Not much preamble for this one. Just know that it takes place in the X-Men TAS/97 universe (pre-97 season 1), and pulls inspo from the comics/reinterprets the comics into the animated series timeline.

Enjoy!

There had been some hesitancy at the beginning when Remy first asked Rogue on a date; of course there was. How was she supposed to respond? Every voice in her head told her it wasn't a good idea. That it wasn't worth the eventual pain or heartbreak it'd result in for the both of them.

Rogue was aware of Remy's feelings for her… and of her own for him. Even though she'd never verbally reciprocated his feelings, they both knew it was there between them, this unspoken connection that had never once waned. Maybe she thought she could live like that—knowing that even if she could never have what everyone else did, she knew that this one man, who'd stolen her heart, cared for her just as deeply as she did him.

But could that be enough?

Against her intuition, Rogue agreed, wondering if maybe throwing some caution to the wind could result in some fun memories for the both of them at the very least. She took the Cajun up on his offer, hopeful to have at least one night of fun with him, even if it never went any further than that.

Boy, was she wrong.

Even without the closeness that physical touch could bring, Remy had managed to find other ways into her heart. It was certainly hard, no thanks to her reservations about it all, but Remy was always a gentleman about it. He'd cooked for her, taken her out dancing, maybe they'd catch a new film she'd been wanting to see—because he paid attention to her tastes—and every time, she'd never felt more taken care of.

That particular evening, they'd headed into the city. Remy had heard of a little speakeasy—a mutant-friendly one—that apparently had the best cocktails in the state, and Rogue was excited to try them. She'd never been to a speakeasy before, and the whole idea thrilled her.

The two were dressed to the nines; Remy in an open-collared, crisp white button down shirt and a stylish, deep maroon suit, while Rogue wore a fitted off-the-shoulder maxi dress that hugged her every curve.

They walked up to what looked like a closed ice cream parlor—a small hole-in-the-wall off a side street that no one would've thought anything of. The lights were all off, and yet, the door swung open as Remy let Rogue enter first . A host was sitting behind the counter, who could easily go unnoticed by any random passers-by.

"Bonsoir, mon ami," Remy said with his usual charismatic tone, his hand looping around Rogue's waist as they walked up to the counter.

They stood and greeted the pair, "Good evening. For the two of you?"

Remy nodded, "Oui."

The host then moved to the far brick wall, and pulled a small latch that opened the secret door to a back room, where chatter and music could be heard.

Rogue's eyes lit up as she and Remy made their way in. Elegant decor, dim candle lighting, and rich velvet colors and textures all covered the small room. A bar—looking like it came straight out of an apothecary, along with a few incredibly dapper looking bartenders eagerly working to make elaborate drinks for their patrons—sat in the middle of the space, with small tables circling around it, all nearly filled with other guests.

The host brought them to a table before Remy pulled out Rogue's chair for her with a dashing smirk, "After you."

She smiled at him as she took her seat, "This is a helluva spot, Remy. How are ya so good at findin' places like this?"

He sat across from her as he answered with a sly smirk, "See—that's my real power, chère."

There were some live musicians in the far corner of the room, playing very soft lounge music, meant for setting a mood. Rogue couldn't help but let her eyes wander over the space, but she knew Remy's eyes never left her, enjoying every second of seeing the wonder in her face.

Before they knew it, they'd started ordering some of the cocktails, along with various smaller plates of food to go with their drinks.

When they got their first round, Rogue held up her glass to drink before reaching it out to Remy, "What do we toast to?"

He paused to think as he grabbed his own drink, raising it to hers, "T' this moment in time, and may there be many more o' them."

Her flitted laugh escaped her throat as they clinked glasses before enjoying their concoctions.

It wasn't long before they managed to get lost in a conversation, as was their way, along with Remy seamlessly lacing his hand in with her gloved one. After some rounds of drinks later, they'd somehow gotten to talking about Scott and Jean's recent pregnancy announcement.

"Still can't believe we're gonna have the first X-Baby runnin' around the mansion soon," Rogue commented.

"Oui, it definitely be an adjustment," Remy agreed.

"Y' think they might… end up leavin' the team?" she asked him innocently.

He shrugged, "Who knows. They both been X-Men since they were kids themselves. Dunno if y' could get 'em t' leave this all behind if y' tried."

Rogue nodded, "Yeah, but… raisin' a kid around Danger Room sessions, missions, and constant existential threats… might not be the kinda environment they see for their family."

"That be true, but bein' an X-Man… it's who they are—in they bones. Don' think they could ever permanently give that up," he explained.

She conceded, "Y' right. I guess I just get a little worried 'bout the idea of what might happen if Scott wasn't here to lead the team any more."

Remy gave her a look, "You could always lead, chère."

Her eyes widened, but instead, she decided to read it as a joke. She gave a short laugh, "Y' funny, Cajun."

"I wasn't tryin' t' be…"

She looked up at him, and she could always read him like a book, "I can't lead, Remy."

"An' why not?" he asked earnestly, curiosity weaving in his tone.

She struggled to answer as she leaned forward in her chair to speak a little more quietly, "I can barely control m'self when I use my powers. The team needs someone who has a more level-head than I do, and certainly not someone who becomes a liability every time they absorb some new mutant's powers or mind."

"I seen you make plenty of good calls in the field, chère. Y' know how t' organize people, motivate 'em. And..." he paused as he drew her attention back to him, giving her a knowing smirk, "Y' got the empathy and patience of a saint t' boot; all things a good leader needs."

She let out a sigh as she fell back into her chair, "I dunno… I think Ororo or Logan would probably be better suited for it. They both have way more experience and cooler heads than me."

"Peut être," he replied, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand to reassure her, "But if the option ever comes up, and y' considerin' it, know I have faith in y', Rogue."

She smiled at him, squeezing his hand in hers, "Thank you, Remy. That means a lot t' me."

"'Course, chère. Y' think Gambit trusts just anyone with his life? There a reason we partners," he said back.

She laughed, "I assumed it was 'cause y' don't know when t' quit… or possibly, y' have a secret death wish."

"That too," he joked.

She scoffed as she took another drink from her cocktail. But before she could finish her sip, Remy continued, "Speakin' of 'partners'..."

She nodded, letting him know she was listening. She looked at him and could tell he got a little nervous. It was very unlike him.

"I was wonderin' if we could talk 'bout somethin'..."

Rogue could suddenly feel her heart in her throat, her pulse now beating a little quicker and harder in her chest. She tried not to overthink it, but she was starting to worry if maybe she'd gotten a head of herself. She asked, feigning an easy demeanor, "What about?"

Remy reached back to his pocket and pulled out a small, deep green, velvet box.

Rogue's eyes widened in shock.

Remy saw her face, cutting her off at the pass, "It's not whatchu think…"

She let out a soft gasp in relief, raising her hand to her chest to steady her racing heart before she lightly swatted his arm, "Oh, Remy! Y' can't do that to a gal!"

He laughed as she started to relax again. He opened the box and inside was a beautiful teardrop shaped pendant necklace, colored the same green as her eyes hanging from a delicate silver chain.

"Oh… Remy," she breathed out, looking up at him.

He started to say, "Rogue… I know we ain't always had things easy. But these last few months we spent together… y' don' know how happy y' make this Cajun. It's been some o' the best moments o' m' life."

She could feel tears forming in her eyes.

He continued on, "I wan' t' make what we have official. I don' wan' any more questions b'tween us about what we mean t' each other. No mo' uncertainty or doubts, 'cause I got none. It don't mean we gettin' hitched o' nothin—least, not right now—, but I just… don't want there to be any ambiguity 'bout where we stand with each other."

Rogue realized what he meant. He wanted them to be exclusive… a couple. But she sighed, "Remy…"

He waited for her to form her thoughts.

"I… we… what if things never change…?" she asked nervously, her eyes darting down to her gloved hands as they twisted nervously.

"Does it matter?" he asked back, placing the small box on the table, " 'Cause fo' me, chère, it don't matter one way o' the other. I'll still love you somethin' so fierce, it burns me. That hasn't changed since I first said it in the Savage Land."

She pressed her lips together as she turned her eyes away, "For now…"

He gave her a confused look, "Pardon?"

"You may love me for now… but what happens in a year… or five years? How long can y' go without? And at what point ain't it worth it anymore?" she asked, unable to keep the tears back any longer.

He answered softly, "It always be worth it, chère. Y' always worth it t' me."

"Every fire burns out eventually, Remy. Especially if it doesn't have any fuel t' keep burnin'," she shook her head as she spoke,"Y' can't promise me that..."

A moment of silence hung between them before Remy asked tentatively, "So… y' just okay with stayin' in this limbo, then? Never bein' more than just this b'tween us?"

"I can't ask for anything more than this… not from you. I have no right," she answered, "I don't deserve to have anythin' more from you. It ain't fair to ya."

"Can't that be my choice? 'Bout what's fair t' me or not?" he asked her honestly.

She shook her head, "Not if it means we both end up more broken in the end."

His face fell and his heart broke a little at that.

She closed the box and slowly pushed it back to him, placing his hand over it before laying her hand over his, "I do love you, Remy."

His eyes darted back up to hers, and she could see how much hearing that from her meant to him. It made her heart jump a little to know just those few words from her lips could mean so much to someone.

She continued, "I love every second we spend together, and I don't think either of us can doubt anymore what we feel for one another. But… at least this way… there's no expectations. I can't expect y' to stay committed t' me, and y-yer free to leave whenever somethin' better comes along. This way… no one gets hurt… because we don't owe each other anythin'."

His voice sounded hoarse as he said, "That ain't how love works, chère…"

"Maybe… but since when have we ever done things just 'cause it's 'how it works'?" she asked back with a lighter tone, earning a small smile from him.

She could feel his eyes pierce her soul as he replied, "There be no one but you, Rogue. But… if this whatchu wan'... I guess there ain't nothin' else to say."

Even now, somehow, Remy couldn't find it in himself to be angry with her. He understood where she was coming from, and even if they weren't official, at least they could still be in each other's orbits. For now… that would have to be enough.

Rogue excused herself to the restroom in hopes of salvaging herself from the wreckage of her tears and emotions, leaving Remy to stew with his own thoughts… that was until a drink was placed on their table.

Remy eyed the drink, saying in a slightly irritated tone, "Excusez-moi, that's not ours."

"Au contraire, mon ami, it is for you," a smooth feminine voice replied.

Remy looked up and saw what was undeniably a very beautiful woman; long black hair that looked like pure silk to touch, tanned skin that practically glowed in the candlelight, and a very deep-v black dress that left little to the imagination.

Remy asked in a tone considered curt, "Do I know you…?"

"No… but you could," she said in a sultry and temptingly sweet voice, "... intimately…"

He shook his head, waving a hand in her direction, "Désolé, but I'm not lookin' for new acquaintances at the moment."

The woman laughed a little as she sat down in the chair Rogue had occupied previously, "Really? Seems like you might be exactly in the market for something new. A handsome man like you should always have his eyes on a new venture."

His brow furrowed with skepticism, simply stating, "That seat be taken."

"You sure about that?" the woman asked sing-songaly, balking at his rejection.

"Listen, I know y' probably are just tryin' y' best material at the moment, petit', but right now… I'm not in the mood. Please leave," he said sternly, his eyes flaring dangerously in an attempt to intimidate her.

The woman rolled her eyes and groaned as she pulled out a card from her clutch. She left the small card on the table as she stood, "In case you change your mind..."

Remy didn't watch her leave, but stared at the card like it might explode if he concentrated hard enough. He only moved to take it so as to instantly burn it to ash.

He finished his drink while he waited for Rogue to return, letting her finish her drink before they agreed to call it a night. Remy hailed them a cab as they headed back to the hotel they'd booked for the evening. While riding together, Remy offered soberly, "Y' want we should get separate rooms, chère? Give y' some space?"

Giving it a thought before nodding, she looked over at him, "I'd appreciate that, Remy. Just need the night t' clear my head, if that's okay?"

He nodded, "'Course, chère. I grab m'self another room. We can take the night to unwind and we can talk again tomorrow."

He felt Rogue's hand cover his, and he let himself enjoy her small comfort.

As they walked into the hotel lobby, Rogue stated, "I'm gonna go hop in the shower. Let me know yer new room number when y' come up t' grab yer stuff."

He agreed, giving her hand and brief squeeze before he let it slip through his grasp. Rogue made her way to the elevator and back to their hotel room as Remy headed to the front desk to check into a separate room. Once he had his key, he headed back to their room to grab his bag. By the time he got there, Rogue was already in the shower, so he left her a note with his new room number and a short 'good night' message.

As soon as he was through the door of his new room, Remy dropped his bag and shucked off his suit jacket, deciding a cold shower was a better remedy than any bourbon could do for his aching soul, in the hopes it might distract him from his own chaotic emotional state. Within seconds, he was undressed and stepping into the shower, doing a poor job of letting the cold water pull his attention away from Rogue.

He knew that if she didn't think she would ever get control of her powers, she may never want anything serious… with anyone, let alone him. It made sense; it made complete sense. She was trying to spare them both the disappointment of what that kind of pain could lead to. But even as she'd said it, Remy realized that her happiness was all that mattered to him. If she was happy with how things were between them, even if it didn't come with a label or a promise, he was willing to play whatever part he could in her life… so long as he could still be in it. He'd play her Swamp Rat for as long as she wanted him to.

He started to reach for the shampoo when he heard a noise come from the room. He stilled his movements, listening closely, and hearing another noise. He silently stepped out of the shower, grabbing for a towel and knotting it around his waist. He left the shower running, figuring if someone had broken in, they'd think he was still in the shower if it was still going.

Reaching for anything he could find, he grabbed a soap bar from the sink counter, charging it while he listened through the door. He couldn't hear much movement, which made him nervous.

He internally counted to three before quickly unlatching the door and dashing out into the room, expecting to see a thief or some assailant. Instead…

"Remy?" he was greeted by that sweet Southern twang he loved so much.

He looked over and there was Rogue sitting on the bed, giving him a look of worry.

"Chère?" he lowered the bar of soap in his hand down, pulling back the charge as she sighed in relief, "Got me thinkin' you an assassin."

She stood up, facing him as she took a few steps towards him. Remy stayed rooted in place near the bathroom door as he took her in. She was still in her dress from earlier, and her hair was still styled in those curls that had taken her over an hour to tame. Her makeup looked like it hadn't even smeared, nearly immaculate… and those eyes that shone like emeralds shot right through him…

"Remy, I… I wanted t' talk to you. About earlier… I… I gave it some thought," she said, both sounding nervous, but still somewhat confident.

Remy didn't move a muscle, just listening as spoke.

"I… I changed m' mind," she breathed out.

He took a few uncertain steps toward her.

"I'm sorry I pushed you away," she pleaded as she rushed up to him, pressing into his dampened chest, "Can't we just… pretend like it never happened?"

Remy took her by her arms and spun her around, pressing her back to his chest.

"Remy…" she breathed out, leaning into his chest as he brushed her hair behind her neck…

In a second, Remy grabbed Rogue by the throat aggressively and pinned her against his broader form, his bare skin making direct contact with hers.

"R-Remy?!" she choked out, her arms fighting to release from his hold, but he didn't relent.

"Who the hell are you?" he demanded in a low and dangerous tone into her ear.

"I-I'm R-Rogue…"

"I don't know what y' playin' at, but you sure as shit ain't Rogue," he growled out, "Try again."

"Remy, please!" she cried desperately, though he still never let his grip loosen.

"If y' know anythin' about me, y' know fuckin' with Rogue a real quick road to gettin' on my bad side," his grip tightened along her arteries in her neck, "Now, I'm gonna ask one more time 'fore I have to start thinkin' 'bout how to incinerate y' bones to ash…"

"Alright!" she shouted, her voice sounding no longer like Rogue's.

Rogue's body changed into the woman from earlier as she looked over her shoulder at him, "Hey, handsome…"

He finally relinquished her, throwing her away from him, "Mystique! Shoulda known…!"

The mutant laughed as she rubbed her throat, shapeshifting back into her blue-skinned form, "I really thought I had you..."

"For bein' Rogue's mother, y' sure don't pay much attention to her details," he bit out angrily.

"Aww, what'd I miss?" she asked sardonically.

Remy decided she didn't need to know that he was very aware Rogue had already showered, so she shouldn't have been dressed up like she was earlier in the evening. But he did figure he'd throw it in Mystique's face just how little she knew about her own daughter, especially for a woman that was all about appearances, "Like I'd tell you. Make it too easy fo' y' to fix it for next time."

Mystique groaned with disgust, "God, you are so obnoxious, LeBeau."

"What can I say? I'm a stickler for the details," he chided back.

"What does my daughter see in you?" she asked rhetorically.

"What d'ya want, Mystique?" he asked with a groan, having none of this from her, of all people.

She sauntered over to the hotel room window, looking out at the city skyline as she spoke, "I want you to end things with Rogue."

"An' you thought by pretendin' t' be her, you could accomplish that… how?"

She swung back to him, "I thought by appealing to your baser instincts, I could get you to show her just how loathsome you really are—a degenerate thief who isn't worth the ground she walks on. That if given the right persuasion, you would leave her for greener pastures—proving every fear she's ever had about you to be true."

"Guess I proved you both wrong then," he said snarkily, knowing it would piss her off.

She scoffed, looking back to the window, "But when you didn't bite at my prompt, I figured I'd have to use more drastic measures to get the outcome I wanted…"

"And that would be…?"

She eyed him in the window's reflection as she answered, "You and Rogue… permanently over."

He almost laughed at her if he wasn't so angry with her, "I don' know what kind of delusion you think you're livin' in, but that ain't gonna happen. Certainly not 'cause you want it to."

"Regardless of how it happens, it will happen," she taunted, "I'll see to it myself."

"Whatever, Mystique," he said dismissively, "I don' care t' ever seek yo' approval of my relationship with Rogue. Already tried goin' down that road once in m' life, and it only got me exiled from N'Orleans. Rogue's her own woman—she can make her own choices, and her opinion is the only one that matters in this discussion."

Mystique sneered at him venomously as Remy opened his hotel door, inviting her to leave, "Now, if y' don' mind…"

"What if… I made you an offer?" she questioned aloud, her voice curious in nature as she probed, "Something I know you want…"

"I ain't interested in anythin' you have t' offer me," he answered fervently, "And certainly nothin' that would get me t' leave Rogue."

"Oh reeeeally…?" she cooed in Rogue's voice. Remy's attention flew back to her as she shifted back into Rogue's form, dressed only in négligée that barely covered her, "There's nothin', sugah...?"

He closed the door harshly, "Y' cruel, Mystique. This is fucked up, even for you!"

She taunted him, "I'm offerin' you a chance to be with the woman you love… in every way you've ever wished to be with her. To make each fantasy a reality. How is that cruel?"

"Y forget the reason I love her ain't just 'cause of her body. If it's not with the real Rogue, then it ain't worth it," he said confidently, "'Sides, I know you'd just find a way to use it against Rogue, and just hurt her even more. I ain't gonna give you that ammo."

"Pfft…" she scoffed, shifting back into her form, "So self-righteous… why couldn't you be like every other man?"

"Sorry to disappoint," he offered lazily.

She scoffed abashedly, "As usual…"

"Listen, let's jus' skip the rest of this nonsense to the part where you leave me and Rogue the hell alone for another year or so, eh? Gettin' real sick o' this routine," he spat at her.

"I want what's best for her!" Mystique shouted.

"Let's not kid anyone, Mystique—you want what's best fo' yo'self. That's all you've ever cared about! And what's best fo' you is controlling Rogue like she's some kinda of weapon that gives you leverage in every scheme you get into.

"You jus' can't live with Rogue makin' a choice that you wouldn't make or doesn't help you, like choosin' t' be an X-Men over stayin' with you an' the Brotherhood."

Mystique didn't have an immediate comeback after that accusation, which let Remy know he was about to be rid of her, "How's about I make you a deal? Get the fuck outta here, leave us be, and I won' tell Rogue what y' just tried t' do…"

She gave him an incredulous look of distrust, "Why protect me?"

Remy was absolutely done with this woman, "It's not fo' you! It's for her! I'm tryin' t' give her a chance to have the mother she needs if y' ever decide to stop playin' these games with her life—which is certainly mo' then y' deserve after the shit y' just pulled here!"

After a second of silence, Mystique finally moved to leave the room, shifting back into the black-haired woman from earlier.

"Not a word of this to her, then…?" she asked.

Remy didn't dignify her with a glance, but he answered, "Whatever."

"I still stand by what I said… she deserves so much better than you," Mystique said under her breath as she unlatched the door.

"On that… we can agree," he said quietly.

She left the hotel room and Remy felt like he could collapse from the stress.

Toweling dry her hair, Rogue had been equally as unsuccessful when it came to getting her conversation with Remy out of her mind. She watched herself in the mirror, giving herself a sad, self-pitying look, letting the towel in her hand go lax.

"What is wrong with you…?" she whispered to herself.

She shook her head in disbelief as she made her way into her room, deciding that sleep would be the best remedy for whatever short circuiting had happened in her brain.

As she walked to her bed, she saw the small notepad by the room's phone. Instantly, she recognized Remy's handwriting, with his room number and a short and sweet note.

Room 620

Bonne nuit, mon cœur.
—Remy

She lightly traced the edge of the notepad as she wondered if perhaps… she may regret her decision.

Rogue threw on a long-sleeve shirt and long sweats that she had brought to sleep in, grabbing her room key as she headed over to Remy's room. She wasn't going to sleep a wink if she didn't get this off her chest.

She wrung her hand together, trying to figure out what she was going to say to him… what do you say to someone after breaking their heart? She didn't even know what she was thinking, but she knew she just needed to talk to him. She'd always felt better after talking with him.

However, just as she was coming up to his room, she was startled from her thoughts when she heard the door open and a pair of muffled voices leaving the room. She quickly ducked into the alcove between two rooms just down the way, peaking out to see who it was.

She couldn't make out what was being said, but she saw a woman with long black hair and a very revealing dress walking out of the room. The woman closed the door and walked down the hall in the opposite direction from Rogue…

When she was clear, Rogue came out from the alcove and moved closer to the door the woman had just come out of…

"Remy…?" the room number matched what he'd written on that notepad.

Rogue felt like she'd swallowed her own heart after it's been ripped out of her chest.

There's no way he… he wouldn't have. She knew he wouldn't…

But did she really…?

After all, she'd told him she didn't want things to be official between them—that he was free to keep his options open for this very reason. So… what was stopping him from getting his needs met from someone else? It's just that she never would have thought he'd act on it so soon…

She had no right to be jealous—to feel this ache in her chest that screamed at her to burst into his room and demand answers from him right this second. She couldn't ask him that, because there were no expectations…

Right…

That was the boundary she'd set only an hour ago.

The tears streamed down her cheeks, though she was more in shock. It wasn't betrayal she felt, she wasn't entitled to that… it was sadness at what her choices had potentially caused; a rift between them so big, she wasn't sure it could be bridged.

She stood there, rooted in place as she stared at his hotel room door, her mind unable to process what to do next. And after a while, she managed to snap out of whatever catatonic spell she was under and decided she should've just stayed in her room.

After one of the worst nights of sleep in Remy's life, he decided it was better to get up and start early. As much as he knew Rogue preferred sleeping in, he just wanted to get on the road and head back to the institute so they could both feel a little more settled, and he could be absolutely sure Mystique was nowhere near them.

That was probably why he'd slept so terribly… he kept dreaming Mystique would come back and kill him in his sleep while in Rogue's form, just to rub it in his face. He was sure she'd do it just to spite him.

He decided against shaving, rubbing a hand over his stubble and trying his best to muster any energy for the day. It was very unlike him to be so moody, but he figured if there was one moment he could be justifiably irritable, it was now.

Remy grabbed his bag after getting dressed and leaving his hotel room, heading to Rogue's to pick her up so they could go home.

He lightly tapped on her door, thinking she was likely still asleep, barely whispering through the door "Rogue?"

It only took a few seconds for the door to open. He was shocked to see her awake, fully dressed, and packed.

"Uh… you ready t' head out?" he asked, his voice very unsure of what to make of her wakefulness.

She gave him a placating smile, one he recognized instantly as hollow, before letting him come inside, "Yeah, I'll just grab my bag."

"Y' up early…" he commented, "That ain't like you."

"Couldn't sleep," she answered fairly plainly as she finished throwing in her makeup bag to the duffle and tossing the strap over her shoulder.

"Me neither," he agreed with a shrug, trying his best to resume their usual candace. She didn't respond, just giving him a polite look before walking to the door and heading out together.

In all the years they'd known each other, the air between them had never been thicker with tension, and that was staying something. Remy was deeply uncomfortable as his mind started to race if this was all caused by him asking her to to take their relationship more seriously.

He didn't want this awkwardness between them, so as they hit the elevator, he asked, "What's wrong, chère?"

As they stepped inside, Rogue avoided his eye contact in the reflection of the mirrored doors, looking instead at a poster on the wall for an event in the city. She lightly shook her head as she replied, "I'm just tired, Remy."

He knew that was bullshit, "Listen, whatever y' got goin' through y' head right now, I'd rather we get it out in the open. We both know we do better when we clear the air b'tween us."

"There's nothing t' say. I just want t' get home and take a long nap," she continued, her voice never rising above her calm demeanor.

Remy knew that a Rogue who wasn't yelling at him or arguing with him was far more dangerous to his health.

"I'm sorry…" he said suddenly.

He watched as she finally met his eyes in the mirror, looking a bit surprised.

"I didn't think bringin' up the conversation last night was gonna change things fo' us so drastically. I just assumed… I guess I just thought we were on the same page. But if I made y' unhappy, then it be my fault for that. We don't have t' continue seein' each other if y' don' feel comfortable no mo', Rogue."

"Remy… it's not…" she breathed out as she turned to look up at him just as the doors slid open at the ground floor.

He stepped out, Rogue following closely behind as he said, "I'll check us out. Wanna grab the car and I'll meetcha out front?"

She nodded, taking the keys and heading to the valet, figuring they'd have time in the car to talk more on the drive home.

As she turned to head to the valet, Rogue spotted the same black-haired woman from last night, sitting in one of the lounge chairs from across the lobby. Rogue could tell she was trying not to stand out with the way she was watching her and Remy—sitting on a chair with a magazine in her hand, yet wearing a pair of blackout sunglasses indoors. Suddenly, Rogue was starting to feel a lot more uneasy.

Instead, Rogue decided to turn back, heading to Remy at the front desk, looping her arm around his.

He was taken aback by the sudden physical contact, "Chère…?"

"I think we're bein' followed…" she whispered to him under her breath so as to not draw attention from the clerk.

Remy's eyes immediately darted over his shoulder, and of course, he spotted her instantly…

"Merde…" he groaned.

"Y' know her?" Rogue asked, hoping she could maybe get some indirect clarity on who this mystery woman was that was leaving his hotel room last night.

"She was at the bar," he bemoaned, "Tried some shit…"

"What, did she come on to you or something'?" Rogue asked.

"Sorta…" he answered vaguely.

"What does that mean?" she questioned.

Remy finished with the clerk as they both started walking out to the valet together, Remy looping his arm around Rogue's shoulder to keep her close and make it at least look like they were all good, "I'll explain in the car, chère."

Remy had only promised to not tell Rogue if Mystique left them alone. Now that she wasn't holding up her end of things, he felt no qualms about telling Rogue what kind of evil snake her foster mother was.

Rogue nodded, handing the valet the keys as they waited out front, Remy keeping his eyes in the back of his head, in case Mystique tried anything. At this point, he wouldn't put it past her…

Rogue's bright red Camero was brought up and they threw their bags in the back before getting in and heading back to the mansion.

"Alright, Remy. Explain," she said clearly once they were on the road, "Who is she and why'd ya look whiter than the ghost from Christmas past?"

His face looked beyond exhausted as he groaned, "That woman… I'm sorry t' say, chère, is y' mother."

Rogue's head could've given someone whiplash with how hard it spun to look over at him in disbelief, "Mystique?! Y' got t' be kiddin' me!"

He shook his head, the furrow of his brow indicating just how irritated he was, "Sadly, non… listen, I'm gonna tell y' somethin', and it may be hard t' hear, but it be the truth. 'Kay?"

Rogue nodded, keeping her attention on the road as he explained.

"Last night, at the bar… after our conversation, when y' left, she came up t' me with a drink, and was tryin' t' proposition me."

Rogue could feel that same tightness in her chest from last night…

"I sent her off, thinkin' it was just a woman who was lookin' for someone t' have a one night stand with, and I obviously wasn't interested. After we got back t' the hotel, I headed t' my room, and she was there. She'd broken in, and… mon dieu, it's so fucked…"

Rogue could feel herself holding her breath. She didn't know what she was anticipating, but…

"She broke in and was pretendin' t' be you, Rogue."

Rogue nearly swerved the car as she exclaimed, "Excuse me?!"

Remy braced himself as the slight jolt to the car,"Y' heard me," he said with disgust laced in his voice.

"That woman…!" she bit out, "Why the hell would she have tried that kinda shit?"

"Oh, she told me…" he replied, "'Pparently, she don' like the fact that we're seein' each other."

Rogue scoffed, "How is that any of her damn business?"

Remy almost laughed at how ridiculous this all was, "She seemed t' think it was her business. Once I'd found her out, she made it pretty clear what she wanted, and it was fo' you and me t' end things."

Rogue shook her head in disgust, "I could throw her off a bridge and not feel a shred of remorse for all the grief she's caused me."

"You an' me both, chère,"

After a brief pause, Rogue's thoughts drifted to seeing that black-haired woman leaving Remy's room… before she could stop herself, she had to ask him, "So… so, nothin' happened then… between you two?"

She could hear the offense in his voice, "O' course not! Could tell real quick it wasn't really you…" he answered, shocked she would think he'd be taken in by that viper of a woman.

"You could tell that it wasn't really me, but my master shapeshifting mother?" she questioned, "How?"

"She may be y' mother, but there be things that only I notice 'bout you, chère," he answered with a sly tone as he finally looked over at her.

Rogue tossed him a questioning look, her eyebrow raised, begging him to explain as she returned her attention to driving.

He chuckled, "She got a bit of y' eye color wrong. As green as they are, they have a bit o' hazel in 'em," he said fondly, "And she missed a small mark y' have behind y' ear."

"I have a mark behind my ear?" she asked.

He nodded, "Notice it whenever I brushed y' hair from y' neck. It's small, but y' hair covers it, so only few people would even know t' spot it."

Rogue smiled, "Y' really are in the details."

"One o' m' best attributes," he said back with a quippy, playful tone.

Rogue bit at her lips, wondering if she should ask, "Remy… y' bein' honest, right? Y' didn't… find out it was Mystique after… anythin' happened?"

The lighter tone they'd managed to recapture started to dissipate once more, "I got nothin' t' hide from y', Rogue. I wouldn't do that t' you."

"Even after… what I said last night?" she clarified, still feeling insecure.

Remy shook his head, "M' feelin's fo' you ain't that fragile, chère. As much as it hurt—and I ain't gon' lie, it did hurt—I respect y' too much and love y' too much to lie t' you. But if it'll make y' feel better, y' can always take a peek in m' mind to check."

He offered his bare hand to her earnestly. Rogue looked at it for a second, only considering it for a moment before she pushed away. Rogue couldn't help but laugh, "I trust ya, Remy. If ya say nothin' happened, I believe ya." before she offered in return, "I'm so sorry… 'bout her…"

"S'not yo' fault y' got the bad luck of bein' looped in with her," he said back easily, "And her sins ain't yo' burden t' bear."

Rogue smiled at him, and Remy could feel everything start to get so much softer.

"Remy… about last night," she started, "Can we…?"

"We don't have t' talk 'bout it, chère," he said, not wanting there to be any more awkwardness, "I misread things…"

"No… I…" she said, "Just let me?"

He nodded, letting her finish her thought.

"Part of the reason I couldn't sleep was 'cause… I was startin' t' have second thoughts. The more I'd thought about it, the more I was regrettin' what I'd said. I'd thought about everythin' you'd said, and… I don't know. I still didn't necessarily think it was a great idea, but all I wanted was t' talk to ya. So… I went t' yer room…"

Remy's eyes widened.

"I saw that woman leave, and I… I guess I thought you'd…"

She didn't need to say it for him to know what conclusion she'd drawn in her mind.

Her grip tightened on the steering wheel as she spoke, "I know I didn't have any right t' be angry or jealous… but I was. I couldn't stand the thought of you bein' with someone else, and seein' it with my own eyes… at least in the moment, it hurt."

Remy reached his hand to hers, to ease her grip a little as he gently held her hand, "I hope y' know I'd never do that t' ya, chère."

"I know… but part of me started t' realize that maybe… maybe I did want things t' be official. I still don't know if it's a good idea, but… I just wanted t' say that… I think I just need some time. Think it over a bit more."

He looked over at her, making sure he heard her right.

She spoke very nervously, "I ain't promisin' nothin'... but I think I could possibly come around on the idea of… 'us'... being official?"

Remy smiled lightly, "That be fine by me, chère. Take y' time. I ain't got no place else I'd rather be than here."

Her fingers laced with his, feeling her heart start to settle again and finding some semblance of a middle ground between them.

Rogue started to laugh as she thought, "Did Mystique explain why she thought pretendin' t' be me would get us t' break up?"

Remy shuddered at the memory, "Y' want the truth? 'Cause it's kinda messed up…"

She nodded.

So, he answered, "She was tryin' t' get me t' cheat on you… with her; prove that I'm the scoundrel everyone thinks I am."

Rogue shook her head in disbelief at the audacity of that woman.

He continued, "She was gonna use it one way or another t' show you I was no good fo' ya."

"I mean, ya are a scoundrel… but yer my scoundrel," Rogue commented back, looking over at him adoringly, "The best kind."

Remy chuckled, pulling her gloved hand to his lips before saying, "Can't be anythin' but who I am, chère."

They made their drive back to the institute in relative ease. The air was clearer between them, and they at least knew where they stood for the time being.

When they got back and grabbed their bags, Remy asked her, "So… we still on fo' next week then?"

She playfully tapped her chin, asking very unseriously with a wide smile on her lips, "Depends… what's on the itinerary?"

Hope this was an interesting read!

I just tried to work in that plot from the comics into the X-Men TAS/97 plot, with them not really being "official" but still dating, and giving a reason as to why.

Let me know if you liked it with a kudos/like or comment, it definitely helps to keep me motivated to write more!

Until Next Time…