Chapter III

Taking back an empty threat
More than you could ever know.
Take it back with no regrets.
I was better off when I was on your side
And I was holding on
To try and not forget
Hoping that you'd never know.
Take it back with no regrets.
I was better off when I was on your side.
~Empty Threat by Chvrches

…

The instant Remy returned home, he was treated to a kitty re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo. Raven had made costumes out of felt and small toys. Her soldiers were wildly insubordinate, but she marched on. He watched sympathetically. Since Raven refused a psychic evaluation, Storm had withdrawn her job offer, and Raven was once more restless at home. She might've agreed if Nate had stayed and examined her, but the rootless shaman had flown again. Luckily, Storm had also demanded Raven get a teaching degree. She'd enrolled in a local community college and it was the one bright spot in her life.

It had been a disappointing week for Remy, too. He hadn't heard from Rogue since she'd kicked him out. A day or two later, he discovered that her team had been suddenly called away, but she didn't tell him. Would she ever speak to him again? Remembering the betrayal in Agent Cooper's eyes at Fence's wedding made him wish he'd been more contrite. He didn't know what he could've done differently… Rogue hadn't been ready to listen. And if he'd told her, she would've tried to "rescue" him, which was the last thing he wanted… But he was very sorry that he'd had to deceive her and that he'd hurt her. Why hadn't he told her that?

Grinning painfully for Raven, he said: "I'm gone for twenty minutes and you've turned int' the crazy cat lady."

She put her hands on her hips. "I just thought- Oliver, no!" She rushed to scoop up a pocket knife that he was batting around. "I did not give him that."

"Of course not," he smiled. "That would be crazy."

She pursed her lips.

"Ever been to Kentucky, mon chou?"

Why had it taken him so long to remember Sam? The X-Man turned Avenger hailed from a large Appalachian family. Remy never considered him a friend, but he remembered Sam had a dead father, sick mother, and large farm to support. An adventure in the hills might be exactly what Raven needed. Unfortunately, Sam wasn't convinced.

"Half of us've moved out," he said. "Mom's cancer's been in remission for two years. Thank God. And she sold the farm."

"L'Enfer."

"Ah don't know what that means. But Ah've got a place in Lexington that could use some work if that's what she's lookin' for... Kids'll be outta school for Thanksgiving, maybe Ah can get everyone there for a visit. But Ah hate to part y'all on a holiday."

"No invitation for your buddy Gambit? …Ain't very Christian of ya."

…

Lexington, Kentucky

It was snowing when Sam and Raven touched down. Ten acres of undeveloped frozen land littered with downed trees encompassed a two bedroom cabin. The dirt road had mostly washed away. Squatters had passed through, leaving a trail of trash.

Sam looked around and saw an unmovable mountain.

Raven saw an opportunity. In the first few minutes, she had him making a list of chores while she tidied the house. First, she turned on the utilities, and then set about making a large meal for his advancing kin.

Mom arrived first with the girls. Then Jeb's truck pulled up carrying the boys. Paige and Melody had already moved out, but ventured this far to be "home" for the holiday. After they were fed, Raven didn't hesitate to assign work, and amazingly, they obeyed. Mom was given a pass from manual labor, but she wouldn't hear of it. She rolled up her flannel sleeves and enlisted. Somehow – Sam never understood why – he was blamed for Raven's bossiness! Perhaps it was habit. They were used to him giving orders since Dad wasn't around to do it. Or maybe it was their Southern hospitality, which prevented them from being rude to a guest. At any rate, she deflected their resentment and was incorporated into their ranks.

At night, the tiny cabin overflowed with Guthries. The girls didn't mind sleeping atop each other like kittens, but Jeb snored, Ray farted, and Lewis murmured in his sleep. Eventually, Sam slept on the porch and Jeb in his truck. With so many people piled in, they had to open all the windows at night, even in the snow. The radiating body heat kept him warm.

Before the holiday ended, Jeb and Cissie confronted Sam. They didn't want to see their hard work wasted on his further neglect of the property. Jeb bluntly asked if he planned to marry Raven and settle down here, which made Sam blush to the roots of his hair. She joked about being 'too crazy' for a 'slave driver' like him. Jeb and Cissie were out of school and unemployed and proposed a joint partnership in the property. They'd researched government grants and private businesses licenses; how much of the land was farmable and how much would be devoted to livestock. They had a solid business plan that trumped his current investment, so he agreed. His only condition was that they build their own house.

Mom was elated and the reunion closed on a high note.

Finally left alone with his thoughts, Sam realized how happy he was here. Raven had made it all possible.

…

Lower East Side
Manhattan

"Anna!" Remy opened his door. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Ah got tickets to 'The Nutcracker'. Raven said she always wanted her mom to take her… We had a fight before Ah left and Ah thought Ah'd surprise her. She in?"

"Sorry. She's in Kentucky with Sam. Thought she would've told you…"

"She doesn't tell me anything," she grumbled to herself. Then: "Here, take 'm. Ah'm sure you've got a friend who'd like to go. Tutu's ain't really my thing."

His lopsided smile appeared and his demonic eyes disarmed her. "Subtly ain't really your thing, either, chere."

"Hm?"

"If you wanna know if I'm seein' someone, ask."

"Ah don't."

"Show's tonight. You had t' buy de tickets and get here. Could've called her. Bet you did. But you came anyway t' see if I had company, and if not, there's no time t' invite anyone else. I'd have t' take you."

She fumed. "Blow it out your-!"

"Calm down. Men in tights ain't my thing, either. No more games, Anna... I missed you…"

Her tummy filled with butterflies.

"Why don't y' come in?" he said. "I'll make crawdad etouffee."

Her mouth twisted on bitter words, but Rogers had talked to her about her temper. She counted to ten and replied: "Ah think we both know Ah can't say no to etouffee."

With a maddening grin, he swept open the door.

…

Lexington, Kentucky

She was certain of her insanity now. But she couldn't help herself. Once the thought entered her mind, all other thoughts fled.

Careful not to disturb Cissie sleeping beside her, Raven crept through the dark to Sam's room – terrified that she'd find Jeb on the floor and she'd be exposed. But Sam was alone and awake.

"What's wrong?" he asked quietly. "Can't sleep?"

She crossed the room and kissed him. Lightning. It wasn't love. She was still in love with Vaughn – she knew it. But he was never coming back and the fire inside her threatened to consume her if it couldn't devour anything else. And Sam… was special. That was enough.

He gasped. "Raven, what-?"

"I like you," she said nervously. When he didn't reply, she pulled her nightgown over her head.

"Ah like you, too… A lot."

She kissed him again and pushed him back. Undressing one man was quite like undressing another, but his caresses were timid (Vaughn had been bold), and he smelled like mountain air (Vaughn smelled like trouble). Her flesh didn't care. It trembled and burned and screamed for him, and after a slightly awkward condom application, they finally crashed together.

He held her close to muffle the primal sounds. She was embarrassed by the depth of her passion, gushing over their thighs, and wished Vaughn was beneath her. Then she felt ashamed. Tears streamed down his neck and when he tried to glimpse her face, she hid. Her flesh was oblivious to this emotion. Ecstasy was within grasp, and when she told him, he became oblivious, too.

With shamefully little encouragement, she climaxed.

He finished.

She quickly cleaned with his shirt and left before he could stop her. Dying inside, she crawled back into bed with Cissie, where she lay awake until dawn.

…

Lower East Side
Manhattan

"Since you called me out… Are you?" Rogue asked, untying her scarf.

Remy pulled out pots and filled them with water. "Am I what?"

"Seein' someone?"

"Not seriously." He stopped gathering ingredients to grin at her. "But I'm probably lyin'. Better kiss me to be sure."

Oh no, she wasn't stepping on that slippery slope!

"Sorry Ah vanished... Wasn't my plan but Red Skull attacked." She knelt and extended a hand to the orange kitten. He reared up, raised his paws to attack, and tumbled on his back. The other two scattered. "Where'd you get these stupid things?"

"Mystique, if y' can believe it."

"Ah can't."

"She saved 'm from Sabretooth."

"You're shittin' me… Ah haven't heard from her in eighteen months!"

He diced an onion. "Hope y' can accept my apology, chere. Last time we saw each other… Mais, you weren't the only one who'd had a long day. Things didn't play out like I'd hoped."

"That's kinda why Ah came." She stood and visibly gathered her courage.

He smiled weakly. "Don't ya wanna eat first?"

"No. Ah'll lose my nerve." She inhaled deeply. "You're askin' me to go all-in without seein' your hand, but love shouldn't be a game. That's stupid. But you've been askin' for it all along, so Ah guess it's what you really want. For me to be reckless and rash-"

"Unconditional," he amended.

"Ah know you're back in the Guild."

"Lil' more than that." He simmered the onion. "They made me king."

"What? Like – king of New Orleans?"

"Non. King of Thieves."

"Everywhere?" She slowly sat on his couch.

"Candra's death left a power vacuum. Thieves were at each other's throats, threatenin' t' tear it apart. I didn't want it. What choice did I have? Worked out the growin' pains now and I feel like I belong. Finally."

"When we were a team and you were teachin' – you didn't feel like you belonged?" She waited but he never answered. "You were out, Remy. Maybe life wasn't perfect, but at least you weren't stealin'! Ah feel responsible. Like you went back because Ah… Because of me and Magnus…"

"You can say it. Think you're the first t' tell me?"

"Don't start. What kinda life are we gonna have together? You're a career criminal and Ah'm a superhero. What happens if SHEILD decides you've crossed too many lines? Whose side am Ah on? What if a bigger baddie overthrows you? Is SHEILD gonna protect you? It's way more complicated than buyin' an extra toothbrush holder! Maybe you think it's stupid, but Ah need to know you'll catch me if Ah leap."

"I know we're made for each other," he said quietly. "But maybe this ain't the right time."

"Ah don't care. Ah thought Ah could replace you with a man who was better lookin' or more charmin' or a better cook, but Ah only felt lonelier. And Ah thought, 'why am Ah tryin' to replace him when Ah already know what Ah want?' Ah want you. God knows you don't make life easy, but Ah've tried to do without you. Anything's easier… Please don't make a joke."

He crossed the room and took her hands. "I promise it ain't as bad as all that. SHEILD and the Guild go way back – long before me." He lowered his voice. "But if Hill or anyone else decides they're done with me, I've got a safety net. Never put all my eggs in one basket… And I'd never leave you in the cold, Anna."

"Maybe we should cut to the chase? Run away together now."

"No. I want you as you are. Bein' an Avenger, defendin' people – it's a part of you. Don't want you to quit. We can make this work."

"Won't be easy."

"Nothin' worth havin' ever is."

…

Lexington, Kentucky

Avoiding him was cowardly, but Raven couldn't be brave. All morning, she hid in plain sight. He wouldn't make a scene in front of his brother or sister, and if he pulled her aside, they'd instantly know why. So she was safe.

Havok, another X-Man turned Avenger, called during lunch. Sam stepped outside to take the call and when he returned, he barked at Raven to follow.

"What happened?" she asked as she crossed the porch.

He stopped, rounded on her with cold blue eyes, and said: "There's been an incident."

"Gambit?" Her heart dropped.

"No."

"Rogue?"

"She's fine."

She exhaled. "Then I'm not going."

"Listen, some alien flora was accidently dropped in Cumberland. We're the closest agents."

"I'm not a hero."

"What're you talkin' about? You've got powers most people only dream of!" When she ignored him, he asked: "Who died?"

She froze still and silent as stone.

"No one's gonna die today," he continued. "But if the water gets contaminated or cattle feed gets tainted, people could die. That's why we need to move. Now."

She turned her sad green eyes toward him. "Promise you won't die?"

"Sweetheart, Ah swore long ago Ah'd never die in Cumberland. Let's go."

…

Lower East Side
Manhattan

Confused, Rogue awoke in a strange bed. Then she smelled Remy and felt his lips against her shoulder. She smiled.

"Happy?" he asked.

"Very." She felt his erection curve along her backside. "Remy, Ah'm sore."

Make-up sex was the best part of reconciling, and if he wasn't so good at it, she might lament their break-ups more. Everything had changed last night. He'd had her every way a man could have a woman, and that deep, searing pleasure marked her as his. He, too, had been branded in a way she didn't yet understand. But something had been extracted from him. She could feel it. He was lighter, somehow – unburdened. They were, at last, content.

"I'll be gentle," he promised, sending a bolt straight to her groin. Her thighs parted willingly, and although she thought herself sated, his tender administrations revealed otherwise. Such exquisite pleasure arched her spine. Words she'd been holding back all night poured out in a torrent.

"Ah'm yours, my love. You belong here. God, can't you feel it?"

His lips sealed hers, stole her breath. "What do you feel?"

"Love," she groaned.

"Say it."

"No… You think Ah lose my mind when we get naked."

"Say it."

"Ah love you. Ah love you, Ah love you, Ah… Oh god, Remy, that's the spot."

He went for broke, all promises of being gentle forgotten as he made her come with impossible intensity. Beyond the sound of her own screams, she heard him call her name. Then he gave her that tender and grotesque gift meant only for her.

In the afterglow, they laid side-by-side with racing hearts.

His phone rang.

"Raven?" She popped up.

He looked at the screen. Fence. "Duty calls. 'Cuse me."

"Hey, man! Where you been? I've been workin' my ass off all night!"

"Heh, me, too. Whaddaya got?"

"Busted open Green's contact log and I've got visuals on the pervs now. If your royal highness isn't too detained, would you like to give your minions marching orders?"

"I'll meet you at the safe house in thirty." He looked over his shoulder at Rogue. "Make that sixty."

She waited until he hung up to say: "It's about that girl, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"SHEILD was workin' that case, too." She hesitated. "They want me to handle you. Make sure you don't get these guys before they do."

He raised a brow.

"Ah asked you to be honest. Wouldn't be fair if Ah didn't do the same… But Ah think it's the right thing to do, Remy. That girl had the X-gene. It hasn't activated yet but she's still one of us. If you help my team, we can give her closure and bring them to justice."

He smiled cynically. "Assumin' they don't flip on someone bigger. Or buy a better lawyer. How's that justice?"

"Xavier and Cyclops operated in the dark for years. What'd it get us? People don't trust us because they shouldn't. We have to shed light on what we do. We have to show the world why mutants hide or lash out. Ah wanna crucify those creeps, too. Please. Trust me."

He checked the time. "You've got forty-five minutes t' get Hill on board."

…

To Be Continued…

…

Author's Notes: Sam's farm seems to be one of Marvel's many dropped plot points, but it exists! I thought it'd be lovely if he'd include some of his many siblings on the property. Rogue and Magneto hooked up at the end of Carey's run on 'X-Men Legacy', and at the time, she called him 'Magnus'. She's since started calling him 'Erik' – whatever, he goes by both. I decided to use the former since that's what she called him when they were together. Raven looks less than heroic here, I know; please be patient with her.