights and all the things that same moon had seen her do, and how ironic it was that tonight she would be full and bright. The guy led Lexa to a chair where he sat down and motioned for her to sit on his lap. Lexa smirked down at him.
"And here I thought you were a gentleman." she joked.
"Even gentlemen desire their ladies to be close." He stated before pulling Lexa's arm gently causing her to fall butt first into his lap.
"Well I guess can't argue with that," She concurred, leaning into him taking his hand off the table so she could look at it, "Who are you..." She whispered softly.
"You'll have to guess." He stated just as softly.
Lexa thought about it. She was so comfortable around him, so she had to know him from somewhere. She didn't like strangers. Her senses told her he was a friend of a friend, but his voice is what had her stumped.
"What classes do you take?" she asked him.
He pretended to think about it for a moment, "Calc, AP Chem, English, German IV, Computer Programing, Cooking III, Gym, and AP Euro." He stated.
"Senior." she retorted to which he simply nodded his head.
She thought again leaning back so her head resting on his shoulder. Lexa had been too busy thinking to immediately notice he was watching her intently. She felt him shift under her and was about to question him when a pair of soft lips pressed against hers. Lexa panicked for a moment before realizing what was happening and melting into his arms.
Whoever this guy was he was a fantastic kissed, Lexa concluded as she reached up to loop her arms around his neck. Suddenly she felt a wisp of hair against her hands and she gently played with it as he deepened the kiss by licking her lips. She moaned and let him in, his tongue darting around mapping out every inch of her mouth. Lexa couldn't help fighting back so the pair quickly engaged themselves in a tongue war that lasted for several long minutes. Finally her mystery man pulled back breathing heavily against Lexa's neck making her moan softly causing him to chuckle.
"Any other questions, Lexa dear?" He asked
"Can we do that again?" Lexa asked still panting.
"As you wish." He smirked before leaning in to kiss her breathless again.
"That was...Stunning!" Rogue finally gasped as she turned and hugged her mystery man, "The colors were so bright! I've never seen anything like that! How did you know that was gonna happen?" she finally asked backing away from the hug.
"A guess." He offered smirkingly.
She narrowed her eyes unsure, but she shrugged it off and moved over to the chairs. Her companion moved quickly to pull the chair out for her, which she offered him a smile in response. He then took the chair beside her, noticing her shoes.
"So does this gentleman get to learn the princess's name or does he just call her Mirela?" He asked leaning forward a little. Rogue jumped at the name, but she calmed down quickly, of course he would know that name, she had been going by it for two days now, hundreds of people would connect her face to that name now.
"That depends. Does the princess get to know the gentleman's name?" She asked.
"But milady," He claimed taking her hand, "An angel's name is always sweeter then the devil's."
"Pretty words, but I don't see a devil around here."
"True, then how about we play a game of 20 questions?" He offered.
Rogue narrowed her eyes getting a sense of deja vu all over again. She thought about it some more before offering, "5 questions."
"10 questions."
"3 questions."
"I don't think you get the point of bartering, princess."
"Princesses don't barter." She stated in a short no-nonsense tone.
"5 questions it is then. You may begin milady." he stated letting go of her hand and opening his arms wide, "Ask this here gentleman anything you desire."
"Do you live here?" she asked watching his face for any signs of lies.
"Yes." he stated with a grin, "Would you date, me?"
"What kind of question is that?" She asked him.
"A good one. Now princess, an answer if you please."
"Yes, I guess." Rogue stated with a roll of her eyes, "Is this your family's house?"
"Non, where did you get your dress?" He asked, giving her once over with his luminescent red eyes.
"A friend. You do go to school with me right?" She asked secretly loving his stares.
"Long as you go to Bayville High, then yea," He stated, "Do your friends know you came here tonight?"
"Yup. Have we met before?" She asked.
"How should I know?" he retorted with a deep, rich, belly laugh that made Rogue smile.
"I guess you have a point."
"Who came up with the gypsies, tramps, and thieves idea?" He asked, actual interest lighting up his eyes.
"It was a group effort, but I guess you could say it sprouted from a cruel joke." She sighed not really wanting to think of Bella-Bitch right now.
"Last question, Milady." he warned with a smirk.
"Why do you want to be with me?" she asked in a soft almost timid voice.
"Because," he stated moving closer to her and pulling her out of her chair, "Princess you are unique, you shine in your own way that pulls this here man in, you bite and snap instead of ignoring me, you intrigue me more than anything else in the world." Rogue turned her head away from him not believing, but he caught her chin and made her look up into his eyes once more, "Ah mean it."
Rogue knew from the ferocity of his eyes that he meant what he said. Rogue couldn't help but feel drawn to him. She hadn't heard words like that in so long; she sighed and rested her head against his chest, "Your turn."
"Would you see me again?" He asked as he swayed them back and forth.
"Yes." She whispered contentment warming her from the inside out.
"Magnifique." He whispered as he stopped there dancing.
He moved her hand up to his mask, while he moved his free hand up to her mask, but before either mask came off, voices rose up from one of the paths that led into the garden. Rogue jumped frightened and panicked when she recognized Belladonna's voice. Her mysterious companion pulled her back down a darker path pinning her between the hedge and him. Rogue's emerald eyes were jumping unsure of what would happen if Belladonna recognized her.
All thoughts were driven out of her mind however when her escort's full lips landed on hers engaging her in her first kiss. She nearly pushed him away, but it felt sooooo good. He tasted like familiar spices and southern food. She nearly fell farther into the hedge so she snaked her arms around his neck to keep herself from falling. Taking the hint her mystery man weaved his arms around her waist, but didn't pull her out of the hedges.
"Ah can't believe dat idiot. Now where dat 'Anne'. Dat bitch got some nerve tattlin' tah Henri...EWWWW. Come on Bobby, she ain't out here."
Rogue pulled back from him her breath coming out in pants as she looks up into his face she nearly cries out. She knew who he was, and he had just kissed her!
Her night, she had to admit had been the best in her life. This guy was sweet he bantered with her and he would kiss her when she least expected it. The whole night he had only ever been an arm's length away and Lexa surprising couldn't seem to get enough of him. She loved his touch, his smirk, his kisses, even that little spark she saw in his eyes each time she was about to argue with him. Currently Lexa and her mysterious suitor were now walking the halls of the mansion exploring and dodging the patrol guards.
Lexa stopped in front of a huge picture of some bald guy in a wheelchair surrounded by a woman with dark skin and white hair, a man with lightly tanned skin and long brown hair that had been pulled back into a pony tail, another man peppered black and white hair, and a woman with long curly auburn hair with heavily tanned skin. The five of them made quite a sight in the painting and Lexa couldn't help but wonder who they could be.
"Do you know them, Lex?" her suitor asked appearing once again beside her raising her hand to his lips.
"No, but they seem familiar." She commented her face cryptically thoughtful.
It was then they both heard a commotion from the direction of the ballroom. Lexa bit her lip concerned for her friends rising quickly, but for the first time in her life she couldn't decide where she wanted to be. She gulped and backed away from her mystery guy dropping his hand making him turn to her concern in his grey eyes.
"Lex? Lexa what's wrong?" He asked trying to figure out what was wrong.
"I can't...I have to focus...you're distracting...I have to go." She began but before she could run he had her pinned against the wall kissing her. She melted into him again, but he pulled away only moments later.
"You need to calm down. I know you want to protect your friends, but don't forget to worry about yourself okay?" He told her.
"Sure," She stated, "One more." She asked before pulling his lips back to her's.
What happened next was hard for Lexa to describe. One second she was enjoying her last minutes alone with this guy and the next he was being thrown down the hall by none other then Bobby Drake. Bobby turned a glare at her before coldly sweeping her legs out from under her.
"SCOTT I got one them gypsies over here!" He called over his shoulder as he began kicking Lexa again and again.
Lexa groaned in pain before digging her manicured nails into his legs tearing deep into flesh blood tricking down her fingers before falling to the floor. Bobby yelled in pain landing his next strike on her wrist and the following on her already strained ankle. She crumpled in pain just when she was sure he was going to get her other ankle next a blur of pale blue sent Bobby right into Scott.
"Who the hell!" Bobby shaking the blow off and turning to Lexa's companion, "YOU!"
Instantly the man in blue bowed in farewell to Lexa before taking off light lighting down the hall, leaving Bobby and Scott racing after him. Seconds after they rounded the far off corner Lexa heard another voice from the opposite end of the hall.
"Lexa! We must go!" Piotr stated as he lifted her without a moment's thought.
"Is this place out of the freaking Twilight Zone!" Wanda yelled as she continued attempting to navigate her way through the massive gardens in an attempt to find Rogue, "I mean seriously how big is this place?"
When the kitchen woman had pointed her out here she thought she would be able to find Rogue in two minutes and be back at the limo in another two minutes. Sadly Wanda had already been running around the gardens for a total of ten minutes and was beginning to get frustrated. She made one more turn hoping at the end of this one she would find Rogue
Rogue was staring into the face, Remy Lebeau. She held in her panic. She had known this all along, she had guessed and a part of her was jumping for joy that Remy liked her. He had even KISS HER! Rogue's more logical side however was panicking looking for a way to get out of this situation, but Remy just kept distracting her.
He currently stood, his face still inches from her own, his black and gold mask sat askew on his face granting Rogue view of his full face. She was still a little thrown by his black and red eyes, but her logical side explained that the accident part was probably true. Somewhere in the mansion a bell tolled midnight. Rogue avoided Remy's eyes just in time to see Wanda race around a corner.
Wanda looking flustered, her dress trailing with leaves and dirt, was jumping up and down and pointing to her watch. Rogue gulped her sense of dread kicking into overdrive. Something had happened.
"I have tah go." Rogue stated in a rush as the bell tolled again.
Without a second thought she ducked under his arms gathered up her skirts and took off following Wanda who was already off at a run.
Remy was startled when she took off. He turned and the last thing he saw of her was the tails of her skirts as she ducked around a path way. As soon as his brain had processed that he was off following her. He didn't understand why she would run. Again the bells tolled.
He wasn't going to loss her. At least not before he knew her real name.
In the limo Tabitha and Dani had come to, though they both were suffering from major headaches. Kurt was still standing outside keeping an eye out for Wanda, Rogue, or any guards that would try to stop them from leaving. Kurt was so stressed that when his phone rang it made him jump causing Kitty to laugh. Rolling his eyes at her Kurt opened his phone.
"Kurt? Its Clara. I'm just leaving the airport and you won't believe who's behind me."
Kurt gulped. This wasn't good! This was bad. Rogue had to get back here quick or else they would both be in huge shit.
Rogue could hear people counting down now, but was it the bell tolls to midnight or to her doom? Sure she was being overly dramatic but right now she felt she had a right to be. She had just kissed Remy LeBeau and now she was running for her life because a fight had been started in the main ballroom. Wanda pulled Rogue down the third door they passed. Rogue almost tripped and lost her shoe due to the force in which Wanda was pulling her, but for now they were safe.
"Wandz where are we going?" Rogue called out as they passed the ballroom.
Rogue happened to glance into the ballroom to see many people still brawling it out. A couple of guards were taking in the injured out of the room, while a burly man with blonde hair tried to break up the last fighting soles. Only those students to busy staying out of the way were the ones counting down at the top of their lungs.
"The limo." Wanda stated making the last turn.
Rogue saw the large front doors standing open before them and down below Kurt standing beside the white limo. Wanda dropped Rogue's hand as Kurt ran toward them in a state of ultimate panic.
"Raven's coming back right NOW!"
Rogue's blood ran cold she ran not even caring anymore. Kurt and Wanda pushed her into the limo as fast as they could. As the limo lurched forward at an alarming rate Kurt was thrown to the opposite end while Kitty and Wanda began helping Rogue change. Rogue noticed that one of her flats were missing and began crying wordlessly behind her mask. As the last chime of the bells rang across the grounds.
Remy stood there dumbfounded as he watched the white limo pull out down the bridge and disappeared. Remy pulled off his mask and threw it to the ground in frustration. How could he have let her get away. He was an idiot. He kick his mask but paused when something white under the black and gold mask caught his eye. There sat a single silver flat with tiny emerald beading across the top. Remy could of cried.
"Remy? Remy, child, yah alright?" came a voice behind him.
"Ah'm finah, Tante." Remy replied lifting his mask and the single shoe up off the ground.
With Jubilee watching over the guys Rogue changed with little issue. They had the dress off and in a dress bag in minutes, while Wanda worked on ruining the master piece that was Rogue's hair. Kitty had moved to remove Rogue's mask, but paused when she saw her friends tears.
"Like Rogue what happened?" Kitty asked dropping the mask into Rogue's lap and moving to clean her face.
"Ah...Ah..." Rogue began but she couldn't bring herself come up with the words.
"Breath." Lexa stated reaching over to pat Rogue's hand as Kitty pulled a pajama shirt over Rogue's head.
"Ah lost mah shoe." Rogue stuttered out softly.
"Really? Your crying over a shoe?" Lance yelled "Look I'll buy you a new pair."
"Idiot!" Jubilee stated slapping Lance upside the head without a second thought.
"Dah silver ones?" Piotr asked.
Rogue only nodded. Wanda continued to brush out the curls though her face was clearly concerned. Kitty helped Rogue into her pajama pants before looking up at her friend.
"Like, Rogue. Can you like tell me about them? Like where did you get them from? You were holding them pretty close before." Kitty asked holding Rogue's hands in her own.
"Don't laugh...dey're from Remy." Rogue stated before another wave of tears hit her.
"Shhhhhh..." Kitty hushed her hugging Rogue now.
"It was a pre'sent from Rems, but he don't know itz been meh all dis time." Rogue whispered so just Kitty could hear her.
"It'll be alright Rogue. We'll get the shoe back," Kitty told her as she lifted her friend's head so they were looking into each other's eyes. "Right now you need to concentrate of beating Raven home."
Rogue sniffed softly brushing off the last of her tears just as Wanda finished with her hair. Rogue gave them a faint smile, just before they were all thrown to the side as the limo took a harsh fast turn. Soon after the limo screeched to a halt just outside the dark looking house. Rogue and Kurt both clad in pajamas raced out Kurt. Neither bothered to wave and the limo only stayed idol long enough to see both siblings get through the upstairs window and into the house.
Inside the limo everyone drew a sigh of relief as they drove away down the road, until a pitch black Jetta sped around the corner behind them. Wanda's face was glued to the back window as she sent a silent prayer for her friend's safety.
As soon as the pair was inside they dashed to their places. They heard Raven's car before either had made it into their beds. Rogue dove into her bed pulling her covers up and nearly over her head. She faced her door just in case her hair still held any sort of curl to tip Raven off. Closing her eyes Rogue tried to control her beating heart as the front door banged shut.
Rogue's breathing evened out just as Raven began to climb the stairs. She heard Kurt's door open and close first so with one last deep breath Rogue curled her legs up closer to her stomach. Her door opened quickly and Rogue felt Raven's piercing gaze land on her. Seconds stretched to minuted before Raven finally closed the door and clicked away to her own bedroom.
Only after Rogue heard Raven's door shut did she slowly crawl out of bed and pull her mask and the slipper out of her pockets. She moved silently around her room. She knelt beside her bed and pulled out the shoe box, placing the lone shoe inside. Clearly she wouldn't be wearing that pair again.
Rogue fought back her tears. She was sick of crying for one night. She closed the box and slide it back under her bed without another thought. She placed her silver mask on the shelf above her bed beside Blaze before once again crawling back into bed. For a moment she remembered the night Remy had tucked her in and she felt her heart pang.
"Remy..." Rogue whispered before rolling over and attempting to fall asleep, as her mind worked though all the events of the previous night.
